In Our Neighbourhood

When hog ask him mumma, Wey mek yuh mout so long? him mumma sey, pickney yuh a grow yuh wi si. My mom said this a lot when I was growing up in Jamaica, much to my chagrin. Your mother or grandmother probably used this and other proverbs too to provide inspiration, encouragement, guidance, or admonition. The Caribbean is a treasure trove of wisdom. Our proverbs are an integral part of Caribbean folk culture and can often find their counterparts in either the West African or European cultures that have largely shaped us. They have survived several generations, but do we still regard them as valuable?

As we commence a new year, it’s not uncommon to search for some inspiration to accompany us over the next twelve months. We will likely check out a few blog posts produced in the Western world or seek wisdom from trendy personal development gurus with modern methodologies. They have their place, of course, but let’s not discount the wisdom so pervasive in our region. The proverbs of our parents and grandparents, though seemingly annoying as a child, are pearls of wisdom that remain timeless.

So, here are a few proverbs from across the region that can help to illuminate your path in 2024 and beyond. While I’ve categorised them, each is certainly applicable across various spheres of our lives. Ditch the kale smoothies and meditation apps for a moment, and let’s dive in.

• Financial Management

Willful was’e bring woeful want. (Jamaica)

Being Jamaican, it’s only natural to begin with a Jamaican proverb. One of my biggest personal regrets is how much money I wasted at the beginning of my professional life. Fresh out of college, I had simply never earned so much money before and I had no true plan for it. I could think of a few things today I would like to use that money for. The proverb is a reminder not to squander your money. You might bitterly regret having done so when you find yourself in need.

• Faith

When you play Warri with God, you get no seed. (Antigua and Barbuda)

Attempting to “con” God will earn you the worst outcome. There are so many ways we try to con or outmanouevre God. Sometimes, it’s the bargains we strike promising to do XYZ for Him if he does such and such for us. Then we forget once we’ve had our miracle. Other times, it’s doing precisely what he asked us not to simply because we know He is willing to forgive over and over. The Antiguans and Barbudans have a poignant reminder here that it won’t end well.

• Relationships

One hand can’t clap. (Barbados)

This is identical to our own Jamaican saying. There is tremendous value in relationships, whether they be family relationships, marriages, friendships, or even work relationships. We go further when we let go of our tendency to tackle everything on our own and embrace cooperation and mutual support. After all, no man is an island.

• Character Development

Bitay fè ou vanse. (Haiti)

This translates to “A stumble moves you forward”. We often spend time procrastinating on a new project or undertaking because we are not sure we are capable of doing it well. We might even miss out on important opportunities because of this fear. The thing is: a stumble isn’t a fall, but a chance to spring forward. This proverb encourages us to embrace life’s inevitable missteps as stepping stones to growth. After all, making a mistake is better than doing nothing at all, since we learn from our errors. What a wonderful thought so masterfully packaged by Haiti!

• Material Possessions

Na put you head wey you body carn pass. (Antigua and Barbuda)

In other words, “Don’t hang yuh cap whey yuh can’t reach it”. Learn to live within your means. With social media, we are bombarded with images of our friends or people our age living their “best lives”. That usually involves expensive material possessions, such as an opulent home, a flashy car, or tons of clothes. Even travel is becoming the new form of materialism. These things may be great, but they are not worth your financial stability. Going to the latest hype destination, for example, should not leave you in debt for years to come.

• Health

One one dutty does mek dam (Guyana)

In Jamaica we say, “One one coco full basket”. I think you’ve realised by now how similar many of our sayings are across the region. The truth is, the good actions and bad actions you take in respect of your health add up over time. Eating poorly day by day eventually affects our bodies, but so does eating well. Foregoing exercise on a regular basis comes back to haunt us, but small regular increments also add up over time to give us positive results in weight loss or mental well-being, etc. Keep at your health goals in small consistent steps. Consistency is key. One day, your actions will pay off.  

So, there you have it, some gems to guide you through 2024. Let me know below what Caribbean proverbs resonate most with you.