of Jamaica’s IndependenceThis complimentary inaugural issue of Home Sweet Jamaicais themed, “Out of many, one people” in celebrationof Jamaica’s diverse populace and combined culture.All Jamaicans and Diaspora have much to be proud ofand much to look forward to…Happy 50th Independence!www.sunfloraljamaica.comPhone: (954) 793-4655 • Fax: (954) 337-3369
JHomeamaicaSweetEditor-in-Chief: Gina Tulloch-AdamsCo-Editor: Caroline DawsonResearch & Planning: Anna HastingsContributing Writers:Gary AdamsNancy BurkeAngela Chin-HingDee EnrightNicola FrancisTiffany HamiltonChristelle HarrisFiona Lee-EvansCassanie McKenzieDennis RappaportLudovica RappaportGina Tulloch-AdamsNatalie WilliamsPhotography:Selections by Alain Hottat Photographywww.jamaicashoots.comHigh Hope Estate by Jefferson Millerhttp://www.jeffersonfilms.com/Graphic Design:Dick Gruenwald AssociatesPrinter: Print PelicanPublisher:Home Sweet Jamaica is an independentpublication by:Sunfloral Jamaica LimitedPO Box 4513, St. Ann’s Bay,Saint Ann, JamaicaPhone (876) 655-0204International: (954) 793-4655Fax: (954) 337-3369info@homesweetjamaica.comwww.homesweetjamaica.comTo contact the Editor:editor@homesweetjamaica.comSubscriptions:Subscriptions@homesweetjamaica.comHome Sweet Jamaica Magazine is a free publication.Subsequent issues will be available online or throughsubscriptions for the cost of shipping and handling.Advance ordering for bulk shipping to corporatelocations is recommended to ensure availability.Reviews:To submit a review of Jamaican agencyReview@homesweetjamaica.comAdvertising:advertise@homesweetjamaica.comHome Sweet Jamaica (ISSN 0799-3382) is published quarterlyby Sunfloral Jamaica Limited, PO Box 4513, St. Ann’s Bay,Saint Ann, Jamaica.All rights reserved. Contents ©2012 by Sunfloral JamaicaLimited. No part of this publication may be reproduced withoutwritten permission from the publisher.On a personal note…One of my earliest childhood memories is of meserenading my Uncle Karl with the lyrics of PlutoShervington’s song, “I man born ya, I nah leave ya to goa Canada.” I was devastated when he and his familydeparted for Canada. They were one of the many middleto upper class Jamaican families who migrated in themid-1970s. It would be years before I began tounderstand the impact that this and subsequentmigrations had on Jamaica.Over time, Jamaica has lost a great deal more professionals and professionals-inthe-making.They leave the island in search of higher education or more favourableeconomic conditions. This group typically includes a healthy portion of Jamaica’sfinest students and entrepreneurs. Further, Jamaicans tend to thrive in their newenvironments; they often excel in their desired fields of interest. To our country’sdetriment, even after completing their education and achieving success, someexpatriates choose not to return to its fold.Although there are many excellent professionals that have returned or who have beeneducated in Jamaica, there still appears to be a significant shortfall of returningprofessionals. One cannot help but wonder what Jamaica would be like if a massinflux of skilled Jamaicans returned as residents to our beautiful island. Selfishly, thisis the motivation behind publishing this magazine. We do not expect to convinceanyone who isn’t already considering moving home, but perhaps we can help start theconversation. If our Diaspora see others who are making a positive difference in theirhometowns, it might encourage them to consider how their specific skills could provebeneficial. Even on a part-time basis, as there are many who maintain dual residency.There are some who have discouraged this venture as naive, unrealistic, andinexperienced; they may be right. But, my Aunt Jean taught me that when God puts adream in your heart, you need to pursue it no matter where it takes you. Sometimes,you have to just believe that you can make a difference and take a leap of faith. In thewords of Marcus Garvey, “If you haven't confidence in self, you are twice defeated inthe race of life. With confidence, you have won even before you have started.”It is interesting that even generations of Jamaican ancestry that are born abroad, stillconsider themselves to be Jamaican; although many have never even visited theisland. To them, being Jamaican is about heritage and kinship. In this first edition, wehave included examples of people who have returned permanently, part-time, andthose who visited and never left. These are ordinary people who do extraordinarythings every day. They create employment in our communities, they form charitableunions, and they promote Jamaica in a positive light.We are one people comprised of many colorful individuals contributing our uniquetalents and strengths. I encourage you to read these stories, then to come home andshare yours.Blessings,Gina Tulloch-AdamsEditor in ChiefHome Sweet Jamaica | August 2012 3
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