Jah-mek-ya Influence the World

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Jamaica's struggle to freedom impacted the world 8/11/2006 1:28:00 PM

Walter H. Roban Bermuda Sun On the stroke of midnight, August 5, 1962 the national anthem was heard for the first time while the Union Jack was lowered and a new Jamaican flag was unveiled. On August 6 1962, the island of Jamaica became an independent country. It was an earth-shattering event as Jamaica, a jewel of Empire, threw off the shackles of colonialism and embraced self-government. Jamaica is a country of stunning natural scenery and rich culture. The current population of Jamaica is estimated at around 2.7 million with a land area of 10,991 sq km (4,243 sq miles) making it one of the big islands of the Caribbean. Its main industries are connected with the land, mainly Bauxite, alumina, garments, sugar, bananas and rum. Jamaica's unique natural features has made it a vibrant participant in tourism which is a growing industry for the island. The population is around 90 per cent African descent but the country's motto "out of many, one people" speaks to a diversity that includes European, Chinese, Lebanese and East Indians. The original inhabitants of Jamaica are believed to be the Arawaks, also called Tainos. They named the island Xaymaca, which meant "land of wood and water". They led quiet and peaceful lives until the Spaniards destroyed them after Christopher Columbus settled the island in 1494. The island remained poor under Spanish rule as few Spaniards settled here. On May 10, 1655, the British successfully invaded Jamaica. The English conquest and settlement would bring many things including great sugar estates and plantation slavery of the scale that made Jamaica the bulwark of the British Empire. British subjugation of Jamaica would not be easy. Rebellions by slaves would be numerous and the Maroons would never completely surrender to their supremacy. Jamaica has identified national heroes who have contributed to the people's ongoing struggle for freedom, one of these was Paul Bogle. Paul Bogle, it is believed, was born free about 1822. Bogle was a literate man and the owner of about 500 acres in St. Thomas. He was a firm political adherent of George William Gordon, a large landowner and politician and a champion for the poor and disenfranchised. He was made a Baptist deacon in Stony Gut, a few miles north of Morant Bay, St. Thomas. Poverty and injustice plagued Jamaican society and a lack of public confidence in the government to address the problems. Bogle was a friend and champion of the poor and was determined to have their concerns heard. He led a group of people from Stony Gut to Spanish Town to be heard by the Governor believing the people must be heard by the highest authority. Bogle and a group marched to the Morant Bay Court-house on October 11, 1865, to support men they felt were being unjustly treated. After an incident at the courthouse, the police went to Stony Gut to arrest Bogle but were prevented from doing so. In a violent confrontation with official forces that followed the march, nearly 500 people were killed and a greater number were flogged and punished before order was restored. Bogle was captured and unjustly hanged on October 24, 1865. The result of the rebellion changed the direction of Jamaica from a self-governing colony like Bermuda today, to a Crown colony directly controlled from London. Despite this, the Morant Bay rebellion inspired Jamaicans to continue their struggle for freedom and ultimate independence. Bogle's mission of freedom and justice was taken up by a host of others include Bustamente and the Manleys to name a few. In the quest for justice and freedom Jamaica has given much to the world and been a source of global attention and events. Jamaican culture, food, music, and Rastafarianism, Marcus Garvey and the New Jewel Movement, and Bob Marley are examples. Jamaica throughout history has been a small but important global theatre. When you consider the spirit and strength of Jamaica and her people it is likely that this independent country will continue to impact world events.