Jamaica Arise: The 75 year history of the PNP (1938-2013)

1. What was the role that the People's National Party (PNP) played in the anti-colonial struggle?

The People's National Party was instrumental in the path of liberation from Great Britain. It was the first, and the most important, political movements whose main goal was freeing of the colonialist claws. It was fundamental for Jamaican to be released of UK's grip so the oppression would end.

Following the example of Marcus Garvey, the founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association, the PNP was able to ensure voting rights for every adult, whether they were a man or a woman.

2. What was/is the role of women throughout the 75 years of the PNP? (Give at least 3 examples)

There were a considerable amount of women part of this political party whose work and influence was helpful in the improvement of Jamaica. One of the changes that make women's life in Jamaica better can be traced back to the passing of important bills like the Maternity Leave Act and Equal Pay for both gender. 

A member of the PNP that spread cultural and artistic knowledge was Edna Manley, a sculptor who's consider as the "mother of Jamaican art". Another woman whose legacy was named in the documentary is Portia Miller Simpson, a former Prime Minister of Jamaica.

3. How did the implementation of democratic socialism affect the Jamaican people?

The implementation of democratic socialism didn't go smoothly at first. It had some serious repercussions in the economy of the country, this leaded to huge national debts. People struggled because of the weak economic situation of Jamaica.

Because of the global political climate of the time, this new implementation was seen as communism and a betrayal to capitalism. Jamaica lacked help from other countries due to the common conception that now they were an allied to the URSS.

4. How does the PNP justify privatization and its role in creating a path of neoliberal reforms in Jamaica?

The inflation was at critical levels, reaching a 77,3%, the highest in the country's history. The prices went up in a 400%, the situation was really hard for everyone in Jamaica. So they decided to privatize the economy as a solution.

As a measure they chose to tackled the economic relations they had with other countries and that involved changing rates and removing the exchange taxes.

5. How do you compare the role of PNP in the film, Ghett'a Life (Lenny Thompson, Derrick's Father) versus the documentary?

 

The PNP was portrayed in a better light in the documentary, as some sort of saviour to the people in Jamaica. The political party that really cared for people. However in the film Ghett'a Life, the politicians were corrupt and didn't have a real interest in the people of the country.