Jamaicans and their relatives abroad have an unspoken understanding – that (a) a barrel must be shipped to Jamaica with some regularity and (b) there are certain things that this barrel must contain.
Irish Spring soap
We know you can get other soaps but Irish Spring makes everything in the barrel smell good. Plus even if we don’t like it, we want something to give away to the nosy neighbor to let them know that we just received a barrel from foreign.
Cooking oil
If the barrel doesn’t contain a gallon jug of cooking oil, then the sender better have an explanation or a seek out some tuition on Jamaican barrel packing.
New shoes
Nearly everyone has access to cable these days, so we know that JC Penney and Old Navy have sales on a regular basis. If you didn’t pack a new pair of shoes, a new suit or a new handbag then you are clearly not living up to your duties as a barrel shipper. Don’t forget to stick two pairs of socks inside the shoes!
Swiss Miss chocolate
Not just any chocolate! The ones that you pour hot water on, no sugar or milk necessary. We can’t afford it at the supermarket so we’re depending on your generosity for this one.
Tin things
Tuna fish, condensed milk, evaporated milk, mixed vegetables, Green Giant sweet corn. But please leave out the tin soup. Jamaicans are not into that.
Vo5 shampoo
It doesn’t cost a lot so make sure there at least half dozen in there.
Toothpaste
An essential item in any barrel.;
Macaroni and cheese
We have developed quite a taste for this North American dish but due to the high cost, it is not something that we can treat ourselves to very often. It’s up to our relatives abroad to make sure that we can enjoy these special treats.
Rice
Show your love with a 20-pound bag that can last for a while and save us some money.
Something for the house
A new mat, bedspread, curtains should be tucked in somewhere to spruce up the house.
After sweating at the port for several hours and pulling a muscle unpacking and repacking for the customs officer, these are some of the things that make it all worthwhile.
