Jamaica, Jamaica—the land of sun, sea, and second chances… or so they say. But for many of us deported back to a country we barely remember, “starting over” feels less like a fresh start and more like being thrown into the deep end with no life jacket. Imagine leaving as a child, building a life elsewhere, only to be sent back decades later to a place where you have no real ties, no support system, and a society that sees you as a walking stereotype. The reality of deportation isn’t just about adjusting to the new changes in your old country—it’s about fighting against judgment, limited opportunities, and a government that makes restarting in Jamaica feel like an uphill battle. Add in a brutal cost of living, and suddenly, “home” doesn’t feel very welcoming.

But here’s the thing about starting over after deportation: it forces you to develop a level of mental toughness most people will never understand. You have to figure out how to survive in a place where jobs are scarce, paperwork is endless, and people assume the worst about you before they even know your name. You learn to move differently, to build connections where you can, and to shut out the whispers of those who think you’ll never make it. Because in a society where the system is designed to keep you stuck, you have no choice but to push even harder.

Still, despite the struggles, restarting in Jamaica is not a death sentence—it’s a test of resilience. You learn to navigate the chaos, to carve out opportunities where none seem to exist, and to prove that your past does not define your future. Yes, deportation is a life-altering experience, but it’s also a challenge to rise above the odds. And if Jamaica is going to make life this hard, then you have no choice but to become even harder.

So, while they wait for you to fail, you’ll be busy building—because nothing is more Jamaican than turning struggle into survival.