Lest We Forget
The Lest We Forget Historical Podcast reflects on past events of the Caribbean and how these events shape the society we live in today.
Episodes
The 1976 Shooting of Mike Henry That Upended Jamaican Politics
It’s the mid 1970’s and political violence is bringing Jamaica to its knees. By the end of 1976, an incident would shock the entire political fraternity when, for the very first time in history, a Jamaican politician was shot due to this political violence,; forever changing the island’s society.For additional reading information on this episode, visit our website at: https://www.tenementyaadme
Mike’s, Home of the Famous Nyamburgers
Today, multinational fast food companies like KFC, Burger King and Popeyes dominate Jamaican society. But before all of these, there was Mike’s, Home of the Famous Nyamburgers. The restaurant, the brainchild of Lester Mike Henry, was one of Jamaica’s most popular fast food establishments in the early 1970’s, and thus helped lay the groundwork of the island’s fast food industry today. For additiona
Jamaica’s Arrest Warrant For Sade Adu
For decades, bribery accusations while on duty have long plague Jamaican police officers who are assigned road duties. But back in 1997, these allegations went global and it involve one of music’s most influential vocalists - Sade Adu.For additional reading information on this episode, visit our website at: https://www.tenementyaadmedia.com/Don't forget to follow us on our social mediaTwitte
The 1979 Union Island Uprising
Content Warning: This episode contains brief mentions of slavery and police brutalityIn October 1979, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines became an independent state. Within this jubilation however, residents of the Grenadines still had concerns of the decades of unemployment, underemployment and underdevelopment and how these issues would fit into this new period of the nation’s history. But come De
Reclaiming the Legacy of Francis Williams
Content Warning: This episode makes mention of slaveryIn a special episode written by Dr. Fara Dabhoiwala, professor of history at Princeton University, we tell the story of Francis Williams, a formerly enslaved Black Jamaican who was among the leading intellectuals of the 1700s & the painting that exposed the racist conspiracy against him and the entire Black race. Podcast Episode Companion:
Oral Sex As Told by Dancehall
Content Warning: this audio contains sexual content and profranties as well as mentions of sexism, ephebophilia, statutory rape, revenge porn and misogyny. Sidewalk is an upcoming video essay series that explores shifting discourse in Jamaican society through the arts. Lest We Forget is pleased to present the podcast version of their first project - Oral Sex As Told By Dancehall - which looks at t
Jamaica’s First Corrupted Politician
In conversations around Jamaicans' distrust in the island's political system, there is the recurring theme of political corruption. So to understand the root of political corruption on the island, it seems to fit to look at the historic court case involving J.Z. Malcolm, who in 1952 became the first politician in Jamaica to be found guilty on fraud charges. For additional reading informati
The Censorship Years of Comrade Ralph
Since scholarship on the topic discussed is limited, a large portion of the details heard on this episode was taken from “The Making of ‘The Comrade’: The Political Journey of Ralph Gonsalves" by Ralph GonsalvesToday, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves is the one of the longest serving head of government in Caribbean history. As of this episode recording, he is the current prime minister of St.Vincent and t
Welcome To Jamrock: Jr. Gong vs Brand Jamaica
Content Warning: this episode contains profanityIn 2004, Jamaican musician, Damian ‘Jr Gong’ Marley released the lead single off his upcoming third studio album, "Welcome to Jamrock”. Propelled by its music video, it would go to be an international hit. But although it was celebrated abroad, back home in Jamaica, sections of society had a different opinion.For additional reading information o
Everyone Except Haitians
Content Warning: this episode contains discussion of physical abuse, racism and xenophobia. In the wake of certain events occurring across the region, thousands of West Indians emigrated or sought refugees status to the United States by the 1970s. Still, it would be the newly arrived Haitians and Haitian refugees that faced the most prejudice. And even though one rap group would emerge in the 1990
The Fight for the Emancipation Day Holiday in Jamaica
Content Warning: this episode contains mention of slaveryOn August 1st, 1838, Jamaica, alongside the rest of the countries in British West Indies, achieved emancipation and thus all enslaves Black people on the island, gained their freedom. Since then, it has been ongoing debate on the necessity of commemorating the end of one of the most brutal acts of mankind.For additional reading information o
The Bombing of Cubana Airlines Flight 455
Content Warning: this episode discusses a plane crash as well as injuries and death associated with it. In the mid 1970’s, the first and only mid-air bombing of a civilian airliner in the Western Hemisphere took place. As such, the 1976 bombing of Cubana Airline 455 which resulted in the killing of 73 persons, became one of the most devastating terrorist attack in Caribbean history. For additional
Homosexuality in the Jamaican Police Force
Content Warning: this episode contains discussion of homophobia, homophobic language, murder and police brutality. There are also mentions of slavery and rape.By no stretch, is the Jamaica Constabulary Force the most loved civil servant organisation. However, the organisation colonial roots, anti-black mode of operations and the nation’s homophobia lead to a rumour that the organisation is been ov
Barbados and The Rise of Mosquitoes In The Caribbean
Content Warning: this episode contains mentions of slaveryOn this episode, we discussed how the colonisation of the Caribbean by Europeans brought mosquitoes to the region and the subsequent ecological transformation of the region that have foster the growth of the pest. For additional reading information on this episode and to view our transcript for this episode, visit our website at: https:
The Slaughter of Haiti’s Pigs
In 1979, a swine virus outbreak occurred in the Dominican Republic. Still, the situation would had a drastic effect in Haiti as a US-Canada-Mexico partnership led to 1.3 million of their Kreyol pigs been slaughtered, forever changing the country.
For additional reading information on this episode and to view our transcript for this episode, visit our website at: https://www.tenementyaadmedia.c
Henry Kissinger vs Jamaica: In The Words of Michael Manley
In 1975, Cuba sent troops to Angola to help them fight against an invasion by apartheid South Africa. Henry Kissinger, the US Secretary of State was angry at this, so he set out to get countries to denounce Cuba’s actions. Jamaica was one of these countries. So, in December 1975, Kissinger met with prime minister Michael Manley on the issue. On this episode, we hear from Manley, himself, how this
The Not So Epic Story of Lady Musgrave Road
In Jamaica, there is the famous Devon House. A historical landmark, it is popular for its patties, the Devon House ice-cream and when the weather is suitable, it also serves as a public park for families. However, there’s a popular story that involves Devon House that most Jamaicans grow up hearing. The story goes that Lady Musgrave, the then governor of Jamaica’s wife, was so angry at seeing Devo
The Hosay Masssacre of 1884
Content Warning: this episode contains mentions of murder, police brutality, indentureship and the abuse of women. Upon the arrival of large numbers of Indians to the Caribbean, through the Indentureship system, they also brought their religion and other aspect of their culture. Their aversion to not assimilating to whiteness, was seen as a problem by the colonial governments. And no other event i
The Fight to Own Land In Jamaica
On August 1st, 1838, Jamaica, alongside the rest of the countries in the British West Indies, achieved full emancipation and thus all enslaved Black people on the island, gained their freedom. Immediately after, the topic of land became a major issue. For even though freedom day come for all Black persons, a series of laws & taxes were created, effectively blocking Blacks people & in some
The Salt 'Plantations' of the Caribbean
Content Warning: this episode contains mentions of violence, slavery and wider harm.
Most scholarship on Caribbean chattel slavery of enslaved Black people largely covers the the sugar and tobacco plantation systems throughout the region. However, there was another massive industry that was built upon the enslavement of Black people - salt. Saltpans were spread across the region where throughout
The Grenadian Revolution, Part 5: We Should Move, Rather Than Wait To Be Killed
On March 10, 1979, according to all persons who were personally involved in the documentation of the revolution, the New Jewel Movement leadership got word through their informats at senior levels of the police force, that Eric Gairy left order for the arrest and assassination of the leading members of the political party. Through a pattern of behaviour, NJM leadership knew that if they wanted to
The Grenadian Revolution, Part 4: A Jewel Shines Through
Content Warning: This episode contains mentions of police brutalityAs Sir Eric Gairy’s tenure as head of government continued throughout the 1970’s, the country was on the brink of economic and social collapse. In the wake of Bloody Sunday and Bloody Monday occurred, two of the most ferocious cases of police brutality in Caribbean history, Gairy was beginning to face opposition from all sides. How
The Grenadian Revolution, Part 3: Aliens, Mongoose & The 1970's
In the midst of Grenada’s independence, the country was experiencing islandwide strikes and protests due to its economic deterioration and domestic repression in the hands of its first prime minister, Eric Gairy. These were highlighted by the many cases of Gairy’s alleged bribes and corruption, real estates scams, extortion deals, sex scandals, international partnership for his own self interest,
The Grenadian Revolution, Part 2: The Rise of Gairyism
After years of societal tension in Grenada, everything would come to a head in 1951 at an event now known as the 1951 Revolution. The person who propelled this event was a former primary school teacher name Eric Matthew Gairy. Due to the success of this 1951 event, Gairy would become Grenada’s leading trade unionist and soon after, Grenada’s most powerful political leader. Over the next decade and
The Grenadian Revolution, Part 1: Post Emancipation Woes
1950 would be one of the most significant years to understand the Grenadian Revolution, however, the events of this year were years in the making. It was years of build up tension arising from the neglect of the country’s majority black and poor population, coupled with the organising influence of Uriah Butler in nearby Trinidad and Tobago and the national black power empowerment movement enhance
The Grenadian Revolution Trailer
A introduction of our five part series entirely dedicated to Grenadian Revolution as we examine the events, people, causes & consequences that led to the March 1979 overthrow of the Sir Eric Gairy government by the New Jewel Movement.
The audio compilation features the voices of Maurice Bishop, Claudette Pitt, Sir Eric Gairy, a rare recording of Cacademo Grant & the first radio broadcas
Fedon's Rebellion
In March of 1795, a French free coloured, Julien Fédon, would lead a revolt against the white British elites on the island of Grenada. Inspired by the Haitian Revolution, the French Revolution and activities happening in Guadeloupe; for the next 16 months Fédon would range a battle against the English colonisers where the rebellion would be one of the most important events that led to emancipation
Jamaica's Ten Type Beauty Contest
Since scholarship on the Ten Type Beauty Contest is limited, a large portion of the details on the pageant was taken from research conducted byDr. Rochelle Rowe in her book, “Imagining Caribbean Womanhood: Race, Nation & Beauty Competitions, 1929-1970” .In 1955, Jamaica held the “Ten Type Beauty Contest” which was designed to showcase the diversity of Jamaica. Thus, ten separate beauty queens
Coolie Gang, Ghettos and Rastafari: A Story of Four Continents and A Couple Black Markets
The Hindu contributions to the development of Rastafari and the ways Indo-Jamaicans have help shaped the movement.Song at the beginning of episode: Super Cat - Ghetto Red HotSong at the end of episode: Beverly Pancham Ramparsard - Chitawaniya Me Naina For information on the sources used in this episode, visit our website at:https://www.tenementyaadmedia.com/Don't forget to follow us on our soc
The Green Bay Massacre
On January 5 1978, the Military Intelligence Unit, a special unit of the Jamaica Defence Force, shot and killed five men at the Green Bay shooting range. In its aftermath, there would be plenty of commentary and debates on what exactly transpired. But wrapped its legacy is the events that came after where the shooting at Green Bay ultimately serve as a vehicle for citizens to be more on edge in th
Jamaican Beauty Queens and Apartheid
In 1976, the government of Jamaica did not allow for a Miss World Jamaica pageant to be held. As such, on paper, technically there is no Miss Jamaica 1976 winner. However, wearing the sash of Miss Jamaica World, Cindy Breakspeare became the second Jamaican to win the global beauty pageant when she won in 1976. On this episode, we explain how these two things are true.
For information on the sourc
Why Bulla & Pink Milk Is No Longer In Jamaican Schools
Disclaimer: Since the release of this episode (originally aired in 2020 and last updated in 2021), bulla has now been reintroduced in Jamaican public schools as singular packets where most students receive it with water. As anyone over the age of 30 who went to a primary school in Jamaica would tell you, the bulla and pink milk was an experience that made their childhood. However, the famous gover
One Day, Some Men Roll Up In Parliament With Guns and Took Over Government
The Jamaat al Muslimeen coup attempt was an attempt to overthrow the government of Trinidad and Tobago, instigated on Friday, 27 July 1990. Over the course of six days, Jamaat al Muslimeen, held hostages at the Red House (Parliament building) and at the headquarters of the state-owned national television broadcaster, Trinidad and Tobago Television (TTT). In the end, the prime minister was shot, p
The History of Jamaica’s Love Affair With Clarks
From the community of Somerset in England, rose the shoe brand of Clarks in 1825. Yet, it was the Desert Boot, "inspired" by North African soldiers that allow the company to become a global phenomenon. But in the 1960’s, when inner city young men in Kingston, took a liking to the shoes, the fashion culture in Jamaica’s shifted.
For information on the sources used in this episode, visit
The Three Times An Anti-Chinese Riot Took Place In Jamaica
Academic scholarship on the 1918 anti-Chinese riots is limited. As such, a bulk of the research of this singular event, came from Howard Johnson, academic paper, “The Anti-Chinese Riots of 1918 in Jamaica”, published in the Caribbean Quarterly in 1982. In 1918, the first of 3 Anti-Chinese riots took place in Jamaica. Twenty years later, in 1938, the Labour Riots gave birth to the uprising of loot
Why Bob Marley Beat Up His Manager
In 1976, on the 3rd of December, at his residence of 56 Hope Road, Bob Marley survived an assassination attempt mostly by his manager, Don Taylor, been a barrier between him and assassins. Almost 3 years later in a Gabonese hotel room, Bob Marley apparently beat up Don Taylor. The incident is said to serve as the inspiration for one of Marley's most famous track, Bad Card.
For additional rea
The Garvey-Manley Fight
In 1934, a dispute over the construction of a gas station led to a heated argument and an almost physical fight, between future national heroes of Jamaica: then KSAC councillor, Marcus Garvey, and the then most sought off lawyer in the country, Norman Manley. Even before that, both men would meet in a legal issue where Garvey was alleged to have been married to two women at the same time, a fact u
RIP Seaga But You Still Have These Politicians Out Here Sweating
Every year, around May to August, usually, there’s a repetitive argument that exist in Jamaica society. Whether on traditional or social media, this debate takes place where person inquire why do Jamaica’s authorities continue to mandate the wearing of jacket and tie for men in formal spaces - especially in a tropical climate. The thing is however, there was once a time in this country’s modern hi
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