Problems That Spawned Gangs Have Yet to be Addressed Public housing projects that were created to replace Jamaica's shantytowns have become :garrisons' where bloody gang warfare rages unabated. And no one seems willing or able to fix the underlying problems..
To Build or to Buy? One of the foremost thoughts of those migrating to Jamaica is to buy a piece of land on the beach or one with a panoramic view of the Caribbean ocean to build their dream home. It isn't as easy or as practical as it sounds. Over the years I have touched on this subject on several occasions but never gave it the justice it deserved. I have been prompted this month by two articles in recent editions of one of Jamaica's national newspapers, The Jamaica Observer.
My Greatest Challenge. Different does not necessarily mean deficient and so with love, devotion and persistence some children beat the odds, but doing so is not easy. Samaj Barrett is one such child. She attends the Caribbean Christian Centre for the Deaf in Kingston, Jamaica. Here is her story told in her very own words and in her very own unique way.
Stalking Prince Charles in Jamaica Since “discovering” Jamaica 25 years ago and finally making it my home in 2005, I’ve had many wonderful moments in the Land of Wood and Water. Including my one and only brush with royalty. The occasion was Prince Charles’ visit to the Montego Bay parish of St. James in March 2008. I have zero status in such matters, no official credentials in high society—I’m a retired boat captain; I have no business power, no social influence. I never sought a position in civic affairs.
Street Festival Last month we held a short story contest. We had many great entries. Our forum users voted they picked "Street Festival" by ILP_Again as the winner.
Groundbreaking Ceremony - An American Retiree in Jamaica In August of 2007, I wrote an article entitled "Pomp and Circumstances", about the graduation exercises of Jamaica Christian School For The Deaf (JCSD). This was my first experience of the "differently-abled" children from the countryside of Jamaica. This heart-touching experience prompted me to become more involved with this special school, whether it be financially or otherwise.
Would Obama Really Be America's First Black President? Many years ago I knew an intelligent and talented black journalist named Alva Ramsey. As I recall, he covered tennis and golf for The Gleaner. But that’s not why I remember him.
When a Jamaican Man Loves a Woman - A Valentine's Day Special Jamaican men candidly express what it is like for them to love a woman. Damie says “I agree that Valentine’s Day is not the only day to celebrate your love, but it is a reminder for us men that there is this very special person in your life. And you should take the time out to make her feel that way. For me, Love is that never ending adventure. That’s what it's like for me.”
The Obama Phenomenon Offers Hope to Us All Make no mistake; the fact that Obama is African-American is of very great importance - not just to Americans but to people of color around the world.
My New Car - An American Retiree in Jamaica The art of buying a car in Montego Bay is not what I was used to in the U.S.A. First of all, there aren't any new car dealers anywhere in town. If I did want to purchase a new car, I would have to travel to Kingston, about a 4 hour one-way drive. Not wanting to venture that far away, I opted for a used car. There are two types of used cars; one that has been driven in Jamaica all its life or one that has been shipped directly from Japan. In either case, the supply is very limited.
Jamaica Year in Review 2007 A Year of Significant Milestones’ is how journalist Michael Burke headed up his list of reminders in The Sunday Observer in January to Jamaicans at home and in the Diaspora. And indeed most new events this year seemed to have paled in significance when compared to anniversary events, including the first Local Government Election held in 1947, three years after Universal Adult Suffrage.
Potpourri 2007 This past year has been a busy and full one for this retiree. It started off by meeting Lorna who experienced Jamaica for the first time with the help of her daughter, Nancy, who has been coming to Jamaica frequently for the past ten years.
Who are you? Just a Jamerican A Jamerican is a person who was born in the United States, but has a strong affinity of the roots of their Jamaican parents or guardians. It’s also a person who gets confused of which culture that he or she belongs more with. Being a Jamaican or American.
A "Grande" Vacation - An American Retiree in Jamaica Ann and I were married on October 1, 1994, and honeymooned at Sandals Inn in Montego Bay. Each year we celebrate our anniversary at a Sandals resort. This year was no exception. The plans were made a year ago to return for our 3'rd vacation to Sandals Antigua. Three years ago, we renewed our wedding vows at this resort. It was a very special time for us. This romantic escapade was done the same as if it were a wedding. The preparations included picking out flowers, a special evening meal, and even breakfast in bed the morning after. We have wonderful memories of our stay at this property.
Despite Dr. King, skin color more important than ever Black residents of the United States are unarguably more "free" today than they were when Dr. King gave his speech. (Let us ignore for the sake of this discussion, the preponderance of black men in American jails and on Death Row, the economic disparity that persists between most blacks and most whites, and the prevalence of racial profiling by law enforcement officers.)
What concerns me is that instead of moving toward racial equality, the United States has moved toward racial competition, with each ethnic group claiming special rights and privileges.
Real Stories…Real Jamaicans…Real Survivors..Meet Chrissy.... .Many people tend to describe themselves as the average person striving for success in a competitive world. But I am not average. My life experiences have made me realize that I am who I am, “a phenomenal woman”.
Isn’t it time for Jamaicans to stop blaming each other for slavery? Don’t get me wrong. We definitely have a quarrel with the British merchants who grew rich by submitting human beings to the living hell of the slave ships and the relentless labor of the plantations. And it seems quite reasonable for descendants of slaves to seek an apology – and reparation – from the British Government.
Permanent Jamaican Residency Obtained - An American Retiree in Jamaica It finally happened! On Friday September 21, 2007, my wife and I became permanent residents of Jamaica. This 3 year process took us 5 long years to complete. It wasn't that the requirements were that tough, it was just plain old bureaucracy in action. We were law abiding citizens of Massachusetts where we lived most of our lives. My only "crime" was getting one speeding ticket over 30 years ago.
Establishing a Race - Out of Many One People, We Are A Race Apart Part 2 My call for establishment of a Jamaican race in last month’s column triggered so many favorable responses that I asked Xavier Murphy, the man behind Jamaicans.com, whom we should see to get a separate race established.
A Cruise In The Harbor - An American Retiree in Jamaica With the impending Hurricane Dean nearly a day away, my friend Richard called to ask if I would like to take a 45 minute cruise in Montego Bay harbor. I thought the timing was a little odd until he said he had to move his friend Isaac's 45 foot yacht, Murphy's Law, from the Montego Bay Yacht Club to a calmer lagoon nearby.
A Sweet Freedom of Love Have you every heard this statement before, “Women are a pain" or “Men are no good?” I am sure every man or woman comes across someone that holds on to pain, fails to forgive and release the baggage of past hurts. I am sure theydevalue their presence and existence as a human being. We all know every individual wants to feel love.
Jamaica's Rear-View-Mirror Planning Jamaica’s well-intentioned oil exploration initiative is likely to be a waste of time and money. And in my opinion, it’s an example of rear-view-mirror planning. I know oil is expensive. Who doesn’t? And I know Jamaica would save a lot of precious foreign exchange if it could produce some of its own fuel.
Real Stories…Real Jamaicans…Real Survivors: Meet Mary Meet Mary………a 37 year old Jamaican woman. Mary was born in the parish of Westmoreland, where she grew up with three sisters and one brother. She recalled the unpleasant memory of being sexually molested by a cousin who was ten years older. She never talked about it and always wondered if her parents knew about the occurrence.
FAQ on Living in Jamaica - An American Retiree in Jamaica Over the past several months I have had several people ask very specific questions about life in Jamaica. I will share some of these questions and answers from my view point and understanding taken from my life in Montego Bay.
Out of Many One People, We Are A Race Apart True, most Jamaicans have dark brown complexions, a combination of a West African heritage and the island's sunny climate. On this, the 45th anniversary of Jamaican Independence, I would like to propose that we declare the existence of a Jamaican race. Not "black." Not "white." Not Asian or Middle Eastern. Jamaican.
Giving Back to the Community - An American Retiree in Jamaica Much of my writings have been centered around my personal experiences since retiring to Jamaica. One of these experiences is being involved in a school lunch program. For new readers, this lunch program was started by Neena Chandiramani, a local businesswoman, who had a heart for the underprivileged children of Montego Bay. Each Friday up to 500 children in seven different schools have been the beneficiaries of a lunch which includes a sandwich, box drink, and cookies. A new school was added to our lunch program this past year.
Michael Lee-Chin - 'Magnifique!' The Michael Lee-Chin Crystal glowed against Toronto's night sky. Tens of thousands of spectators crammed the city streets for the opening of this revolutionary addition to the Royal Ontario Museum.
The Jamaican Diaspora & Jamaica's Brain Drain This "Jamaican Diaspora" - as it has come to be called - has enriched their destination countries. And it has impoverished Jamaica. You can see the effects reflected in our recent performances at cricket. And even in track, it's the Jamaican women who are left to carry the torch. But while sports may grab the headlines, the talent drain's impact may be more hurtful in other fields. Just think of the nurses the island has given to the world - for free. Jamaican taxpayers helped train them, yet many of them have taken their skills to other countries. In almost every walk of life, you will find the same kind of talent drain.
Know Your Right to Vote in Jamaica's General Election The next general elections are expected to take place within the next six months within Jamaica. However, there is much concern about the provisions being made for certain persons who are qualified to vote under the laws of Jamaica. Every Jamaican should know their rights and seek to ensure that they exercise them.
Lorna's Visit Part 3 - An American Retiree in Jamaica Another hot day in Montego Bay as Lorna and Nancy head to a Christmas
party in Canterbury, a ghetto community packed along the banks of a storm gully.
The homes are very modest, mostly of wood and zinc, and are very close together.
Review: Laughter and Adventure in “Jamaica, Farewell” There is something for everyone in “Jamaica, Farewell”—there is joy and laughter, danger and adventure, disappointment and sadness, success and triumph. And there is love and forgiveness.
Cricket World Cup 2007 - Jottings From Linstead’s Notebook - Part 3 Final Well! The curtains of the 2007 CWC saga of 34 days of cricket in the West Indies came down in Barbados,with great jubilation and expected closing pomp and splendour. With a minimum of hitches and hiccups here and there, for such a event of such magnitude , the organizers and participants are worthy of the highest commendation for the quality , smoothness and success of the entire tournament.
Lorna's Visit Part 2 - An American Retiree in Jamaica Last month we saw Lorna get a feel for Jamaica around the traditional tourist spots. Now she is going to see some other tourist attractions. But first, Nancy has some business to conduct in downtown Montego Bay. Nancy has some banking to do. What a wait! Nothing like in Canada. She went in one line and then another line, back and forth. We must have been there over an hour.
Cricket World Cup 2007 - Jottings From Linstead’s Notebook - Part 1 & 2 Cricket World Cup got underway with a very impressive performance and brilliant cultural presentations of participating countries, on Sunday March 11, 2007, at the new Trelawny Multipurpose Stadium in Jamaica. The ceremony was like a wonderland.
Do yuh rememba de days of Slavery……den mek mi tell yuh. Our regular contributor Ray Damdar looks at the slave trade and how our Jamaican fore-parents fought for our freedom as Britain is currently celebrating bi-centennial anniversary of the abolition of slavery.
Lorna's Visit Part 1 - An American Retiree in Jamaica People from around the world vacation in Jamaica for a variety of reasons. Some come to see the countryside while traveling back and forth from tourist attractions. Others come to learn more about its history and culture. Still others come and never leave the comfortable confines of their resort. Lorna's first visit to Jamaica encompassed all of these reasons.
Jamaican Father's Reflect On Children Lately, I’ve been wondering if there is a piece of me that’s eternally missing. I wonder if I’ll ever find it. My extended family; who are they? Our grandfather of 14 children left for England in the early sixties, never to return. It is said that he fathered children in England too but we really cannot be sure.
Moving To Jamaica by American Retiree in Jamaica It is hard to resist. The warmth of the people no matter their skin color, the Blue Mountains with it's world famous coffee, the lush forests with exotic flora and fauna, and the lure of the hot sun and the white sand beaches. All this and more is what draws people from around the world. To enjoy these wonders daily
throughout the year is not for everyone.
Australia, Bowled Out For Ducks By CARICOM Our regular contributior Ray Damdar comments on Aussies getting a taste of de usual 'warm welcome' Jamaicans receive regarding traveling abroad as Australians made dere World Cup Cricket vacation prepartions.
