Today, My Jamaica celebrates Independence
Despite many, many hardships we still have much to celebrate and give thanks for… Even when things get rough, we always have time to share a smile, pop a joke or lend a helping hand. One of our greatest assets is our ability to laugh at ourselves and perhaps this is what has kept us […]
9 Jamaican Myths Most People Still Believe
The Jamaican culture is saturated with superstitions and folk customs. They have a “belief” for everything; from birth to death, bad luck and good luck, when you will cry versus when you will laugh. Although recognized as one of the most religious countries in the world, Jamaicans are also highly superstitious, with many having a […]
Locs Fest Debuts on Hottest NYC Weekend
LocsFest, the brainchild of a coalition including Lime Time, Power of Reggae and Rebellion City had its unveiling Saturday July 20 2019, on what was arguably one of the hottest days in recent New York history. Despite the Mayor of New York city’s Bill DeBlasio’s emergency cancellation of events attracting more than 1,000 participants in […]
6 Things Jamaicans Learn from Traveling in Taxis and Minibusses
The easiest and most common way to get around Jamaica is via taxis and minibusses. In some areas on the island – especially the rural communities, these are the only mode of transportation. They are usually affordable and a very convenient way of getting around. Taxis and minibusses usually run on a set route picking […]
10 Bob Marley Phrases You Should Know
Legendary Reggae singer and songwriter, Bob Marley is known for his utterances of words of wisdom and inspiration. Through his music, recorded interviews and concerts, he constantly shared positive, uplifting quotes. Here is a compiled list of daily reminders: “Don’t worry about a thing, every little thing is gonna be alright.” Perhaps the most popular words […]
9 Funny Jamaican Body Part Names
If you are a foreigner to the island, you may have fallen victim of “trying to speak like the Jamaicans do”. Though English is our official language we often resort to speaking Jamaican Patois and take delight in listening to non-natives trying to speak like we do. So perhaps you have been around us long […]
5 Things Jamaican Partner (Pardner) Draw Teaches You
The Partner System is a popular saving partnership between a group of people. It is a very common practice in the Caribbean, especially among low-income earners and in other countries where Afro-Caribbean communities may be found. One individual is entrusted with managing the money and is called “the banker”. The other members – “the partners” […]
6 Ways Technology has Brought Jamaican Patois to the brink of an official language
Jamaican Patois for many years have been an oral language with just a few written book. Miss Lou and other culturalists/performers brought patois to the limelight in Jamaican but the technology has taken it to the world. The use of patois online exploded when Jamaicans.com started the first online Jamaican Chat Forum over 20 years ago […]
My Lived Experience as a Caribbean American In The USA – We are not “Others”
I attended the University of Miami for my final 2 years of Undergrad (98-00) and also for my MBA (01-03) after taking a year off to play football in Jamaica for Real Mona FC. I was a member of OJU – Organization for Jamaican Unity – and CSA – Caribbean Students Association. The UBS – […]
5 Things that Annoy First-Generation Jamaican-Americans
Moving to a new country, learning their customs, and keeping your culture alive is tough. As a first-generation Jamaican-American, I have watched my family adjust to living in the United States. They have taught me a lot about Jamaica and tried to pass their traditions on to me. I love my Jamaican and American heritage […]