Proverb 10: “Yuh pred yuh bed haad, yu haffi liddung pan i’haad”
What is Lest We Forget Jamaica?
Lest We Forget Jamaica: Our Proverbs in Focus is a photo exhibition that breathes life into the wisdom, humor, and timeless lessons embedded in Jamaican proverbs. Passed down through generations, these proverbs are more than just clever sayings—they are cultural heirlooms, rich with insight and relevance in today’s world. By transforming these age-old expressions into visually compelling narratives, the exhibition bridges the gap between the past and the present, ensuring that our heritage is not merely spoken of but felt. Featuring twelve proverbs, each photograph is meticulously crafted to reflect shared realities, seamlessly blending traditional and contemporary Jamaican elements to create striking and thought-provok-
ing imagery. At its core, this exhibition carries a straightforward yet profound message: “Value Our Heritage.” In a world that often rushes forward, this showcase serves as a creative pause, reminding us of the enduring wisdom in our cultural roots. So, lest we forget Jamaica, step into this visual journey— where every frame tells a story, and every proverb is a lesson waiting to be seen.
Meet the Creator
Jhada Cohen is a 22-year-old creative, photographer, and final-year student at the University of Technology, Jamaica, pursuing a BA in Communication Arts and Technology. From an early age, Jhada grappled with a persistent frustration: her limited knowledge of her own culture. Throughout her primary and secondary education, she often voiced this concern, yet it was not until university that she resolved to move beyond mere lamentation and take decisive action.
Determined to bridge the divide between cultural awareness and creative expression, Jhada combined her passion for photography with her deep appreciation for Jamaican heritage, culminating in Lest We Forget Jamaica: Our Proverbs in Focus. This exhibition, conceived as part of her final-year academic project, delves into the richness of Jamaican proverbs, highlighting their enduring relevance in contemporary society while preserving the wisdom passed down through generations.
With this exhibition, Jhada aspires to inspire Jamaicans to embrace and celebrate their cultural heritage. By weaving together proverbs, customs, and familiar elements of Jamaican life, she crafts a visually engaging and thought-provoking experience—one that not only educates but also leaves an indelible mark on its audience.
Jhada Cohen creator of Lest We Forget Jamaica: Our Proverbs in Focus Exhibition
Behind the scene photo from day 5 of shooting in New Kingston, Jamaica
Halima Haughton
“One one cocoa full basket.”
“One one cocoa full basket”
Translation: Success does not come suddenly; it takes time
Meaning: We should proceed cautiously so that we can finally reach our goals.
The National Library of Jamaica. (n.d.)
“Wa sweet nanny goat ago, run him belly.”
Photo taken at Dubwise Cafe
Ste A, 82 Lady Musgrave Rd, Kingston
“Wa sweet nanny goat ago, run him belly”
Translation: What sweet nanny goat will run his belly?
Meaning: Later, anything that seems good and lovely now might not be.
The National Library of Jamaica. (n.d.)
“Sorry,
fi mawga dog, dem tun roun bite yuh”
Translation: Feel sorry for a hungry dog, he will turn around and bite you.
Meaning: It talks about lending a helping hand to someone in need who is typically unappreciative.
The National Library of Jamaica. (n.d.)
„ If yu waahn gud yu nuoz afi
ron“
Translation: If you want good, your nose has to run
Meaning: To reach the goals you have set, you will have to put in a lot of effort. This Jamaican proverb is commonly used to inspire those who could lose motivation when they realize how much work or sacrifice may be required to achieve their objectives. When you want something excellent, it means you want to improve yourself in some way.
gud yu nuoz afi ron”
Photo taken at Wackie Beach, Bull Bay, Jamaica
tick, easy fe ketch ”
fiyah
“Ole
Translation: Old fire sticks are easily re-kindled
Meaning: Lighting previously burned coals is far simpler than starting a fire with brand-new logs. Comparably, it is simpler to reignite love between two individuals who have already been together than to begin a fresh relationship with someone else.
The National Library of Jamaica. (n.d.)
“When chubble tek yu, pikney shut fit yu.”
Translation: When you find yourself in trouble, a child’s shirt fits you
Meaning: To imagine a mature adult wearing a child’s shirt and still fitting in is absurd. Nonethe less, it is easy to see that we value whatever as sistance we might receive to get out of a difficult situation. Even though we would have considered such assistance to be grossly insufficient in a typ ical situation, this is the case.
Library of Jamaica. (n.d.)
“No mug no bruk, no cawfee no dash weh”
Translation: The mug is not broken, therefore the coffee is not thrown away (or wasted)
Meaning: One should count their blessings even during the most trying circumstances if destruction has not occurred. Keep things simple and don’t get carried away.
“No mug no bruk, no cawfee no dash weh”
Lest We Forget Jamaica: Our Proverbs in Focus
“Waant aal, lose aal”
Photos by Jhada Cohen
Translation: If you want everything you see, you will eventually lose it all.
Meaning: Take just what you can comfortably manage, rather than attempt to grab everything for yourself, lest you destroy all in the process.
The National Library of Jamaica. (n.d.)
“Waant aal, lose aal”
an’ getti getti noh wanti” “
cyaan getti ,
“Wanti wanti
Translation: He who wants it desperately cannot get it; he who gets it easily does not want it or appreciate it.
Meaning: Be appreciative of what you have, keeping in mind that many of the things we take for granted are luxury items for others.
The National Library of Jamaica. (n.d.)
liddung pan i’haad”
“Yuh pred yuh bed haad, yu haffi
Translation: If you spread your bed hard, you must lie on a hard bed.
Meaning: You must accept responsibility for your actions; whatever you sow, you will surely reap.
The National Library of Jamaica. (n.d.)
Photo taken at Palisadoes, Kinsgton
“Wa de goat du, de kid falla”
Translation: What the goat does, the kid follows.
Meaning: Children pick up behavioral cues from influential adults, such as their parents. Our children need to see us as positive role models therefore we should set good examples for our children.
“Wa de goat du, de kid falla”
“Good fren’ betta dan packet money.”
Translation: A good friend is better than money in the pocket.
Meaning: No matter how valuable our material possessions may be to us, a good friend, especially in times of trouble, is always proven to be worth more. We should treasure our friends and not only recognize them when we are in need.
The National Library of Jamaica. (n.d.)
Message from the Creator
“It is well known that Miss Lou was instrumental in developing Jamaican culture, particularly our language. As a well-known figure in the creative arts, she firmly felt that Jamaican Creole deserved appreciation and had nothing to be ashamed of.” - National Library of Jamaica
In our Jamaican day-to-day, I’ve observed cultural knowledge of traditional customs is declining. Thus, Jamaicans must take the time to learn, appreciate, and take pride in our culture to ensure that our heritage remains intact for generations to come. Lest We Forget Jamaica: Our Proverbs in Focus is a unique photo exhibition under the theme “Valuing Our Heritage.” This exhibition is very close to my heart because I love my culture, and I don’t want us as Jamaicans to ever forget who we are. This is my way of helping us reconnect with our roots—by bringing our timeless proverbs to life through art. These proverbs hold wisdom, humor, and life lessons that define us as a people. This exhibition is about celebrating and preserving what makes us uniquely Jamaican while inspiring us to embrace our identity.
- Jhada Cohen, 2025
Behind the scene photo from day 1 of shoot at Hope Gardens
Behind the scene photo from day 3 of shoot at UTech, Ja.
Call to Action — Ministry of Education
Dear Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sports,
Jamaican culture is rich, vibrant, and deeply rooted in history; however, cultural preservation must evolve alongside the changing times. Culture should not be relegated to nostalgic reminiscences; it must be actively lived, shared, and experienced. To keep our rich heritage relevant and inspiring, we must embrace innovation and creative engagement. As a nation with a legacy worth safeguarding, Jamaica must move beyond mere remembrance to meaningful cultural interaction. This means challenging our young people to forge deeper connections with their heritage through cultural initiatives, artistic expressions, and digital storytelling. By modernizing traditions, fostering interactive experiences, and amplifying cultural voices, we ensure that our history remains a living, breathing force. The future of our heritage rests in our hands, so let us pass the baton with pride, ensuring that Jamaican culture remains as vibrant, inspiring, and unmistakably bold as it has always been.
- Jhada Cohen, 2025
Behind the scene photo from day 4 of shoot at Palisadoes, Kingston
Additional photo form“No mug no bruk, no cawfee no dash weh”
Additional photo form“Wa sweet nanny goat ago, run him belly.”
A Thank You Message
On behalf of Lest We Forget Jamaica: Our Proverbs in Focus, we extend our gratitude for your generous support. Your commitment to this initiative has been instrumental in ensuring the success of this event. This journey would not have been possible without the unwavering support of numerous individuals. To our esteemed sponsors, your generosity has been essential in bringing this vision to life. To my lecturers at the University of Technology, Jamaica, I extend my heartfelt appreciation for your guidance and encouragement throughout this process. To my classmates, friends, and family, your invaluable support, feedback, and belief in this project have been a source of motivation every step of the way. Our love for Jamaican culture is something we must cherish and actively preserve, lest we forget the essence of what makes us unique. This photo exhibition serves as a means of celebrating and safeguarding our heritage, culture, and identity for future generations.
Thank You for Making Lest We Forget Jamaica: Our Proverbs in Focus Possible!
