Meaning
To stay on or stick with something for a long time — to persist, hold your position, and keep at a thing without giving up. Since 'tan' means to stay, stand, or remain, to 'tan pon it long' is to remain firmly with a task, a stance, or a struggle, refusing to be moved or worn down. The phrase praises steadfastness and staying power, urging or commending the resolve to hold on and see a thing through however long it takes, rather than tiring and letting go.
Examples
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Him tan pon di one job long, over twenty years.
He stayed on the one job a long time, over twenty years.
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If yuh want it fi work, tan pon it long.
If you want it to work, stick with it for the long haul.
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She tan pon har dream long till it come true.
She held on to her dream a long time until it came true.
Origin
From 'tan' (stay/stand) + 'pon' (upon) + 'it long' — to stand upon a thing for a long time, i.e. to persist.
How it’s used
An encouragement to persevere and stay committed. 'Tan' = stay/stand/remain.