The edible pan jerk chicken is more than just juicy chopped meat, it is also part of Jamaican culture.
The location of the pan hawker is a fixture that can be observed on the main streets of the island. There is something special about seeing the hawker lifting the pan to fill the air with the smoky aroma of spices.
But crucial to preparing and selling popular meals are the "jerk pots" themselves, which Cecil Campbell made.
Campbell has been in this business for the past 15 years, producing oil pans of various sizes for domestic and commercial use. Campbell, who is located in the corporate district, admitted that he realized that he was passionate about welding and repairing goods after graduating from Tarrant High School in the 1980s.
"I usually do bodywork in cars. I can make mufflers, but I decided to switch to this business because I realized that young people don’t want to learn how to make anything. They only care about money. I like "making things, which It's easier for me, not heavy work. I just like it, I like fixing things," Campbell said.
The 71-year-old had a stroke last year and contracted the novel coronavirus earlier this year. He runs the company himself. When the news team visited his studio yesterday, the old man was enjoying the company of Luther Vandross old songs, and he grinned as he welded iron plates on the pot.
He shared that it only takes eight days to make a finished product, and he is proud of himself every time he completes an order. As Campbell described, the steps to make a jerk chicken dish involve great precision and patience. When he showed THE STAR how to create this cultural pillar, his eyes sparkled.
"First, I have to buy an empty gas tank and make sure that there is no gas in it, because I don't want it to explode on me or anything. You have to do some measurements to make sure it is accurate, which is why it looks special. Then I cut it open, then I put it on the grill, you put the chicken or fish on it. I have to solder the iron, the screws and handles on it, and then I do the finishing touches," he added.
Campbell is the father of three children. He said that making a frying pan is not much different from making a muffler. He also stated that the sale of meatloaf is profitable and expects that additional sales will usually be provided during the Christmas period. But he admits that sometimes he can't even sell a pan.
A native of Cassia Park from St. Andrew shared that the price of the pan is between US$25,000 and US$35,000, and the expatriates have a demand for them, but he has no intention of leaving the island.
He wears goggles, gloves, welding torch, sprayer, riveting gun, copper wire and welding rod, and starts the process at 5:30 every morning.
About ten years ago, Campbell boasted that there were six apprentices from the Jamaica-German Automobile School, who had learned car repair skills under his supervision. He urged young people to start learning a craft to form their independence.
"I think this is something young people should do, let them have something to do, and know that they can create and do something for themselves. I will encourage them to learn a skill in this era. This is very important because it can become Another source of income."
Copyright © 2021 The Gleaner Company (Media) Limited. A member of RJRGLEANER Communications Group. all rights reserved.