“We feel very accomplished,” said Kingston resident Orville Plummer, who is part of the Caribbean Ed.D. Program and traveled to Delaware to receive his Doctorate in Educational leadership. “It was a very hard three and a half years, and we have worked collaboratively together and we are very proud to be represented for Jamaica.”

“I think it’s very fitting that Prime Minister Holness come to represent Jamaica,” he added. “We are going back to impact our country.”

As graduates receive their degrees, Holness shared some wisdom with the Class of 2024, offering young and older graduates advice based on lessons he would tell his younger self.

“First, perspective is important. Life always throws up challenges, obstacles and struggles … However, obstacles are sometimes stepping stones, challenges are usually opportunities to be discovered, our struggles are oftentimes exercises to make us stronger,” he said. “We can benefit immensely by approaching our problems from a different point of view. To achieve this, we must accept, regardless of how much knowledge we believe we possess – there is still more to learn.”

His second piece of advice was to be conscious and aware.

“Embrace your struggles and grasp your opportunities. In navigating life, not every struggle is worth fighting, not every opportunity should be taken,” he added.