Jamaica…Independent
from our colonial past but are we really free?
As Jamaica prepared
for “Independence” in 1962 there was a popular Ad on TV which says
“Never
have Jamaicans been so gay (meaning happy), cleaning up, painting up for
Independence Day. Ask anyone from pups to grandpaps they all say Clean Up,
Paint Up for Independence Day.”
The share
excitement from that Ad as well as persons who were alive then; highlights that
they were Happy to finally be free of the colonial past.
But fast-forward to 2013, are we truly independent? Are
we really free? Some might beg to differ and argue that we are still colonized,
not by the British monarch, but by the IMF who dictates to us how to run our
country.
The sad reality is
our country is in shambles, our economy sucks, education is available like
never before but is it really working? Our best economic growth was probably
during the late 1960s after the discovery of “Bauxite”.
But have we really
progressed? Have we really achieved or maximize on our full potential? We seem
to be stuck in a state of transition flirting with the idea of change and
growth but never really push hard enough to achieve it.
Examples of our
colonial past will forever be present as it’s visible in our architecture and
other facets of our lives.
On
Independence Day yesterday August 6, 2013, I ask myself the question: What if
Michael Manley's philosophy had worked, would Jamaica be the crown jewel and
envy of the Caribbean?
Food for thought:
the bias people among us would make their voices be heard on this topic. But I
am of the opinion that it would have worked granted he was given enough
support.
As I conclude I
ponder and reflect my own life, the path I wanna take, it’s no hidden secret that
I have political ambitions……but I’ll leave that alone.
Daily I stroll through the streets of
downtown Kingston, and there I come across some of the strongest person’s I’ve
seen. A people filled with determination to go on no matter the weather, a set
of people with some of the most creative minds and ingenuity just to get the
numerous passersby’s to buy their product.
Many hope for a
better tomorrow. Who will be the leader to grab Jamaica by its roots and bring
forth a better tomorrow? Will we achieve 100 years of Independence before this
leader comes forth?
During 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.”
2012 Jamaica 50 song: I’m on a Mission,
today’s the day”
What is that Mission?
After 51 years of
being an Independent Nation the mission still eludes me….I will continue to
believe in the Jamaican people though who continue to struggle, fight and will
die to defend the freedom of the blessed nation (some might disagree) but…….Betta mus come…give
ourselves a chance and….betta will come.
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