Caribbean British - where are you from?

This digital story was created by Rianne as part of The Making of Black Britain.

I'm British Caribbean, but the British part is silent. I've never felt an emotional connection to the British culture, values, and norms, as I do with my Caribbean culture and heritage, however, I do value the advantages of living in the UK.
The recurring question of "Where are you from?" when asked by a white British person, it often assumes that you aren't from the UK, and you don’t belong here. Whereas when asked by a black person, its "Where are your family from?"

My Dad is Jamaican, and my Mum is Guyanese. I have grown up keeping in touch with Caribbean ways and morals, whilst also surrounded by Caribbeans that would tell stories of "back home." However there was a slight disconnect - although I felt connected to Caribbean culture, I had no real experience of the Caribbean.

I went to Jamaica for the first time with family when I was 20 years old. We stayed by the beach in Ocho Rios. It was hot during the day, and by night it turned into a dancehall scene.
We travelled around to different tourist attractions, and I remember looking at the brightly coloured houses as we passed by, and I remember how beautifully raw and untouched the landscape was. That’s when I realised, I was home.
I felt so at peace being in Jamaica, I felt a stronger connection to culture as well as the environment. I’m Caribbean British, but the British part is silent.