Jamaica's Independence?

Question

Do you think it was a mistake that Jamaica became independent from the UK? Do you think Jamaica would be better off without getting independent? I notice all of the UK territories such as Grand Cayman are now British Citizens.

Answer 1

I do think it is a mistake

Answer 2

It is not a mistake as Jamaicans are independent and want to be like their other caribbean neighbours, besides, I think England was glad to get rid of us with all that rioting, fighting etc. Also Jamaica would not be better off as the Uk would be making money off of us even though still we might be financially better but at least since Jamaica is independent they can retain our own unique culture better and by the way it would be a pity to see a big country (in the way of size,compared to the other caribbean islands because Jamaica isnt big at all) like Jamaica dependent. Grand Cayman and the other countries still dependent are very small and it would be chaos to let them be independent as they probably couldn't take care of themselves properly but then again the same could be said about Jamaica!

Answer 3

no it not a mistake

Answer 4

All I know Jamaicans would be British Citizens and would be allowed to live in the UK. I dont think it is a mistake because Jamaica is not for its unique culture and their perseverance. Look at Grand Cayman, they have nothing to identify themselves with then being stuck on to the UK.

Answer 5

The mistake has been with the choice of leaders, not with the decision to be independent. We've had some pretty bad leaders!

Its not appropriate to compare Cayman with Jamaica in certain respects. Its real advantage historically speaking, is a tax waiver given by the British HUNDREDS of years ago. (***please see below)

Historically speaking, if you look into the REASONS why the USA visa policy or the UK one was enacted for Jamaica, you can't be sure that they would not have been drafted ANYWAY, in one way or the other. Jamaica is such a complex society that some causative factors might not have been averted.

Also consider that,

1. Racism was MUCH more prevalent under British rule. MOST high level jobs in the police, the army, or in government, went to WHITE people, even though Jamaica was predominantly black.

2. Jamaica today has too much unskilled or uneducated laborers. MOST of the people who are such a 'burden' on the economy, are either people who were not allowed to get an education under BRITISH RULE, or people who are the CHILDREN of those people. Their disadvantage started under British Rule. THE CURRENT CROP OF JAMAICAN LEADERS AND WORKERS ARE STILL AFFECTED BY THIS FACT.

Answer 6

Jamaica is not big enough to be independent. It should have been incorporated into the UK like Martinique is with France. I think it is bad that people from Martinuque can walk straight into the UK whereas we have every obsticle put in our way. Plus the country has gone to the dogs since independance.

Answer 7

I don't think it was a mistake to become independent at all.  The problem is and has been that we are and have been led by corrupt, selfish and visionless individuals who have done a little more than pillage from the people.

Answer 8

(1) Jamaica has a larger population than the Caymans and after World War II, the U.K. started a drive to rid themselves of colonies that were unproductive or had internal struggles (such as class wars or religious strife). India, Nigeria and other colonies were unloaded and thus the U.K. decided to keep all colonies with no more than 200,000 residents which they fel were more manageable.

(2) Jamaica if it was retained by the UK would not qualify for the Visa Waiver Program.  They will be issued British Overseas Passports and thus will have to apply for a visa to enter the U.S.  They also would not qualify for residency in the EU due to their overseas status since they won't be counted as an incorporated part of the nation. Martinique, St. Barts, and Guadaloupe are incorporated into France and therefore qualify for regular French passports and EU residency and benefits rights. Jamaica wouldn't.