New York, New York –

Being Jamaican is essentially one of the things I’m most prideful about. Our culture is infectious and being praised for your nationality can really feed your ego. I think it makes it even easier for us (Jamaicans) to visit or relocate to various parts of the world because we are almost sure there is one other Jamaican there or our music has already gone ahead of us to set the right atmosphere.

One such Jamaican is Royanne ‘the Jamaican Mermaid” DeSilva. Royanne a graduate of the UWI, Mona through her explorations as an air hostess has given anyone interested the opportunity to travel with her to different locations and live through her experiences.  She does this through her website the Jamaican Mermaid as well as her other social media platforms; sharing videos and photographs. Royanne’s quest facilitates an exchange of cultural backgrounds and this you’ll have to agree is an admirable initiative. Let’s see if this glorified culture lives up to its expectations and learn more about the Jamaican mermaid!

Kim Bremmer: What is the main aim of your website and why do you think sharing in this way is important?

Royanne: I have this once in a lifetime opportunity of being an air hostess and I wanted to document it in a special way. It was my dream to travel the world and it is significant for me to share it with the hopes that it will inspire others to pursue their own goals.

Kim Bremmer: How did you coin together this term, Jamaican Mermaid?

Royanne: It was so effortless. My mom always said I was a water

baby and joked that I could swim before I could walk. Additionally, I am one of those patriotic Jamaicans who would gladly wear our flag colours (black, green and gold) from head to toe. Therefore, when I decided

to start my travel website, it was the perfect name. It embodies a woman who loves exploring the different cultures of the world while never letting go of her roots.

Kim Bremmer: You’re an island girl, what was it like growing up in Jamaica?

Royanne: I loved every second of my childhood! I grew up in May Pen, Clarendon; lived with my close knit family, sang on my church choir, played hand games, climbed apple trees, got couple ‘licks’ when I misbehaved. But overall, island life was nice. I am blessed to call Jamaica my home.

Kim Bremmer: What do you like most about your culture?

Royanne: Our free spirit! The way we dance, our melodic music, our nonchalant dressing, our ability to ‘hol a vibe’ with our friends, the way we turn every serious matter into a joke. I have travelled to dozens of countries and no one knows how to enjoy life like Jamaicans!

Kim Bremmer: You are well traveled and can give somewhat of an insight on your country’s impact on other parts of the world. Is the Jamaican culture has universally loved as it is professed to be based on your experiences in other parts of the world? If yes share with me an experience that made you particularly proud to be Jamaican while traveling.

Royanne: There has been an array of positive responses whenever I share that I am Jamaican. I remember being in Maldives and my scuba diver instructor automatically assumed the Usain Bolt ‘to the world’ position. Not to mention how many times I have heard our reggae music playing in the quaintest of places. Also, I was once told that there is nothing more delicious than a Jamaican patty. The world undoubtedly loves our culture! I even met someone who said that out of all the countries in the world, Jamaica is the one country he has to visit before he dies. Despite how small we are on a map, we are big in the heart of many.

Kim Bremmer: What are some vacation locations you’d recommend?

Royanne: Barcelona if you are looking to have a fun time, Cape Town if you want breathtaking scenic views and Venice if you want to have the perfect romantic getaway.

Kim Bremmer: Which country or place has been your most memorable?

Royanne: Parasailing in Bali was epic! Go watch this episode on my website and tell me if you agree.

Kim Bremmer: Can you recall a specific time when capturing footage for your blog proved futile?

Royanne: Countless occasions, especially when I am trying to interview locals who do not know English very well so they have this confused look on their face for the whole footage. Also, I have moments when I just want to live in the moment so I stop stressing about good lighting, turn off my camera and soak everything in.

Kim Bremmer: What more can we expect from the Jamaican Mermaid?
Royanne: I have learnt that it’s better to “do before you say” however you can expect ‘The Jamaican Mermaid‘ to keep being herself – a lover of life and travel. I am striving to put out better quality videos with each episode upload on YouTube so make sure to subscribe and keep watching!

“The aim of life is progression. No one starts out being the best in their field. Once you discover your passion in life, own it! Don’t waste your energy seeking validation from people. Follow your dreams. Don’t overthink everything, take a leap of faith and you will be surprised where you end up! Lastly, just be good to people.” – Jamaican Mermaid.

Travel with the Jamaican Mermaid, Royanne DeSilva on www.jamaicanmermaid.com