Dear Editor,
When Dr Martin Luther King gave his inspiring "I have a dream" speech on the Washington Mall in 1963, Jamaica was an independent country. A Bank of Jamaica survey showed that £12 million was in circulation, more money than there had ever been in the history of Jamaica. Jamaicans made up the entire Parliament in Gordon House, more than 75 per cent of primary-age children were enrolled in school, and Carol Joan Crawford was chosen Miss World in London.
By US Law in 1963, Dr King had to sit at the back of the bus and drink from "Coloured Only" water fountains. Black and white children attended separate schools, and the Voting Rights Act allowing all blacks the right to vote had not yet been signed.
In 1963, a prosperous Jamaica was more than a dream. Jamaicans were in control of designing the future of their nation. Jamaica had its own government, constitution, military, police force and schools. Jamaica was in control of its destiny, more power than even Dr King could have dreamed of.
When visiting Jamaica in 1965, Dr King said: "I have never felt more at home anywhere else in the world... In Jamaica I feel like a human being."
About "Out of Many One", he said: "One day, here in America, I hope that we will see this and we will become one big family of Americans."
History shows that leaders from all over the world saw something in Jamaica 50 years ago to emulate. Today, no leader in the world sees our country as a role model, and Jamaica is high on the list for slowest growth rate, highest debt and the most murderous country.
What happened to our dream?
In February 1969, Norman Manley stepped down as leader of the PNP. A change in politics began and domestic and foreign policies were drastically altered. Administrators during the 1970s replaced successful economic policies with radical ones and, as a result, the island experienced seven consecutive years of negative growth between 1973 and 1980. In 1977, Jamaica signed its first loan agreement with the IMF. Jamaica became a debt-ridden nation and has remained so ever since.
Why didn't they continue the successful economic policies of the 1960s, then use the fruits to address the social ills taking place at this time?
Didn't the London School of Economics teach that "it takes cash to care"?
Jamaicans in 1962 had the power to achieve, the power to make their own rules, educate their own children and set their own course towards greatness. Jamaica had the power to be the star of the region and the envy of the world. But now in 2012, to quote Jamaica's longest-serving prime minister, "Boops, the power gone"
Maya Angelou said, "When you know better, you do better..."
What is 40 bad years in the life of a nation? Forever, if we keep making the same mistakes over and over, but just a glitch if we start making positive changes today. Jamaica 60 can be remarkably better than 50, if we chart the long, hard course right now. Jamaicans are survivors, fighters, lovers, leaders and hard workers. There are millions of us at home and abroad awaiting a signal that no one in Gordon House can give. Once we make a determined positive start, Usain Bolt won't be alone on the fast track to greatness. Millions of us will be right on his heels, waving our flags triumphantly for the whole world to see.
Suzanne Reid
nomorespin@ymail.com
Chart the right course now!
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When Dr Martin Luther King gave his inspiring "I have a dream" speech on the Washington Mall in 1963, Jamaica was an independent country. A Bank of Jamaica survey showed that £12 million was in circulation, more money than there had ever been in the history of Jamaica. Jamaicans made up the entire Parliament in Gordon House, more than 75 per cent of primary-age children were enrolled in school, and Carol Joan Crawford was chosen Miss World in London.
By US Law in 1963, Dr King had to sit at the back of the bus and drink from "Coloured Only" water fountains. Black and white children attended separate schools, and the Voting Rights Act allowing all blacks the right to vote had not yet been signed.
In 1963, a prosperous Jamaica was more than a dream. Jamaicans were in control of designing the future of their nation. Jamaica had its own government, constitution, military, police force and schools. Jamaica was in control of its destiny, more power than even Dr King could have dreamed of.
When visiting Jamaica in 1965, Dr King said: "I have never felt more at home anywhere else in the world... In Jamaica I feel like a human being."
About "Out of Many One", he said: "One day, here in America, I hope that we will see this and we will become one big family of Americans."
History shows that leaders from all over the world saw something in Jamaica 50 years ago to emulate. Today, no leader in the world sees our country as a role model, and Jamaica is high on the list for slowest growth rate, highest debt and the most murderous country.
What happened to our dream?
In February 1969, Norman Manley stepped down as leader of the PNP. A change in politics began and domestic and foreign policies were drastically altered. Administrators during the 1970s replaced successful economic policies with radical ones and, as a result, the island experienced seven consecutive years of negative growth between 1973 and 1980. In 1977, Jamaica signed its first loan agreement with the IMF. Jamaica became a debt-ridden nation and has remained so ever since.
Why didn't they continue the successful economic policies of the 1960s, then use the fruits to address the social ills taking place at this time?
Didn't the London School of Economics teach that "it takes cash to care"?
Jamaicans in 1962 had the power to achieve, the power to make their own rules, educate their own children and set their own course towards greatness. Jamaica had the power to be the star of the region and the envy of the world. But now in 2012, to quote Jamaica's longest-serving prime minister, "Boops, the power gone"
Maya Angelou said, "When you know better, you do better..."
What is 40 bad years in the life of a nation? Forever, if we keep making the same mistakes over and over, but just a glitch if we start making positive changes today. Jamaica 60 can be remarkably better than 50, if we chart the long, hard course right now. Jamaicans are survivors, fighters, lovers, leaders and hard workers. There are millions of us at home and abroad awaiting a signal that no one in Gordon House can give. Once we make a determined positive start, Usain Bolt won't be alone on the fast track to greatness. Millions of us will be right on his heels, waving our flags triumphantly for the whole world to see.
Suzanne Reid
nomorespin@ymail.com
Chart the right course now!
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