Written by Kareem LaTouche
Everytime I would tell my high school friends that I am from a little town in St. Thomas called Somerset, they would look at me in disbelief, because they had never heard of that place before. As I got older and understood the terrain more, I understood why, as the only things prominent in St. Thomas, in those days, were Serge Island, which was close to the town, Seaforth and the Goodyear factory, next to the roundabout. The latter created so many employment opportunities and was the crown jewel of the parish until it was closed down.
Anyway, back to my childhood community, which branched off from the Trinityville Main Road that also provided access to Mount Lebanus and Cedar Valley. At the entrance point of Somerset, was Miss Betty’s Shop, where I would buy soldier lorry toys and try to win the big balloon that was pinned to a cartridge paper. It was also the spot to be on Saturday nights as, Mass Jeetoh, who was a butcher, and Miss Puncy, his wife, sold jerk pork, served on brown paper, and fried dumplings. The dumplings were so big, we called them ‘cart wheel.’ They did not have hands to sell their delicious food!
Now, while our district’s activity was fun, it was nothing major compared to that of Seaforth, on the weekend. Outside of Morant Bay, this was the hot spot with some of the best dances of the day.
Miss Betty’s shop was also a landmark where outsiders would stay and wait for someone from the area, since the houses didn’t have gate numbers and strangers weren’t easily welcomed. So usually, a visitor would come by the shop, and send word with a resident that ‘so and so’ is here to see him/her.
My family house, which was owned by my grandfather, John Downie, was the first turn off on the right, after passing the bridge. It had a long dirt road, with a prominent almond tree and at nights it would be extremely dark. I remember, my cousin, Rennae and I would run like wild horses at night to get to the house, as we were afraid ‘duppy’ would catch us.
My grand uncle, Eddie Downie, had a house up the road and his son, who was like an uncle to me, Calvin Downie, otherwise known as Shaft or Trevor, lived next to him. He was the life of the party, he operated prominent buses like ‘Shaft’ and ‘Downie’s Transportation’, which made about four round trips per day from Morant Bay to Downtown Kingston.
For us, the weekend was a time for coming together and doing something fun, like driving down to the beach at Roselle, which most persons call White Horses. One yard would be responsible for cooking the pot of rice and peas and another, the chicken. We, the younger kids, were sent to call and assist the elders, who were a part of the trip. We would then load up two of the buses and make our way to our destination. A highlight of the journey was when they would drive around the roundabout three or four times, to the delight of the female passengers.
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When we arrived at the beach, most persons headed to the waterfalls first to wash off any ‘crosses.’ Back then, the water flowed heavily, which is contrary to the trickle that now drips. Each person waited in line to receive their aqua therapy, as the hard hitting water messaged their bodies.
While this was taking place, transportation operators, Lucky and Shorts would start to build the party vibes. To this day, Shorts is one of the funniest persons I have ever met. Once he started talking, the laughter came in an uncontrollable manner. Most persons only went into the beach for a dip, as the water was usually aggressive. Folklore has it, the name White Horses came from the fact that the waves were so strong, they looked like horses running on the water. We would stay until late in the evening and then we blasted the music heading up back to Somerset.
It was this love and camaraderie that made ‘country’ life fun, as everybody would look out for each other and there was still a connection between the youths and the elders.
Let me know in the comment section below, if you know about Cedar Valley, Somerset or Mt. Lebanus. You can also test how well you remember Jamaica’s transportation system by taking the quiz below.
Source: Margaret Downie, Lorna Downie and Beverly Douglas.
Test how well you remember Jamaica’s country buses
It was such a Joy reading your story. I left JA possible before you was born. I lived a stone throw up the hill called Ackee parade.
I knew the then Downies who had buses which I often drove on to Morant Bay with my grandma, Mrs Ruth McPherson. I attended TrinityVille School, Headmaster Mr Pape. TrinityVille Anglican Church also the Baptist Church. The then Minister was Pastor Erskine. They were some of the happiest days of my then young life.I often visited Somerset, Mt Lebanus & Cedar Valley. Mum & Dad had a shop then & the Dacres also had one.
That’s great to know, thanks for sharing your story as well
I am so happy that you took the time out to feature Somerset, Kareem; my place of birth. I guess you are Madge daughter. In your next post it would be good that you come mention the farmers. Trips to Carito, Margin and Blue Pond in Shaft jeep. Great memories.
You’re welcome, i plan to do some more stories on there. So keep on the look out
Very good memories, parish of my birth they don’t leave like people do they always stay with me. Remembering Mass Vin Downie, Mass Eddie Downie, Miss Burke, Shaft, so much. (Transportation)
Somerset divided in the following correct me where I am wrong Big Stick, Down a Castle (Gully Pass) Cross Roads. I remember the river and the deep hole with that area called Big Stone. Many times bathing, fun swimming holidays catching janga , black mangoes (blackie) coming down the river while swimming. Memories memories let me stop. I would love to meet you.
Hello Vivia,
How are you?
Kareem is my son.
I can still remember vividly the fond memories we had growing up in Somerset, as children.
Madge
Hello Vivia,
How are you?
Kareem is my son.
I can still remember vividly the fond memories we had growing up in Somerset, as children.
Madge
Hello Vivia,
How are you?
Kareem is my son.
I can still remember vividly the fond memories we had growing up in Somerset, as children.
Wow and wow Somerset my home town, my naval string is planted there just before you reach the Church of God Prophecy.Still remember Trevor picking me up first to go up to top Somerset to get anyone going into Kingston. Jamaica Bible church was my second church.Ms Gloria kindergarten was my first school( basic).Lystra was my playing ground so many memories too many to name.Thanks for bringing Somerset to the world.
You are welcome, its a lovely place
I was born and grown in Somerset. I attended Lystra Primary School and taught there for a few years. The Principal was Teacher FS Donaldson. I was a member of the Jamaca Bible Church.
Nice to know, it’s a lovely district.
I am Posie eldest daughter. ( the postman) Your Mom Madge is my cousin Bev, best friend to date. Boy they could dress up and go party. Lol, yes man, Somerset, best place to be born and raise. Very fruitful and fun. All who spoke before, I know. Never met you, but I know of you. My Mom used to be the ticket writer on your grandfather’s bus. On Sundays when I went for her pay, not me going home. I would be in the said house watching those musical movies. Hahaha.
Thanks for sharing this info Joan. Long time Somerset going on with things.
Hello Joan (Marcia) please leave me and Bev alone. Lol. We no stop dress up, all now. We use to call him Chen (Postie) and Miss Dear, your Mom. Our nice and enjoyable days growing up, bathe and cook a river, ketch Janga, roast Breadfruit etc…
I could go on and on… beautiful little Town!!!
Hello Joan (Marcia) please leave me and Bev alone. Lol. We no stop dress up, all now. We use to call him Chen (Postie) and Miss Dear, your Mom. Our nice and enjoyable days growing up, bathe and cook a river, ketch Janga, roast Breadfruit etc…
I could go on and on… beautiful little Town!!!
Hello Joan (Marcia) please leave me and Bev alone. Lol. We no stop dress up, all now. We use to call him Chen (Postie) and Miss Dear, your Mom. Our nice and enjoyable days growing up, bathe and cook a river, ketch Janga, roast Breadfruit etc…
I could go on and on… beautiful little Town!!!
Wow I love this story and others done by you. I myself have memories of growing up in this district and always love hearing stories of the district. I grow up in the house infront of bro Abe house. Am still living in Somerset, I was the one who show you where Pastor Haynes lived.
Great work keep inspiring the world of our beautiful district and country and may God bless you 🙏.
You are welcome Nadine thanks, for the kind words.
Thanks for sharing Kareem. The story was well articulated and I could see your childhood through your eyes! I have very fond memories of growing up in Drapers Portland… very humble beginnings. 😊
You’re welcome Shaune, our childhood memories are something we must always treasure
Great story. I remember being sent to Trinityville Secondary to do my internship. was reluctant at first, but soon learned of the wonderful people, the scenery and touring all those places you and your readers mentioned. I was close friends of the Downies, been to their home in Somerset, bar hopped to Cedar Valley where you don’t need ice: wonderful memories.
VERRY GOOD I KNOW SHAFTAND ALL THE DOWNIE,NICE TO BIG UP OUR PARISH. WALKER FROM SPRING GARDEN.
I am from st Thomas port morant. I was born 85 and my dad sent for me by 96. I went to prep school in morant bay while I lived there. Kson bus is what most people used. My grandma on mom side lives in white horse, I’ve never visited and if I did I must have been a lil girl before my mother and father separated. Love st Thomas always. PS my dad, aunt and uncle went to sea forth high. I’ve heard about a good air factory and drove by a area last year but it must close before I was born. When my dad and friends which are now late 50 early 60 they speak so passionately about st Thomas. They have all moved away for a better life just like their parents before but I hear the longing in their voice. Thanks for sharing st Thomas memories.
You are welcome
Wonderful story. I am envious of you getting to live in the real country. We bought our first house in Harbour View 71 Fort Nugent Drive . I was 14 and so proud my mommy worked so hard to save the money. She was divorced from my daddy from I was little. Everyday a group of my friends and I would walk down to the circular shopping mall and cross the busy road to get to our favorite beach. We would eat sea grapes and look for a cart to get shave ice. Love hearing your stories.
Wonderful story. I am envious of you getting to live in the real country. We bought our first house in Harbour View 71 Fort Nugent Drive . I was 14 and so proud my mommy worked so hard to save the money. She was divorced from my daddy from I was little. Everyday a group of my friends and I would walk down to the circular shopping mall and cross the busy road to get to our favorite beach. We would eat sea grapes and look for a cart to get shave ice. Love hearing your stories.