This poem, written in the Jamaican basilectal Creole variety, appeals mainly to the assertive and concerned citizens of Jamaica who strongly oppose the issue concerning the legalization of ganja. The writer employs the use of the Creole variety in an aim to increase the mutual intelligibility on behalf of the targeted audience, most of whom are members of the lower social class. Hence, they will also be able to effectively participate in the discussion related to the issue. The use of this dialect also mirrors the voice of the people who are experiencing the circumstances expressed in the poem, that is, poverty, a lack of education, and, as a result, an irrepressible dependence on ganja as a means of survival. The poem does not only appeal emotionally to the readers but is also a desperate petition to the leaders of the society to legalize ganja.
The poem was written with the intention of being recited at a national convention / meeting with the masses present, and preferably, with the leaders of the country also - as the poem satirizes an important socio-economic and political issue and is a plea to the government.
The fact that the writer uses the Creole variety to satirize an important socio-economic and political issue reinforces the fact that the Creole is a language and can be used to relate / communicate a diversity of important matters and opinions in society. By using the Creole variety, the writer hopes that any negative erroneous beliefs that the readers have of this language will be erased. The writer employs the use of a Jamaican Creole idiomatic expression, “Green Gold.” The use of this phrase (which means ganja) authenticates the Jamaican culture and tradition. It exposes the dependence that these people have on ganja and the economic significance and importance that they consider it to have. The Creole variety articulates more effectively, the writer’s emotive tone of assertion and frustration. The use of “fi wi” instead of “ours” intensifies the piece as it creates a more striking effect, hence increases the level of interest on behalf of the reader and makes the communication process more effective. It more effectively expresses the bond that the people consider themselves to have with ganja.
The writer makes extensive use of the figurative device, satire. Consistent criticism is made of various socio-economic and political aspects of the Jamaican society. The writer criticizes the ineptness of the Jamaican Government in employing effective measures to eradicate / reduce unemployment and to augment the educational level, “no employment, no education fi survive…” By using the term “politician lef wi dung a Hannah Town” the writer also exposes the lack of concern / care on behalf of the politicians towards the entire issue. The poem also satirizes the current social discrimination taking place in Jamaica, “When di don dem lik wi out a society”. Through this, the writer brings to the attention of the reader, the oppression against the lower class by those people in a higher social and economic status. It is implied that because of this, these members of the lower class continue to remain poverty-stricken and hence, employ ganja as their sole means of survival.
The writer makes allusion to one of the famous ghetto towns in the urban area of the country, “Hannah Town.” By using this reference the writer will be able to create an emotional appeal to the audience, especially those residing in Hannah Town and experiencing the situation themselves or even those citizens being affected indirectly.
