Carl Gilchrist, Gleaner Writer

Nelson

Marlo Nelson, growing up with Jamaica

IT WAS a year when Marlo Nelson took a huge step to becoming a woman, celebrating the start of her teenage years with a birthday on April 24, 1962.

However, the significance of that personal milestone was to be overshadowed, albeit temporarily, when Jamaica celebrated independence from Britain some months later, on August 6.

"It was exciting! We got a lot of souvenirs like cups and other stuff - I remember the cup I got, it was white with red writing on it. They also had little biscuits which they printed (Independence) on them. As kids, we were very excited and just enjoyed ourselves with what was going on," Nelson recalled.

"Looking back, in my 47 years since then I have seen a lot of changes."

Many of the things Jamaicans have grown accustomed to were not available back then and cost of living was more affordable, she pointed out.

Going to the shop

"When you go to the shop they wouldn't say quarter-pound or half-pound ah sugar, they would say three-pence sugar, or two-shilling bread.

"My grandmother used to have a shop and the children always come for lunch and she would make fritters and things - it was like - penny bread, ha'penny (half-penny) fritters, penny drops, three-pence bread and butter, they sell the bread and butter like that. They use to cut up bread and sell it, you could get a half-a-bread or a quarter, or even cut the quarter in two and you could buy that.

Snow balls

"We used to have snow ball, they sheared the ice and put syrup on it, they just give you in your hand, as you get it the syrup start run out (so) you have to hurry and try suck it up."

She added: "Today we have a lot more modern things; things are more accessible and there is a lot more food than in those days. The main problem right now is the crime and violence."

Are we better off now than before Independence? Nelson ponders, not sure what to say.

"Well, I would say we're better off now," she finally responded.