The other Caribbean Islands officials are now taking turns in banning Jamaicans from their respective countries by resorting to less than subtle tactics. Just recently a stage show performance by reggae artists Vybz Kartel and Movado set to take place in Barbados was cancelled by the Bajan Prime Minister, David Thompson, himself. Many will shout who cares about Mavado and Kartel, but please remember as in Germany many years ago discrimination started out with the easier target and then slowly gather steam under the radar.

Many would argue that Mavado and Kartel got what they deserve because of their volatile and  X-rated lyrics but what about innocent Jamaicans who are being harassed at the airports by custom and immigration officers. It is not unusual to hear ordinary Jamaicans complaining about the treatment they received in Bahamas, Cayman, Barbados, Bermuda, etc. while visiting on vacations

Not to say that some Jamaicans are not wrongdoers, but most Jamaicans are hardworking, honest people. Not every Jamaican push drugs and not every Jamaican is trying to gun down someone. Honestly  if you check crimes in proportion to population many of these countries are not much better off than Jamaica.

It is time for the Jamaican government (Do we have one?) stand up to these countries in their treatment of its citizens. Jamaica by far is the largest English speaking Caribbean country and should get more respect. I fully agree that we help bring this on ourselves by a few Jamaicans who are engaged in illegal activities but an entire country should not be punished for the actions of a few.

Filed under: Current Affairs

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