GroupAssignment_20222.docx

Examine the development of Jamaica’s one (1) main Political Parties and explore 1 ways that has contributed to the development of Jamaica.

Rubric/Allocation of Marks

1. A synopsis of the historical development of Jamaica Labor Party. – 10 Marks
2. Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) contributions to Jamaica’s development. – 40 Marks
3. Conclusion- summary of main points covered. – 4 Marks
____________

Below are the points I need you to write on:
1. The Jamaica Labor Party (JLP) is one of the two remaining political parties in Jamaica. Its influence upon Jamaica is due primarily to the skillful leadership of William Alexander Clarke, otherwise known as Alexander Bustamante. Bustamante was born in Blenheim in the parish of Hanover, Jamaica, on February 24, 1884, and migrated to Cuba in 1905 at the age of twenty-one.
 
       After Bustamante returned from Cuba in 1934 he wrote frequent letters to the Jamaican newspapers, most of them focusing on topical issues and demonstrating his concern for the condition of poor black laborers. 
 
      By 1937 he had developed such a large readership that he could turn most of his attention to traveling and holding small private meetings in response to the incidence of labor riots on the island. 
 
      At one meeting in Kingston, Bustamante charged that he was attacked because of his support for improvement in the working conditions of the masses. By then his magnetic personality and charisma endeared him to his followers. On May 23, 1938, he addressed a large crowd of striking workers under Queen Victoria’s statue in South Parade, Kingston. 
 
        Security forces moved in to break up the crowd, and Bustamante challenged them to shoot him instead of the workers he led. He and other labor leaders were arrested. His pugnacity, however, cemented his place in their hearts and minds and many became his ardent supporters.
 
2. The following are the contributions of Jamaica Labor Party:
· BIRTH OF THE MODERN WORKERS MOVEMENT 1938 – 1940

· The Jamaica Industrial Development Corporation (JIDC) and the Agricultural Development Corporation (ADC) were formed to encourage and develop industry and agriculture, two vital sectors of the economy. 1952