Reflecting on my recent visit to Jamaica
This photo of my parents was taken before I left for the airport. It had been over 20 years since I took a photo with the two of them, so I shall send them this one. I was overcome with emotions when leaving, and I cried privately in the washroom because my dad is a softy and I know how catchy crying can be.
Being away from one's home country and parents, especially with all the recent awful events in the world, I felt thankful that I was able to reconnect with them after nearly 9 years. They are both in their late 70s and in good health, which is reassuring for me.
I'm the last child, and as much as my dad would love for me to take care of the house in the future, the sad thing is that as lovely as Jamaica is and as comfortable as the family home is with a coveted orchard, I do not see myself calling Jamaica "home."
Yes, I was relaxed on the premises, especially in the back garden, where I spent my days. However, my reflection here is an honest one: The island is saturated with some heinous crimes. Criminal activities and killings are at an unprecedented high. During our stay, there was a state of emergency with a strong army presence across the island with soldiers fighting crime, but still, the consensus of locals was that they chose not to go out of their homes except for necessities.
This is sad. Jamaica is an island blessed with natural beauty. Waterfalls, beaches, rivers, mountains, valleys, and stunning nature.
What good is all that if I'm forced to lock myself in my burglar-barred home?
According to the Jamaica Gleaner, the most trusted print media, the cost of living in Jamaica is among the highest in the Latam region, as I see from the latest news from September last year.
Comparing Jamaica to other tropical, and third-world countries on other continents. Yes, there's no denying that Jamaica stands out in terms of the layout of the land and its natural beauty. However, as it stands, I felt like the country does not have much more to offer.
It pains me to say this because I would like to be an ambassador "for" my country, but I've acknowledged that Jamaica is not a progressive country.
Walking the streets of the village where I grew up and the town where I went to school, I saw little change and I felt like I was in a time warp.
One disappointment was that I did not feel safe to go roaming for street photography. I'd have been delighted to show some stunning, colourful, charming little houses to give a glimpse of the pride people take in their environment, despite whatever poverty and hardships they are facing. Still, my safety was my priority.
Jamaica - "Wi Likkle but wi Tallawah"
This is like the unofficial motto of Jamaica, which means that we are a small nation of people who are determined to do great things that we set our minds to, and not be constrained by the boundaries of the small island.
Does anyone remember the Jamaican Bobsled team who competed in the Olympics?
Well, while reminiscing and reflecting on the good ole days, I found this photo taken with the original team who went to the Olympics and recalled the chat I had with these guys.
They are from humble beginnings with big dreams of competing in the Olympics. Never in their wildest dreams, that it would be bobsleigh.
These guys are probably of retirement age now, but they helped to put Jamaica on the map.
There have been recent reports of personal financial losses of one of the more prominent Jamaican athletes, which got Jamaica much international media attention.
Still, I spent 3 months wondering what state the country will be in in the next 20 years.
Reggae music and the ever-popular Bob Marley gives people the impression that Jamaica is laid-back.
Well, Bob Marley must be turning in his grave!
The dancehall music which is prominent on the island is being censored on radios because they speculate that much of the music instigate acts of violence, especially against women.
One thing that's still amazing is the food!
Don't get me wrong.
I had a fantastic time with my family and at the resorts that I visited during my time there.
Here are some links to some recent posts which showed the contrasting side of the reality of Jamaica. The pretty side, which is overshadowed by the ugly side that I speak of here.
Chilling at Xtabi, Negril, Jamaica
Banishing the Monday Blues, Negril, Jamaica
Wild Coffee Retreat Experience, Negril, Jamaica
But, would you want to live in a beautiful place, and have to move around like a skittish cat?
The reality is that crime has become the norm, it's a livelihood for the young and the old.
How do you change the mindset of a nation? How do you alter the psychology of a person to be more content with a simple lifestyle and not be too caught up with material gains?
I have a sister who celebrated her birthday at this family gathering, and I have lots of extended families back in Jamaica. Sadly, I feel no real connection with the island, my roots.
Still, I "hope" that I will one day live to see Jamaica with its old charm of smiling, friendly, courteous Jamaicans who welcome strangers with open arms.
It is great to be back in the UK for now.
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Interesting read.
It's unfortunate about the crime and your feeling of disconnect with the country. I can understand that from what you said in the post.
That cool that you met the Bob sled team. I liked the Disney movie on that when I was a kid.
It always amazes me when a 5 word phrase can get translated into into a 30 word paragraph in another language. 😂
It was cool to meet the guys. They were mannerly gentle giants. Real underdogs of sportsmen in Jamaica. I had them at the resort for a press crew. They had their sleigh with them. I ran with them and jumped in just for fun.😂
When they relayed the stories of all the hurdles they had to cross to get there, the recipient they got worldwide for the island boys on ice was inspiring.
For a small country, there's so much going for it, which is ruined by the government or lack of it.
It is a very inspiring story. Definitely an underdog story.
100 % 😊
It's always a great feeling every time we have a vacation in the place where we grew up.Our roots.
I can somehow relate, as of now, I couldn't see myself returning home for settlement.
Maybe in my retirement age 🤣.
The sad thing is that most returning residents who decide to spend their retirement in Jamaica are killed shortly after settling in.
It's a real shame.
🥹🥹 that was a sad and somehow disturbing (sorry for the term)
Yes, it's disturbing. Watching the news there is the most depressing thing ever.
I was curious why that happened, will check about that .Never knew that's happening in your Homeland 🥹.
Have a safe trip back to the US Milly! And hope you will visit the Philippines again next time.
That's a little sad and very poignant. When the TV , media and internet is full of the trappings of 'wonderful' Western life styles, I can understand those with less wanting a piece of that but at the same time, obviously cannot condone the way that many then attempt to get it. I definitely feel that crime is often born of greed and jealousy more than need.
I had read about an English guy being killed whilst you were over there and an associated article discussing the crime rate and I looked for you and the old man's posts to make sure you were OK.
Wonderful post, thank you for sharing and I know it's going to keep me lost in thought as I ponder your words for the rest of the day.
Loved the picture with your mum and dad and I wish them and you, good health and happiness.
Best wishes always :-)
It's depressing to see how cheap life is there.
That's my take on a lot of it. A lot of the time when police do kill criminals, people are surprised to see the unmasked faces of people they sit and play dominos in the daytime.
Yes, there is poverty, with little to no social care. However, real guns have replaced water pistols that kids used to play with.
Most robberies take place and the shooting to kill happens after, just because they can get away with it.
I hope that I'll live to see a change in crime in Jamaica.
Hi Milly! How nice that you were able to spend that time with your parents. It must have been exciting to be able to hug them after such a long time. But how sad that Jamaica is as you describe. I understand perfectly the feeling of not feeling safe to take pictures in the streets. Here, in some areas, it is like that, although things in the sense of security have improved after the great migratory wave that the country had due to the crisis. People often joke saying that even the thugs left the country. But it's sad when a place with so much potential is hit by crime. Let's hope Jamaica will one day be a relaxed, vibrant, and joyful island again.
As they would say in Jamaica: "Fingers and toes crossed."
You have said that well @coquicoin.
Inflation is higher in your country than in Jamaica. However, Jamaica is consistently leading as number one in crime ☹️
When I hear even my mum who is "Miss Super Positive and Optimistic" talk about the crime, then I know that it is real.
This is a pity because it is terrible to feel like a "prisoner" at home because of crime. Here 10 years ago the security situation was dramatic, there was a lot of crime and above all many express kidnappings. But now the situation at least in that sense has improved, and although there is insecurity as in most Latin American countries, is not remotely the same as it was a few years ago.
Kidnapping and killing of kids I have not mentioned, but it is rampant. I could not raise a family there.
I am happy that Venezuela's crime rate has been reduced.
Even the Jamaican government look like they are clueless and short on ideas of how to deal with the situation there.
Some of the dancehall/reggae music definitely can get as violent and sexist as hip hop can - it's just disguised by patois! I mean, Eek A Mouse and virgin girl? That's only one I can think of. Saying that, you know how much I love reggae.
It's funny we are thinking the same thing about England. As much as we love and miss it, I don't think it's a good island to live on - inflation, cost of living, crime etc. Funny huh?
That photo of you and your parents made me tear up. It's the worst thing about living away from home, missing those you love. My husband finds it so hard, and I'm finding it hard as as much as he wants to move, I don't want to be away from my family, especially with a grandson here now too.
It definitely seems like your relationship with Jamaica is complex. I'm sorry to hear about the crime and the downsides of the place. It's not the only island that's fraught with such things - crikey, imagine living in Haiti!!!!
Yes, the music. The old reggae is lovely and mellow, but the dancehall music is all explicit sex acts with a melodious sound and rhythmic beat.
While living in the Philippines, I'd go to the local Gaisano mall, and upon entering, I would hear some dancehall songs blasting on the radio, explicit ones that are banned from airplay in Jamaica. I would watch the staff rocking to the beat, and then I'd hear an interruption in the music for the mass "Mother Mary..." I would burst out laughing...
Yes, my relationship with Jamaica is complex. I remember exploring the island and thinking to myself, my god! This is the most beautiful place ever. I want to travel the world but never leave Jamaica." Then within a few years of living there, I became realistic, as the fears of leaving my house increased.
I lived in "survival mode" when I was in Jamaica. That's why I'm alive. I don't want to revert to being a "savage" - hardened by my environment.
It pains me to know that my parents will live their final years in a country in that state.
It’s unbearably sad that Jamaica has devolved into a cesspit of crime. Africa is much the same, but from the sounds of it Jamaica is worse than South Africa.
The contrast of your photos that are filled with so much obvious joy against the backdrop you describe is heartbreaking 💔 But, I think that the hardest thing is the slow, but sure eroding of pride, to lose pride in your roots makes you feel rudderless; I know this feeling all too well and it’s rather dreadful.
Nevertheless, I think that reconnecting with your parents was wonderful and your enjoyment of them bounces off the page in a bright, bright dazzle! ❤️🤗❤️💕💕💕🤗❤️❤️
💯% and
Citizens and the wide diaspora feel this way now.
Yes, it's similar in Africa (SA especially).
When you say how people rally together and can see that the government is the problem there, that is why Jamaica is now at the lead for crime. People are fighting and killing off each other instead of standing up as a nation.💔
😢😢😢
Absolutely! It’s particularly weird that the government in Jamaica has banned reggae—because of the lyrics. The lyrics about violence don’t inspire violence; they’re inspired by violence that the songwriters’. AND the root of that violence is a direct result of government corruption, which has resulted in abject poverty. Shame for Jamaica, shame for S.A. 😢😢😢😢
Haha! The music has two "streams" if I could call it that. The main reggae brings out consciousness, speaks the truth, and encourages peace, love, and unity among each other. The "dancehall" which is catchy, lyrical, and has a great beat, is mainly from local artists from the slums, who put their talent to "good?" use.
The dances that relate to dancehall music are provocative (which is saying it nicely). The lyrics are vulgar, crude, and explicit.
The music divides the classes of people in Jamaica. Ex. Calypso/Soca which is prominent during Carnival season is highly accepted because it's an affluent crowd. Women dance provocatively in the streets with strings holding garments on their bodies, sometimes with arrangements with the police for protection (while they perv of course). Shapely women. It's a beautiful sight to behold. On the other hand, there is the dancehall side, highly associated with the ghetto/slums and the less privileged of society. Maybe not so pleasing to the eyes, but also of women scantily dressed dancing in a fashion that many men pay money for.
The songs that are banned, if they were translated, you would be shocked out of your wits... Still, it's a HUGE part of the culture. A strong identity. Jamaica is "nervous" because the "Afro Beats" which sounds similar, more refined in my opinion, with dance moves that look fun, will take over from the dancehall in the next 5 to 10 years.
When I say the island is in a crisis, I'm playing it down.
Jamaica is a "special" place.
When Jamaicans are good, they are unbeatable. When they are bad, they are also unbeatable!
You r unbearable. Glad to know you “unbeatable”. 🙃
What a strong situation, but it is very good to know that this reality exists and that the media and its lies manage to cover up realities that affect many populations. Thank you very much for sharing this post. Happy day to you.
Happy day to you too:)
Yes, the media is powerful. I had to tune it out while I was there.
Still, tourism is booming again, with disappointed travellers who are told to stay inside their resorts.
That's so hard to love your home country but not want to live there. I mean I can understand many people leave home because of work or a new life, but sounds like in your case it's the actual country itself that you don't want to return to. It must be so difficult and sad for you because you grew up and lived there for so long and your parents are still there.
I had a childhood friend from Hong Kong who lived in Kingston for many years, she ran a grocery store and worked hard over the years. In the few conversations we had about her life there, she didn't mention how bad things were but she did say it was a lot of work to manage the local staff. Maybe she just kept her down and worked and worked till she earned enough money to leave the country..
My friend from the Reunion islands said she just cannot imagine any of this happening and worst to live in a country where your life feels threatened every day. I guess your friend from Hong Kong became a different person while living in Jamaica. The Asian population is huge in Jamaica. They speak the Jamaican patois just like Jamaicans. However, it doesn't matter whether you are from the Philippines, China, Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, or Malaysia. You will be called "Miss Chin or Mr. Chin" and you become immune to it and learn to cope.
I never knew how to switch into relaxation mode until I left Jamaica.
Yes, it's very hard when I love the country so much, but I couldn't live a "normal" life like a prisoner.
Nothing like the company of family to give you that sparkle in your eye and that beautiful smile. Blessings to the family.
🎆🎇🎉🎊🌧️💐✨🌾🌱🌹🌙🌿🍃🥀⚡🌺☘️🍀🌈🌷⭐🪴🌵🌸🌟💮🌴🌳💫☀️💮☔🌲🌳🌍🌌🌠☄️🏵️🐝🌻🌼🍄🐞🦋💙☕💜🍍🎆🎇🎉🎊🎆🎇🎉🎊🌧️💐✨🌾🌱🌹🌙🌿🍃🥀⚡🌺☘️🍀🌈🌷⭐🪴🌵🌸🌟💮🌴🌳💫☀️💮☔🌲🌳🌍🌌🌠☄️🏵️🐝🌻🌼🍄🐞🦋💙☕💜🍍🎆🎇🎉🎊
Thank you @chacald.dcymt. Yes, I am grateful to have my parents alive and well 😍
Hi, Milly (@millycf1976).
It's always nice to honor parents with a visit, especially when many years have passed.
When I saw the picture of you with your parents, I couldn't help but read your post; I'm very curious.
As I began to read, I did it with a smile, but as I passed the words I came across the insecurity in Jamaica and I felt that you were talking about my country, Venezuela.
Venezuela has been transformed and now insecurity reigns everywhere many have done like you, they have left for other countries. I will not stay behind, I have postponed going, but I deserve the quality of life and do not want to continue living behind four walls and bars.
I loved your story, despite its sad parts, but the beauty of it all is that you were able to share it with your family.
Greetings from Caracas.
Thanks for your lovely comment German!
Yes, I see lots of similarities between Venezuela and Jamaica. I'll always remember the chats I had with Chavez when he was alive. He never liked to see a light on, when there was no darkness.
"Turn the switch off when not in use," he said to the staff, always.
It's sad that such a beautiful region experiences such inhumane acts... and as another author mentioned Haiti (many Haitians are now in Jamaica too).
Yes, it meant the world to me to meet my family again.💚
Jamaica is such a beautiful country and it's such a shame the crimes make living safely so difficult. Since I've read one of your earlier posts and saw the images, I've always wanted to visit Jamaica as a tourist!
I totally feel when you say you just can't call it home and I find myself in a similar predicament. The corruption and disrespect in my country is rising at such an alarming rate that I'm just counting days till I can get a licence to practice Medicine in the UK and leave this country. I will miss my parents the utmost, but living nicely is becoming nearly impossible.
I used to take the international press to the very best of everything that Jamaica has to offer. I used to showcase the "Best of Jamaica" which made me see Jamaica for what it should be. I got deluded and was tempted to stand on a mountaintop waving the Jamaican flag. Unfortunately, or luckily, I came to my senses, and faced the reality that what I was showing was NOT so... but it is there! If Jamaica had a different reputation and a strong government, there could be long queues of people waiting to explore the island like any other world renown destination.
There are places that I would LOVE to take my husband but I just CANNOT!
Very sad reality… I remember some scenes from a documentary about Bob Marley and I think nothing really changed for these years since the 80s. That’s a shame because Jamaica is really beautiful and blessed with various nature gifts. (Give me some Blue mountain beans, please!)
The task of fighting against crime is a tough one. Not only they need to have a working political and justice system, but the kids should have a strong example and learning from their parents. Process should be long.
I hope that after all you were very happy to reunite with your family and roots!
Yes, not much has changed since the 80s. The 80s saw political conflict where people had to flee their homes. I recall my granddad had, to save his life.
Absolutely! All levels of people are wondering just how, when, if, and can it be done. I wish I could make things happen. It really hurts to speak this way of the place I love, but it's a sad reality.
Yes, and my parents and my sister were equally happy to see me again. 😍
The writing here speaks, in a slightly a younger tone. I say this little trip brought out the child that once was, long ago, the one who grew up in Jamaica.
There is a bit sadness in there, because of how things have changed in Jamaica. Also, coming back after almost a decade, it surely is a long, long time. I don't know how you managed, but I couldn't stay away from my parents for that long. My parents are the reason I decided to stay, back in 2018 when I had the chance to leave. That is why I'm still here in this country, and I'm not ready to leave, not yet.
I guess I really am not strong enough to live my life without having them by my side.
Talking about Reggae music, you'd surprised to see how popular it is in this region, and of course Bob Marley too. I even had a jacket over a decade ago, with the colors of the rasta flag, of green, yellow and red on the arms. I really loved that jacket and those vibrant colors.
No matter where you are, just know that some of us love Jamaica for what it really is; we love the culture, the music, the greenery and the blue waters. ☮️🖤
Thanks for your astute message.
Yes, the sad thing is that everywhere I've travelled, people immediately identify that I'm a Jamaican because my accent is strong. They know of the culture, love the music and would love to visit the country for what they perceive it to be.
Yes, I can see Jamaican music being popular in India and the Bollywood dances remind me a little of the Jamaican dances.
It is hard being away from your parents for a long period. I struggled with the distance for many years, then I realised that I needed to grow up and be stronger.
Gosh, they were so happy and fulfilled to see me. Just as my neighbours were. My neighbours have not seen me the longest, but they say they relate to me well and they were very kind to send fresh fruits and herbs for me frequently. I'll never forget their kindness.
Yes, you're right! My time in Jamaica brought out a childlike happy side of me, and my accent is very stronger and more sing-song right now. 🤣
I've always wanted to set out on this journey, but some difficulties came in the way for which I had to stay back. For now I'm set over here, right beside my parents and siblings. I have no complaints and no plans to change how it is; I'll head out on that journey of mine when the time is right.
Good neighbours are a blessing, I've seen what kind of a difference it can make. And in this current world, finding good neighbours is a tough one.
That's something we all can relate to I'd say. Whenever me and my family visit our village home and get surrounded by our village people, our accent automatically becomes much stronger. 😂 And I say it's a good thing, even though we've lived in the city for all our lives, we still haven't forgotten our roots, our ways, and nor our people.
I also live your same sensations; I lived them more intensely in the past when I moved away from my Earth, now I'm back and I'm trying to live there in a dignified way... I always feel inside though that it's not the place I can call home.
As I have already written in the past, home for me is wherever Reny is, but I believe that for us other destinations could be better than the one we currently live in and, probably, it would be much more natural for us to call those places home.
Great post, thanks for sharing!
Yeah?
I understand, home for me too is wherever I'm with my husband, and safety is a key factor. I don't need much luxury, but being close to nature is one thing that would make me really happy.
I'm happy that you appreciated my post and thanks for your comment:)
Yes, for me too being close to nature is very important... that's why with Reny we decided to live a little further away from the city; we practically live in the country and i love this thing.
Thanks again to you for sharing your beautiful thoughts!🤗
Hard talk, but some honesty is refreshingly important, as we all tend to idealise the "greener grass", up until reality catches up to us.
This is why we went to France, after raising our kids in SA for a while, we realize what we had to do to give them a true chance in life. I see a lot of similarities between SA and Jamaica. It's often the case, where there is a beautiful land, resources, it creates instability (very often brought by proxy wars and unrest).
I also can read that other people feel the same about SA, I sense that you probably have spent so much time in UK (I can't remember if you're born in Jamaica or lived your entire life in UK), you will probably never be able to accept what Jamaicans have to endure in their daily lives. This is what happens when you rise above your own living conditions (or at least this what happened to us), I don't know if it's the same for others.
I know I also find it hard to project my life going back to South Africa, because so much things have changed since we left, the pandemic created more crime, and with the electricity cutting all the time, I don't think I could take it anymore, I've also raised above my standards haha. We'll see, I guess it's about being organized and prepared.
That's also the worst part when leaving, realizing that you're leaving behind people that will have to carry on going through crime, political unrest, etc...There would be so much to be said, but enough for today!
Those pics with your parents, are just so heartwarming! Bless them!
I also enjoy the ones with the guys from COOL RUNNINGS! Classic!!!
Hey! I apologise for my tardiness. I'm having a great time on holiday, but it has been a little draining. Still, Egypt is wonderful and it's different from anywhere I have been before.
Yes, it was hard to write about the negative side of Jamaica, but I would have been the biggest hypocrite if I didn't. The country is in a sad state.
I lived there full-time until I was 30 years old, but even while living there, I always struggled with living in a way that made me feel like a prisoner to stay alive. I was a different person then too. One hardens to cope with the environment that one lives in, and that's just how I was. I have seen the light, and despite crime being everywhere in the world, I am happier living in a country where I can have freedom of mind, to do and go to any place (with care) without constant fear for my life.
Yes, it's a similar situation in SA, and I believe and do understand your decision for taking your family back to France.
Thank you, regarding the photos with my parents, and the photo of me with the bobsled team brought back many happy memories😁
That resonated with me a lot. It's crazy what we allow ourselves to endure until we taste a better life, and then it's impossible to return to the hardship. Maybe not impossible, but really hard.
We were just talking about what we gained and what we lost since we left, and I have to admit that the only thing we are missing, is the feeling of freedom (but gaining freedom of mind). I guess any of the European and UK countries are a little bit more repressive and became police states, it's the price to pay for safety.
I don't know if you've heard what has been happening in El Salvador for nearly a year. The mafia and gangsters were ruling the country, kidnapping people and asking for ransoms of the family. The newly elected president had enough and rounded up 40k murderers and recently videos were released showing the way these multi-recidivists were treated, it triggered an outcry from the Western press, but the truth is, I can speak on the behalf of friends that told me about the life prior to these drastic changes, life now is livable, and crime is a thing of the past.
It's really sad when you think about the situation in El Salvador, and it's no surprise that human rights people would object. However, desperate times call for desperate measures, I guess. Something seemed to have worked there.
I don't see Jamaica taking any drastic steps, and I think that it's time for the government to really "act" and take control.
I will focus on the positive: your beautiful family. It's not just physical. They glow. Those parents beam with pride and good will.
You can't go home again. That's what they say. It's true. I am sorry for Jamaica, but as someone who is addicted to history, I see the problems of the island as a legacy of exploitation. That doesn't let people off the hook who are behaving badly, but we cannot divorce the present from the past that spawned it.
I think you parents have discovered the fountain of youth🌷
Oh, my parents would blush to hear that.😊
You are right! On so many different levels, so many avenues. It's a dire case.
Even the reefs. I do not scuba dive, but I've been told that there's nothing to see there. Everything has been over-exploited.
Jamaica is one of the countries where foreigners can buy and own a property outright. It's a good hub for the frequency and connection of flights. It has good private hospitals and dental care (albeit super pricy).
The roads are deplorable, and fatalities on the roads - I haven't even mentioned that. It's a lawless society, and you will observe that in driving more than anything else. During just the 3 months, the number of people from my neighbourhood who died in motor vehicle accidents was appalling.
When you live there, you become immune to many things, but I also find that strangely, one can become addicted to a certain kind of sadness. When I speak to people from there, it's like a long list of death announcements. People live in fear.
For me, I just wanted to wake up and see the colourful butterflies, the hummingbirds with the long beeps, and the birds singing in a distinct rhythm as if they were delivering messages and I wanted to understand. That made me smile.
I saw little appreciation for nature and simple things.
Another thing is that there's a limited number of public beaches that people have access to. Jamaica went the route of large inclusive hotels, that prohibit access to the beach.
I wish I had the answer to help implement change.
Thank you for sharing your experiences and shedding light on the challenges faced by those living in Jamaica and Africa. Your photography and storytelling are truly powerful, and it's inspiring to see how you're able to find joy and beauty in even the most difficult of circumstances. Keep up the great work, and thank you again for sharing your story with us.
Thanks for your lovely comment:)
There are problems in the work everywhere, and I still try to find happiness wherever I go, despite whatever hardships I face.😊
It saddens me to read this. I have always wanted to visit Jamaica.
I watched a wonderful documentary about a women who moved to the U.K to work so that she could return to Jamaica and start her own permaculture farm. I wish I could remember the name of her farm.
I am pretty impressed with Protoje and Chronixx and their music.
I couldn't see myself moving back to Ireland, for different reasons though.
I love that picture of you and your parents. They look really happy and well.
Sending you love @millycf1976 xxxxx
So sorry for my super late reply. 🤗
Yes, I turn to the conscious lyrics of artists like the ones you mentioned, to keep my connection and spirit close to the island.
That documentary sounds interesting and I'm sure that I could probably do a search and find some info on it.
I trust that all is well with you, and that you are embracing whatever changes life presents you xxxx
You must be so torn, @millycf1976 — wanting to honor your family and your roots, but at the same time wanting to build your life elsewhere, where there is more opportunity and less crime. It sounds like you are making the right choice for you, and it means living elsewhere, even though you carry Jamaica in your heart.
About six years ago I went to do some community service projects in Jamaica and stayed for a week. I was repeatedly told about the crime and how it is unsafe to go anywhere alone. We were in a very rural area, and we stayed in a gated compound. I was very sad to see the amount of poverty the people endured there. Many people were homeless or living in shacks constructed from cardboard and sheets of plastic. It broke my heart. I was wishing that I could do something to help that beautiful country to reclaim itself as one of the earth's jewels, and have enough commerce to support its citizens.
You have summed that up so well @jayna. That's exactly how I feel, and it pains me to leave my parents behind. That's their situation that they cope with and the only way they know, so it would be difficult to "tell" them that life in a safer environment could be better.
Jamaica is one of those places where you either have a little or sufficient to get by, or you don't.
I understand what you felt seeing how some of the people live the way they do, yet at the same time how the other half does.
It's a bittersweet experience that could eat at you if you let it. Years ago I learned to put that in perspective for my health and well-being, but it is tough.
That's the most important thing. We do what we can do in this world, and help others when we can, but when facing systemic issues that would take generations to change, we must consider where we can effectively spend our energy.
Maybe when your parents are ready to retire, you can convince them to sell the plantation and enjoy their later years with you!
Oh, my parents retired many years ago, they are both coming up to 80 years soon.
Luckily my mum spends her days tending to her garden. She's an energy buddy 😆. I can't see any of them living in a cold country at all. My parents are always happy for us to visit, however, it's difficult for us when we are restricted as to where we can go.
Oh my, I didn't realize they were getting on in years. They look good! Well then I can especially see why it is extra hard to leave them when you visit. Well, I'm not sure how, but I hope there's a way for Jamaica to become a safer place to visit again.
My parents would be pleased to hear that😊
I really hope so. 🤞🙏
I feel as if nothing that I can say is sufficient. The strong love of your surroundings and family, mixed with the uncertainty of everything out there in the beautiful landscape... these are two tremendously powerful sets of feelings, which I can only imagine are at war minute to minute at times in your heart.
Your family is gorgeous, and I am glad to hear that you reconnected with your family home... even if it doesn't seem that it will ever be your home because of the circumstances. When you said you'd love to take pictures of the way the neighborhoods are loved by the people, but it isn't safe... that hit hard.
Your mother is adorable, I love how in the last photo it looks as if she didn't want to smile, but you made her smirk a bit anyhow. How could see resist with all the sunshine in your grin?! The food all looks great too, a good meal with family is medicine for the soul :). Happy belated birthday to your sister!
Thank you for sharing this bittersweet journey, and massive part of you with all of us!💚 (Oh, and the bobsled team memory! wowowow!!)
Your thoughtful comment touched me when I read it @grindan and I am so sorry for the very late reply.
Yes, I do hope that one day I'll be able to visit little villages in Jamaica for photography. There's one little thing, which is like a trademark of little homes in Jamaica, and it's having bright red steps. It's like a psychological thing that gives optimism when entering into a tiny home with such vibrancy treating you. It represents so much: hope, pride, and happiness. 😍
Yes, she is. She has a beautiful soul, and your picking that up, speaks highly of you too:)
Your thoughtful comment touched me when I read it @grindan, and I'm sorry about the very late reply.
Yes, I hope one day to be able to visit little villages in Jamaica to take photos that show a bit of pride. One thing that stands out is bright red steps at the entrance of tiny homes. These steps have a psychological impact. They represent pride, happiness and hope.
Yes, she is. She has a beautiful soul, and it speaks highly for you that you picked that up:)))
The bobsled team was indeed a lovely memory:)))
Quite a vivid recollection of the time you both spent with us. It was well appreciated and will be long remembered. It's a pity that I was not prepared for the photo. Hope to send a few 'in -the-moment' photos; when I am not just playing my 'maidly' roles. Love you both, always!!!
A huge sigh - this is so sad. The country has had a turbulent past and unfortunately it seems to be stuck there. I hope things will get better but only time will tell. There is so much beauty on the island as you said but who wants to walk around sheepishly or in fear. This is truly a case of the good overshadowing the bad.
On the other hand you had a great time with family and loved one and that is special. Great photos.
Sorry for my very late reply!
That's very true, and watching and listening to the parliament, I did not feel confident in anything changing soon. Still, I hang onto a little bit of hope.
Thanks for the complement on the photo. It meant much for me to take that with them:)))
Venezuela was a cesspool of crime for most of my life. We were all afraid of being here and millions of people left the country in recent years in great part because of violence. Crime hasn't vanished, but it's dropped considerably in most areas after years of gruesome tyranny and hardship. We still have to account for economic toil and the fact that we have no functional government, but there's finally an increasing possibility for people to make a living here. I've learned that violence is an expression of deep spiritual wounds that demand healing.
I have no doubt that Jamaica will have its bright comeback too and who knows? Maybe you'll actually get to call it home again.
I honestly didn't realise that Venezuela was so affected by crime until interacting with authors here on Hive. It's encouraging to hear that there has been an improvement.
💯% I am starting to realise that too. It's scary when you think of it that way.
I do hope that someday I'll get to visit Venezuela and that region.
I'm so sorry for the delay in my response (very unlike me), but I have been traveling and fell a bit behind with my schedule.
I trust all is well with you:)))
Yes, my own city has been ranked at the top of the worldwide murder-rate list for a long time, along with four or five other cities in the country. Even now you may find that's the case, but it's only because the official data hasn't been updated for many years. The on-the-ground reality now is different, fortunately.
I hope you've had a wonderful trip season! Everything on my side is pretty good, I'm calm, inspired and feeling nice!
Jamaica,Jamaica…So beautiful, so colorful, so fruitful, so lively and so lovely. Yet, I often imagine how much greater it would be without crime and violence.
Lovely photos of you and your family. 💕
Thank you 😊
We must never give up "hope" 🙏
We keep hoping. 🙂