Left: This woman uses a mortar and pestle. Right: Do you remember this type of pot? - photos by Rasbert turner

It was an 'Ole Time' Jamaica theme at the recently held Seventh-day Baptist Basic School in St Catherine, with a number of dishes from the past greeting the palates of patrons.

There was a variety of dishes - From the famous dokunu, hominy porridge, baked bammy, mackerel run dung to roti and dahl, curried chicken and salt fish stew for those who wanted to eat.

Home-made beverages, like ginger beer, sorrel, lemonade, hot chocolate sweetened with coconut milk and cane juice, were made available to all.

The products were literally gobbled up by patrons who visited the school the special day.

"The run dung taste very good man. That's why me a deal with it so hard, I never know seh you could use coconut milk to help sweeten porridge and tea," said Natalee Levene as she tasted her hot chocolate sweetened with coconut milk.

Displays

Displays showcased the Jamaican flag and other national symbols, and this, along with the magnificent array of goodies, proved fascinating for adults and children alike. Many had high praises for the excellent and well-researched idea to bring the past to light in such a tasteful way.

The school's principal, Millicent Smith, in thanking her staff and parents for their efforts, said, ''The parents and my staff have done a marvellous job in making it a success; it has helped to make persons aware of their past,'' Smith told The Gleaner during the exhibition.

Students and teachers at the Seventh Day Baptist Early Childhood Institution showing a different side of heritage. Taken on Wednesday October 14, 2009.

Students and teachers at the Seventh Day Baptist Early Childhood Institution showing a different side of heritage. Taken on Wednesday October 14, 2009.