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On Monday, October 30, 2023, Jamaica experienced the strongest earthquake to occur on the island since the 1957 temblor that struck Montego Bay. The Unit for Disaster Studies in the Department of Geography and Geology at the University of the West Indies, Mona, initially reported the magnitude of Monday’s quake at 5.6, but a United States Geological Survey (USGS) report issued later listed the quake’s magnitude as 5.4. Its epicenter in the parish of Portland was located in the northeastern part of the island approximately two miles west-northwest of Hope Bay at a depth of about six miles, according to the USGS determination. There have been several after-shocks following the initial quake.

Impact of the Earthquake

No injuries of serious damage or serious damage were reported, but the shaking, which was felt over nine parishes, caused heavy shaking, power outages, knocked traffic lights, and shook wine and food products from grocery store shelves. Some building damage was reported, including a three-story house in Portland. A cement factory collapsed, and phone service was also disrupted.  At a meeting of the United Nations International Seabed Authority, members fled the room when the quake struck, and the meeting was postponed as participants needed time to “adjust emotionally,” according to Brazil’s representative Elza Moreira Marcelino de Castro. A video circulated on social media showing senior Jamaican journalist Cliff Hughes seeking shelter under a desk as the earthquake intensified. Additionally, a recording of a live interview on Twitch with Jamaican singer Sean Paul being abruptly cut short due to the quake was also shared online.

Prime Minister Holness Reassures Jamaicans

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness called for calm, disclosing that initial damage assessments showed minimal damage and no injuries. Prime Minister Holness noted that while the damage had been relatively minor, Jamaica’s disaster authorities were taking all precautions and earthquake protocols had been activated. He urged people to find a safe place to shelter as many areas of the island are without electricity or phone service.  “We give God thanks for sparing us the worst,” he added.

Jamaica’s History of Earthquakes

Small earthquakes – as many as 200 per year – are common in Jamaica and the surrounding area, but large temblors are rare. In 1692, a very large earthquake devastated the town of Port Royal and caused a portion to sink into the sea. In 1907, Kingston experienced a large quake that killed over 1,000 people.  Jamaica had a 4.6 earthquake in April 2023 that was felt across the island. The last big quake was in March 1957, and most of western Jamaica was impacted. Jamaica is located on the Enriquillo–Plantain Garden fault zone, which it shares with Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

Photo –  Deposit Photos

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Jamaican Nathan Haddad has been called a “force of nature” who ensures that the seasonings made by his Peppatree enterprise reflect the essence of Jamaica and the pride and spirit of his people. A sixth-generation Jamaican, Nathan has spent the past ten years carefully crafting his Peppatree products, which are locally grown and “cut down to the bone” as the innovative Haddad likes to say. A reporter from Forbes magazine accompanied Haddad on what the Jamaican described as the “ultimate farm-to-table lunch as he sourced the authentic ingredients that give Peppatree its unique flavor.

Off-Road Travel

The interview began with a ride in Haddad’s off-road truck heading to Maxine and Son’s Fish Enterprise located in Rae Town Fishing Village in Kingston. The four “just caught” hog snapper fish were obtained from Ratty, the fish vendor, then it was off to buy farm-fresh okra, onions, and the famous “Scotchy,” the Scotch Bonnet pepper Haddad believes is the very essence of Jamaican uniqueness. This pepper is special because it is grown in the natural combination of Jamaica’s soil, sun, and sea, a flavorful mix of heat and fruity flavors.

The Singular Scotchy

While Haddad acknowledges that other manufacturers are making pepper sauce and seasoning, there is no way to substitute Jamaica’s Scotch Bonnet variety. Other peppers need other ingredients to shine, he says, but “Scotchy shines all on its own.” The flavor of the Jamaican-grown pepper cannot be duplicated beyond the island’s borders, and anyone who has tasted the locally grown item will quickly agree. People can make “Jamaican products” outside of Jamaica, Haddad added, but they will not have the same vibe.

The Power of Locally-grown Food

Haddad is a great supporter of developing and building locally grown and produced ecosystems and believes that the “global mimicry” of Jamaica’s cuisine represents a major threat to Bran Jamaica. This is why he uses only local sources, and he has created a repository of intellectual property spanning over 30 countries in his efforts to develop the right locally-based connections to grow his brand while simultaneously sustaining the local community for the greater good. “Everyone knows,” he says, “that there cannot be Jerk seasoning or any other Jamaican food without the Jamaican soil.” There is power in village foods, he added, in the flavors, smells, sounds, and culture associated with authentic ingredients. Everything that grows in Jamaica – pimento, ginger, scallion – has always been praised as among the world’s best, and Jamaica’s cooking techniques, which date back to the indigenous Taino people and rely on native fuels and methods, provide the unmistakable flavors that can only be found on the island.

The Lunch Experience

Enjoying the fish prepared by Ms. Gladys at her famous cook shop with lime juice, Peppatree seasonings, scallion, thyme, okra, carrots, and Scotchy in a sizzling pan, the rest of the day was spent at Bob Marley Beach in Bull Bay. Haddad and his guest carried their plates, heavy with fish, bammy (cassava bread), and festival (fried dumplings), to a hut made of bamboo and palm to enjoy the feast to the sounds of reggae music. Over the meal, Haddad told his story: how Peppatree is dedicated to his father, a doctor and mentor to his community, and how Peppatree arose through Haddad’s experiences as a lover of nature, a designer, photographer, and creative director, as well as a practitioner of Tai Chi, Bagua, Xingyi, and traditional Chinese medicine.

Like Father, Like Son

Haddad’s creation of Peppatree reflects his desire to be like his father, motivated by more than money and social success. Haddad wants to be a positive member of his community, fostering life in its people, its food, and always appreciating the perfect creations of Mother Nature.

Photo – PeppaTree’s Facebook Page

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