My thoughts on…Jamaica, after 44 years of independence

August 8th 2006 -

Jamaicans celebrated Independence Day yesterday, and though it was actually celebrated on the 6^th of August, it was celebrated yesterday since it fell on a Sunday. I went to the Independence Street Gala yesterday. It’s a free street show held in Jamaica’s very on Wall Street, New Kingston, filled with vendors selling everything from jerk chicken to light-up keychains. The street was chockfull of people, because if there’s one thing Jamaicans love, it’s freeness. While this spectacle was going on, I pondered about how much our little island has advanced in its 44 years of independence. I also realized that after the event, many of those cheering people would go back to their menial jobs, trying to contend with the high cost of living, armed only with their measly paychecks.

Jamaica has a lot of problems, I must admit. Politicians vow to wage war on crime, yet are in cahoots with criminals in order to intimidate voters so they can hold on to their seats of power. They give themselves huge pay increases on the fly, but when negotiating with nurses, teachers and other civil servants, it takes months of negotiation, most of them fruitless. Multi-million dollar scandals rock the nation, but the culprits are either never found or given a slap on the wrist, especially if they are affiliated with the ruling party. Crime is rampant, fueled by poverty, desperation, and the gun culture that has now emerged. The police have become very corrupt, and the majority will dismiss any minor offence if you give them a little “bar money.” And when it comes to brutality, they are almost as bad as the criminals. The value of the dollar plummets daily, jobs become more and more scarce, forcing our best and brightest to seek jobs overseas. No wonder some Jamaicans think it would have been better if we stayed under British rule.

But despite all these problems, Jamaica has progressed a great deal. Education has become more accessible to the lower class. Reggae music has become one of the most popular music genres in recent years, thanks to Bob Marley and other artistes. And Dancehall is not far behind. Our resorts are some of the best in the world. Our educational system is top-notch, actually outclassing America’s. And though there are few business out here, the determined few who do start their own businesses more often than not find success. Our local brands are now becoming global, such as Cooyah and Grace. And our workers are world class, often attracting recruiters to our shores.I know Jamaica has a very long way to go, but independent Jamaica is in its infancy, and I believe that things will get better. The main thing that is preventing us from realizing our destiny is corruption, especially in politics. But our new Prime Minister is a Christian, and if she’s worth her Bible, she will do her best to stamp out corruption in politics. We also need recapture the vision for our nation, the vision that was in the hearts of those who fought for independence, and in the hearts of all Jamaicans, when that proud flag was first raised, 44 years ago.

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4 Responses on “My thoughts on…Jamaica, after 44 years of independence”

Stunner Says:
August 8th, 2006 at 10:48 pm
As I said on a couple other blogs having your own national identity and being able to run your country is good but I think we would be better of if we still were a colony or even waited until certain things were in place first.
Shaman Dandulla Says:
August 9th, 2006 at 4:18 am
stunner, I am not convinced at all about jamaica being being still a colony…

I agree with leon: while there still needs a lot to be done, however, jamaica has shown to the world that it can stand on its on feet and advance!

well done Jamaica, and happy independece Day!!
Peety Says:
August 9th, 2006 at 4:51 am
Happy Independence Day, Leon !!

You made A LOT of valid points..

You should go into politics..
Jimzzor Says:
August 9th, 2006 at 7:35 am
It sounds like Jamaica, although still riddled with social and economic problems, is making some real progress .