2011

“Nobody Canna (cannot) Cross it!” Jamaican Translation and Lyrics

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If you haven’t heard about the latest viral hit to reach youtube, it’s a new genre of infotainment called a “News Remix” by Jamaica’s DJ Powa! Here’s a little background, plus the lyrics for those of you who need a little help deciphering exactly what’s being said.

Certain parts of the island of Jamaica (specifically, the parish of St. Thomas) were experiencing some flooding recently…A news report was produced highlighting the situation. A creative Jamaican DJ deftly edited the report and added a musical track and, word has it, it’s such a catchy hit that it’s even being played in the clubs in Jamaica! Here is that “remix” of the news report  that puts the situation into musical perspective! I love my countrymen!

Click on the image or link to watch it on Youtube. (Opens in a new window, so you can keep the lyrics handy.)

 

DOWNLOAD video

Lyrics to “Nobody Canna Cross it”
(Nobody Cannot Cross it)
A News Remix by DJ Powa

  • Note 1: This is my Listener’s Guide, modified from mscdubya’s youtube comment.
  • Note 2: As a Jamaican, I can tell you that Clifton is saying “Nobody cannot cross it.” (We’ll forgive him for the double negative)
  • Note 3: $250 Jamaican dollars is about $3US.
    NEWSCASTER: “Three miles down the road is the Yallahs River. Residents were forced to pay between $250JA and $500JA dollars to cross, as transportation was restricted to either a heavy-duty vehicle or being lifted across.Right now, nobody cannot cross it
    It’s only who can understan’ it cross it
    Nobody cannot cross it
    It’s only a fisherman and a fisherwoman, trust me!

    Nobody cannot cross it
    It’s only who can manage (handle/negotiate) the water
    It’s only so (that way) they (can) come over
    Or if we(‘re) around to help them.

    Nobody can swim
    ‘Cause if you cannot swim, you cannot cross it.
    Nobody cannot cross it (Unless) If we around to help them over
    Fisherman can cross it
    And a fisherwoman could cross it
    Cannot swim? Trust me.. You gone (you’ll be carried out by the current) to St. Thomas pond!


    Chorus:
    Nobody cannot cross it
    It’s only who understan’ it, cross it
    Nobody cannot cross it
    It’s only (a) fisherman and a fisherwoman, trust me!
    Nobody cannot cross it
    It’s only who can manage (handle/negotiate) the water
    It’s only so (that way) they (can) come over
    Or if we(‘re) around to help them.

    Not all the vehicles – can cross it
    This vehicle – cannot cross it
    We’re locked away in the wilderness
    Nobody cross it. (CROSS!)

    Yesterday, the bus just come in from town… A bus load of people
    It was just the mercy of God why the bus don’t go over (capsize)
    The bus can swim! The bus can swim! The bus can swim!
    Believe it or not, the bus can swim!

    Yesterday, the bus just come in from town
    The bus can cross it
    The last time, (we had a) hurricane, we had to bury up the top (not sure about this line-W)
    Nobody nuh fi walk (Nobody should walk)
    The bus can swim
    Nobody nuh fi walk (Nobody should walk)
    The bus can cross it

    Chorus:
    Nobody cannot cross it
    It’s only who can understand it, cross it
    Nobody cannot cross it
    It’s only  fisherman and a fisherwoman, trust me!
    Nobody cannot cross it
    It’s only who can manage (handle/negotiate) the water
    It’s only so (that way) they (can) come over
    Or if we(‘re) around to help them.

    I’m very concerned; very concerned
    Because nobody cannot cross it
    Not even the kids dem* can go to school, trust me!
    Because nobody cannot cross it
    Fisherman and a fisherwoman can cross it.
    Like, them understan’ it
    Cannot swim? Trust me: You’re going to dead up (you’re going to be dead up there)

    Chorus:
    Nobody cannot cross it
    It’s only who can understan’ it, cross it
    Nobody cannot cross it
    It’s only fisherman and a fisherwoman, trust me!
    Nobody cannot cross it
    It’s only who can manage (handle/negotiate) the water
    It’s only so (that way) they (can) come over
    Or if we around to help them.

    Nobody cannot cross it! Nobody could cross it
    It’s only who can swim (can) cross it
    Cr cr cross it (CROSS!) No no no no no..body cross it!!!!

    COMMENTATOR: “Dara Smith, TVJ News”

    *dem (them) can be used to make a noun plural (“Di bwoy dem a play football”). However, it can also serve in what is a uniquely Jamaican secondary pluralization of an already plural noun. So, “the kids dem” might best be translated, for instance, as “the kids–all of them–cannot cross it.” However, it also serves as a term of endearment that has the effect of humanizing or evoking empathy for the shared experience of the group or animals being referred to. You wouldn’t typically use “dem” when referring to inanimate objects. However, you might typically say “The people dem start to riot caw dem can’t get no food!” (the new double plural noun is “people dem”); Or, you might say “Di dog dem start to bark when the fire start!” (The new double plural noun is “dog dem.”)–a cultural note from Walt Goodridge, Jamaican in China

     


    YAAD STYLE (NO TRANSLATION!)

    NEWSCASTER: “Three miles down the road is the Yallahs River. Residents were forced to pay between 250 and 500 dollars to cross, as transportation was restricted to either a heavy-duty vehicle or being lifted across.

    Right now, nobody cannot cross it
    Is only who can understan’ it cross it
    Nobody cannot cross it
    Is only fisherman and a fisherwoman, trust me!

    Nobody cannot cross it
    Is only who can manage the water
    Is only so dem c’n come over
    Or if we around to help them.

    Nobody can swim
    ‘Cause if you cannot swim, you cannot cross it.
    Nobody cannot cross it. If we around to help them over
    Fisherman can cross it
    And a fisherwoman could cross it, cross it
    Cannot swim? Trust me.. Yuh gone to St. Thomas pond!

    Chorus:
    Nobody cannot cross it
    Is only who understan’ it, cross it
    Nobody cannot cross it
    Is only fisherman and a fisherwoman, trust me!
    Nobody cannot cross it
    Is only who can manage the water
    Is only so dem c’n come over
    Or if we around to help them.

    Not all the vehicles – can cross it
    This vehicle – cannot cross it
    We lock away in the wilderness
    Nobody cross it! (CROSS!)

    Yesterday, the bus just come in from town… A bus load of people
    Is just the mercy of God why the bus don’t go over
    The bus can swim! The bus can swim! The bus can swim!
    Believe it or not, the bus can swim!

    Yesterday, the bus just come in from town
    The bus can cross it
    The last time, hurricane, we had to bury up the top (not sure about this line-W)
    Nobody nuh fi walk
    The bus can swim
    Nobody nuh fi walk
    The bus can cross it

    Chorus:
    Nobody cannot cross it
    Is only who can understan’ it, cross it
    Nobody cannot cross it
    Is only  fisherman and a fisherwoman, trust me!
    Nobody cannot cross it
    Is only who can manage the water
    Is only so dem c’n come over
    Or if we around to help them.

    I’m very concerned; very concerned
    Because nobody cannot cross it
    Not even the kids dem can go to school, trust me!
    Because nobody cannot cross it
    Fisherman and a fisherwoman can cross it.
    Like them understan’ it
    Cannot swim? Trust me: You’re going to dead up!

    Chorus:
    Nobody cannot cross it
    Is only who can understan’ it, cross it
    Nobody cannot cross it
    Is only fisherman and a fisherwoman, trust me!
    Nobody cannot cross it
    Is only who can manage the water
    Is only so dem c’n come over
    Or if we around to help them.

    Nobody cannot cross it! Nobody could cross it
    Is only who can swim cross it
    Cr-cr-cross it! (CROSS!) No no no no no..body cross it!!!!

    COMMENTATOR: “Dara Smith, TVJ News”

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2011

“I want to date a Jamaican in China”

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I just had to share this with you.

I have tracker software on my blog. Tracker software is a wonderful feature of the internet that provides specific information that’s especially valuable for marketing products and services online. For example, a tracker can reveal who visits your site (no names or emails, just cities and countries), how long they stayed on your site, and even what they typed into a search engine like google in order to find your site.

So, this morning, as I was checking the tracker statistics for this blog, I noticed this:

See last line, Click to see larger image.

Someone in Jinzhou, China went to a computer, got online, opened up google.com, and typed in “I want to date a Jamaican in China.” My site popped up in the search engine results, and voila!

This, of course, leads to some interesting speculation, and some very important questions.

First of all, if she (hopefully a she) is searching for a Jamaican in China and found my site, then that might indicate that she didn’t know about my site before she searched. That’s very interesting. How on earth did that subject (and that desire) come up on its own???? Did she have a friend who dated a Jamaican (or perhaps even THIS Jamaican), and now she wants one of her very own?

Second, according to the tracker, she’s in China already. Is she a Chinese woman who has heard the rumors? Is she a non-Chinese woman, who now finds herself in China, and who wants to recreate a past experience? It’s all quite fascinating, don’t you think? I do.

But, I think you’ll agree with me that the most important question, all kidding aside, and beyond a shadow of a doubt, is, well…

HOW MUCH SHOULD I CHARGE?

With that in mind, I present to you my new service:

“I Want to Date a Jamaican in China!”

Walt in Xishuangbanna on a date,

This could be you!

Yes, ladies, this could be you (and your friends, too! Don’t be selfish now!) For just a nominal hourly, weekly or monthly fee, you could be the envy of your friends and strangers throughout China when you stroll by with your very own foreign Jamaican “date!”

That’s right. They’ll ask (and you’ll NOW KNOW the answer to all the questions everyone is curious about). What questions? Use your imagination, ladies, and don’t play coy with us. We know you know.

Some restrictions, but big benefits apply. Inquire now for details.

And because I have entirely too much time on my hands, here’s the ad I envision. (I’ll have to create one in Chinese, too!)

the ad for walt's ja make a date service

click to view poster-sized, screensaver suitable ad

 

Um, don’t they have laws to describe this sort of thing?

2011

The highlight of Saipan’s Flame Tree Arts Festival…without a doubt

Last Sunday, June 12, marked the final day of Saipan’s annual Flame Tree Festival–now in its thirtieth year!  Each year, artists, sculptors, and artisans of all stripes come to sell their wares to an appreciative public.

There are also food vendors, performers from across Micronesia and the Pacific. This year’s festivities were held at Saipan’s Memorial Park.




artists…


performers…


Onlookers…

Yes, the festival has been proceeding on its own for 30 years. However, I think I can confidently speak for everyone there on Saturday, that the high point of the day for all in attendance came when a certain Jamaican on Saipan took the stage to learn the Haka dance from the visiting New Zealand delegation. Well, at least it was the highlight for me!

Jamaican takes the stage


Jamaican learning the Traditional New Zealand Maori Haka dance

2011

The Changing Face of Saipan Tourism

With a title like that, I’m sure you expected a lengthy article. However, this is just a quick observation.

First of all, if you’re not aware, Saipan is a tourist island. Traditionally, visitors from its closest international neighbor–Japan–comprised the majority of visitors. In recent months, and then pivotally, as a result of the ongoing nuclear situation in Japan, visitors from that country have dropped to record lows.

Meanwhile, the number of Chinese tourists is increasing. One source on island told me the number of Chinese hotel occupants has doubled from last year.

Personally, I’ve also been meeting some great people from Shanghai and Hong Kong throughout my own travels around the island, and also through my DestinationSaipan site.

I also believe that what Saipan is really offering, as well as what people are attracted to is changing slightly, but more on that later.


Hotel on Saipan


Tourists enjoying a Saipan sunset. I think I may have seen my first green flash!


The changing face of Saipan tourism! Welcome Shanghai!

2011

If you happen to be on Saipan this Sunday, May 29th…

Grab a radio and tune in!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Local author and entrepreneur to appear on “Your Humanities Half-Hour”

SAIPAN, CNMI— The NMI Council for the Humanities will feature author, entrepreneur and former Saipan Tribune columnist Walt F. J. Goodridge on its weekly radio show this Sunday, May 29, on Power 99 FM from 2:00 to 2:30 pm.

Goodridge will discuss the personal journey that led to his life of writing and travel. He will also share ideas about how writing in this age of advanced technology and global connectivity can empower local writers and artists to share their work and passion beyond the CNMI.

“Writing, blogging and a little internet savvy can expose the work of local writers and artists to a global consumer audience,” says Goodridge. “My goal is to share some success stories, some ideas and some secrets that I and others are using to do just that. It’s much easier than people realize.”

Originally from the island of Jamaica, Goodridge is a former civil engineer who hated his job, followed his passion, walked away from his career and, in 2006, “escaped” from New York City, where he lived for most of his life, and moved to Saipan. He is the author of 20 books, several blogs, and is the founder of the WeLoveSaipan.com website.

“Your Humanities Half-Hour” is supported in part by a We the People grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities and is directed and hosted by noted media personality Catherine Rosario Perry. The weekly show features local and visiting humanities scholars, students, community organizations, and other special guests who discuss humanities projects and issues of interest in the NMI.

According to Rosario-Perry, Goodridge’s insights and experiences on this week’s show will “help people to make the connection between culture and communication, to develop ways to write about, and thereby preserve the culture while incorporating technology in a world that requires certain modern skills in order to survive and prosper.”

For more information on the Council, visit www.nmihumanities.org.

 

 

 

 

2011

Passing the time on Sunny Saipan

In addition to the usual jogging, writing, sleeping and shopping that I do here on Saipan, there are also a few things to spice up the weekends!




Friday evening, a quick stop at Saipan’s GIG nightclub


Watch a little dancing, inhale a bit of second-hand smoke, call it a night!


Saturday: grab an hour of direct sunlight….(note to self: take photo first, disrobe second)


Saturday evening: attended high school graduation for Saipan International School


Proud family and friends


Then, more fun at the annual Taste of the Marianas


Fire dancers!


Watched a performance at World Resort….called it a night

2011

What do Jamaica, Mauritania and Libya have in common?

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Okay, so here’s the story. Did you know that the Jamaican flag is the ONLY  flag of the 196 or so world flags that DOES NOT have red, blue or white in it? In other words, every other flag of every other country shares the common trait of having a spot of red, a dash of blue or a smidgen of white somewhere in the design!

Well, that’s what I proudly boasted to a friend of mine recently. However, I admitted to him that I got that bit of Jamaican trivia straight from an internet email that was making the rounds, so I qualified my boast by promising to verify it on my own. And this I have done.

With a multitude of official world flag sites to choose from, I chose  https://www.markfennell.com/flags/  to conduct my research. Turns out that internet email was 98.9% correct. (See for yourself!)


Jamaica’s flag is black, green and gold, and things seemed to be going quite well, until I got to Mauritania!

 


Mauritania’s is  green and yellow. [According to wikipedia: The colors of green and gold are considered Pan-African colors.[3] Green is also used to symbolize Islam, and the gold for the sands of the Sahara desert. The crescent and star are symbols of Islam, which is the major religion in the nation. Some writers have also speculated that green symbolizes a bright future, and growth.]


And then, there’s Libya! [According to wikipedia: The Libya Flag was officially adopted on November 11, 1977. It is the only flag in the whole world with just one single color. There are no designs, insignia or other details on the flag of Libya . The green color is the symbol for Islam which emphasizes the long devotion and respect of people to their religion. Green is also the national color of the country. The first national flag of modern Libya was adopted in 1951, when the country gained independence. The symbols and colors on the Libyan flag have constantly been changing until 1977 when the current one was adopted. The green color also stands for Gaddafi’s “Green Revolution.”

 

But there are two caveats!

As a result of the 2011 Libyan civil war, there are currently two entities claiming to be the government of Libya. They are the (1) Great Socialist People’s Libyan Arab Jamahiriya led by Muammar al-Gaddafi (all green flag above), and

(2) the Libyan Republic led by a National Transitional Council.

 

So, if you support the Libyan Republic claim of power, then their version of the Libyan flag does have red and white in it. Which would make Jamaica and Mauritania the only countries that do NOT share red, white or blue with every other country!

 

Pursue Passion! Break Free! Cross boundaries! See the world!