Jamaica 50: Patriotism or “Waggonism”? Either Way, We Proud a Wi Island

12:01am August 6, 1962, the Union Jack was lowered one last time; the National Stadium went into darkness. As the lights came back on the colours of black, green and gold were seen flowing in the air. That was the colour of the national flag. A new nation was born, free from the British monarch. A nation filled with promise, prosperity and a set of people who planned on taking the world by storm. 

Fast forward into present day August 6, 2012, Usain Bolt and Yohan Blake stood on the podium in London as Jamaica’s National Anthem played loudly and proudly in the stadium as over 80,000 people watched in awe. If you’ve never believed in destiny then today your minds were persuaded to. It was no coincidence that Jamaica’s national anthem was being played in London (Land of the British Monarchs) on the day we celebrated 50 years of Independence. Whatever God you believe in must have carved this into the destiny of our island.
The title of this article might cause some controversy but I’m never one to stay away from that. Over the last two weeks I’ve seen an increase in patriotism. A friend of mine even told me she was annoyed because most of these people are a bunch of waggonist. Truth be told, I kinda support that view. Over the years I’ve heard people say we’d be better off as a British colony but I cannot determine whether or not that would be true. One can only assume.
I am born and raised Jamaican and I believe I can judge my own country and say majority of the time we are waggonist. Just pay attention to our sports teams and you’ll see we only back them when they are doing well and desert them when they don’t perform to expectation. Don’t bother comparing them to other teams in the world because we talking about Jamaica here.
Now I have to ask myself this question whether we are really into this Jamaica50 celebration or we just in the Jamaica fever because of the Olympics? Frankly, I’m in no support of only wearing your colours to be considered a Jamaican or only wear it on special occasions like today. I’m sure somebody’s gonna bash me and say I should just enjoy the moment. Well I am enjoying the moment but I still have to point out my observation. Make no mistake, I Stephen Stanberry, am a very patriotic and proud Jamaican and if you know me personally you would know that. It would have been nice if they took 50 schools on the island and carry out some major refurbishing.
But enough drama, seriously, our nation has come a far way in the last 50 years. We set the world alight in music, sports, education and many other fields. We are blessed with the fighting spirit of our African forefathers mixed with Western Society as we enjoy our very unique culture. For a small dot on the worlds map there is no better example to the Jamaican proverb “We likkle but we tallawah”. I implore each and every Jamaican whether at yard or abroad, born and raised or naturalized citizen and those who even want to be Jamaican, never forget this blessed island located in the wonderful Caribbean Sea; a nation abundantly blessed with food and the coolest set of people on the planet. Let your voices be heard, though we are small in land size we are mighty in heart. Let the Black, Green and Gold continue to shine brightly around the world. We are on A Mission to Find the Flag in Our Hearts. Jump Jump Jump we are 50 and despite the hardship and difficulties we face we are PROUD to be JAMAICAN.
"Sing the words of our National Anthem Eternal Father Bless our Land, guard us with thy mighty hand. Say the Words of our National Pledge, Before God and all mankind I pledge the love and loyalty of my heart” and never forget the words of the National Pledge Song, I Pledge my heart forever to serve with Humble Pride."
This is the land of my birth, One Nation, One Mission, The Pride of the Caribbean. To all Jamaicans around the world and all who admire this blessed island, let’s all work together to make this nation increase in beauty and prosperity. Happy 50th Independence Jamaica!!!!!!!!

One Nation, One Mission, One Pride, Glory for Gold!!!!!

It's July 27, 2012 and we are just minutes away from London 2012. Once again the worlds greatest sporting event (the Olympics) is here. Let me not bore you too long after finally coming out of my self imposed retirement of writing. So lets get cracking!

This year marks 50 years of independence for our proud nation. The colours of our national flag exemplifies who we are. A proud set of people who occupy the largest English speaking country in the Caribbean. Despite our mismanagement of various resources we've certainly redefined ourselves in the field of creativity, technology, sports, music and a bunch of other stuff. But as we embark on this momentous journey in London, I'm sure I stand correct when I say the pressure is on our athletes. No point in our history have we ever seen such a pressure. 2008 Olympics completely redefined our nation with the emergency of Shelly-Ann Fraser and Usain Bolt. Now we have emerged from the shadows of the United States while they eat our dust and try to play catch up. Don't expect this Olympics to be a walk in the park for Jamaica. The Americans are hell-bent on proving they are the sprint nation of the world.

As I close this short piece of whatever you make of it, be proud to be Jamaican. Be a nation on a mission and find the flag in your heart.

Lets support team Jamaica. One Nation, One Mission, One Pride, Glory for Gold!!!!! 

JAMAICA, "A Dying Culture"

Just seeing the title of this new blog, many persons will agree or disagree with such a statement. Some might even say the culture is evolving instead of dying or disappearing. But I shall give the views as I see them through my eyes.
Today Friday February 17, 2012 is being celebrated as Jamaica Day in Jamaica. Now I personally disagree with that notion considering that we live in Jamaica, so there's no need for a Jamaica day. On the flip side the day is indeed needed to help fix a dying culture, that I do support. But I also believe that in order for us to preserve our culture we need to start from inside the schools at the basic/kindergarten level.
Before I get down to the "nitty gritty" of the matter take for example majority of Jamaicans live in what is know as the "rural areas" and also there is a percentage who live in urban areas in what are known as 'Ghetto" or "garrison areas". Now for many of us who grew up in these areas, as a true Jamaican Kid you would run up and down outside. For males we made "box trucks" and tied a string on it and pull it till the wheel drop off or something. Sometimes you would also make a wheel from the hose and run that on the road. How could we forget the marble and rubber-band games??? There's also other childhood games that both males and females would play such as "dandy shandy" otherwise known as "sightings", also the popular "stuck and freeze" shorten in Jamaican terms as just "stucky". Girls would also play "Chinie skip". But seriously do we see our Jamaican children playing these games anymore? Maybe its just based on my location why I don't see these games any more. I recently made a visit to a rural part of Hanover and none of the games listed earlier were present.

Another dying art in Jamaica is the telling of "Duppy" and "Anansi" stories. I had an encounter with some children the other day and they've never heard those kids of stories that were pasted down from generation to generation. I have the greatest admiration for Jamaica's National Pantomime that annually showcase plays about our heritage, talent and creativity. The current play that is being staged is entitled "Anansi and the Goat head soup". If you've never been to one, then you should go and bring everyone in your household. it amazes me to see 10 year old kids on Facebook. I thought Facebook had an age limit to join. Is it that we don't want our kids to go outside anymore and socialize??? 

I have to ask myself and others, how many of us know the National Anthem and Pledge? Sad to say not many of us do. Every Jamaican should know the National Anthem, the National Pledge, as well as "Jamaica Land of Beauty" and "I Pledge My Heart".
Surely we have lost our way and who do we blame? We cannot blame other nations for feeding us their product. We have ourselves to blame as we openly accept these things and shut our culture out. Is it really at a point that we've become so foreign minded that we need to to have a "Jamaica Day" to remind us that we are truly Jamaicans??? Think about it. We talk about protecting brand "JAMAICA". Hear this, I am brand Jamaica. I was born, raised and still living in the Jamaica (the last time I checked was a few seconds ago). I eat Jamaica, I breathe Jamaica, I talk Jamaican. Believe it or not I've met a few Jamaicans who's never used their teeth to eat a mango but peel it with a knife. I met Jamaicans who only drink a coconut jelly using a straw. Never placing the coconut at their face to drink it.
Earlier this morning I read an article in the Jamaica Observer and this statement grabbed my interest "We are a foreign-minded, consumerist nation. What do we make? Could we survive if the Zim container did not come? So we do white rum, Red Stripe, Blue Mountain Coffee (nice colours) and our cocoa is "sooo good", but all some white man's work from a long past age and the stuff nature gave us is wasted as we do not drink coffee." Think about it....Finish thinking yet??? We need to wake up to the reality that we need a culture shock, we need to see what we have become. Our national heroes, heroine and activist fought so we could be our own people not be somebody else. Jamaicans are one of a kind, call me biased but I don't think their is any place like Jamaica. People want to be like us yet we trying our best not to be ourselves. 

Finally, the work is up to us to reclaim our culture, don't just wait until "Jamaica Day, Heroes Day, Independence Day or any other special day" to remind us that we are Jamaicans. Everyday is a Jamaica Day, everyday we should celebrate our proud history. Despite the challenges and obstacles we face we should be proud. In 2005 the movie "V for Vendetta" was released. "V" made sure the British parliament saw that the country needed a change in direction as they had lost their way. In the movie every British person who was able put on their mask and made their way to parliament and gave them a 5th of November that would never be forgotten. Maybe on the 6th of August we the Jamaican people need to march to parliament and let both the government and opposition know we are tired of the direction the country is heading. The Ministries that cover education, youth and culture needs a wake up call. As I said earlier many will agree and many will disagree. Majority of those who disagree im sure will have a bunch of none Jamaican products in their house. If we should limit foreign important on products I'm sure we would have a gas riot similiar to that of the 1990s. Our oral traditions need to be preserved as well. History is both "tangible and intangible". If we are really going to become a "Republic" and truly be independent then we need to face the reality. There are many more aspects of our culture that's being lost but time wont allow me to explore that but I'm sure I've said enough and God bless the few who read this to the end because it's a know fact that us Jamaicans don't love to read. But really do we are care about JAMAICA, "A Dying Culture"????  FOOD FOR THOUGHT!!!!

S.B. Stanberry

Reflections: Life and Death

We all expect to live until old age. We expect our parents, extended family, friends to live until they are old and grey as well. But life doesn't work that way. We live in a world that is filled with sickness and unforeseen events that no one can predict. I myself suffered pain and sadness after losing my mother to death. Never in a million years would I have expected this. But the day I found out she hand cancer my world turned upside-down.

The difference between old age and sickness or accident, in old age you know when they die they just fade away peacefully in the sunset while on the flip side, sickness/accident for a period of time that person suffers until the breath leaves their bodies. I'm sure if we had the choice of choosing how we want to die many would agree that the peaceful way of just fading away into the sunset is the best option.

But as it approaches 6 years since I lost my mom, and all this happen before I was 20(don't try to figure my age). I must say I'm a lot stronger than I was at that time. I've heard many people say I was strong how I dealt with it but no one saw me internally. I was torn apart. My perfect world ended. I always thought Mom would get to meet her daughter-in-law and live and see her grandchildren(some fantasy). But Life doesn't work that way.

After so many years, you thought it would be easier but its not. We just learn to live and accept the situation. My mother was a strong woman, but seeing her so weak broke my heart especially that I couldn't do anything about it. I don't like to see people suffer no where in society.

Life is short, life is unpredictable, we make plans but sometimes life doesn't work that way. I wont bother to drag out this mom drama again but remember cherish your family and friends, love each other, forgive each other, respect each other. Tell them how you feel. The song says:

Sometimes in our lives we all have pain

We all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there's always tomorrow

Lean on me, when you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
'Til I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on

We all want somebody to lean on, no matter how independent we claim we are. We can never go through life alone. If you've lost someone close to you may their souls rest in Peace. We don't know the hour or the time when we will leave this world. As I close, Reflect on your life, make sure all is right with you, your friends, family and God. S.B. Stanberry

Jamaica: "A PNP Country"

National Flag of Jamaica

December 29, 2011 the People's National Party (PNP) once again rose to power in remarkable fashion after winning Jamaica's 16th General Elections since Adult Suffrage was granted in 1944. The PNP claimed a 41-22 victory which has now changed to 42-21. Once again the term "PNP country" was used. Many Jamaicans i'm sure lack the knowledge of Jamaica's political history, but i'll try my best to give my own interpretation on the term "PNP country." 

Norman Manley

In Jamaica's political awakening, 2 leaders arose from Jamaica's "brown class". They were Norman Manley and Alexander Bustamante. Manley was a scholar while Bustamante's charm made him a natural man of the people. These men both came to dominate Jamaica's political history and wanted to lead an Independent Jamaica. In colonial Jamaica shaded or pigment mattered. Both came from the mix raced upper classes and had little in common with the under class they sought to represent.

The PNP was formed in 1938 by Norman Manley. Manley was an Oxford graduated and lawyer by profession. His cousin Bustamante formed the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) in 1943 and was accepted by the blacks as blacks were grateful to him for supporting them and breaking from his own social background.

Manley was and idealist and loved Jamaica but unlike Busta he had trouble connecting with the black majority. Bustamante showed his love for the people as he said to the police "shoot me and let my people go".

By this time in our history, Bustamante was for the people and was elected first Prime Minister of Jamaica in 1962. Manley was sadden by the fact that he would not lead his country into Independence after he went to Britain to negotiate Jamaica's Independence. In the early years after Independence Jamaica got a cultural awakening and was referred to as the "Jamaica Miracle".

Alexander Bustamante

The middle and upper class were making financial gains post independence while majority of black Jamaicans suffered. Norman Manley was singled out to blame for a lot of the things that went wrong after Independence. Manley walked away from politics in the late 1960s paving the way for his charismatic son Michael Manley. The younger Manley proved to be something his father wasn't and that was connecting with the black society in Jamaica. By this point the PNP was the party rooted in the middle class while the JLP because of Busta's relation with the masses his party had a large support of blacks.

Michael Manley

When Manley took over the leadership of the PNP in 1969, Jamaica was in desperate need of new direction. There was high unemployment, poverty and almost no social welfare. On the campaign trail in the 1970s Manley said "We come too far we not turning back now. We have a pride now, we have a place now, we have a mission now. Together we are gonna march forward under God's heaven building democratic socialism. Glory to socialism". Manley had formed a bond with the black majority and said "betta mus come, give me a chance and betta mus come". Manley swept to power and had his own socialist agenda for Jamaica. In the early 1970s he gave land to the farmers, created jobs for the poorest working class women and provided free education for every child. This made Jamaicans in charge of their own destiny. Manley wanted radical social change to favor the poor and members of his own class were nervous. As Manley's "democratic socialist" philosophy grew the United States got nervous and Manley said "We are not angering the United States, they are angering themselves". Manley also said 'We have that friendship with Cuba as part of a world alliance of third world nations that are fighting for Justice of poor people in the world". Manley continued his speech by saying "As long as this party is in power, we intend to walk through the world on our feet and not on our knees". Because of this Jamaica paid the consequence and aid from the United States was cut from 13 million dollars to 4 million.

Manley socialist dream became a socialist nightmare, he told the middle class that if you don't like it there are 5 flights to Miami. Many of Jamaica's middle class took his advice and left with their money. 

Edward Seaga

Tourism fell, thousands refused to travel to Jamaica due to negative reports in International newspapers. Manley still had enough grass root supporters to win the 1976 election as the term "People Power" or "Power for the People" was used. Many "poor" Jamaicans supported Manley and that he only wanted to make their lives better. The crisis still deepen as both foreign and local investors refused Jamaica because of the "Socialist" philosophy. Over 800 people died in the 1980 elections. Manley was on the ropes as he conceded to his rival Edward Seaga. Under Seaga, Jamaica and the United States repaired their bonds. Life was back to normal for some people as money flowed from the United States and Investment followed. 

P.J. Patterson

In the 1989 election, Michael Manley and the PNP were returned to power. Many thought Manley would return to his socialist policy but were left disappointed when the policies were different. Manley's second coming lasted only 3 years before handing over the leadership to PJ Patterson, Jamaica's first "black" Prime Minister. The terminology "PNP Country" continued to make itself evident as they won the 1993, 1997 and 2002 elections leading to 18 years in power. 

Bruce Seaga

In 2007 the JLP return to power led by Bruce Golding. However Golding gave up the post of Prime Minister in October 2011 amid a bunch of scandals which affected his party which included the Manatt, Phelps and Phillips and Christopher "Dudus" Coke extradition request. 

The youthful Andrew Holness took over and became the country's youngest Prime Minister. His short reign was affected by another scandal in "JDIP". Nevertheless he was seen as the Party's best hope to remain in power. He set a December 29, 2011 election date and was favorite to win the election. 

Andrew Holness

However the Opposition PNP returned to their roots and focus on "People Power" and "Power to the People" in their ads and campaign across the island. And on December 29, 2011 People Power proved Powerful as the PNP led by Portia Simpson-Miller held true it's creed that Jamaica is indeed a PNP country shocking the ruling JLP by claiming 41 now 42 of the 63 constituencies to the JLP's 21. After this, which was Jamaica's 16th general election, no one can argue that Jamaica is indeed "PNP Country".

Portia Simpson-Miller

In concluding the PNP has separated itself form the "middle class" which is was associated with during Norman Manley and re associated itself with the masses as it did under the leadership of Michael Manley. The JLP has now claimed the tag of being "racist" and catering to Jamaica's middle upper class or the white/brown Jamaicans and must now find a way of reconnecting with black Jamaica building from the grass roots up. The question I now ask myself, will "People Power" grant the PNP another 18 years in office or will JLP rebuild under Andrew Holness and become the modern-day Bustamante? As I close I would like to borrow the slogan from the PNP and say that "Power of the People" will decide who leads Jamaica Land we Love. Whether we vote PNP or JLP it's the power of the people that will decide. That's the freedom of democracy. Save Jamaica, Believe in Jamaica, Hope for Jamaica. S.B. Stanberry

My Country, My Culture, My History

Black, Green and Gold the colours of the National flag of Jamaica. Black representing the strength and creativity of the people which has allowed them to overcome the odds, yellow for the golden sunshine and green for the lush vegetation of the island. By geographical location and nationality we are Jamaicans, but really and truly who are we? What does it mean to be Jamaican. We've become so Americanized in our ways we have forgotten who we really are. God bless the few who continue to protect and preserve our culture and our history. Many will disagree with me but the reality is they are just hiding from the truth.

I've met a number of people who say history is boring and majority of them don't know much about their Jamaican history. A lot of our adults don't know the National Anthem, National Pledge or even the National Song. In my personal view this is sad and depressing. Ironically if we are seeking citizenship into a foreign land we would have to know certain critical information and i'm sure we'd be "hellbent" on knowing it cause we want the citizenship.

But seriously, Jamaica is having an identity crisis. We only are proud when our sports persons do well or we achieve success in other areas. Apart from that, too many of us are ashamed to be Jamaicans.

In concluding we really need to keep back to basics. We need to appreciate and respect our history and cultural heritage. Teach our children the words of our anthem, we cant depend on schools alone. Be a Proud Jamaican, I know I'm a Proud Jamaican. Save Jamaica, Believe in Jamaica, Hope for Jamaica. S.B. Stanberry

I pledge my heart forever
To serve with humble pride
This shining homeland, ever
So long as earth abide.

I pledge my heart, this island
As God and faith shall live
My work, my strength, my love and
My loyalty to give.

O green isle of the Indies,
Jamaica, strong and free,
Our vows and loyal promises
O heartland, ‘tis to Thee.

Happy New Year 2012

Its a new year, which means many people go about setting resolutions and all that they want to achieve in this year. 2012 is also leap year. If anybody is still clueless as to what leap year means, its simply means the year has an extra day in the month of February.

Anyways I'm glad to see the back of 2011 cause I really had a rough year filled with some serious challenges and obstacles. I've learnt some harsh lessons, made some mistakes but at the end of the day I'm older and much wiser. They say wisdom comes with age and I've finally understood how it works. You see in your youth (though I'm still young) we make mistakes and learn from them and as we get older we learn not to make those mistakes again.

As this new year began I decided that I wont make any resolutions cause I never follow them anyways. As stated in my previous blog I am a proud Jamaican. Jamaica recently held its 16th general election since Universal Adult Suffrage was granted and the ruling Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) got a "ass whipping". I must admit the margin of defeat was surprising. Many ask the question what the JLP did wrong or what the PNP did right? Nevertheless as I've said on Facebook the running of the country must go on.

Jamaica is a beautiful place and I will address the political debate sometime in the future but for now we must focus on making our country a better place. European leaders have warned of a difficult year ahead, as many economists predict recession in 2012. If we paid attention to the news last year I'm sure we all saw what happened in Greece and Italy while Portugal and Spain are trying to battle the same problem. The world is in a crisis and we must come together in saving our Jamaica. Each and everyone of us along with the government elect must continue the growth which started under the previous regime.

By definition we are just a little dot on the map and what happens in Europe and North America affects us all. As we move forward in this new year let us promote peace and prosperity. Remember UNITED we stand DIVIDED we fall. Have a Bless 2012 Everyone!!!! S.B. Stanberry