Jamaicans are a proud people and we are equally pleased about the things that make us unique. Sure, there is crime, poverty and economic challenges but our spirit and tenacity remain undaunted and we treasure all the wonderful things about this place we call home. Just in case you need a reminder, here are 9 reasons you should be proud to be a Jamaican.
1. Bob Marley
The reggae icon is perhaps the most famous Jamaican and his global influence continues more than 35 years after his death. Marley’s contribution to reggae music and Jamaican culture cannot be denied and the fact that his music still draws people to the island is a blessing for us all. The country has benefited tremendously from his popularity and the 2015 visit by US President Barack Obama to the Bob Marley Museum shows just how far reaching his influence continues to be today.
2.We make a song from everything
One thing you’ll learn very quickly about Jamaicans is our creativity. Where else could a song about an ordinary “breadfruit” be so entertaining? The fact is that for Jamaicans, music is our lifeblood. With pen, paper and a record studio, we can quickly spin even the most mundane situation into lyrical genius. We use music to tell our stories, poke fun at ourselves and dance our shoes off. Music allows us to share our culture with a sense of humour and light-heartedness that makes the challenges of daily life much easier to handle.
3. You know where you stand with us
It is said that Jamaicans are the rudest nicest people you’ll ever meet! This contradiction is very true for many Jamaicans. We are known for our hospitality and kind-heartedness, however we will not fail to “put you in your place” or tell you just what we think in a given situation. No hard feelings – “a jus so we stay!”
4. Our food is known worldwide
From our national dish – ackee and saltfish, to the famous Jamaican jerk, our food has made countless editorial lists as some of the best tasting dishes in the world. Jamaican food is ever increasing in popularity as being among the most flavourful meals you can enjoy. From London to Tokyo, there is great demand for the authentic flavours from our little island. Just one more reason to be proudly rooted in this land of wood and great jerk!
5. We are the sprint capital of the world
Thanks to the phenomenal performance of our athletes led by the world champion Usain Bolt, Jamaica has earned the moniker as the sprint capital of the world. Though we have been competing (and winning) on the world stage since 1948, it is just within the last decade that Jamaica is finally getting the recognition it deserves. Now thanks to generous sponsors, we now have facilities for our athletes to train at home, and we are even attracting athletes from other countries who want to develop their skills on our soil. The successes of the past decade have motivated many young Jamaicans to pursue a career in sports and ensure that we will hold onto the ‘sprint capital’ title for many years to come.
6. Our Language
Thanks to the efforts of people like the late Louise ‘Miss Lou’ Bennett-Coverley, Jamaican patois has gained acceptance as a vibrant aspect of the Jamaican culture. Though our official language is English, it is the Jamaican patois that breathes life into the stories we tell. Through our music and the influence of Jamaicans in the diaspora, our language is a regular feature in movies, TV shows and other areas of entertainment.
7. Beauty of our country
The first thing you notice when flying over Jamaica is the incredibly lush greenery of the landscape below. The country is blessed with an abundance of natural flora and fauna, interspersed with cascading waterfalls and fringed with white sandy beaches. From exotic birds to indigenous plants, our rich landscape is a beauty to behold and this natural beauty gives real meaning to living in paradise.
8. Jamaicans influencing the world
Jamaicans and descendants of Jamaicans continue to do us proud with their achievements all over the world. On every continent, you will find Jamaicans excelling in academia, sports, medicine, politics, and in business. Our diaspora spreads far and wide, and due to our ambitious nature, we are not content until we have mastered anything we touch. That is the spirit that is naturally and undoubtedly Jamaican.
9. World famous coffee
Jamaica’s Blue Mountain coffee is world renowned and with good reason. It is one of the best tasting coffees ever produced and that’s why the coffee fanatics in Japan love it so much. Each year, Japan absorbs up to 80% of the coffee produced in Jamaica. There, it commands a hefty price and is one of the most expensive coffees sold in the country. Elsewhere, Jamaican coffee is used as a blend for many other brands, which is why it holds status as a premium coffee all over the world.
