Eric...we are wondering if you are having any ruminating thoughts about your service in the Peace Corps, especially here in Treasure Beach, momentously upon the passing of its conceptualizer and first director, Sargent Shriver. To some of us, of a certain age, his smiling optimism and idealism and love of the Creator and the "specials", in his own family, and all over the world inspired a sense of going forth and doing good works...no matter your age or circumstances.

At a wake for Mr Shriver attended by the throngs a few days ago, these are some of the tributes expressed.

"I'm here to celebrate a man who was an extraordinary role model for anyone who values what a just and civilized society should be...If you go to the Peace Corps building, his spirit is very much alive. You feel an incredible optimism for what is possible. Anyone who ever worked in that building comes away with an intolerance for the word 'No.' " (Larry Koskin)

"He was our boss...He was sunshine. He was mountains. He was unlimited possibilities."
(Steve Lorbin)

As for you, boss Eric, the friendships and transformations and mediations and messages of understanding that you have helped foster in this community and beyond is a lasting legacy in the same key of life as the "Sarge".
As larger scaled wind turbines come on line throughout the Island, you can also take pleasure that you pioneered and more than tinkered with an experimental version at Monro.

Thanks to you, bred.

LINK:
www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2011/01/21/AR2011012107279_pf.html

Peace Corps: Jamaica
Volunteers began working in Jamaica in 1962, the same year that the country gained its independence from Britain. The first group of Volunteers was dedicated to working in library development, vocational education, and agriculture.

Since then, more than 3,400 Volunteers have served in this country of stark contrasts. Outside of the luxurious resorts, Jamaica's population faces the same struggles as many island nations. A wealth of biodiversity exists in this small country, and protecting Jamaica's valuable natural resources while balancing the benefits of tourism is essential to its economy. There are many areas where people still subsist as farmers, and many youth are without jobs or the skills to contribute to developing their communities.

Volunteers are working to conserve Jamaica's natural resources, promoting healthy living, and helping youth to gain the skills and education they need for their future.

(from Peace Corps Wiki)

History of the Peace Corps in Jamaica:

On February 22, 1962, Norman Washington Manley signed an agreement with the United States government inviting Peace Corps to have a program in Jamaica. On June 12 of that year, a few weeks before Jamaica’s independence from England, the first group of Volunteers arrived in Jamaica. There were 37 men and women and they worked in many, fields including agricultural and vocational education, library development projects, construction, electricity, and plumbing.

With new groups arriving annually, by 1963 there were about 100 Volunteers serving in Jamaica. Most of their work was focused on grassroot development projects. Trainees lived with Jamaican host families, learning the Jamaican culture and cross-cultural differences while adapting to the local language and foods.

Then the agricultural program included fisheries development and hillside farming, while Volunteers were working in health-related programs as well.

Current assignments are part of a uniform plan that has a significant community development core. While each project plan has specific tasks and skill requirements, Peace Corps/Jamaica assignments generally involve facilitating the growth and development of communities and their members in a way that empowers them to make and carry out better decisions about their own lives...

An age-old dilemma in development work involves charity and dependency versus facilitation and empowerment. It has been—and still is—easier to give and to “do things yourself” than to help others grow and learn on their own. But such charity-based practices have proven to be short-lived and unsustainable in many developing countries, including Jamaica.

In Jamaica, you will learn how to build capacity and empower people to improve their own living conditions, thus making development more fulfilling and sustainable.
A successful development specialist gives ownership of a development or project to the entire community. When everyone strives to reach a common goal, the effort is conceived, implemented, and achieved with a much greater sense of ownership, accomplishment, and satisfaction. This sense of ownership by all is the key to success and sustainability when working in community development.

History and Future of Peace Corps Programming in Jamaica
More than 3,700 Volunteers have served in this hospitable country of loving and dynamic people. Jamaica’s population faces the same struggles as people in many other island nations. There are many areas where people still practice subsistence agriculture.

Many youth are without jobs or lack the skills to contribute to the development of their communities. Many children cannot read. In addition, a wealth of biodiversity exists in the country, and protecting its valuable natural resources, while benefiting from tourism, is essential to Jamaica’s economy.

At present, more than 90 Peace Corps Volunteers work in the Youth as Promise and the Green Initiative sectors. Youth as Promise Volunteers work in the areas of literacy development and life skills training. The Green Initiative focuses on environmental education, agriculture, and environmental health infrastructure.
(From the Peace Corps Welcome Book)

SAMPLE OF WELCOME LETTERS (EXCERPTED) FROM JAMAICAN PEACE CORPS VOLUNTEERS:

Jamaica is an amazing place. It’s a land full of beauty, wonder and intensity. You are certainly going to encounter adventure, confusion, frustration, joy, and all the emotions that come to those seeking life in a foreign land. It will be a challenge, but with the right attitude you can make it an unforgettable journey. The best advice I can give you is to learn how to swing with the ups and downs of life, strive for flexibility and open-mindedness, and keep a smile on your face.

I came to Jamaica as a health Volunteer, with no idea of what was expected from me, much less what awaited me. I left my job as an architect to serve as a community health/sanitation advisor and found out I would be working in three primary schools and a health clinic. Not having any experience with kids, I held my breath, jumped in full force, and hoped for the best. I worked for about seven months in this routine of having 4-5 jobsites, until I ended up full time at one of the primary schools.

I have been in Jamaica just over a year now, up in the rural bushes of Westmoreland, and I love what I do. The kids make up the best part of my job and it’s what keeps me going day in and day out. I have been fortunate to be in such a welcoming work environment where my ideas and input are valued. It has made for easy exchange and helped with many of my projects and proposals. But, equally it took a lot of work to get to that point.

I had to prove myself, work hard, and go through some ups and some downs. I love my community and its surroundings. I have an amazing host family (which took some time to find), great friends and neighbors, and I never seem to find myself without something to do or someone to talk to. Granted, it took a lot of effort on my part, I moved around a bit and dealt with different situations, but through it all I learned a lot about others and myself.

I urge you to open up to others and really put yourself on the table, fully. It will be most rewarding to you in the end. Try to enjoy every second of every day; time flies rather unapologetically. Live for the simple joys and pleasures and try to take comfort in the small things. Learn patwa as fast as you can and never look back! Enjoy your time. Don’t stress the unknown; embrace it. Just find comfort in knowing you will be fine, you will survive, and in the end you will be stronger and more resilient.

I wish you the best in your journey. Walk good and don’t forget to smile!
Annelise Kouns

Jamaica is a fascinating country. You will find it both beautiful and bizarre; it is rewarding and frustrating. You will experience a lifetime of emotions during your two years of service, but I can promise you that your efforts will be well-spent.

Though Jamaica might conjure images of sun, rum, and sand, there is a definite need for rural development. Your projects and, more importantly, your kindness, can transform the lives of your community. You will learn that this job requires a 24/7 commitment. When you are not working on specific projects, you will be out conversing and hanging out. This is just as important. Every taxi-cab conversation is an occasion to unite cultures and build human capital. And you will not lack for those conversations. The Jamaican people are among the warmest and most vibrant in the entire world. You will master the art of befriending complete strangers, and you will learn to jump at the opportunity to meet a new and interesting person.

If I can offer any advice, it's this: be mindful of your expectations. There's just no way to anticipate the reality of your Peace Corps service. I expected the typical “Peace Corps village experience. " Instead, I teach aerobics and breastfeeding education in the capital town of Mandeville...Just take the time to hang out with the people you love and enjoy your own culture as much as possible. Keep an open mind, stay patient and you'll get exactly what you want from your service. See you soon!
Curt Lindley

As you share the news of your posting you may sometimes get the same reaction I did: “Jamaica? Are you kidding? How did you get such a dream assignment?” Do not be apologetic. It’s true that you won’t be living in a mud-walled hut in a small African village; it’s true that your meal choices will not revolve around yak milk or maize. But you will find that the Jamaica you’ll be experiencing is a far different place than the one experienced by the clientele of cruise ships and all-inclusive resorts.

Your time here will challenge you. Heat, humidity, abundant insects, sporadic water and power outages, isolation, security concerns, struggling with cultural differences and language—there is no shortage of obstacles and irritants. On the other hand, there are very real rewards to be gained: lifelong friendships with locals and other Volunteers; the wonderful smiles of children; and the personal satisfaction of setting and accomplishing goals.

You are about to embark upon an experience that will change your life, whether you are fresh out college, taking a break in the middle of your career, or enjoying retirement. I don’t doubt that you will make a difference in many of the lives you touch here in Jamaica; I am equally certain that the most changed life will be your own....
Bob Lockett

Hey, congratulations on being invited to the Land of Wood and Water—Jamaica!

I promise that if you accept this assignment, your life will never be the same: your step will be a little slower, your smile vastly broader, and your sweat glands will get a full-body workout! Reggae, Soca, and dancehall music will boom through your host-family’s windows and into your soul. Your concept of family will grow exponentially. And the colors black, green, and gold will be yours forever.

But the real changes will occur within. I now see the world in a new way. Some days I love what I’m doing; some days I’m challenged to my core. I’m pulled and stretched just as all the Peace Corps literature says I would be. Honestly, some days can be hard. I remind myself, though, that if it were an easy life here, Peace Corps wouldn’t be in Jamaica and that when my service is done and I can return to my privileged life, whereas the people I have come to know here will likely always struggle.

I might hope that my projects could make a difference—and I know at some level they will—but I now truly appreciate that it’s the relationships that will endure and that’s what makes this all worthwhile.

Jamaicans are a lovely people. Jamaica is a beautiful country. The sea is as stunning as you’ve imagined. I hope you’re moved to join me and the other 80-plus Volunteers on the island for a most rewarding Peace Corps experience.
Adrienne Wolf-Lockett

Jamaica is a wonderful country that will surprise you in many pleasant ways. Some things will make you laugh and they may tug at your heartstrings. Some things may make you lick your lips and ask for seconds. Occasionally you'll experience one of those singularly wonderful things that makes you step back and realize, "Wow, this will be the only time in my life that I will have the opportunity to experience a thing like this."

On the other hand, there will probably be things that will frustrate you, some that will leave you perplexed, and some things will try your patience and make you want to pull out your hair. Many things will make you scratch your head in bewilderment, and many, many bugs will make you scratch just about everywhere else. All these things will challenge you in ways that you've never been challenged before.

Remember to be patient with others and also be patient with yourself. Situations may not unfold according to plan. It's important to realize that things happen in Jamaica at a more relaxed pace than in the States. Take your time and enjoy a mango. Or two. Or all of them. Jamaica has more than 60 kinds to enjoy; you will need time to enjoy them all!

In short, there is much to experience here. We all hope that you don't have any bad experiences, but don't get discouraged if you do encounter a few bumps along the way. You'll encounter many opportunities to make both Jamaican friends and new Peace Corps friends who will help you along the way. Don't be afraid to ask for help! You will be surprised how willing people are to go out of their way and give you a hand.

Keep yourself open to new experiences, and much of Jamaica will reveal itself to you. Stay positive and keep up the adventurous spirit that got you here in the first place....
Thinh Ngo

Some books, by a Jamaican authors, recommended to PC Volunteers:
• Rosemarie Stone. No Stone Unturned (putting human faces on HIV/AIDS in Jamaica)
• Anthony C. Winkler. Going Home To Teach

No, Zed* not too modest, just busy and lazy.
(*or Z or Stu or whoever you come up with next :-)

My apologies for not properly acknowledging your kind words, not only towards myself but for Mr. Shriver and the Peace Corps as a whole. He was certainly an amazing man and who instrumental in shepherding the organization to what it is today.

I wrote on his memorial site that my time in the Peace Corps, and specifically Jamaica, had made a very positive change in my life. The people, the culture, the learning, the beauty, the sea. The interactions and experiences through my work at Munro College and Hampton School, with Breds and Sandy Bank's computer lab, and just helping a farmer friend reap sweet potatoes from his plot. "Cyaan sweeta", if I may be allowed to mangle patois a bit.

Now I know I'm not the only one this happens to, but how good does it feel to walk down a street after having been gone a long time and hear your name called out again and again followed by a booming "Wa'appen, Star" and a big smile? (And even better when your proud father sees it and asks ~again~ if there's anyone in the country who doesn't know you :-)

I will give out two slight correction about Munro's wind turbine:
-It was there when I arrived so while I cannot be called a pioneer, I am proud that I managed its operation for a few years and was able to use for it quite a few education opportunities. Last June work was started to addd more towers in the Munro area,,,does anyone know what the status of them is?
-To say it was experimental is not entirely correct. Yes, it was the first of its kind on the island and provided reams of data for its eventual big brothers on Spur Tree. But it also produced electricity which was purchased by JPSCo so it was a functioning money-maker for the school and green energy producer for the country.

Respect,
Eric

Web-master...Perhaps a measure of modesty may prevent Eric from responding to our tokens of appreciation for his services to this "community site" and sharing experiences (stories) of the Peace Corps posting which got him here in the first place...saving it for the publishers?
We suspect that his heart and spirit have been incubating & maturing in a diversity of interests for some while.

{Edited by TBNet}

Meet Eric in Shannalee Ebank's sweet Profile of the Month (June 2007):

http://treasurebeach.net/discus/messages/28/8041.html?1190594706

I do Love what Peace Corps do in Jamaica, no everyone can do it, but on the other hand, I have seen that has made some of them very dependent of Peace Corps. They sit back and let PC do all the work, I was part of a program were that was the case, frustrated many times....still, I LOVE JAMAICA...Eric, stay strong