As we draw close to August when Jamaicans celebrate

’emancipendence’, we take a look back at what it means to be Jamaican – the things

that drive us, feed our souls, make us so beloved and so unique.

We’ll explore why no matter where we go, we stand out

in any crowd not only because of our ‘accent’ but also our actions. Jamaica is

indeed a brand and we just need to accept that the world loves us for being apologetically

and indescribably us.

Here are some things that most Jamaicans, home and abroad,

can attest to being part of our experience.

To some it may seem like hardship but to us, it’s just

life. The list was compiled by asking random Jamaicans what they think every

‘yaadie’ has done at least once in their lives.

Read our list and see if you are indeed Jamaican or if

you need to return your passport.

1. Swim or ‘bade’ in a river.

2. ‘Bade’ in a bucket or bath pan….outside.

3. Taken a country bus.

4. Go bird bush, mango walk or ‘grung’.

5. Stoned a stranger’s tree.

6. Eaten boiled dumplings and butter.

7. Gotten beaten by your parents.

8. Taken off your school shoes and walked home

barefoot in the rain.

9.  Used

newspaper or brown paper to wrap your text books.

10. Launched paper boats in a gully when rain fell

11. ‘Ketch up’ coal stove or wood fire.

12. Burnt your finger on a Dutch pot trying to steal

food.

13. Worn shoes two sizes big because your parents said

you will “grow into it”.

14. Eaten the ice that formed on the top and sides of

the fridge.

15. Had your foot size drawn on cardboard and then sent off to ‘farrin’.