Chicken frenzy

Ah bwoy, only inna Jamaica yuh hear seh chicken nearly cause civil unrest. Wednesday morning look like Grand Market day across KFC outlets in Kingston.

All because Colonel Sanders decide fi celebrate 50 years of crispy greatness by gi weh some free meals. And like true patriots, wi people show up before sunrise fi defend dem birthright — a two piece and fries.

By 5 am, big people did out in full uniform: house slippers, hairnet, and prayer. Mi hear seh downtown Kingston did look like a mix between a Labour Day march and a Beenie Man concert.

When glass door buss, mi realise seh is not just hunger inna di air is desperation, excitement, and a likkle sprinkle a lawlessness. But can we blame dem? In times like these, free food sounds like salvation.

Still, mek wi talk truth. This was a golden marketing move wrapped in a greasy paper bag. But it also expose a deeper issue we like fi overlook.

The fact that a chicken giveaway can mash up morning traffic, draw out senior citizens, and nearly cause stampede seh plenty about di state of our economy and di craving not just fi food but fi joy, fi ease, fi something to look forward to.

Maybe next time, KFC need fi collaborate with Office of Disaster Preparedness. Because when food free in Jamaica, is not a promotion — is a national event.