The Jamaican on Saipan!
This is his story: ORDER THE BOOK
Milestones from the Jamaican on Saipan’s journey….
My escape from America
Follow my adventure from the concrete jungles of New York to the civilized paradise of Saipan! Ready, set, jet!
Launching the WeLoveSaipan site and Blogger Movement with Angelo Villagomez
Find out how it all happened, and discover why we all love Saipan as told by the residents-turned-bloggers who changed the dialogue on Saipan!
Receiving a Senate Resolution
In recognition of my contributions to CNMI Society! A proud moment!
Writing & Publishing Chicken Feathers & Garlic Skin with Saipan Factory Girl, Chun Yu Wang
My best-selling Saipan-specific book. Used in several colleges in undergrad textiles and women’s studies courses. Over 160 reviews on Amazon!
Launching the SaipanWriter’s Group
Offering writer workshops on Saipan, Tinian & Guam
Doing the LaMancha Media Documentary
Sharing what I know about Saipan with the world in LaMancha Media’s “Forgotten Colonies” documentary
Receiving 3 Governor’s Humanities Awards
Another cool moment of community recognition.
The Jamaicans.com Interview
Xavier Murphy of Jamaicans.com gets the scoop on being Jamaican on Saipan!
Walt Goodridge Hosts 7 Midshipmen & 2 Officers From US Naval Academy
I had the opportunity of providing a 5-day cultural and historical tour of these islands to a special group from Annapolis, Maryland. See over 100 photos and media coverage on my tour blog…Read the full story on my DiscoverSaipan Tour Blog
Local Author Receives Governor’s Humanities Award
A former writer’s workshop attendee and coaching client revealed a few weeks ago that she nominated me to be considered for this year’s Governor’s Humanities Award here on Saipan. I thanked her (Thanks, Riza!), but I didn’t really believe I qualified because…Read the full story here
Walt’s Saipan-Specific Video Resumé
Since arriving here on Saipan in February of 2006, I’ve launched and/or participated in some great projects large and small, and met some great people! We’ve helped a lot of people, had a lot of fun, and even helped some folks earn a little money!
2:01 SECTION • Saipan-Specific Creations Walt has written a slew of Saipan-specific books, websites, mobile phone apps and designs for t-shirts and merchandise!
2:06 Books
4:09 Websites
6:03 Apps & Merchandise
7:01 SECTION • Helping Others Walt has conducted workshops, visited schools, created health groups in an effort to help others
7:05 Workshops
13:49 School visits
14:15 Health&Wellness
15:41 SECTION • Showcasing Saipan to the World From the Saipanpreneur Project to the “What’s it Like to Be Jamaican on Saipan” interview, walt has showcased the best of Saipan in his Saipan Tribune column, 3rd party documentaries and books, websites, tours and in the media!
15:45 Saipanpreneur Project
16:08 Saipan Documentaries & Books
17:35 Jamaican on Pagan
19:03 Tourism (clients, cruises, vets, authors, researchers, filmmakers)
23:49 Media Appearances
26:37 SECTION • Community Involvement & Activism Walt has launched crowdfunding campaigns and petitions, co-created a platform for bloggers, volunteered for community movements and launched the first Speech & Essay contest as part of the CNMI’s annual Martin Luther King, Jr. commemoration.
26:43 Campaigns (GoFundMe, Change.org)
28:02 Community Matters (Bloggers & Tree Huggers)
31:20 MLK Day annual commemoration
36:08 Closing (patience)
“What’s it Like Being a Jamaican on Saipan?”
An interview by Xavier Murphy of JAMAICANS.COM
00:32 – What part of Jamaica are you from?
2:05 – How did you end up in Saipan?
5:33 – What are the people like in Saipan?
9:49 – What languages are spoken?
14:39 – Are there any interesting customs?
18:44 – What is dating like?
23:38 – What is it like being Black there?
26:53 – How do people react when they find out you are Jamaican?
32:09 – What is the food like?
40:51 – What attractions do you recommend visiting?
43:44 – What is the cost of living like?
46:10 – How do we find you online?
51:07 – What is the first thing you are doing when you land in Jamaica?
53:42 – Does Amazon ship there?
54:40 – How do you say goodbye in Saipan?
Special Guest Tour Guide for Saipan Documentary
LaMancha Media has a great documentary series titled “America’s Forgotten Colonies” which features American Samoa, Guam. I was asked to be their guide for part 3 of the series that features Saipan and Tinian. Watch it on Youtube