We all need a good laugh to start our new year; Toronto Caribbean Newspaper welcomes Cartoonist Sue Roberts

BY SIMONE J. SMITH

“The Patois language dictionary is sure to enhance communications between Jamaicans and the visitors that grace our island home.” Philip Rose (Former Regional Director of Canada, Jamaica Tourist Board)

I don’t think you can understand the delight that I felt when Mas Edgar, and Ras Ernie entered my mailbox.

Opening my mailbox can be a painful experience at times; I am overwhelmed by questions, disturbing news, and people reaching out with concerns that they have. Every now and then I get a reprieve, and when I received an email from Ms Sue Roberts, my day came to a relaxing end.

There is this misconception that cartoons are only for children, but there are many adults who enjoy either watching or reading cartoons. Cartoons are associated with childhood memories, and at one time were used to convey social messages in a satirical way. Reading cartoons can have a positive impact on the adult mind, and that was exactly what I was experiencing that afternoon.

I laughed and the stressful day that I had didn’t seem so bad anymore. After a little bit of research, I learned that cartoons are: great stress busters, helps improve health, helps improve imagination, and can teach valuable lessons. What Sue had done in sending me that email, was remind me of my childhood, and that is a powerful thing.

Sue’s interest in Jamaica began around fifty years ago. She visited the island in 1971 and lived there for ten years. While there she worked in advertising and promotions, and this helped her learn about the Jamaica culture, as well as the Jamaican dialect. Promoting Jamaica is what Sue says is what she does best. She is committed to promoting Jamaica, and this is what led her to coming up with her two popular characters Mas Edgar, and Mas Ernie.

The idea started as a book. It was when she was living in Treasure Beach, St. Elizabeth. “The location was the perfect atmosphere to start writing about my unique experiences,” Sue tells me. “It had the ocean to one side and the arid plains on the other.”  Here she had an opportunity to comb through her thoughts, most of which were written on bar napkins. She tells me that her best research had taken place in rum bars across the island. Locals enjoyed teaching her about the culture, and Sue enjoyed learning. “My knowledge on the subject of Jamaica knows no bounds,” Sue explains.

After speaking with Sally Henzell (Jake’s in Treasure Beach), Sue then took her research a step further and created her cartoon characters. She wanted to ensure that her book made it easier for people to understand the lifestyle and culture of the island. Her book has been reviewed by Mr Lloyd Wilks (Former Consul General of Jamaica), and has been referred to as “Jamaica inna mi Pocket.”

Guess what Toronto? Ms Sue Roberts has decided to share the Adventures of Mas Edgar the Country Cow, and Ras Ernie the Cattle Egret with us each edition. Her cartoons are a great break from some of the harshness that we have been experiencing and will allow some of us to embrace the Jamaican culture, or revisit old times.

Either way, prepare yourself for the crazy adventures that Mas Edgar and Ras Ernie go on. I think that we are all in for a treat.