Jerk Chicken in Cyberspace: 3 Jamaicans You Need to Follow on Twitter

Now that Facebook has proven to a figurative dumpster fire over...everything, I prefer to spend my non-work screentime on Twitter (my personal handle, the handle for this blog.) Twitter's curating and smaller volume is working for me (for now) without the incessant misinformation and unbridled bickering. Now, the arguments go down in the Twitterverse but it seems like there is more street justice: the receipts flow, evidence trends over noise, and positive result is found.

Sometimes.

Part of why I enjoy Twitter is who I follow. My access to amazing communities and wise words abounds (I spoke about Iyanla in a previous post.) I am extremely pleased how Jamaica shows up on the medium. The creativity from Yard is strong on Twitter. I'm Jamaican born a farrin so every time I see a tweet in patois I can't help but smile. And favorite. And retweet. And respond. From our legends in entertainment to our current political leaders and tastemakers show up on the platform to further brand Jamaica.

Three in particular stand out for me:

1. Dionne Jackson-Miller

My fellow Jamaicans might not recognize the name right away, but she's a legend to me. She was the moderator during the 2007 Prime Minister's Debate in which her question changed the course of the election. In response to her, the then-Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller couldn't explain how she would fund a program...she said her government "found money." The gaffe was so powerful it was part of an iconic TV ad and her party's defeat in the election.

I don't think Mrs. Jackson-Miller's intent was to turn the election but simply to get to the truth. As a lawyer, journalist, radio and TV show host, she specializes in thought-provoking, pragmatic analysis. Like the US, Jamaican politics can descend into histrionics, and Dionne's Twitter feed is an oasis from the fray. Her tweets command reasonable response and she nuh tek back chat. Most admirably, she is a regular person online, tweeting about her alma mater (UWI), laughing about memes, and live tweeting TV. I appreciate her responses to my tweets about 90 Day Fiance.

Mrs. Jackson-Miller, thank you for your online presence. Mek sure seh yuh pon line for 90 Day premiere.

2. Carla Moore (MooreTalkJA)

If you chat patois, you better know Carla. I've seen people call her a modern Miss Lou, and I agree. Carla is a poet, UWI lecturer, YouTube sage, and small business owner. YouTube allowed me to find her wisdom as she grew her following while studying in Canada. She is unapologetically Jamaican, championing our language in her rapid-fire St. Catherine twang that even challenges my Jamerican ears at times (but me can still ketch.) Her stances challenge typical Caribbean themes and accepted archetypes in the Jamaican conversation. A true artist, Carla is admittedly not for everyone. But she has my attention. She has moved most of her attention to Honey and Lime (her brand), her work in equality and sexuality, and wisdom via Instagram. Carla's pragmatic approach always keeps me laughing and thinking. Big up yourself!

3. Sean Paul

Yes. THAT Sean Paul. I don't know him personally, but I would love to meet him. He's one of the few reggae artists who's just continued to defend being awesome. All of his hits are eternal (think I'm wrong? Play Get Busy one time. A whoa.) He hasn't been dragged down in some controversy, political trap, or monetary trouble like other artists as his level. Best of all, his online presence is built to do two things: spread positivity and promote music. What else could you need? You don't have to question what Mr. Henriques is doing for Brand Jamaica or how much he loves his country. It's coming out of his pores. Being multiracial, I've heard ignorant questions about his background and it irks my nerves. The way he fiercely pushes good vibes and fun out there -- of course he's Jamaican. A soh 'im 'tan!

Sean-a Paul, mi hail yuh sah. I've seen you in concert (big up Tampa Bay Carnival) and would pay to see you again. Give thanks!

Honorable Mentions:

- Adam Stewart, Deputy Chairman of Sandals Resorts (plus him run a bag of other businesses)

Also in the category of "would love to be friends with," Adam's Twitter feed shows how the internet can equalize the powerhouses of the so-called developed world. He's not a small-potatoes business man either. The brand he commands used to include the national airline. (RIP Air Jamaica.) Adam combines great brand presence, lighthearted points and quips, and pictures of his family combine to create an excellent brand story that rivals any American business captain. If I had a boo, we'd only stay at Sandals. Trust me.

- Wally Britishh

I don't even know if Wally has a Twitter presence like that but her social media videos fly around Jamaican WhatsApp groups faster than fight videos. (And we love a good fight.) Like Carla, she showcases Jamaican patois as the tell-it-like-it-is brogue it's intended to be. Her advice is amusing and usually true. The wisdom in my little island in the sun floats in the air like humidity so ladies like Wally don't shock me but her presence delights. Talk de tings, my girl.

So, fire up your internets and do the right thing. Follow these Jamaican truth-tellers.

You might not quite get all the jokes right away but if you stick around you might.

PS +100 points if you know the Oliver joke where the title comes from.