I have an agreement with 'Glenville Lovell' an author, to interview him one afternoon during the course of this summer. Looking forward to it. In the mean time if you've not read, get a copy Too Beautiful to Die or the sequel Love & Death in Brooklyn.

Today was a marvelous day. While I'm starving for summer weather, I hope for a mild summer. A tormenting heat wave would be fortuitous. I am looking forward to spending a great deal of time outdoors ....and sharing some of my experiences with you.

I hear a soft knock, let me go and see. Went to the door... my 1 1/2 years old neighbor and her dad. Cute as a button I tell you. She was apparently let loose to roam in her yard. Dutty.. Lawd har little t-shirt was twisted off to the side and the khaki pants.. yes .. khaki.. almost every inch, grass & dirt-stained. Her face smeared with dirt like she was getting a mud facial and what did she do... pooker up for a kiss. Besso...besso. Thank god mi had kids and understand dat it alright to kiss and hug dutty pickney.

Anywho, I am looking forward to an exciting summer chit-chatting with authors, singers, professors, artists; pees from all walk of life. I plan to visit the kitchen of local mom&pop as well, bringing you tips and recipes of Caribbean food. A few nights I'll grab a seat at bar to check out what dem mixing up these days. Bar is not like days gone by.

This poem have always been one of my favs. I love it because it characterizes the general personality of a Jamaican - Proud, Outspoken, Entrpreneurial. Additionally, the backdrop is set in the hills of Portland, a place I'm well-acquainted with. As a child I was accustomed to the sight and sounds of farmers who eke out a living growing and selling bananas.


The Song of the Banana Man
by Evan Jones

Touris, white man, wipin his face,
Met me in Golden Grove market place. 

He looked at m'ol' clothes brown wid stain

An soaked right through wid de Portlan rain, 

He cas his eye, turn up his nose, 

He says,
'You're a beggar man, I suppose?'

He says,
'Boy, get some occupation, 

Be of some value to your nation.
'
I said, 'By God and dis big right han 

You mus recognize a banana man.



'Up in de hills, where de streams are cool, 

An mullet an janga swim in de pool, 

I have ten acres of mountain side, 

An a dainty-foot donkey dat I ride,

Four Gros Michel, an four Lacatan, 

Some coconut trees, and some hills of yam, 

An I pasture on dat very same lan

Five she-goats an a big black ram, 

Dat, by God an dis big right han

Is de property of a banana man.



'I leave m'yard early-mornin time 

An set m'foot to de mountain climb, 

I ben m'back to de hot-sun toil, 

An m'cutlass rings on de stony soil, 

Ploughin an weedin, diggin an plantin 

Till Massa Sun drop back o John Crow mountain, 

Den home again in cool evenin time, 

Perhaps whistling dis likkle rhyme, 

Praise God an m'big right han

I will live an die a banana man.



'Banana day is my special day,

I cut my stems an I'm on m'way, 

Load up de donkey, leave de lan 

Head down de hill to banana stan,

When de truck comes roun I take a ride 

All de way down to de harbour side—

Dat is de night, when you, touris man, 

Would change your place wid a banana man. 

Yes, by God, an m'big right han

I will live an die a banana man.



'De bay is calm, an de moon is bright 

De hills look black for de sky is light, 

Down at de dock is an English ship, 

Restin after her ocean trip,

While on de pier is a monstrous hustle,

Tallymen, carriers, all in a bustle, 

Wid stems on deir heads in a long black snake 

Some singin de sons dat banana men make, 
Like,
Praise God an m'big right han

I will live an die a banana man.



'Den de payment comes, an we have some fun, 

Me, Zekiel, Breda and Duppy Son.

Down at de bar near United Wharf 

We knock back a white rum, bus a laugh, 

Fill de empty bag for further toil 

Wid saltfish, breadfruit, coconut oil. 

Den head back home to m'yard to sleep, 

A proper sleep dat is long an deep. 

Yes, by God, an m'big right han

I will live an die a banana man.




'So when you see dese ol clothes brown wid stain,

An soaked right through wid de Portlan rain, 

Don't cas your eye nor turn your nose, 

Don't judge a man by his patchy clothes,

I'm a strong man, a proud man, an I'm free, 

Free as dese mountains, free as dis sea, 

I know myself, an I know my ways, 

An will sing wid pride to de end o my days
Praise God an m'big right han

I will live an die a banana man.'

I've decided the time has come to develop this blog. Actually, I was waiting for the right time. Now!!  This journey must run across  the globe into various Caribbean communities. My purpose: Expand my knowledge on caribbean legacies, foods, music and art forms.

I am confident accessors from a wide cross section and background will be willing to share cultural perspective(s).

Blogging about Caribbean roots and culture is an initiative that I hope will have an impact not only my life but also the life of others known or unknown to me. I've determined that the value of who we are is far to great to ignore. Knowledge of cultural heritage will assist us to build extraordinary lives. Its proven that popular culture is imprinted in our consciousness but there must be a bridge between the past and now, to ensure iconographic value. Social awareness pertaining to the worth of our art forms is  critical.