Hermitage residents take a trip down memory lane

Since 2013, the community of Hermitage, rural St Andrew, has hosted its annual reunion in July, wrapping up just in time for the Independence Day festivities.

But this year, the celebrations stretched right into August 6, and though it was not the best idea, according to one of the coordinators Sean Grant, he is elated to see that residents and people from nearby communities came out to participate in the games that took him down memory lane. The reunion is held in order to give both locals and returning residents a sweet slice of Jamaican nostalgia, and for the participants, that was more than enough.

"This year, we were advised to stretch the celebration a little bit, but it was a bad idea because we usually end before August start so we can give room for other celebrations. But even though the timing was off, it brought back that real Jamaican feel especially with people from the diaspora who really get a chance to relive a little of their childhood," said Grant.

Among the games played was 'dandy shandy', a fast-paced staple of Jamaican schoolyards. The game, also called 'Sightins', depending on the community, is played with two throwers standing apart and one or more players dodging in the middle as a ball is hurled at them. If you're hit, you're out. If you go a number of rounds without being hit, then you win.

"Cock up is a 10, six is a out!" shouted one woman during the match, reminding everyone of the playful taunts and counting systems that came with the game back in the day.

According to Grant, this year's reunion included a church service, cricket competition, beach trip, cooking contest, and, of course, the dandy shandy face-off.

"When we just started back in 2013, it was really about linking the diaspora with home. Most of the events were built around what people abroad missed about Jamaica," he explained. "They would call in, tell us what they wanted like dandy shandy, Chinese skip, hopscotch, jacks, marbles, even spinning gig and we include them in the activities."

Though turnout from overseas visitors was down this year, he said many still supported virtually or through donations, and the committee, which is a mix of local and overseas past residents, is already planning for 2026.

"The connection is strong," Grant said. "Even though some diaspora now coming back more often and getting used to things again, the love and bond is still there."

Kerry-Ann 'Lindy' Johnson, 37, has been involved with the reunion since its early years. For her, the event is more than just fun.

"This reunion means a lot to Hermitage and even wider Jamaica. We're coming from a far place with violence and everything, so this now just set the pace for people to bond and come out." This year's activities kicked off with a church service on July 27. A senior citizens' dinner was supposed to start things off, but limited funding meant that plan had to be shelved. Still, Johnson was proud of what the team managed to pull off.

"The beach trip was amazing! Two JUTC buses had to carry us, that shows yuh how much people wanted to go and we had a grand time." For Independence Day, Johnson expected a mixed crowd of young and old.

"That's what it's about, unity and remembering our roots," she said.

While the turnout wasn't "exceptional", Johnson said the response online has been positive and she's hopeful that next year's staging will bring back the same energy as the first reunion in 2015, which she described as "off the chain".

"People seh dem never know anything was happening today, so next year we haffi promote harder," she added.

Both she and Grant agreed that there is value in keeping the culture alive, especially for the younger generation."

"Some of them don't even know how to play these games. So it's a joy to show them, not just for fun, but so they understand what we used to do, how we bond, how we grow," Grant said.