The sole purpose of this page is to share REMARKABLE true-life stories that inspire and guide us to become the hero of our dreams!

 Written in honor of Jamaica’s 60th Independence Anniversary (August 6, 2022)

On May 9th, 2022, I found myself staring out the window of a 4-hour plane flight in route for Kingston, Jamaica. As I looked pensively into the vast blanket of cumulus clouds, I reached for a pen and a piece of paper to begin writing a brief speech for an upcoming celebratory function that was scheduled for the following afternoon.

This special function had tremendous sentimental value to me because it was both the 65th birthday and official retirement gala for my father Lenford “Powa” Walton. I was extremely excited for my father because he was completely unaware that I would be in attendance. The function’s organizing team at the Jamaica Flour Mills (JFM) food production company had diligently planned this event and they wanted my visit to be a surprise for Powa. As I pondered what I wanted to say, it dawned on me, “why not speak about Powa’s first day on the job” as this is one of the most pivotal sources of inspiration and humility in my life.

My father would often share his unforgettable first day experience as follows: “Son, after playing football throughout my youth, I realized that I had to face the music and transition to the working world because I now had a family. On the first day of my new job at JFM, I entered the facility grounds in 1985, and I received 2 unforgettable items to perform my assigned duties. The first tool was a broom, and the second item was the biggest shovel I’ve ever seen. Although another new hire rejected the opportunity by choosing not to return the next day, I decided to hold on tight to that broom because I had both a vision and a responsibility as a man.”

As I reflected on my father’s first day while onboard the plane, I suddenly realized how critical and impactful his decision in 1985 truly was. Years after making that crucial decision to hold on to his broom, my father was not only able to provide for his family, but he was also able to clear a pathway for me to travel from St. John’s Road in Spanish Town to the United States at the age of 18 in pursuit of an education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Through humility and hard work with that precious broom in hand, my father was able to create something out of nothing.

After reflecting on the plane and finalizing the core message of my speech, I was now ready to speak from the heart at my father’s birthday and retirement function. During that festive experience, there were 2 precious lessons that I observed and will never forget.

The first notable observation was that my father played a unique and immeasurable role at JFM. As I listened to the numerous tributes from his professional colleagues such as the general manager, HR director, close friends, and other coworkers, they all admired the invaluable service that my father demonstrated daily. With tears in my eyes, I realized that my father’s career did not just simply evolve from the role of a custodian to the title of warehouse supervisor; but his integrity, leadership and genuine engagement with others cemented him as the heart of the organization. Every tribute echoed practical examples of the unparalleled role he served which was undoubtedly emulated by others.

The second unforgettable lesson that I learned during my trip is one that echoes the popular adage that says, “expect the unexpected”. After the function concluded, I was then focused on returning to the airport the next day to see my wife and sons in the United States; however, my flight was cancelled due to a nationwide strike of aviation workers. Although I was frustrated and disappointed by the unexpected delay, I decided to make the best of the situation by connecting with my closest friends to simply “reason” together. As we conversed and laughed while reminiscing on fun high school memories, I began to share key highlights from my father’s function.

While we talked about my father’s critical decision in 1985, my friend Gordon said to me, “God really works in mysterious ways. When you examine the situation, you’ll realize that your father’s mindset concerning the broom is no different from the root culture of Jamaica. Even though Jamaica faces tough challenges like today’s island-wide flight disruption, Jamaica is consistently able to create something out of nothing. For example, there are numerous visitors who travel from all corners of the globe to intimately experience our resilience and spirituality because it simply does not exist elsewhere. Where else can you find a culture that inspires its people to fight with an attitude of optimism, pride and humility while saying no problem man?”

It was at that moment that I interjected saying, “Ye man, after traveling to various countries throughout the world, Jamaica is really a special place on this earth. Like the famous quote that says, ‘out of a mountain of despair, a stone of hope’, I believe Jamaica….Jamrock is that stone of hope.”

During that memorable exchange, my close friend Michael joined the conversation saying, “You’re both correct. Even when you think about just the name… the name Jamaica sounds like ‘Jah Mek Ya’… Tarick you should write a song that says that – Jamaica, Jah Mek Ya.”

When I heard those words, I instantaneously felt an internal shock of energy, like a bolt of lightning running through my body. Amidst the frustrating experience of not being able to board my return flight to see my wife & sons, I unexpectedly received an extraordinary vision that honors My Father and My Country.

As I reflect on Jamaica's 60th Independence Day Diamond Jubilee today, I am inspired by Jamaica’s legacy and the enormous potential that it has to spread peace and love in a world crippled by collective discord. In honor of Jamaica’s 60th Independence Day, I want to thank my father for not throwing away that broom. I also want to thank my lifelong friends for inspiring me to write the song “Jamaica – Jah Mek Ya”. Although the audio quality of the recording below is raw, I hope the song below arouses a sense of pride and inspiration in every Jamaican and visitor to the island. No matter what our position in life may be, the legacy of my father and country serves as a source of hope for my sons to be confident that they can overcome the challenges of the future by utilizing the tools they’re given …..even if it’s a broom.

One love,
Tarick