Jamaicans still the kindest of people
Published:Friday | June 29, 2018 | 12:00 AM
THE EDITOR, Sir:
A few days ago, I went to downtown Kingston. I wanted to get a few ingredients to prepare some beef soup for dinner.
After purchasing most of the items on my list, I realised that I had forgotten to get Irish potatoes. As a result, I stopped at several stalls to inquire about the cost of such provisions. None of the asking prices suited me, and so, I continued my trudge (and desperate search) through the broiling sun and the sweltering crowd.
It then struck me that the male vendor from whom I had purchased some produce the weekend prior would have been sure to have reasonably priced potatoes. Bypassing the testy-looking female vendors, I made my way to his stall.
However, I was disappointed to find that his potatoes were more expensive than those being sold by the previous vendors with whom I had spoken.
Instantly, I decided against buying the potatoes from him. Instead, I asked the price for his cho chos. He said, "Just tek up one, man." I did and started rummaging through my purse to find some coins to pay him.
Again, I asked, "How much me must give you fi the one?"
"A give me a give yuh the cho cho, you know. Just tek it, man."
I was surprised, but very soon, I became rather suspicious. Why would this man give me one big 'whola' cho cho fi free?
My suspicion soon changed to a strange and an inexplicable sense of pity. I then decided to return his kindness by purchasing the potatoes despite his charge.
After thanking him for the cho chos, I told him that I wanted a pound of the potatoes. I quickly took up some, placed them in a plastic bag, and handed him the bag to check the weight. Without saying a word, he tied the bag and returned it to me.
Again, I went into my purse.
"What you looking for?"
I proudly extended a $500 note to him.
"A give me giving you the potatoes, you know," he said, smiling. I was stunned!
"No, man. I prefer to pay you," I said.
"Somebody caah just be nice to you? Yuh nuh go church?" he questioned, all the time still smiling.
"Yes, but is a lonnnnng time me nuh go," I answered honestly.
"Well, you need to go back. Take the potatoes. Call it a gift," he furthered.
It then dawned on me that sincere kindness still abounds among our sweet and nice-nice Jamaicans. They will give, even from the very little that they have.
SHAWNA KAY WILLIAMS-PINNOCK
Old Harbour, St Catherine