Jamaica Progressive League aims for revival in 2010

BY HAROLD G BAILEY Observer writer

Thursday, January 28, 2010

NEW YORK, USA -- THE Jamaica Progressive League (JPL), considered one of the oldest Jamaican Organisations in the United States of America (USA), has embarked on a sweeping reorganisation aimed at making it more relevant to current needs, even as it strives to rekindle and maintain the core functions for which it was founded.

Long viewed as only an affiliate of the opposition People's National Party (PNP), the league is moving to broaden and strengthen its activities to effectively address more of the issues affecting Jamaican nationals here and in their homeland.

Sadie Campbell, who is only the second woman to lead the 74-year-old organisation, said the new thrust is "strategically designed to improve the lives of Jamaicans and Jamaica".

Already, the league has established a library at its Bronx-based headquarters, which is to be used as -- but not limited to -- a resource and research centre, especially for African and Caribbean studies.

Said Campbell: "It is hoped that this will eventually lead to the establishment of a wholly owned and operated vocational training institute for persons who are academically challenged."

Campbell said the league has also acquired non-profit status that allows it to effectively widen its charitable work, which last year saw it providing a number of computers to the St Mary police.

Long hobbled by low membership, the JPL is also trying to recruit and expand its membership base as more people will be needed to manage its expanded role.

Asked whether the league has been hurt by its long association with the PNP, Campbell -- while acknowledging that such a perception exists -- said those who hold that view " are maybe not acquainted with the history of the league".

She said that it was the JPL that started the move towards self-government for Jamaica, and in effect helped in the formation of the PNP, and she saw no need to disavow that historical alliance.

Campbell argued that the league also played a key role in the landmark 1964 immigration law, which was signed by then United States President Linden B Johnson and that it is a little-known fact.

As part of its broader service to the Jamaica community here, the league also works closely with the New York State Board of Parole to assist Jamaican nationals who are released after incarceration in whatever way it can.

And, as it also continues to complete plans for its 74th anniversary later this year, the league is hoping that the changes it institutes will help the Jamaican population here in a big way.