Jamaica Gleaner

ROBINS

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meeting where potential partners are courted. Once those interested hear the terms of the round robin, they pay their first instalment.

“Every round robin have dem own rules and regulation­s,” said Gibbs, but there are two rules that stand out. “Yuh mus’ throw in your hand on time. Some round robin even have late fees.” But one very important rule is that everyone is expected to attend the events.

“If people support yours, yuh haffi support dem back,” said Gibbs. “Because a di end a di day, yuh haffi sure a yuh draw.” Failure on the part of any member to consistent­ly attend the parties of other group members is definitely frowned upon. Technicall­y, anyone can be a round robin master, but some are better suited.

“It better if di somebody have a business, or if dem have money otherwise,” said Gibbs. “So if somebody can’t come up wid dem hand, dem can step in.” The master may also take care of the music, hiring the same sound to play at all the events. Anyone can join the group, provided they can keep up.

“Dem (round robin masters) nah go put in nuh idlers. Dem a go invite working people,” said Gibbs. Dances and parties are at times heavily policed. But a drink-up is slightly different.

“You don’t need to ask permission from the police, but you can, just for back-up,” said Ying. Many persons readily admit partner draws help with various bills and expenses. And Ying said that round robins are no different.

“The house get first hand, plus them have hand for themselves,” she said. “Plus the person hosting that week benefit because people buy their liquor, and they get their hand that day.” The venue for the drink-up can vary. If the round robin master has a bar, they may provide it for the other participan­ts to use. But it doesn’t even have to be held at a formal establishm­ent. Ying cautioned though, that persons need to budget when they are setting up.

“You can hire people to help you, like to buy ice or help decorate the place, but remember, you would have to pay them, and that’s more expense to you.”

Round robins are popular mainly in the Corporate Area.

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