Kim-Marie Spence

Kim will be the first Jamaican to ski to the South Pole.

Jamaican to the world! Jamaica to the South Pole!!

'The Governor-General wishes to commend you on this effort designed to demonstrate the potential of greater intercultural understanding and to raise awareness of the work and value of the Commonwealth.’ - Office of His Excellency the Governor-General of Jamaica

Why are you doing this?

Kim So many reasons! Personal reasons – I like the challenge of it – can I do this? The cold? The rigour? The adventure! Growing up I always used to watch the shows on faraway places – and I was determined to reach these places. But I grew up in a poor household and thought it was impossible. Knowing now I have gone to most of those places – Antarctica remains among those places to go. Thirdly, there is the allure of an all-woman team. Despite the ‘freedom’ of women in my country, there are lots of stereotypes/expectations of women should be like – we sometimes let this stop us from doing things that might be too hard – women can and have gone to Antarctica and onwards to the South Pole. There was a time when women were not thought tough enough to go to Antarctica! National reasons – The thought of there being something a Jamaican has not done. I come from a country that has never let its size determine what it does. I am a person who has never let my tough background determine what I do.

How would you describe yourself?

A highly motivated and very curious person - motivated enough to apply and follow through on the things I want; and curious enough for those things to be sometimes off the beaten path.

I am a policy analyst/director – with interest in social and international development policy – with a keen interest in a regional solution to much of the Caribbean’s problems. I also have a deep interest in the artistic and cultural side of life, having promoted a series called Art N Rum – late-night art exhibition parties, and a literary enthusiast.

What has it been like to prepare for an expedition like this?

It has been hard – lots of training- to try and get stronger and bigger at the same time. It is hard to hold onto weight when you are pulling tyres for over 2 hours a day. It is lonely – no one else in my country is training for this. I have had to sacrifice going to my friend’s weddings, beach trips etc. to train. However, I have some good pals and the trainers with whom I discuss training.

Snow is more than physical. It is cultural. Snow is a hard taskmaster - cover up or be injured - very different from a tropical lifestyle. That has been something I need to grasp.

Is the Commonwealth still relevant in the 21st Century?

The Commonwealth is the premier post-colonial grouping – with even countries who were not British colonies wanting to join. Growing up in the Caribbean – a collection of small, mostly low income islands – belonging to a bigger grouping is key to political, and social survival. However, being part of this team has even exposed me to the diversity of the Commonwealth – and shown me how the Commonwealth can use its diversity to better address the social needs of its poorer members and advance the openness in all Commonwealth countries – by having us – the members of the Commonwealth – learn more about each other.

It is true that its origin – as a post-colonial grouping – is ignoble. Colonisation is not something the Caribbean is happy about. However, the grouping that is the Commonwealth can be a great resource – it can open up to our shared humanity and experience, despite being Asian, African, Australasian, Mediterranean and Caribbean – not relying on antiquated stereotypes.

What scares you about the expedition?

The length of the trip. The women – who have become sisters – on this expedition are tough. Nothing can deter us! We can survive the cold, the toughness – but to do it for 45 days. That is tough. However, we are visualising and thinking positive – so I don’t dwell on this number.

Plus – I want my dreadlocks to survive this trek – I am also scared of them breaking off. My dreadlocks are more than just hair – they speak to my acceptance of my natural hair, my acceptance that I will have to deal with the stereotypes of this hair, my acceptance of me.

Want to Know More About Jamaica?–

There is the Wikipedia definition -

Jamaica is an island nation of the Greater Antilles, 234 kilometres (145 mi) in length and as much as 80 kilometres (50 mi) in width, amounting to 11,100 km2. It is situated in the Caribbean Sea, about 145 kilometres (90 mi) south of Cuba, and 190 kilometres (120 mi) west of Haiti. Its indigenous Arawakan-speaking Taíno inhabitants named the island Xaymaca, meaning the "Land of Wood and Water", or the "Land of Springs". Formerly a Spanish possession known as Santiago, it later became the British Crown colony of Jamaica. With 2.8 million people, it is the third most populous anglophone country in North America, after the United States and Canada. It remains a Commonwealth realm with Queen Elizabeth II as Head of State. Its capital is Kingston.

My definition –

Jamaica is a bountiful, beautiful, but gritty island. It has contributed greatly to the world in its humanitarian philosophy – Jamaica was the first member of the UN to declare a trade embargo on South Africa due to its then-apartheid philosophy in 1957 (while still a colony). It has also contributed much in the field of sports – most recently with the last two 100m men’s record holders being Jamaicans – Asafa Powell and Usain Bolt; and the iconic Jamaican bobsleigh team, epitomised in Cool Runnings. Last, but not least, there is the music of Jamaica – Bob Marley and reggae are what Jamaica is known for. It is the pulse of this island nation!

Thanks and acknowledgement:

Kaspersky Lab is a leading developer of internet security software. Without them this expedition would not have been possible. We thank them not only for their financial support but for their belief in us as a team - that we have the potential to succeed - and for their belief in our message.

Jamaica National Building Society was my first supporter – when I thought the Jamaican finalist would not have made it to that first Norwegian training camp. Jamaica National is a Jamaican mutual society, provides all of its members with a wide range of financial services – including mortgages, money transfer services and ATM convenience. It is known for its patriotism – supporting in particular efforts to organise the Jamaican Diaspora! I have also been a member of this society from childhood.

WATA is a Jamaican water brand - associated with sports and health. 'In Jamaica we don't drink water, we drink wata!" Nature Valley is known for its delicious bars - the crunchy Oat n Honey being the iconic brand. Both these brands have come together to support a blog in the Jamaican Gleaner, the premier Jamaican newspaper, on the experience of the Jamaican team member, Kim-Marie Spence, on the road to the South Pole.

Earth Chef, a sub-division of Grace Foods, has also been supportive of this thrust to the South Pole. Earth Chef is a line of vegetarian food including veggie mince, veggie stew beef, and veggie curried mutton. It's new line intended to provide an option for vegetarians and those concerned for their health. On a team such as the Kaspersky Commonwealth Antarctic Expedition, dietary restrictions are present on a team including women with varying religions and customs.

Volunteers/Friends – Every team member has had to have people rallying around them whether it is to give encouragement, to train me, to help plan events, or to get media coverage. I have a list of them – Yolan, Wes, Saffrey, Sapphire, Adam, Juliet, Leon, Leana, Chrissie, - and the list goes on!! I know I have left out people – my apologies and eternal thanks - Thank You!!!