The Jamaican Market Place

 

You know in Jamaica it is common place to find these things sprawled out in front of almost every vendor.

Not so in the states. In the places that are referred to as market places. there is an abundance of processed foods. You have to go to a specialty store to pick produce items.

I had thought to do a video of a store here, but I realize that it is the scenario in Jamaica as well. Just walk into any store that claims to sell groceries and you will find that there is only a small section of the store that actually has produce/(i.e. real food) and the rest of the store is filled with man made food products.

It is not real food, but made from real food.

No wonder we are all getting sick. We are eating too much processed foods. We are eating chemistry and not food.

Long gone are the days when food came straight from the ground to the pot.

What are you thoughts?

Jamaican Ram Goat Liver

No doubt Pluto Shervington (rip) made this dish internationally know by the release of his song with the same title.

I have never really had it by itself, however I have had soup that it was in.

So I thought to myself why not see if there is a recipe for preparing this renown dish.

Here is what I found. 

Preparing goat liver is similar to preparing liver from other animals. 

Here's a basic recipe:Ingredients:

1 lb (450g) goat liver,

 sliced thinly1 onion, 

chopped2 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons oilSalt and pepper to taste

Optional seasonings: thyme, paprika, curry powder, etc.

Instructions:Rinse the goat liver slices under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat.Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened and fragrant.Add the goat liver slices to the skillet and cook for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until browned.Season the liver with salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings.Continue to cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the liver is cooked through but still tender.Serve hot with rice, vegetables, or your preferred side dishes.You can adjust the seasonings and cooking time according to your taste preferences. Enjoy your goat liver!

Favorite Jamaican Singers from the 1980s

 

Here is a list of favorite songs that reflect the decade. You might be wondering why document these songs.

because if not written down they will be forgotten

I believe that the 1980's were just as influential as the 70's. It was during this time that legends like Bob Marley flourished.

If you think there are some singers or groups that I should have mentioned but did not

please list below in the comments section.

Be sure to check the year before you post your comments.

1. Sugar Minott

2. Freddie Mcgregor

3.Barrington Levy

4. Third World

Jamaicans and Chess

I realize that there is a Jamaica federation for chess, and it has been around for a good little while.

This is indeed encouraging. I hope they will get some serious sponsorship and land some endorsement deals equal to that of Hussein Bolt.

The Jamaican Mind is nothing to play with, we are giants in our own right. we just need the right forum.

Just wait until we get the right competition.

Some Jamaican Parents have it so hard

 

Some Jamaican Parents have it so hard. Do you know what it is like to raise your child with all the values that you received as child only to have your child scoff a them.

For example a parent that has never smoked or drank no is talking to a rebellious teenager who both smokes and drinks. 

Better yet, which might be more common the child that you slaved to ensure that they had better opportunities than you have does not want to go to college becuase of peer influence.

Parenting is no easy task and lots of times the children challenge every wit moral and standard you have.

I have heard of parents that said if their child ever come home gay they would kill them.

Saying it is one thing, but living it out is a total other tory.

Remember these are the kids that you watched grow up. These same kids that you fed your food clothed with your clothes slept in your bed for years.

To suddenly and perfectly abandons them is out of the question. Not because your are not feeling hurt, but because ultimately what would abandoning them do?

Is there hope that they will stop the behavior when the only good in their life has left them tot he mercy of the world.

It is one thing for parents to have that challenge in America where the lifestyle is not just tolerated but legal.

Now Jamaica is probably dubbed the most homophobic place in all the world. Now consider the quandry that Jamaican parents find themselves in when their child comes out and says that they are gay.

A parent's world is turned upside down after such a confession. Life finance don't make sense after that...

What do you think?

I

Jamaican singers from the 1970's

I believe that the 70's was the era that music really took off in Jamaica. It was during this time that legends like Bob Marley Pluto Shrevington and Boney M shun the  most.

You might be wondering why document these songs. Once again in the general theme of this blog. If it is not written down somewhere , eventually it will be forgotten

If you think there are some singers or groups that I should have mentioned but did not

please list below in the comments section.

Be sure to check the year before you post your comments.

1.Jimmy Cliff

2.Burning spear

3.Peter Tosh

4.Toots and Maytals

5 Black Uhuru

6. Dennis Brown

7. Bunny Wailer

8.Gregory Isaacs

9. Lee "scratch' Perry

10. Desmond Decker

Jamaican Libraries

Back in the day people used to use the library as a meeting place. Forget about the  wealth of books that were present filled with interesting things to learn.

High school students just wanted to meet their friends after school in a somewhat safe environment, where they can hang out for a while.

I once went to the library during high school to do some research on a topic and my friends used to opportunity to hit on girls and goof off. 

I was somewhat disappointed that I did not get to do any work at the library with my friends, was I being naïve?

I may have been, nevertheless, the whole landscape of libraries have changed.

The last time I remember going to the library for a book was during the early 2000's when I was in college. I checked out a couple of books for a research paper that I was doing. My paper had to include a least 5 book in my references. That was the assignment.

I recently moved into an area and I was surprised at the number of books that I had in my possession that I simply don't use anymore. I just put them in the library's book drop.

I was surprised when I visited that library not long after and found that they had a sign that they don't need any more books.  Can you imagine?

A library refusing books.

Since my time in college a visit to the library has been about using their internet on my personal computer. 

The library to me is just a place to access wifi and read quietly.

In a few years these places may be extinct as people do all the research they need on the internet via their phones.

Do you think differently? If so please comment below.

Punjabi's and Jamaican

 

I wonder if there is such a combination.

I met some Punjabi's the other day, and I am convinced that these are the most accommodating people I have ever met.

I know that Indians tend not to marry out of their tribes, but I was just  wondering, especially since so many of them have migrated to the US, has any of them hooked up with a Jamaican?

If so please share the story.

Jamaican Gospel Singers

When I was a child the favorites were:

The grace Thrillers.

Carlene Davis

I know since then there have been many many more gospel artists that have popped up, like

I know we can now add

Pappa san

Lt Stichie

In my day  some of these artists used to sing secular music. I don't doubt the conversion may be real, but it is undeniable that tha was a radical shift in the genre of music being sang.

Who are your favorites?  

Jamaican Talk shows

 

When I was growing up there was a talk show that aired every evening to bring on the cartoons. It was called "Evening time." Is this even still on tv?

Mind you this was when Jamaica only had 1 tv channel. I think by now much has changed.

Do they still have a morning show and an evening show. If so how popular are these shows?

There were several talk shows that used to air on the radio. I remember very vividly Wilmot Perkins being the host of one of them. Are there any more such radio shows that allows the peoples voices to be heard? If so, what are their names? 

Chocolate tea in Jamaica

 

I was watching a program on how chocolate is made and I was surprised that the tree that I grew up knowing as the cocoa tree is actually the cacao tree.

To add to the confusion, this tree is the source of cocoa used to make a variety of drinks and snacks.

I was like what is the point of having the spelling so close?

On another totally related topic I remember waking up to the smell of the cocoa tea, which grand ma took all day to make.

First she picked the ripest of the cocoas she found

then she would dry the seeds

The then roasted the seeds

Then she crushed them

she used to knead them together to use later for tea. 

Do you remember how it is made? Did I miss anything..let me know in the comments section below.

Jamaican Tireshops

 It's funny how the  tire shops on the side of the road work.

I wanted to highlight a couple of the shops that I had been to in Jamaica, but then the names slipped me.

Did you visit any great tires hops that you want to give a shout out to?

A Rhyme about the Jamaican water company

I thought I would get a poem about A Jamaican water bottling company. Let me know what you think.

In Jamaica, a water promotion did glow,
It was dubbed the "Bob Marley's Flow," 

And it had lots of  jokes in tow.
Each bottle was  waterlogged and fun,
Bringing laughter to all under the sun.

Tourists marveled at this island delight,
Hydration and humor, a perfect flight.
With every sip, they felt the vibe so grand,
Jamaican spirit, spreading across the land.

The water, so refreshing and bright,
In Bob Marley's Flow, was taking its flight.

Just think what this or that old timer would say

We used to drink water straight from the pipe back in the day

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I visited the island recently and was astonished to find that bottled water companies were thriving there.

I am not sure if this is just a concept imported from overseas or there is a legitimate need for this system since the water quality has diminished.

Do you know the real story?

Jamaican Real Estate Agents

 Jamaican realtors bring Caribbean flair to property transactions, blending laid-back island vibes with professional expertise. Picture them, sipping coconut water while negotiating deals under swaying palm trees. With a knack for hospitality, they'll charm you into buying that beachfront villa with promises of endless reggae rhythms drifting through open windows. Need a tour of the neighborhood? No problem, mon! They'll whisk you away in a colorful Jamaican taxi, regaling you with tales of Bob Marley's favorite haunts along the way. Just beware: if they flash that irresistible smile, you might find yourself signing on the dotted line faster than you can say "irie."

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I saw this ad with a real estate agent and I thought it was funny. I was looking to see if I could find it again...it was about someone renting out a closet space as a bedroom...but it was gone..If you somehow find it leave the link below.

Jamaican Secret recipes

 If you have not figured out by now, I'm from the era that there were no smart phones. As a child I used to visit my Grandmother is the rural St Mary. ( I make mention of the beginning of my life in the blog post about the (Testimony of one Jamaican).

Grandmother would love to cook and bake and she had a drawer in the buffet with her special recipes. 

Mind you as a child when I looked at these recipes it just looked like a bunch of wrinkled paper. However later I came to find out that these wee actually grandma's secret recipes.

I ran across some of her recipes and decided that I would share.

Just in case you're wondering Grandma is long dead, but I guess by me putting up her recipes, her cooking style will live on

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Grandma's Christmas Cake

1 pound Margarine

1 pound dark sugar

4 eggs

1/2  tsp vanilla

4 tsp baking powder

6 cups flour

1 / 1/2 tsp mixed spice

8 tablespoon browning

3-5 cups red wine

1 pound mixed fruit blended

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Grandma's Banana bread

3- Ripe bananas

1/2 cup butter

3/4 cup sugar

2 eggs

1 1/2/ cups flour

1tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp vanilla

1 cup chopped nts

1/2 cup raisons

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Grandma's Oatmeal Cookies

1 1/2 Cup- Flour

3/4 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

1 1/4 cup sugar

1 - egg

1 tsp- vanilla

2 1/2 cup Oats

1 cup - butter

The New Jamaican Bob Marley movie

 I have not seen the movie yet, however it is receiving lots of media attention. Not to mention the iconic status that the actors depicting the lives of Rita and Bob Marley have achieved.

I have always been a fan of buying Jamaican, and now that such a beautiful product is coming from the island depicting the real Jamaican culture. It is definitely a must see.

It is just a pity that the entire cast could not have been Jamaican.

There was lots of Jamaican talent included in the film and I really like knowing that local talent was employed.

It is a win, although some may call it a small one, but it is a win nonetheless. I hope this will be a step in the direction of not only exploiting Jamaican acting talent, but also the the broad scale launch of a film industry from the island.

There have been several African movies circulating in the US, I long to see Jamaican share in this expedition as well.

After all we are not short of talent.

What are your thoughts? 

How to ship directly to Jamaica from Amazon

 I have never done this but I am sure it can be done.

So how do you get that product that you have been eyeing on Amazon to your door step in Jamaica?

Believe it or no the answer is simple. All you have to do is contact Amazon's global service and ship to them. They will make the arrangements to get that product to your door step.

There is actually another blog that goes into more detail about this. Check it out here.

https://www.joyofcreating.org/does-amazon-ship-to-jamaica/

Jamaican Obituaries

So in my travels I came across this one interesting parting poem written by Anne Lindgren Davidson's poem "I am Free!". It is probably very well known by now, however I feel I should still create a celebratory post for this poem because of the sentiments it expresses.

If you have come across some interesting parting poems please feel free to jot below.

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Here is another one. This one is entitled if tomorrow starts without me by David Romano.

When Tomorrow Starts Without Me When tomorrow starts without me, And I’m not there to see, If the sun should rise and find your eyes All filled with tears for me; I wish so much you wouldn’t cry The way you did today, While thinking of the many things, We didn’t get to say. I know how much you love, me, As much as I love you, And each time you think of me, I know you’ll miss me too; But when tomorrow starts without me, Please try to understand, That an angel came and called my name, And took me by the hand, And said my place was ready, In heaven far above And that I’d have to leave behind All those I dearly love. But as I turned to walk away, A tear fell from my eye For all my life, I’d always thought, I didn’t want to die. I had so much to live for, So much left yet to do, It seemed almost impossible, That I was leaving you. I thought of all the yesterdays, The good ones and the bad, The thought of all the love we shared, And all the fun we had. If I could relive yesterday Just even for a while, I’d say good-bye and kiss you And maybe see you smile.

But then I fully realized That this could never be, For emptiness and memories, Would take the place of me. And when I thought of worldly things I might miss come tomorrow, I thought of you, and when I did My heart was filled with sorrow. But when I walked through heaven’s gates I felt so much at home When God looked down and smiled at me, From His great golden throne. He said, “This is eternity, And all I’ve promised you. Today your life on earth is past But here it starts anew. I promise no tomorrow, But today will always last, And since each day’s the same way, There’s no longing for the past. You have been so faithful, So trusting and so true. Though there were times You did some things You knew you shouldn’t do. But you have been forgiven And now at last you’re free. So won’t you come and take my hand And share my life with me?” So when tomorrow starts without me, Don’t think we’re far apart, For every time you think of me, I’m right here, in your heart. 

. 

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Things every Jamaican should do at least once.

It is not uncommon to hear that those who have visited the island have visited the Montego or Ocho Rios Resorts. However there are people living on the island who have not visited these areas not even once.

While it may cost a handsome penny, each person living on the island should strive to experience the best of the island by visiting these resort at least once.

There should be no Jamaican that has never visited the beach. The island is simply too small to not have visited the beach. 

Where I am living now, it take a full 2 hours to drive to the beach.

While I was living in Jamaica I don't think it took me more than an hour to drive to a popular beach destination. 

It goes without saying that if you can't go the the fancy resorts you should at least have visited a local beach at least once.

On that note, "what is with us Jamaicans?"

Although Jamaica is a small island surrounded by water and feature many rivers, there are so many of us that cannot swim.

What is it with that? Is this a prime example of "nearer to church farer from God? 

Things every Jamaican should know

I was talking to a person recently who referred to themself as Jamaican. However I was appalled that the did not know the basics about the island; like how many heroes there are and what is the name of the National anthem. They had the accent so i did not doubt that they were native tot he island. But surely they lacked patriotism. How can you call your self Jamaican and not know the national emblems? I think such a person should not call themself Jamaica, what do you think? As it relates to the title I beleive that the every Jamaican should know these things. If you think I have missed a few items, please feel free to jot in the commnets section below. Every Jamaican should know: Some history about the island (not necessarily aout the Carib Idians but some history) What are the national emblems What are the National Colors What is the name of the Prime Minister of the island The name of the Chief of Police How many parishes are in the island What is a bulla How to speak the Language

Jamaican Old Boys association

 This is not as repulsive as it sounds. Maybe.

In Jamaica when a student graduates from a Educational high school system, (usually -all boys) they are called the old boy from the schools.

I was surprised to find out that there are many organizations out there.

Although I am biased towards this one, Kingston College has a very prominent Association, both in the the US and in Jamaica.

It is a little intimidating to go these function, especially when you don't consider yourself successful.

You wan to stay isolated in your little corner having never to answer the questions "What are you doing with yourself these days?"

It's exactly like going to your high school reunion, with the exception that it is not just one school year that is coming together but all who are moved to do so. The teachers, coaches well wishers of all walks of life from different years often show up to these meetings.

I know they meet once a year in a venue of choice, a person only has to search for it on the web to find the next meeting. It is indeed commendable that the school  has even organized a facebook group so that all may stay informed with happenings at the school.

From what I can remember these meetings are a blast as you get to relive those youthful years when you run into classmates. It's actually quite entertaining to watch, as grown men, some boasting white beards, act like teenagers and make immature jokes as they interact with each other.

Can you think of any reason to go to your high school reunion, if you don't consider yourself successful?

Fifo Dido in Jamaica

 

Does any one remember the famed cartoon character that advertised 7up?

It was all the craze back then. Boys in my classroom used to draw the character, just because they could.

It is funny how this character just vanished. Maybe its owing to the fact that the drink is not as popular as it once was. 

While I am on an old Jamaican cartoon, it was be remiss to not mention Kool cat from D&G soft drinks on this totally Jamaican Blog.

Do they still use that icon?

No I'm n

Jamaican birds

 

I was thinkin that the only bird indigenous to Jamaica was the national bird the humming bird. However when I did a search I found that there were over 42 species of birds that are native to the island.

Jamaica is truly a blessed place.

Did you know that so many birds called Jamaica home?

Jamaican Hairstyles

Nothing beats the good old weave and wig.

It is funny how women hair styles have basically remained the same over the years, but men have been cutting an styling and coloring their hair in many creative ways.

Do you agree with me that women hair has remained the smae?

Universal Jamaican saying

 Are there any words that you hear Jamaicans use whether in song or everyday talk that is actually used correctly?

Well  just recently I was listening in on a conversation and hears the term "coot" come up. 

I went to do some research on the word and was surprised that the word was actually used correctly.

Definition of coot

noun

1. an aquatic bird of the rail family, with blackish plumage, lobed feet, and a bill that extends back on to the forehead as a horny shield.
2. a foolish or eccentric person, typically an old man.

There are other terms, that come to mind that Jamaican slaughter, and are not used correctly.

Take for example the first printed front page article in the Jamaican Gleaner about the killing of Phillip by the notorious gangster Wappy.

Although the expression is usually used correctly the words uttered are never usually correct. For the most part the name Phillip is brutally mispronounced.

There is also other theories, to follow this you can watch this video below.

Jamaican Garbage Disposal

 Collecting the garbage in Jamaica has always been a 3 man job. Two on the back and a driver.

However here in the states we have only one man picking up the garbage and driving the truck. This is all done with mechanizations attached to the truck. Will Jamaica ever import these trucks or better yet order some of these trucks, so that garbage can be picked up efficiently?

Apart from D&G are there any other recycling plants in Jamaica that are concerned about he environment.

Truly Jamaica is a nice play to live, but if the garbage situation is not addressed soon it will become one great dump.

What are you thoughts?

Jamaican Relics

 I was delighted to find out that the "Hope zoo" is still operational and they still provide viewing of exquisite animals.

I raise my glass to the management of this long time Jamaican Relic. Thank God for the investors and managers that has kept this Jamaican Relic going.

Common Jamaican Household items

 There were several products that I used as a child that I wonder if they are still available. Namely

Sudsil

Blue Bomber

Ajax bleach

Since the Grace company is still around I'm guessing all the Grace products that I used as child are still around.

I made a post about some of the old advertisements that were used to market these products.

Are there any products that you can think of that were around as a child but are no longer available?

Different ways Jamaicans play with marbles.

 As a child I never grew to like this game because when I would flick the marble

 it would peel the skin back at the edge of my fingernail. 

It was a game however that I loved to watch. I learned the rules of the  of two games I will share that below.

If you know of any more games that are played with marbles, please feel free to share below.

Game 1

Each person comes to the game with the intention to win marbles. ( a little like gambling)

A ring is drawn on the ground with chalk a stick or anything that is available. In that ring a choice of marbles are placed. Each person takes turn to throw their playing marble close to the ring.  The objective is to get marbles out of the ring. Whatever is hit out of the ring is pocketed.

If you marble lands in the ring you would technically lose a turn since your thrown piece now becomes a part of the marbles to win, and you have to throw again when it would have been your turn to play.

To keep in the game you have to have marbles in the ring. If all your marbles have been taken out you have the option to put more marbles in the ring or drop out of the game.

But this was the long way. the short way was just to hit your opponents piece that way you could take out their marbles out of the ring. Because of this rule nobody usually wanted to throw first.

It was usually determined by drawing straws, or by age or height.

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Game 2 was a little less popular.

The objective of this one was to score points.

The game starts where players throw their marble from a starting spot then taking turns try to hit their opponents piece.

Every hit gets one free play.

Double points if your opponent's playing marble is broken.

Some boys would cheat by using steel marbles to play.

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If I have not mentioned the rules of the marble game you used to play, please do share.

Jamaican Dad Jokes

 Before there were named Dad's jokes", some used to label them "Frequently asked Questions" or FAQs.

Some of these have become very popular on the internet, others not so much. These are  just the ones I can remember from my childhood. Please feel free to leave the ones you can remember from your childhood in the comment section below.

Q. What do you call a Jamaican without a nose or a body?

A. Nobody knows

Q. What is so delicate that if you say it's name you break it?

A. Silence

Q. Why do zebras have stripes?

A. To confuse their enemies.

Q. Why did the bee get married?

A. He found his new honey

Q. What did the carpet say to the floor?

A. Don't move I got you covered

Q. Why do bees have sticky hair?

A. Because they be using honey combs.

Q. Why was six afraid of seven?

A. Because seven eight ate) nine

Q. Why did the chicken cross the road?

A. The same reason you do, to get to the other side.

Q. What do you call two people who would like to run away and get married but cant?

A. Cant-elopes

Q. What is black and white and Read all over?

A. The news paper

Q. Why did the detectives stay in bed?

A. They wanted to stay under-cover.

Q. Why did big boy tip toe past the medicine cabinet?

A. Because he did not want to wake the sleeping pills

Q.

A.

Iconic Jamaican characters

I know the sketches I am about to mention have probably been discontinued a long time ago. It is probably the case that even the actors who play the roles mentioned might themselves have passed. Neveretheless I think it would be remiss to make a  list of  famous Jamaican actors and not give a shout out to the characters they played.

 Mrs. Uptown.

Titus

Jukky Jam

I know I did not name them all, but keep it going. Which character did you watch as a child that made an impression on you?

Jamaican mornings

Back in the 1980s and even part of the 1990s it was common place to hear roosters announce that morning was here.

This is only the case in some rural places now as it seems that all the roosters 🐓 have gone extinct.

If you live in a place where roosters are still heard in the morning  please comment below.