Farrakhan says Jamaica has let national heroes down

NATION of Islam Leader Louis Farrakhan yesterday criticised Jamaican governments over the years for not adequately building on efforts made by the country’s late national heroes to create an independent Jamaica.

Addressing hundreds of Jamaicans and other Caribbean nationals gathered at the National Arena to celebrate the 19th anniversary of the Million Man March (MMM) yesterday, the eve of National Heroes’ Day, Farrakhan said revamping the current education system was the place to start.

“If you want to be free, the first thing you have to think about is what kind of education should we possess that will allow us to continue the journey that Norman Manley, Bustamante and Michael Manley put us on,” said Farrakhan, noting that steps in recent time to introduce in schools the teachings of the country’s first national hero, Marcus Garvey, was a commendable first step.

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He also suggested breaking allegiance to the queen of England, which he described as a necessary part of evolutionary growth and development, and a necessity if Caribbean countries are to become a regional power “with a voice that [will] affect the world”.

"Breaking away from our colonial slave masters is what we started with in our Independence movement, but we never took it as far as it should be taken," said Farrakhan.

In a wide-ranging message, which also highlighted the language barriers among Caribbean peoples, the socio-economic consequences of borrowing from the International Monetary Fund, slavery and reparation, and the importance of practical agriculture to the region’s sustainability, the Nation of Islam Leader added that the cultural community had a role to play in leading the way towards liberation.

“The cultural community is the community that will save the world,” he said. "I will make a speech, but one song from Bob Marley and it will reach a generation. The cultural community must rise and be infused with the idea that leads to liberation.”

The MMM, a mass gathering of African-Americans and other ethnic groups, was staged in Washington, DC in 1995 to win politicians’ attention for urban and minority issues. Yesterday was the first time its anniversary was celebrated in the Caribbean and hundreds of people filled the National Arena to listen to Farrakhan.

"Right now we need more of these visits in Jamaica," said Clarence Nugent.

Leo Walker, another Jamaican who gave intent ear during the meeting, said Farrakhan’s message had left him with a different outlook on life.

"I really liked the message; it was really an inspiration," said Walker.

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Comment by AfricanGoddess on November 20, 2014 at 12:24am: Comment by Shaneece on October 23, 2014 at 9:12pm

"Blah blah blah...they'll still vote a white Syrian boy into power if given the choice again. White Jesus complex. Unless the world bank forgives all debts, there's no light at the end of the tunnel, just a long bloodclaat tunnel."

　

　

I so feel you,on our people with their white jesus complex!@Shaneece

If they could only let go of the slavemaster religion,then and only then our people will finally be set free!

Sadly,the world bank is not going to forgive anything...that is not their intention and purpose.

There is light around the bend of the long tunnel. We have to adjust ourselves for the long haul,until we find it!

Comment by AfricanGoddess on November 20, 2014 at 12:07am: Comment by Jiggs on October 20, 2014 at 8:20pm

"most Jamaicans and the government too licky licky. we need to get rid of both pnp and jlp, that's the downfall of the country"

I 100% agree with you @ Jiggs...Too many licky licky people amongst us!...and YES, enough of the two no good parties. All they do is separate,screw over and keep the people dem down…yet,these said people are always fighting and killing each other over these two wicked politrickster machine.

Too much black blood done shed for PNP and JLP since my childhood…enough with the madness!

The good thing is- there is a little awakening presently with some of the people...soon forward!

Comment by AfricanGoddess on November 19, 2014 at 11:53pm: He is on point to the 5th power!

Yes,Mr Farrakhan talk,talk...that’s his natural given gift and whether one likes him or not,he spits truth,by calling it as it is! The least we can do is listen in order to expand our perception on things.We have to open our minds and eyes to move in a different direction as a people by manifesting words into actions.

We are definitely not monolithic,so this will only resonate with those of us who wants betterment for all black people.

Yes,Jamaicans are strong enough to survive daily without government assistance,yet too many are in desperate need and it’s getting tighter for the "underclass" in this economy. Seriously,it’s up to us the people to implement the necessary changes for improvement as a nation and not just for one segment…but,first and foremost we have to change our mindset and work together regardless of individual beliefs or station in life.

We have the potential ah yard,We have the strength,We have the will...time to rise on our own now!

I hope his powerful speech inspired the whole Caribbean nation. I can’t hate on TRUTH!

Sidenote:I have always wish Farrakhan was Jamaican,since he is so passionate about black people…low and behold,I found out he is half Jamaican,that revelation had me beaming with pride for this beautiful man:)

P.S. We must stop being so irrational,jaded and cynical,sad to see and hear...reasoning and understanding is the key!

Comment by Cole Bush on November 19, 2014 at 11:45pm: Im not saying its hate or nothin but for my own uses i stumbled on pimpin kens 'pimpology'..i came up around a couple in westinghouse...it never faded me from nothin i wanted but at the same time we should all be at a point in our lives we could 'work it all out' give and take...mano ie mano. This holiday season is going to be fantastic. @ #thepeoplecallmecole

Comment by Shaneece on October 23, 2014 at 9:12pm: Blah blah blah...they'll still vote a white Syrian boy into power if given the choice again. White Jesus complex. Unless the world bank forgives all debts, there's no light at the end of the tunnel, just a long bloodclaat tunnel.

Comment by dc on October 23, 2014 at 8:27am: OTHERS BUILD WHY CANT WE?

Comment by dc on October 23, 2014 at 8:27am: CARIBBEAN PEOPLE ITS TIME TO THINK. ITS OUR TIME.

Comment by dc on October 23, 2014 at 8:24am: DONT SHOOT WHERE IT IS SHOOT WHERE ITS GONNA BE!

YOU LOOSE EVERYTHING AND WIN A WAR YOU ARE AN HERO!

YOU LOOSE EVERYTHING AND LOOSE A WAR YOU ARE A FOOL!

MORE POWER TO THE SPEAKER

NO POWER FOR THE TALKER

Comment by valeria dixon on October 23, 2014 at 8:19am: PEACE & BLESSING

Comment by MackdaPimp on October 22, 2014 at 5:13pm: These are the peasant that keep our struggles back.THE HONORABLE MINISTER LOUIS FARRAKAN is one of our living heroes. IF you are not black you can not relate,we need more ppl like the minister to shake up the world not only America.He represents and try to teach you what you are entitle to,if you do not recognise your power,you don't know SELF and if you don't know SELF you don't know you.Black ppl wake up and defend what is rightfully yours.Many ppl afraid to stand up to the weak and claim to be strong.According to history that weak pail skined ppl is just a lighter shade of brown, because there's no person black or white society lable us.You must demand your freedom what ever it takes.I must say thank to my father and the nation for there support for my country.To all spangle/jungle/ rema defend it.