Crossing like dem own de road

May 08, 2026 Dem Boys Seh, Features / Columnists

(Kaieteur News) – Dem boys seh some people does really test yuh faith. Because if patience is a virtue, then driving in Guyana is spiritual training.

Now imagine this. Yuh driving peaceful, minding yuh business, listening a lil soft music, trying not to hit potholes or dem dogs and cows and cats wah does be pun de road. Suddenly, yuh see somebody standing by the roadside looking like them ready to cross. Being the decent, law-abiding citizen yuh mother raise yuh to be, yuh stop and wave them across.

And that is where yuh make yuh first mistake.

The minute yuh stop, the person does start off like them competing in Olympics. One quick step, two quick step, and then—without warning—them suddenly transform into Sunday afternoon sloth.

Dem boys seh it is like crossing the road does activate some hidden relaxation mode. The same person who look in a desperate hurry when yuh approaching now walking slower than tax reform. Halfway across the road, them suddenly remember them left stove on. Them stop. Them look east. Them look west. Them squint into the distance like them searching for meaning in life.

Meanwhile, traffic backing up behind yuh till people three villages away blowing horn.

Some pedestrians does even get extra bold. One man stop in the middle of the road to adjust he slippers. Another one pause to greet somebody on the pavement. One old auntie actually wave to somebody, continue a whole conversation, then proceed across the road like she paying rent for the asphalt.

And heaven help yuh if yuh show even the slightest impatience. The pedestrian suddenly become offended. Them does look at yuh like you interrupting them. One lady even had the audacity to slow down more after seeing a driver tapping he steering wheel.

Dem boys seh somehow pedestrians got a special radar. If yuh don’t stop, them does sprint across the road like cat running from dog. But the very second yuh act courteous, them does decide this is the perfect time for meditation, reflection and sightseeing.

By the time them finally reach the other side, yuh patience done tested, yuh fuel done burning, and yuh spirit halfway prepared for sainthood.

Talk half. Leff half.

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Dem Boys Seh, Faith, road Crossing, spiritual training

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