Jamaicans rue independence from Britain

Most Jamaicans believe their country would have been better off it had remained a British colony, says a new survey by a Jamaican newspaper.

Sixty percent of Jamaicans said it would have been better to remain a colony. Seventeen percent disagreed with that view, and 23 percent said they didn't know.

The poll was conducted over four days by U.S. pollster Bill Johnson. The margin of error was plus or minus 4 percent.

Jamaica achieved independence in 1962. The country is preparing for celebrations for the 50th anniversary of independence.

It is not clear what reasons the respondents had for their choices, but the island has struggled with high levels of poverty and crime. reports the BBC.

Jamaica ranks 106 out 153 on a list of the most peaceful countries, according to the Global Peace Index.

(See map: The world's most peaceful countries)

Follow Stephanie on Twitter: @stephaniegarlow

Will you support The World today?

The story you just read is available for free because thousands of listeners and readers like you generously support our nonprofit newsroom. Every day, reporters and producers at The World are hard at work bringing you human-centered news from across the globe. But we can’t do it without you: We need your support to ensure we can continue this work for another year.

Make a gift today, and you’ll get us one step closer to our goal of raising $25,000 by June 14. We need your help now more than ever!