THE LARGE and enthusiastic crowd which assembled at King's House on Tuesday afternoon to witness the farewell to Sir Howard Cooke, retiring Governor-General of Jamaica and the welcome accorded to his successor, Professor Kenneth Hall, speaks eloquently for the civility which we are still capable of demonstrating, despite the many negatives which beset us as a people and a society.In his 15 years in office, Sir Howard endeared himself to a wide cross section of the populace by his earnest homilies, his lack of pretension and his avowed commitment to defend Jamaica, no matter what. The graciousness of Lady Cooke also enhanced that reputation.
Though less known outside the boundaries of the University of the West Indies and other academic institutions, Professor Hall, now the fourth native-born Governor-General, exudes a quiet confidence which has already won the approval of even the most contentious.
Kenneth Octavius Hall comes to King's House free of the political baggage which, at times, shadowed his predecessors. On Wednesday afternoon, he provided assurance to even the Doubting Thomases by his pledge to assist in harnessing the social capital of the entire society and his avowal to serve all, regardless of political status.
Professor Hall's candour, his display of intellectual integrity and his humility in rejoicing in his humble background, are hopeful omens for the future.
By naming an academic, one with no political affiliation, buttressed by a solid administrative background and a grasp of matters of moment, local and international, Prime Minister P.J. Patterson has facilitated a wind of change.
He has also reminded us that we have yet, as a nation, to come to a decision in the process of Constitutional reform which would enable us to emerge from the shadow of the monarchy, which although benign, must give way sooner or later to heads of state of our own heritage.
In recognition of the need to complete the cycle of Independence, Mr. Patterson expressed the hope that the next time that a ceremony like Wednesday's was held, it would be for the installation of a President, a commitment which we have long been delaying, even as others of our Caribbean neighbours have taken the plunge. The presence of the President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in the audience on Wednesday was a reminder of this.
The requirements of the job of a Governor-General could be marked by tedium, requiring as it does, endless reading and signing of official papers as well as visits and speeches to all the community and ceremonial appearances. It takes a particular kind of discipline and commitment to avoid becoming 'a bird in a gilded cage'.
We are sure that Kenneth Octavius Hall and his good wife will add their own imprimatur upon King's House and all that the office entails. In that spirit, all Jamaica bids them welcome and wishes for them every success, as they turn a new page in Jamaica's history.
