Jamaica: ‘we likkle but we tallawah’

Jamaica, we likkle but we tallawah, words which echoed in our minds growing up, like Latin declensions. But what does this term really mean? With famous and influential Jamaican icons who have gone international, such as Bob Marley, Sean Paul and Usain Bolt, it is no surprise that Jamaicans have come a long way and have made our mark in history.

For one, we are excellent sportspeople. From Herb McKenley to Merlene Ottey, to Usain Bolt, it is no secret that we Jamaicans possess the talents in athletic events. Many claim that whatever it is, it is in our diet.

Others say it is something that we have that makes us uniquely Jamaican. One hundred meter record holder Usain Bolt has come under heavy criticism for this. Though he argues he is under no more dietary supplements than the average Jamaican, scientists from the University of Iowa believe he is under the influence of some undetectable drug.

Sad but true, we have come under heavy criticism for our successes. But no Jamaican can argue that our diet of yam, cassava and dumpling, though a part of unique and delicious diet, helps our sportspeople go for the gold. And of course no other country in the world can contest us on that one. But it is more than just our diet that makes us successful as we are all resilient, arduous individuals, who work hard for our achievements. Jamaica: we likkle but we tallawah.

While sports is one thing Jamaicans do remarkably well in, something else we outperform other nations around the world in, is our music. From small lyrical artistes like George Nooks to international celebrities like Sean Paul and Shaggy to even historical icons like Bob Marley, it is not hard to see that we have reached very far. With such a small island and a population of over 2.8 million people, it is almost a miracle that our small voice has been heard, much less become a worldwide phenomenon.

Though songs by Shaggy and Sean Paul do incredibly well on the music charts around the world by staying on them for weeks and even months, it is the work or Bob Marley that is something to be heralded. His music has gone down in history as the best music of all time. Even after thirty (30) years, his music is still, by far, the most popular of all old time favourites at social events and even every day homes of not only locals but also households around the globe. He has set the trend for music, which has allowed many to follow in his footsteps. Now tell me, isn’t that truly amazing? Jamaica: we likkle but we tallawah.

Finally one of the things Jamaicans excel in, but is rarely recognized, is the field of medicine. With veterans like Mary Seacole and Thomas P. Lecky, it is no wonder that Jamaicans are more than just charisma and brawn. We have brains too! Thomas P. Lecky was the pioneer of the Jamaica Hope, a hybrid cattle he created by cross-breeding two species of cows. This sounds simple, but the average medical student can tell you that it is anything but that. He did what many before his time only dreamed of accomplishing. That alone goes to show you how determined and hardworking the average Jamaican is. Jamaica: we likkle but we tallawah.

So as you can see, there is more to Jamaica than meets the eye. We have come a long way in history and we have an exponential amount to show for it. Whether it is music, sports or even medicine, we are resilient and determined individuals. Anything we put our minds to, we can achieve. Jamaica: we likkle but we tallawah.