Today, we remember things we used to have, the everyday things, the big businesses, some now gone, some just different. KareemsQuest readers, let us tell you about a Jamaica from the 80s that you might remember, or maybe even heard your parents talk about.
Air Jamaica
The first thing that comes to mind is Air Jamaica. Oh my goodness, that airline! It was a whole lot of pride wrapped up in a white, orange, and yellow plane with the hummingbird on the fin. When you stepped onto that flight, you knew you had arrived home before you even touched down. And the food! Forget the little plastic trays you get nowadays. We’re talking proper Jamaican meals – ackee and saltfish, stew chicken with Johnny cake, dumpling, or boiled food. A real feast! And the stewardesses? So polished! Always well-dressed and smiling. But the best part? The pilots could land that plane smooth as silk. Every single time, they received a round of applause. And a carry-on? Seventy pounds! Just imagine that.
Rexo floor polish
Keeping the house looking good also extended to the floors, and Rexo floor polish was a champion in that area. Along with Genie, it was one of the most popular. But shining the floor back then was no easy task. You had to get down on your knees with a cloth and really put in the work, rubbing and buffing until the floor gleamed. It was hard work, but the satisfaction when you saw the shine? It was worth it.
First Life
Speaking of getting things done, who remembers First Life? They had a serious advertising campaign going. I remember the commercial so clearly – people standing in a long line outside a competing bank, looking miserable, while the First Life line was short and efficient. They promised short waiting times, and that was a big deal back then.
Shakey’s Pizza
When hunger hit, especially if you were a young person like me, Shakey’s Pizza was the place to be. It was the “in” thing! Pizza wasn’t as common then as it is now, so Shakey’s was a real treat. I used to love going there with my friends. It was lively, it was fun, and the pizza was delicious! I even remember them selling submarine sandwiches for a while. Different times, different tastes.
Wandero
Now, let’s talk about keeping the house clean. Back in the day, we didn’t have all the fancy multi-surface cleaners. We had Wandero. That was the name for clean floors, especially if your house had those beautiful terrazzo tiles. Every Saturday, you could smell it in the air – that distinct Wandero scent as people polished their floors until they gleamed. They also had detergent powder, competing with big names like Subsil and Breeze. It was a real battle in the supermarket aisle.
Hardware and Lumber
If you ever needed anything to fix up the house or do any construction, the place to go was Hardware and Lumber. Everyone knew H&L. And who could forget their two mascots on TV? They always made you smile. From nails to zinc to paint, that was the go-to spot. You knew if H&L sold it, it was good quality.
Delite
Food was always central to Jamaican life, and Delite was right up there with Grace as a brand you could trust. My mother used to buy all sorts of Delite products. But my favorite? That Delite fruit punch in a tin. Sunday dinner was a big affair, and that fruit punch was essential for ‘stretching’ the mixed fruit drink so it could serve the entire family. It was a part of the Sunday ritual.
Gordon’s Dry Gin
Now, I won’t lie, my household didn’t have many drinkers back then, but I always remember the Gordon’s Dry Gin commercials. Even as a young boy, I could appreciate how magnificent they were. They showcased Jamaica in all its beauty – the stunning landscapes and the timeless fashion of the actors. It felt sophisticated, a glimpse of the good life.
Jentille lotion
Skincare was also a thing, and many brands were trying to get consumer’s attention. One I remember well was Jentille lotion. Pronounced ‘jaun-teel,’ it was marketed towards working-class women, the backbone of our society. It was seen as a way for them to take care of themselves after a long day of hard work.
Woolworth
For a real treat, though, nothing beat a trip to Woolworth. Oh, that store had everything! It was like a little piece of America right here in Jamaica. Clothes, toys, household goods… but for me, it was all about the candies. They had a whole counter full of sweets, and the prices were so reasonable. I could spend hours just looking at all the different treats. It was a happy place.
Fabulissimoso
On the other end of the spectrum, if you wanted to feel exclusive, there was Fabulissimoso. That was high-end! It consisted of skincare sets for skin toning and moisturising, and the ads were all about glamour and exclusivity. You wouldn’t see Fabulissimoso in every household, but it was definitely a brand that people admired.
Thinking back on all these things, it’s remembering a time, a feeling, a way of life. Some of these things faded away as Jamaica changed, as the world changed. But for those of us who remember, they hold a special place in our hearts. They are a part of our history, our culture, and our personal stories. And that, my friends, is something no amount of progress can ever erase.
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