Basseterre, St Kitts, 17 August 2017 -- The Jamaican Kittitian Nevisian (JamKitNev) Association (formerly JamKit Association) has been celebrating Jamaica 55 In SKN during this month. Jamaica 55 In SKN is the local celebration of Jamaica’s 55th Anniversary of Political Independence.
The Association pauses to share the following presentation which was made at its Celebratory Church Services on Nevis and St. Kitts:
About Jamaica
The history of Jamaica is a rich and vibrant one, which inspires Jamaicans to move forward as a Nation. The history speaks to experiences of hardships and prosperity; and the growth and determination of a people.
Jamaica is one of the most diverse and colourful countries in the Caribbean. The history, culture and people have propelled this small island of just 4,111 square miles to the international stage.
Jamaica is the home of one of the most popular music forms in the world, Reggae; the home of the fastest man and woman on the track, Usain Bolt (notwithstanding the bronze medal at 2017 IAAF World Champs) and formerly Shelly Ann Fraser-Pryce, and now Elaine Thompson, and the home of some of the best cuisine the world has ever tasted.
While the acclaim for culture and raw talent is worldwide, Jamaica is also a beacon of democracy.
After the tumultuous years leading up to the abolition of slavery, Jamaica’s transition from a British colony to full sovereignty was marked by rationality and unity. Under the stewardship of the fathers of the Nation, our National Heroes, Alexander Bustamante and Norman Washington Manley, Jamaica moved into the 20th century with full Adult Suffrage, Independence and a strong sense of nationhood and identity.
Activities Leading Up To Independence
Following Emancipation in 1834, black Jamaicans struggled against the harsh realities of being a colony of Britain and their dissent grew louder in the 1930s.
From as early as 1932, the Right Excellent Marcus Garvey (a National Hero) made the first definitive call for self-governance and shared his vision for what he called the ‘new Jamaican’. He explained his dream for Jamaica as “We want the spirit of national comradeship... Let us unite to accomplish this and Jamaica shall indeed become a better place for all of us.”
Like the rest of the world, Jamaica in 1929 began experiencing a depression in its economic growth. This resulted in a continuous decline in social conditions. By 1938, the workers in an effort to improve their situation went on strike and the related upheavals ended with the death of a few workers. The 1938 labour riots was another turning point in the history of the people of Jamaica.
Alexander Bustamante who emerged as leader of the new labour movement founded the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU), later to be associated with the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP). In 1938 Norman Manley, the island's foremost barrister, and a cousin of Bustamante formed the People’s National Party (PNP).
In 1938 a royal commission was appointed to investigate the working conditions as well as other political and social conditions that were affecting the society. The investigations and reports led to the crafting and adoption of a new constitution on 20 November 1944 which ensured universal franchise for all Jamaicans regardless of race and class. Adult suffrage gave all males and females 21 years of age and over, the right to vote. The journey towards Self Government had begun.
The first election under Universal Adult Suffrage was held in 1944.
By the 1950s there was a growing urgency and push for political independence as well as a burst of nationalism across the British Caribbean territories. The turning point came on 3 January 1958 when Jamaica and nine other British West Indian colonies entered into an internal self-governing, federal state with the goal of gaining Independence. The West Indian Federation was born. Jamaica withdrew its membership from the Federation in September 1961, when by the referendum, “Should Jamaica Remain in the West Indies Federation?”, the people voted that Jamaica leave the Federation.
Garvey’s vision of self-governance was captured and made a reality by the founding fathers - the Right Excellent Norman Manley, who had a passion for equity and justice, and the Right Excellent Sir Alexander Bustamante, who was a staunch advocate for workers’ rights. The philosophies of these National Heroes and the many who worked alongside them, helped to shape the Constitution of Independent Jamaica.
Birth Of A Nation
After the referendum in September 1961, Jamaica began to push for its own independence and, from October 1961 through to January 1962, a Joint Committee of the House of Representatives and the Legislative Council, called the Joint Independence Constitution Committee, worked to draft the Jamaican Constitution. Their work ensured that the Constitution would be the bastion to ensure equality and justice for every citizen of the Nation.
This was no ordinary group of sixteen (16) men and one woman and for their contributions to the Constitution and other areas of national development, the seventeen (17) Parliamentarians have been conferred with various National Honours and Awards. The Architects of the Jamaican Constitution included Right Excellent Norman Manley, Premier of Jamaica just before Political Independence and National Hero; Right Excellent Sir Alexander Bustamante, First Prime Minister of Independent Jamaica and National Hero; Most Hon. Sir Donald Sangster, Former Prime Minister; Most Hon. Edward Seaga, Former Prime Minister; Most Hon. Sir Howard Cooke, Former Governor General; Most Hon. Sir Florizel Glasspole, Former Governor General; Hon. Robert Lightbourne, Composer of the Music of the Jamaican National Anthem; Iris King, first female Mayor of Kingston, elected in 1958. The only living member of the Group of Seventeen, the Most Hon. Edward Seaga, received another special recognition by the Government of Jamaica in this our 55th Year of Political Independence. But I digress…..
In January 1962, a draft of the Independence Constitution was brought before both Houses of Parliament and after a full debate was unanimously approved. It was also agreed that the 300 year old Coat of Arms would be retained and the Latin motto would be changed to one in English "Out of Many One People".
In February 1962, a new Constitution was approved by the Legislature and Premier Norman Manley called General Elections.
Alexander Bustamante was elected in April 1962 and became the first Prime Minister of Jamaica.
At midnight on 5 August 1962 the British Flag was lowered and the Jamaican Flag was hoisted for the first time. On 6 August 1962, Jamaican Independence became a reality! Jamaica was an Independent Nation and a member of the British Commonwealth. Sir Kenneth Blackburne was the last Colonial Governor and the first Governor General. Afterwards, Sir Clifford Campbell, formerly President of the Senate, became the first Jamaican Governor General.
Jamaica becoming an Independent Nation, now meant that Britain, no longer controlled the affairs of the country. It was now the responsibility of the newly elected Prime Minister and the locally elected Cabinet.
Independence also meant that, in addition to a Constitution, symbols, emblems, an army, Jamaican currency and passports had to be developed for the country.
As an Independent Nation, Jamaica assigns Ambassadors overseas who represent the country. They sign treaties on behalf of Jamaica and become members of various international organisations. This is important, as it gives Jamaica equal rights on various issues relating to international trade, policies and treaties.
Every year on August 6, (previously first Monday in August), Jamaicans celebrate the removal of our dependence on Britain to control specific functions of the country. At this time all those persons who were responsible for the transfer of power are also honoured.
In October, during National Heritage Week (third Monday in October), our six National Heroes and one Heroine are honoured, in recognition of their contribution to the birth of the Nation.
On 6 August 2017, Jamaica celebrated the 55th Anniversary of taking control of these affairs under the theme “Celebrating Jamaicans At Home And Abroad”! As part of the group of Jamaicans abroad, the Jamaicans in the Federation of St Kitts & Nevis join hands with Jamaicans all over the world in this celebration!
To this end Jamaicans in SKN crafted a series of activities as detailed below:
Sat, 5 Aug - Jamaica Booth at Nevis Culturama Food Fair, Pinney's Beach which was an exhausting but successful first edition.
Sun, 6 Aug - St Kitts Church Service, Norwich Holiness Church, where Jamaicans joined the Members of this congregation in worship and sharing information about Jamaica and the Celebration of 55 Years of Political Independence.
Sun, 13 Aug - Nevis Church Service, Eden Browne Church of God, Zion Village, St Georges Parish where there was similar sharing.
Sat, 19 Aug - St Kitts Social and Beach Event, SNAPPER Fish Farm, Conaree, St Kitts starting at 2.00pm. The Farm is owned and operated by Jamaican, Dr. Barrington Brown.
Sat, 26 Aug - Nevis Jamaica Day Event, Bath Playfield, Bath Village, Nevis starting at 10.00am.
“Celebrating Jamaicans At Home And Abroad”.
One Love.
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