How My Caribbean Roots Gave Me a ‘Confidence Visa’ That Never Expires
I saw a T-shirt in an airport duty-free shop once. On the front, it said: “It’s a Jamaican thing — you wouldn’t understand.” But I understood immediately.
To be Jamaican is to possess an innate confidence and pride that transcends life’s circumstances. Interestingly, every Jamaican appears to be hardwired with an irresistible passion for life and enduring confidence, regardless of their social standing. This robust sense of entitlement, alongside creativity and undeniable charisma, allows Jamaicans to shine wherever they go. If you’ve ever met a Jamaican, you understand that we never fade into the background.
Like many Caribbean individuals, my heritage is a blend of cultures and nationalities. My father hails from Jamaica, while my mother is from Barbados. They crossed paths in England, where I was born. I hold three citizenships: American, British, and Bajan. Nevertheless, having lived in Jamaica for over 20 years prior to my relocation to Miami, I gravitate toward the identity of being “Jenglish,” feeling more English than American and significantly more Jamaican than Bajan.
I adore Jamaica, especially now after residing 500 miles north of it for the last 18 years. Each time I fly into Montego Bay, an exhilarating thrill sweeps over me as I catch sight of the emerald carpet of Jamaica’s hilly interior, known as Cockpit Country. As the plane banks, it showcases a scalloped coastline adorned with powdery beaches, dense vegetation, and gray highways that have replaced the winding two-lane country roads I drove while living in Mo’Bay. As we approach our final destination, memories of Jamaica and its vibrant people surge within me. I find myself pondering what first-time visitors envision Jamaica to be. Yet, I know that regardless of their expectations, their experience will exceed all they imagined.
Jamaica is undeniably unique, even among its Caribbean counterparts. This petite island, spanning just over 4,000 square miles and home to 2.5 million people, has left an indelible mark on the world—notably remarkable. It’s a challenge to find a place where the image of Bob Marley or the melody of “One Love” isn’t instantly familiar. Beyond the renowned rum, reggae tunes, and Blue Mountain coffee, Jamaica has introduced the world to our Olympic bobsled team, beloved jerk chicken, and the spectacular capabilities of sprinter Usain Bolt.
However, it’s what Jamaicans retain that is even more invaluable—their magnetism. This alluring quality far surpasses the grandeur of Dunn’s River Falls or the seven-mile stretch of beach at Negril.
Although I wasn’t born there, I recognize that much of my confidence springs from my upbringing in Jamaica, surrounded by individuals who are relentlessly proud, often exuberant, and unashamed to assert their presence. This robust self-image, akin to my passport, travels with me everywhere—a sort of “confidence visa” that remains valid indefinitely. Nevertheless, while I attribute my confidence to Jamaica, I know that individuals from other Caribbean nations share a similar sense of pride in their identities.
Kym Allison Backer, an Atlanta-based magazine editor, relocated to the U.S. from Georgetown, Guyana at age 14. Remarkably, after over 30 years in America, her pride in her homeland remains unwavering.
“I carry my culture with me wherever I go,” she shares. “My core identity is Guyanese, stemming from a strong familial bond that celebrates our heritage and a commitment to staying connected to my roots. Growing up in the Caribbean, I was surrounded by excellence and communities where women held influential leadership roles, from Dominica to Guyana. Notably, those leaders often reflected my own appearance. That visibility is immensely uplifting for the spirit. This foundation, this norm, has undeniably strengthened and empowered me as I navigate the world.”
Even though I was born in the United States, Melissa Noel shares a similar sentiment. Her Guyanese parents relocated to New Jersey prior to her birth, and she was raised between both nations, now embracing dual citizenship. “Being Caribbean is the essence of my identity, and growing up in the U.S. provided me with the best of both worlds,” she states. “Caribbean culture, cuisine, and principles shape who I am today, and I carry my heritage like a badge of honor. Last year, for the first time, I marked ‘Guyana’ as my country of origin on the census form—this was monumental. We, Caribbean people, know our worth, but quantifying it visibly reinforces our impact.”
Statistically speaking, the Caribbean immigrant population in the United States was significant, with approximately 4.4 million individuals recorded in 2017, as reported by the Migration Policy Institute. The forthcoming census data for 2020 is anticipated to reveal even higher numbers.
Backer, Noel, and I have similarly navigated childhood experiences where we faced ridicule over our “otherness” in environments outside the Caribbean. During my schooling in England, a “friend” would tweak my natural hair, mocking me as a “little Black sunflower.” Backer recalls her American classmates questioning whether people in Guyana possessed homes or wore clothing. Noel reflects, “In New Jersey, I was the kid with the accent and ‘strange’ food.”
This shared instinct of self-advocacy paired with a profound love and pride for our Caribbean heritage has shaped the individuals we have become. “Now, as an adult, embracing both my Caribbean roots and American identity has instilled a deep sense of self-assurance and willingness to share my culture,” Noel expresses.
As an individual who proudly writes about the Caribbean, I genuinely resonate with this. Being Caribbean in America signifies having a vast network of individuals ready to support, advocate for, and embrace your identity, even if they are not from your specific country. Consequently, I carry with me the vibrant spirit of Jamaica wherever I go.
Thus, if I stand a little taller than expected, or if I appear more at ease in various situations, know that it’s not merely me; it’s a distinctly Caribbean essence. Hopefully, this insight provides you with a deeper understanding.
Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon (a.k.a. JetSetSarah) is a writer and editor, as well as an on-screen host and self-proclaimed “Carivangelist,” devoted to sharing the culture, lifestyle, and personalities of the Caribbean. Join her adventures on Instagram and Facebook.
