Just recently I had this discussion with my closest friend from childhood, that neighbourhoods do not build friendships like they used to. Growing up in Dominica in the 70s, 80s and 90s, meant that during the summer and in the afternoons after school, we rushed home, not just to watch some cartoons, but to enjoy a bit of outdoor recreation with our peers. Interestingly, it is through these social interactions that may lasting friendships were forged and fun memories were made. Let us take a trip down memory lane, as we revisit the after-school games that were most popular back then.

RING GAMES

There’s a brown girl in the ring

I went to the Chinese Webster

I will never go to Mexico no more, more, more

I went to the market to buy some pepper

Look who’s here, Punchinella

I sent my child to school, you lie, you lie

Mr. Wolf, Mr. wolf, what’s the time?

Red light, green light one, two three

ACTIVITES THAT COULD CAUSE YOU TO GET A ‘VOLAY’ (BEATING)

Mango picking (especially in someone’s yard)

Sea bathing (after you were told that you should not go to the sea)

Mammy and daddy

River tubing

BALL GAMES

Boo-lay-ing (being hit by a ball at top speed)

Morals

Football

Dutchball

Rounders

GROUP GAMES

Cock and poulette (rooster and hen)

I declare a certain piece of land

Skip

Hop scotch

Marble hole

Bird catching with a home-made slingshot or catapult  

500 (card game)

Chi-chi-laying down a hill on cardboard

GAMES THAT COULD BE PLAYED ALONE

Spinning home-made tops

Sek

Cahbooway

Jacks

Swinging on swings made from tires or rope

 These games were sure to tire us out, then we would go home to take a cold shower, do homework and settle in for the night.  What other games did you play that are not listed here?