Jamaican Single Mothers Make Sacrifices at Back-to-School Time
Island to
Island

by Ralston Blair

A Mother’s Love

As we draw closer to the back-to-school period, I lift my hat to the many mothers who are single parents and struggling to offer all the requirements for their children. The situation of single-parenting, here in Jamaica, still leaves a lot to be desired, though it has vastly improved over the years. I was recently reminded of the effects of it when I caught a glimpse of a local “Oprah” style television show called “Susan.” In that episode, some mothers were offered free cash and school supplies to assist them for their children in returning to school. Unfortunately, there were far too frequent cases in which these women told of being abandoned by the fathers. It was sad, but encouraging, seeing how these mothers, despite economical and emotional drawbacks, stood up strong and supportive for their children. With two sides to every story, of course, we cannot know the full picture, especially since the fathers were not on camera to defend themselves. No matter how unsatisfactory a relationship is between parents, the children should never be the ones to suffer.

I’m reminded that there are some single mothers at work on the U.S. work program, too. Most, I’m happy to say, are in a better position to be able to do a lot more for their children than those mothers who were on the show.

A massive “big up” to those fathers who help to lighten the load on these mothers by standing alongside them in a responsible way. Keep on loving the children and keep the doors of opportunity open for them.

Down in Jamaica

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez made a one-day visit to Jamaica. The visit was pivotal, because it involved the signing of the much-awaited Petro-Caribe Agreement between the two countries. Under this agreement, Venezuela will supply Jamaica with 21,000 barrels of crude oil per day at a preferential rate of $40 per barrel. It will accrue a loan interest rate of only one percent, along with a two-year grace period and 25 years to repay. A U.S. $200 million funded expansion, by Venezuela of the Petrojam Oil Refinery in Kingston will also get underway.

There also was good news at the gas pumps prior to President Chavez’s visit. Motorists were treated to a $1.30 reduction in gasoline price.

Noted holistic practitioner Dr. Ted Emanuel is slated to host a long-anticipated television show on Jamaica’s CVM Television Sunday, September 4. This naturopathic health guru will be dealing with a wide array of health and medical conditions prevalent in Jamaica and the wider Caribbean. The show will be syndicated in other parts of the Caribbean and in parts of North America.

The Governor General of Jamaica, His Excellency Sir Howard Cooke, has given his full support behind the upcoming Jamaica Homecoming Week. Set for October 15-22, this event seeks to bring back a community spirit of togetherness.

Yet another Jamaican soccer player (from the Harbor View Football Club) is on the verge of being signed to play for a major soccer club in Britain. Nineteen-year-old Luton Shelton impressed the league championship team Burnley during a two-week trial stint in which he scored a hat trick in a reserve game against Carlyle and is, therefore, awaiting a work permit from the British Home Office to be able to stay and play in the country. If successful, Shelton will become the third Harbor View player to be signed to a British club. The first two were Ricardo Gardner and Damien Stewart.

Jamaican Folklore: Jonkonnu, Duppies,

and Anancy

Every country has its unique folklore. Here are some of the major ones in Jamaica.

The Jonkonnu (pronounced John Canoe) is more of a dance form depicted by colorful and eccentric characters than a story, per se. The band of male masqueraders, who once regularly appeared at Christmastime, performed as kings, queens, cows, horses, demons, and mock policemen accompanied by musicians playing flutes, drums, and rattles. Jonkonnu is a tradition dating back to the plantation era, when slaves were allowed to celebrate only at Christmas. The festival itself is thought to have its roots in African rituals. Today most performers are planned for important state affairs.

The concept of duppy (meaning ghost) is popular in much of the island’s culture and was a means by which adults could whip up a scary response toward children. Though the term “duppy” refers to all spirits, among the special ones were the Rolling Calf the duppy of dishonest people; the Three Foot Horse, whose breath is said to kill, The River Maid, a powerful water spirit.

Stories of these characters are no longer popular or frightening to Jamaican children, but back when electricity was not so prevalent and a group of people would gather around in a group, these were the stories sure to send a chill up the spine.

Finally, we come to the fun folklore: Anancy. These stories are Jamaica’s principal folk tales and featured B’rer Anancy and friends. This mischievous and crafty character (half man and half spider) was included in a large number of tales in which he outsmarted his way out of situations.

Place Profile: Mandeville

Situated in central Jamaica, this very modern town is one of the few spots on the island renowned for its cool climate, owing to the fact that it is nestled 2,000 feet above sea level in the Manchester Hills.

The town was founded in 1814 and named after Lord Mandeville, the eldest son of the Duke of Manchester, the governor after whom the parish was named. The town quickly became a retreat for wealthy growers drawn by the peaceful setting and cool mountain breezes. Bauxite and alumina mining sustained the area’s economy in the 1940s. Presently, it is the heart of the island’s citrus industry.

Golf, tennis, horseback, or bicycle riding are enjoyable in the bracing mountain air. In July, championship golf and tennis matches are held on the superbly manicured grounds of the Manchester Club. The surrounding region offers bird watching and camping.

The more courageous sightseers can venture to Lover’s Leap, 40 miles south of Mandeville, and stand close to the edge of the cliff side about 1,600 feet over the sea. The spot is famous owing to the historic story attached to it. Reportedly, in the time of slavery, a pair of enslaved lovers chose to plunge to their deaths rather than be parted.

Resembling a town in the English Midlands, Mandeville still holds more than a trace of Old England. A quiet elegance pervades this charming, cool, and hilly resort.

An Old Jamaican Saying

“Dog ah sweat, but long hair cover it.”

Translated Meaning: A dog may be sweating, but because of the long hairs that cover its body, you do not see it. This saying speaks to the situation where a lot of unfavorable things may be taking place behind the scenes, but are not apparent to the eyes of the public.

I appreciate your e-mails, so please keep them coming. You can send your comments, questions, or suggestions to blairnyou@hotmail.com.

Until next time, Stay Irie!

Ralston Blair is a Jamaican writer and journalist who has worked the past several summers on Mackinac Island. He is writing this year from Jamaica. Ideas and comments about his column can also be delivered in care of the Town Crier.