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In May 2012, I went on my very first trip to Jamaica. The week I went I had just turned 24. Specifically I visited Montego Bay and Margartiaville. It was a tourist trip more than seeing the real life of Jamaica. I someday want to see the real Jamaica. My definition of seeing the real Jamaica is seeing how the ordinary family survives. What are their hopes and dreams? What does it mean to be Jamaican?
What I experienced was being an American fully catered by Jamaicans. Everyone I met showed kindness to me. I had access to 24/7 drinks and a beautiful scenery. I was truly given a taste of paradise but I knew it came with a cost. I knew behind the catering, there was a once colonized state and people still struggling to become more than just a tourist spot with friendly servants.
During my stay, I asked some employees at the resort how they felt about life in Jamaica. They expressed pride for their nation and cultural, but as they got more comfortable talking to me, they started to express their concerns.
One very vocal Jamaican was Sam. He worked the towels at the pool and beach. Truly one of the coolest people I have ever encountered. Sam talked about a woman he loved that left Jamaica for a better education and opportunity to escape poverty.
He was no near stupid. Sam was full of ideas and hope. Something I notice is becoming very rare here in the States and the world.
Sam kept in touch even after I left Jamaica. I week after I left Jamaica…I heard from Sam in an email sent from a BlackBerry. Yes, the BlackBerry is a huge hit in Jamaica.
The Message said:
Hey Briana hope you had a safe trip back home and all is well!! How are you doing and what’s up with you anything interesting??
Let me know what’s up my friend!!
I thought it was cool to read. I instantly thought…Pen Pal! I promised Sam I would write about his thoughts on Jamaica but discussing Jamaica from my personal experience will take me weeks.
Since I got back to the States, I have been researching Jamaica from economic and social prospective.
But back to Sam…
I told Sam I was safe and sound back home. I told him I was struggling to get back in my work routine and I was laughing at my swollen knees from mosquitoes ! Never in my life have I had bad mosquito bites like the ones I got from Jamaica.
I kid you not, I was swollen for like two weeks or more when I came back to the USA. However, I told Sam it happens. I didn’t want him to think I was some little brat from the USA that couldn’t take a few bug bites.
I expressed to him I would eventually write a documentary on Jamaica’s economy.
I asked him the following questions:
1. Do you believe there is a huge inequality between social classes? If so, what do you think can be done to make a more sustainable economy?
2. What do you love most about Jamaica?
3. What improvements would you make if you could?
Sam responded to me:
Yes, there is great division in every aspect of the country so very much. I want to help you understand in depth so your views won’t be just that of a tourist,and before you start, you must take an open minded approach as there’s a lot that might cause you to be woefully astonished!! Anyways, I am on way home now so I’ll message you when I’m settled! So we’ll speak soon!! Princess Briana.
Nice, that’s what I’m gonna call you!!! ^_^
What I have Been Told By Jamaicans In The States
” Yes, there’s an inequity. The problem is that Jamaica exports more than it sustains. What I love most about Jamaica is the kindness of the people and the deep rich culture that shows through in traditions, history, food, and music.
There are too many improvements to make.The biggest improvement is changing Jamaican ideals and shifting from the American thought patterns and influence. The 2nd is eliminating the ‘Brain Drain.” 3rd, putting more money into education. 4th bringing more business that isn’t tourism to the island.”
When I told Sam About My Friends Remarks
Hey there Princess Briana ^_^!!! Your friend sounds like a smart girl ,I must tell you though that its not very easy to put all the important pionts in a nutshell!! I agree with most of what she said and share some of her views! e.g. My favorite. Thing is the rich,diverse culture that we have especially our music its the best!!!
We also have a talent nation of people that set high standards for everyone to follow!! e.g. Our track and field athletes at every level of competition!
There is so much that needs to be changed for there to be real improvement to the conditions of the country!!
1) Our political system is geared towards benefiting the Upper Class of the Society,riddled with corruption to the point that the real authorities of the country are the members of the Private Sector or( Private Business Investors). They pump funding into politics hence decisions are made to ensure their well being!
2) The Education System only prepares the student population to be employed never to be an employer, so our old English style education has for a long time been in need of reform!!
3) We have strayed from the concept of self reliance and have become totally dependent on foreign countries to sustain ourselves we don’t farm as much as we use to so all our resources go into importing simple food items of low quality that we use to grow on our own! There’s a lot more I have to tell you but all in good time I’m work now so I’ll mail you soon!! So until sometime soon Princess Briana!! ^_^
In an upcoming post on Fromgirltogirl, I will share some pictures from my trip.
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