Jamaicans are everywhere!
#Fact
And, wherever we are found, best believe we are creating change and making positive impact. Don’t believe me? I have proof. Here are 8 Jamaicans ‘jaminating’ across the world.
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BAKU
Baku is the capital and commercial hub of AZERBAIJAN. Population: 2.236 million. Official Language: Azeri Turkish. Currency: Azerbaijani Manat.
Natalee Cole – Teacher
Why Azerbaijan?
Why not Azerbaijan? I have always wanted to live somewhere where I could wear scarves and boots and though I’ve had offers to work in the US and China, I just didn’t feel compelled to take up those positions. When this opportunity came, I didn’t even know about the country, but my partner encouraged it and I decided to go.
So far, I love it. Crime is practically non-existent and the place is beautiful and has a kind of ancient meets modern look & feel. The people are very kind and friendly and most importantly, my daughter gets to be tri-lingual as she will speak English and is currently learning Russian and Azeri. My only problem so far are the stares and people always wanting to take pictures. That takes a lot of getting used to.
BALI
Island on the province of INDONESIA. Population: 4.225 million. Official Language: Balinese. Currency: Rupiah.
Michele Bailey/Entrepreneur. Owner: JambaliÂ
Why Bali?
Bali is a mirror image of Jamaica in many ways. The climate, the vegetation, the very laid-back atmosphere and the culture. I really admire the way the Balinese people live. They are very committed to their religion and family is everything. Living here makes me wish Jamaicans would hold on more to our old traditions as so much of the old charm is lost.
DUBAI
Largest City in the UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE). Population: 2. 983 Million. Official Language: Arabic. Currency: Dirham.
Yakeyma Whittingham/Chef
Why Dubai?
I discovered Dubai while watching videos on YouTube in 2010 and fell in love with the lifestyle and the amazing architecture. Before seeing that video, I didn’t even know a place like that exist. I wrote it on my bucket list as a place I`d like to visit then went on with my life. Little did I know that a few years later I would be invited to work there by a chef I used to work with at Sandals Royal in Ocho Rios. I moved to Dubai in 2013 and I have been here ever since.
FUJAIRAH
One of the seven EMIRATES that make up the UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (UAE). Population: 152, 000. Official Language: Arabic. Other languages include Bengali, English, Hindi and Farsi. Currency: Dirham.
Why FuJairah?
I was born in Kingston but grew up in St. Catherine. I migrated to the US as a teen, put myself through college, obtained my bachelor’s in Education and a master’s degree in Remedial Reading. As a teacher in the US education system, I got frustrated with testing students to death and needed a change.
This change led to my son and me venturing halfway around the world to my first overseas job as a teacher in Abu Dhabi. I’m adjusting to being in a new Emirate and I still struggle with meeting genuine people who are not quick to throw you under the bus to elevate themselves, but it’s been good so far.
LAGOS
NIGERIA’S largest City. Population: 21 Million. Official Language: Yoruba. Currency: Naira.
Micheal Williams /Writer & Marketing Consultant
Why Nigeria?
Ten years ago, I was invited to observe Carnival Calabar. This is Africa’s biggest street party and was created as part of the vision to make Cross River State, Nigeria, the number one tourist destination for Nigerians and tourists all over the world.
The carnival always begins the 1st day of December and lasts until the 31st. At that time, it was the biggest event of its kind in Africa and two years later, I was invited back to submit a proposal to the state government. Eventually, I was appointed as a tourism consultant and later as Managing Director of the Tourism Bureau. I have been in that position for 5 years.
PORTLAND
The largest city in the US State of Oregon. Population: 639, 863. Language: English. Currency: United States Dollars.
Kacean Phillips/Entrepreneur. Owner: Jamaican Homestyle Cuisine (Portland, Oregon)
Why Portland?
Though I loved my students, I got frustrated with teaching in Jamaica and decided I needed a change. When I moved to Portland, I saw the business opportunity as people were driving all the way to Seattle and other faraway places just to get a taste of Caribbean Food.
My dream was always to own a business so I decided to put my business degree to good use and opened a Jamaican Restaurant; the first of its kind in Portland, Oregon.
TOKYO
JAPAN’S biggest city. Population: 9.273 Million (2015). Language: Japanese. Currency: Yen.
Monique Dehaney/Singer
Why Japan?
To be honest, I didn’t really choose Japan. My professor thought it would be a good idea to teach there before attaining my Master’s Degree and I just ran with it. Like most people, I moved here to teach English, but then I entered a local talent competition, my talent for singing was discovered and I was later signed to IVY Records. I have been traveling and singing across Asia ever since.
WARSAW
WARSAW is the capital and largest city of Poland. Population: 37.95 Million. Language: Polish. Currency: Polish Zloty.
Terry-Lee O’Connor-Yoga/Language & Psychology Teacher
Why Poland?
I was fresh out of high school and thirsty for adventure so when my aunt invited me to come and live with her, I did. I didn’t have much knowledge of Poland and the Polish people and I didn’t know that many of them had never seen a black person so I was completely caught off guard by the stares. But, I have grown to love the people and the country and Poland is home — for now.
