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Here Comes the Sun: Deconstructed Student Essays

Coffee Plantations Jamaica

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3. "Land Price Increase in Larger Islands" This article was published on Thursday January 14, 1971 by the Financial Times [London, England] and authored by John Bradley, Jamaica Correspondent. Bradley states, “One leader expressed the fears of many when he said one morning West Indians would wake up and find all their land in the hands of foreigners.” The West Indian countries Bradley is referring to are Trinidad, Tobago, Barbados, and Jamaica. He argues that the Tourism Industry has significantly contributed to the skyrocketing land prices on these islands, driven by the potential for foreign investment and capital. Specifically concerning Jamaica, he claims that the government has schemed with foreign businessmen to provide land for tourism and development. This article exemplifies how the creation of “Paradise” comes at the expense of Islanders and illustrates the government’s role in supporting these policies.
4. Briefing Paper, Carter and Manley “This Briefing paper assesses the purpose of President Jimmy Carter's [elect, 1977-1981] upcoming visit to Jamaica. Carter will show, by the willingness of the U.S. to work with the government of Prime Minister Michael Manley [elect, 1972-1980, 1989-1992], that the U.S. accepts political diversity in the Caribbean, and acknowledges Jamaica's role in North-South dialogue.” Based on this document, government distrust may not be unwarranted. There are multiple inconsistencies that appear, possibly implying governmental corruption or coercion. First of all, the United States’ presence in Jamaica suggests that the country is a gateway to access other Caribbean democracies, implicating a belief in Island insularity. Secondly, the visit itself comes during a period in which Jamaica is restabilizing after experiencing crisis economically and politically. It appears that America may be visiting Jamaica to ensure the country remains a “democracy” to serve their imperialist interests. It’s possible that the visit is planned to surveil Jamaica’s leadership and policies to prevent alignment with Cuba’s “right-wing extremism.”
5. Jamaica at the MoMA Digital Print, created by Arlene Hoffman in 1980 entitled Jamaica. The text on the bottom of the print says, “We’re More than a beach. We’re a Country.” This print made me uncomfortable, not only because it’s held by the MoMA in New York, but also because it features women in bathing suits — one in the nude — clearly laying on the beach. The words at the bottom of the print do little to deter from the imaging of the women. I have spoken thoroughly about the gendered aspects of the Tourism Industry, and how women’s bodies are made available to be penetrated and explored, therefore; for this primary source I will go directly to Dennis-Benn’s novel to consider the theoretical work it does to dismantle the authority and prevalence of this kind of images.

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In the image above, Alphonso’s — the current resort owner — family history is offered. The Wellingtons have owned land in Jamaica for three generations. The family, originally from Canada, made their fortune from Coffee and Rum Plantations. As detailed by this excerpt, Alphonso's grandfather “fell in love with the country, and stayed.” His grandfather turned hundreds of acres into an all-inclusive resort. This excerpt reinforces 3 distinct historical and modern implications about the geography of Jamaica. The first is that the Wellington family can afford to purchase land and bend it to their will, which upholds colonial narratives because they come as Tourists and stay as developers. Secondly, the narrator implies that the hoteliers run Jamaica and not the Prime Minister. Therefore, confirming that the Tourism Industry has authority over the political sector. Finally, the excerpt again reinforces the linkage between Sex Worker and Tourism by spotlights Margot's experience with Reginald Senior [Alphonso’s Father].