As a First Generation British born descendant of Jamaica, my identity and culture means so much to me. It guides my movements, enriches my purpose and establishes my connections and alignments here on the planet. Culture is always evolving and thus, we share so many similar things; ingredients, language, recipes, stories, old sayings, rhythms, music, fashion, histories, experiences and much more with all of humanity that makes me wonder how Jamaican culture is so dominant, world-wide?!
Independence day means different things to so many, and to me I have to reach for the dictionary's meaning for the word Independence:
'Independence is the state of being free of the control of some other person, country or entity.'
As a Historian & Genealogist, I look at the word, meaning and this day in a unique way, asking...
'What does 'my' freedom look like to me and my family, and how am I going to action this concept of freedom? That is where I start with myself and then...
'What did my nation agree to, to be able to celebrate Independence 62 years later? and now
'What is needed to be understood about what Independence means for a formidable nation whose influence is so dominant world-wide?
In July 2024 (1 month before Independence Day) I was honoured to bring home our First National Hero, The Right Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey II’s certified death certificate to Jamaica, for the first time in 84 years since his passing and coming up to 60 years since his body was laid to rest for the last time in National Heroes Park, in November 1964.
Marcus Mosiah Garvey II's death certificate revealled his registered cause of death was:
Cardiac Failure due to Hypertension, and not registered as a 'Stroke' as we have all been taught.
Were you aware that you can view his death certificate at; Liberty Hall: The Legacy of Marcus Garvey and The National Library of Jamaica, in Kingston, Jamaica, as well as The Black Cultural Archives in London, England?
The work and influence of Marcus Mosiah Garvey II continues to shape the minds and actions of not only Jamaicans at home and abroad, but all who have come into contact with his actions, literature and innovations. His messages, philosophies and opinions and teachings can be found in the work, lyrics, colour formations, symbolisms and much more all over the world.
As Jamaica celebrate 62 years of the acknowledgement of the 'Jamaica Independence Act 1962', I feel it is important that we reflect on what it means and has meant for the FIRST British Colonial West Indian/Caribbean colony to take a step away from the rulership of our colonial masters. As when reading the terms that were agreed back in 1962,it is a lot to analyse and process in an ever changing world. The terms and interactions on the world stage changes at an alarming rate and thus do the terms that were agreed to so many years ago, so Independence has several components to it that we have to adapt to.
I will leave you with this:
May our ideas of Independence continue to enrich our Island, Nation, Brother and Sisterhood, International relationships, Our actions, and Our Investments, which will enrich our Future and Legacies for years to come.
Marcus Mosiah Garvey II said,
" Look for me in the whirlwind or the storm,
look for me all around you, for with God's grace,
I will come and bring with me countless millions...
to aid you in the fight for Liberty, Freedom and Life."
"God and Nature first made us what we are, and then out of our own created genius we make ourselves what we want to be. Follow always that great law. Let the sky and God be out limit and Eternity our measurement." - Marcus Mosiah Garvey II
This is me, (Selena Carty) sitting on the final resting place of Marcus Mosiah Garvey II, in National Heroes Park, Kingston, Jamaica after Hurricane Beryl with the certified copy of his death certificate and the $100 bill with his face on it in July 2024.
A very thought provoking piece
Thank you