Shaw, who addressed the annual Independence worship service at the Kendall Community Church of God held in Miami, Florida, on Sunday, also said the diaspora has a crucial role to play in the island's efforts to recover from the global recession.

"We have a unique opportunity to grasp victory and success out of crisis," he stated.

He sought to assure the group that steps were being taken towards revitalisation, pointing to plans to change downtown Kingston to a major financial centre. Plans for a revival of the business potential of the capital city, wracked by crime concerns and infrastructural decay, have not graduated from the drawing board to a viable action plan.

More united

Funds collected at the church service will benefit two Jamaican organisations - the Buff Bay High School in Portland and Tgwein House for Disabled Children.

Senior pastor at the Kendall church, Dr Michael Curry, challenged Jamaicans to become more united as they remain connected to their strong sense of faith to make strides for economic recovery and nation building.

Earlier in the day, Jamaicans in the Catholic mission in South Florida also marked the nation's Independence anniversary with a service of celebration and fellowship at Our Lady of the Lourdes Church in Miami.