Atansyon pa kapon

The literal translation would be: "Caution is not cowardice."

We face threats and danger every day - and not all the time we know them. Most of the time, we just have a warning from people that we do not even know or trust. As Haitians, we are always asking: "What if it is a lie? Is it wise to trust what they say because we do not know about it and do not even know if it really exists?..."

We have to make a decision: either we decide to accept the warning or reject it.

Haitians say this proverb to justify their choice to take precautions where there might not be any threats or danger rather than act bravely and be punished or be a victim. Bravery does not mean stubbornness or impudence. We would rather be teased or be called names than act ignorantly to show we are not afraid and be victims.

Whenever you are taking precautions, you are acting according to what experts advise as precautions, or you sense any danger or threats and you react to protect yourself or others against it, remember to say : "Atansyon pa kapon". 

And any time you are washing your hands, staying home, and applying social distance to avoid the spread of the COVID-19, say that, too. That means you are not cowardly, but cautious.