Happy Independence Day JA - Out of Many One!

Photo: caribbeanelections.com

Den wait unnu nuh hear bout wi bunononos celebration?

HEH! What ah la la?!!!

Yuh si how mi hot out inna mi colours????

Ah weh yuh deh?

Dah one here name: BLACK GREEN AN’ GOLD 52!!!

Dem think ah now wi jus’ ah come BUT

Ah from long time Jamaica have tings pon lock!

JAMAICA – Seveen (LA Lewis voice) star general fi the Caribbean and numba 1 inna eberyting!

Mi ah guh spell it out fi unnu yardie style enuh

Jamaica born inna 1962…dubbed di land of wood and wata…nuff and plenty!

From Negril to Morant Point wi braggadocios an’ wi braggadocious and wi proud.

Everyweh wi guh tings IRIE!

Ah wee seh Jamaica NO PROBLEM

Fiwi culture badda dan bad!

Wi music tun up loud to the four corners ah di earth.

Wi gi dem MENTO, SKA, ROCKSTEADY, REGGAE & DANCEHALL!

“ONE LOVE” ah di song fi di millennium from the great reggae jam-icon Missa Marley!

Inna Jamaica ah bare excitement, weh else yuh know have ah party an’ ah dance move fi each day ah di week?

Heh! Mek Vegas all ah tell dem di bruk bruk bruk bruk bruk it dung!

Jamaican cuisine! Lady nuttin nuh sweeter dan mi granny greater cake and drops, ackee and saltfish.

Inna sports wi beat dem bad! We have di fastest man pon earth. He’s OH SO USAINABLE!!!!

Veronica, Bolt and Asafa show dem seh wi ah di sprint capital ah di worl’.

MI PROUD FI BI JAMAICAN!!!!

Fimi country ah ooman territory! Jus ask Mama P! Ah always ooman time ah Jamaica!!!

Listen mi! Ah Jamaican scholar is always pon the P.A.T.H to success dats why wi future well copaset!

Ah nuh jus’ sand sun and sea wi seh

Wi ah set up shop fi 2030 fi mek Jamaica ah place fi live work, raise ah family and duh business.

Suh come ah Jamaica coz fi wi nation deh pon ah mission and ah yahso ah guh nice!

The Road to Emancipation

Photo: Jamille De-Andra Chin

Driving through the green fields of Adelphi on this August Mawnin' as we celebrate Emancipation Day in Jamaica. Freedom is a wonderful thing we should never ever take for granted. Our forefathers worked hard with blood, sweat, tears and death for us to have it...we are entrusted to use it for the greater good. One of my favorite punch lines to use when the system is pressuring people is "tell dem seh slavery done from 1838!" Lest they forget and need I have to remind them. To be truly emancipated is to be fearless, determined, strong and fighting for what you believe in. The history books remind us where we are coming from and we celebrate this day to remind us of our continued journey to be resilient and united in our battles and challenges. In the same say, I was driving on Wakefield Road and just realized that the roads in these parts are still the same "bruk stone" roads from slavery days. These roads have stood the test of time as opposed to the smooth roads the local authorities build which are smooth death traps with short life spans. The roads are always fixed during the rainy season and is a grave injustice because the rain washes away all the components of the road and then we have potholes the size of craters...mechanics who rejoice because we have to constantly service our SUVs after the roads have shaked the living daylights out of us in transit...but we press gas and keep it moving.

The moment in time captures it perfectly. The sun shines to give us hope, the land is green and fertile and we have evolved from our colonial plantation days of King Sugar. The question is where does the road to development lead? It has many trials and tribulations. We have vast geographic, economic, social and political challenges. Do we know where we want our "Sweet Sweet Jamaica" to go? We have drafted many master plans and dream of seeing Vision 2030 but how close are we to the dream of being a developed nation in the Third World? There is no silk road to development. The hardships we endure are meant to strengthen our design for greatness as a nation. I charge that we need an educated population to propel our economy. We can't move forward if we don't change our thinking. Our great National Hero Marcus Garvey told us "A people without knowledge of their past history, origin and culture is like a tree without roots". The Reggae Ambassador Bob Marley told us to "Emancipate yourself from mental slavery!" and  Prime Minister Bustamante cautioned us, "Without discipline, we cannot succeed; and with disorder we will fail." 

The axiom says that "Unity is Strength"and if we don't commit to planning effectively in all sectors, our future will be a dream dried up and not actualized. We believe in Brand Jamaica but what is faith without works, sacrifice and dedication? If we can unite in sports and entertainment, we can do it for the other sectors in which we are lagging. The dreams live within us but we must speak up and let our voices be heard, stand up and be counted to vote for what is right in the name of brotherhood and justice. We need to get up and make our mark on Jamaica Land We Love! The roads are rocky, rough and there will be rainy days but they can be a lot lighter and interesting to traverse if we learn to work together. 

The Paradox of Development - The Goat Island Debate

Photo: Jeremy Francis

Having had the pleasure of reading Wendy Townsend's article entitled "Jamaica Selling Put It's Paradise" I can endorse that she is right. Only I would have titled it "Jamaica for Sale". Every era or decade has a buzz word and you best believe Jamaica has logged  on to the concept of sustainable development. The concept of sustainable development purports that we must have the ability to meet the needs of the present while contributing to the needs of the future generations. However, it's one of those "throw around" terms we use when we need to sound like we know what we are talking about as it pertains to environmental matters. Ask us to put it in practice and voila you have the "Save Goat Islands" situation. Development happens right under our nose in Jamaica usually with very little or no public consultation. We most times have to fish for answers or go by the little information the powers that be put out in the media. Jamaica is known for her sunny weather, turquoise beaches and emerald landscape with diverse species of plants and animals. What's at stake this time you may ask? Our rich biodiversity and natural resources of birds, plants, reptiles and marine life on Goat Islands. Townsend quotes a very significant part of the Jamaican Constitution which states that the nation's citizens have

"the right to enjoy a healthy and productive environment free from threat of injury or damage from environmental abuse and degradation of the ecological heritage."

True as these word may be, it is a farce for those who know that there are two Jamaicas: those who live out out our exotic landscapes which is the storybook paradise painted for marketing purposes and those who live in the squalor of city life or absolute rural poverty who struggle to live amid an anemic economic climate and can't afford to see the exclusive piece of paradise that the others from St. Elsewhere get to see.  As a small island developing state, I too waive the flag for development but development at what cost or compromise? We live in an age when we are susceptible to the harsh effects of climate change based on our geographic determinant. Yet, we are in the process of selling our islands and clearing it for development that will wipe out an entire specy of iguana and destroy our mangroves which serves as a protective covering for our island. We should dare not blame this on the Chinese company in question and their proposal for building a megafreight seaport and industrial park. In fact, we should be engaging in public discourse with the powers that be here in JA about what kind of future Jamaica will have at the rate that we are selling our island and what we will say to our children about the decisions we made.

There is all this fancy smanchy talk about this development being a strategic economic move, to position our country as a major player, in the logistics hub given the proposed Panama Canal Expansion Project by 2015. Many Jamaicans are wondering if this is a recipe for a natural disaster waiting to happen. Lest we forget, there was Cricket World Cup, the building of a grand stadium which is now a white elephant and the promise of jobs to go with it that never came into fruition. Likewise, there are rumours of this expansive development creating jobs and other benefits for locals. However, do we have an educated population to propel this development should it pass the requisite tests? The answer is no!  There is no public education or training programme in place to educate our people who want to be involved about this development. "If we fail to plan, we must plan to fail." We are in dire need of all types of PLANNING in Jamaica and we will always be retrofitting if we don't take the time to get things right and move away from the "try a thing" mentality.

Thank God for Ms. Townsend's article on CNN because it has alerted our neighbours in the global village about the issue and raised red flags. At the same time, it is also sad because it took an international voice to speak on the issue for us to remember it was still brewing and was secretly dying out in the media. It always has to be the outside voice which we eventually pay attention and listen to.  I do hope because of this good sense will prevail and we do what is in the interest of the greater good.

Let us not cause blood to be on our hands by murdering an ecosystem that can cause an environmental catostrophe in the name of economic development. I charge the civilians to get involved and contribute to the review of the environmental impact assessment and cost benefit analysis. Policymakers, Environmentalists, NGOs, bloggers and everyone who is Jamaican and anyone need to stand up and be counted to help make the right decision about Goat Islands. In the end, the onus is on all the Jamaican people to not let their children and grandchildren lament over a decision that will affect their future. We are a part of the system of governance and we must demand accountability in the decision making process. If we fail to act, we will be living with regret because we didn't play our part in asking, "Will it be worth it?"

Check out Ms. Townsend's article @: http://edition.cnn.com/2014/07/02/opinion/townsend-jamaica-iguana/

Support the cause @: http://savegoatislands.org/

Bluefields

Photo: Jamille De-Andra Chin

Jamaica's South Coast is an untouched gem. The footprint of development has not traversed on this beautiful part of Jamaica. It is very virginal, rustic and picturesque like right out of a story book. I have fond memories of Bluefields from beach trips during my childhood and the water there is still pristine. The beauty of the horizon is just priceless.

Kingston City @ Night

Photo: Jamille De-Andra Chin

One of my favourite things about any city is the magical power of its bright lights. I've often said I moved from city to city and the truth of it all is I'm a city girl at heart. Don't get me wrong I love me some country but the Bright Light Theory is real! During the day there is the sound of traffic, vending in the streets, hustling, bustling and so much more urban fanfare. At night it's a different scene and mood. There's a street dance for everyday of the week, great restaurants to check out, and if you just want a breathtaking view of the city then go driving through the hills. The view reminds me of Christmas pepper lights and gives me a warm and fuzzy feeling. Kingston is a real beauty day or night but the night makes her come alive more. Let us not forget that her light shines brightest on the world map for being the capital of JA.     

The Smell of Green Country

Photo: Jamille De-Andra Chin

The sound of crickets and the smell of fresh air in the country is always so refreshing. The Jamaica flag has the colours of black, green and gold. The green represents the land. Indeed, our land is fertile and there is lush vegetation. From the vast cane fields to the glorious mountains, Jamaica is green from Negril to Morant Point. We do have idle land whereby development will occur and there's no bones about it. However, from an environmental perspective we should leave some places untouched. A green oasis is what the country side is. It represents a getaway from the hard, urban, concrete environment. There's just an undeniable mystique about driving through the country and being in the heart of nature. It makes us feel free and at peace with ourselves.

Silent Sunset

Photo: Jamille De-Andra Chin

Nestled on the backseat of a taxi rushing through the central business district to get to a  get together with friends...the window is rolled down and I'm searching for something interesting outside my window. With my driver speeding down a few avenues to get to my destination, the wind blowing through my hair...light and very airy. While in motion, I like to look above the tree tops. The sky is an interesting place where birds, kites, eagles and planes fly. But, nothing compares to the powerful feeling I get from seeing the merging of colours to make a masterpiece in the heavens.    

"Lovebird"

Photo: Jamille De-Andra Chin

'Twas once a symbol of national pride. The Lovedbird was indeed 'soaring to new heights'. A very beautiful bird in the sky she was and something truly Jamaican. The only real memory of this national bird now sits on the roundabout at the Norman Manley Airport.  The tale/tail of a broken winged bird. Someday we will have back a bird just as beautiful I hope. 

Silver Button

Photo: Jamille De-Andra Chin

The truth is summer hasn't even started yet. Technically, we are in the last part of spring but the temperature is blazing...but summer is nigh and to stay cool you better hang outside. The night sky doesn't have many stars but being under the shimmer of the moon is very enchanting. It is the light bulb of the sky that glows on the magical creatures of the night and sits gloriously above or roof tops. As a child, I used to wonder if I could just touch it...like get a ladder and climb my way to get there. In my later years, I think I can only do that in my dreams. Looking up at the moon is like looking at the sun in reverse. It is a thing of great thing of beauty and it's splendiforous to see it her shine in full. 

Suburbia's Urban Edge

Photo: Jamille De-Andra Chin

Today I was in Suburbia or for a better expression looking out at the Red Hills of Kingston. I remember going to school in Suburbia. It was a quiet neighbourhood that didn't like too much noise and any events that occurred at the school could be shut down by the relevant authorities if they made just one phone call. What's so interesting about this suburb in Kingston is that in my school days, I could count the number of houses on the hill. That was then...and now there is an urban explosion of palatial mansions on the hill. It is the Jamaican Dream to own a house on the hill but then what pressure does it put on the natural resources? We basically carve out our hillsides to secure housing and it makes me wonder if the hills can manage the stress it's place under in terms of land use and amenities. I really hope we are not building to the collapse of the hills which experiences vast land slippage during the rainy season.  Arguably, from the top down looking at the City of Kingston from the hills, it is one of the most green urban areas. The air quality may not be that great but most properties have a tree or two to help reduce air pollution. For future development, the relevant authorities must exercise some development control. Sure, we can build big houses on the hills, we just need to ensure that there are parameters for zoning in order to curb the population.   

Salem Nights

Photo: Jamille De-Andra Chin

Nobody likes being sick and wellness is a state of mind. I stood on the 9th floor of Cornwall Regional and let's just say the view makes for lots of life and living.  The clouds were something to behold. Orange clouds rolled by and burnt beautiful images which faded into shades of gold and pink as the sun dissipated. The city lights decorate the other side of the town of Montego Bay like pepper lights and the ocean has become tempered after a day's work of crashing waves on the seashore. Mount Salem is home to the only major hospital in the parish. Sure, other health facilities exist such as hopes, clinics and other private practice but I doubt that the others have views like Regional. The views and vistas from the hospital are anything but simply amazing. If you are driving down Howard Cooke Boulevard you can see Regional on Mount Salem above the city. Arguably, it could use a splash of colour to make its landmark brighter. I'd also like to think it's in a central location but that's relative because I live 13 miles outside Montego Bay. Either way, there are great views of the city and they should be applauded for tapping into the use of solar energy by using solar panels to power the hospital's operation. We are immensely blessed to live in the tropics where the sun shines almost everyday. Thus, they are operating more efficiently and contributing to energy savings. More government institutions and agencies need to follow suit  for the sake of the public purse and environmental stewardship.

Vitamin Sea

Photo: Jamille De-Andra Chin

One of my favourite things about being an island girl is going to the beach. Seeing water makes me happy and I find it very therapeutic to frolic in. Yes, many say Jamaica is more than the three S's: sun, sand and sea but frankly, the sea is a big part of our geographical determinant. We are a small island developing state surrounded by the Caribbean Sea whose waters reflect shades of turquoise, iridescent blue, sky blue, navy blue and sea green. Water is one of the most important elements in our tourism product. Jamaica is dubbed, the "Land of Wood and Water" and we boast of having one of the safest water supply systems in the world. Our greatest challenge as a country is that the best beaches are being sold to hotels as part of their vacation packages. Perhaps, this may be viewed as a new form of colonization by locals. The naked truth is that sooner rather than later locals won't have any free beaches they can go, to enjoy some recreational time. A Beach Control Act exists to enlighten citizens about their public rights to access beaches. However, we may question whose interest this act protects. When investors come to our shores, the shares of citizens are not taken into consideration. If there are any stakeholder analyses, it is just observing due process for the sake of formalities. Development occurs at any given cost and  the concerns of citizens are usually overlooked. Our beautiful beaches are a part of our cultural heritage and most treasured natural resources. As such, our citizenry need to get more engaged where our rights are concerned to advocate for local usage of our beaches. 

Sundae Sunset in the Capital

Photo: Jamille De-Andra Chin

I sat in my Julie mango tree and watched the sun disappear over the mountain. Sundays are usually quiet and I spend it reflecting on the week that was. How sweet it is to watch the sun smile behind the clouds!This should be our outlook for that which we do not see. Sunday is the first day of the week and we mentally have expectations for the next 6 days. After Sunday, there's Monday and all the MONDAY MATTERS that in actuality we consider the first day of the week. Some of us take a grouchy approach to Monday and I must admit I am guilty of it too. However, if we get back to basics and make Monday, Sunday then we would be much more relaxed on Monday morning when we have to go to work. Attitude is everything! So, soak up the sun in Sunday and indulge in something therapeutic whether its getting or making sundaes, going to the beach or just watching television with the family. The catch is you have to tell yourself that your Monday will be just as or greater than your Sunday.   

A Blur of Holland Bamboo Avenue

Photo: Jamille De-Andra Chin

I'm at it again! This time I spent one day driving through 11 parishes excepting St. Thomas, Portland and St. Mary. Bamboo Avenue in St. Bess reminds me of a gateway to serenity with striking arches of green canopy. This two and a half mile stretch of road between Lacovia and Middle Quarters is a must see on the South Coast. The sad reality is that this enchanting avenue might not be famous for bamboo in the future since it is being cut at a rapid rate by vandals and affected by fire from poor agricultural practices. If the bamboo is not replanted, it will all just disappear. Cultural heritage tourism is the life blood of our tourism industry. We must advocate for the sustainability of this avenue as it pertains to preservation and restoration. Sure, the parish council plays its part but the community must also get involved in the management and protection of its physical resources. Getting involved means that the community has shared interest in environmental protection and development of the avenue. I charge us to appreciate the value of our heritage products. They age and are in need of restoration and the onus is on every stakeholder involved to play their part to ensure continuity of the product. Bamboo Avenue is a space that has been made into a place...and if it becomes further neglected it will be a forgotten memory or something of a blur that once existed. 

Shades of Blue & Green in Caymanas

Photo: Jamille De-Andra Chin

I wasn't in the best of health when I captured this still but seeing it made me feel a whole lot better. Another one of my backseat pictures that had a soothing tone and evoked a mellow mood. In essence, it captured how I felt through the imagery and symbolism. I was feeling really blue because I was sick and looking at the mountains it felt like a great challenge to overcome. The cane field is a radiant green, which is a powerful colour representing life and the adage which says, "the grass is greener on the other side." This scenery reminded me of a few beautiful lines from A.L. Hendricks and Lloyd Hall's composition "Jamaica Land of Beauty" :

"From riverside to mountain
From cane field to the sea
Our heart salute Jamaica
Triumphant, proud and free"

Indeed, the land is an untouched gem along the urban corridor on Mandela Highway. Development is occurring all around it in terms of housing, transportation and other land use. However, I hope it stays in its pristine state for a very long time. Beauty like this once destroyed, we can never get it back.

The End of Great George Street

Photo: Jamille De-Andra Chin

Sav-la-Mar gave me life today! It was my first time in the capital of Westmoreland and it was an eclectic urban mix. Arriving on Great George Street, I laid eyes upon the cast iron fountain...a beautiful relic from Jamaica's colonial past. I decided I would walk out the entire street and it was really interesting to see. A consumer can do everything on this street! We can go to church, buy books at the bookstore, read a book at the library, shop for clothes and beauty products or purchase fabric to make clothes, check out furniture, do personal banking...go to the supermarket or just cash out at a wholesale. I just thought it fantastic! The street just seemed like a one stop shop. My walk was pretty delightful. I observed that some buildings were aesthetically pleasing while others had zero pizzazz. The use of colour could be played up a whole lot more but it was still visually something to see. The town's urban form has a linear layout but it's beauty lies in having the ocean at the end of the street. My eyes caught a flock of black birds flying over some fishermen in their boat. Then on the other side there was a wall blocking the ocean view. I saw a group of doctors posing for a picture underneath an arch and my curiosity piqued. I walked over to them and low and behold I got sprayed by sea water and it made me happy.  

From the Other Side of Kingston Harbour

Photo: Jamille De-Andra Chin

Standing in awesome wonder reminiscing on how I moved from city to city. My favourite place to be is where water meets the sky. It conjures an element of mystery and healing simultaneously. There is nothing more pacifying than soaking up a scene like this. The moving clouds roll by concealing the enigma of the heavens and the deep blue waters...a place just as rich as the grave but very soothing to observe its ebb and flow. We must appreciate beauty like this as is. We may not understand how it all comes together like a puzzle but think of it as a great work of art that changes colour and mood based on the weather. Just take a picture to remember the emotion(s) it evoked in you.  

Along Life's Rocky Path

Photo: Jamille De-Andra Chin

Some of my best adventures in life were those I had not planned for. Frankly that's the art of life. Not everything under the sun can be planned for. Sometimes things happen to help us slow down and enlighten us to the beauty that surrounds us. I truly believe, those are some of the best surprises because they open your eyes to new possibilities and beautiful experiences. Some of us just need to stop wearing shoes with the designer label of fear and take chances by walking on roads where we can't see around the corner. Maybe just maybe you'll end up liking the view.  

As Sure As the Sun Sets On the Waterfront

Photo: Jamille De-Andra Chin

Our faith is sometimes the only spark of hope we have in our rasp. I encourage you to hold on to it and never let it go. Dreams may seem elusive but your belief can give the mind wings to fly. Today, I had an incredible amount of faith in a transaction that appeared to the human eye as next to impossible. I took a chance on myself and sent out my request to the universe and I believed it would not return to me empty...and it didn't. God wants us to be bold and fearless and do what we are called to do. Get out and live in the light. It gives you greater courage to do what you have been afraid to do, when you actually do what you need to do. Live up!

Raindrops on My Sunroof

Photo: Jamille De-Andra Chin

I never knew rain could create such beautiful art. It was a joy to be stuck in the middle of traffic in the rain on a Tuesday afternoon. I looked up and saw the pattern of raindrops and it made me happy in a strange way. Water is one of the most powerful elements and it be used as an element to heal and provide therapy...better yet traffic therapy. So, if ever you are stuck in the rain look outside your window or if you have a sunroof look up coz there might be something there to remind you slow down and enjoy the view. 

Glory From A Window Seat

Photo: Jamille De-Andra Chin

There is beauty in the elements, earth and ethereal awesomeness in the skies. I never thought I could look out the window and feel so connected and in touch with cotton candy clouds. There is just splendour and magnificence in looking at the works our Creator has made. Man was made to have communion with the environment. It speaks to our consciousness, artistic minds and the humanity of our being. The amount of awe and wonder as I wonder can never be put into words. We venture in sacred spaces and it speaks to us that as man we have the great responsibility of stewardship for the environment. It's glory is always a sight to behold.

From Mimosas to Sunrise

Photo: Jamille De-Andra Chin

Moving or making changes in life is never easy. In our hearts, we have stored many hopes and dreams. To sit on a pavement on a Jamaican Sunday afternoon and dream dreams of a future with love, hope and lots of joy was a reflective pass time. This is the future..it is my time...It is what I would tell my present self. The sunset of our youth fades and disappears in the twinkling of an eye. Dream big! Be fierce and fearless!  

"Bridge Over Troubled Water"

Photo: Jamille De-Andra Chin

It is said that silent water is actually deep. Things aren't actually how they appear on the surface. So too in our waking life. People see us in living colour but they have no idea what you may be going through. Your physical being is present in their presence but your thoughts are hidden and buried in the middle of St. Nowhere. Sometimes, we think to ourselves that if the other person only knew what we are going through. There is no reason to keep it to ourselves and fall apart. A beautiful stranger once said, tell it all to a rock and throw it in the deepest part.

The Promise of a Bow in Genesis

Photo: Jamille De-Andra Chin

12 And God said, “This is the sign of the covenant I am making between me and you and every living creature with you, a covenant for all generations to come: 13 I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. 14 Whenever I bring clouds over the earth and the rainbow appears in the clouds, 15 I will remember my covenant between me and you and all living creatures of every kind. Never again will the waters become a flood to destroy all life. 16 Whenever the rainbow appears in the clouds, I will see it and remember the everlasting covenant between God and all living creatures of every kind on the earth.”

The Charm of St. Thomas in the East

Photo: Jamille De-Andra Chin

I sure do love me a road trip. This time I went to the east and while on my way back, I saw the sun over a cliff and had to stop and get myself the perfect shot. So too as the sun shines, we should shine and stand out in all our endeavours. Some of us are blessed with many gifts and talents yet we feel we have the right to bury them. If we do that, we out the fire that lives within. The beauty of this scene reminded me that we should burn and burn brightly for all to see.

A Ray of Light In the New Kingston Sunset

Photo: Jamille De-Andra Chin

As I stood on the pavement waiting to attend a meeting, something beautiful caught my eye. It was the afternoon sun piercing a cloud in all her golden glory. Sometimes we feel like we have run out of a luck, hope and everything in between. In our daily lives, we feel beat up and burnt out because of our routines and the attachments associated with them. When we feel like this, God sends us a sign to let us know he is still present in our situations. It gives us peace and renewed hope to continue living in the light.

A BLUEtiful Day in the Garden Parish

Photo: Jamille De-Andra Chin

The best part of rolling down your window while in transit on the backseat...the sky meeting the sea at the horizon. So too is life, as we expand our horizons, we meet and greet different people with a complexity of challenges and colourful situations. Who said seeing blue had to make you sad? Above and beyond it can be bright and amazingly beautiful! It's all just a matter of perception and positivity...

I LEFT MY HEART IN MONTEGO BAY & NEVER TOOK IT BACK!

Photo: Jamille De-Andra Chin

Bobby Bloom sang in his song, "La Montego Bay oh whoa whoa whoa!..." You get a thrill just knowing you'll be in the city of Montego Bay. There's no place like home they say and truer words could not have been written. I was born in this city and it has always been a part of who I am, no matter where I am. The second city is one of the most beautiful places on earth. Its breathtaking views and vistas are indeed a sight to behold. When God was making Monetgo Bay, he created a beautiful treasure with a golden sun, turquoise waters and emerald landscapes. It's truly a magnificent piece of paradise that when you go to Montego Bay you may never want to go back from whence you came. I stood on Richmond Hill and LEFT MY HEART IN MONTEGO BAY AND NEVER TOOK IT BACK!

Happy Labour Day!!!!!

Photo: Jamille De-Andra Chin

The Day I Decided To Stay True To HAPPY

Photo: Abihop

Happiness is staying true to yourself when the world around you thinks you're going crazy. If you had to take a chance in life, take a chance on yourself. If you don't trust, believe or have faith in you and all you do, frankly NO ONE ELSE WILL. There's no greater feeling in the world than living your driven purpose. Step out, be bold and confident but most importantly, LIVE.

If you love, SAY IT.

If you fall, GET UP

If you fail, TRY AGAIN

Get out in the world and do the things you're afraid to do. Life is a matter of taking chances and either you win or lose. You just keep playing with the cards you are dealt.

Tomorrow belongs to those who have hope in the present. Believe in love and let it keep the flame of happiness burning inside of you.