Acknowledgements

• Author: Amanda Sives
• Profession: Lecturer in Politics at the University of Liverpool
• Pages: 9-10

TABLE OF CONTENTS

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IXIX

IX

Acknowledgements

This book began life as a doctoral thesis over 15 years ago. Undertaken at the

Department of Peace Studies, University of Bradford, it would not have been

possible without funding from the Cadbury’s Trust. In the first instance, thanks

go to my PhD supervisor, Professor Jenny Pearce. Our relationship was not

without its difficulties, but without her rigorous and constructive critique of the

original work, I would not have developed my analytical skills nor successfully

completed the doctorate. During the period of my thesis, many good friends

gave me tremendous support and encouragement so thanks, in no particular

order, to Tom, Kirsten, Michael, Jane, Georgina, Geraldine, Steve and Leeanne.

I lived with various friends during this period who patiently dealt with my

frustrations and anxieties so many thanks to Jane, Steve and Tom. In addition,

over the last two years, Dmitri has provided support, love and encouragement

which has helped me complete the book.

People always ask me why I am so interested in Jamaica. For this, heartfelt

thanks are given to Andy. Not only did he introduce me to the island but he

shared his love for the place with me. Our year living there was the most

rewarding and challenging of my life and we shared that experience, good and

bad, together. Without his patience, fun and companionship, that year would

have been far more difficult. Thanks are also due to his mum Ann and sister

Zelee for welcoming me into the family for a period of time.

Over the 15 years that I have been travelling to Jamaica, I have been privileged

to meet and interview a wide range of people within the political parties,

academia, the media, civil society, electoral authorities and at the grassroots

community level. I have always been welcomed and I want to take this opportunity

to thank everyone who gave so generously of their time to speak to me about

what were often sensitive and difficult subjects. There are too many people to

mention individually but they know who they are. I hope this book provides a

fair representation of views.

At the University of the West Indies, my thanks go to Professor Edwin Jones,

who was Head of the Government Department when I first arrived in Kingston

in 1994. He facilitated my access to the library, computer services and generally

welcomed me to the university. In particular, two members of staff helped me