Latoya West-Blackwood is the founder iPublish Consultancy and its imprint, iMagiNation Books. A lover of books and reading, Latoya created iPublish in 2014; the company is Jamaica’s first registered full-service publishing consultancy firm. Latoya is passionate about volunteering and promoting literacy and reading. Today Latoya shares her Jamaica.

What does being Jamaican mean to you?

It means being better than the rest, extraordinary determination and, style and pride. In spite of the hardships that have shadowed our fairly young nation, these are the first things that come to mind when I think about being Jamaican.

What is your favourite childhood memory?

I have many, but I would say being serenaded by Eddie Fitzroy when I won a modelling competition at West Indies Basic School. Eddie Fitzroy sang  Princess Black and  left an indelible mark.

What family values did you inherit from your parents that you will be passing onto your children?

I grew up in a single-parent home; I know my father but we don’t have a relationship. My mother was an exceptional woman who I believe was a feminist without labelling herself as such. Because of her I grew up thinking that I could do anything I put my mind to. She made sure my sister and I knew it was important to treat people well whether they were the Governor-General or the Gardener. I see my life and all I accomplish as the foundation for my children; they are more likely to follow your example than what you say. Lead by example. That is main value that I got from mother are what I want to share with my children.

As a child, what was your least favourite chore?

Washing dishes, I grew up with lots of family around, and, it’s still my least favourite.

What book from your childhood, would you pick up and re-read today?

The unfortunate truth is that I can’t recall a favourite Jamaican authored book from my childhood. There was Cat Woman and the Spinning Wheel folk stories that I learned at school but the truth is I was hooked on foreign titles like Nancy Drew and Sweet Valley High. I wouldn’t re-read them because now I can see through the highly unrealistic plot lines that are a stretch even with an active imagination. I am delighted to see that today Jamaican children have more access to books that are culturally relevant with characters that reflect their reality.

Where did you attend high school?

Never raucous, loud or ordinary! Wolmer’s High School for Girls, of course.

What was your favourite subject in high school?

This is one is a split between History and Literature. I can still remember the day I opened Things Fall Apart, life-changing.

Who was your best teacher and how did they inspire you?

I had lots of great teachers at Wolmer’s but the teacher that inspired me the most was Miss Jones from Alpha Primary. I cried when I heard I was going into her grade three class because the rumors of her strictness were simply frightening. Then, I faced the first day and realised she was simply a woman with high standards for herself and her students, she nurtured my love of reading and would let us practice penmanship using the Gleaner headlines.

Who is your favourite author?

Just one? I love what Diane Browne has done for Jamaican children’s literature especially her latest book, Abigail’s Glorious Hair. I fell in love with African literature in sixth form – Chinua Achebe, Chimamanda Adichie and Ben Okri are some of my favourite contemporary writers.

What would you like see develop in Jamaican literature and publishing in the next five years?

A lot of what I would like to see is already happening and just needs meaningful support. There are young writers like Roland Watson-Grant and Nicole Dennis-Benn who are telling our stories to a global audience and exploring various means of creative expression – exploring the synergy of books and film, traditional and new media. More children’s authors are coming to the forefront with exciting stories that will surely spark the imagination of our children. And Jamaica is slowly but surely moving away from the label of being a country on non-readers. I am also working to be the change that I would like to see through the work I do via iPublish and its imprint, iMagiNation Books.

Which local activist/personality do you admire the most and why?

Jamaica’s first national hero, Marcus Mosiah Garvey, has been a great source of inspiration since I deepened my understanding of his philosophies and principles under the mentorship of Profressor Rupert Lewis. Most Jamaicans are yet to understand his global influence as a Pan African champion. I continue to be amazed at Garvey’s reach at a time when there was no internet or advanced communication technology, how he was able to mobilise millions in places he never even set foot on. His movement also valued the work and worth of women starting with his wife, Amy Jacques, whose story I continue to research and hopefully one day share.

What major developments would you like to see happen in Jamaica in the next 20 years?

Every time I travel to places like Canada, I return a bit depressed by the fact that I have to drive almost everywhere. I like walking and taking public transportation and it’s very difficult to do that on a small island like Jamaica because of how we have developed. I would like to see a first-class transportation system that we can all use in spite of status and visionary planning to have walkable developments and green recreational spaces. It does a lot for the mind.

I would like the national development plan, Vision 2030 become a reality. The tagline to ‘work, do business and raise families’ has become something our leaders recite but do nothing on a daily basis to achieve. The current crime rate and general indiscipline is of great concern to me. I am also very concerned about our children and youth who are being exposed to violence far too often. I would also like to see a Jamaica that values and protects its rich history and cultural heritage using various arms of the creative industries to package, promote and preserve for all to enjoy.

Where would you recommend as a ‘must go’ to a first time visitor to the island?

For breathtakingly beautiful nature, I would recommend the Blue and John Crow Mountains, for fun, a trip to Negril and for Jamaican magic, go to Treasure Beach in St Elizabeth.

Considering a staycation, where in Jamaica is your favourite place to unwind and recharge?

There really is no one place but some of my favourite spots to date include New Castle, Treasure Beach and a secret location in Hanover.