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Deep Dive: Life and Debt (2001)

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Life and Debt
Life and Debt is a 2001 documentary directed by Stephanie Black that examines Jamaica's economic and social conditions following globalization. It focuses on the impact of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank's structural adjustment policies, which required Jamaica to implement significant economic reforms such as trade liberalization and privatization. These reforms did not yield the intended results, leading to Jamaica accumulating $4.6 billion in debt. The film features interviews with former Jamaican Prime Minister Michael Manley, who critiques the IMF's loan conditions and describes them as an infringement on the sovereignty of former colonial nations. He likens the system to imperialism or neocolonialism and criticizes the Jamaican Free Zones as U.S.-subsidized sweatshops. The film includes perspectives from free zone workers, providing a personal view of the economic struggles faced by many Jamaicans.

Why Watch

  • •See Michael Manley's critique of IMF policies.
  • •Find out how globalization affected Jamaica's economy.
  • •Meet workers from Jamaican Free Zones and hear their stories.

Did You Know

•Jamaica accrued $4.6 billion in debt due to IMF policies.
•Michael Manley critiques IMF policies in interviews featured in the film.
•The film won the Special Jury Prize at the 2004 Festival International du Film Insulaire.

Perfect For

Globalization studiesEconomic policy analysisJamaican history enthusiasts