Making opportunities

National Hero Marcus Mosiah Garvey summarized our long-established practice when he said; “Take advantage of every opportunity; where there is none, make it for yourself.”

After slavery was abolished, our ancestors who had been forcibly uprooted from their country and families, found themselves without any opportunities.  For whereas those who had enslaved them for years received monetary compensation for losing free labor, most who had labored free, got nothing, no land, no money nothing to start their free life with.

Some chose to go back to work for the wicked slave masters just to get food to survive. Others fled to unpopulated areas in the hills to find a piece of land on which to eke out a living. The really courageous ones found whatever could use to sail away from the island to shores unknown.

I say really courageous as they never knew where they would end up or even arrive alive at any place, but to them, even death was better than going back to work for those monsters.

They therefore took the ultimate sacrifice to try and make opportunities for themselves.

We have no idea how many of the freed slaves who embarked on those dangerous treks arrived alive anywhere. We know a large number found their way to nearby Cuba which was getting wealthier every day as a sugar and rum manufacturing hub. Some of us can still find our relatives in provinces such as Santiago De Cuba, Holguin, and Guantanamo Bay.

Work on the construction of the Panama Canal in 1881 was a next big opportunity for poverty-stricken Jamaicans. Thousands died on that project. In fact, it was suspended for many years because of the high mortality rate. However, among those who survived, places like Nicaragua, Honduras, Costa Rica and even some countries in South America were where they later pursued opportunities.

The next big migration of Jamaicans came during the world wars, whether it was to fight for the former slave owing country or later, to provide cheap labor to rebuild their economy.

In short, marginalized Jamaicans have never been shy about seeking opportunities abroad where none existed at home. So, when countries such as Canada and the USA started to make migration easier, thousands trekked there too. Ever heard of the ‘farm work’ programs? Thousands never returned too!

Things took a different turn in the 1970’s though. For it was the threat of communism with all its ills, that caused mostly already-educated Jamaicans who never lacked opportunities at home as well as members of the affluent middle class to seek out countries where their safety and freedoms would not be in jeopardy.

That was when what is described as the real brain drain began.

And it has never ceased for as communication becomes better, individuals are finding that their skills and training can attract far bigger bucks in first world countries than they can earn at home.

Whatever the reasons, the fact is there are either about the same number of or even more Jamaicans living abroad as live on the island.

With a history like ours, it should surprise no one that the latest Fund for Peace data, shows Jamaica being second in the world in terms of migration. (See the table of the top 5 below.)

Countries	Human flight and brain drain, 2022	Global rank	Available data
Samoa	10	1	2007 - 2022
Jamaica	9.1	2	2007 - 2022
Palestine	8.8	3	2021 - 2022
Micronesia	8.7	4	2007 - 2022
Somalia	8.7	5	2007 - 2022

In most instances however, those Jamaicans who left their homeland for whatever reason, have never turned their backs on their country, for the record of their massive remittances sent to help those who were left behind, is living testimony of their love.

And, remittances have even on occasion topped tourism as our leading foreign exchange earner, especially after that horrible Covid virus struck.

Last year, the Business Observer carried an analysis entitled ‘Remittances — Jamaica's economic lynchpin.”

It said in part; even though the World Bank predicted global remittances would fall by 22 per cent, with the Latin America and Caribbean region expected to record a 19.3 percent drop, Jamaica has defied this fate as remittance inflows grew by 25 per cent to US $1.53 billion ($221.1 billion) and net remittances went up by 30 per cent to US $1.41 billion from April to September 2020.”

Although so many Jamaicans have made opportunities for themselves overseas, it has never been a risk-free enterprise.

Actually, it takes a great deal of courage to leave friends and families to pursue opportunities in countries unknown, at times even starting at rock bottom in places where neither the language or culture are familiar.

That is why so many in the diaspora took umbrage at the imbecilic pronouncement by the Deputy Mayor of Montego Bay, Richard Vernon.

I don’t know the level of education that Vernon has or even if he has any knowledge of our history, but by calling those who sought opportunities abroad cowards, he exposed a level of ignorance that is unacceptable for a so-called leader!

 

Morikama Gardens

I guess because I am always searching for outdoor things to do, FB kept featuring the Morikama Museum on my page. You know how google and fb are, they watch what your interests are and place comparable ads in front of you! 

I am accustomed to them knowing all my business now so don’t really mind as its often useful. 

So I went with a friend.

According to their information, in 1904, Sakai, a Japanese graduate of New York University, returned to his homeland of Miyazu, Japan, to organize a group of pioneering farmers to settle in Boca Raton. They named their farming settlement Yamato, an ancient name for Japan. However, their crop experimentation were disappointing and the Yamato Colony fell far short of its goals and by the 1920s, most of the community, which was about 35 people strong, gave up and one by one and most families left for other parts of the United States or returned to Japan.

Morikami would become the last of the original colonists to remain in Palm Beach County. Ultimately, his is the classic immigrant’s story — an ambitious young man, seeking opportunity, travels to America to make a better life for himself. Through hard work and ingenuity George Morikami found prosperity here, achieving a personal worth in the hundreds of thousands, if not millions, of dollars. Despite this, he was a man of simple tastes for whom the trappings of wealth meant little. He preferred to live out his life simply, finding pleasure in his closeness to nature. Toward the end he lived reclusively in a mobile home on land he had purchased in the closing days of World War II —land that would become Morikami Park.

A Timeless Gift

George Morikami was one of the original settlers to remain in Palm Beach County and he made a fortune there. However he preferred to live the simple life, finding pleasure in his closeness to nature and acquiring land in the closing days of World War II.

 Almost 20 years later he began what would become a 10-year campaign to give the land away, first to the city of Delray Beach, and later to Palm Beach County. 

In 1977  the Morikama Museum and Gardens were established in his name to showcase Japanese arts, history and culture in South Florida. It hosts several traditional festivals several times a year.

  

The museum’s architecture is inspired by traditional Japanese design. The building features three exhibition galleries, a 225-seat theater, an authentic tea house with viewing gallery, classrooms, a museum store, all imparting worthwhile information.

On the outside, around 200 acres they say,  you find well designed strolling paths, nature trails, lots of picnic areas, resting areas, and lakes teeming with koi and other wildlife. 

                                         

In the gardens, one of the many sculptures is a statue is of Buddha. I noted that some visitors left donations in paper and coins on around this particular statue, for good luck, I guess.

There's money atop this scupture😊

Since Buddha is more or less synonymous with meditation, I recommend these well-kept grounds as an excellent place to meditate and find peace.

                                                            MEMORIES

                                             

 

I’m moving!

Having to move house, has always been one of the most unnerving and discombobulating activities. And it doesn’t get any easier just because one gets older and more experienced.

Well, this time it won’t be so bad as I am simply moving from one apartment block to another within the same complex.

And where I am going will be better as I will have far more room.

But I  am going to miss the fantastic view from my bedroom window terribly.😢

Look at this night view from my window.

And this is the morning view.

This below is what I will be looking at from now on.

I know, it dosen’t look so bad but its just that I had gotten so accustomed to looking at the beautiful open space with the birds enjoying themselves.

Anyway, I mustn’t complain too much for I do live beside a well-kept golf course which I treat as my backyard.

I love walking around it in the afternoons and seeing the families of ducks, geese, and occasionally sand cranes, egrets and even racoons.

 It’s the damn iguanas that I don’t like seeing

While I get close to the birds and even feed and talk to them, the raccoons are a different story as they are said to have rabies.

I am especially impressed by ganders. They are such great fathers as they stay with the family until the children can fly and become independent. I wish most human fathers were like that! It’s also inspiring to see them all take off together and soar while hooting loudly, when the young ones are learning to fly.

The drakes are not as responsible and what I notice is that because the ducklings are smaller and there is no father around to protect them, they tend to be eaten quickly by the predators. On the other hand, ganders make loud noises, look fierce and stand their ground when you approach their babies!🤗

 The mommy duck usually tries a version of that but she is too small to really protect the ducklings though.😢

.             I have no idea whether it’s the raccoons who eat them or if its gators in the ponds. I have been looking for five years to see if gators are in the water but have never been fortunate/unfortunate enough to see one. 

But I feel they are around!

I have a feeling the racoons are quite fierce too.

 A few days ago, as I walked I saw a mom and two babies drinking water from a puddle in the road. As I approached, the kids ran away quickly but the mom got her hackles up. So, I stopped and she eventually ran to join her kids up in a nearby tree.

Moving won’t really take me away from the general environment and the animals I have become accustomed to. All I am really losing is my room with the view. Still sad but what the heck. 

Love the general environment.

And the upside is that I will be moving from an over 55 block to a regular block. 

That means I am getting younger.😊

 

Memories of Jamaica's 60th Anniversary celebrations.

I understand those persons who thought that in Jamaica on August 6, 2022, we were making too big a thing out of the celebrations to mark our 60^th anniversary from British rule.

 That is because successive governments since independence have been so corrupt and such failures.

But, while I sympathize with that outlook, we must consider how horrible it would have been if we were still being ruled by the British who had enslaved our ancestors, enriched their crown and country through the free labor of our people who they brought in chains from Africa, then oppressed us further during the colonial period!

Yuck, that  concept is so terrible that the very thought causes shivers to run down my spine.

So yes, successive governments have not done half as well as they should have but at least we have our freedom and our dignity, even if technically we have not yet removed the queen of England as the head of our country.

I really don’t know what we are waiting for.😖

Despite failing governments, we Jamaicans has built quite a reputation for ourselves all over the world, through the individual achievements of our artists, cultural icons and sports people.

We are so respected worldwide that even Niagra Falls in Canada took on the colors of our flag😊

And our Caricom sister Guyana, had a member of their Defense Force parachuted into the arena carrying our flag. https://youtu.be/S31XRe0usCo

Good going.

And while it has mainly been though individual effort, our Sunshine Girls Netball team which has been consistently outstanding for decades, gave us a special boost just before this years celebrations, by 

winning gold and the title of Caribbean Champions at the inaugural Caribbean Games.             No wonder they are honored with this well-deserved monument in front of the National Arena.

Anyway I stray, for I set out to comment on the impressive celebrations for our 60th Anniversary.

I visited the Independence Village on the National Arena grounds and it was really well done, not only in terms of decor, displays but the mini stage shows and general entertainment as well.

. 

I have a problem with the colors of our flag though.

They are supposed to be black, green, and gold but clearly many people do not know this as black, yellow and green were all over the place, even at some government establishments! 

I actually like the yellow but we have to make up our minds, is it supposed to be yellow or gold? 

Whatever we decide on, we should stick with it shouldn’t we ? 

Anyway, all over Jamaica the celebrations were in full force. I loved the spirit reported in Treasure Beach in my home parish, where many boats went out to sea carrying our flag

https://youtu.be/HQJ_QSBJYg4

I was in Kingston but avoided the Grand Gala at the National Stadium, as I wasn’t about to take on the large crowd. Luckily maybe, for as it turns out, they had printed far more tickets than they had seats for, so many people were turned away.

Overhead view of the National Stadium where the grand gala was displayed

But I watched the excellent videos on You Tube including the drone exhibition which was really exceptional.

Part of the drone exhibition

Instead, I visited my close friends in Lauristan St. Catherine, where they had a small celebration, mostly for the children.

 Lauristan, often gets a bad rap in the press, especially since the “Clansman Gang trial.” But those gangsters do not live in Lauristan which is a very nice area, but instead, on the fringes where squatters have basically captured the gully bank. So, I have never had any fear going into that community. In fact, I had spent many early Christmas mornings going Carol Singing at people’s gates, over the years.

You see, my friend Audley Nain is the President of that Citizen’s Association there and the time and effort he and his wife Marcia have spent making that association work well is just phenomenal.

With the Nain family

For independence, they organized to have popcorn/icicle/soda stations, food, bounce about and other rides for the kids. I was especially intrigued by the merry go round which was operated manually, something I had not seen since I was a child!


The adults were also treated to free food and drinks, all donated by community members.

Where I got in my element however, was when the entertainment started. This was provided by a youthful revival band which brought me to my feet instantly.

You know, I would probably be religious today, if I had been brought up in the Pocomania religion. As a child I was dragged to boring church services, but was always distracted and motivated hearing the pulsating revival music piercing the quiet Malvern atmosphere, as members of that religion who worshipped nearby, have always taken the charge in the bible to “make a joyful noise,” literally.

But I was deprived, as I was born during the colonial period when Afro-Centric religions we maligned as being somewhat satanic.

So, I was never allowed to attend their church and now as an adult, every time I hear their music it lifts my spirit.

This Afro based music consolidates our real distance from Britain and put me inna mi element. 😊. 

I enjoyed our 60th Anniversary celebrations everywhere. 

 MEMORIES OF OUR 60TH

Some former athletes who originally made Jamaica respected overseas

JCDC displays Independence Village

Link; https://youtu.be/6z4_SAuiUZU
 

Lake Louise

My cousin in Canada sent these fabulous pictures of Lake Louise.

Lake Louise is an absolute beautiful hamlet within Banff National Park in Alberta, Canada. It was originally settled as an outpost for the Canadian Pacific Railway. It has an elevation of over 500 feet and is surrounded by the most scenic Mountains.

This is one place in Canada which will forever remain in my memory, not because if its beauty, but because of the horrible weather!  I had never visited Banff when I resided in Canada, but went there years later with my children and my (late) favorite aunt, Aunt Bell, whose name was really Louise and who  was a world traveler.

I am sure she is still travelling!💝😍

It was the middle of summer when we went there or so we thought! 

Naturally we were all in shorts and summer wear. Then guess what, at 3pm it started to snow. It was the 16^th August and I will always remember that experience whenever I think of Alberta. For this is place where you go around equipped with three types of clothes, a taxi driver had told us as we shivered, calling a cab while trying to get to somewhere warm after that day. For according to her , no matter what time of year it is, it can move from summer to spring or winter at a minutes notice. Don’t I know that?

I have never been back to Lake Louise but seeing these pictures did make me feel that maybe one day I should return.

 

No place like home

"There’s no place like home" is probably the most overused cliché ever developed, but it’s used so much because it’s so true.

Beautiful Silver Sands beach

 At least in my case, for there is nothing I look forward to more than my annual visits home, to Jamdung, Jamaica, whatever we lovingly call it.

Be it reconnecting with good friends, the dominoes, eating real food, the incomparable beaches, the cycling, the fishing, whatever, its simply wonderful.

This year it was a different type of fishing for me, although I had no success there.

 Anyway, my brother Bernie had become so tired of hearing me grudgingly complain about how he caught a few large barracudas (pictures displayed on his wall no less) while I had never even had the opportunity, that he arranged for me to go with his dedicated fisherman Yusafta.

I don’t take chances however, for they had gone to Barracuda Alley the previous week and came back empty handed. 

So since I couldn’t face the possibility of such an outcome, I told Yusafta that if we didn’t get a hit there within an hour, we should go to the regular spots where we were at guaranteed to catch butter fish, welchmen etc for breakfast!

Luckily I did, for we travelled miles out to sea to the appropriately named place where the water is around 300 feet but never even got a hit! I guess we should have been forewarned that they were not running since we saw no other fisher folk heading in that direction.

We did run into a fisherman who on pulling in his fish pot, saw that a huge conger eel inside eating out his catch, so he was in the process of killing it.

After an hour out there, I didn’t feel badly as the Yusafta never got hit either.

So we did as I suggested and at least got breakfast plus a conger eel which Yusafa said he would take for a lady who loved to eat them. I had tried the fried conger eel once but really never liked it, so happily donated it to her dinner.

Barracuda Alley faces a recently built Spanish hotel located in Coral Springs, between Duncans and Falmouth, (Trelawny).  I must admit it is most unimpressive and unattractive looking  from the sea as it looks like a huge prison with its solid blocks. I hope it’s more attractive from the land side!

The new Spanish hotel is unattractive from the sea

I love Silver Sands and was so happy to be there with my brother and sister in law Judy, at their home “Winedown.”                                                                                Ran into Lisa at the beach there too. Then learnt that my former sister in law Betty, children and grandchildren were at a cottage almost behined us, so vistied them briefly.

    

During my stay, as usual the sea was flat and wonderful, only becoming rough on my last day there.                                                                                                                                                         I also enjoyed riding there, as it is nice and undulating although for the first two days, I could not conquer the hills. By day 3 I did though and even found a big bearing guinep tree at the top of one hill, where I could get refreshed.😋                                                                                                                                                        You see I now reside in flat, boring Florida which does nothing for your riding muscles, so being back in the hills is always a treat. Anyway I was spoilt by our riding group Fun and Thrills  whose riding expeditions involve going out into the country parts, swimming in a cool clean refreshing river then eating the most wonderful Jamaican breakfast before driving or even sometimes riding home. (Check out some of the Fun and Thrills blogs right here. They were also the basis for the Gleaner series; "Enjoying the Jamaican outdoors.”)                                                                                                                        The people who I could ride with in Florida, ride, ride, ride for around 20 miles to some place, then ride ride ride back. 

No fun or thrills on their rides!😕

Charles the 1st leads the troops, Charles11 behind.

So, when I arrived in Kingston, it was wonderful to get back with some friends from that wonderful club. We drove to Port Royal, parked, rode to the round about at the airport then returned to Port Royal where we lymed with cold beers, conch soup and guess what, jerked pork and fried bammy.

I was in my element as I had never had jerked pork in Port Royal as it has always been the fish capital of Jamaica. However, my friend Chuckie who is like me a porkist, had discovered the jerked pork there and surprised me. It tasted good too. 

Yummy. that made my day.

Gathering round the jerk pork😋

At Port Royal I saw that the cruise ship pier had been completed (but I was not allowed inside.) Also, for the first time, compliments of Grace, I learnt that there was still standing, part of the structure of the Woman’s Jail there which had been built before the 1692 earthquake destroyed the Wickedest city in the world!

Outside the restored Women's jail

Yup as I said, there’s no place like home, for not only do I get to reconnect with some of my dearest friends, but also there is never a visit when I do not discover something new.

Sweet Memories of  the return to Jamdung 2022

Outside the new cruise ship pier in Port Royal

This special barracuda bait never helped😡

When it gets rough at Silver Sands

 Some pics supplied by Charles Simpson and Grace Perez