Were we (Jamaica / Caribbean Better off under Colonialism ?
The Caribbean Is One Nation.
Were
we (Jamaica/Caribbean) better off under Colonialism?
by Ruel E. Lowe
This was a question posed by a very charming intelligent, articulate, patriotic
sister, who was disgusted, with what she saw, taking place in her beloved
country Jamaica!
She questioned whether any progress has been made under/since Independence, by
Jamaica, and concluded that Jamaica was better off as a British colony?
I went along with most of her factual views, until she stated that Jamaica was
better under colonialism, that is where we parted company!
If we only analyze the action/behavior/results from the surface, without
finding the cause, we will end up blaming the victim, and coming up with the
wrong conclusions, if we use a false premise!
Now let us take a keen careful look at the facts:
1. Under colonialism we were always thought of and treated as subjects of the
colonial master (servants/second class citizens, not as equals). To many who
might not be aware, there was a time under colonialism, where no dark-skinned
person, regardless of academic qualification, would be seen working in any
government office or a bank!
2. Whenever a colonial power granted independence to a former colony, true
independence is never granted, meaning, independence was just a front, or a way
to disguise the fact that they would no longer, shoulder the financial burden
required to keep the colony functioning!
3. The colonial powers always reserve the right to return and repossess the
country if they think the country is not doing there dictates and bidding's!
4. The government is never turned over to patriots, but to chosen leaders they
appoint and find palatable!
5. The big bombshell! These former colonies were never prepared for
self-governance, before independence is granted, hence, they were set up for
failure.
6. The education system was never designed to fulfill the needs of the former
colony, but to produce workers for the colonial system.
Jamaica as a model former colony adopted many negative qualities of their
colonial masters, e.g. the social stratification, where, the privileged, looked
down their noses on those beneath them, hence the educated look with disdain on
the ones who didn't get the opportunity to advance academically, instead of try
to raise them up to the benefit of the entire society, the educated seek
accolades, self-gratification and recognition,.
Advancement will only be achieved if the leaders institute policies elevating
the working class and the unfortunate.
Is there any wonder, why, we are in the present deplorable state of affairs and
conditions?
We don’t seem to have nation builders in leadership, whether it because of
incompetence, greed, selfishness, arrogance, re-election desires or a
combination of all of the above, the country needs, knowledgeable, patriotic
leaders who put Jamaica first!
Independence is not the problem, it is the implementation!
Ruel E. Lowe is a social commentator.
Ruel E. Lowe is a social commentator.
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