30 Years of shame - State of Emergency unresolved

[Wardob]

Re: 30 Years of shame - State of Emergency unresolved


Tuff:
“My own experience of the SOE1976 was to see anyone that was labeled as a Labourite, they were either beaten, their homes torched, put out area or all of the foregoing.
The so-called Home guards that were sent from certain areas to guard the area battery the young girls, mash dung peple fences and just plain destroyed anything that felt like"

Well said,(and great post) we were there and share your experience, not certain if other were, to say it was not a tough time especially as you noted for Laborites or one labeled Laborite, can only come from those comrades who were the protected and privileged of the Country or were in Jamaica only in a dream.

Mike Henry:-
“Is Mr Burke ignoring or conveniently forgetting that (1) the JLP candidate Mike Henry was shot in York Town in 1976 and was forced to campaign on crutches.”

I wonder if Remo knew anything about that, oh maybe his cousin forget to tell him about it or he was told but like Mr. Burke he knows but ignore or conveniently forget

[Tuff Gong]

Re: 30 Years of shame - State of Emergency unresolved

[ QUOTE ]
That really was a tough time for all Jamaicans. Thanks for your insight and memories. [img]/forums/images/graemlins/70409-waytogo.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

Yes I agree with you it was a really tough time for most Jamaicans, other than the ones who benefited from the corrupt policies of M. Menlie and his gang.

As I have said before our area was part of a Constituency that always supported the PNP. Back then it was solidly Middle Class. In one square mile we had the heaviest concentration of Chinese than a square mile anywhere else in Jamaica. Neat fences surrounded 99% of all homes occupied by their owners, or tenants on long leases .The destruction of the peace and quiet that we enjoyed started with the ascension of Menlie and his goons to the GOJ it was cemented with the SOE76.

Since we were considered soft-comrades the powers that be sent well-decorated bad men from the tougher areas, they came with guns and the attendant coarseness, to as they say protect us. Many of the youth in our area was recruited as the water bears and foot soldiers. These underlings got the one-pops and rusty cast offs 38 Specials, but the outer-gangsters were armed with semi-automatic pistols and rifles, they also got the construction contracts, any young girls they choose and any amount of food they demanded.

All Chinese and White Jamaicans were chased out of the area. All suspected Labourites were beaten, most left.
I myself had no problems, except once I went out of the Area and was abducted and tortured for three hours

On the wider scene many families were terrorized and just plain packed whatever could hold in a carry on and left via one of the five flights.
In any other civilized country the citizens would look back on this and other atrocities in our history and condemn it. Instead Menlie and PJoke, two of the architects of this destructive period were returned multiple times to the highest ranks of leadership of our country.
Such is the ability of the PNP to overcome their failings that they are able to hoodwink successive generations of Jamaicans to keep putting them in power.

[Tuff Gong]

Re: 30 Years of shame - State of Emergency unresolved

The strategy and anguish of the State of Emergency, 1976 - Pt 3
published: Sunday | July 9, 2006


Edward Seaga

ON JUNE 22, 1976, Prime Minister Michael Manley addressed the House of Representatives on the State of Emergency declared three days earlier on June 19. This was the first opportunity the people of Jamaica would have had to hear specifics on the reasons for and consequences of the declaration of the State of Emergency.

Manley was very specific in his presentation but some vital facts were omitted or distorted which were critical for public understanding of the true purpose of the declaration.

There were some principal reasons for the declaration and some lesser ones undoubtedly. The principal reason was, as the Prime Minister stated, "A new and unique type of violence" which had emerged.

Trench Town was the first instance. Gunmen went on a rampage firing a barrage of shots and barricading the roads, preventing police and firemen from entering the area for the first time.

What was omitted from this brief notation was the politics behind the rampage. Gunmen aligned with the People's National Party (PNP) launched a campaign of terror to politically cleanse the predominantly Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) sections of Trench Town and Jones Town by firing high-powered weapons into homes and setting them ablaze with Molotov cocktails. The towering billows of fire could be seen across the city. The attacks were repeated on several occasions over the next six weeks.

By then the political damage had been done. An estimated 3,000 residents of Trench Town fled to various areas of St. Catherine. The land on which they resided was now free to expand the new community of Arnett Gardens. But a large part of this once densely populated land remained empty for the next 30 years.

ORANGE LANE FIRE

Manley identified another instance of "a new and unique type of violence" occurring on May 19, 1976, at Orange Lane. Tenements were destroyed by arson leaving 500 residents homeless and 11 persons burned to death in the holocaust. Gunmen fired a barrage of shots to prevent firemen in the station next door from entering the area. Gunmen even committed the ultimate act of brutality, pulling babies from the arms of some fleeing mothers, tossing them back into the flaming houses. This act of savagery, which stands out as one of the most barbarous in Jamaican history, was condemned by Manley in his presentation as another "new and unique type of violence" which precipitated the need for a State of Emergency.

What Manley did not say was that the instigators, once again, were gunmen aligned with the PNP. Although the political identity of the terrorists was generally known by persons who lived in the inner city, it was never officially determined until Mr. Justice Small, who presided over a commission of enquiry on the Orange Lane Fire, decided to hear certain witnesses who, out of fear, wished to be heard in secret. Justice Small, in a secret report, identified the terrorists as supporters of the PNP originating from Arnett Gardens. The secret report was never published.

UNIQUE TERRORISM

Had Manley given full disclosure on these two pivotal events as unique instances of terrorism to be decisively stamped out without wrongly implicating the JLP, he would have had full political support. But he claimed that these acts "served a double purpose of embarrassing the economy and undermining the democratically elected government." This clearly labelled the two atrocities as acts of terror instigated by the JLP against the Government, deliberately paving the way for Government to declare the State of Emergency to target the JLP.

If there was any further doubt that the Government was launching a devious plot to entrap its political opponents, all doubts were demolished by Manley's further allegations in his presentation in which he blamed the JLP for discrediting the electoral system, undermining the democratically-elected Government and, of spreading hysteria by accusing the Government of being communists. This caused the entrepreneurial classes to export their money, slow down business activity and cease any expansion.

MESSIANIC COMPLEX

This is a clear picture of a leader with a messianic complex who could not accept that these positions taken by the Opposition were part of its legitimate role in an open Westminster system of government. Manley obviously regarded criticism as attacks on Government, as is the case in socialist types of governments where harsh criticism of the state is not tolerated. This only reinforced the allegation of Manley's deep socialist commitment. It is the role of government to refute or dispute such criticism by advancing convincing arguments to the contrary, not by locking up the Opposition in a State of Emergency to incapacitate and immobilise opposition support.

But worse was to come. Manley's trump card was his claim that the security forces warned that a new wave of violence would be launched at the end of June to coincide with the staging of Carifesta, the regional cultural expo. He compared this to the holding of another international conference on January 5, between the IMF and World Bank with the Group of 24 Developing Nations at the Pegasus Hotel where a large turnout of the international press and diplomatic corps was present.

An anti-apartheid protest was held outside the hotel, organised by PNP supporters led by Government ministers to denounce the presence of a South African delegate. But the media also got a spectacular view of the distant skyline of fire as Trench Town burned. The international media reported on the political mayhem to the detriment of Jamaica. Manley rightfully did not wish a repeat performance but deliberately failed to say that the damage was done by gunmen on a rampage of arson and killings in Trench Town.

These were some of the negatives plaguing the Government which Manley chose to ignore while focusing on ways and means of implicating the Opposition in the sliding fortunes of his government.

CROWNING BLOW

The crowning blow to the web of fabrications which Manley weaved in his presentation in the House of Representatives would not be revealed until a commission of enquiry in 1978 on matters concerning the State of Emergency, presided over by Chief Justice Kenneth Smith, uncovered that the head of both intelligence agencies of government, the Special Branch of the Police Force and the Military Intelligence Unit (MIU) of the Jamaica Defence Force, never advised Manley of any potential threat to national security during Carifesta and, indeed, Deputy Commissioner Curtis Griffiths, head of the Special Branch, testified to the commission that he knew nothing about the intention to declare a State of Emergency; he read of it in the press although he was the chief intelligence officer of government. Captain Carl Marsh, in charge of the MIU also gave devastating testimony. He advised that there was no need for a State of Emergency.

The statements by the intelligence chiefs and the secret testimony on the brutal roles of PNP supporters in the Orange Lane Fire were not publicly known before the declaration of the State of Emergency. If full disclosure had been made, the declaration could not have been used as a political instrument to stifle the Opposition.

The path would still have been open, however, to proclaim a state of emergency to genuinely deal with "new and unique types of violence" if the approach had been stripped of politics. This would have created a platform of joint commitment by both parties to effectively stamp out violent crime. Instead, the political campaign of state terror generated such ill-will, aroused such passions and developed such a lust for vengeance that, in the end, the State of Emergency spawned tribal conflicts on a scale that reached the level of a near civil war. The forces activated by that war, once the electoral outcome was settled, virtually detached themselves and progressed on their own as gang members absorbed by other areas of gangsterism: narcotics, extortion and robbery.

To be continued.


Sources: Struggle in the Periphery by Michael Manley; Politics of Power by Pearnel Charles; various ministry papers, archives of The Daily Gleaner.

Edward Seaga was a former Prime Minister. He is now a Distinguished Fellow at the University of the West Indies. Email: [email protected].

The strategy and anguish of the State of Emergency, 1976 - Pt 3

[Q3210]

Re: 30 Years of shame - State of Emergency unresolved

TG, Seaga`s testimonials of the type of man Manley was, how he was a LIAR. The extremes such a man would do to hole on to power.
Such a high coloured man with such a sweet mouth and handsome features at the time was not considered liable to be a demon.
History and the Court by way of the enquiry has proven otherwise. Yet Jamaica has been allowed to be continued to be gobbled up by power maniacs and political self centered opportunists who put political party first after themselves and the nation/ people last if even ever considered but to be surfs and pawns to corrupt means.

[Tuff Gong]

Re: 30 Years of shame - State of Emergency unresolved

[ QUOTE ]
TG, Seaga`s testimonials of the type of man Manley was, how he was a LIAR. The extremes such a man would do to hole on to power.
Such a high coloured man with such a sweet mouth and handsome features at the time was not considered liable to be a demon.
History and the Court by way of the enquiry has proven otherwise. Yet Jamaica has been allowed to be continued to be gobbled up by power maniacs and political self centered opportunists who put political party first after themselves and the nation/ people last if even ever considered but to be surfs and pawns to corrupt means.

[/ QUOTE ]

That is why I sit here and smile because Jamaicans have not changed they still want the trickster, whether they come inna skirt or pants. I hope Eddie continue this look on Menlie use to State Terrorism to gain and remain in power including the Green Bay Killings, in which Capt. Marsh of the MIU also starred.

[Wardob]

Re: 30 Years of shame - State of Emergency unresolved


Tuff, you and the articles you posted said it all, so I just want to say to you, although we stood (and maybe still stand) on the opposite side of the political fence for all of us who suffered, (only because of our political belief) during those days’ thanks for been consistence with the truth, and especially for your fairness when dealing with the subject.

I am hoping through the articles you post the younger members here, will gain a better understanding of what the real truth is, what happen then and to make sure it never happen again.

[img]/forums/images/graemlins/70409-waytogo.gif[/img]

[Tuff Gong]

Re: 30 Years of shame - State of Emergency unresolved

[ QUOTE ]

I am hoping through the articles you post the younger members here, will gain a better understanding of what the real truth is, what happen then and to make sure it never happen again.

[img]/forums/images/graemlins/70409-waytogo.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

Believe me nothing much has changed and it has happened again many times over though not in the same guise. The PNP under the leadership of Menlie and PJoke has used the power given to them terrorize the Jamaican citizens every time they have been in power.

Today the direct beneficiary of the Rema Cleansing is the Prime Minister of Jamaica and she seems to willing to continue the destruction of Jamaica.

[Tuff Gong]

Re: 30 Years of shame - State of Emergency unresolved

June 19, 1976-June 19, 2007

<span style="color: #990000"><span style='font-size: 17pt'>Anniversary of Shame!</span></span>

[Sinco01]

Re: 30 Years of shame - State of Emergency unresolved


well .. no HOme Guards dis time ..

can we forgive ..
for some people this will be hard ..
to have your home attacked ..
your person threathned ..
and your family harassed ..
is hard to forgive ..

and i know most will never forget what being a Labourite / or branded as such was during those days of terror ..

thanks for the reminder Tuffis ..

[Tuff Gong]

Re: 30 Years of shame - State of Emergency unresolved

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sinco01</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
well .. no HOme Guards dis time ..

can we forgive ..
for some people this will be hard ..
to have your home attacked ..
your person threathned ..
and your family harassed ..
is hard to forgive ..

and i know most will never forget what being a Labourite / or branded as such was during those days of terror ..

thanks for the reminder Tuffis ..

</div></div>

You think soh?
Don't sleep pon dis wan:

Thu Jun 14, 2007
District Constabulary to be revamped and expanded

The National Security Ministry is revamping the image and scope of responsibilities of District Constables in the Jamaica Constabulary force.
National Security Minister Dr. Peter Phillips asserted Thursday that the proposed Community Safety Officer Unit will assist the police in its continued thrust at social intervention in addition to regular policing.

Addressing a press conference following his Sectoral presentation in the House Wednesday, Dr. Philips said the success of the unit will rely heavily on the involvement of well-thinking Jamaicans:

<span style="color: #660000">“We want those people to become part of the effort to restore orderly behaviour in our communities. Among the things that they will be asked to look at are the maintenance of public order, focus on environmental breaches, do safety audits of communities, provide protection of community assets such as schools and health centres and of course helping the JCF in some of their functions like patrols,”</span> said Dr. Phillips.

http://www.radiojamaica.com/news/story.php?category=2&story=36876

Soun like HomeDwag unda a different disgize to me!

[Sinco01]

Re: 30 Years of shame - State of Emergency unresolved

mi c dis lass week and completely feget bout it ..


[img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/frown.gif[/img]


the proposed Community Safety Officer Unit will assist the police in its continued thrust at social intervention in addition to regular policing


same mutt .. different litter ..

[Tuff Gong]

Re: 30 Years of shame - State of Emergency unresolved

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Sinco01</div><div class="ubbcode-body">mi c dis lass week and completely feget bout it ..


[img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/frown.gif[/img]


the proposed Community Safety Officer Unit will assist the police in its continued thrust at social intervention in addition to regular policing


same mutt .. different litter .. </div></div>

....and just like the 70s dem have the average folks so scared they will accept any severe, extreme and resolute measure (which was what he once promised), that at first blush looks like a the magic bullet. As they say the devil is in the details.

[Q3210]

Re: 30 Years of shame - State of Emergency unresolved

The PNP and Doc Phillips` band aid solutions of resolute and wretched measures.
I wonder if the JLP has anything different if it were to become the govt.

[Wardob]

Re: 30 Years of shame - State of Emergency unresolved

Q,… Got your V/M, I was supposed to be there but had to be in St. Bess.

That area is tough but still trying. Will PM

[Wahalla]

Re: 30 Years of shame - State of Emergency unresolved

As one of those who lived through this glorious events... I was
profoundly influenced by it.... To be honest at the time growing up Ithought such behaviour was normal but felt in my youthful innocence itwas wrong.... And though we poor country folk were not at the center of the Malestrom we felt the effects..



The blanket condemnation based on perceived political belief, the lossof Heabus Corpus, the separation of poltical and judiciary, the polticalcensorship of the press,. The attempt subvert the role of the police with the home guard ratehr than reform the police into a service.. The harassement of Cargil, Hearne, Maxwell ect.... And the rule by badmanism.. The out right racism.. (a month back a marxist Chinese former senator from the PNP died an interview with him was revealing ).



I have always felt the prolystisation of christianuity was an offense toeducation.... There was an attempt to offer do the same with socialism.. in fact it haooened at times to hear Christians condemned as labourite sellouts was often happened.



But the thing that irks the hell out of me is when people go on aboutthe saint hood of Joshua and how wonderful it was.. And it was all the bad usa. The fact of the matter he ran the economy badly, [censored] off the biggest trading partner who had alternative supply, wasted the good will of our name, under invested in projects that would add value, used the influx of cash from the one good thing he did to establish and run pork
belly projects, put incompetent party hacks in charge of state
enterprises, demonise the creators of wealth, socially elevate being poor as a good thing rather than encourage enterprise, basically as Evanovich put it make the reason detra of government as wealth distribution ratehr than wealth creation then distribution.



"suffra," became the calling card to explain bad behaviour... I am sure Lenin would have written a rationalisation of using anti- social elements to further the cause of socialism.... He certainly rationalised the suspension of rights of citzens to the processes of law. But then for the most of history the process of laws was denyed to the majority in Jamaica... The SOE was simply formalise the poliisation of the police... In fact it is interesting that Adams joined the JCF duringthis period.



Well in the end t the entrapauers were chased to Miami and now their children post fawt about a period their own parents ran from.... (Whythe hell was apples confiscated from vistors at the airport ???) . .
People were harassed and harangued, based on difference, be it skincolour, poltical postion. (How many people ever saw coolie man and chiney man being insulted for running a little shap...as exploiters ???) Well they in the end made it black man time...




It was actually in this period that we deconstructed the economy... I then hear people on here going on about socialism and we need more of that::::: for another country or successful economy... And then rationaisle the bullies, thieves and killers were not really socialist.. Well when a socialist thief he is a socialist....

And those who wernt there never wathced the destruction of our selfs into parodies of failures.... Socilist interlectual pen dragons .... At the heart was teh attempt to force us into a mold that did not fit the last attempt was the SOE...



On a more personal note.... As my formative years were done during
these times.... I had a very insecure existence, being ostrasised,
being threatened was a near constant occurance. It si amusing now to
think back to the times when people who had more than we had come and
tell us me I was exploiter of "Suffera" and we would be sent back to
where we were from. Now reconcile that with the fact I claim Taino
heritage.



The fact of the matter these socialist impoverished the concept of
being African in Jamaica.. the use



The use of Suffera was a coded language for being of African desent ...
The brown middle class hijacked it.... It is amusing to recall DK Duncan
and Manley using expressions as we deh Suffera.. Or When Eli Matalan use
it took some beating...



It may come as a strange fact to many but I though bob was a black man..
I never saw images of him till I was in my later years.. Was too poor to
buy an album and never had a record player any way.. but I recall a
program on the JIS where a man was saying Bob wasn't a suffera as he
had a white father so he should stop pretending.