Jamaica Power Cuts Are Great

This wasn’t my first experience with a power cut in Jamaica but it was definitely the best one. Last night almost all of Ocho Rios and surrounding areas had a power outage and it turned into one of my most memorable nights in this country. There was nothing amazing about it except the cool vibes. All the neighbors in my yard got together for a cookout in the back yard, with flashlights and music from one of the cars.

This cookout was already planned with my landlords and neighbors so they’d been marinating jerk chicken and pork since the day before….I didn’t even know we had a grill in the back yard! So everyone contributed – they brought the meat, I brought ice and Pepsi, someone brought rum, and someone brought music. Kenny Rogers seemed to be the artist of the night, Jamaicans make me laugh. I even two-stepped for a minute.

We were all having a really nice evening when conveniently JUST after it turned dark, the power cut. That was the end of our lights and music, but not food and rum. Also conveniently every neighbor had a flashlight in their house so we all went to get them and we continued by flashlight.

While we were cooking and drinking some of us called friends in other areas surrounding Ochi just to find out if their power cut too and sure enough almost everyone I know was in the dark. We got our music back when someone turned on their vehicle and all was good. I’m not sure why this was such a great night for me but it was. I enjoyed the atmosphere of everyone together cooking and visiting and laughing. Sorry, it’s not like me to get all mushy but this night was just cool.

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Comments

7 responses to “Jamaica Power Cuts Are Great”

  1. This is the side of Jamaica people need to write about more, we are not all animals as some people would thing. Just normal people going about their business and trying to enjoy life while reacting to whatever life throws at them. I love your blog.

    1. Thank you so much Andy! It means a lot that you like reading. And yes, I agree. Jamaicans seem to take whatever life throws at them and make the best of it. I imagine a power cut back home for me would mean that no one would know what to do and least of all go cook outside with flashlights!

  2. It sounds like a great time to me. I’m feeling like it was probably one of the best nights you have had because it was simple. Simple is best – just take what you have and roll with it. Good company always makes a better day as well. There is nothing better then being in a simple/real environment with down-to-earth people. Life is so simple to enjoy; it’s us adults that make everything so difficult.

  3. Yup .. when I was younger power cuts were a blessing. Dad would get out his guitar and we’d go on the verandah and have a great time as a family, singing ol’ time songs and what not. We’d actually be disappointed when the light came back or even urn them back off and continue.

    Now … the first thing I do is call my ‘boyfriend at JPS’ and see how long I’ll be in misery! My how things change

    1. I’m glad you commented on this post because I forgot I even did it and it’s one of my fondest memories.

  4. Heather Avatar
    Heather

    Alright, so if power goes off while I’m there, follow the smell of BBQ, got it! Thx!

    1. Kristi Avatar
      Kristi

      LOL Heather! Well I highly recommend your suggestion over checking into a hotel. This WAY more intimate and pleasant.

      PS: I ALWAYS have a flashlight keychain so I’m never in the dark. Good advice to go by if you live local-style, or use the bathrooms in neighborhood bars, etc. There’s not a lot of nighttime light in communities LOL.

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