The Montego Bay sun beats down mercilessly, the air thick with the scent of sunscreen and frangipani. It was a typical Jamaican summer day, perfect for lounging by the pool – or, in my case, meeting the effervescent Tricia Rowe, a.k.a. “Trish Di Dish,” a craft vendor whose personality is as vibrant as the island itself.
Trish, sporting bright, chunky glasses perched atop her nose, greeted me with a smile that could rival the Caribbean sun. “How yuh doing nice jenkleman? Come an look at some of di tings I have for sale.” Her infectious optimism emanated from her like a blossoming flower, as she dropped her tagline,“I’m cheaper than Walmart and better Quality.” Donning a stylish Jamaican t-shirt, she was the embodiment of island life.
Now, Trish isn’t your average trinket seller. Sure, her stall boasted a kaleidoscope of Jamaican-themed souvenirs – quirky bottle openers, dangly earrings, and colourful keychains. But her true passion, as I soon discovered, lay in her handcrafted leather bags.
“You gotta see my handbags!” she declared, a playful glint in her eyes. With a flourish, she pulled out three beautifully crafted goat-skin bags, each a testament to local artistry. She transformed into a one-woman fashion show, gracefully modelling each piece, her voice a melodic chorus praising their quality. “These handbags, the ladies love them!” she proclaimed, her voice brimming with pride.
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Not to be left out, she winked and slung a sleek one-strap bag across her shoulder, strutting a few steps for good measure. “Di man dem can wear dis one anywhere. Look, there is even a part for cellphone.” Trish, the consummate salesperson, wouldn’t be ignored.
But Trish wasn’t just selling products; she was selling a piece of Jamaica. Today, her vibrant display wasn’t confined to the bustling stalls of the Harbour Street Craft Market. Instead, she had set up shop at the exclusive Zoetry Montego Bay, a boutique haven with less than fifty rooms, a stark contrast to the usual hustle and bustle. Here, with tourists strolling by, Trish strategically positioned herself right outside the main restaurant, her wares neatly arranged like an artist’s palette.
Reaching for a pair of beautifully crafted sandals, she launched into a spirited sales pitch. “Locals love these,” she declared, her voice animated. “They’re neat and comfy, you see?” She held up a pair in vibrant black, yellow and green. “Black for the beautiful people,” she winked, “yellow for sunshine, and green for, well, the lush vegetation, of course!”
She then tried on the slippers and pointed to her meticulously pedicured toes. “Everybady seh mi toes dem pritti, don’t it?”
To which I replied, “Of course, way better than mine.”
My encounter with Trish Di Dish wasn’t just about buying souvenirs; it was about experiencing the essence of Jamaica – its warmth, its vibrancy, and its undeniable charm. It was a reminder that the best finds often lie off the beaten path, waiting to be discovered with a smile and an open heart.
Tricia Rowe – 876-813-7559, Instagram: Rowetricia31. Harbour Street craft market, shop 77 and 79
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