Something Extra | Tuesday

Jamaicans across the world are still running on a high after the island’s exceptional track performance at the 2021 Prefontaine Classic Diamond League meet over the weekend. We asked a few diehard yardies what it means to be Jamaican? Here are their reactions in today’s Something Extra.

Married couple Brian and Basillia Cuff say that being Jamaican means to embody a spirit of passion and pride, to understand your uniqueness, like the intricacies of our flag, to understand our divinity as expressed in our anthem, to understand our diversity as out of many we are one, to recognise that our stature is likkle but tallawah.

Kamille Adair-Morgan believes that Jamaicans have a spirit of excellence. “For a small nation, our impact on the world is profound, and that is because that Jamaican spirit of excellence is in everything that we do.” For her husband, Yushaine, being Jamaican means belonging to a group of people who have triumphed over adversity and who continue to overcome challenges to shape their own destiny.

Jodiann Wright explained that being Jamaican is everything. “Our swag, energy, and demeanor are just unmatched. We are so diverse and multitalented. Our food is to die for. Being Jamaican is an experience.”

Nini Amerlise loves being Jamaican because she is the true definition of the motto ‘Out of Many One People’. “My Mama is a mixed race of Chinese and Cuban and my Daddy is directly linked to the Ashanti tribe in Ghana, yet both were born in Jamaica. I feel blessed to have a platform to inspire youth as an international supermodel as my blood line allows me to connect to all my brothers and sisters from all nations across the globe.”

Avid traveller and explorer Charmaine Radway carries a badge of honour wherever she goes. “Whenever someone asks where are you from, I get to proudly say I’m Jamaican, leaning on the excellence that many Jamaicans have shown to the world. The foundation and the values carry me through life and my career decisions. We walked the same streets as Marcus Garvey. That’s enough motivation.”

Being Jamaican, Jomanda Rosegreen-Allen revealed, is such a big vibe, there’s none like it. “For me, it’s forever understanding that I may be just one person, but I can do extraordinary things. Being Jamaican gives ‘Mi likkle but mi Tallawah’ energy right through life. What better legacy to pass on?”