ON August 6, 1962 Jamaica gained its Independence from England after more than 300 years of British colonial rule.

Before Jamaica gained its independence, the slave trade became a popular and profitable venture for the British colonists. Enslaved Africans were forced to produce sugar, rum and molasses on lands across Jamaica to take to England, and some of the produce were also taken to Africa to be traded for slaves. Jamaica’s sugar industry grew rapidly; however, the slaves were unhappy and would rebel whenever they could. In 1865 an uprising in St Thomas led to the hanging of now national heroes Paul Bogle and George William Gordon.

The governor at the time, Edward John Eyre, was recalled to England, but not before exchanging the ancient constitution for the Crown Colony system. Jamaica’s education and health got better, while roads, railway and bridges were built.

Jamaica now has its own constitution which sets out the laws by which the people should live. The constitution provides for the freedom, equality and justice for all the people living in the country.

Now that I have learnt all of this history, Jamaica’s independence means a lot to me.

While there are a few Jamaicans who believe that independence is not important because of all the violence that is happening, I believe that having independence in Jamaica is better than living in slavery. We have freedom from outside control.

I can just imagine if I was living in slavery — according to what I’ve heard about slavery, it seems very terrible, even worse than what is happening now in the country. I would have to work all day and all night, have little or no access to education, and no proper health care system.

I am privileged to be able to choose whatever work field I want to enter, to have electricity, a proper place to call home, and most importantly, a family that I can spend time with. I also have the opportunity to work or study not only in Jamaica, but wherever my heart takes me.

Using modern medicine, Jamaica’s educated population have contributed to the elimination of many diseases, and many Jamaicans are also able to get good jobs that they love. I’m also happy to know that our little country has its own national flag to soar high in the sky, especially in proud moments such as when Usain Bolt or Shelly-Ann Fraser Pryce win their races.

That’s why I’m very appreciative of Jamaica’s independence and the six national heroes and one national heroine.

I’m so proud of their bravery and feel truly honoured that I am now benefiting from their fight to bring freedom to Jamaica.

Kishae Smith is a 13-year-old grade 7 student from Merl Grove High School.