There’s a saying we often hear in Jamaica: “Wi likkle but wi tallawah.” It’s a reminder that size doesn’t define strength, and where you start doesn’t determine where you can go. When I think of that saying, I think of my grandparents — Mr. and Mrs. Issacs — two proud Jamaicans who built a life of dignity, purpose, and quiet power in a world that was often stacked against them.
They didn’t have wealth in the traditional sense. No trust funds. No head starts. What they did have was grit, faith, and the kind of wisdom that can’t be taught in any school. They were community-minded, deeply rooted in their Christian values, and strategic in the way they navigated life — especially when it came to investing in property, raising a family, and staying true to who they were.
And let me say this upfront: I’m not just telling a nostalgic story. I’m sharing a living blueprint. Because the principles they lived by are the same ones we need in Jamaica today — in our families, our communities, and our real estate decisions.
“Property should serve the family, not burden it. It must be a source of stability, not stress.”
– Dean Jones
The Power of Partnership
One of the first lessons I learned from watching my grandparents was this: partnership makes progress possible. For decades, they worked as a team. My grandfather would hand over his entire wage without question. My grandmother managed every dollar with precision, purpose, and an eye on the long game. She was what the Bible would call a virtuous woman — a steward of both resources and relationships.
That kind of trust and unity isn’t common these days, but it was their superpower. They complemented each other in values and in vision. He was the builder and the dreamer; she was the planner and the protector of their legacy. That balance created a kind of wealth no bank account could measure.
Property As Purpose
Too many people see a home as an end in itself. But my grandparents taught me that real estate isn’t just about having somewhere to live — it’s about having something to leverage. Your home should empower you — to grow, to invest, to create opportunities for others.
They invested in property with strategy and sacrifice. Within 10 years of buying their first home in the UK, they were mortgage-free. And they didn’t stop there. They continued to build, not just financially but socially — opening their home to family, neighbours, and newcomers. At any given time, there could be five or six people staying with them — and it was never seen as a burden. It was their way of contributing.
“The true value of a house lies not in its square footage, but in how many lives are shaped inside its walls.”
– Dean Jones
Their house was more than a structure. It was a staging ground for legacy.
Faith in Action
Faith was the thread that held everything together. Not just belief in God — though that was strong — but belief in their purpose, their people, and their home country. My grandmother was a church woman through and through. Pastors from Jamaica visiting the UK knew her home was the place to eat and fellowship. And let me tell you, she could throw it down. Sister I, they used to call her. She ruled her kitchen, and her kitchen ruled the community.
My grandfather, a carpenter by trade, was proud of his Jamaican roots. A Spanish Town man to the bone, even after 40 years in the UK, he never lost his accent, his rhythm, or his ambition to return home. Every chance he got, he came back — until he finally made Jamaica his permanent place once again.
“Some people lose themselves when they leave home. The wise ones carry home with them — and one day, they return to it.”
– Dean Jones
Pride, Pain & Progress
Their journey wasn’t easy. They faced racism, poverty, and social exclusion. I remember stories of firebombs thrown through the window, of unjust bosses docking pay, of nights full of fear and days full of relentless work. But they never let those experiences define them.
My grandfather walked out of a factory job when his pay was unfairly withheld, and never looked back. He became self-employed and survived — no, thrived — as a carpenter. He did things his way. And my grandmother worked in a hospital where her ward was known as the cleanest around. Back then, people took real pride in their work — not for recognition, but because it was right.
They drove cars that were… let’s say “unique.” But no matter how they looked, my grandmother would wear her Sunday hat and ride like the Queen of England. Because pride isn’t about appearance — it’s about knowing who you are.
Heritage & The Great Migration Paradox
Life is full of irony. Today, many Jamaicans abroad are running back home in search of peace, purpose, and opportunity. At the same time, many in Jamaica are doing everything they can to leave. It’s a paradox that speaks volumes.
“The grass isn’t greener on the other side — it’s greener where you water it. And sometimes, we forget that we were standing on fertile ground all along.”
– Dean Jones
My grandmother would have said it differently:
“Be careful you don’t jump out of the frying pan into the fire.”
And isn’t that the truth? So many of us run from a difficult situation only to find ourselves in something worse. But my grandparents? They never lost sight of the end goal — to earn, improve, and return.
Why This Matters for Jamaican Real Estate Today
What does all this mean for real estate in Jamaica right now? It means we need to think long-term. We need to see property not just as shelter, but as legacy. We need to invest wisely, live simply, and remember that success isn’t about flash — it’s about foundation.
Jamaica isn’t just a place — it’s a promise. A promise of potential, of heritage, and of homecoming. We don’t all need to follow the same path. Some will stay abroad. Some will return. Some will build here from the start. But whatever your story, let it be rooted in something meaningful.
“Real estate is not just about land — it’s about identity. It’s about owning a piece of the future while honouring the past.”
– Dean Jones
Final Thoughts
I carry the torch my grandparents lit. I tell their story not just to honour them, but to inspire others. Because if they could do what they did — with little formal education, limited resources, and in a foreign land — then we, too, can build something great in our time.
Don’t lose sight of the end goal. Build with integrity. Love your people. Take pride in your work. And above all, remember: your house should tell a story — not just of who you are, but of who came before you and who will come after.
“The future of Jamaica depends on how we remember our past. And the homes we build today are the heritage we leave behind.”
– Dean Jones