By Katey Hawley

November 3, 2009

Sunshine-filled beaches, dreadlocks, and Reggae music.

For most, these are the general ideas that come to mind when thinking about Jamaica.

Elmhurst College freshmen and international student from Jamaica, Toni Welds, says she wishes Americans realized that it’s more than that.

“Jamaica is more than Bob Marley,” she said. “It actually kind of makes me mad that people think of Jamaica and only of Bob Marley.”

The largest English-speaking Caribbean island, Jamaica is situated 18 degrees north of the equator. Referred to as a melting pot of different cultures, the country is very diverse with its European, Asian, and African influences.

“There are all kinds of people living there. Our motto is ‘Out of Man, One People’,” Welds explained.

Although this is not the first time she has been in the States, Welds explained how she is still attempting to get used to the American way of life.  

“I am having a lot of trouble with the spelling here,” she said. “We mainly follow British teaching in Jamaica, so I’m used to the British spelling of everything.” 

In addition to the spelling, Welds noticed the difference in food. Her favorite meal back home is anything spicy and hot, particularly Jerk chicken with rice and peas.

“American food is good,” she says. “It could just use a little more spice!”

The musical culture in Jamaica is largely based in tunes that you can dance to, she says.

“[There is] Tarrus Riley, which is reggae, and there is also Vybz Kartel, which is dance hall music. There is folk dancing, ska, and dance hall.

Welds is a international business and accounting major who described her favorite things to do as dancing, sleeping, and eating. “I also play Netball, which is very similar to basketball.”

According to Welds, a large difference between America and Jamaica lies in the relationships between children and their parents. She describes Jamaican parents as stricter and holding higher standards of their children’s behavior.

“Children here are more free to express their displeasure of their parents. Back home, that would just be entirely disrespectful. Here, I hear children yelling ‘I hate you and I wish you were dead!’ to their parents, which would result in grounding or spanking [in Jamaica].”

Also, Welds says, American parents are more lenient with their children’s social lives as well.

“You can’t call home and say ‘I’m coming home at this time, you don’t need to wait up for me.” she said. “You also can’t go out with anyone you want, usually your parents need to be introduced to this person before you go anywhere with them.” 

As far as schooling goes, Welds finds that the resources and opportunities are much greater in the United States. She said that the technology available in America allow her to succeed academically in the littlest amount of time.

“Academically, I’m finding so many more opportunities. There are computers for every student, and the teachers have much more structure. With tests, you know exactly what you’re getting.”

Welds said that she wishes people would explore Jamaica further instead of simply going off of preconceived notions about the country.

“Our number one source of income is tourism,” she said. “Many have heard about the violence in Jamaica,” but she wishes that people wouldn’t focus on the bad things they hear.

“We are very friendly people. We love when people come to our country to experience what we’re really like.”