Jamaican ‘Hard Times Bikkle’

We can’t dispute the fact that many Jamaicans are undergoing a severe lashing from the harsh economic times. Thanks to our leaders, it is through their inefficient planning and inadequate preparation that we’re now facing this major economic challenge. Nevertheless, life goes on. Having said that, you may be wondering where’s this blog going? So here goes…

There was a time when certain kinds of foods were regarded as ‘poor people’ food. Even though I don’t know how we differentiate between ‘rich’ & ‘poor’ people food. As far as I’m concerned, both classes of people have mouths with the same tastebuds to consume the same kinds of food. Anyway fast forward to 2014, some of these same foods that were once looked down on by a certain caliber of persons, have now found their way on their tables. These are the kinds of foods I refer to as ‘Hard Times Bikkle’

1. The ever famous cornmeal. Back in the days, cornmeal was a popular staple that the rich fed to their dogs & one that the poor consumed in different styles morning, noon and night. Now in 2014, the poor can hardly afford cornmeal and the rich now feed their household a freshly prepared dish of turned cornmeal, depriving their dogs of such delicacy.

2. Grace “Dutty Gal” (ghetto for Tin Mackerel). Yuh have some people weh used to gwaan like dem nuh nyam tin mackerel and nuh waan people see dem buying it. Now hard times reach dem, yuh surprise fi see how many tins dem tek off Mr. Chin shelf. Many can’t even afford the Grace brand anymore, dem haffi draw fi NuPak.

3. Chicken Back. This precious commodity which was once used to feed dogs as well have now found itself out of Bruno’s pan and in Mr. Brown’s plate. Now used as a substitute for chicken parts in many households, persons have found creative ways of preparing chicken back. Stew, curry, jerk & fried etc. chicken back deh pon top a tings again.

4. The famous ‘gas busser’ crackers. Now yuh have some people weh neva used to nyam crackers but opted for bun & cheese or patty & coco-bread instead. Since the government raised flour prices, the price of such things went through the roof and many have resorted to the famous National water crackers. When hungry lick an’ yuh draw fi 2 a dat, nutten cyah buss gas soh.

5. And finally, after all that food you must need something to wash it all down. Back in my childhood days, it was so easy for persons to purchase a bottle of soda or fruit juice. Now that the price has skyrocketed pass the $100 mark, many have resorted to bag juice or the ever refreshing homemade lemonade. Two sour oranges, one lime, spoon of sugar (or syrup if you can afford it) & water…stir well and enjoy.

And that concludes today’s episode of Jamaican ‘hard times bikkle’. Stay tuned for more as the times get harder.

I am Laydee Sharmz saying ‘doah put yuh basket weh yuh cyah ketch it, buy wha yuh can afford an’ gwaan eat a food’.

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