Why do they celebrate their independance from the British?

[anotheoldgit]

Noting the recent news coverage of British Jamaicans celebrating and waving Jamaican flags in celebration of Jamaica's independence, it got me wondering why do those who live in the UK celebrate Jamacia's independence from the British?

Have they not chosen to live in this country, have their children in this country, and some have never even been to Jamaica, and therefore are rightfully British, so why do they celebrate their independence from the British?

[anotheoldgit]

Gromit

You calling for a revolution, AOG

Can't ever remember Jamaica having a revolution.

[craft1948]

Yorkshire Day is the 1st August...................

[ChuckFickens]

Is that the day it doesn't rain in Yorkshire?

[craft1948]

Chuck you're confusing us with Lancashire............

[Zeuhl]

From wiki

<When the English captured Jamaica in 1655 the Spanish colonists fled after freeing their slaves. The slaves fled into the mountains, joining those who had previously escaped from the Spanish to live with the Taínos. These runaway slaves, who became known as the Jamaican Maroons, fought the British during the 18th century. The name is still used today for their modern descendants. During the long years of slavery Maroons established free communities in the mountainous interior of Jamaica, maintaining their freedom and independence for generations.>



Pockets of rebellion then.

[sp1814]

AOG

Think of it as an excuse for a big party.

Also, you should be aware that immigrants and their families and jump for joy when (say) Team GB win a gold and party like mad when it's an event which touches their family and heritage.

You wouldn't expect Scots who live in London to pretend Burns Night didn't exist, just because they no longer live north of the border.

Same principle applies.

[anotheoldgit]

sp1814

Also, you should be aware that immigrants and their families and jump for joy when (say) Team GB win a gold

Interesting point and I wonder who they support when a Team Jamaica runner and a Team GB runner are neck and neck for the gold in a race?

[Old_Geezer]

An interesting question Mr. Tebbit.

[ELVIS68]

Damned if they do.....

[anotheoldgit]

Old_Geezer

How did I know someone wouldn't come up with that one.

I don't think 'our' Norman was given an answer also.

[EDDIE51]

When I was an expat in Africa and the Middle East we celebrated every national day we could find. Independence day, Australia day , St Patrick's day St Georges Day , New Zealand national day . Any opportunity for a p*ss up.

[Old_Geezer]

I expect it depends on the individual. Some immigrants feel more committed to the coutry that has accepted/welcomed them, others are too old to pull up their roots entirely. Much of the time it isn't important.

[craft1948]

I'm just pleased they're crap at bike riding.

[EDDIE51]

Be carefull folks , we don't want any AB ers prosecuted for racist comments as is happening on FB and Twitter !

[EDDIE51]

I heard a great 'Olympics ' Joke but it's racist so I dare not post it here .

[baza]

eddie is it the one about sailing?

[EDDIE51]

No it's to do with gun shots and running in East London !

[sp1814]

AOG

Are you asking about the collective response from people who have completely different upbringings and outlooks and levels of patriotism?

You realise that Jamaicans, their children and grandchildren are individuals who cannot simply be lumped together like some great amorphous lump.

That would be like asking what the collective response from ALL native Britons to a news story would be - you'd have to be very confident in your outlook to answer on behalf of such a disparate group.

[EDDIE51]

Why do we assume all Afro Caribbean people are from Jamaica ? they come from a range of Islands .

[sp1814]

OG has answered your question almost perfectly (and more succinctly than I).

However, there's another group - those who will support both Team GB and Team Jamaica - so whoever wins, they cheer.