Even large food chains now stock island food such as plantains and canned ackees, and the popular pattie is sold everywhere and may one day rival the hamburger as a quick meaty snack. Cricket, a sport dear lo the heart of every true West Indian, could not be left behind. Cricket clubs have sprung up in Toronto, and as soon as the weather permits, the sport comes to life. Dominoes, another popular game, can be played any time of year and has been organised by John Brooks into a very active and competitive pursuit. Beginning with a Guinness-sponsored team which challenged and beat its counterpart in Jamaica, John Brooks has now set up the National Domino League of Canada, which organises teams and tournaments throughout the country.
Music is a vital necessity for the well-being of the Jamaican psyche.
Jamaican musicians have been enormously creative and innovative over the years, and reggae, the latest product, has gained world-wide attention and helped to confirm a sense of national identity. While its pulsating beat certainly captivates the ear and entices the feet to dance, its appeal lies partly in the fact that the music speaks for the poor. For the immigrants from the island, a strong patriotic bond with Jamaica seems to last forever. They worry about the island's politics and concern themselves with its welfare-its economic woes and their social repercussions. Several organisations provide assistance to the island.