A new Jamaican at 72
Former educator becomes one of nation’s latest citizens after 23-year love affair with island
Published:Thursday | December 21, 2023 | 12:07 AMJanet Silvera/Senior Gleaner Writer
WESTERN BUREAU:
While Marilyn ‘Misti Memphis’ Williams may be technically American, her soul dances to the rhythm of Jamaica.
At 72, she officially became a Jamaican citizen 23 years after her first visit, joining 32 kindred spirits from 12 different countries in a heart-warming ‘Oath of Allegiance’ ceremony on December 4, held at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston.
With a heart full of gratitude, Misti shared, “We grow where we are planted. We worked hard, and though the roots of my family’s journey are deeply embedded in America, what truly blossomed into a beautiful life was the connection I forged with Jamaica, and the reciprocal embrace of Jamaica finding me.”
Reflecting on her maiden voyage to Jamaica in April 2000, the former educator couldn’t contain her joy upon touchdown at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay, St James.
Seeing black individuals proficiently managing various tasks, she couldn’t help but exclaim, “Thank you, Jesus.”
It felt like a soulful homecoming, she reminisced, and she chose Ocho Rios, St Ann, as her first haven.
“I still thought I was cute, still relishing in the joy of life, and Ocho Rios certainly knows how to throw a party. They are liberating. Those initial four or five years were a celebration of life,” she shared, the smile obvious in her voice.
A DELIGHTFUL TURN
However, her life took a delightful turn when she encountered Negril in Westmoreland, often referred to as the ‘Capital of Casual,’ a haven made famous by the free-spirited hippies of the 1960s.
“I wasn’t initially drawn to Negril, but with each visit, it wormed its way into my heart, and I witnessed the magic for myself,” she stated.
Misti deliberately slowed down, letting the laid-back, ‘No problem, Mon’ spirit of Negril transform her life.
Born in the heart of Memphis, Tennessee, in the southern embrace of the United States, Misti took her time deciding to make Jamaica her home, as a retiree who found herself back in the workforce, serving as a gate agent with Delta Airlines.
However, a series of events unfolded, one after the other, paving the way for Misti’s decision to relocate to Jamaica, where she had already secured a rented apartment with friends, a welcome departure from the hefty hotel bills she used to incur.
Misti disclosed that she experienced withdrawal symptoms when away from Jamaica.
“I was actually on vacation here when Delta de-hubbed Memphis, and 1,200 of us lost our jobs on the same day,” she recounted.
Overwhelmed by the news, Misti made a pivotal choice to apply for permanent residency in Jamaica.
“That was how I ended up settling in Negril, because everything fell apart in the United States, and Jamaica was there to catch me.”
Recalling the intense FBI-styled questioning she underwent at the Passport Immigration and Citizenship Agency (PICA) for her citizenship application, Misti shared that the experience will linger in her memory. Her response even moved the PICA representative to tears.
“They asked the same question in various ways, trying to elicit different responses. Over the course of about two and a half hours, he repeatedly inquired, ‘Why do you want to be a citizen of Jamaica?’ I eventually lost my patience a little bit and said, ‘Listen, Mr Griffith, let me explain this to you one more time, for the final time’.”
“I am only an American by virtue of where my family was dropped off during slavery. We grow where we are planted. We worked hard, did what we were supposed to do. My folks’ blood, sweat, and tears are in America, but what allowed me to have a better life was finding Jamaica, and Jamaica finding me,” she passionately declared.
The former teacher of 12 years, who later spent 25 years working as a school counsellor, said she was even teased by an acquaintance recently when she revealed she was being granted her citizenship.
“His response was, ‘But you will never be Jamaican, you will just be somebody on paper’.”
‘PAPER WILLIAMS’
Not easily dissuaded, Misti referenced how the Ghanaians treat black Americans through a naming ceremony signalling the start of a new life.
“I said to him, ‘They give you a new name, and you just gave me mine. You can call me ‘Paper Williams’, because I will be a Jamaican on paper to you, but will be a Jamaican with every rights as you’.”
Within an hour of receiving her citizenship this month, Misti was at the PICA offices in Kingston turning in her passport application.
“I knew the drill. So, before I even left Negril, my application was filled out and I had my two passport photos, JP (justice of the peace) signed and ready to roll.”
Last Friday, Misti collected her Jamaican passport. She told The Gleaner she commends PICA on its strict due diligence in relation to persons seeking citizenship. The process took her nine years, and she described it as running an obstacle course with hurdles, ropes and swings.
“I think the scrutiny and all the screening is warranted, I’m not faulting Jamaica for not making it easy,” she added.
She wants Jamaica to be careful who it lets into the country.