While on my way to do a Kareem’s Quest episode (click here for more stories), I saw something unusual in Kingston, a vendor on a donkey. In the past, it was very popular and was even used as an attraction at schools and birthday parties, where kids would ride in the cart for fun. However, throughout the years, this tried-and-true mode of transportation died out, especially in corporate areas.
So I had to have a quick chat with the driver and ask him why he chose to use this means of transportation. Equipped with a spif hanging from his bottom lip, Damion Williams is no stranger to the donkey cart business, as it has been passed down from two generations, in his family.
(To access other stories similar to Damion’s, check out the links at the end of the article)
“Mi come and see my grandfather using a donkey to transport a lot of goods from cane to jelly, so naturally I took it up,” Williams revealed to kareemsquest.com. Fortunately, this practice is still common in areas like Mammee Bay, St. Ann (Click link to read story).
On his days off from his regular job, he plies the Washington Boulevard area in the midday sun, selling coconut water to anyone looking to quench their thirst. When asked if he would ever consider using a horse, he gave a profound and confident response.
4 things to know about donkeys:
- Donkeys are domesticated equines that are related to horses. They are thought to have originated in Africa, and have been used by humans for centuries for transportation, labor, and companionship.
- Donkeys are typically smaller than horses, with a height of 90-140 centimeters (35-55 inches) at the withers. They have long, floppy ears, a short mane, and a long tail.
- Donkeys are intelligent and hardy animals. They are known for their stubbornness, but this is actually a sign of their intelligence and caution. Donkeys are not easily startled, and they are very good at assessing potential danger.
- Donkeys are also very loyal animals. They form strong bonds with their owners, and they are known for their gentle nature. Donkeys make great companions for children, and they are often used as therapy animals.
Interesting facts about donkeys:
- A donkey is stronger than a horse of the same size.
- Donkeys can vary hugely in size, from 26 inches to 63 inches at the withers.
- A donkey’s bray can carry up to 60 miles in the desert.
- Donkeys have incredibly efficient digestive systems, and they can eat food that would be poisonous to other animals.
- Donkeys are natural guard animals, and they will often defend their herd from predators.
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