I make no apologies in stating that Jamaica is the Pearl of the Caribbean. Put us anywhere, heaven or hell and we will stand out. There is an immutable pride in all Jamaicans that more often than not create some of the problems we experience when we travel outside the island. Many folks don't understand it and misinterpret it for arrogance and sometimes ignorance albeit rooted in ignorance. Has Jamaica isolated itself in the Caribbean through our very nature? Do we face discrimination because of envy ("badmine") or is it justified?
Some folks in the Caribbean don't like to admit it, but Jamaica is definitely the heartbeat of the region controlling everything that's both good and bad - except for money (debatable). Jamaica, No Problem. Reminds me of the popular song by the great Reggae singer Buju Banton: "Everything weh gwaan a Foreign a di yardie get the blame" . We have built up a reputation for attracting attention, for creativity and originality, a reputation for building reputations - leading and not following, rebellious by name and nature.
These are the characteristics that separates us in the region and the world and could be the reason why we are targets of oppression - but we will explore that a bit further before making any conclusions. To answer the questions I do not believe we have isolated ourselves in the region because the majority of people love Jamaica and Jamaicans. I can attest to that through my own experiences because I have friends from every Island and have traveled to over seven (7) countries in the region. The interesting thing in all this is that everybody has or wants a piece of Jamaica - From the music in Trinidad to the food in Barbados and BVI down to the very speech in Antigua & Barbuda. Even my Colombian friend laments about the Jamaican influence on their Northern Coast - From Santa Marta to Cartagena. Therefore it is not our nature that isolates us, because it remains the glue that binds us to the Caribbean and the world.
For those of us who would have followed recent developments in Caribbean Diplomacy, my second question should have more answers than I'm prepared to decipher. It makes for interesting debate given the worrying trend that has been developing. From a neutral perspective it does appear a bit dodgy although Jamaicans are not strangers to discrimination in the wider region (ie, North America, UK). The US which is partly responsible for creating the monster is at the apex of this endemic discrimination. Jamaicans are more sure to go to heaven than they are to get a Visa to the US. England has taken up the same attitude as well. It is no coincidence that Queen Elizabeth sent Harry for her Diamond Jubilee especially in this our 50th year of independence. The Honorable Portia Simpson Miller wants to "bun out di Queen", figuratively of course - no translation needed. I believe this is the popular sentiment, after all the PM quote on quote represents "people power".
For those not familiar with the Caribbean diplomatic landscape we site the incident where a Jamaican woman allegedly underwent insertion search in Barbados. This was probably not the only case as other women have since alleged similar experiences. I would like to throw the Chris Gayle incident into the mix as well because it is perceived that he was in the predicament because of his strong will and unrelenting attitude. He, like all Jamaicans believe in his right to an opinion and demands respect in as much as he is expected to give. So his career was put on hold - or was it? That certainly didn't stop him doing what he loves as Gayle was playing cricket all over the world from Bangladesh to Australia to Zimbabwe to Trinidad - Typical Jamaican right? Rebel with/without a cause?
I'll continue with the most recent case in the news where six(6) Jamaicans have reportedly been detained for over a week after they were refused entry into the Trinidad. While I make no judgement on the case or draw any conclusions, it does highlight a wider issue which we have failed to deal with properly in CARICOM. I don't know the circumstances under which they were detained but the very word "detained" does spark a bit of problems for me.
The government of Trinidad & Tobago as a sovereign state does have the right to refuse entry to anyone, but proper arrangements should be in place for cases where people are denied such. We have failed in diplomacy and as a Caribbean community (CARICOM), to engender a true community spirit. It makes terrible PR irrespective of the circumstances why they were not able to catch a flight back immediately. We have to take better care of our Caribbean nationals. Let's say for argument sake the folks are innocent of any crime or intent to commit any offenses. Why should they face detention if they have done no wrong?
I am all too aware of the complete picture scape with the drug wars and the bad reputation that Jamaicans have created. It upsets me to have to deal with the fact that a handful of bad apples spoil the experience for the majority of us. It is however not an excuse for discrimination at any level. Every country - Barbados, Suriname, Trinidad, Grenada, USA, England, Mexico, you name it, have their own basket of bad apples. Cutting down the whole orchard seem to me like an incompetent attempt to tackle difficult problems. It does take years to heal.
CARICOM is important for all of us. I grew up reading VS Naipaul, Walcott, Selvon, Rhone. I was inspired by Viv Richards, Brian Lara, Walsh and Curtley Ambrose. Ato Boldon was my idol, Chanderpaul my role model. I dream about the Pitons of St. Lucia and the Waitikubuli trails of Dominica - even while I find solace in the Sommerset falls in the East of Jamaica. These are the treasures we ought to share. We should educate our Caribbean youth with wisdom and understanding of themselves and our cultures. Our history should shape our future as we become masters of our own destiny. Away with the brainwash education filled with lies and divisive tactics employed by our colonial masters. We don't have to tear down each other to grow.
To my Caribbean neighbours, let us emancipate ourselves from mental slavery - educate our children to love, share and embrace different cultures. Let us get away from the oral myth that has traverse generations. Step outside the realm of pseudo-nationalism and experience first hand what a joy it is to share in the authentic Jamaican spirit. The same vibes that gave us "jammin", "Redemption Songs", "Summer Time" and much more.
And to all Jamaicans: please, realize that we are ambassadors for our beloved Jamaica Land We Love. We should strive to make Marcus Garvey proud through our decorum, kindness and our attitude towards our neighbours. We are a hard working people and we know how to smile even in the greatest struggles. This is what makes us Jamaicans.
"One Love, One Heart.....Let's get together and feel alright" R.N.M
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Love him or hate him, nobody can deny the creativity of Vybz Kartel. He developed an almost cult following during his reign at the apex of Dancehall music. He really changed the game through his antics and daring personality. Vybz Kartel has pushed the boundaries of the art form to the point where popular acts who used to dominate the game have become irrelevant - at least until they can redesign their act.
