Valentine: Are You Married? Now Build the Marriage EquityIn 2004, after my wife and I got married, our love story was published on this site. Ever since then I have had all my friends and family visiting the site to read this, and many other lovely articles. This is the site I revisit to remember just how I felt back then and to check my love thermometer...now very febrile.
Hold MeDuring this month when we celebrate Valentine’s Day and ponder the meaning of love, ask yourself this: When was the last time you felt comfortable asking someone aside from your child to kiss or hold you—especially at a time when you really needed it and nobody else seemed to know?
Oncovering Lack of Conscience: The Result of a Floundering EconomyThe world has been experiencing an economic decline for several decades. The primary cause of this downward spiral is due to the lack of quality goods and services administered throughout the
United Nations and America.
Killing the “Love Bird” Would Destroy a Piece of Jamaica’s SoulTo those of us who have known and loved Air Jamaica, the thought that it might vanish from the sky is almost sacrilegious. I am aghast that the Jamaican Government is considering a plan to get rid of Air Jamaica. Of course the airline is losing money. In these troubled times, what airline isn’t? But this is not just any airline, this is a piece of Jamaica in the sky.
Black HistoryBlack History Month (Yea Mon!) thanks and praises to the vision of Dr. Carter Woodson and to the painters, craftsmen, sculptors, poets, musicians, teachers and parents and everyone else who have and are still contributing to the mystic of Black History. The world seemingly moves so fast today so that the past seems so far away. May 17th 1954 Brown had to sue the Board of Education and by January 20th 2010 Obama has spent a year already in the ‘White’ House.
Purchasing Your Dream Home - An American Retiree in JamaicaI have written an article in the past on purchasing land to build a dream house on and some of the problems that could occur. These problems are so numerous that my recommendation was to buy a preexisting dwelling. Chances are the existing house will have endured the test of time so that any faults will probably be visible upon inspection.
White Rastafarians?When you think about the word “Rastafarian”, you probably imagine a Jamaican man with dark skin and dreadlocks… as a matter of fact, you probably think about Bob Marley. This wouldn’t be an inappropriate association, after-all, Bob Marley is probably the most internationally recognized practitioner of Rastafari. However, not all rastas these days are from Jamaica, and there is even a small but growing population of Caucasian practitioners. No, I’m not talking about teenaged skateboarders who smoke marijuana and listen to reggae music; I’m talking about real, deeply religious, white rastas. Now, depending on how much you know about Rastafari, you’re either wondering, “How does a White person join the Rasta faith?” or you’re wondering, “What’s the big deal?”. I think it may be wise to first address the latter.
A conversation with "Your Money" Publisher & CEO, Tyrone WilsonThis week we interview the young CEO of eZines Limited, Tyrone Wilson. His company publishes “Your Money” a business and financial electronic magazine (ezine) that focuses on young professionals in Jamaica. The twenty-six years old is a dynamic and savvy entrepreneur who we are sure to hear about in years to come.
Donate to Haiti earthquake relief today!!!Please donate to Haiti earthquake relief today. Our Haitian brothers and sisters need our help. We should stand with them in their time of need by doing everything we can to assist. Here are a list of charities providing direct relief to Haitians following Tuesday's (January 12th, 2010) devastating earthquake. You can send money by text or checks by mail. Checks should be made payable to the organizations listed. Please Designate Your Gift to “Haiti Earthquake”
Top 10 Jamaicans of 2009We asked the Jamaicans.com writers, editors and bloggers to name their top Jamaicans for the year 2009. Some of the names you will recognize but some are everyday people who are making an impact on Jamaica and the world in their own way. We are pleased to present the Jamaicans.com Top 10 Jamaican for 2009.
Jamaica Year in Review 2009The year, 2009 began with vast global recession triggered by a plunging US economy which was characterised by a ‘tsunami’ of job loss, diminishing dollars and rising prices which was bound to affect the islands. Jamaica’s newish ‘govament’ (as any ruling body is called by Jamaicans) chose the denial route. Public opinion channelled through its excellent cadre of journalists cited a level of diffidence in the new administration’s approach to public information. The criticisms continued to surface when it found itself hard put to contain a persistently high crime rate and the rising tide of job losses. There was also its perceived lack of resolve in sanitizing the sickly smell of carry-over scandals (political and otherwise) from the previous administration.
Interview with Jamaican actor, Paul CampbellThis month we interview popular Jamaican actor Paul Campbell. One of Jamaica’s most heralded contemporary actor, Paul has appeared any many screen and stage productions. Some of his most notable works are his leading roles in Palm Picture's Lunatic, the notorious & unforgettable villain priest, in Dancehall Queen (1997) and the highest grossing film out of Jamaica, Third World Cop (1999).
"Goodbye 2009" by American Retiree in JamaicaThis was yet another good year for me in Jamaica. As I look back over the past twelve months, I’m reminded of all the different things that have taken place in my life in Jamaica, most of them very positive.
Heading into a New Decade, Jamaica Faces Formidable ChallengesNew markets need to be found for Jamaican exports and new sources of tourism dollars must be tapped. New areas of development must be explored – perhaps in "green" energy, as Jamaica has an abundance of sunlight and wind. But, most of all, new attitudes must be encouraged. Obviously, the island will have to grow more of its own food – and eat what it produces. Obviously, population growth must be addressed. And, obviously, public servants must be held accountable.
Interview with Dean Dundas who has created a free CXC learning aid for the CaribbeanFor many of us who grew up in Jamaica and the Caribbean the CXC was an exam that defined our future. There were many study guides and tools to prepare for this exam. Technology has provided us with a new online tool called Notesmaster. This month we interview Dean Dundas who has created this free CXC learning aid for Caribbean students.
Interview with Jacqueline Bishop, founding editor of Calabash: A Journal of Caribbean Arts & LettersThis month we interview the multi-talented, Jacqueline Bishop. She is the founding editor of Calabash: A Journal of Caribbean Arts & Letters, the author of two collections of poems, an artist and a published author. She is presently editing a film on a group of Jamaican untutored artists.
An Overview of the Real ID Act of 2005I trust that you all had a very blessed Christmas and a Happy New Year. As we proceed into the New Year of 2010 it is important to know that there will be some changes regarding your photo identification. Today’s article will briefly discuss the federal Real ID Act of 2005 and its impact on the way in which we use our identification.
Balancing Boomerang KidsTwenty-nine-year-old Robert was confident that his MBA in finance would secure him a solid career and a comfortable future. After getting laid off from his enviable position at a top financial institution, he found it difficult to replace his income and had to accept a job with a 50 per cent pay cut. Unable to afford his rent and faced with mounting unpaid bills, Robert had no choice but to move back home with his mother.
Susan, a 46-year-old divorcee, had very little to fall back on after her husband of 25 years left her. She had not worked for a long time and was desperate without a place to call home. With no children, the only place she could turn to for help was her elderly parents. Despite her best efforts, Susan has been unsuccessful in obtaining a job and feels frustrated about being dependent on her parents for survival.
“Duppy Conquering”: An Exploration of The Supernatural in Reggae MusicThe Caribbean has historically been associated with the supernatural. Tales of Jamaican Maroon leader Nanny’s mystical prowess, the memorable Miss Cleo of Psychic Readers’ Network, and legends of the devouring Bermuda Triangle all envision the Caribbean from inside and out as enchanted. Within the Caribbean, duppies, soucouyants, zombies, rolling calves and jumbies are frequently an element of cultural productions such as songs, poems, novels, and plays. There are also various Caribbean spiritual practices associated with the supernatural such as Voodoo, Obeah, Myalism and Santeria.
Permanent Residence Through Your SpouseNon-citizen spouses are able to acquire permanent residence through their spouse under the following four conditions. First, your spouse must be a United States Citizen or permanent resident. Second, you must have entered the United States in legal status i.e. with a visa or under the visa waiver program. Three, you must be admissible to the United States. Finally, your spouse must be willing to submit his/her immigration petition to Immigration on your behalf. This article will highlight the process of preparing, submitting and ultimately attaining permanent residence though marriage.
"How I Roped a Cow" by American Retiree in JamaicaAnn & I had only been living in Jamaica for a few months but during that time it was nearly a daily occurrence to see cows walking unattended through the streets and backyards of our new community. Our property is walled, thank God, so we didn’t have to watch where we were walking in the yard. No cow chips anywhere. However, the cows seemed...
Interview with Artist Zoya TaylorThis month we interview painting artist, Zoya Taylor. She was born in Vancouver, Canada to a Jamaican father and Canadian but spends much of her early childhood in Jamaica. She currently lives in Norway but is a frequent visitor to Jamaica where she has exhibited many of her canvas paintings.
Interview with Jamaican Belly Dancer, Miss Rose Lee for interviewThis month we interview Jamaican Belly Dancer Miss Rose Lee. She started belly dancing at age 13 in Jamaica. Inspired by her Indian and Jamaican culture she has pioneered a style of belly dancing called Indo-Caribbean. She hopes to popularize belly dancing in Jamaica.
Santa ClawsEvery year Santa Claws and discreetly mauls my reputation as a caring and giving dad. He being disingenuous makes me, ‘stone moderated mad.’ Enough is enough;
Eroticism, Spirituality, and Resistance in Black Women's Writings - Book ReviewWestern European mythology and history tend to view spirituality and sexuality as opposite extremes. But sex can be more than a function of the body and religion more than a function of the mind, as exemplified in the works and characters of such writers as Zora Neale Hurston, Toni Morrison, Opal Palmer Adisa, and Edwidge Danticat.
Interview with Jamaican photographer, Monique LaiThis month we interview Jamaican photographer Monique Lai. Her work has been featured in many gallery exhibits around the world including New York and Hong Kong. Her photographs tell stories in a unique style.
Can Blacks be racist against WhitesRacism is a belief that a particular race is the primary determinant of human traits and capabilities and that the racial differences produce an inherent superiority of a particular race. No where is this more evident than in white society and has been a constant theme in black life for over 600 hundred years.
Encore '09 - by American Retiree in JamaicaOnce again Sandals/Beaches Resorts demonstrated why they are the leader in the hospitality industry in the Caribbean. “Sandals Style” isn’t just about what they can do for their guests. They take the same dedication to train and nurture the staff to be the best they can be.
