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Thousands of Jamaicans gathered at the National Stadium in capital Kingston embracing their 51st anniversary of independence on Tuesday.
The Grand Gala, the main event for the country's independence celebration, is a annual feast for Jamaicans to enjoy the best popular and traditional performances.
Governor General of Jamaica Patrick Allen, Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller, cabinet ministers and other top officials attended Tuesday's gala.
Simpson-Miller said in her independence message that "Our mission must take us briskly along the path of economic growth and national development."
Jamaica became independent from British colonial occupation on Aug. 6, 1962 and has started the journey towards a "triumphant, proud and free" nation ever since.
During the last 51 years, Jamaica has achieved much in sport, culture and social integrity.
However, the country's economy registered the slowest growth in Latin America and the Caribbean with a decline of 0.1 percent in 2012 and a projected sluggish growth of 0.1 percent in 2013.
High crime rate, large-scale unemployment and a debt-to-GDP ratio of more than 140 percent are main challenges faced by the Jamaican economy.
"We are all aware that there is some distance between where we are and where we want to be," Allen said in his independence message on Tuesday.
"Each Jamaican, whether at home or abroad, has the responsibility to help restore our image as a peaceful and productive country," he added.
In Jamaica, more than one million people, which takes up one thirds of the country's population, are still living on less than 2.50 U.S. dollars a day, which places them below the poverty line, according to the World Bank.
Perhaps that is why Simpson-miller in her independence message cited what Norman Manley, the founder of the ruling People's National Party in Jamaica, said half a century ago - "what is the mission of this generation? It is...tackling the job of reconstructing the social and economic society and life of Jamaica."
