Journeying through Time: Nostalgic Reminiscences of a past Jamaicat"

Lois Grant

The past three years (2020-2023) brought a halt to my vacation plans, courtesy of the unspoken pandemic that gripped the world.

However, as we find ourselves freed from the shackles of that confining prison, hope springs forth once again. I hear whispers of a fresh outbreak in the air, a haunting reminder that our newfound freedom might be fleeting. Who knows? We may find ourselves thrust into another period of uncertainty and longing for the adventures we crave.

My first destination on this eagerly anticipated journey is a reunion with one of my beloved Aunts. It has been years since we last met, and the recent loss of her husband, a partner of 52 years, adds a bittersweet note to our gathering. But within the confines of her presence, a delightful dance of memories ensues, carrying us back to the vibrant tapestry of rural Jamaica in our youth.

Through the stories shared by my Aunt, I catch a glimpse of my paternal grandmother, an extraordinary force of nature. Even in her eighties, she maintained a remarkable vigour, fearlessly tending to her goats and traversing fields and rivers with her indomitable spirit.

But it was in the realm of cooking that her true magic shone. The tantalizing scent of "cren cren" permeated the air as corned pork smoldered over the crackling wood fire in the humble outside kitchen. The sweet potato pudding, carefully crafted on the coal stove,’fire a top, fire a bottom and hallelujah in between’ left an indelible mark on my taste buds. And how could I forget the abundance of fresh produce harvested from the seemingly boundless acres behind the wooden and zinc house, precariously perched on stilts, defying gravity on the hillside? Country folks of that era thrived on the land, journeying to Kingston in their market trucks to share the fruits of their labour in the bustling city.

Ah, the flavours of Jamaica! The mere mention of ackee and saltfish with the luscious yellow heart breadfruit, or the inviting gungo peas soup accompanied by soft yam and dumplings, evoke a symphony of culinary delights. Our grandmother, affectionately known as ‘S’Amy’ ("Miss Amy," )possessed a heart brimming with generosity. She never hesitated to extend her table to the entire village, seemingly drawing a throng of passersby who coincidentally arrived just in time for a sumptuous meal, be it breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

As we shared these stories with individuals from different parishes, we discover a common thread that weaves through the collective memories of Jamaicans. It was a Jamaica where sharing and caring for one another were woven into the very fabric of our existence. Envy and ill will (bad mind) found no fertile ground amidst the vibrant community spirit that embraced the adage, "It takes a village to raise a child." In that time and place, the success of one was celebrated by all. 

And when England beckoned its children to aid in rebuilding the country after the ravages of the Second World War, the Windrush generation, buoyed by hopes and dreams, embarked on a heartfelt send-off to the great Motherland. The air resonated with laughter, music, and the taste of victory, as they bid farewell to their island home, carrying with them the prayers and well-wishes of their loved ones. Each young person clutched a one-way ticket, purchased with hard-earned savings or the support of relatives and friends. They ventured forth, breathing life into the promise of a safe journey and prosperity in the United Kingdom.

Decades have passed since those farewell parties of jubilation, and the Windrush generation has traversed diverse paths. Some have returned, building lavish homes in their childhood districts, while others have found new lives in the United States or Canada, revelling in their well-deserved retirement. Yet, amidst the triumphs and joys, there exists a palpable sense of trepidation for those who fear returning to a Jamaica forever altered. Their memories are a cherished treasure, sustaining them as they navigate the latter chapters of life.

As I embarked on this profound journey down memory lane, a tender warmth enveloped my being. Within these shared stories and cherished remembrances lies the essence of a Jamaica that time may have transformed, but the spirit endures—a tapestry of love, unity, and boundless generosity that tugs at the heartstrings and stirs the soul. It is a bittersweet symphony, harmonizing the joys of the past with the wistfulness of a Jamaica our generation long to revisit, even if only in our memories. 

In the twilight of their lives, those who carry the indelible memories of that bygone era find solace in the whispers of the past. Each cherished memory holds the power to evoke profound gratitude for a Jamaica that lives on within their hearts. For in the end, it is the stories of love, community, and cherished traditions that resonate, encapsulating the true essence of Jamaica and leaving readers moved to laughter, tears, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of a nation that thrived on unity and the indomitable spirit of its people

Written by Mrs. Lois Grant - JP, MA, BA. (Hons) Dip Mass Comm, Cert. Broadcast Journalism BBC-London. 

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