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Here Comes the Sun: Deconstructed Student Essays

Displacement and Development, [Dennis-Benn, 120]

In the image above, the narrator explains that Thandi, Margot’s younger sister, is now unable to access an area where she once played as a child. The “NO TRESPASSING” sign blocking the area off, symbolizes the Jamaican populace’s restricted access to the “Paradise” that they’ve helped create. The actions of the developers and hoteliers displacing them from their homes and industries spotlight the expense at which “Paradise” is being built. Additionally, the excerpt underlines the widespread exploitation of the land and resources, implying that the experiences of River Bank and Little Bay residents are not isolated but rather a part of a larger pattern of displacement. 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.”

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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.
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1. Displacement and Development, [Dennis-Benn, 120] In the image above, the narrator explains that Thandi, Margot’s younger sister, is now unable to access an area where she once played as a child. The “NO TRESPASSING” sign blocking the area off, symbolizes the Jamaican populace’s restricted access to the “Paradise” that they’ve helped create. The actions of the developers and hoteliers displacing them from their homes and industries spotlight the expense at which “Paradise” is being built. Additionally, the excerpt underlines the widespread exploitation of the land and resources, implying that the experiences of River Bank and Little Bay residents are not isolated but rather a part of a larger pattern of displacement.