1. What was the role that the People's National Party (PNP) played in the anti-colonial struggle?
It was founded in 1938 by Norman Manley during a context of labor strikes. People who joined PNP, and the leaders, searched to awaken Jaimaicans so they could claim Jamaica for the people.
They struggled for labor rights, empowerment, self-awareness, access to opportunities and freedom. It had a strong concern for human welfare.
2. What was/is the role of women throughout the 75 years of the PNP? (Give at least 3 examples)
Several women stood out during the Jamaican history of the PNP. One of them is Edna Manley. She stood out because of her sculptures. She would teach people to look in the mirror through her art. She mixed art and culture because she would make "negro art". She would magnify good qualities.
A women's movement was formed in the PNP, and it exists until today. Portia Miller Simpson, a former prime minister of Jamaica, was one of the most important women for the movement. She endorsed civil rights for LGBT.
Before Portia Miller Simpson, two important bills were passed: an equal pay for both men and women and a maternity leave act. In the documentary it was cited that the women would have "a sense of self, pride and dignity".
3. How did the implementation of democratic socialism affect the Jamaican people?
PNP wanted to forge their own destiny. They were not communist because they did accepto business people and investors so they were not looking to stress equal opportunitites. The misinterpretation was due to the context of the Cold War, where every movment towards socialism was seen as communism.
4. How does the PNP justify privatization and its role in creating a path of neoliberal reforms in Jamaica?
The prices went up a 400%. They had no foreign exchange so the conveyer belts at the airport were full of merchandise. And so they opened themselves to globalization, became independent economicly, but always took care of equal pay, education, and other welfare needs.
5. How do you compare the role of PNP in the film, Ghett'a Life (Lenny Thompson, Derrick's Father) versus the documentary?
The big difference is how the politicians are portrayed. In Ghett'a Life, they are all corrupt and looking out only for themselves. In the documentary every interview is in favor of the PNP movement. They are shown as the political party that came to save Jamaica, and care for the people.
