Cold War in Jamaica

Everyone knows the Cold War affected the world, but no one thinks about the small countries caught in the political crossfire. Everyone’s attention was on the big events like North & South Korea, Vietnam, and the Berlin Wall.

As many of you know this is also the height of Bob Marley’s musical career, but some of you may not know about the assassination attempt he survived. Some would say that this attempt on his life was because of America’s influential pressure on Jamaican politics.

I briefly described the political world and events in Jamaica during the Cold War.

The Cold War,
fought nowhere
yet everywhere.

America and Russia
deep-rooted in the core.
North Korea,
South Korea,
in a battle for their shore.

Everyone saw Cuba.
No one noticed Jamaica.
Guns and political gangs reign,
and Jamaica suffered a brain drain.

Jamaica elections for Prime Minister!
Micheal Manly for Communism,
Edward Seaga for Capitalism.

Politicians or dictators?
Not sure,
they killed every spectator.
Gangs took lives like they were the Creator.
PNP vs JLP for prime minister,
Manly vs Seaga.

Where was America?
Donating guns to JLP gangs,
In trying to get Communism to stay in its lane.
The CIA crippled Jamaica,
making the country lame.

PNP just did the same.
Murdered any effort to change,
and make amends.
Leaving everyone to scorn.

Reggae is born!
Manly set up Marley,
he escaped JLP guns… barely.

Sun is setting with no new dawn.
Citizens?
Resources?
Gone.
Jamaica suffering through a brain drain.
Crime never sleeps,
nor does it ever leave.

It stayed unapologetic,
unwelcomed yet
unbothered.

The CIA gave Seaga a new name.
The JLP came with new military tactics.
Making new crime statistics.
“Ciaga” (CIA & Seaga) was to blame.

Jamaica elections for Prime Minister!
Micheal Manly for Communism,
Edward Seaga for Capitalism.

Politicians or dictators?
Still unsure,
Gangs took lives like they were the Creator.
PNP vs JLP for prime minister,
Manly vs Seaga.

Manly and Castro,
too close of friends.
America became the maestro of the musical
‘Terrorize the Voters.’

Bob Marley came back after 3 years in exile.
With a mission and a smile.
One Love Peace Concert!
Security was so tight,
nothing could get through.
Not even the light.

Unable to finish the mission,
only spawning more suspicion.
The US didn’t send peace,
but pieces.
One Love always remembered.
Damage never recovered.

I just want to take this moment to say rest in peace to Bob Marley, Michael Manly, and Edward Seaga. Paying respect to those who were here, but acknowledging the impression they left.

If requested I can write another article further explaining the meaning of this poem. Detailing the symbolism I laced through every line.

If you have any questions about the poem or the Cold War history left in Jamaica feel free to comment them or contact me through my socials.

Instagram — @yourjabookstore

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