It was with great expectations and eager anticipation that Laurel Livingston made the trek to the United States in the early 1980s to join other members of her family.
Livingston, who hails from Rocky Point in Clarendon and spent some of her growing up years between May Pen and Palmer’s Cross, had no qualms about leaving Jamaica, as most of her immediate family members had already left or were about to leave.
She had dreams of walking into a job quickly and start the process of being totally independent. However, it was not an easy adjustment. “It was rather challenging at first and it took some getting used to,” she shared.
But for her the greatest challenge was getting a job. “I was too qualified for some jobs I applied for, not experienced enough for others. At one point, my application was torn to pieces in front of me,” she said, still reliving the shock and horror of that moment.
In Jamaica, she walked freely, her race blending in with her fellowman, but for Livingston she said that she discovered the colour of her skin while living in the US. While not giving her skin a thought in Jamaica, it was a painful reality discovering she was looked on as a prime suspect in Florida because of her skin.
“I was very hesitant to enter some stores, offices and restaurants. I went to that State because of its similarities to Jamaica – the climate, many Jamaicans around, the food and of course – the reggae music,” she said.
The only solace for Livingston was that in her mind she had never “really left Jamaica” as she said she went home at every opportunity. “I even rented a house so that it was more convenient,” she said.
Returning home to the land of her birth was not as hard for her as the frequent trek back home saw her “blending right back in”.
“What hastened my permanent return was an injury I received while working,” she said. Settling back was not an issue for her as she said she was able to take every personal items home.
“I was aware of a couple of returning residents who had some difficulties with obtaining clearance for things they had been using because they looked “new”. I rented a storage which still has most of my household goods,” she said.
Now living in Cockpit, off Salt River Road in Clarendon, she said that she has no regrets about the decision she made to come home.
“I had things and people in place to assist me, and I basically knew where to get what,” she said.
Being back home has also given her an opportunity she said to contribute to her community as she, along with other members of her community, are engaged in programmes to benefit the citizens association.
