Negril – No Visa Required
I am floating in the sea with my eyes closed. I am six years old again, on a school outing. I picture the tiny huts, no hotels, as we pick our way through the bushes to arrive at the pristine beach. Ahh, Negril. No winding road, nor exhaust snorting truck will keep me from her […]
Memories Of Back A Yard Part 2
People in the community were slowly beginning to gather as the news spread of Mass George’s death. The tarpaulin was already up and light bulbs beamed from it’s center pole, making the night as bright as a mid-day’s sun. Domino tables and stools were already in place. Several board benches borrowed from Breda Randal Pocco […]
Letter To My Jamaican Friend
My Dear Sonji, You know that my skin is white. I live in the Caribbean. Where else after Africa? You are my soul mate. You are Jamaican. Caribbean. You and the children live in London. To meet we have to travel. Colonial destiny? Bad economics? Your English is perfect. Your Jamaican comes out only when […]
Jamaica, The Colonel And Me – A Jamaican Short Story
I enjoy living in America. If I didn’t, I wouldn’t still be here after all these years. Among the things I like are the conveniences: the huge all-night supermarkets, the ninety-nine cents stores, the home-improvement emporiums, the availability of fast food for the times I’m too bushed to cook or simply want the Colonel to […]
Prejudice Against our Food
What is wrong with Jamaicans & their Prejudice against Jamaican food? I have to speak up now before it becomes a crisis. In recent years I have been observing a disturbing trend at private events hosted by Jamaicans. Types of food that no one recognizes or knows, being served to guests, all in the name […]
Sports Heroes: Donald Quarrie
In the first of a new series called Jamaican Sports Heroes, we feature Donald Quarrie. He is regarded as one of the finest sprinters in the history of track and field. He is also considered the greatest runner around the bend. Date of Birth – February 25, 1951 Place of Birth– Kingston, Jamaica College – […]
Redeeming Scratch
Last week at this time, during Easter holidays, I was on my way to Negril for the entire weekend and I had it all planned out. A friend of mine, my boyfriend and I, were all going down for the weekend and it was supposed to be fun. I had all the activities planned out, […]
The Power Of Our Words
The guest speaker declared to his audience, “My address is not for the distinguished visitors, it is really for you, mi bredren and sistren!” Those words from sociologist, Dr. Orville Taylor captured the attention of the young graduates of the Stella Maris Foundation/ Heart NTA Woodwork Training Programme. He congratulated the ambitious young citizens of […]
Jamaica Is…Part 2
Jamaica is “Xaymaca, land of wood and water.”Jamaica is “Reggae, Ska, Soca, RockSteady, Mento, Kumina.”Jamaica is “Blue Mountain Coffee and Sorrel.”Jamaica is “Rum and Red Stripe.”Jamaica is “Kola Champagne, Makaback Soup, Manish Water.”Jamaica is “Rasta, Pocco, Jonkonnu, Iyah, Nyah.”Jamaica is “Jerk Pork, Scotch Bonnet, Hardough Bread”, Food.”Jamaica is “FryFish & Bammy, Coco Bread & Patty, […]
This Girl’s Life
It’s 1951. I am 10 years old. I’ve been told that I look 15. I have big breasts but no ‘hair’. Whenever I get called to by the men in my village, I feel like dropping my baggy or just lifting my dress (because I only have 4 baggies and there are 7 days in […]
