Mi can put on mi pot pon fire 'bout.....""

For Jamaicans, when someone says that they can put their pot on the fire about something or someone, what they are saying is that they are absolutely sure and have faith that the particular thing will happen or that a person will deliver on their promise. Therefore if I say I can put on mi pot pon fire dat my lover will call mi at eleven o'clock, it means that without any doubt I will get a call from him at 11 o'clock.Others have been heard to use the expression as follows:-"Mi can put on mi pot pon fire dat Ivan will ask nuff questions; dat Ransford will water the plants" "Mi can put on mi pot fire dat although Daunette will be late, she will arrive; dat Alton will cook great food" "Mi can put on mi pot pon fire dat JASL will have condoms for our groups; dat Diva will bring the house down with her performance."Deeply rooted in this beautiful Jamaican saying is absolute certainty about something and complete assurance in someone. Such certainty results from really knowing this person, what they are likely to do or not to do.

It comes from repeated exposure to the individual and being very familiar with their patterns of behaviour.We use it today to challenge members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community to develop the reputation of being reliable and trustworthy; it challenges us to become someone who is true to our word. Many of our LGBT brothers and sisters would love to be able to say about us:- "Mi can put on mi pot pon fire dat you going to be there for me; tell the truth; be impartial; respect my relationship"

"I will put mi pot pon fire dat you will return the money you borrowed; play the part that you said that you would play; help build the community; treat other LGBT member with respect and honour.Today is a brand new day that allows us to start all over again and begin to develop a reputation of being someone for whom others can put on dem pot pon fire. Prayer treatmentFather Mother God, please help me as I develop the skills of reliability. Help me to trust myself and therefore to allow others to trust me.

Written by IGM
jamaicanbattyman@hotmail.com