"I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only

temporary; the evil it does is permanent." Mahatma Gandhi.

Madam Speaker, esteemed judges, my worthy opponents, good day.

As the Opposition Leader, I am here to lay this case to rest in establishing

that "This House believes that Jamaicans should NOT undertake

potentially revolutionary actions such as those exhibited by Paul Bogle

and the Warriors during the Morant Bay War of 1865 to overcome

contemporary forms of oppression." I will outline my three main

substantives. Firstly, within contemporary Jamaican society, revolutionary

actions similar to those done by Paul Bogle and the Warriors would prove

unjustifiable and violent. Secondly, there is a high likelihood that such

mutinous acts would be unsuccessful, resulting in political instability.

Finally, revolutions often provide declining economies. The second speaker

will contrast the conditions in 1865 with the present and show that the two

societies are fundamentally different and warrant different responses, while

the third speaker will prove there are better ways to combat modern forms of

oppression than using violence.

The Encyclopedia of Britannica defines a political revolution as a

"major, sudden, and typically violent alteration in government and related

associations and structures." If Jamaicans exhibited similar revolutionary

actions as was demonstrated by Paul Bogle and the Warriors, that would

undoubtedly result in a war. I ask, would such acts be justified or not, and

why? Ask yourselves, does it matter whether a war is just and morally

acceptable?

The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy states the concept of the “just war

theory deals with the justification of how and why wars are fought. The

justification can be either theoretical or historical. The theoretical aspect is

concerned with ethically justifying war and the forms that warfare may or

may not take." There are certain criterium/principles within the framework of

this theory that help to determine whether a war is justified, and the

government is under a moral and ethical obligation to provide evidence to

satisfy the criteria to justify such revolutionary actions. “The principles of

the just war theory are : (1)having just cause, (2) being the last resort, (3)

declared by a proper authority, (4)possessing right intention, (5)having a

reasonable chance of success, (6) and the end being proportional to the means

used." Madam Speaker, the government has to prove that the grievances of

the Jamaican citizens are so terrible and unbearable, to the point that

violent revolutionary action is the only viable option.

There is no dire socio-economic evidence to justify violent revolutionary

actions, as the modern Jamaican economy is not the best, but is growing.

Madam Speaker, things are steadily improving within the country, and

revolutionary actions against the government would not only hinder this

growth but plunge many citizens into further poverty. The World Bank

states in 2013, Jamaica launched an ambitious reform program to stabilize the

economy, reduce debt, and fuel growth, gaining national and international

support. Public debt fell below 100% of GDP in 2018/19 and is expected to

decline below 60% by 2025/26, in line with the provisions of the Fiscal

Responsibility Law. The rate of unemployment also fell to a historic low of

7.2% in October `2019, which is almost half the rate at the start of the reform

program. Inequality in Jamaica is lower than most countries in Latin America

and the Caribbean region…Poverty is expected to decline further with rising

per-capita GDP, lower unemployment, and strengthened safety nets. ”

Philosopher George Santayana wrote, “Those who cannot remember the past

are condemned to repeat it. Do we not remember the bloodbath of the Haitian

revolution? “Around 75,000 white French people died, a dramatic contrast to

the more than 350,000 Black people who were killed.”Do we not remember
the violent suppression of Paul and the warriors? Approximately 500 persons

were shot and hanged, and this figure does not even include the countless

number of victims who were severely flogged and died as a result of harsh

treatment. Must I highlight the genocide of the French Revolution? During

the Reign of Terror (1793–1794), about 40,000 people were executed or

murdered. A guillotine was set up in Paris. This wooden frame contained a

sharp blade that dropped onto the victim’s neck. Although it was supposed to

be a humane method of execution, its efficiency meant that hundreds were

dying every day.

If we should display violent revolutionary actions against the government,

can we begin to estimate the significant loss of life; who would be the

combatants during this revolution? Wouldn't it be our fellow Jamaicans

and would that be moral? Are we willing to point guns at our flesh and

blood for a cause that ultimately proves unjustifiable?

Secondly, there is a high likelihood that revolutionary actions would be

unsuccessful and ultimately result in political instability. Madam Speaker,

violent revolutions often overturn themselves. An article from the New York

Times entitled, Five African Countries. Six Coups.Why Now? states, " It was
evident throughout the past 18 months, military leaders have toppled the

governments of Mali, Chad, Guinea, Sudan, and now, Burkina Faso. Ghana’s

President Nana Akufo-Addo said on Friday, “It represents a threat to peace,

security, and stability in West Africa.” These five nations have recently

experienced military coups from Guinea on the west coast to Sudan in the

east.” Similarly, Madam Speaker, a political revolution would only

undermine the authority of the Jamaican government and that would

result in political instability; inspiring many Jamaicans who disagree with

the state to usurp and seize control of the country; what is to stop a

different group from deposing the self-proclaimed leader of any coup?

Hence, revolutionary actions are very likely to be a failure as a

consequence.

Finally, revolutionary actions often lead to economic deterioration. The

aftermath of the Haitian revolution paints this grim reality, “On January 1,

1804, the rebels declared independence and created the modem nation of

Haiti, the first black republic. The Haitian Revolution and the subsequent

declaration of independence caused an economic decline that left Haiti mired

in poverty. Several crucial factors caused this decline. First, the warfare of
the Haitian Revolution destroyed the capital and infrastructure of the

economy. Second, Haiti lacked diplomatic and trade relations with other

nations. Third, Haiti lacked investment, both foreign and domestic

investment. Fourth, Haiti moved toward subsistence farming and away from

plantation agriculture. Finally, reparation payments to France left the country

deeply indebted. Haiti was unable to preserve or rebuild the wealth that Saint-

Domingue once had, which made the country one of the poorest in the world

today.” Madam Speaker, we seek to highlight Jamaica as a developing

country and argue that any form of violent revolutionary action to

overthrow the government would result in significant economic decline

which would worsen the socioeconomic conditions of the citizens.

To conclude, society has evolved, and there are more contemporary and

civil means of combating modern forms of oppression that can preserve life

and effect change. The opposition upholds that revolutionary action is

unnecessary.

Thank you.