Why I am proud to be Jamaican

Maxwell

The following essay by Tricia Harris, 15, of Titchfield High School in Portland, won first prize in the 15-18 age category in the recent Hope Partners National Essay Competition.

IT HAS been almost sixteen years of happiness for me in this country and I am proud, so proud to be Jamaican. The reason is obvious as I am in a land of culture, beauty and strong compassionate people. Although the road from independence to economic and technological development has been extremely hard, and the plight of poverty remains, we have found comfort and strength in our fellow Jamaicans and given our sweat, muscle and courage to make this little island great.

Pride is mine in this beauty that surrounds me. I behold lush green forests and crystal clear waters that make their singing journeys from the cool hills to the welcome arms of the sea. I see the sea, yes, the blue shimmering Caribbean sea which sometimes caresses the shore as to lull a child to sleep or crashes at the cliffs, calling me to admire its strength and might.

An ideal tropical climate supports a variety of animals, including the humming birds, tropical fishes, corals, harmless snakes and even the cold crocodile can be found faraway from the bustle of cars and trucks in their native habitats of wetlands, woods and sea. Jamaica is the place for flora, boasting several exotic plant species. The infinite beauty of the flowers brighten the days and perfume the nights. This island is truly perfect beauty.

However, this beauty is nothing without the beauty of the people. Their own beauty entwines with that of the surroundings to create the total Jamaican atmosphere. This atmosphere is created not only by the people themselves, but by their wealth of skill and talent. This talent is evident in the dancers, whether dancing the quadrille or around the may pole in green grassy fields or performing intricate steps on stage. This talent is evident in our stories, which are told in the melodious dialect of English, Spanish and French phrases called Patois.

These stories carry Anansi from trick to trick, fascinate us with tales of the roaming rolling calves and inspire us with tales of our heroes. This talent is so evident in the music ever changing with the needs of the Jamaican society. The music has developed from exciting Ska to syrupy Reggae, bringing much fame to the island and giving me another reason for my great pride. Jamaicans are skilled in Arts, Crafts and Cuisine, which is in my view, a pot of fascinating sight and taste.

New heights

The strong Jamaican food has sustained many persons who have carried this country to new heights, remembering our athletes such as Arthur Wint and Herb McKinley who have paved the way for today's athletes who now continue on that path. Our footballers have worked so diligently and persevered to make the dream of participating in the World Cup Championship a reality, they have not only given me pride but inspiration.

Now I know that I can do anything if I work hard enough. I feel much safer, now that I know that in my own town is Dobsie Pennant, a man who risked his own life to save a little girl from fire.

Who could possibly forget our speller Jody-Anne Maxwell, who won the Spelling Bee abroad and countless others who have not won awards or gained rewards but continue to build Jamaica, one block at a time (like the actors, musicians, doctors, teachers, clerks, street sweepers and garbage collectors.

My pride even extends to the daily activities which take place under the golden sun, such as the market women in colourful array even more colourful than that fruits beside them, or people going out to work with warm smiles and warm faces or the deep blue sea, surrounded by bright swimsuits and the savoury spicy smell of jerk chicken on the breeze, or the laughter as the adults gather to discuss matters at the old shop in the hot afternoons. These are all things I know and enjoy.

Proud I am to be Jamaican, proud of all I see and hear, proud of the smiles that rival the sun in brightness and the beauty which over-shadows that of a luxury hotel suite. Proud of Miss Lou and her chat, proud of athletes, footballers, cricketers all. Proud of our hard work and our triumph. Yes, I am proud to be Jamaican.

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