Making that magic work for all Jamaicans

Excerpt from Observer column published 29 July, 2019

by Jean Lowrie-Chin

In this Emancipation Week, we give thanks for Jamaica’s beauty, bounty and talent, and the work being put in to share that Jamaican magic with our humble folk, especially women and the disabled.

As we surveyed the huge crowd packed in the Catherine Hall location for Sumfest and listened to the ringing voices of our Jamaican stars, we felt the magic of this country which we are blessed to call home. The next morning, we enjoyed the famous Pelican Grill Jamaican breakfast and drove along the coast to Negril, passing the shaded roadway flanked by the famous Tryall estate, and Round Hill, the quaint Lucea Townhall, the blue sea and sky. 

Crowds at Reggae Sumfest - Jamaica Observer photo

Oh yes, we slowed and rolled our windows down for the young soldiers at the SOE check points.  Our taxi man Michael who had taken us to Sumfest the night before said he welcomed the SOE. “People complain about the early closing hours, but if you organise yourself you can manage alright,” he said.  “This is cutting down crime, so we have to live with it.”

Sumfest brought a windfall for hotels, restaurants, taxis and the folks who had booths and sidewalk jerk offering. Passing Priory on our way back to Kingston, we were caught in a traffic jam, only to discover that it was the attraction of ‘Pudding Man’ with his long row of dutch pots on coal stoves and topped with more live coals – “Hell a top, hell a bottom, alleluia in the middle”. His puddings have a growing number of fans and trust me, that pumpkin pudding could hold its own on a dessert plate in the finest restaurant.

However, vendors in craft markets continue to complain to reporters that business is slow and the Fern Gully stalls are now being bypassed. Clearly, there needs to be other opportunities for these folks.  I remember the exquisite embroidered linens from the Allsides project – if only this could be restarted so that we can produce unique, easy-to-pack gifts for our visitors. I had heard about a basket weaving project sometime ago but the only baskets I see in our home goods stores are imported.  A few Jamaican online stores are gaining traction – hopefully they will reach out to these vendors.

My friend Clover Baker Brown discovered a skin care product manufactured by Eden Gardens, and when she mentioned to colleagues that she was going to place an order online, she ended up having to order a whole case.  Café Blue has been offering delicious packages of brittle in various flavours – a great favourite to take overseas. Ann Smith and Luciene Morrison created their popular Anilu pudding and cake mixes which are gaining in the export market.  We are blessed with the best flavours the opportunities are endless.