In the face of crises, Jamaicans showcase a level of resilience so profound that it has come to be known as their quintessential “Jamaicanness.” This was evident during Hurricane Beryl, when the island’s “cut an go chu” attitude—persevering despite challenges—shone through. Amidst the chaos, humour became a coping mechanism. Laughter and jokes provided relief, transforming fear into a manageable experience and strengthening community bonds.
The phrase “cut an go chu” and the ability to “tek serious things mek joke” truly capture the spirit of determination, resilience, and persistence that Jamaicans bring to every challenge. It embodies the idea of pushing forward regardless of the obstacles in the way, and possibly even having some fun while doing it.
@jasontyson59 #foryoupage #fyp #viral #foryou #trendingvideo #jamaicapublicservice ♬ original sound – jason
Ingenuity and Community Spirit
Disasters often unearth the best in Jamaican ingenuity. It is in these moments, as Miss Lou would say, that we are able to “turn our hands and make fashion,” as well as find ways to keep the engine running. For instance, Donavan Heath from Frome, Westmoreland, turned the community’s lack of electricity into an entrepreneurial venture by charging $100 to power phones with his solar-powered generator.
Social media platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and even TikTok played a crucial role during the disaster, as they were used to mark the safety of relatives and community members, share information about property damage, accessibility in certain locations, and organise grass roots relief efforts.
Beryl yuh tough but me tougher
This TVJ “Bite of the Week” clip perfectly encapsulates the tough and unbreakable spirit of Jamaicans. In the clip he poignantly remarked, “Beryl you nah go bury me, you only tek off couple house top and mash up mi building. Starting all over again it’s gonna rough but I’m rough and tough, it’s better the assets gone than my life”
Comfort and hope through creative expression
Since emancipation we have faced numerous individual and national crises. Loss, lack, and starting over is nothing new to us.
In times of turmoil and strife, we draw strength from our creative expression. When the economy crashed in the 1940s, we got by on Miss Lou’s comedic relief and poetry. When it was “not an easy road,” we turned to Bob Marley and Peter Tosh for messages of hope.
It is no surprise, then, that in response to the catastrophe Beryl left behind, we would use creative outlets to voice our frustration while also delivering messages of hope. Poet Khorii Rhymez, in his ‘after storm review,’ used humour to chronicle the storm’s journey through Jamaica and the people’s response to the disaster. Much like Miss Lou, Bob Marley, and others before him, it was a highly relatable and comedic poem that provided comfort to his fellow Jamaicans.
@khoriirhymez Storm report #khoriirhymez #jamaica #poem #hurricane ♬ original sound – Khorii Rhymez
Faith and emotional resilience
Jamaicans’ faith also plays a significant role in their emotional resilience. The staff at Sandals Negril are a testament to this. After securing their guests safely in their rooms, the staff banded together, singing, “I Am No Longer a Slave to Fear, I Am a Child of God.” Without even knowing it, this act of faith reassured their guests, who secretly recorded their worship. As the winds picked up speed, they offered comfort and a sense of safety amidst the storm.
@stacydorgan Beautiful Praise & Worship overheard by the staff of Sandals Dunns River during hurricane beryl #beryl #jamaica #jamaicatiktok #jamaicantiktok #hurricaneberyl @Sandals Resorts ♬ original sound – Stacy Dorgan
Cyaah keep wi dung
The indomitable spirit of Jamaicans is not just about surviving but thriving in the face of adversity. A deep sense of community, creativity, and faith form the foundation of this spirit. It is evident in the way we come together to support one another, in our innovative approaches to problem-solving, and in our unwavering belief that we can overcome any challenge.
Through humor, creativity, community support, and faith, Jamaicans demonstrate that no matter how dire a situation may appear, their strength and determination will prevail. This is what makes Jamaica a unique and inspiring place, where even in the face of the most daunting challenges, the people remain steadfast and hopeful, ready to rebuild and move forward.
