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Showing posts from September, 2025

History of the Pardner system in Jamaica

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  When you think of Jamaican culture , vibrant reggae music, Usain Bolt's sprinting prowess, and the rhythmic beat of dancehall often come to mind. While these elements are undeniably central and rooted deeply in the island's African heritage, Jamaica's cultural tapestry is far more complex and richly woven than many realize. It's a true global mosaic, shaped by centuries of diverse influences. Today, we're diving into a fascinating, often overlooked, chapter: the significant legacy of Indian immigrants. The Arrival: Indian Indentured Labourers in Jamaica (1845) The year 1845 marked a pivotal moment in Jamaica's demographic and cultural evolution. With the abolition of slavery creating a labour shortage, a new wave of immigrants began arriving on the island – indentured servants from India. These individuals, often fleeing poverty and famine in their homeland, embarked on a arduous journey seeking new opportunities in the Caribbean. They arrived with their hopes...

Jamaican June Plum & Carrot Juice

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 This June plum and carrot juice is a match made in heaven! June plums are known for their tart, slightly sweet taste, and when combined with the earthy sweetness of carrots, they create a wonderfully balanced and refreshing beverage. This recipe is perfect for a hot day or as a unique drink to share with friends and family. I've found that using four June plums to twelve carrots gives a perfect balance where the June plum flavour doesn't overpower the carrot, allowing both to shine. Ready to make your own? Let's get to it! Ingredients 12 medium carrots , washed and peeled 4 June plums , washed and scraped 1-inch piece of ginger , washed and diced Juice of 1 small lime Granulated sugar , to taste Water Instructions Step 1: Prep Your Fruits and Veggies Wash the June plums. You can either peel them or just scrape the skin, whichever you prefer. Carefully cut the flesh from the seed. Next, wash and peel the carrots and dice them into smaller pieces. Do the same for the ginge...

How to Roast Breadfruit on the Stove Top: A True Taste of Jamaica

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  How to Roast Breadfruit on the Stove Top: A True Taste of Jamaica Breadfruit is more than just a staple in Jamaican cuisine—it’s a taste of tradition, culture, and comfort all rolled into one. While many people enjoy it boiled, roasting breadfruit brings out a wonderfully nutty, earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with ackee and saltfish, curried chicken, or simply a sprinkle of salt. Today, I’ll take you step by step through roasting yellow-flesh breadfruit on the stove top, the Jamaican way.  Choosing the Perfect Breadfruit In Jamaica, breadfruit, also called bresha , comes in two main varieties: White-flesh: Soft and ideal for boiling. Yellow-flesh: Slightly firmer and perfect for roasting. For this guide, I used a Portland Parish yellow-flesh breadfruit. Its sweet aroma and firm texture make it ideal for roasting, giving it a golden, tender interior and slightly caramelized crust. Preparing the Breadfruit Start by removing the stem and placing the breadfru...

Guinep Drink Jamaican Style

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Jamaican Guinep drink Guinep, also known as Spanish Lime in many other countries, is a much-beloved fruit here in Jamaica. Although its peak season is from late July to early October, a small bag of these green spheres can still be found in some parishes, providing that nostalgic, sweet-tart taste. Unlike many other fruits, the "flesh" or "pulp" of the guinep is quite delicate, so when making a drink, it's crucial to get the flavor right. This Jamaican-style Guinep drink is the perfect way to capture its unique taste. The Secret to a Perfect Flavor The key to a truly flavorful guinep drink is simple: use more guinep and less water. The pulp of the guinep is light, and if you use too much water, the resulting drink will taste insipid. By using a generous amount of fruit, you ensure the drink is rich, full-bodied, and tastes just as it should. Ingredients About 3 dozen ripe guinep 3 cups of water 1 small piece of fresh ginger root, peeled and crushed Your favorit...

Raw Sewage Overflows in Bushy Park Housing Scheme, May Pen Clarendon

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Residents of Bushy Park Housing Scheme, May Pen, must step over sewage that has overflowed from a manhole for over a month.   Residents Step Over Sewage for a Month For over a month, a manhole in the middle of Bushy Park Housing Scheme, May Pen, Clarendon has been overflowing with raw sewage. Human waste, tissue, and other debris have spread across the crossroad, leaving residents to step around the mess daily. Public Health Concerns The untreated sewage poses serious health risks, including the spread of waterborne diseases and mosquito breeding. The stench has become a daily nuisance for families in the community, while the sight of faeces and tissue floating on the road paints a grim picture of neglect. Blind Loyalty vs. Accountability Despite the hazard, many residents continue with daily life, even stepping over the sewage on their way to the polls during political activities. The situation has triggered criticism of what some call “blind loyalty” to political parties. ...

Welcome to The Jamaican Culture

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  At the market You ever notice how Jamaica greets you before you even open your eyes? The rooster crowing like him have election to win. The smell of fried dumpling drifting through the window. Somebody in the lane already calling out, 'Mi have sweet mango, come look!' That’s the Jamaica I know, and the Jamaica I’m here to share. This space is for the real stories —the high points and the pressure points. The ones you hear in the market while you waiting for your change, and the ones that make you shake your head at the latest headline. The ones your grandmother tell you in Patois so rich, you can taste the history in every word. Here, you’ll find the full spectrum of the rock, including: News, Sports & Current Affairs: The latest happenings, analyzed with a yard perspective. Recipes with the story behind them: Because food without history is just a plate. Satire and Humor: Turning bureaucracy, politics, and everyday absurdities into something we can laugh at together. ...