Premium Essay

Life In Jamaica

Submitted By
Words 723
Pages 3
I long for the mornings I woke up in my grandma’s country house in Jamaica. I long for the country red dirt, the stains in my shirt my mom tirelessly washed after every trip back home. I long for the plan ride to a different country every summer. I long for the airplane foods, the ear popping, and the pretty flight attendants that made sure I was safe traveling alone. I long for the moments I spent running into my dad’s arms every time I saw him. I long for all the happy careless moments as a child, especially the ones spent in Jamaica. I spent my first 9 ½ years in Jamaica. I believe I was living the good life quite frankly. My mom tried to ensure I would be able to get the best out of life in Jamaica; her logic was, I want you to be able to do everything you get invited to as you grow up. To accomplish that, she ensured I was busy everyday after school doing some type of afterschool activity. The activities were swimming lessons, tennis lessons, modern dance, tap dance, and voice training. I was one busy child, but it was fun, I enjoyed it. I enjoyed spending time with my friends; I enjoyed racing to finish our homework so we can get down to the fun stuff. And of course I enjoyed all the birthday pool parties I got invited to especially since I knew how to swim. But the greatest perk to knowing how to swim was when I went to my grandma’s house in …show more content…
But one summer, I went to England with my dad and little brother, we spent all summer going on fun adventures and visiting family I never knew I had. Sadly, the summer I went was cold so I spent most of my time wearing a coat. Of course my dad found all the indoor pools to go to. That summer was my first time in a walk in wave pool, which I found was the best thing at the time to happen to my life. It was a bittersweet moment when I had to tell that pool goodbye to go back to

Similar Documents

Premium Essay

Richard Wilks Life And Debt Jamaica

...enthusiastically. However, when being pushed away on the market through the system of subsidization of foreigner goods, many of them quick their farm and find themselves working for these big companies. It is just nonsensical, in my opinion, to have local farmers having to compete with globalization. They will always be destroyed off the market because these core nations are able to subsidize their products, making them cheaper to consume. In class, we have watched a great video called “Life and Debt Jamaica’, which serves as a prime example of the system of subsidization of products on the market. Many foreign products in Jamaica were subsidized...

Words: 502 - Pages: 3

Premium Essay

Life And Debt Essay

...The film, Life and Debt by Stephanie Black shows how Jamaicans struggle economically and racially through their daily lives due to the International Monetary Fund. The purpose of the IMF is to assist the developing countries, as well as securing financial stability; however that only destroyed the economy of Jamaica and its agriculture as well. Some of the themes that are portrayed in this film are the effects of tourism and international involvement/globalization has on the natives. Life in debt really opened my eyes regarding tourism. It did a perfect job demonstrating the separation of how the outsiders view Jamaica, as to how it actually is and the serious problems the natives face. By displaying these two distinctive points of...

Words: 902 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Life and Debt

...is not to plunder and control but to educate and liberate." – Edward W. Said “Life and Debt” is a documentary directed by Stephanie Black with the screen play and voice over done by Jamaica Kincaid about how the IMF, the World Bank, and the World Trade Organizations destroyed Jamaica economically. This movie is based specifically on what happened in Jamaica but it is a model for how the IMF and first world countries have impacted the rest of the world. The film is about globalization and exposing first world countries, mainly the United States, for destroying third world countries. The Oxford English dictionary defines a documentary as a factual, realistic, applied esp. to a film or literary work, etc., based on real events or circumstance, and intended primarily for instruction purposes. “Life and Debt” mostly follows this definition because it does present real factual information, although it varies a little from the definition of a documentary because it is a little biased on the side of Jamaica. Another critical concept from the film is the term globalization. The Oxford English Dictionary defines globalization as the action, process, or fact of making global; esp. (in later use) the process by which businesses or other organizations develop international influence or start operating on an international scale, widely considered to be at the expense of national identity. For Jamaica this means entering the global market. They will now import items from all over the...

Words: 1877 - Pages: 8

Free Essay

Jamaica

...Jamaica 1 Overview of Country Jamaica is an island nation in the West Indies. The capital of Jamaica is Kingston. It lies about 480 miles south of Florida and is the third largest island in the Caribbean Sea. The only two island that are larger that is Cuba and Hispaniola. (The World Book Encyclopedia vol 11) Jamaica was inhabited by the Arawak Indians, who were the first people to live in Jamaica named the island Xaymaca, which means land of wood and water. They based their communites on fishing, hunting, and small scale cultivation of cassava. Due to the appearance of the Spanish the Arawak Indians disappeared in 70-80 years. The disruption of the economic system, new diseases, and migration decimated the population. When the Spanish took over the island they were disappointed with the absence of gold on the island the Spanish used Jamaica as a base for supporting the conquest of the Americas, with its treasures of gold and silver. (www.jamaicans.com) In 1655, Jamaica was captured by the British expedition led by Admirals Penn and Venables and they gain possession in 1670. It was very little the Spanish did to defend it from the British because of lack of gold and silver. They fight African slaves which they called Maroons. The British and Maroons signed a peace treaty in 1738. Sugar became the major crop, and the island ranked as it’s most important slave market in the Western...

Words: 1917 - Pages: 8

Free Essay

Life and Debt Paper

...Forever In Debt When Jamaica received its independence from Great Britain in 1962, it had all the essentials of being a new and strong country except for finances. Knowing the newly formed country of Jamaica couldn’t strive and succeed without financial help, Michael Manley (Jamaica’s prime minister at the time) made a few deals with the IMF (International Monetary Fund) to borrow funds so the country can slowly begin to grow and survive on its own. The documentary Life and Debt directed by Stephanie Black showed and talked about how the agreements made with the IMF impacted Jamaica and its economy in a horrible manor. The film gave the impression that the audience it was trying to reach out to was the average tourists. The movie always showed scenes of tourists having fun on the beach or doing other various activities, and when doing so it referred to the tourists by saying “You”. That is why I think the Audience for the movie would be tourists. Life and Debt had a fair share of both strengths and weaknesses. One of its most crucial strengths was that it interviewed and shared the story of many different people, who have been impacted by the deals made between Jamaica and the IMF. Like the farmer in the milk industry. This is good because it gives the viewer firsthand knowledge of the issues from someone directly involved in it. Another essential strength would be that the film did a good job describing how the IMF works. This is important because it doesn’t leave the audience...

Words: 1747 - Pages: 7

Premium Essay

Marley Rhetorical Ananlysis

...Dhillon Taylor 17 Sept. 2012 Uniting the Nation of Jamaica The album “Survival”, released in 1979 by the great reggae musician Bob Marley, might be one of the most defiant albums ever created, expressing resistance to oppression and the belief in acting against governments, politicians, and other organizations that wield great power. To analyze the message in his album “Survival”, one must understand that Marley was not just an illustrious musician, but also a poet, a revolutionary, and a peace activist who was influential to millions of people during his lifetime and whose music still lives on to influence people today. According to the Bob Marley biography called “Life and Legacy” on the Official Bob Marley website, Marley had grown up in St. Anne, Jamaica and began his music career in Western Kingston, Jamaica in 1950. “Life and Legacy” stated that by the 1970’s, when political related violence was greatly damaging the nation, Marley was a music sensation and a man who was very popular in the entire country of Jamaica. Veerle Poupeye, a scholar from the Edna Manley College in Jamaica, explains in her article, “What Times Are These? Visual Art and Social Crisis in Postcolonial Jamaica”, that the 1970’s in Jamaica were years of violence and political unrest. Poupeye explained that the two major political alliances, the Peoples National Party (PNP) and the Jamaica Labor Party (JLP), were constantly at odds and fighting for the support of the Jamaican people. Representing the...

Words: 2241 - Pages: 9

Free Essay

History & Development of Policing

...the history and development of policing in Jamaica. In partial fulfillments of the requirements of the course CJUS115 Criminal Justice Instructor: Dr. Fay Williams By Sydoney Blackwood I.D # 15130115 Section A Date: 1st October, 2014 In 1671 a letter was written, sent and adhered to. This letter established change for Jamaica; a brighter and emancipated future. “We serve, we protect, we reassure with courtesy, integrity and proper respect for the rights of all,” a mission to uphold in this ‘change’. After Jamaica was captured by the English Colonists in 1655, law enforcement was conveyed. Seemingly during this period, the community recognized the need for an agency to maintain law and order. In 1716, night watchmen were appointed to serve various cities in Jamaica, after which in 1832 the first attempt was made in establishing a permanent police force. The Morant Bay Rebellion called for the strengthening of this force after their services were rendered. An improved force was established, the Jamaica Constabulary Force. This force had major responsibilities and so was a choice for individuals, as it was voluntarily that one may join the force. These responsibilities were and currently are based on the Jamaica panel code. Over a period of time in the Jamaican Constabulary Force, advancements such as ranks, uniforms and proper training were put in place. The first development of the Jamaica Constabulary force was brought about by the...

Words: 1000 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Organisation

...Industrial Relations Climate Working Conditions – Jamaica has established a declining unemployment rate, which does not necessarily means opportunities for workers are increasing. It is understood that those leaving the workforce to retire are older, more highly skilled workers, while those entering the workforce are younger and unskilled. In Jamaica, job training and secondary education is generally poor, hence the younger workforce cannot expect high paying jobs. Unemployment is particularly high among women and younger workforce. Trade Unions Labour unions existed in Jamaica before political parties came into being: the Bustamante Industrial Trade Union was formed in 1938 to protect the rights of workers. The government of Jamaica supports workers rights convention supported by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and has set conditions governing industrial and human relations, established minimum wage standards, and protected low-wage workers from income tax. Additionally, these benefits are provided: social security benefits, which include a retirement pension, food stamps, employment injury, rehabilitation and training. Despite the protection offered by unions and government regulations, conditions for workers in Jamaica are not ideal. Labour actions, strikes, slowdowns and protest have frequently disturbed worked life. The education and training system is Jamaica is of such low quality that few workers have the skills to secure higher paying skilled...

Words: 658 - Pages: 3

Free Essay

Jamaican Cinema

... 15/5/09 Critical Essay: Jamaican Cinema (focus – The Harder They Come (Perry Henzell, Jamaica, 1971) ‘Representing Jamaican culture on the screen, how The Harder They Come triggered the development of Jamaican cinema.’ The Harder They Come was the first movie made in Jamaica, directed by a Jamaican and with a Jamaican theme. The film opened the country’s eyes to the creation of film and the industry that surrounds it. It also gave the world (particularly the West) its first filmic taste of the cultural, social and historical issues of 20th century Jamaica. It was not only successful in the eyes of its audience but also in the eyes of film critics worldwide. Geoff Parker writes “Indisputably the greatest Jamaican film ever made, The Harder They Come is also one of the finest films yet made about the third world.” (2001). At first glance Perry Henzell appears to be using a narrative to document Jamaican roots Reggae music (especially that of Jimmy Cliff); but although The Harder They Come went a long way towards creating a huge global Reggae following the film had many other underlying issues. Even though most critics (Cham, Parker, Yearwood and others) discuss the film as the one that popularised Reggae music in the West it is the task here to illustrate that The Harder They Come brought Jamaican society and its culture into cinematic visibility. Cinema in Jamaica had only a western and predominantly Hollywood face until the release of The Harder They Come...

Words: 2433 - Pages: 10

Free Essay

Life and Death the Movie Response Essay

...Life and Death the Movie Response After its independence from British colonial control and support in 1962, Jamaica struggled until it was almost wiped out financially by the gas and oil price wars of the early 1970s. Life and Death is a film about the conditions in Jamaica and its struggles. The movie starts with the images of its beautiful beaches on a sunny day and the arrival of a group of American tourist. The commentator stated that the City of arrival is Montego Bay and not Kingston Jamaica, which is the largest city and the capital, she also stated that the only document that is required to enter the country is a Driver license contrary of the majority of countries around the world that require a Pass port. However, what many people who travel to this country don't see is the high level of poverty, and vast sense of human desperation and hopelessness. As you arrive in Montego Bay, you can exchange currency at the airport and there is a shuttle driver waiting to take you to your destination. Due to Jamaica was under British colony everyone drives on the left side of the street and not on the right. The Shuttle toke them through some narrow street and poor neighborhoods which show some of the conditions the people of the island live in and base on the narrator some of them has no running water or sewerage... The prime minister during that time was Michael Manley, and he was talking about the approached to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to secure sovereignty...

Words: 825 - Pages: 4

Premium Essay

Jamaica

...Chaed Ellison November 5, 2013 Communications 100 Linda Daugs Jamaica Although a small island in the Caribbean Sea, Jamaica is a melting pot of cultures from all around the world. From the beginning, the island was inhabited by ancient tribes with different customs, beliefs and backgrounds. Since Jamaica is located in the central Caribbean, it became a key port for ships stop and sail from island to island. Because of this, Jamaica was able to be influenced from countries such as China, India, England and Spain. In this essay you will be informed on why the food, people and tourist attractions make Jamaica what it is today. Jamaican cuisine is a melting pot reflecting the various cultures that have influenced the island over the years. But even with all this fusion, there are many local ingredients that stand out in dishes, most notably the hot and spicy Scotch bonnet peppers that are key to any good "jerk." Jerk pork or chicken is Jamaica's national dish. Pork or chicken is seasoned with Scotch Bonnet peppers along with thyme, onions and scallions. Then the meat is wrapped in pimento leaves and cooked slowly for 6-8 hours. Traditional jerk is cooked in a pit with hot coals, however most places take an easier route and prepare the meat on a pimento wood rack over hot coals on a grill or in an oven. Despite the warm weather, Jamaicans love hearty hot soups. Pepperpot soup is packed with leafy green callaloo while creamy pumpkin soup has a more delicate taste. Brown chicken...

Words: 973 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Reggae

...just a genre of music, it’s a way for Rastafarians to express their way of life in their own unique way. The most famous Rastafarian and Reggae artist of them all was Bob Marley. His way of expressing his political opinions and messages in hit songs not only influenced in Jamaica, it had an impact on the entire world. He gave Rastafari an international identity and is the reason some people converted. Famous groups like the Rudeboys and Maytals helped Reggae to become what it is today. Reggae music was not always the most popular form of music in Jamaica. Reggae was influenced by the music genre of Jazz that was sweeping the nation. A lot of Jamaicans used Jazz to entertain the tourists. In the 1950’s Jazz Bebop became the new fad music for the youth of Jamaica and Jazz orchestras weren’t as common as in years past. In the 1960’s Ska was introduced and was the first style of music created by Jamaicans, this gave them a sense of identity. Ska was created by working class Jamaicans and they used it to express themselves and tell their stories. It was important because R&B singles weren’t being released as often, and didn’t attract as many listeners as it once did. Ska music consisted of the combination of Caribbean mento, calypso, and Jazz. The main reason for Ska’s popularity was because the music fit the moods of the time. People had the mind state to accept anything unique to Jamaica especially because they just got their independence. The only downside of...

Words: 3200 - Pages: 13

Free Essay

Rastafarianism

...need. “In treating suffering as a symptom of odiousness in the eyes of gods and as a sign of secret guilt, religion has psychologically met a very general need (Weber 271). Rastafarianism emerges in the slums of Kingston, Jamaica in the 1930’s to meet the needs of the poor, unskilled black Jamaicans who needed a hope. The social situation which was emerging in the 1930’s which called for this need was as follows. Jamaica was a commonwealth of the British Empire. It had recently, around 1884, received a write in clause to their constitution which stipulated if the new government did not succeed and the economic life of Jamaica were to suffer because of it, the political constitution would be amended or abolished to meet new conditions. Black Jamaicans had a taste for power in their mouths and in 1938, this erupted in labor riots and violence. This act did nothing for their cause. It would still be 30 years until Jamaica received its independence. Blacks in Jamaica were the victims of social stratification which left them at the bottom rung of the ladder. They had menial jobs such as field worker or an attendant at the sugar plant, if they had jobs at all. The blacks were suffering as a people and as an organized group. Ethopianism had been introduced to Jamaica in 1784 by George Liele, by adding it to the name of his Baptist church, hoping to graft itself onto the African religion of Jamaican slaves. But the movement to embody the Ethiopian ideology par excellence was the Back...

Words: 3550 - Pages: 15

Premium Essay

Hofstede's Cultural Dimensions: Jamaica

...Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions: Jamaica Gerard Hendrik Hofstede was born on October 2, 1928 in The Netherlands. He received his PhD in social psychology in 1967. Dr. Hofstede founded and managed the Personnel Research Department at IBM International. IBM is where he began his research on culture, which led to his Cultural Dimensions Theory. Dr. Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions Theory consists of a model on national culture. The national culture model is made up of six dimensions: Power Distance, Individualism, Masculinity, Uncertainty Avoidance, Long Term Orientation and Indulgence. Jamaica is an island located in the Caribbean Sea. The island is just over 4,200 square miles and is just south of Cuba. There are currently 2.9 million people living in Jamaica. The Arawaks, also called Tainos, originally inhabited the island. The Arawaks were from South America and called the island Xaymaca, which meant “land of wood and water”. Christopher Columbus landed on the island on May 5, 1494 after the Cubans described the island as “the land of blessed gold”. The island did not contain gold. Columbus claimed the land for Spain and enslaved the Arawaks. The Arawaks quickly died off from disease and the harsh conditions of their newfound enslavement. The Spanish used the island as a supply base. Horses, men, food and arms were shipped and stored in Jamaica to aid in the conquering of America. The English attacked Jamaica on May 10, 1655. The Spanish surrendered and fled...

Words: 967 - Pages: 4

Free Essay

Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge - Field Trip Summary

...Field Trip Summary Report Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge  Submitted by: C. Turner EAS 201, Spring 2012 INTRODUCTION New York City is home to a diverse grouping of species - a varied assembly of organisms, each with its own form, function, and range of desirable living conditions. The CUNY SPS course “The Nature of New York” invites learners to investigate urban ecosystems, and evaluate the relationship between humans, the environment, and the ability of all living systems to do well on the planet. JAMAICA BAY WILDLIFE REFUGE As part of the natural science program, students were offered a guided tour though Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge in Queens, New York, led by Professors George Jackman and Dr. Kwesi Amoa. Wildlife refuges are generally legislatively-protected territories where nature is supported and meant to thrive without the threat of harmful interference.1 The Jamaica Bay Wildlife Refuge was developed as part of President Theodore Roosevelt’s efforts to preserve and protect the nation’s natural resources in the early 1900’s. Currently managed by the National Park Service and part of the Gateway National Recreation Area2, the site is well known for its inhabitance of wild birds, and is home to various terrestrial and marine fauna. The park is surrounded by Jamaica Bay, and its landscape features two large fresh water ponds, a salt marsh and seasonal plant life.3 The weather for our winter field trip was mild (low to mid 40’s). The wind was brisk and the sun was shining...

Words: 1066 - Pages: 5