There is a famous corner in Norwich, close to Oshea’s Kitchen, where fruit stalls line the street in a decorative manner. While driving past the area, KareemsQuest.com was in search of some breadfruits and spotted some being sold by Glen, a shirtless rasta man, with a humble demeanour, wearing a red, green and gold beaded chain. His stall was furnished with cold press coconut oil, honey, naseberry and avocado, just to name a few.
Full interview with Glen
Of course in typical KareemsQuest.com manner, a conversation was initiated, as we selected our fruits for purchase.
Not one to shy away from his reality, Glen, who has been at the spot since 2018, revealed that he has been working hard from a very young age. “Growing up wasn’t easy for me, because I had to tek care of my father’s animals every morning before I go to school. Dem times deh, I was a very likkle boy.”
A native of Portland, Glen would also follow his father to the market to sell their produce. “We used to go to the Port Antonio Market, to help my father sell his goods. Because at the end of the day we had to earn something to buy dinner.”
When Glen became of age, he started to fend for himself and ventured into fishing. “I did fishing for a long while, but a lot of times the water was too rough and sometimes I came back with nothing.” For this reason he started to think of other ways to earn a living. “My brother in law was on this corner selling fruits and he would be able to take care of himself at the end of the day. So I started coming out here and selling breadfruits while watching how he handled himself.”
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The Breadfruit era
His brother in law and others kept encouraging him to set up something a stall, but Glen was a bit skeptical. “Them alway telling me to come out here, but I wasn’t certain if my goods was going to sell. Eventually I tried and people started to give me support.”
He also noticed that customers were buying one item from him primarily. “Ah breadfruit do the math still, yeah man. Everybody know me as the breadfruit man, from dem early times deh.” In his pursuit to meet his customers demands, a remorseful Glen pointed out that he would trespass on a near-by property in Passley Garden, to pick his breadfruits.“I never liked doing it still, but that was the best way I knew how to survive. I just wanted to have a start and once I got enough breadfruits to start up my business and stopped going over the property.”
As Glen’s business grew, he surprised the proprietors of the property he used to trespass. “I go over there and support their business, to the point where the security guard was shocked to see me doing business on campus. But as I said, I just wanted to better myself.”
Similar to Damion the donkey cart vendor, Glen is a self-made individual who remains humble and focused. And if you are ever in this area, stop by and support him.
A little history on breadfruit
In the 1700s, breadfruit was a significant crop in the Caribbean and was brought to Jamaica somewhere between 1972 and 1793, by Captain William Bligh. Information found on rada.gov.jm states that it came from Tahiti, the largest island in French Polynesia, which is close to the famous tourist attraction Bora Bora.
It was initially used as ‘cheap food’ for slaves, but it became a favourite among many, for its texture and taste.
It is a great source of carbohydrate and can be roasted, boiled or fried, with the first option being the most popular for most Jamaicans (check our poll results here). Its use has also expanded beyond the customary cooking traditions, as it now has many other byproducts such as chips, puddings and one that we at kareemsquest.com are eager to try, punch.
Quick Facts
Name of vendor: Glen
Location: Norwich, Portland,
What to buy: Breadfruit, this is what he is known for.
What stands out about the spot: How clean and scenic the Norwich area is.
Plan your Portland Excursion
Planning a Jamaican escape to the verdant jewel of Portland? Fuel your wanderlust with insider tips on the Top Hotels/Places to stay in Portland, from eco-chic lodges to cliffside havens. And for your wild adventure side here are some great Things To Do in Portland. Remember, as you embark on your Jamaican quest, Kareem’s Quest is always here to help you plan the perfect excursion with various tour packages and Itinerary plans.
When the call of adventure beckons, let Kareem’s Quest be your guide. We’ll curate an unforgettable Jamaican experience for you, from hidden waterfalls and secluded coves to bustling markets and authentic reggae bars. Let’s make your Portland escape truly magical!
P.S. Don’t forget to share your Portland symphony with us using #KareemsQuest on social media! We can’t wait to hear your island melodies.
