An outpouring of sympathy
From US Ambassador Sue Cobb

"They attacked that which makes all of us, Americans, Jamaicans, indeed, most of the citizens of the world who we are -- freedom loving, open and democratic societies"

I have been deeply comforted by the outpouring of sympathy and support expressed to my staff, my fellow citizens and me in the days following the horrific terrorist attacks in the United States. I wish to express my profound gratitude to the Jamaican people for the demonstration of love and support we have received.

We are greatly appreciative of the Governor-General's, the Prime Minister's and the Opposition Leader's heartfelt statements of condolence and support, as well as the sympathy and support evidenced by other Cabinet Ministers.

Minister of Tourism and Sport, Portia Simpson Miller (left), hugs Sue Cobb, Ambassador of the U.S. to Jamaica, at a special mass held for the victims of the attack at Stella Maris Church in Kingston, on September 17, 2001.

My staff and I have received hundreds of calls and letters expressing empathy, compassion and personal prayers from business people and labour unionists, religious leaders of all faiths, politicians from across the spectrum, school children, policemen, soldiers, teachers, nurses and others; many offered to donate blood or to help dig out survivors with their own hands. Well-wishers placed flowers and wreaths at our doorstep. Especially touching were the throngs of Jamaican citizens who queued to enter personal notes and heartfelt messages in the Embassy Condolence Book. Jamaicans of all beliefs and denominations joined with us to draw comfort and strength from a united, common humanity, and to quietly prepare for the difficult times which have been drawn upon us.

We are mindful that Jamaica, too, suffers mightily from this tragedy. It seems every Jamaican has been touched personally by the unspeakable acts of September 11. Sadly we note that a number of the missing and deceased are sons and daughters of the Caribbean -- many from Jamaica. There is no doubt that Jamaica has been directly and painfully affected. I mourn together with the friends and families of those in Jamaica so grievously affected. I pray for bereaved Jamaicans as I pray for the devastated citizens of my homeland.

While this assault was staged on American soil, it was, as President Bush said in the hours following the attack, "an attack on freedom itself". The attackers did not make distinctions about the nation of origin, gender, age or ethnicity of their victims. They attacked that which makes all of us, Americans, Jamaicans, indeed, most of the citizens of the world who we are --- freedom loving, open and democratic societies, seeking to provide education, opportunity, and promise to all people. With their devious, despicable and tumultuously violent action, terrorists have tried to take that most precious to us -- our freedom and our humanity.

The world community must coalesce against a new, lawless, indiscriminate and violent enemy. The United States and its allies have sent a clear signal that we will not tolerate such disregard for basic civility and for destruction of innocent human life. We seek the support of all who will not tolerate the same. With due regard for those who are innocently caught up in this unwelcome struggle, we will seek out those responsible and appropriate and meaningful justice will be meted.

I want to thank each and every citizen of Jamaica who spoke up to support and comfort us in our time of travail. President Bush and the American people -- your neighbours to the north -- are counting on your continued support. Together we will heal and we will rise to this new challenge facing the world.

God Bless America and God Bless Jamaica.