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The Importance Of Independence

Introduction...3
Thesis Statement.. 4 History of Jamaicas Independence.... 5 Independence Today. 6-7 Conclusion 8

Bibliography ................................................................................................................................... 8

The Importance Of Independence

Introduction The meaning of Independence is the freedom from control of another country or organization. It is also the ability to live ones life free from the control or influence of other people. (Macmillan Dictionary). This Study aims to highlight the history of Jamaicas Independence on August 6, 1962. The study further highlights the achievements of the country from Independence to the present years. These will include but are not limited to the legislations passed to better the lives of the Jamaican citizens as well as those used to regulate the government. The under achievements of the country will be discussed such as the national debt rate the decline in the Jamaican dollar value, the increase in crime amongst others.

The Importance Of Independence

Thesis Statement Has Jamaicas economy grown independent since the countrys independence in August 6, 1962.

The Importance Of Independence

History of Independence On August 6, 1962, Jamaica became an independent nation and a member of the British Commonwealth. Jamaica becoming an independent nation now meant that Britain, no longer controlled the affairs of the country. It was now the responsibility of the newly elected Prime Minister and the locally elected Cabinet. Independence also meant that a new constitution, symbol, emblem, army, currency and passport had to be designed and implemented. Ambassadors were assigned overseas to represent and sign treaties on behalf of the country. This was important because it gave Jamaica equal rights relating to international trade, policies and treaties. (Jamaica Information Service) On August 7 1962 Jamaicas first session of parliament took place. The first Prime Minister of Jamaica Alexander Bustamante Addresses the nation stating Independence means the opportunity for us to frame our own destiny and the need for us to rely on ourselves in doing so. It does not mean a license to do as we like. It means work and law and order. Let us resolve to build a Jamaica which will last and of which we and generations to come will be proud, remembering that especially at this time the eyes of the world are upon us (The Gleanor Company Ltd)

The Importance Of Independence

Independence Today Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago have celebrated 50 years of independence. It is evident that Trinidad & Tobago has evolved economically to a successful platform where as Jamaica is has been obstructed by some plaguing obstacles. Over the past 50 years the Jamaican economy has experienced a sluggish growth, this has resulted in the country having to depend on yearly loans from the Inter- Monetary Fund(I.M.F) in order to sustain the countrys expenses as well as the value of the Jamaican currency being decreased at a rapid rate over the years. The murder rate is ranked as one of the highest in the world and the public health sector is poorly organized where patients have to sit or stand and wait for long hours before they receive medical attention. In an interview done by the Jamaica Observers Monday Exchange, former Prime Minister P.J. Patterson spoke on the economic growth since Independence and he stated We have an intolerable level of crime and we have, of course, a high mountain of national debt. And then, particularly in this time, the adverse effects of exogenous factors in a period of immense economic turbulence worldwide leave us very vulnerable and exposed. There are poor social conditions in areas which deny a significant portion of our population respectable standards of living in a modern society; and the failure to adopt the practices and values that will enable our country to become a just, secure, prosperous

The Importance Of Independence

and equitable society,. (Hamilton, 2012) On the other hand the country has had some positive growth where education up to the secondary level is now being offered free as well as health services. The National Housing Trust has provided thousands of the average Jamaicans the opportunity to own their homes. The law has designed and implemented legislations that have improved the lives of the Jamaican people where there is now equality within the work force where there is no discrimination against women resulting in equal salaries for both men and women. The maternity law was passed which allowed women the time to be away from work after having their children with pay. The motor vehicle system has become liberalized resulting in the average Jamaican citizen to own a car. Children born out of wedlock are no longer stigmatized as they are now seen equal to those who we born in wedlock by law. The Office of the Contractor General has been assigned to regulate government practices. It is also noted that there have been major improvements in the arts and sports where the music and our athletes have become known worldwide.

The Importance Of Independence

Conclusion In concluding Jamaica gained independence from Britain on August 6, 1962 this allowed the country to develop a new constitution, flag, symbol, emblem, army, currency and passport. Sir Alexander Bustamante envisioned Independence As the opportunity to frame the countrys destiny in order to rely on itself. He further stated that work, law and order were needed in order to build the country. Today Jamaica has under achieved in some areas while succeeding in others. The law has used legislations in order to improve the lives of Jamaicans through free health services, free education, equality within the workforce and easier access to tertiary education over the years. Even with all these achievements Jamaica still struggles to have a sustainable economic growth where each fiscal year the country depends on a loan from the I.M.F. in order to cover government expenses. To this date we have not fulfilled Sir Alexander Bustamantes vision in becoming a self reliant country.

The Importance Of Independence

Bibliography
(n.d.). Retrieved March 19, 2013, from Macmillan Dictionary: http://www.macmillandictionary.com/dictionary/british/independence Hamilton, C. (2012, July 31). News: The Jamaica Observer. Retrieved March 19, 2013, from The Jamaica Observer Website: http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/PJ--We-have-achieved Jamaica Information Service. (n.d.). Sepecial Section : Jamaica Informatio Service. Retrieved March 2013, from Jamaica Information Service website: http://www.jis.gov.jm/special_sections/Independence/history.html National Library of Jamiaca. (n.d.). Jamaican History Notes: National Library of Jamaica. Retrieved March 2013, from The National Library of Jamaica: http://www.nlj.gov.jm/jamaican-historynotes#independenceday The Gleanor Company Ltd. (n.d.). History: The Gleanor Company Ltd. Retrieved March 20013, from The Gleanor Company Website: http://jamaica-gleaner.com/pages/history/story007.html