THE HON. ALOUN N’DOMBET-ASSAMBA

As a country with a history of the horrors of enslavement and other colonial practices, there is need for people to be provided with opportunities to tell their story as part of the release that must underpin any notion of a healthy society. I could think of no more appropriate way to start this message than with this extract from The National Cultural Policy of Jamaica.

I am convinced it is still necessary, because the questions keep coming as to why we should even mark sure an event as this. These are those within the Jamaican family who still get ‘gueasy’ at the mere mention of the ‘s’ word, and some clearly feel a sense of shame to be associated with any discussion on the issue.

Our position is different. We believe that anything that has significantly worked to shape and determine who we are should not be ignored…cannot be successfully forgotten, as it will re-emerge in ways we do not understand or recognize. We believe that once we understand our history in a balanced and enlightened way, we are on the way to true healing – without the latent emotional baggage.

How significant was the trade in enslaved Africans to Jamaica?
According to our most learned historians, Jamaica was the destination for over one million of the estimated 15 Million Africans forcibly removed from their homes during this period. Although it did not mean the termination of slavery, the end of the trade is also quite significant because it saved millions more from the horrors of the brutal middle passage.

While I am willing to accept that fact that the abolition of the trade in Africans did not mean a conclusion of enslavement itself or even independence, it did, in a real sense mark the beginning of the creation of a Jamaican identity. I say this because the end of the trade was the official break with the motherland, with very little traffic between Africa and the new world. This meant that those of our fore-parents who  survived the journey, now had to turn their attentions to building a life in the new context that they were forced to adopt. What emerge was a melting pot of culture expressions found nowhere else an earth.

This is what has resulted in the very strong and significant elements such as our language, sumptuous cuisine, infectious music and our vocal assertiveness tempered by our hospitality of worldwide renown. This is what has made us such an attractive destination to visitors from across the globe, and even to nationals who wish to explore how the other side lives.

Lets us embrace the indomitable spirit of our forebears, demonstrated through their courage under fire as we each journey toward personal liberation. It is the spirit of Sam Sharpe, nanny of the Maroons, Tacky, Merlene Ottey, Bob Marley, Miss Lou and so many others that we do not have enough space to name. Our human and cultural capital are indeed tremendous.

My hope is that every Jamaican will honour the spirit of national commemoration and participate fully in as many activities as possible. Taking time to honour our ancestors in this way is not only desirable but necessary as we continue our freedom journey.

Together we can heal, grow and soar-and I believe that together we will…

One love!

Honourable Aloun A. N’dombet Assamba, M.P.