Diaspora – It’s time to help alleviate poverty in Jamaica

Regardless of how much those living in the Jamaican diaspora in the USA complain of financial hardships, it is almost certain the hardship experienced is nothing compared to that of the poor and less fortunate living in Jamaica to spend, say $70, to purchase a ticket for a stage show or sport event, but is reluctant to donate just $10 to help a poor child or homeless family in Jamaica

Ten dollars may seem like no big deal to someone living in the USA, but US$10 dollars converts to over $1500 Jamaican dollars, and can go a long way to feed a hungry child in Jamaica

Recently, there was a video that went viral on social media, showing a 14-year-old boy in a Jamaican inner city community, actively trying to teach his peers so they can lift themselves from the magnet of poverty, which usually leads to crime

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This young man, weary of the surging criminal violence in his community, is committed to making a change for the youth, and using education as a tool for change But, he’s struggling to find resources, like pens, pencils, paper, and reading material, to offer to the peers he’s trying to educate He said he gets material by skimping on his lunch money

Almost daily, news out of Jamaica reveals heart-rending stories of people suffering with inadequate supplies for school; people living in deplorable housing conditions; people unable to access medical treatment because of lack of funding; people, including children, living malnourished as families cannot afford proper meals

Like the reaction to the video mentioned above, members of the diaspora in interacting with each other, will sympathize passionately with these victims of poverty But, if asked to help in making a financial contribution to help alleviate the adverse circumstances, either don’t respond or complain they are unable to help

This reaction was experienced last week when a member of the South Florida community tried raising funds to purchase and send school supplies to the young man trying to teach his peers in his Jamaican community The gentleman trying to raise the funds circulated the video to over 100 Jamaicans in the community, and asked for financial contributions to purchase the supplies He, very disappointedly, said only five people made contributions Trying to raise $500 to purchase the supplies, he received just $48

The diaspora has the tendency to readily criticize Jamaican governments, and public and private organizations for not doing enough to alleviate the pressures of poverty felt by so many But what is the diaspora doing about getting involved in an organized manner to also help to alleviate this poverty?

There are several private organizations in South Florida, for example, involved in fundraising drives to help particular social causes in Jamaica Much gratitude goes out to these organizations. But, too often they experience great difficulties in meeting their funding targets It’s not unusual for these difficulties to kill the enthusiasm within these organizations to continue their efforts

It’s difficult to understand how ready one is

Grateful as the community is for the various organizations involved in contributing to the socio-economic needs of poor Jamaicans, much more is needed There is real need for the creation of a sort of Jamaica Diaspora Social Fund, preferably under the auspices of an umbrella not-for-profit entity The primary mission of this fund would be to collaborate an organized, sustained fundraising drive across the Jamaican diaspora in the US, collecting, banking, and disbursing these funds to persons and projects with serious social needs in Jamaica

Because of past bad experiences with funds and materials sent to Jamaica being mysteriously diverted from the purposes for which they were sent, some people are weary of such altruistic endeavors Therefore, it would be wise if the operators of the proposed Diaspora Fund in the USA also be directly involved in coordinating the disbursement of funds in Jamaica, so they are not illegally and selfishly diverted

It simply isn’t enough for members of the diaspora to verbally sympathize with poor Jamaican mothers, teenagers, or young children they read about, or see in heartrending videos

Practically, there’s plenty the diaspora can do to alleviate the persistent poverty being experienced by so many in Jamaica It’s time to stop shaking heads in sympathy and put hands in pockets to contribute to helping the less fortunate back home in Jamaica

Haiti

Haitian culture and history ripple throughout the Caribbean and its people. As the first country in the Caribbean and the second country in the Western Hemisphere to earn its independence, Haiti set the template for slave rebellions across the region. To this day, the 1791 Haitian slave rebellion remains the only successful slave revolt in history. This spirit of rebellion is just one of the many contributions Haitian culture has made to not just Caribbean people, but Black people throughout the western hemisphere.

Haitian Heritage Month, celebrated every May, is our collective opportunity to celebrate all aspects of Haitian culture First celebrated in 1998 in Boston, Massachusetts, the concept of Haitian Heritage Week spread throughout the country, finding a special home in South Florida amidst its sizable Haitian immigrant population What started as a celebration of Haitian Flag Day, a festival where Haitians everywhere celebrate the flag and the struggle for independence it symbolizes, has evolved into a nationally recognized occasion

Notable Haitians

Although many Haitians have made a profound impact across the globe, here are just a few notable Haitians to remember this Haitian Heritage Month

Jean-Michel Basquiat

Jean-Michel Basquiat was a Brooklyn native who grew up tagging the streets of New York While a picture is worth a thousand

Gary Victor

words, Basquiat would often attach a short poem to his work, decrying the oppression of minorities and the underprivileged His art made an impression on both the traditional art world and the contemporary one

Wyclef Jean

Wyclef Jean is a man who does it all A Grammy-winning rapper and producer, talented actor, and noted philanthropist, Wyclef Jean migrated to the United States at just nine years old As part of the Fugees, he played a role in crafting one of the best-selling albums of all time in The Score (1966) In 2007, Jean was appointed Ambassador-at-Large of the Republic of Haiti and in 2010 even tried his hand at running for president of the country, but was not allowed on a technicality

Gary Victor is a playwright, novelist, and radio play director whose scathing criticisms of the bourgeoisie earned him equal parts fame and derision His work is uncompromisingly Haitian, telling the stories of Haitian history, Haitian culture, and modern Haitian life His seminal works include Soro and Clair De Mando

Haitian Heritage Month Events in South Florida

There are many Haitian Heritage Month events happening in every city throughout South Florida Here are just a few to consider putting on your list of must do events this month

Visit the Haitian Heritage Museum in Miami

Founded in 2004 to commemorate Haiti's bicentennial, the Haitian Heritage Museum is one of the premiere touchstones to connect with Haitian art and artifacts, and dive into the rich history of the country's audio/visual work During heritage month, the museum goes all out for its exhibits On Saturdays this month, local drumming groups and poets will perform, providing a firsthand experience of Haitian culture

Celebrate Haitian Flag Day

Haitian Flag Day is the day that kicked off Haitian Heritage Month in the first place Celebrated by Haitians all over the world, May 18 commemorates the adoption of the Haitian flag in 1803 Flag Day is observed to remember the struggles of Haitian ancestors in securing the country's freedom

Go to the Haitian Compas Festival

The Haitian Compas Festival starts on Flag Day, May 18th, and finishes on Sunday, the 21st, and will be held at Bayfront Park in Miami Five events will be held across the four days, featuring renowned Haitian musical acts such as NUlook, Oswald, Kodak Black, DJ Bullet, Tony Mix, and many more