Post Independence - Jamaican History (Part 6)

The 1960’s was like a honeymoon on the island, where everyone lived in a kind of peace of happiness. Violence and crime was practically non existent and the economy was strong given favorable prices in international Bauxite and Aluminum exports markets. The population was around one million people. I’ve been told by more experienced Jamaicans that it was truly an island paradise.
Since Independence, power was swapped hands between the two main political parties. With the election of the PNP in 1972, the country adopted a socialist slant, aligning itself with its close neighbor Cuba. New social services were introduced, including schools, health facilities and welfare services.

In some respect Jamaicans were empowered by the new services, while in other ways it created a culture where ‘the government will take care of everybody.’ This culture of dependence has stayed on the island since the 1970’s. There was short term gain, but it did not take long before the cracks would emerge in this short sighted public policy approach.

Towards the end of the 1970’s, the honeymoon lurched to an end. The political parties created militia like armed detachments (I’d call it a gang or posse), with the purpose of protecting public officials. By this time the island was being used as an intermediate base for drug trafficking between Colombia and North America.

Weapons started spilling into the island predominantly coming from the drug trade. Guns quickly found happy fingers in the two main militias. The two militias lined up roughly with the PNP and the JLP and continue to fight out turf wars in the name of their respective parties (one disputed territory is not more than a five minute walk from where I live). Crime plateau’d in 1980, where the election period witnessed 800 politically motivated murders.

The 1980’s also saw a new government come into power and open up close relations with the United States and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Major restructuring took place to alter some of the massive socialist reforms introduced in the 1980’s. While of the neo-liberal reforms created the appearance of short term financial stability, it has arguably led to greater dependence on international actors (like markets and donor agencies) due to specialization nature of the reforms.

While Jamaica increased production of cash crops for export, they reduced staple crop production, increasing their reliance on imports for some basic necessities. This process can work, but it appears it was done prematurely, before Jamaica had a secure foundation. Jamaicans have excelled in tourism and it is reflected in its portion of the GDP (65%).
When the charismatic Manley and his PNP was re-elected in 1989 after two terms in opposition, they took a softer socialist tone than before. They remained close with Cuba and were a little more financially responsible.

The problem with public expenditures is rarely that they lack revenue – it’s that political leaders keep so much for themselves.
The PNP held onto power until 2007 when the JLP were re-elected by a razor thin majority. They did not inherit a garden of orchids when they took over the Government, but it appears they’re making the effort to improve the island. This is while the PNP goes through a leadership race to determine who will carry the message for them in the next general election.

Many Jamaicans have emigrated over time. It’s estimated while the population of the island has almost tripled to three million, there are a third as many living abroad. They are concentrated in Canada (Greater Toronto Area), USA (New York, Miami and Fort Lauderdale) and Briton (London). Remittances from Jamaicans living abroad make up an increasingly significant portion of the GDP.Election violence has diminished in recent years, though crime and violence is still unequivocally the number one issue affecting Jamaicans. More to do with that in weeks to come on danielito.

Jamaicans are a proud people, and the majority is descendant from the original black slave population. Their identity has been shaped by a history of overcoming struggle and oppression. The struggle continues today in the face of violence and crime but now there is a growing sense of national effort to combat these challenges. The island’s dynamic culture was largely shaped by the colonial experience, but be certain that it is 100 per cent Jamaican.

With the Olympics taking place in Beijing this year, Jamaicans are enthusiastic about their medal chances, particularly in track and field. They currently are the world record holder in the 100 metre. Success at the Olympics has the ability to instantly bring the country together. The newspapers forecast the world’s fastest man will be wearing black, green and gold on the podium. With any luck, I hope they’re be right. DPE.