Booker T. Washington High School
Model United Nations Club
Country Briefing: Jamaica
Jamaica is a small Caribbean island country with a population of 2.7 million people and a per capita GDP of $3,800. A former British colony, it relies on tourism for most of its external revenues. It struggles to improve living standards while keeping population growth in balance with the needs of its fragile island ecosystem.
Historical Overview:
Long inhabited by Carib Indians, Jamaica was an island paradise in the pre-Columbian era. In the colonial period, most of the Indian population vanished, to be replaced by European immigrants and African slaves. Like much of the region, Jamaica's economy depended on exports of commodities like sugar and cotton to Europe. Its strategic position lies in its location at a crossroads of Caribbean trade. Many colonial powers fought for control of this island, which finally ended up in British hands by the 17th century. Jamaica gained full independence within the British Commonwealth in 1962. However, independence did not guarantee prosperity. A fast-rising population within a finite space spelled increasing poverty and instability for the new country. Deteriorating economic conditions during the 1970s led to recurrent violence and a drop-off in tourism. Elections in 1980 saw the democratic socialists voted out of office. Subsequent governments have been open market oriented. Political violence marred elections during the 1990s. Nevertheless, tourist revenues have helped keep Jamaica afloat and led to better times for Jamaicans. Today, Jamaica counts on its image as a tropical paradise to attract tourists, international investment and economic aid. Recent events in Haiti, in which Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide charges that the US kidnapped him to oust his government, have inflamed the opinions of many Jamaicans. Aristide is now residing in Jamaica, where he is calling for his return to power as the legitimate elected leader of that country.
Diplomatic Agenda
Politics and Security: Jamaica has few security concerns of its own. The supremacy of the US insures that no other power can threaten the Caribbean. Jamaica is concerned with security issues in other parts of the region. In order of importance, these are: the crisis in Haiti (see the Haiti page); the drug trade (some trafficking passes through Jamaica, and narcotics gangs could threaten order in Jamaica); instability in Colombia and Venezuela. Jamaica in general supports solutions achieved through mutual agreement among many parties, rather than force or the dictate of a single power. Jamaica respects and understands the role played by the US, but does not wish to see the region turned into provinces of an American empire. Currently, ex-president of Haiti Jean-Bertrand Aristide is in Kingston Jamaica, where he is making statements to the effect that he was displaced by an American coup. He wants Jamaica to sponsor a resolution demanding his return. That's at your discretion -- or you could favor the US by sending Aristide away.
Economics and Trade: Jamaica depends on trade with its major partners, especially the US. It cannot afford to disrupt that trade relationship. It would also like to attract more foreign direct investment from wealthy states and/or the International Monetary Fund. Luckily, its position as a tourist center makes it an attractive investment opportunity. Jamaica can also claim that its stability makes it a safe investment.
Human Rights: Jamaica has few or no problems with its human rights record -- or as they say in Jamaica, "no worries!" This gives Jamaica the opportunity to address critical issues in other countries, such as the absence of democracy in Venezuela or freedom of religion in Cuba. The activities of drug gangs in Colombia is another issue. Having no concerns of their own, Jamaica is free to take a principled stand, such as supporting a document which calls for all countries to respect basic human rights.
Environment: Jamaica depends on its environment for its livelihood. It needs clean beaches and waters to attract tourists. Ocean dumping, over-fishing, spills from oil tankers and global warming are all threats to Jamaica's way of life. Consider what would happen if the sea level rose just a little around your island! While Jamaica does not like to "rock the boat," it is in your interest to encourage the major industrial powers to clean up their act. You support the 1992 Kyoto Protocol, which called upon countries to reduce carbon emissions. The US has decided not to follow this agreement. You count on the US as a friend, but this is an area of disagreement.