Wednesday, August 6, 2008

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY JAMAICA!

Jamaica had sought independence from Britain since its earliest days, and continually, throughout its history, had fought against the laws and decrees passed down by the Crown. It wasn't though until the early part of the last century that real pressure for change and independence gained true momentum.
During the 1930's like so much of the world Jamaica was in the depths of an economic depression, and as such social conditions, that weren't great to start with, were in decline. This all came to a head in 1938 as sugar cane and dock workers went on strike, which then led to the 'Labour Riots' and resulted in a few deaths. The strike and subsequent riots gave way to the formation of Jamaica's first nationally recognized trade union the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union (BITU) named after its founder Alexander Bustamante. The birth of the BITU also led to the formation of two political parties, the People's National Party (PNP) and eventually the Jamaican Labour Party (JPL). The PNP was formed by Norman Manley in 1938 with backing from Bustamante, but by 1943 the pair had had enough of each other and the two split on unfriendly terms, with Bustamante leaving the party to form the JLP, taking the Trade Union with him. This was quite good news for the work force as now the two camps were trying to out do each other for their support.
In 1944 the road to independence was paved as all adults over the age of 21 were given the right to vote. Also in this year the first elections were held under this new law and the JLP won a landslide victory with a total of 25 seats out of a possible 32.
In 1951 discussions of future modifications arose when Sir Hugh Foot arrived as Governor, and in 1953 a new constitution with more changes was set forth. A Chief Minister and seven other Ministers would be appointed, and these men would be drawn from the House of Representative. The number of House members on the Executive Council was increased from five to eight (a majority vote). Furthermore, the Colonial Secretary and Attorney-General would retain control of security matters affecting the Civil Service. With this new system in place, Bustamante became Jamaica's first Chief Minister. However, an election in 1955 brought a change of power when the PNP took the majority and Manley took the position of Chief Minister. During the next two years even more constitutional changes were made, and by the end, the government was a Cabinet Government with almost complete internal self-rule.
Britain had for many years wished to unite its Caribbean territories, though many larger territories, including Jamaica, had objections, the group were eventually joined together in the January 1958 with the capital on Trinidad. This new group became the Federation of the West Indies. That year elections were held in March for its leadership. Not surprisingly, both Manley and Bustamante led parties and stood for election with the Indies Federal Labour Party (WIFLP), and the Democratic Labour Party of the West Indies (DLPWI) respectively. The Manley led WIFLP took the majority of the Federation's seats, but Sir Grantley Adams from Barbados became its first Prime Minister. Though much work was done to make the Federation work, by 1961 Jamaica had put forth a referendum for its removal from the Federation. The removal was granted and the British Government agreed to discuss Jamaica's independence. The Federation fell apart the following year. Now with Britain's willingness to discuss Jamaica's independence and dominion within the British Commonwealth of Nations, things proceeded quickly. In January 1962 a new constitution had been drafted, strongly based on Jamaica's current design, but with a number of changes reflective of other British dominion nations. It was also agreed that the 300 year old coat of arms would be retained, but with its Latin motto changed to one in English....

"Out of Many, One People"

So the date was set and at midnight on 5th August 1962 the British flag was lowered and as the 6th of August dawned, Jamaica's new flag was hoisted for the very first time over an independent country at last.

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