Jamaicans attending a recent function in the United Kingdom. - File

Most Jamaicans living in England are happy, according to the findings of a Gleaner-commissioned Bill Johnson poll.

The poll was conducted among 400 Jamaicans between March 17 and 27, and has a margin of error of plus or minus five per cent.

Dr. Susan Mains, a geographer and lecturer at the University of the West Indies, (UWI) Mona campus, who has carried out several studies in the area of migration, noted that the Jamaican people are resilient. "When you consider injustice and racism as said by the people in this study ... I have to say that the strength of the Jamaican people has been underestimated," Dr. Mains said.

"For them to be existing in such a society and yet find it possible to achieve and remain happy it speaks to the strength of the Jamaican people ... Their resilience and they need to be commended," Dr. Mains added.

In spite of claims of racism and discrimination, many Jamaicans seem to be making inroads in England.

The survey found that 43 per cent of the sample owned their own home. Jamaicans, both home and abroad, have always spoken about the challenges of living in England, a place described by one man who spent nine months there as "the most racist place in the world".

History is believed to provide the answer as to why migrants in the UK, especially Jamaicans, are often treated as second class citizens. In the years following World War II, several Jamaicans emigrated to England in search of job opportunities and for a better life.

Colonisation in reverse

The period of the 1950s and 60s saw many Jamaicans moving into Britain to do odd jobs. Louise Bennett, the great Jamaican poet, later called it 'Colonisation in reverse'.

Decades after the Jamaican invasion of England, the first survey among Jamaican blacks in the United Kingdom is conducted and the findings are startling. Not only do a majority of Jamaican blacks living there feel happy, they say they like the country because it offers good jobs and job opportunities and they are often able to enjoy a good standard of living.

Responding to the question, what are some of the things that you like about living in the U.K., 30 per cent of the sample said jobs or opportunities are available. Another 17 per cent pointed to educational opportunities and 14 per cent identified free health care.

In fact, according to survey results, only the cold England weather compares to injustice, racism and discrimination on the list of ills facing Jamaicans.

Responding to what they dislike most about the UK, 28 per cent of the sample said racism, discrimination and injustice. Another 27 per cent said the weather and 12 per cent said high taxes and fees.

Burdensome travel costs

A quarter of Jamaicans in the UK have never returned to their homeland. Those who normally visit come home on average every 2.9 years ago but less than half usually bring their children. One returning resident suggested that the reason for this is the cost of travelling between countries. It cost about $60,000 on average for an economy class ticket to travel from the U.K. to Jamaica.

"It is not that they don't want to visit but it is very expensive to travel here," said one Jamaican-Briton, who returned home 13 years ago.

"Most of them want to be here. The way people treat you because you are black ... everything, it's not worth it. Yes, there is a lot of money in England, but there is no price that can be attached to peace of mind".

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