Children in Jamaica

A true hidden treasure in Jamaica are the children. They are by FAR my favorite way to spend time there. For the most part the children I’ve met in Jamaica are not shy or quiet at all! They’re the exact opposite….bold and outgoing. The questions that come out of their mouths are hilarious because they really just have no concept of certain things, and I expect that even though some might see plenty of white people they probably don’t interact with many.

If you choose to spend your time in beach areas you’ll see kids who have been exposed to tourists so its no big deal for them. But if you venture out into the country or the hills, that’s where you’ll discover the children who are in awe over your skin color and voice their curiosity without hesitation! Also if you happen to be a white female you will no doubt have at least one little boy who has a major crush on you. They start young here LOL.

I have one special little friend Devin. Whenever I’m in his area I will go take him off his grandmother’s hands for a day and hang out. This little character has a ridiculous personality! When he was 8 years old he didn’t hesitate for one minute on showing us all his latest dance moves. The boy can dance too! Just a couple months ago I went to see him again and took him on a lunch date. His choice of the day was a burger and fries….he’d never had that before but he’d heard about it. Then I rented a jet ski and took the little charmer for a ride….let me tell you I’ve NEVER heard such laughter, screaming and giggling come from a child. That 30 minutes of pure joy made my entire trip!!

In my experience the mothers of the children I meet in Jamaica are pretty open to letting you spend time with their kids. I think they know the kids might get a taste of something they wouldn’t normally experience. Like my hamburger lunch with Devin…I was shocked he’s never had a burger and fries before. He asked what the ketchup was for so I instructed him to put it on the bun. And I bet he NEVER thought in his life that he’d ride a jet ski! It just so happened that day that we had seven other kids from the country with us, who’d never even been to the beach before. You can imagine their reactions to the jet ski! It was awesome.

Pretty much every child I’ve spent any time with in Jamaica instantly latched on and became affectionate. They want to hold your hand, sit on your lap, lean on you in the car, etc. Its so touching and I love them all. I truly believe they are Jamaica’s national treasures because when they grow up they’ll be the future of the country.

Funniest Things Jamaican Kids Have Said to Me:

• “Why did you scrub off your skin? ” (meaning why am I white instead of black?)
• “Are you waiting for your husband to bring you money?”
• “Where’s your husband?”  When I said I didn’t have one he replied “Did you kill him?”
• “Girl you’re FAT!”  In Jamaica that’s a compliment meaning you’re healthy looking.
• “Hey a Whitey!!”  Some little kids yelled this in the streets when we drove through a remote country area.