Country: Jamaica

Represented by: Markville Secondary School

General Position Paper

Background

Jamaica, formerly a British colony, is a parliamentary democracy and constitutional monarchy. It is mostly inhabited by West Africans and has a current population of 2.8 million. Its economy depends heavily on the service industry, which makes up for 60% of its $13.5 billion GDP. Bruce Golding, the current Prime Minister, is faced with many long-term issues including deteriorating economic conditions, increased gang violence, organized crime, drug trafficking, and poverty. Although Jamaica is faced with corruption and violence, many rural and resort areas remain safe and economically prosperous.

Economic Issues

Jamaica obtains most of its foreign exchange from tourism, remittances, and minerals, which account for approximately 40% of its GDP. Nonetheless, Jamaica faces economic setbacks in the future – high but declining interest rates, increasing foreign competition, instable exchange rates, a substantial trade deficit, significant underemployment and unemployment, and an enormous debt. Jamaica’s debt, is in fact 135% larger than its DDP and is fourth highest in the world per capita. Its high unemployment is linked directly with Jamaica’s high crime rate – gang violence has exacerbated the enormous drug trade. The current administration of Jamaica faces the difficult task of obtaining fiscal discipline, reducing the enormous debt, and controlling the exponential crime which are all obstructing economic growth.

Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Haiti

Jamaica contributed to the fall of the illegal white minority regime in Zimbabwe in 1965, which was subject to many General Assembly and Security Council resolutions. Jamaica played a part in the negotiation process which led to Zimbabwe’s independence.

Jamaica is also associated with Namibia, who was entrenched by South Africa until 1989. Members of the United Nations Transitional Assistance Group supervised free elections in the country, in which twenty three policemen and women from Jamaica were involved. The situation in Namibia is noted as one of the most successful peace-keeping operations of the UN.

The volatile situation in Haiti has also been brought to the attention of Jamaica in 1990. Jamaica played an active and influential role in bringing the situation of Haiti to the General Assembly. With some difficult, it was able to convince the UN to provide support for Haiti. Jamaica was also a key player in persuading the UN to condemn the illegal replacement of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide. Jamaica also condemned the use of violence, military coercion and the violation of human rights in Haiti.

Law of the Sea

Jamaica was active in negotiations for the management of marine resources and their conservation for future generations. It was selected as the site of the International Seabed Authority, which meant that Jamaica would be one of the first countries in the region to host a major UN body. The Law of the Sea Convention came into force on November 16, 1994.

Illegal Drugs

Jamaica has contributed significantly to the combat of drug abuse and illicit trafficking of narcotic substances. During the 44^th session of the GA, Jamaica proposed a number of suggestions that would enhance international capability to combat drug trafficking. These proposals were included in the resolution Global Programme of Action against Illicit Narcotic Drugs, which was adopted by the GA unanimously. In accordance with this resolution, Jamaica has developed a program to combat drug abuse and illicit trafficking in the country.

Conclusion

Jamaica has faced many problems in the past decade, and will continue to face economic issues in the future, but the current administration has taken many steps to improve the lives of those living in Jamaica. Jamaica is a valuable member of the General Assembly, and in many of the issues discussed above, Jamaica has been a key player in developing and protecting the beliefs of the United Nations. Jamaica will only continue being an active player of the international community and will indefinitely play an important role in shaping the future.