I often wonder what Jamaica felt like 48 years ago on the eve of August 6, 1962. I can’t imagine the joy, pride and electrical buzz which infused the island. I dream of what people ate and drank, or if they ate at all in the excitement. Today our eating habits have changed a lot, but what hasn’t changed is the Jamaican love of hospitality. One thing I know for sure is that one never goes hungry in most Jamaican homes. It’s not unusual for someone to “put on the pot” or “run a boat” for an unexpected guest. This is one of the fundamental personality traits I love about Jamaicans.

Over the past week I have criss-crossed the island and I’ve enjoyed the street food which makes Jamaica special. One of my most memorable moments took place on Spur Tree Hill in Manchester, with a gentleman from whom I bought a boiled corn. While I was nibbling away happily on my steaming, fragrant yellow vegetable encased in its green husk, I noticed a pile of sugarloaf pineapples. I asked the vendor how much they cost and he told me the price. He went over and felt the pineapples and came back empty-handed. I was puzzled when he said, “No Miss, I can’t sell you them.” I said, “What do you mean?” He replied, “Dem pretty, Miss, but not fit, so it’s not right for me to sell you any, but you can check further down the road.”

I really respected his honesty. So many times we focus on the negative characteristics displayed by some of our people, but this man represented for me the majority: simple, honest citizens with integrity. Yes, we have had our “teething” pains as a young country, but there is still so much of which we can be proud. This is one of the prettiest places on Earth with a unique populace. Our recent challenges have been scary, but we are survivors and I really hope that our ancestors, who were turning in their graves recently, can rest in peace when we finally fulfil our destiny.

This past week has seen the heights of holiday euphoria. Many folks are taking vacation now as we are enjoying back-to-back long weekends for the artfully coined “Emancipendence”. People have opted for “staycations” and prefer to be local tourists or simply relax in the comfort of their homes. On this the eve of Independence, I’ve been thinking about what I’d like to prepare for an entertaining menu if I were to host friends at my house, which I have not done in ages. Many of you have reminded me of this fact and it is so true. Today I share two dishes especially since many of you will be cooking over the weekend.

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Thank you very much, MegaMart!

Happy Independence Day and Bon Appétit!