You may not have heard of The Alpha Boys’ School in Kingston, but you’ve probably heard music that wouldn’t exist without it. Many great Reggae and Ska artists (such as reggae deejay Yellowman and legendary Ska group, the Skatalites) went to the esteemed music school. Another name you need to know? Sister Mary Ignatius Davis—the beloved nun who helped turn The Alpha Boys’ School (established […]
Jamaica’s Best-Kept Restaurant Secret, and the Love Story Behind It
As Christopher and Lisa Binns walk from their hilltop home to greet guests, two eager puppies barrel down the path, wagging their tails. It’s a friendly welcome to their restaurant (and home), Stush in the Bush. The vegetarian restaurant on Zionites Farm has created a major buzz since it opened in April 2014. The food is crazy-delicious, for one thing, with grilled pizzas, just-picked salads […]
Five Things We Learned From Jamaica’s Top Food Entrepreneurs
We are excited to have one of the most exciting duos at our first ever NyamJam Festival, kicking off on Saturday, November 14th (how exciting!). Suzanne and Michelle Rousseau (known around the island as Two Sisters and a Meal) are the executive producers and culinary hostesses for the popular web series Island Potluck, as well as a television series 2 Sisters & a Meal. The […]
Women in Jamaica: Novia McDonald-Whyte
Novia McDonald-Whyte walks into the Spanish Court Hotel in Kingston in red lipstick, oversized white eyeglasses and wide-leg linen pants. Her ribbed blouse is emblazoned with a young girl rocking an afro made of butterflies. McDonald-Whyte commands the attention of everyone in the room, who may or may not know that she’s been a trendsetter in Jamaica for nearly two decades as the Senior Associate […]
Jamaican Stereotypes and Why They Aren’t True
Jamaicans all smoke too much ganja. They only listen to reggae. Everyone is a rasta. These are common stereotypes—and they are simply not true. Here are seven lies we’ve heard again and again, and why you shouldn’t believe them. 1. Kingston is dangerous: Sure, there are areas in Kingston that are less than glamorous, but the same goes for any city, country or island in […]