I remember growing up in my small rural hometown in St. Elizabeth and occasionally encountering a tourist who would tell me tales about his/her country and how Jamaica is one of the most beautiful countries with some of the nicest people. I also remember traveling to the USA and telling people that I am from Jamaica and hearing beautiful stories about my home and its friendly people. Good memories- that is all they are now! There is no doubt that the international image of Jamaica has changed. Needless to say, it is my belief that locally the morale of the people is changing and patriotic pride is taking a downward spiral as Jamaicans are feeling the impact of a negative image globally as the culture of violence supersedes the culture of "niceness". The people who had the reputation for being cool, "irie", peaceful, loving and just sweetly laid back are now branded as aggressive, ill-natured, out of control, "scary" and desperate. SOURCE: www.amn
Here are narratives of interests, perspectives and lived experiences. The essence of my human existence. the impact of motherhood, relationships, being Jamaican, being American, everything and anything- a potpourri of life.