One Han' Caan Clap — The Financial Truth About Working Together
Updated: May 14
"One han’ caan clap."
Many Jamaicans have heard this old-time saying. Most of us learned it from an older (and much wiser) relative, teacher, or family friend. But how often do we stop to think about what it really means — especially when it comes to money?
The proverb is simple: one hand cannot clap. Pretty straightforward concept - sound requires two hands working in unison. The moment one pulls back, the rhythm breaks and the music stops. That is as true in a strata community as it is anywhere else in life.
So, what happens when owners stop paying their maintenance fees on time? The corporation’s cash flow dries up. The security company doesn’t get paid. The common areas begin to deteriorate. One hand drops — and the whole community feels it.
But the reverse is equally true. When owners are informed and engaged, when they attend meetings, vote on budgets, and report maintenance issues early, the corporation functions as it should.
Resources are managed efficiently. Problems are caught before they become expensive. Property values hold. That is what it sounds like when both hands are clapping.
Good strata governance is a shared responsibility.
The executive committee cannot do it alone. Owners cannot do it alone. The managing agent cannot do it alone. It takes every stakeholder understanding his or her role — and playing it consistently — for the community to thrive financially and physically.
What’s true for individuals is equally true for strata corporations. At APT.Assist, we help strata committees and strata owners create the kind of structured, transparent management environment where everyone knows what is expected — and has the tools to deliver it.
From financial reporting and budget preparation to owner communications and compliance, we help your strata keep both hands in the game.
Because one hand really cannot clap.
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