THOMASTON, Ga. — Garnett Myrie was just a Jamaican boy from the countryside who was always in the midst of mischief growing up. As a young man he fought in the war of liberation in Angola and later returned to his home country to become a successful businessman and politician helping to improve the lives of his people.
Basil Waine Kong reveals the rich Caribbean culture in his new book, “Bad Boy from Jamaica: The Garnet Myrie Story,” a profile of a Jamaican politician.
In Dr. Basil Waine Kong’s new book, “Bad Boy from Jamaica: The Garnett Myrie Story,” he celebrates the culture of Jamaica— both good and bad— with his friend’s life story. He felt that Myrie embodied the typical lifestyle of those who remember growing up in Jamaica and was inspired by his journey from a troubled teen to an upstanding citizen.
“I was looking for a vehicle to showcase Jamaican culture and thought my neighbor and friend, Garnett Myrie, was perfect. He has lived an interesting life,” Dr. Kong said.
In the mid-1900s, many Jamaicans emigrated from the country following a destructive war and rising crime. Now the Jamaican diaspora are scattered across the world just like Dr. Kong. He migrated to the United States at the age of 15 where he remained until he retired and later returned to his roots in the Caribbean.
Dr. Kong speaks fondly of the rich culture in “Bad Boy from Jamaica: The Garnett Myrie Story” where his writing style resembles that of the legendary Mark Twain. After reading the complete works from Twain— all 100,000 pages— he wanted to paint a picture for readers to understand and appreciate Jamaican culture through written word.
“Bad Boy from Jamaica: The Garnett Myrie Story” is available in on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Xlibris online bookstores. For more information, visit: www.badboyfromjamaica.com.