History of The Jamaica Progressive League, Inc.

Organized 1936

In the early 1930’s some civic minded Jamaicans living in the United States were concerned about the status of their island home during the exploiting heyday of British Colonialism. They felt that the basic human dignity and self determination of the people were vital to the true development and progress of Jamaica and they saw no compromise.

These Jamaicans met throughout the New York area expressing their opposition to the strangle-hold the colonialist had on the people of Jamaica, and they agitated strongly for independence. They expressed a strong desire for nationalism. Challenging the British Empire even covertly was dangerous, thus it was unheard of to openly voice such opinions. To the more passive persons, that was conceived of as insanity. Nevertheless these progressive Jamaicans persevered, and relentlessly continued their drive towards building a nation where Jamaica would be governed by its own people.

It was on September 12, 1932, at one of these meeting that the Jamaica Progressive League, New York chapter was formally launched. The aims and objectives were fundamentally to seek political independence for the people of Jamaica and out of the clutches of the British Empire. They were adamant in achieving their goals by whatever means necessary. They supported their activities through continuous fundraising which was necessary for defraying the cost for bail and trial expenses.

These gallant men and women dedicated their lives unselfishly to the social, economic and political development of Jamaica. Their main focus was nation building.

Through advocacy the JPL in 1939 got the competitive examination for the Jamaica Civil Service instituted, replacing the discriminatory system that was instituted by Great Britain.

This organization joined forces with the labor and political movement in Jamaica. So when it was decided to formally launch a political party and a trade union in Jamaica, the League provided not only the financial support, but introduced some of the key concepts in their formulation. The People’s National Party (P.N.P) the only political party at the time was formed in 1938 with the League as one of the key sponsors. The leader then, the late great Norman Washington Manley, QC conferred quite frequently with the League in the formulation of the policies and the party’s philosophy. The League sent representatives to London and Washington to agitate for political freedom for Jamaica.

After many years of struggle, the first break through finally came in 1944 with the granting of Universal adult Suffrage. The League had worked long and hard for this day. The dawn was breaking. The League’s effort was not only directed to helping Jamaicans, it cooperated with and supported the efforts of all the victims of colonialism. Every black organization with a meaningful purpose could depend on the League for its support.

After many years of agitation, the British Government granted independence to Jamaica. Jamaican national hero the late Norman Washington Manley conferred closely with the League’s leadership on his way to London to work out the terms of independence. When the day came that the Union Jack was replaced by the Jamaican flag, every League member felt proud that their struggle bore fruit and their efforts were rewarded.

The granting of formal independence does not however, remove the scar of colonialism, the burden of economic exploitation and syndromes of emotional dependence. The League continued to work actively to redress the grievances of the Jamaicans and people of like sufferings. They formulated position papers and their efforts brought about many reforms.

The League also focused on the local political scene, and observing the unfair and immoral immigration policy of the U.S. regarding people of African descent in the Diaspora, the League started a strong lobby and letter writing campaign. Representatives of the League testified before Congress, thereby, playing a key role in bringing about immigration reforms. The League’s President was the only Black Official invited by President Lyndon B. Johnson at the signing of the new immigration bill.

The League’s work is never done. It has broadened its scope and its objectives. Today, the League is actively promoting programs and activities for the benefit of Jamaicans, and Caribbean community in general.