Jamaica...The Beginning

On February 25...I set off for Jamaica once again. It's been six years almost to the day. Much too long if you ask me - then again, who's going to say otherwise. Sun, sweat, beaches, Jamaicans...it's perfect.

I think the first thing that I need to remind everyone that Jamaica is all that stated above but it isn't just tourist attractions and 3-6 star resorts. At least, that's not the Jamaica that I know. The Jamaica that I know has slums, poverty, crime, and drugs. It is a country that is saturated by politics divided by religion - Christians and Rastafarians. The people are beautiful - their passion for music, life, joy, and each other is rooted deep. So - let me introduce you to my Jamaica and the people that I have falling in love with. Maybe if I bump shoulders enough with them in my life - I'll come away with darker skin (and certainly a richer life).

We were working out of St. Ann's Bay - just west of Ocho Rios. The building team was working in Freehill which is south (into the hills) from St. Ann.

Ocho Rios in the distance

 Some facts to get you started on Jamaica. The tourist industry is the primary supporting industry to the island. If it's not the resorts it's the 5-7 cruise ships coming into ports like Montego Bay, Ocho Rios, Negril, and more. "Gainful" employment would be working for the tourist industry or the government but there are few of those. The majority of Jamaicans attempt at making a living by having tiny little shops in craft markets where we tourists barter our best and lowest prices or by selling fruit in farmers markets or on the side of the road. Many islanders will have their own "business" which is a 9x9" shack with pop and beer. And those who cannot afford the real estate will walk around selling burned CDs or 5 gallon pails of juice and water to vehicles driving by. Determined and often lucky Jamaicans will get off the island to seek out an education. A few of them return to live out their lives but they are few - and their houses are huge and are perched on the side of the hills or near the ocean like shining beacons.

Resorts own the majority of JA's coastline

I don't think I have met a single Jamaican that doesn't work for every penny they make. They believe in their little island. They have pride in who they are. Everywhere you go there are images, colours, and flags representing their country. When Usain Bolt runs this summer in the Olympics - every single Jamaican will be rooting for him. Cool Runnings was not exaggerating on much when it portrayed the culture. It's magical - in some ways - I wish that our North American culture wasn't so...snobby - so reserved. We are so worried about what people think about us that our self-expression and community as a city, province, country has been sacrificed. What would happen if one of the MOST important things you could do whenever your eyes met someone else today - is that you said "Good Morning, Good Afternoon, or Good Evening"? Because I will tell you...in Jamaica - somebody is always talking to you and smiling at you.

I think I'll wrap up there. I have a pretty long list of how our lives would be better if we were a little more Jamaican but I don't want to overwhelm you right now. But today - today I want you to greet EVERY person you see, make eye contact with, or encounter. Say good morning, afternoon, or evening. Smile at them. Pass the love on.