Why Do Jamaicans Do So Well in Foreign Lands?Jamaicans have achieved success in many countries and in many fields, and I marvel at our adaptability. I think back to that mango tree in the schoolyard at Guy’s Hill, where – as eight-year-olds – we would sit in the shade and recite interminably, "Cincinnati, pork, pork; Birmingham iron, iron; Sheffield, steel, steel…" On and on through the long afternoon, gaining some idea of what went on in that big world beyond the shores of our tiny island.
Humiliation and More Trouble : Memoirs Of An Illegal Alien Part 42Two weeks became a month. Ritchie’s plan was to eventually go to Atlanta, but Sue would not let him go. She kept insisting that he stay another week. I could not protest. The guilt of Ritchie helping me overweighed the risk I was taking having him at the house.
Office Romance -Mixing Business with Pleasure?People spend an average of 8 – 10 hours per day (40 – 60 hour per week) at the work place interacting with each other. Sometimes they are forced to work in a confined area almost invading each other’s space. Close association provides an opportunity for one to observe, appreciate and admire the other person’s generosity, physical appearance, intellect, strength of character etc.
Boiled YamYam is one of the main staples with a Jamaican meal. It is rumored that Jamaican yellow yam is the secret to Jamaica's track athlete Olympic success. Boiled yam is the most popular this dish is serviced. Enjoy our boiled yam recipe.
Granny Told Me A Long Time Ago........."The Election of President Barack Obama"Every November my family celebrates the passing of my Grandmother’s death. This year was exceptional my Grandmother would have celebrated her
100th Birthday and it all happened on the eve of the 44
th election. As my family was preparing to make their sojourn I could feel Granny’s excitement. She was overjoyed about the elections, excited that she would be having visitors and very certain that
Barack Obama would be President in 2009.
A Year In ReviewAnother year has come and gone. It has been a very busy year for me. Life has been anything but boring since I retired to Jamaica. The year began with my having tendonitis of the left knee which made it impossible for me to drive my standard transmission car. Try as I might, I just couldn't teach my wife how to use the clutch. The alternative was to purchase a newer car. This led to my February article about my new car.
Ms. Dulcie Sey: “We Nevva Cum Wid Wan Hempty Crocus Bag!” Ow iz hall you folks out dere in de Galaxy doing? I ope uno iz all well. Tings roun de Globe iz getting very cantankerous, iz like people is gweyin Raggamuffin all de way. One Country tunning pon de nex, people revoltin gainst odder people. Iz a shame an abomination wey a go on. De time of Revelation iz at hand.
Replacing a lost or stolen Jamaican PassportReplacing a lost or stolen Jamaican Passport If you’ve ever been to one of the Jamaican Consulates you’ve definitely witnessed all the frustration and headache that comes with obtaining a Jamaican passport. The guidelines and standards that they follow have recently been heightened and the associates at the consulate are making sure that all applicants comply.
The Best of Both WorldsI believe I am a much better person because of my British heritage and Jamaican culture. Being rooted and grounded in both, interchanging dialects as only Jamaicans can is something that fascinated my British work colleagues – little did they know my lapses into patois were simply to stop them eavesdropping on my conversations!
Growing Up Like A Jamaican - Letters From My GrandparentsAfter “How To Raise Your Child Like A Jamaican” was published I naturally thought, what’s next? Well, when grandpa passed away last year I came across a stack of letters that they had written to me a couple of them are undated and they span a decade. As you will see my grandparents’ needs were simple but their words gave me insight into the lives they were living thousands of miles away.
Interiew with Jamaican Marcia M. Mayne Founder of the Peenie Wallie Book ClubBooks play an important role in the Jamaican and Caribbean Diaspora to keep the heritage alive. Three year ago Marcia M. Mayne founded the Peenie Wallie Book Club which is based in New York City. This month we interview Marcia about the book club and Caribbean books.
Cabbage SaladThe Jamaican style cabbage salad is a favorite at many family gatherings. It is a quick and easy to make. Best of all it tastes great!!! Enjoy our cabbage salad recipe.
New PoemsWe added 3 new poems: Jamaican Warmth & Imported Bammy by Margaret Bailey and Ites of her Roots by Maxine Foster
Reggae Boyz Year in Review 2008In the year 2008 Jamaica football had it’s highs and lows. Though the Reggae Boyz did not get pass the first qualifying round for the 2010 World Cup the year ended with a championship and a move up in the world rankings. Here is a chronological summary of the Reggae Boyz Year in Review for 2008.
The Power of Your BeliefsThroughout recorded time there have been examples of men and women who in the face of incredible odds have succeeded in achieving their dreams Conversely, there are equal numbers of examples of those who have had a relatively easy time and what seemed to be a straight path to success and yet failed to realize their aspirations. It seems that the thing that made the most significant difference was the strength of their belief. Our beliefs are powerful.
Jamaica Heart Foundation Donation Presentation November 2008 - Jamaicans.com member donationsThanks to all who supported our 2008 Jamaica Heart Foundation drive in memory of Marcia "ackeegril" Davidson. Here is the check presentation to the Heart Foundation of Jamaica.
The Other Side of Paradise : Book ReviewFor Karlyna Bancroft, this fiesty, free spirited thirty-one year old Island girl, returning home to assist in her failing family business was definitely not on her agenda. At the indirect request of her ailing father to come home and after several years living in the United States and barely surviving financially, Karlyna Bancroft goes home to Jamaica. Oracle of the Sun Gods is a story that follows several young African-American college students as they embark on their summer school exchange program to Sudan. They are forced to take a look at life, love, the unquenchable thirst of youthful ambitions, and examine how the most simple and innocuous decisions can change one’s life forever.
‘Souldance’ – dancing through real life with power and beauty : Jamaican Book ReviewSoul Dance captures the voice of every Jamaican, as well as their thoughts and dreams. Taken from writings spanning Jean Lowrie-Chin's 30-year career, the pieces reflect the events that uplift, as well as burden, Jamaican society. Her peotry is both universal and prophetic, from the warnings against the rat race in 'Slow Down Child', to the startling take on the life of Lee Boyd Malvo in 'Your Son Too'; they demonstrate that though so much has changed, alot has also stayed the same.
The Best Vacation I've Ever Hadenjoyed myself in Jamaica. It was the best vacation I've ever had & I've been on many vacations, but Jamaica is truly one of my best. In 2006 I was planning to go to vacation in Jamaica...looked to where I wanted to go...
Presentation to the Jamaican Olympic teamIn September we asked many of you to sign our online guest book to show your appreciation and congratulate the Jamaican Olympic team. We compiled all the well wishes into a printable book. It was presented to the the Jamaican Olympic team on our behalf by Liz Burns of Jamaica United Relief Association (JURA). Feel free to download a copy of the PDF version of the book.
