This article- “Poppies in Flanders“, made me realize/ remember that there are people among us who sacrificed and served us proud. I felt proud to be a Jamaican and at the same time felt as though there is something more i should be doing. I hope you take the chance to read the article and i hope it inspires the same sense of pride in did in both me and the author.

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Patois bodderashun
By Simone Hudson

wah mek dem haffi chobble wi likkle twang?
mek dem nuh tek dem propa inglish an galang?
nuh everybady mek fi chat inglish lakka di queen
nuh everybady mek fi play golf pon put-put green

wah mek di whola wi haffi roun up wi mout
lakka seh wi deh nyaam whola trout?
lawd! mi cyaan tek dem deh sorta bodderashun!
jus undastan di patois an mek wi tan!
cho!…

Ah our beautiful creole, Patois (pat wa). I don’t think English can truly express the deep emotions of our people. When we are really passionate about something “wi draw fi di the patwa”(we speak Patois). Patois is Jamaican creole and it is a hybrid of the African and the English language, essentially resulting from slavery. Slaves and indentured workers brought to the island, carried with them their native tongue and, mixed with the language of the colonizers resulted in the hybrid Patois. Patois has been made popular world wide by persons such as Miss Lou, various Reggae and Dancehall artistes.

Here are some basic Patois to English translations:

Click below for pronunciations

Patois Pronounciations

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To disregard the main concerns that one should have when choosing your political persuasion such as, ability to lead, mandate, past and present track record and a variety of other important issues is foolhardy and ignorant. Choosing a party simply because you don’t like the other one, with no significant backing or reason should be a crime against self betterment. The majority of the voting population are not quite sure why they are voting for a party, and when presented with issues at hand, they behave religiously by standing firm to their faith and take a blind walk on a a rocky path to an uncertain but grave future.

To religiously choose a party time and time again with hopes of better performance even though confronted with a nasty track record is nothing short of senseless. To be afraid of a change that yes, may lead us down another bad road, but has high hopes for a better future is like sticking your head in the sand looking for light. My points may capture me as choosing sides and maybe i am, but justly so, i am taking my own advice and not choosing traditionally, but wisely.

“Its a traditional thing” or “i always vote for…” are not answers that should be coming out of a voters mouth when posed with the question of why they are voting for a party. And when shown the issues at hand, even when appalled at what they see, the fact that they still hold firm to their persuasion is just amazing. Both parties have created ‘faith’ful followers who will follow them to the death while not caring who their party walks over (even if its them) in the process. Crying out for help and still voting back in power the object of your discontent, is like praying to the devil while asking for a drink of water.

Religiously speaking “Meditation brings wisdom; lack of meditation leaves ignorance. Know well what leads you forward and what hold you back, and choose the path that leads to wisdom.”

From the mouth of babes

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Any comments?

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Click here to watch the entire debate on video.

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Here in Jamaica weed is indeed illegal. One can get fined and even jailed depending on the amount one is caught with and your intent, that is not to say that weed isn’t seen (and mostly smelt) in everyday life. Rastas use it as a part of their religion and are given some leeway in their dealings with the illegal herb, it is generally a common myth that once one is smoking the herb in the confines of their home as a religious activity one is in his right as a Jamaican Citizen to do so. The entertainment industry has also given flight to the activity of smoking weed by incorporating it into lyrics and a right of passage into ‘ganstahood’. Now, more and more people are seen indulging into the activity, getting high, and reaching “another level of consciousness”. Many people consider the way law enforcements treat weed smoking offenders as lax, as they have more important things on their plate, that is not to say that if someone is blatantly abusing the substance they will not be reprimanded.

A thriving business has been around in Jamaica of people exporting the herb making a hefty profit and also risking life and limb, growing the crop in the shadows of the police. It is rather sad to think that many people who hear about Jamaica first think of weed and are drawn to this place by the idea of it being “ok” to smoke it here without fear of legal repercussions. Jamaica is contrary to popular belief, not a safe haven for ganja smokers. It is indeed against the law.

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Children 2-5 years start school in the various basic and infant schools. The syllabus at this level is not set and children are generally taught basic alphabet, numbers and word associations. Most parents treat this stage as a day care.

Primary Education

When privately owned or run, these schools are called Preparatory Schools.

Primary education in Jamaica addresses the basic educational needs of students and prepares them for secondary education. It includes children between the ages of 5-12 years. Under the Caribbean Examination Council’s Revised Primary Curriculum, student assessment has changed significantly from what was generally an automatic promotion to secondary school through the former Common Entrance Examinations at the end of Grade 6. Since 1999, the National Assessment Program (NAP) and Grade Six Achievements tests (GSAT) have been utilizing a variety of teaching strategies to ensure that learning experiences are more broad based and student centred. NAP adopts an integrated approach from grades 1-3 and a discrete subject area for grades 4-6.

• Grade 1: Readiness Inventory
• Grade 3: Assessment tests in Math and Language Arts
• Grade 4: Literacy Test
• Grade 6: Achievement Test: in Math, Language Arts, Social Studies, Science and Writing.

These exams often greatly figure into which high schools students qualify to attend. In the capital city of Kingston however, where the population is more dense, students are often placed in secondary schools that coincide with their postal code.

Secondary Education

• Lower School - Forms 1-3 (Ages 10-13 or 14)

Students are exposed to a wide range of subjects, including Spanish and French as 2nd languages. Generally, Integrated Science is generally taught until the 3rd form, where students begin taking Physics, Biology and Chemistry as separate subjects. Some schools group students based on their academic achievement the year prior. This can greatly impact what subjects some students might be able to take later on in school, and what teachers they might be assigned to.

• Upper School - Forms 4 & 5

In 4th form, students choose anywhere from 6-10 subjects (8 is the standard) that they will sit in the Caribbean Examination Council’s O-Level school leaving examinations. Students are free to create their own curricula which must include but cannot be limited to: Mathematics, English Grammar, Biology, a choice between either History or English Literature, or both. Most students take at least one foreign language. Other subjects include: Physics, Chemistry, Spanish, French, Accounting, Principles of Business, Information Technology, Religious Education, Technical Drawing, Art, Theatre Arts and about 25 others. Generally students are informally classified, or classify themselves as Arts, Sciences and Business students, especially if they plan on going to 6th form.

At the 4th form level students can opt to start taking SAT classes if they wish to do the United States SAT exams in order to gain entry to a United States University. There are various centers across the island where students can sit these exams (usually secondary schools)

• Grading: Some exams can be taken at either the Basic or General Proficiency levels, the latter being more common. Exams are graded from Grades 1 to 4. 1 is a pass with distinction, 2 a pass with credit. 3 is a satisfactory level pass and 4 is either a failure, or a ‘basic-level’ pass.

• Sixth Form (Divided into upper and lower sixth)

Sixth form is an optional, two year long, advanced post secondary program, at the end of which students write the CAPE (Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Exams). These are the equivalent of the GCE A-Level examinations which were the standard up until 2003. Some students still choose to sit A-levels if they wish, but in doing so they must still meet CAPE’s basic subject requirements/groupings. CAPE and A-level exams are significantly harder than exams sat at the end of high school, and are often thought to be harder than most exams students will ever sit in university. Entry into Sixth Form is extremely competitive, especially in rural and suburban Jamaica, where there are less high schools with sixth form, serving larger areas.

• Student Government

Tertiary Education

Generally, A-Level or CAPE examinations are required to enter the nation’s Universities. One may also qualify after having earned a 3-year diploma from an accredited post-secondary college. The word college usually denotes institutions which do not grant at least a bachelor’s degree. Universities are typically the only degree granting institutions; however, many colleges have been creating joint programs with universities, and thus are able to offer some students more than a college diploma. A few universities in the United States have extension programs in various parts of Jamaica. Most of the students who enroll in these part-time programs are working professionals who want to continue their education without having to relocate closer to the nation’s Universities.

Tertiary education is offered by the following institutions:

• University of the West Indies Mona, (a regional institution)
• University of Technology (UTech)
• Northern Caribbean University (NCU)
• Edna Manley College of Visual and Performing Arts (an artistic conservatory)
• College of Agriculture, Science and Education (CASE)
• G. C. Foster College of Physical Education and Sports
• 12 teacher training colleges, 14 community colleges, 1 dental auxiliary school, 1 Vocational Training Development Institute, 29 vocational training centres and 6 Human Employment and Resources Training (HEART) vocational training institutions.

Most of the information above taken from here

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In one of Robert Browning’s poems, a musician desired to create music so beautiful, that even the gods would be entertained. Unfortunately for him, Reggae came later.

While reggae may not be the only music form that can be considered a lifestyle, it certainly would require a prolonged and deep search to find another contemporary genre of music with the dynamics, relevance and mystique of reggae. A part of the music’s appeal is its humble and genuine beginnings.

Reggae started as music to deliver a message, entertain the people and be a modern muse to the oppressed peoples of society. However, unlike most other music, it never lost its appeal to these very people and as such maintained its flavor despite the pressure of commercialization. From producers such as Edward Seaga (who would go on to become Prime Minister of Jamaica), who in 1958 he found the West Indian Records Limited WIRL and Chris Blackwell, to the giant companies such Virgin Atlantic Records and Sony, the music maintains its connection with its roots.

It is a genre that transcends every conceivable boundary with relative ease. Robert ‘Bob’ Marley surpassed geographical, religious, cultural and social boundaries with his messages and rhythms. This aspect of the music, puts it in a class by itself and is further symbol of the appeal of the genre.

The allure of reggae is also spurred by the defiance of artists who refuse to conform to emerging social values that contradict those on which the music is grounded. In the 1990’s Jamaican artist came under increase scrutiny for their stance against ‘overt sexual perversion’. Their reluctance to conform and yield to such pressure, resulted in artists such as Mark ‘Buju Banton’ Myrie and Miguel ‘Sizzla ‘ Collin losing millions of dollars in revenue from cancellations. But the richness of the music made it still irresistible to fans across the world.

Reggae will never get socially irrelevant or boring. Producers such as Stephen Gibbs, Christopher Birch and the god-father, Don Corleon, creates rhythms that are absolutely orgasmic. These producers, collaborating with young talents such as Tami Chin, Omar Tarrus Riley and the celestial Alaine Laughton are consistently delivering quality and entertaining materials.

Finally, the fact that reggae appeals to audiences of all ages shows the music’s longevity. There are but few other forms of music than can boast to be able to attract audiences of as wide a demography and in the unbelievable volumes that reggae does. This is a testament to the quality and class of the music.

Beres Hammond, in one of his plethora of hits, sings that music is life. Well if you subscribe to this opinion, then you must conclude that REGGAE IS THE MAGICAL fairytale

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• Have Sunday dinner with Rice and Peas and some mix up juice (mango, carrot etc) religiously every Sunday.
• Carry fried fish and bammy when traveling overseas.
• Call soda “soft drink”.
• Blink their eyes (cut eye) when displeased with someone.
• Refer to supermarket plastic bags as “scandal bags”.
• Refer to green bananas, yams, etc. as “food”.
• Have a kerosene lamp with a “Home Sweet Home” shade.
• Refer to Orientals as “Mister Chin or Miss Chin”.
• Try to get your attention with a “psst….” sound.
• They say hush as a term of condolence and not for someone to be silent or quiet.
• Use words such as ‘irregardless’ and are convinced it is a grammatically correct English word

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Let’s start with Weekdays.

Monday through Thursday breakfast usually consists of a combination of the following:
boiled or fried eggs, fried ripe plantain, cornmeal, rice, banana or hominy corn porridge, Milo, coco or Horlicks, mint tea, or cerase, bread, and fritters. The list is endless but these are some that come readily to mind. Chances are, if you randomly pick a Jamaican and ask them what they had for breakfast in the past week, one or more of these will pop up.

For lunch on the weekdays, it all depends on where you work or how much time you have and how much you want to eat. Lunch can include any combination of the following:
Patty-beef, cheese, chicken, vegetable, shrimp, mega(any meat patty with lettuce and tomatoes, box lunch- cooked food such as rice and peas and chicken with vegetables, Bun and Cheese, soda, coconut water, bag juice and box juice, red peas, conch or chicken soup.
Now, dinner for a Jamaican is meal of the day that we look forward to. A typical dinner menu could include:
Rice and peas- even though this is mostly reserved for weekends, white rice, yam, banana, dasheen, dumplings, sweet potato, irish potato, and cabbage and corned beef, stewed chicken, curried chicken, Stewed peas, tripe and beans, cow foot and beans, corned beef and macaroni, and the list goes on.

Now notice that I said weekdays Monday through Thursday, this is because Friday has one very important feature…NOBODY COOKS ON A FRIDAY EVENING. breakfast and lunch are as per usual but on a Friday evening, its time for something special and the culture is buy dinner. Dinner can either be bought and carried home or eaten on the road. This is the time of the week reserved for things not eaten for the rest of the week and more than likely “non traditional foods” or fast foods. Some foods and restaurants include, Island Grill, KFC, Burger King, Pan Chicken and even Pizza.

Weekends are a different affair. More time is available and as such breakfast prospect tend to change. A typical Sunday or Saturday breakfast may include: Ackee and Saltfish, our National dish, so it holds a very special place in our hearts, liver, mackerel, red herring, fish, saltfish and cabbage, boiled green bananas, yam, bammy, roast or fried breadfruit, festival, boiled and fried dumplings. Sunday dinner is also a special affair and i have noticed that most Jamaican families, settle into the habit of preparing the same set of foods on Sunday. Sunday dinner must include Rice and Peas and one or a combination of the following meats: Fried Chicken, Baked Chicken,Oxtail, Curry goat, Escoveitch Fish, Stewed Pork, Jerk anything….potato salad, toss salad, macaroni salad. Saturdays are not complete without soup. There really is no rule to Saturday eating apart from breakfast and soup.

How could i forget…Sundays are not complete without Dessert Ice cream and Jello or Jello and condensed milk. Or the family goes out to get ice cream.

Special occasions come with special foods. For funerals it’s customary for the family of the deceased to have a nigh night before the funeral and to prepare food for families and friends after the funeral. There must and i emphasize must be mannish water and curry goat and White rum. I really don’t think anything else is mandatory. You might have heard about blue draws and run dung, but you will be surprised to know that those foods although a very important part of our culture are not foods that you encounter everyday here in Jamaica. You should, after this post, have a very good idea of what to expect when you come to Jamaica and are looking for “traditional” foods. It bears well to know what to expect so you can prepare your stomachs…apart from the rich array of foods we love our foods spicy. Eat up!

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