The Founders

It is worthy to note that the founders of this great organization were upstanding individuals with the same views and opinions. They were committed to nation building and the improvement of the standard of living of their fellow Jamaicans. They were men and women of great convictions who physically put their own lives on the line in an effort to free their Island home from the gaping jaws of colonialism. Who were these spirited and unselfish people without fear or concern for their own personal well-being? They faced imprisonment and constant harassment from the CIA and FBI, yet they never strayed from their course.

Mr. Adolphe Roberts a journalist was born in Kingston, Jamaica in 1886. His father was rector of St. Peter’s Church Port Royal. At the age of eighteen he migrated to the United States to pursue a career in journalism. He served in various capacities on several magazines and newspapers, including the Brooklyn Eagle for which he was the war correspondent during World War 1. He was an outstanding author. He wrote history, fiction, poetry, and philosophy, publishing a total of 25 books on these subjects. Notable among his historical works are his “History of the Caribbean” and his documentation of “Cuban History” for which he was awarded the Order of Merit by Carlos Manuel de Cespides. Among other honors conferred on him was the Lady Musgrave Medal for outstanding achievement as a writer and historian and the key to the city of Kingston. In 1967 he was made an Officer of the Most Excellent Order of The British Empire. (O.B.E.)

The idea that Jamaica should be self governing was Adolphe’s brainchild and he worked diligently to sell the idea to all Jamaicans in and around New York City. He wanted to see Jamaicans in New York band together into a strong and useful organization. With the aid of like minded Jamaicans such as WA Domingo and Ethelred Brown he was able to implement the idea. Together they formulated the Jamaica Progressive League and Adolphe became the organization first president.

Adolphe Roberts departed this life on September 14, 1962, less than six weeks after the celebration of Jamaica’s independence. He lived to see his fondest dream become a reality.

Rev. Ethelred Brown a pastor at an Harlem Unitarian church was one of the founding members and the first secretary of the Jamaica Progressive League. Except for one term as president he held the held the office of secretary continuously until shortly before his passing. He represented the JPL on several occasions, but his presentation of the case of Jamaica for self-government before the Royal Commission in 1938 was his crowning glory. He convinced Norman Manley on other leaders to make self-government the main plan in the platform for the P.N.P.

Rev. Brown was the League’s resource person. He was always available to answer questions an give advice. Whenever difficulties of any kind arose, Ethelred Brown was ready for action. When the terrible hurricane of 1944 hit Jamaica Ethelred swung into action. He called a meeting of the League immediately and started a fundraising drive to relieve victims of the storm.

Brown’s creativity and resourcefulness again came into play when Hon. Norman Manley had the bitter experience of being taken to Ellis Island as a suspected communist agitator. Brown took immediate steps to gain his release.

Wilfred A. Domingo was born in Kingston Jamaica on October 26, 1889. He grew up in the Crown Colony period, at the time when there were limited opportunities for dark skinned Jamaicans. Domingo was described as of medium height with curly dark hair and black complexion. He walked with a firm and confident step and had a sharp voice commanded instant attention.

Frustrated by the conditions in his homeland he migrated to the United States hoping to start a career in medicine. His first stop was Boston but after two years, he moved to New York. When he discovered that a career in medicine was not working out for him, he tried his hand at journalism and later entered the business of importing Caribbean products into the United States.

Domingo joined forces with Marcus Garvey and was Editor –in –Chief of the Garvey publication, “The Negro World.” Among some of the articles he published were “Figures never Lie, But Liars Figure” and “The Emancipator” Unfortunately there was a misunderstanding between the two political giants and Domingo walked out on the publication.

Domingo business ventures brought him in contact with other Caribbean Nationals who were also displeased with conditions in their homeland. His firm advice to them was that each Island should first seek independence from their colonial regime and then consider federation afterwards.

As early as 1918 Domingo was calling for Universal Adult Suffrage not only for Jamaica, but for the entire West Indies. He contributed greatly to the new Constitution of 1944 for Jamaica. As one of the founders of the League, he saw the organization as the chief vehicle through which he believed independence for Jamaica could be obtained. Domingo along with all the League members worked long and hard and when Independence finally came, Domingo wrote: “I am proud of the Jamaica Progressive League for its tenacity to in following its star, and am grateful that so many of its founders have lived to see on this day of accomplishment, August 6, 1962.”

In 1964, he was asked to draft the resolution in connection with the Walter-McCarran Act which was discriminating against West Indians, limiting their chances to entering the United States by a quota system

Declaration

The Declaration by the Jamaica Progressive League is straight-forward, it states:

Having achieved the purpose of its original declaration in 1942 on August 6, 1962, that is obtaining the Independence of Jamaica, now with its intention of advancing the social, political and economic welfare of Jamaica to a position befitting a new nation; the order is to induce an interest in her past, present and future affairs and an appreciation of the accomplishments of her people; to encourage and promote amicable relations with her Caribbean neighbors as well as other countries; and to improve the status of Jamaicans everywhere, we as natives or naturalized Jamaicans and sympathizers thereof, hereby set forth the constitution of the Jamaica Progressive League, Inc. of New York.

Other Chapters

There other chapters of the Jamaica Progressive League are in Washington D.C. and Hartford Connecticut.

Membership

All native born and naturalized Jamaicans who have become citizens of other countries, their spouses and children, shall be eligible for regular membership in the League, provided that:

a) The applicant has attained the age of 18
b) The applicant is of good character.
c) The applicant agrees to abide by the constitution and By-laws of the League.
d) The application is made in writing on the prescribed form and submitted to the membership
    committee.