Some of the Main Reasons Why People from Barbados Hate Jamaicans

I can see this as embarrassing to admit. I mean, the Dominican (Republic) is embarrassed of their hate of Haitian people. Some will go as far as find a reason why the murder of Haitians is justifiable. This is a very embarrassing topic and a difficult pill to swallow. MOST racist people do not know that they are racists but simply just think and find a reason to dislike.

TRUTH!
I have ALWAYS known that the East Indies had a problem with the Jamaican ( Cuban and Haitian). I don’t feel it is just a Barbadian problem as it is regional. This also exists in parts of Africa as well. A means set to keep Africans apart in the diaspora. I mean, what is not a better way to keep slaves from revolting as a whole. Right? The same issues go for African American where they were made to feel discouraged about people of the islands and also Africa-that they differ. For the east indian nations It is not only noted in their behavior, but also how they remain separated from us-social events. Often calling us aggressive, uneducated, and an unruly bunch. They have also been known to down Jamaican people-lacking of respect interpersonally and personally. Those who have chose to bow to no one and the most out spoken about atrocities and maltreatment of Black people. Imagine that. Those who chose death over life and to take the hard road by not only separating themselves from their oppressor, but fight for freedom in the Caribbean and in America. Those whom had a welcoming mat for not only slaves seeking escape in the indies, but those in America. They have been known to see Jamaicans as “others” and to say that we are NOT Black people, but yet a mix. It is not a secret of the atrocities bestowed on Jamaicans (Haitians and Cubans) that have not been bestowed on any other nation of people. What was witnessed by our families by the hands of not only the Spanish but also the English. The raids on Jamaicans (Maroons) in the hills and the trails of blood left behind by the Spanish and English in attempts to not only control and dismantle us but to make us an extinct group (or should I say troops). I have been given the great stories by my great grandmother of how her mothers family and some of her tribe members-women and children- killed in raids set out by the English. And the wars that pursued those raids. To the extent that Spanish chose to abandon the island and later the English had to create a treaty with the Maroons due to not only the constant rescue of slaves kept in captivity to the mountains,67 but the ruin of their food supplies. Where after the treaty slaves seem to continue to be freed by the Maroons unwilling to honor the treaty to stop raiding them. I am not sure about hearing that the Jamaicans have low self esteem as a result of the behavior of east indian islands. We don’t care that they do not like us because we are this ‘unruly bunch’ and ‘criminals’. To that I say… Where? Our self esteem has always been high and never afraid to say, “I am a Jamaican.” We are very proud of where we come from and our struggle no matter the depth. To this day Jamaicans remain to be mistreated when we attempt to visit some of the east indian islands or in social events. Coincidentally, I had fallen for a Barbadian man and he was not allowed to be with me because I was a Jamaican woman. The thought remains that we are an unruly bunch, criminals, and uneducated. Later meeting his grandmother in the ICU… I sustained her life! What I say to that is we are a group of people who still have lingering effects of our choices and that is freedom over slavery and servitude. Which today presents in depression, war, education, and poverty of the inhabitants of those islands/nations. I don’t explain this for those to feel sorrow for us, but to understand how the system works. As a system of severe disenfranchisement. I want you to see the results of the choices we made. Freedom comes with a price!

Lastly, I have been challenged here in America by the standards and thoughts of a nonblack Caribbean instructor teaching in a university whom praised Trinidad and put down Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba. Not correcting him to see how far he would take his rants. Until one day he spoke of the Maroons and gleefully stated, “any one whom states they are a Maroon is a liar. The Maroons are extinct”. At that time, I raised my hand and said, ” How can that be. I am here.” He did not respond and the entire class of Caucasian people turned and looked at me. There is no mistaken my features I am NOT African American to them I am ‘exotic’. My assumption is that the oppressors cannot stand the idea of defeat and continue to perpetuate separation and a disregard for the West Indian nations of Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba. The three most notably unruly nations as it regards to fighting for Black freedom, liberation, and our rights to exist.
A Descendant of Maroons