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On August 6, Jamaica will celebrate the 62nd anniversary of its independence from Britain. Liberation Day August 1st celebrates the 190th anniversary of the emancipation of slaves on August 1, 1834.
In the context of Jamaica, as well as other Caribbean countries, liberation and independence meant not only freedom from slavery and colonial rule, but also freedom from negative cultural behaviours, thinking and actions that undermined the capacity for sustained self-development.
As Jamaica turns 62 in independence, there are signs that Jamaica and Jamaicans are making impressive achievements on the world stage, particularly in the fields of sports and entertainment. However, there are also signs that, in some cases, Jamaica and Jamaicans remain enslaved and overly dependent on foreign powers.
The main challenge facing independence in Jamaica is economic. Although data from the Jamaican authorities show significant economic growth, this growth is not stable. Over the past 62 years, the country has faced recurring economic challenges that have put pressure on most Jamaicans and made it almost impossible for a significant portion of the population to escape poverty. Successive governments, including the Jamaican Labour Party and the People’s National Party, have tried to break the shackles of poverty, but have not been successful.
Persistent poverty takes a huge toll on society, affecting national security and social behavior. The frustration experienced by some, especially the poor in inner cities and rural towns, has led to violent crime and corruption in Jamaica. This has led to Jamaica’s poor international reputation, with the U.S. government recently warning Americans not to travel to Jamaica due to the threat of violent crime. Jamaica must continue to work hard to eliminate the crime and corruption that threaten to taint the country.
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Poverty has also posed a challenge to Jamaica’s independence, making the country increasingly dependent on foreign and corporate aid. The operations and assets of many Jamaican businesses have been transferred to foreign entities. While tourism is booming, many of the largest and most popular hotels are owned and controlled by foreign companies, which make huge profits. At the same time, Jamaicans working in these hotels receive relatively low wages, and some pristine beaches are no longer open to Jamaicans.
Developing countries such as Jamaica welcome foreign investors, but the Jamaican authorities must ensure that the welfare of Jamaicans is protected and that Jamaican assets remain available for Jamaicans to use and enjoy. Care must be taken to ensure that the interests of the Jamaican people are not sacrificed in order to attract foreign investors. Jamaica often seems to sacrifice its independence to attract assistance from foreign governments and private companies.
In 1962, when Jamaica gained independence, thanks to the efforts of national heroes Alexander Bustamante and Norman Manley, the population was about 2.2 million, with about 350,000 expatriates, mainly living in the UK and the US. Today, the population of Jamaica is about 6.5 million, of which 3 million live in Jamaica and 3.5 million live abroad, mainly in the US.
Most Jamaican expatriates consider themselves part of Jamaica, and thus Jamaica can be considered a country without borders. The expatriates provide a stable economic backbone to the Jamaican economy through regular remittances.
However, the Diaspora aspires to become more than just an economic pillar. Many of Jamaica’s best minds, experienced and talented people are Diasporas who are willing and able to serve Jamaica in both the public and private sectors. Yet, there is evidence that the Jamaican authorities resist creating systems that would allow the Diaspora to actively participate in the management of Jamaica’s domestic affairs. An independent Jamaica would benefit greatly from harnessing the talents, skills and experience of the Diaspora for national development. Greater Diaspora involvement in Jamaica’s domestic affairs could reduce reliance on foreign influences and better serve Jamaicans in Jamaica.
Jamaicans living in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada will celebrate Jamaica’s independence on August 6. These Jamaicans sincerely see themselves as part of the Jamaican nation. Jamaica must work to break free from the ignorance and narrow-mindedness that prevent it from fully utilizing its diaspora and strengthening its reputation as a truly independent nation.
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