‘Jamaica Strong And Free’ – Easy Access For Readers

You may prefer to read it online, download a copy, or hold an edition in your hand. Whatever your preference, the newest book on the shelf, a Civic Education handbook titled ‘Jamaica Strong and Free’, is literally at your fingertips.

Full of information, this easy to understand publication exposes readers to ideas and concepts related to gaining a better understanding of their civic responsibilities, Jamaica’s political and electoral processes, as well as the Governance structure in the country.

“As Jamaica celebrates its 60th Diamond year of Independence this year, it is only befitting that ‘Jamaica Strong and Free’ encapsulates insights of the pillars of good governance and key institutions which assist in the smooth operation of the country’s affairs over the past six decades,” Political Ombudsman, Donna Parchment Brown, told JIS News.

Addressing a recent JIS ‘Think Tank’, Mrs. Parchment Brown said the Office of the Political Ombudsman (OPO), which celebrates 20 years of existence this year, is very proud to produce and publish this civic educational book.

“It is our hope that it will inspire every Jamaican to be strong and free,” Mrs. Parchment Brown added.

The creation and publication of the book was guided by the Political Ombudsman; however, she disclosed that several persons have contributed to the production, which is described as a worthy successor to Cecil Ruddock’s 190-page ‘Civics for Young Jamaicans’, published in 1967.

“I believe that civic knowledge can improve civic disposition and civic participation,” said the Political Ombudsman.

The group that worked on its production was led by Legislative Counsel, Yaniek Douglas, and included retired Educator, Lena Buckle Scott, who has authored, co-authored and edit several textbooks.

Civic Education is defined as “A public socially oriented system of continuous education and upbringing, aimed at building civic competence, democratic culture and satisfying the needs for socialisation in the interests of the individual, civil society and the rule of law”, by Nigerian, Samuel Tinubu.

The making of ‘Jamaica Strong and Free’ came against the background that Jamaica has seen declining voter participation in both the local and general elections. Research has shown that there has been a 30 to 37 per cent voter turnout, down from a high of over 70 per cent.

Mrs. Parchment Brown pointed out that the voting demographic is the main target of this book, but it is especially aimed at those in the 15 to 30 age group, adding that the goal is to place a copy in every Jamaican hand.

“The aim is to introduce readers to study the importance of civic participation, political and electoral processes, as well as governance structures in Jamaica,” she explained.

Mrs. Parchment Brown said the OPO is committed to “strengthening democracy, strengthening accountability, and working towards the fulfilment of Jamaica’s Motto: ‘Out of Many one People’.”

This colourful pictorial book consists of seven chapters spread over 62 pages. It is written in a user-friendly way and illustrated in an engaging manner. There are summaries, quizzes, word searches and other activities at the end of chapters, giving the reader the opportunity to recap.

“What is more interesting for me is not even just the content – I know how valuable it is – but the fact that it will pique the reader’s interest who may want to go to other sources for additional information because we include a bibliography,” Mrs. Parchment Brown said.

The Civic Education Handbook seeks to create citizen awareness of the Jamaican constitution and key institutions; improve civic knowledge, skills and dispositions; sensitise Jamaicans on their roles, rights and responsibilities as citizens; promote the active engagement of citizens in political and electoral processes; and encourage the participation in the elections, thereby strengthening Jamaica’s democracy.

It is available free of cost, and the OPO is willing to give copyright permission to print copies to groups or individuals who have printing capabilities,. Persons may also visit www.opo.gov.jm or download from, or scan the QR Code to access a copy. The OPO also has limited copies available at its offices located at 85A Duke Street, downtown Kingston.

The OPO was established as a commission of Parliament, to conduct investigations in accordance with the provisions of the Political Ombudsman (Interim) Act, 2002.