Governor General Sir Patrick Allen has urged Jamaicans and the nation’s leaders to believe in a brighter future for the country and to embrace hope for a better Jamaica this year.

Speaking this morning at the 44th Annual National Leadership Prayer Breakfast, Sir Patrick noted that this year’s theme ‘Choose hope, arise and build’ serves as a clarion call for Jamaicans to embrace hope as their guiding light.

He said citizens must stand resolute, refusing to succumb to despair but to work together to build a future that reflects their highest aspirations amidst the challenges facing the island.

The Governor General said the country must use hope as a beacon to guide it back to principles of neighbourliness and compassion.