Jamaica is not really independent, or IS IT?

[@the-development-scribbler]

A good video for all the people who constantly think China is "invading" and taking over Jamaica. I can't believe it takes someone not originally native to Jamaica to be this authentic and unbiased about Jamaica's policies and history.

[@Despicable12]

But it's true China taking over Jamaica who u think build the highways

[@JonathanSinclair-zx]

Well, I still think we should be wary of China. As Irena pointed out, influence and control are two different things. Although influence is a common modern fact of life, if a single influence grows too large then that in itself CAN become a potential lobby. Imagine, you get so used to cheap Chinese goods that you stop producing them. Then all they have to do is slowly begin to increase the prices.

[@faithm2535]

Perhaps it is specifically because she is not a native why she is able to focus on the legal and literal definition of independence, without simultaneously being unable to NOT incorporate an assessment of the reasons why certain decisions of questionable benefit to the masses of the people or the nation have been made or not made.

[@faithm2535]

@@JonathanSinclair-zx not just risk of price increase….evidenced by the recent previous years of extreme inflation, but just imagine a future pandemic or lockdown for any reason. This nation that is rich in agricultural potential would still be unable to even feed itself for any extended period of time.

[@the-development-scribbler]

@@JonathanSinclair-zx That's where good insight and governance comes in. The ability to take help from those who are willing and able to finance and carry out ambitious projects, while ensuring that the help is not abused by the benefactor country in question (in this case China) is something that Jamaica needs to exercise now more than ever. As a country that has been held back by lack of proper infrastructure and assistance from past colonial powers, Jamaica needs all the help it can get to achieve its personal sustainable goals; because Lord knows the US and the UK aren't gonna do it. But there comes a time when Jamaica also needs to step in with proper policies and start leveraging any earned successes that are in the best interest of locals and not outsiders who may realize it and capitalize on it first. One can't expect positive change without a little risk.

[@peterrussell4u]

I now bestow on you the order of Jacranian, you are one of us while one of your own countrymen. Bless up.

[@JahBlessTravels]

Excellent work, thanks for bringing factual clarity to this matter.

[@mystery5655]

Thank you for a masterclass on independence. Misconceptions and myths have been dispelled 👏🏿 👏🏿

[@stacey_a3543]

Thanks for your hard work and commitment to this channel Irie!

[@marlonsmith7990]

Another stellar video as usual . Keep up the good work.

[@granvillejohnson5842]

Irie, you never cease to amaze me! What can I say, another great video. Thanks for enlightening me as well as the doubters about Jamaica and its status as an independent country. I can see you put a lot of research into this topic and it came across very well. Well done. I can’t wait to see the next video. Thank you.

[@netteleecooper3265]

It’s great to you because you are not able to think for yourself when it come to foreigners invade our lands because of the war on each other’s that most time they create in their country. Keep an eye on these people.

[@eugeniebeason5103]

Thank you Irina for the clarity. As always, you never cease to amaze me. A lot of people like to talk without evidence, so I hope that this video serves as an educational tool to all, especially those with different views about this topic

[@HummingbirdJa]

Nice one Irina, thank you so much for running with this one 👍. UK.

[@iceman4660]

People confuse Jamaica's legal Independence with it's economic independence. Jamaica like other legally independent countries are dependent on others to varying degrees. Even the US needs others and owes money to other countries. Your video is great and on point.

[@dee2thejay]

Excellent presentation. Unbiased. Highly professional. Thoroughly enjoyed it. Greatly contributed to my knowledge. Invaluable.

[@deanhamilton9280]

Thanks for teaching some folks who don't know how to research or even read about they're history, they just like to tear it down instead for their own benefit.

[@XandroJM]

Very interesting. Love your videos. Love your style of delivery. Thanks for making it your life's work to promote Jamaica. I feel very proud

[@namelastname2127]

Thank you Irina for clarification, amazing video. ❤

[@seanclarke1974]

Thank you for highlighting my birth land the land of Jamaica., I'm a new sub to your page keep up the great work Thorpe brought me here,Sean from Toronto Canada

[@ilenaatwork3798]

Great topic to clear up, Irina. Even for Jamaicans!!!😮🤔

[@GlentonMe]

Only people who do not know what a independent countries is would say Jamaica is not independent. 🤦🏽‍♂️

[@markmcfarlane8600]

How is Jamaica independent when a foreigner foreigner is our head of state make it make sense 👀

[@chrisper7527]

Jamaica is not fully independent as recognized by and compared to countries like the United States and other countries. Jamaica must cut its umbilical cord from Britain in ALL aspects of governance. Republicanism is the only way out. But, this wouldn’t wash Britain’s hands of the atrocities it has done, and reparations must be paid.

[@mob6569]

When one is indoctrinated to the point of paralysis of analysis, that's a walking dead. Who appointed Holness to the privy council? You all are so dunce.😱

[@jam3-z8s]

💯🙏🏿

[@GlentonMe]

@@markmcfarlane8600 By that logic, Canada and Australia are not independent either, as King Charles III is the head of state for those countries.

[@diannetgoldingfrankson2105]

As usual you never let me down.

[@carlaj4175]

We live in a global world and we ( countries) need each to live our “best” lives and have access to everything that’s available… it’s progress

[@kennedyrichards5444]

It's absolutely brilliant. I've learnt so much from this video..👏👏👏❤️🇯🇲💯

[@MrSimZOldSchoolRev]

Another great video - setting the record straight.

[@dennisphillips1630]

This is a great lesson, informative and inspiring. Thank you

[@jamdawgutube]

Irina, some of your points make sense; some of them don't. Let's take your point about the UK not forcing Jamaica to use the Privy Council, for example. The same point could be said for the Caymanians- the UK is not forcing the people of Cayman to remain a territory of the UK. Just as how Jamaica could change its constitution and remove the King of England as the Head of State (and by extension removing the Governor General position, who, by the way, plays an important role in laws being passed), or Jamaica could choose to use the Caribbean Court of Justice as its final appeals court, the people of Cayman can, if they want, become an independent country. The UK cannot force them to be an overseas territory. Obviously, Jamaica is not an overseas territory, and anyone who says Jamaica is an overseas territory is simply ignorant. Likewise, clearly, Jamaica gained independence from Great Britain, which allowed it to form its own government and make most of its decisions independently. However, it's not idiotic to say that Jamaica, not only on paper, shares some characteristics with a country/territory that is not fully independent. A fully independent country, for example, does not have its highest court- constitutionally speaking- in another country, if there isn't some kind of reliance on that country. If you didn't know, legal precedents from the Privy Council inform much of the judicial decisions made in Jamaica- even to this day. The legal precedents from the Privy Council that concern Jamaica are, based on the principle of stare decisis, binding- they are not merely persuasive (see Pratt v. A-G for Jamaica, for example). Whether or not the government of the country that hosts the highest court is forcing the former territory to use its court as its last court of appeal is irrelevant, really. For, using YOUR sources' definitions of independence, nowhere does it mention that "force" has to be achieved/used, or not used, for (in)dependence to take place. Being dependent on, or relying on, which is the opposite of independence/independent, can in fact negate your status as an independent country or territory. And, yes, it's more than just being economically or financially dependent. People and things dependent on other things and people for a myriad of reasons. In Jamaica's case, the situation is very unique.

[@haggai3.477]

Imagine claiming "ownership" of something that is Essentially *LEASED* How many individuals parade with *POMP AND CEREMONY* thinking they hold the *OFFICE OF CREDITOR* when in *ACTUALITY* they have been *DECEIVED* into occupying the *OFFICE OF THE DEBTOR* Why is *LATIN* prominently on the *U.S NEGOTIABLE DEBT INSTRUMENT* simply because they *KNOW* most who use it *CAN'T READ IT* Certant Omnes Sed Non Omnibus Palmam

[@orvillebennett5931]

As usual Irina....a truly thorough research. Well done. Thank you.

[@marciawhite]

Once again brilliant information.💪💚👏Thank you Irie

[@lennoxsmith915]

I think u are a God sent to Jamaica. Weldone on your research and documentaries! Love you 😊

[@geneivemorris5039]

Informative. Thank you Irie.

[@javelletaylor2659]

I am coming over from the Paul Bogle content. Big thanks for the work 🙏

[@Grooovie725]

I learned a lot via this video. Thanks

[@keithcookingandsharing1816]

Iriena, you are the very best. Thanks for explaning the difference between independent and dependent!

[@geoffreytulloch3215]

Thank you Irene. Dispelling these myths for folks helps to bring about a more informed society. The more Jamaicans know about laws and state policies, is the better they are able to make decisions that benefit themselves and their country.

[@donovanmcbean2709]

Irie, my sister, keep doing your thing. You are making a difference!

[@max-imumarmor]

I love you ❤. Excellent video... as usual.

[@clintonking819]

Good n ya Irene " that's Aussie Slang!...im Jamaican/ Australian n have viewed your Vlogs regularly!!.. you 're definitely an Asset to Jamaica!!!!

[@tonychang3080]

This is very well done even if one has different opinions I would think they would admit it is good content

[@cleverB634]

I personally don't think any country is really, truly independent. We all live in a global society. UK, with a chip on their shoulder thought they were independent, until the leave the EU. We are all interdependent, wether Caribbean, the Americas, Europe,, Asia etc. we all need each other to survive

[@JAMAICAWITHIRIE]

yes, you're right, but the term "independent country" is a political term simply to distinguish countries with their own foreign policies and countries where decisions are made by the Governments of other countries.

[@cleverB634]

@@JAMAICAWITHIRIE thank you ISO much for explaining it to me. 🙏🏾🙏🏾

[@paulmarriott266]

JAMAICA WITH IRIE, as usual, well done! Your study has satisfied the legal definition of an independent nation. Consequently, I accept that Jamaica satisfies the requirements that you pointed to while admitting that I was one of those who professed that we were not quite independent. I'll just make mention of two observations about this topic. Firstly, it's quite a paradox that Jamaica is independent, but the "head of state" is the British monarch. Secondly, if i may just highlight some important points about your quotation, "an independent country is free from outside control when it comes to making decisions." That is ideally true. However, there are factors that come into play that can and have influenced decision-making. The world of geopolitics predominates and especially as it pertains to the economic strength of a nation, region, or block, and the strength of the leadership of these countries. Size and population are also factors that come into play. In Jamaica's case, we had developed a reputation of being mendicants, both of cash and kind, spanning a very long time. This has resulted in individual countries and regional blocks like the EU or UN to actually influence policy-making in Jamaica. This, however, is more a symptom of weak leadership and not suggestive of an absence of independence. Outside influence is always present. One only has to look at the recent diplomatic row over an American diplomat and his same gender partner when we were essentially being blackmailed into accepting him or else. Now, this is where the strength of an economy, the strength of the county's leadership, and even its size makes an enormous difference. The US would have never presented such an issue before the Saudis, Chinese, or Singaporeans because they know that there would be severe backlash. Respect!

[@JAMAICAWITHIRIE]

These are some very good arguments, thank you for sharing!

[@selroywestfield4236]

​@JAMAICAWITHIRIE where's d Irish jamaican video?

[@JAMAICAWITHIRIE]

@@selroywestfield4236 at the editing stage, should come out before the end of September

[@selroywestfield4236]

@@JAMAICAWITHIRIE ok thanks

[@faithm2535]

@@JAMAICAWITHIRIECan you please advise why a comment I just posted was ‘removed’? I don’t believe YOU personally delete comments, but your channel appear to have YT’s extra selective filtering attached to it. Ty

[@bulufish8208]

Every country in the world 🌎 should have a IRIE.........

[@calligraphy4851]

8:25 Thanks Irena. In that video, the link to the following documents are broken: (1)Jamaica Constitution,1962 (2)Jamaica Independence Act, 1962 (3)West Indies Act, 1962. I was wondering if you could add a current link there and in the description section of this video. Please and thanks.

[@BlaqRaq]

I guess I do not know what an independent country is then. Covid showed me all I needed to know about sovereignty. Did we forget that ill coloured flag flown on local grounds? That flag, was not a national or international flag but served as a deliberate reminder of whose knee is in whose neck. Those political innuendos brings me right back into the history books of our wailing forefathers. Independence is like freedom, it is not a name but a state. "Are we there yet?"

[@halfmoonmario3]

No, you don’t.

[@JAMAICAWITHIRIE]

Independence and Freedom are two different concepts. A country can be independent, but not free (e.g. Belarus, Cuba, North Korea), or a place can be free, but not an independent country (e.g. Cayman Islands, Puerto Rico etc). It's just that the term itself "independent country" has a direct relation to politics only, not to what many people view as "independence", often replacing other words with it like freedom, isolation, self-sufficiency etc.

[@Crabtoe]

​@@JAMAICAWITHIRIEwe aren't an independent country. Our coat if arms tells us who our masters are. We are still mastered by the slavers

[@jenniferm634]

Thank for ur documentary good work

[@msevans2884]

Excellent, well presented. Thank you.

[@trevorbolto4436]

Thanks for explaining! For a long time I was seeing the British government and the Queen as one and the same!

[@kattahb4103]

Irina, you have opened a huge can of worms. They are all wiggling out. Great topic. Im enjoying reading ALL the comments. Sometimes they are equally as interesting as the videos. ❤❤

[@youngsamty1351]

Irie I agree with you 💯 %

[@geraldineafflick3947]

Very well articulate and presented in a succinct and attention grabbing fashion….well done bright star!

[@andrelawrence-e2v]

Awesome video!

[@kingston166]

Thanks Irina! Very informative as usual. I not sure what is the role of the Governor General?

[@larrybarrett5810]

Good Day !

[@cleverB634]

True word Irena. My sentiments exactly

[@dalebent6858]

So true

[@jamaicantillidieinmyownwor5517]

The British Monarchy draws from Jamaican coffers (tax payers) for support in the performance of His Majesty’s duties when in Jamaica or acting as King of Jamaica (He bill us). Jamaican tax dollars pay for the costs associated with the Governor-General in the exercise of the powers of the Crown, including travel, security, residences, offices, ceremonies, and the like. The Jamaican Government just announce a $34 million salary increase for the GG to be paid for by the Jamaican Tax Payers

[@AbstractDivinity1]

My question is what’s the purpose for Jamaica having a monarchy if it’s an independent nation? Because of that Jamaica doesn’t have a Jamaican president but a Prime Minister who takes orders from the Governor General who’s the Kings representative.

[@JonathanSinclair-zx]

Excellent academic video as usual. I really think a lot of the naysaying should upset us, not only because of the labor and cost paid by our ancestors but because there are political influences aimed at getting people to disengage politically because every lost vote is one more in favor of those who want to influence the government to do whatever they want which may not be in the public's best interest.

[@Ewartonman1]

Much thanks for the info 👍 😊

[@goodness8910]

YOU ARE THE LADY FOR RESEARCHING 🎉❤

[@aaronbrown2651]

If Jamaica is independent then why does the governor general get pay from the UK government which is controlled by the British royal family

[@jamaicantillidieinmyownwor5517]

The British Monarchy draws from Jamaican coffers (tax payers) for support in the performance of His Majesty’s duties when in Jamaica or acting as King of Jamaica (He bill us). Jamaican tax dollars pay for the costs associated with the Governor-General in the exercise of the powers of the Crown, including travel, security, residences, offices, ceremonies, and the like. The Jamaican Government just announce a $34 million salary increase for the GG to be paid for by the Jamaican Tax Payers

[@chayden1402]

As usual 😅you are putting the controversy too rest!!👏🏾👏🏾👍🏾🇯🇲keep the truth coming we have too stomp out ignorance in jamaica.

[@Boiidann_fx]

Need to share this with the Rasta community

[@hutchinsonjohnson2909]

Irie i am telling you or right on the .money. you or . More Jamaican then a lot off my fellow Jamaican you show more respect to my country then a lot of my country man respect for that sister

[@Dogofwar9]

So long as Jamaica stays a common wealth it isn’t independent in my mind. There wouldnt be widespread reporting about Jamaica and other countries wanting to cut ties with their former colonizer if you were fully independent. The head of state and court is Britain lol how can we reasonably say this is an independent country? The fact that Jamaica can make its own laws is irrelevant if it needs the royal families ok for it to get passed. Plus the IMF, ISDS policies and other policies or entities make it near impossible for the country (and others) to truly grow not just survive. I would advise people to watch Matt Kennard interviews on youtube

[@shazzabbegg9934]

You do know that joining and leaving the commonwealth is voluntary. Perhaps you should request a referendum to the beautiful people of Jamaica to decide. Regardless, I will always adore and love Jamaica, the people are amazing. To voluntarily leave the commonwealth must be their choice. God bless Jamaica ❤️.

[@donaldtracey4541]

You broke it down clearly and I fully understand. I still say Jamaica is Dependent, 'Not In' . It's a illusion to think that Jamaica is not influence and control by external forces . It's a science, Political Science, Social Science construct that is set up in every country by the powers that Be. Raspect... Irie 🙏

[@DJ_Randy_B]

🙏

[@trevorsteer7331]

True, but being "infuenced" and being "independent" (or as you put it "dependent") are two different things. Every Country, even the USA is "influenced" and / or "dependent" on other Countries in one way or another. And that was the point of this video...to explain what an "Independent Country" is., and WHY Jamaica is Independent. But I realize you understand this, and have acknowledged it. Kudo's to you on that.

[@hephzibahbradshaw9509]

Thank you.

[@JayfkProductions876]

Most kno that wi nuh really independent as we're locked in on so many levels to the 🇬🇧 & 🇺🇸

[@chrisper7527]

The people will not feel independent if independence is based on a dictionary written by westerners. Since it’s inception, Jamaica has had an “independent” government, ruled by a governor. But the Governor was appointed by and answerable to the Crown. Jamaica still has a Governor, answerable to the Crown. Yes, the government makes local and international decisions independently, but the intrinsic structure of Jamaica is still under the Crown. That is not independent. Jamaica must become a Republic to truly gain independence. The colonials have a wonderful way of making changes without making changes. They are very deceptive. The Canadians, Australians, New Zelanders, and other Commonwealth countries will tell you that they are very proud of their allegiance to the British Crown. They bow in deference. Is that independent? The French gave independence to its colonies in Africa, but we all see how that is going. Irina, we appreciate most of your views, but as an outsider, not connected to the past experiences, you will never understand.🤷🏽‍♂️🇯🇲🇺🇸 14:05

[@nigeljames9727]

Exactly that's what I am saying , the land in Jamaica is called crown which belongs to the crown , if you should find gold or treasure the government has right to seize it and give it to the crown.

[@carleeramsey1444]

Knowledge is power teach them

[@gengamerx4642]

We know Jamaica is an independent country, but we'd like to be truly independent, there's a difference. Shed all ties with the former colonial power, they might not have as much authority as they did before, but it's the sense of dignity we'll have as a predominantly black nation that will be important for us to move forward. Those people have done the worst things imaginable to our people for centuries, the times may have changed, but our dark history never will.They can change their laws at any time to have more dominion over us, It's important that we become a republic to avoid being subjugated to anyone else's constitution. If the monarchy is not doing anything to help us grow, what's the point of keeping it? You have to wake up and start thinking! We've gotten this far on our own, and we can absolutely go further. Her country is at war with a country we trade with, of course she's gonna want you to be allies with her allies. Ukrainians have been openly racist, we have our own problems that we have to address. I want everybody reading this post to understand why we can only move forward as a republic.

[@nigeljames9727]

you are right Ukrainians are racist people.

[@shamar8411]

I hear you, but many Jamaicans are not bright enough to see through Irie's white face.

[@blackallday]

I love this lady ❤🇯🇲🇯🇲🇯🇲

[@cleverB634]

Irena, pls can you do a podcast about the crab situation. You are the only one I trust. The others with the exception of David. Was jus one sided and I think they caused more damage than good to the street food industry in Jamaica. Blesseings. I know this vlog wasn't about that. But needed to reach out to u in some way. You are the only person who is professional and intelligent to do this. Others just talk without research and facts❤❤❤❤

[@jamessexton4506]

Well explained! I can tell you're a teacher. "Independence" means making one's own decisions not freedom from (consideration of) the consequences thereof. NOBODY is really independent in the latter sense. Many people also get confused about the "head of state". As you said, Canada & Australia are constitutional monarchies too and have the same HoS, King Charles. They are also independent countries.

[@onestopculturaltoursja]

Thank you for providing clarity on the matter. There has been much confusion on the issue of 'Jamaica's independence', but now i can share your vlog and out the natter to rest. 🇯🇲 🇬🇧 🇯🇲

[@LLPRLTD]

The current Jamaican monarch and head of state, since 8 September 2022, is King Charles III. Edit: Doesn't matter I know I know nothing

[@eslinemills376]

I get your point, but the monarchy holds the power to veto government policies and frequently use that power albeit in secret. Thank you for another factual podcast.

[@diannetgoldingfrankson2105]

You are inventing a reality to fill your fantasy; I say it all the time no matter how sensible an explanation is, you will always find a person who will invent nonsense to support their erroneous belief.

[@JAMAICAWITHIRIE]

Thank you, glad you found the video useful. However, the Monarchy does NOT have the power to veto the Government policies. They can only veto the Government policy if the other Government power in Jamaica tells them to do so (aka opposition). So, to put it simply - the party in the opposition has the power to veto the current Government's policy with the help of the Monarch, because the Monarch can only do what's told by the Parliament. This was actually once attempted in Australia (they tried to remove the PM). Check out my video where I go into the details of how this works here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/noDcnZqlgph7iqMsi=nWmJbCihk-lnwxSR

[@jamaicantillidie6626]

In secret, so how you know... You are just assuming some made up rubbish.

[@diannetgoldingfrankson2105]

@@jamaicantillidie6626, no not assuming I know enough actual facts to know you are chatting nonsense. But why waste my time, nothing that is said will ever change the mind of someone deluded into believing in their own rabbit hole of foolishness.

[@jamaicantillidie6626]

Who ever said the Monarchy veto legislation in secret my response was for them.

[@PaulBrown-ty5kc]

Jamaica needs to practice self-reliance.

[@JAMAICAWITHIRIE]

self-reliance for an island is a challenge and can only be practiced to an extent.. Then we need fuel, computers and other technology, which we don't have on the island.

[@PaulBrown-ty5kc]

@@JAMAICAWITHIRIE at least, where food is concerned .

[@barbaralundie8457]

Self-reliance would mean educating the masses to be inventors of technology, need engineers, scientists, good educators, computer chips, etc. Even the US who frequently denounce China collaborate with them on many technological projects. Jamaica cannot survive on its sunshine alone to be self-reliance.

[@kattahb4103]

@@barbaralundie8457 Well said!...

[@donaldduncan6017]

You make sense out of nonsense! BRAVO 😂😂😂

[@ianjohnson1328]

Irie, I'd like to get in touch with you, thanks

[@tonylevy4856]

God bless irie for making Jamaican knows that thank you now they knows

[@hutchinsonjohnson2909]

Irie your or telling true about Jamaica. Your do your research very well

[@jackieb1853]

I love your videos thanks for sharing your information and doing the research. I really want to know what is the easiest way and the process to travel with my pets from the UK to Jamaica? I have done some research but still feel overwhelmed by the whole process. Pls pls pls Could you create a video on this subject. Thank you.😊

[@waitaminute2015]

Jamaica is not pet friendly. I don't know of any hotels that accept pets, and very few Airbnb if any. Socially it's not acceptable to bring your pets around . If you are moving there maybe it's worth the effort, but not for a visit.

[@stephanie2049]

@@waitaminute2015 thanks for the advice but I meant to bring to my own property

[@waitaminute2015]

@@stephanie2049 I only know of a friend who brought a cat from Jamaica to California. Paperwork and fees were in the thousands. Start with customs maybe? Also if you're bringing it back to the US, there's a ban for dogs until 2024 for some countries. You'll have to Google all of this, since rules change.

[@JITENDRAYEWALE]

Hi so much love from India

[@yasminmorais3154]

Thanks for doing a video on this highly debated topic by Jamaicans. I want to think that we have achieved a high level of self-governance. However, I would not say we are fully independent. If we were, we would take the hint that the Privy Council truly wants us to not see it as our court of last resort. We would have the confidence like Barbados and others in the Caribbean Court of Justice. We also would not retain laws on our books that have their roots in colonialism. We are getting there, but a lot more needs to be done. At least we are not British Overseas Territories.

[@JAMAICAWITHIRIE]

There is a lot more to be done, you're right, and even when it's done - there will still be room for improvements. The reason why Jamaica isn't moving as fast as Barbados is because Barbados didn't have such a detrimental influence of the USSR and Soviet interference into their politics, like Jamaica had, as a result Jamaican economy was seriously damaged by the USSR "friendship", which in turn pushed Jamaica behind some other Caribbean nations. Luckily though Jamaica took mostly the good things from "socialism" ideas (made education and medicine available to everyone), but in the end managed to get out of russian influence. However, because of that "experiment" - Jamaica has been focusing around solving its economical problems and getting out of poverty which in turn was also driving crime rate high, so Jamaica got stuck in that vicious circle and had no time nor money to focus on becoming a republic or working on other political aspects. However, the last 10 years have been very successful for Jamaica and it's moving forward both economically and politically very fast. Let's keep the pace.

[@kattahb4103]

​@@JAMAICAWITHIRIESo, basically the Prime Minister that everyone loves and admire so much, MM, did the country more harm than good in his quest for an independent Jamaica?. That has always been my view and I will keep it. I must add...that it wasnt intentional on his part. Regardless, we are here NOW. I hope the current administration is able to keep chugging on their quest to get the country on track. It takes and needs a certain mindset to govern the country or else we will not get there! Im afraid the General Populus might not see it this way! Ignorance is a hell of a thing!

[@JAMAICAWITHIRIE]

@@kattahb4103 Michael Manley? From what I've read and watched - he meant to do good and he loved his country and people, but things don't always work out the way planned and he sadly chose the wrong path. Today we know that socialism in its Soviet form is a disaster and a death sentence for any economy but in those days it was not obvious yet, so many countries fell into the Soviet trap.

[@kattahb4103]

@@JAMAICAWITHIRIE You are absolutely correct. I agree and understand your sentiments. I will again say...his ignorance and love for his country assisted us into this mess!

[@claudettejackson870]

You are correct

[@agro-valleyfarm7217]

Corrections: Firstly if Jamaica is independent then (1) why is that Each Bill adopted by the Parliament must be approved by The Governor-General before it becomes the law of the land-is this the case in a Republic??? Who does the Governor General Represent-the people of Jamaica or an alien??? ; AND The Jamaican constitution is NOT a product of our Parliament but it is an Order of Council that was written by the British Monarchy-which independent country have their constitution written for them by their colonizer??? Secondly, the IMF and World Bank are NOT neutral organizations-they are controlled by europeans. They have been used as tools by America and its EU counterparts to wreck havoc in "Third WORLD"" countries. This explanis why so many countries from the "Thirld World" are so eager to join BRICS.

[@jamaicantillidie6626]

Because that is the system of Government/Framework we have. Name one bill adopted by the Parliament and was rejected by the Governor-General. Just one.

[@agro-valleyfarm7217]

Who does the GG represent-the british monarchy. No bill can become a law without the GG approval-that's not how it works in a republic. You can't be a slave and be free at the same time. What many of you people who have bought into this "bogus" claim of independence fail to understand is that INDEPENDENCE is NOT an event but a process. @@jamaicantillidie6626

[@DJ_Randy_B]

@@jamaicantillidie6626 lol How did I know I would find a reply from you here. Can I ask why are you so against the idea of us not being as free as certain people would like us to believe? Do you really believe the current system is perfect as it is?

[@chrisper7527]

@@jamaicantillidie6626, there you go. You are agreeing that the Governor General is the Crown’s representative, regardless of how many bills the GG approves. That is not independence. There are many Jamaicans who laments about the past and Jamaica’s umbilical cord being severed from Britain. Jamaica has a long way to go to recognize and reconcile its sovereignty.

[@jamaicantillidie6626]

@@chrisper7527 "You are agreeing that the Governor General is the Crown’s representative," ....That is a fact that does not need any agreeing to. The King Of England is the Head of State for the Monarchy of Jamaica. That is also a fact. That is the political system and Government structure we have.

[@MarloMitchell]

This is how you know people that didn't pay attention in school.

[@frankmorris3361]

OK people, for all of you who love this video. Let's remind this lady who the GOVERNOR GENERAL of Jamaica is. The Governor General carries out many constitutional, ceremonial, and other important functions. This includes signing Acts of Parliament to make them law, appointing Prime Ministers, and accrediting diplomats sent to Antigua & Barbuda by foreign countries. The governor-general represents the monarch. He reports to the King of England. Ok so if the host of this video has a child and the child does everything on its own, however, that child has to inform their parents of everything they do and the parent gives a yes or no, who IS REALLY in charge of that child in all decisions? DONE! ask the prime minister and the host of this video, why he has to get the Governor general's approval before imposing any state of emergency due to crime.

[@bobfrost8321]

Irina has done a good job of academically defining Jamaican independence. Realpolitik actually determines that the U.S. decides Jamaica's foreign policy. Any Jamaican Prime Minister who actively opposes American foreign policy will be removed from power, and likely in short order. I don't approve of this unfortunate reality, but as a realist, I must recognize that it is a reality.

[@neckethacoy6665]

IRIE is MAKING quite sure to secure her spot /place in Jamaica by always making sure to say the right thing at all times so she doesn't get kicked out 💯🤔👀🧐😎

[@corydouglas-ms7lj]

Lady you are wrong. Queen Elizabeth always referred to the UK government has her government which means she is the owner just like you have people who don’t think Brittany still has control over the United States. And they clearly do when they come here it’s not just shake hands and smile. Everything is for a reason. the Jamaican military owned by the British crown, which also owned the police force in Jamaica. When you join the military in Jamaica, you have to swear to serve the crown when you join the police force you have to swear to serve the crown.

[@christopherm5157]

For this to make any sense, it has to be brought under one homogenous structure with the Jamaican Nationals and Citizens as sovereign.

[@jadestockton6667]

I want to move here am like 31 and child 4 I just wudnt no we’re to start or how to go about it 🙄😬

[@Crabtoe]

Then why do our so call govt, military, judiciary and police swear allegiance to the British monarchy? This is utter bull-shitting

[@lugapastrymusic]

❤ 🇯🇲

[@bushkashy]

Need a little clarity, why do we say long live the KING in our courts, and why do we have a governor general.

[@roblue2647]

“BRAVO!” Good lessons to some of “The BONE Headed People.” Education and Research is “Key.”

[@agro-valleyfarm7217]

Do your own research too because her explanations about JA being independent is flawed. INDEPENDENCE is NOT an event but a process. GOOGLE: The Myth of Independence- Middle Class Politics and Non-Mobilization in Jamaica, By Louis Lindsay

[@BlaqRaq]

Say what you may. But we have a very short straw. We ask, "how high?" To be independent, we have to be seen as a bargaining body and not a go-for.

[@statsja]

fully agree I was here when Manley tried to flex his independence and look what happened to him it is and illusion to keep us thinking that we're doing just fine. it all looks good from a text book the reality is quite different.@@agro-valleyfarm7217

[@JAMAICAWITHIRIE]

@@agro-valleyfarm7217 At the end of this video I deliberately brought up an example where I explain the difference between "independent" and "independent country". The problem is that you still think that "an independent country" has anything to do with processes, while it is simply a political term to distinguish countries with local governments that have foreign policy and those who don't. This term doesn't actually mean "independence" in the way you think it does. As an analogy - you're arguing that the term "hot food" means that the food is always hot, while I'm trying to explain that it's a specific term simply to indicate that the food is spicy, while spicy can be either hot, cold or warm.

[@agro-valleyfarm7217]

The anology that you used at the end of your video DOES NOT address the issue as to whether or not if Jamaica is an independent country-you have only explained that although the SENTINELESE people have achieved some level of SELF-SUFFICIENCY that does not make the SENTINEL island a sovereign state/independent country as it is a part of INDIA. @@JAMAICAWITHIRIE. What make a country an independent country AND being able to borrow money from the IMF or World Bank is NOT one of them. Recently Uganga asserted its sovereign right to NOT support homosexuality and for doing so it has been disqualified by the white controlled World Bank from borrowing money from it. In regards to a country the terms independent (level of independence-being self-determined, achieving self-sufficiency etc) and being an independent country are NOT mutually exclusive-they are both inextricably linked together. It's like land and housing go hand-in-hand together-it's not possible to have housing without land. The level of indendence of a country determines how independent it is. And that is why a country becoming independent is a process and not an event. Also no country on this planet can consider itself to be 100 percent independent because they are vulvernable in some areas-lack of resources etc. Since the 2014 US sponsored coup in your country that removed President Viktor Yanukovych from office, is Ucraine still an independent country???

[@robertlussier2944]

Being gay in Britain has been legal for decades. Isn't it still against the law in Jamaica? Another example of your independence 😢

[@JAMAICAWITHIRIE]

Being gay is NOT against the law in Jamaica. Having anal sex is. There is a huge difference between the two: not all gays are men, not all gays have anal sex, not all who have anal sex are gay. This law applies to both - homosexual and hetrosexual relationships, though nobody ever was punished for it in Jamaica. A more interesting question is though - how is it related to the independence? It's a local law, even if Jamaica stayed a British Colony, it could have kept this law, because it's based on the Jamaican interpretation of Christianity.

[@leststoner]

So what's the Governor General for?

[@croesusdelta231]

You said it, no country is independent. They are "sovereign nations". The word "independent" us applied to Jamaica and many African countries because they were at one point colonized by another country. They may have since gained independence from that particular colonizer, but that does not mean that they are fully independent of the cultural, historical, economic, legislative, linguistic, hegemonic influences, etc. That being said, the country does enjoy some level of independence, but again this can be affected by the political institutions and traditions of the colonizer that are still in place and adhered to.

[@marlonbrown553]

❤

[@jacquesdutron9954]

Then again, how many are?

[@jacquelinewelch7635]

🇯🇲 I use to think Jamaica was an independent country, because I was there in 1962 at the celebration. I was a kid in 1962 so I didn't really understood the meaning of the celebration, but I did enjoy the fun and flag waving. Now, based on "your" and the dictionary's definition of the word: "Independent," how is Jamaica an independent country? When: Jamaica's higest court in the land (as you say) is in Britain. And, Britian can deport their citizens offsprings to Jamaica because there British citizen parents didn't register them before an appointed date to be seen as British. USA can come to Jamaica to arrest and excort an accused to court in USA when the accused does a crime via the phone in USA, such as scamming, but Jamaica cannot do the same to a British or USA citizen. And, I am sure not to a Canadian or Australian citizen.🇯🇲

[@JAMAICAWITHIRIE]

Jamaicans can be deported from the UK because Jamaica is an independent country and not a part of the UK, so Jamaica citizens need to have permissions to be in a foreign country in the same way as the UK citizens need a permission to stay in Jamaica (e.g. for work/study). Australians or Canadians can be deported from the UK in the same way, as they also need permission to be able to work/live in the UK. It also happens the other way around - e.g. I know an English lady (with the UK passport) who was deported from Jamaica because she was only allowed to stay here as a tourist, but she decided to do some work and get a work permit while being in Jamaica, which goes against Jamaican laws, so her passport was withheld and then returned to her at the airport as she was deported to the UK. Note though, the situation with deportations of the Windrush generation people is an entirely different situation, because those people came to the UK when Jamaica was still a UK colony, so their case is different and that's why it was a huge issue and the UK apologized for this.

[@jacquelinewelch7635]

@@JAMAICAWITHIRIE 🇯🇲You are whitewashing the Windrush fiasco. Children that were born to British citizens were deported to a country they have limited knowledge. Also, Jamaicans of the Windrush generation fell victim to the new requirement imposed by Britain in an attempt to clean house. We saw Jamaicans who went to Britian when Britain was issuing Jamaican passports, during the period in question, returned to Jamaica on holiday and could not return to Britian. Did you say apology? Are you saying that Great Britain made an error - or did it became an error because their calus behaviour was exposed in the media?🇯🇲

[@JAMAICAWITHIRIE]

​@@jacquelinewelch7635 I am not whitewashing anything, in fact - I didn't provide any opinion on the subject. Instead, I simply pointed out that it is a completely unrelated case to the question "is Jamaica an independent country".

[@jacquelinewelch7635]

@@JAMAICAWITHIRIE🇯🇲 And, I am saying if it was an independent country, another country could not come into Jamaica to arrest its citizens that they are accusing of doing a crime by phone against that country - namely the USA court, not the "Privy Counsel" in Britian. I guess, we are going to have to agree to disagree. Mi gwaan!🤐🇯🇲

[@waitaminute2015]

​@@jacquelinewelch7635extradition agreements are different. The US has an agreement with Jamaica and it works both ways.