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One of the things that set apart Jamaican grandmothers is their relentless pursuit to furnish the younger generation with life advice. Your Jamaican granny will tell you how many years and years of experience, trials and errors she has under her belt that allow her impart invaluable wisdom upon her children, grandchildren and just about any young person who will lend her their ears. Now, when it comes to matters of the heart, you might think, “Hey, times have changed, does granny’s advice still stand? You decide! Here are 7 golden relationship advice that your Jamaican granny would tell you to keep your romantic relationships intact.

Tek sleep mark death

Translation: Take sleep and mark death

Within the context of an abusive relationship, your Jamaican granny is simply advising you to think twice. If it happens once, it could happen again.

Bible sehhhhh ‘don’t let the sun set on your wrath’

Translation: The Bible says, “Don’t let the sun set on your wrath.”

It basically means you shouldn’t go to sleep with unresolved issues hanging between you and your spouse. Talk it out before bedtime.

Anno every time yuh si cloud a rain

Translation: Not every time you see a cloud, rain falls

Don’t jump to conclusions. Give things time to reveal themselves. Things aren’t always what they seem

Wata know weh fi walk gah pumpkin belly

Translation: Water knows where to flow to reach the belly of the pumpkin

Your Jamaican granny warns you to be cautious with “just talking.” Nature has its plans, and accidents happen. Be responsible, my child.

Every tik have ‘im hoe a bush

Translation: Every stick has its hoe in the bushes

Your Jamaican granny is encouraging you to don’t lose hope after a breakup. There’s someone out there for everyone. Time heals all.

Anno every frock tail weh pass yuh fi follow

Translation: Not every dress hem that passes should be chased

Your Jamaican granny is advising you to be selective in your pursuit of a relationship. This is especially in cases where the person you admire is of questionable character.

Wah sweet nanny goat ago run him belly

Translation: What tastes good to a goat could upset your tummy

If you’re in a relationship that feels good now but deep down you know it’s not right, remember that what feels good in the moment can lead to discomfort and problems later on.

So, have you decided? We think your Jamaican granny always know best. It’s possible that following her warnings or advice a few times, could save you a few heartbreaks and resurrected a few relationships. Also, share these relationship nuggets with your children. They will thank you for them.

Photo – Deposit Photos

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In Jamaica, pride is a highly-valued personal trait so apologies don’t come easy. Jamaicans have basically mastered the art of saying “sorry” without saying, “sorry”. If you are ever in a situation where you need to apologize, but you don’t really want to:. Here are 10 Jamaican ways to patch things up:

“Hush”

When a Jamaican feels remorse but don’t want to outright apologize, a simple “hush” can express regret without admitting fault.

“Nuh bada gwan suh” –  Don’t behave like that

Jamaicans use this phrase when they feel a tinge of guilt and want to end the quarrel. It’s like saying, “let’s move on,” and, “don’t forget to smile”.

“Yuh know seh wi a fren from long time, mi wouldn’t do dat man”  – You know we are long-time friends, I wouldn’t do that.

While the Jamaican, in fact,  did something offensive but doesn’t want to own up to the dirty deed.

“Mi neva mean it like that man” – That wasn’t my intention.

When someone takes offence to something said by a Jamaican, this is the usual “apology”.

“Yuh know seh anno suh mi did mean it man, relax nuh” –  You know that wasn’ t my intention. Please, calm down.

This is similar, Jamaicans use this line when they say something really offensive. Emphasis on the ‘yuh know seh’  and the ‘relax’ with a smile, maybe even throwing in a playful shove.

“Wah yah gwaan suh fa, a mistake” – Why are you behaving like this? It was a mistake.

When a Jamaican wants to downplay the situation by claiming that it was a mistake when, in fact, it wasn’t.

“A accident, a never purpose” – It was an accident. I didn’t do it purposefully.

In moments of shock or surprise, Jamaicans use this line to stress that their actions were entirely accidental and unintentional. You’ll notice a sudden widening of the eyes, for effect.

“It never that bad” –  It wasn’t that bad.

This is the popular line used by Jamaican parents who feel guilty about punishing their kids but refuse to apologize.

“Aight, aight, done now nuh”  – Alright, Alright, stop now.

This is a skillful way Jamaicans shifts blame by inferring that you are making much out of a simple matter.

“Then easy now nuh man” – Calm down now, please

If you’re dating a Jamaican, expect them to use this line to escape an argument.

Now that we have armed you, use with discretion but, go forth and mend your relationships.

Photo – Deposit Photos

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On September 14, 2023, Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness officiated at the official opening of the section of the Southern Coastal Highway Improvement Project (SCHIP) that runs from May Pen to Williamsfield. The newly opened section represents SCHIP’s Part A, making major reductions in the time it takes to travel between Clarendon and Manchester parishes and providing significant economic and social benefits to those using it. Funds for the project were made available via a loan from the Government of the People’s Republic of China and implemented by the National Road Operating and Constructing Company Limited (NROCC), under the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation.

Prime Minister Praises Project

In his remarks at the opening ceremony, Holness described the new development as one step toward improving Jamaicans’ quality of life. He also noted the gains in productivity associated with the new road as it would reduce time lost in traffic along with the discomfort and aggression created by driving on bad roads. Holness listed other benefits as improved response times of security forces and lower costs related to the delivery of agricultural products to market. Improvements in infrastructure improve the nation’s well-being, he emphasized. Motorists will be able to use the highway at no cost until the end of 2023 on December 31. Beginning in 2024, however, toll rates will be imposed.

Scope of Project

Holness added that the scope of the highway improvement project includes a new bridge comprising four lanes to be built across the Rio Minho. This is expected to enhance the resilience of the area to potentially damaging weather events. Also featured is a liability phase lasting two years in which the contractor, the China Harbor Engineering Company (CHEC), will be required to fix any defects related to the project.

Project Officials Mark Highway’s Opening

The managing director of the NROCC, Stephen Edwards, noting that the implementation of the project contract began in 2019, called the highway opening a “momentous occasion” in the development of Jamaica’s infrastructure and characterized it as a “giant leap forward” for Clarendon, Manchester, and all Jamaicans. Minister of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport, Hon. Daryl Vaz, said the opening of the highway represents “a pivotal junction” in the transportation history of Jamaica, while Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation, Everald Warmington, said the new leg of the highway network signified “development, connectivity, and the promise of a brighter future” for those traveling the south coast of the country.

Features of the Project

The project includes a four-lane highway, 23 kilometers long, with a diamond interchange and Florida-T at May Pen, a separated interchange toll gate, four bridges, 17 concrete box crossings, and an interchange at Melrose. Also featured are upgrades to some five kilometers along the Melrose Bypass, including a four-lane dual carriageway, a police post at the toll gate, safety fences, concrete barriers in the medians, and the installation/expansion of fiber optics.

Photo – JIS on YouTube

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