Jamaica 60 - Have The Sacrifices of The National Heroes Been Honored?

Richard S. Dunn – August 5, 2022

Saturday August 6, 2022 Jamaica will mark 60 years of “flag” independence from colonial Britain; this event follows on the heels of Emancipation Day, which was celebrated on August 1st. Undoubtedly and understandably, there was much celebration for August 1st and August 6th will follow likewise. After all the celebration and hype have died down and as life returns to normal, what is the objective reality of Jamaica’s 60-year “independence?” This question further begs two others of equal concern: Has the intent and legacy of the National Heroes been fulfilled and honored? Has the country paid proper homage to the National Heroes for their struggle and sacrifice?

The National Heroes The Rt. Hon. Marcus Garvey, The Rt. Hon. Queen Nanny, The Rt. Hon. Paul Bogle, The Rt. Hon. Sam Sharpe, The Rt. Hon. Sir Alexander Bustamante, The Rt. Rt. Hon. Norman Manley, and The Rt. Hon. George William Gordon as a collective, fought tirelessly and relentlessly to struggle against foreign domination, economic or otherwise, over the life of the citizenry. They struggled for an equitable distribution of the fruits of labor; they struggled for the ownership and protection of the country’s Natural Resources; they struggled for an ideology of socio-economic development that puts the people first and foremost in word and deed and most importantly, they struggled for a country that will pursue a path of self-determination, the real measure of independence. How can Jamaica sincerely and unashamedly boast of independence from the colonial masters, when it pursues and enact neo-Liberal Policies and capitulate to neocolonial machinations of the imperialist powers? This is a great disservice to the National Heroes and trample upon their sacrifice and contribution to nation building.

The misguided policy of “investment through invitation” continues and is need for concern, of all democratic people. No one in their right mind would seriously oppose foreign investments; however, the critical point is what is the role of the State apparatus in this type of developmental model, in securing and finalizing these investment Agreements? What concessions are made to the multinationals and investment oligarchs, to ensure that capital is “safe?” The continued privatization of beaches, a natural resource, is the property of the masses of the people and not for a privileged few. The right to unionize must not be stifled or circumvented by way of “toothless” temporary contracts that provides the worker with short-term employment, but no say in working conditions, demand for better wages and no healthcare or insurance benefits.

It is a known fact that many multinationals or investment oligarchs operating in these developing countries, influence domestic Policy through strategic philanthropy and targeted election campaign contributions, Jamaica is no different. In the frenzy to invite investments, the Jamaican government is not concerned with who brings in the money, as long as it can “hoodwink” the people regarding how rebounding the economy is and the faith and trust investors have in the country. The recent round of negotiations with Saudi Arabia is an example of investment without integrity. Saudi Arabia has been waging a genocidal war in Yemen for the past 7 years, that the United Nations has called one of the worst humanitarian crises in recent times. It has been documented that the Saudi-led air campaign is responsible for almost 15,000 civilians killed in Yemen. These attacks have destroyed hospitals, homes, and civilian facilities; the planes used in these attacks are supplied by the United States and the pilots are trained by the United States. Regardless of who is in the White House the atrocities against Yemen continue; Barack Obama, Donald Trump and Joe Biden all supported this crime against humanity. This is the Jamaican government’s “homage” to the legacy of the National Heroes.

It is an objective fact that national development is not a linear and smooth process, all areas will not be developed at the same time or to the same degree. The true gauge for progress of development is the ability of the masses to access quality basic human social services. Services such as adequate healthcare, procurement of affordable housing and a quality education, among others, are critical indicators of a government’s commitment to its people. After throwing off the yoke of colonialism, the newly independent State cannot reward the anti-colonial struggle by capitulating to neocolonial models of development and “hoodwinking” the population under the guise of “growth.” There is growth, but for the privileged few.

The National Heroes deserve better, their memory demands that the unfinished business of independence and self-determination be given true meaning. There is still this latent reluctance to cut free from the monarchy; some commentators have even lamented the wisdom in gaining “flag” independence. There can be no deference to the oppressor by the oppressed; the pursuit of real independence has to be decisive and relentless. The National Heroes must rest in peace with this reality.

 Richard Dunn can be reached at: contact@makingitplain.net