Jamaicas continue making meaningful contributions worldwide
By Dr. Bevan Earle
Jamaicans are some of the world's most talented individuals and continue to make invaluable contributions in the countries world-wide where they have taken up residence.
In which ever country one visits, there are Jamaicans living and working and not only making headway, but contributing to the social and economic progress of that country. It is not a phenomenon but this is expected of Jamaicans.
With a population of 2,868,380 million (July 2011 est.) on the Island and a similar number overseas, you can bet they are doing what they love best and are making progress in what ever field of endeavor in which they are engaged.
They are engaged in trade and different professions, being creative and innovative and are quick to learn and implement what they learn.
Apart from that Jamaica has produced many greats in sports including champion boxers, tennis players, athletes, cricketers, soccer players and others in a long list.
By that same token, one has to admit that Jamaica has also produced some of the most destructive and unruly people, some of whom cannot follow instructions and directions, insisting on doing things their way and disrespecting others opinions or point of view.
On migrating to the United States years ago, I realized that this country is completely different from my sweet, sweet Jamaica but later I learnt that I want to be successful in this country, I would have to change my life style and adapt to the American way of life, if I wanted to survive and make progress.
As a Radio Talk Show Host, I speak to Jamaicans who have been living here for decades and cannot adapt to the changes and when I say so I mean it. The questions some of these Jamaicans pose, the way they talk and their behavior, makes you wonder how they are surviving, as they refuse to read or pay attention to news and information. As a result of this, they have to pay a lot of money to get things done. One example is Immigration Lawyers, who continue to eat out the hard-earned money of these Jamaicans who display a backward mentality.
I am aware of the fact that some of us can read but cannot comprehend, may be educated but is an educated fool. There are those who think they know but know not what they think. My mom always said, "you can lead them to the water but you cannot force them to drink." My advice to Jamaicans who behave like this is to think twice before you make nonsensical comments if you cannot change, buy a one way ticket back to Jamaica.
