Jamaican Registered Nurse Practitioner in Florida Proud of Her Heritage

For many Jamaicans living abroad, the country’s Independence Day is just another day.

However, for 70-year-old Judy Jackson, a Registered Nurse Practitioner with a heart deeply rooted in her homeland, that historic day of August 6, 1962, is etched in her memory and continues to shape her life and inspire her to overcome challenges with unwavering determination.

Recounting her childhood in Jamaica, the St. Mary native who now lives in Miami, Florida, USA, vividly recalls waving the Black, Green and Gold Jamaican flag in primary school on Independence Day.

With her hand over her heart, reciting the National Pledge, she felt a profound sense of pride.

“Looking back on that day, that moment [has remained] with me for over 61 years,” she reminisces.

For Ms. Jackson, distance has never diminished her bond with Jamaica. Despite residing in the US for 50 years, her heart remains in Jamaica, a mere hour away by plane.

She always yearns to spend Easter, Independence, and Christmas, all cherished holidays, in her homeland.

“I’ve always celebrated Independence, whether I’m here [in Miami] or Jamaica. I really love coming back home for Emancipation and Independence celebrations. I was at the Grand Gala last year. But I chose to spend my Independence here [in Miami] this year,” she says.

“Most of us living abroad never left Jamaica in our minds. Jamaica is my home… will always be my home,” she states emphatically.

Ms. Jackson says, like many other Jamaicans in Miami, the emotional connection is also reflected in her backyard, where local fruits and produce are grown.

“There is not a Jamaican house with people who have space that you go where you don’t have mango. I don’t have to come home for mango because we grow Julie (St. Julian) and East Indian mangoes here. We have avocado, callaloo and scotch bonnet [pepper]. So, we have the fruits that we grow in our backyard. That way we do stay connected,” she shares.

Ms. Jackson, who is the President/Administrator of Coast-to-Coast Health Care Solutions Inc. in Florida, underscores the significance of staying connected with friends, schoolmates, and fellow Jamaicans in Miami.

She draws parallels between Miami and Kingston, lightheartedly referring to Miami as ‘Kingston 21’ due to its vibrant Jamaican community.

“I stay connected by staying in close contact with my friends and my schoolmates that I grew up with, and new friends which are mostly Jamaicans. Miami is considered Kingston 21 anyway. We have all the restaurants, nightclubs, churches… they’re all here,” Ms. Jackson points out.

Reflecting on Jamaica’s progress as an independent nation over the past six decades, Ms. Jackson notes the evolution of the country’s infrastructure, highlighting the new highways that have transformed connectivity.

“From what I have [also] seen over the years, farming has become innovative. We began planting and eating what we produce… so I have watched that evolve. We have windmills and solar now for energy, [and] more children are now getting education,” she adds.

Ms. Jackson further notes that “housing is more affordable now”, while emphasising the strides made in ensuring a better quality of life for the citizens.

From the perspective of a nurse, Ms. Jackson acknowledges the improvements in healthcare and life expectancy.

“People are living longer because healthcare is better,” she remarks, while highlighting the advancements that have contributed to the increased life expectancy from 66 to over 71 years.

Meanwhile, Ms. Jackson ensures that she passes on Jamaica’s heritage by imparting cultural values to her adult granddaughter, who she would send to Jamaica to spend summer holidays.

“When she was growing up, she would go home to Jamaica every year from age four for summer, just so that she could learn the culture. She’s big on Reggae music and visits as often as I do,” the doting grandmother proudly states.

A philanthropist at heart, Ms. Jackson is invested in Jamaica’s future. She generously offers scholarships to young individuals, empowering them to pursue education and make a difference.

Her dedication extends to supporting the Diaspora through employment opportunities, creating a bridge between the Jamaican community abroad and at home.

Nurse Judy Jackson has a strong message for all Jamaicans, as the nation prepares to commemorate Independence Day on August 6,

“As we celebrate 61 years, proud and strong, we must never forget that we are a resilient group of people. Let us remember where we are coming from and how far we have grown over these 61 years. What we can do today is to help our country continue on that growth path,” she urges.

Ms. Jackson envisions a brighter future for the island and encourages everyone, especially those in the Diaspora, to contribute to Jamaica’s ongoing growth.