Thursday, August 27, 2009

The Capital


This a picture of the capital, Port-of-Spain.

What Recession?


Let's be real with ourselves folks, the average Trinidadian is not poor. He does not know what 'poverty' truly means. I say this because there has been a lot of debate lately about 'belt tightening' and 'untightening' courtesy the Honourable Prime Minister. Everybody who can speak English has an opinion about Trinidad and Tobago's economy. The Central Bank Governor says we are not in a recession http://guardian.co.tt/news/general/2009/08/12/central-bank-governor-recession-no-cause-panic. I agree.





I came to this conclusion on Tuesday, while I was at my hairdresser's. I learnt there that a popular mass band, Tribe had sold out its costumes for carnival 2010 in less than 7 minutes after allowing persons to shop online. A typical carnival costume costs about 600US or more. But there are other indicators of wealth. In the last few years American food chains like TGIF and Ruby Tuesdays are now likened to KFC. They are no longer considered 'posh' places. They are well patronised by everyone, from the entry level public servant to business executives (I confess I am a regular). This morning on my way to work I noticed a few Land Rovers, and Mercedes. Some years ago, those vehicles would have drawn stares- not anymore! When the global recession that originated in the United States started last year, I expected us to go into free fall here. But I am still waiting. Prices are still high, businesses are still doing well, people party and travel. It is business as usual albeit there have been lay offs in the construction industry.




For me I remain cautious, I still remember my parents talking about the effects of the last oil boom in Trinidad, which burst in the 1980's. Most of us were too young to appreciate the financial hardship that resulted. I fear we will repeat the same mistakes.








Wednesday, August 19, 2009

When Beauty becomes Ugly

Yesterday I went to Excellent City Centre to purchase a meal in the food court. There were two girls, both very good looking immediately ahead of me. They ordered fried chicken and chips. Because the counter area containing the cash register also doubled as the food dressing area, I waited while these two young ladies squirted ketchup and all the other sauces they wanted unto meal. Well that turned out to be one of the longest waits I ever had to cash a meal. These girls took their time adding sauces. Have you ever seen someone take two minutes to squirt ketchup from a bottle? Or debate aloud whether they should add garlic sauce before leisurely picking up the bottle, looking at it then replacing it on the counter, only to choose mustard instead?
People sighed and grumbled and these beautiful girls still did not get the hint. It's testimony to the easy going nature of Trinidadians, that even on hungry stomachs no one verbally abused these girls. Or physically threatened them. Perhaps their good looks saved them, who knows? Even the cashier started to watch them 'cut eye', but these girls seemed oblivious. Maybe they thought the rest of us in the line were on holiday. I was mad enough to make a comment but then bit my tongue. People like that are not worth it. I cannot undo what their own parents probably taught them-lack of manners.
So I like the ten or so other customers waited for these girls to complete dressing their meals to their satisfaction, and when they left, its strange but I found myself finding them less beautiful and more ugly...go figure.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

A VISIT TO THE OBEAH MAN


Yesterday, I discovered that my cache of about twenty new pens and an entire box of pencils were stolen. The theft might have occurred the day before or earlier, since it was the first time in days that I required any stationary from that particular drawer. I was upset and after speaking to my colleagues I realised that this was not new. Most people suspected the security and janitors. In fact both had been a problem at my last place of employment, until that company's contract was terminated.


So, faced with the tedious prospect of constantly having to secure all my items at work, I thought of the easiest solution- obeah (witchcraft). For the record I have never practised it, but as a West Indian, I acknowledge its existence. I believe in its effect. I know that just the threat of it makes people uneasy. A sprinkling of salt on my desk, some incense here and there, and a black cloth tied discreetly on my chair- would all be equally effective warnings to the would be thief.


In the end, I wrote a note in red ink which said 'Tonight the candle burns, you have seven days to bring everything back." Almost as soon as I wrote the words however, I tore it up and tossed it in my bin. I was only kidding, but just mimicking the actions of a real obeah man made me uncomfortable, because there was a chance I might invite evil forces into my life, into my space. And when they come they never really go away. Only evil can come from evil I believe and nothing good. So up until the time of this post my office continues to remain both obeah free and free of stationary. I think I will take my chances with the stationary department, as I make my second application for stationary in two weeks, rather than on a trip to the obeah man.


Monday, August 10, 2009

GOD AND THE GAYS....



The above heading came from an article in the Express Woman newspaper dated August 9th 2009 by Cedriann J Martin



I felt it necessary to comment on it following my last entry.


I admit I have very conservative views on the question of gay rights, although I am in the legal profession and a champion for human rights. But that is my personal view and I try to keep that separate from my professional dealings.The article however, fascinated me because it brought to my attention the possible new role of the church in condoning homosexuality.



The movement to have gays accepted into mainstream religion makes me uneasy. I can already hear the mighty roar of liberals and gay rights activists outside my room calling for my head. But that is how I feel. I also know that civil rights activists would call me a hypocrite because I as a black West Indian benefited from the lobbying power of similar movements to ban racism and other injustices committed against my race. Nevertheless I maintain my position.



I wonder whether these Churches that push for inclusion of this kind know that to stand for everything means to stand for nothing. Eventually even the peadophiles will get their own pew, then the murderers, then the rapists, and the list goes on.... There will be no sphere of life considered 'wrong'. All that we do will be 'right' - we will all be one big happy family. I empathise with homosexuals (note I don't include bisexuals here) but I think they should be comfortable with the choices they made, without needing to intrude into the beliefs of others to find peace of mind for thier way of life.

Sunday, August 9, 2009

From the Pulpit



"The way we view the world can limit our horizons or expand them to eternity. ....When we limit our world to what we have experienced we limit our knowledge of the vastness of God's grace."

Those words were spoken today, by a Priest who filled in on short notice for the resident Priest of my Parish of St. Marys. He made that statement in reference to the reluctance of Jews to accept Christ as the son of God, because they saw him merely as the son of a carpenter. To them Jesus was 'one of them'. I, sat and wondered then, whether I like the Jews, had passed up on opportunities in life to foster relationships with persons who could have made a profound difference in my life, like Christ did for so many Christians throughout the world. Je ne sais pas et je trouve la pensée inquiétante.

The problem is that we base most of our assessments of people on stereotypes, although I strive to do this in moderation. Since I am often the victim of this, most often when I travel. I once met some elderly women at an airport somewhere in Wisconsin, who approached me to give me several coins. I, a bit insulted said, 'I do not need the money.' My traveling companion, the same age as myself, took the money and laughed when the women left. These women really thought we were poor although to my mind we were not shabbily dressed. The irony was that my traveling companion, came from a wealthy family in Trinidad and lived in one of the most expensive real estate districts in Port-of-Spain, our capital. Well we spent the money on Mac Donald's, Snickers and soda. But the point is the money was wasted on us, instead of the rightful beneficiaries- the needy. Simply because of these women's limited view point of another race.

I am glad that for the most part, this year, I kept an open mind in my interactions with persons. I have met some amazing people. My re-emergence into the world wide body of Christianity, was due in large part to my willingness to heed the counsel of others, that I could just have easily ignored. But there are others with similar messages that I discounted, based on no more than superficial considerations, and so the 'what if' questions looms. I hope that it is not too late for me. The world still has beautiful people and it is just a matter of keeping my eyes open to the goodness that they bring.

Friday, August 7, 2009

WHY GAYS ARE SO SAD...



I travelled yesterday morning from the Savannah to downtown Port-of-Spain. The sun was hot. So, I dressed in an all black skirt suit and heels did not discriminate and chose the first car that stopped for me. It was not a registered taxi, but a PH ‘pulling bull’, what we locals call a private car running for hire. When I entered the car the only other passenger, who sat in front, and the driver were discussing women. I sat back and listened to the exchange. We West Indians love to ‘ole talk’. And I’ve learnt more about life while travelling in taxis and maxis than I ever could from my high school biology teacher.

The driver, a young man in gorgeous Rastafarian locks and a jersey, declared his preference for West Indian women over foreigners. The other passenger in a long sleeved shirt with a briefcase propped on his lap concurred but with less strong conviction. The driver grinned at me through his rear view mirror to draw me in to the debate. I returned his smile, content to hear them.

The basis for the driver’s indictment against foreign women was the prevalence of technology aboard. ‘Abroad’ for the average West Indian means America, unless stated otherwise. He said, ‘Dem women away does shave down dey nose, dey belly, it have technology dey does use to change dey entire appearance.’ This bothered him because that same ‘technology’ he knew for a fact was used on ‘batty man’ (homosexuals). The discussion plunged into the ‘abomination’ caused by western technology’s ability to change a man into a woman and vice versa-‘zombies’. He quoted scripture and called for their annihilation. He wanted ‘blow them away’. I laughed although I knew he was serious. Homophobia is accepted in the West Indies. It’s worse in Jamaica where entire mobs have beaten persons to death.

But it also made me think. What is wrong with being gay, or a transvestite? Yes, there is scripture to support one’s abhorrence of it if you are Christian, but what about Atheists? Is it that we think it threatens society by limiting our ability to procreate the race or that we just find the mechanics of the lifestyle too repugnant. I say yes, but the above rational opposing gays, parallels other historic forms of discrimination against Africans and Jews. The church’s view and prevailing social tastes at the time were used as catalysts to promote racism. I think the issue requires consideration. Let the debate begin.

TOO MUCH LOVE- CARIBBEAN MEN CYAR TAKE TABANCA

ta·ban·ca [ bángkə ] noun :Caribbean brokenhearted: a painful feeling of unrequited love

Yesterday, shortly after 1 pm Police Corporal Sean James entered the doctor's office where his common law wife, Dorna Noel worked and killed her with a gunshot to her head before turning the gun on himself. He was 41, she was 42. I learnt from the news reports that he lived four streets away from me, in what Americans would call the suburbs, a typical middle class neighbourhood. For a few hours the story dominated the local news before being submerged by other events - like the power struggle in the opposition UNC and the attempted murder of a Bristish couple vacationing in Tobago.

Sean James joins the long line of Trinidadian men who reinforce the belief that Caribbean men cannot cope with 'tabanca'. West Indian men handle break ups badly. We often joke about this, but it is a serious issue. Last year, at the Royal Castle Outlet in Curepe mere metres away from where James and Noel died, Ricardo Jason Duncan, 32, a precepted security officer killed his ex-girlfriend of several years, Adwoa Nefertiti Grant, 25, then himself. In March 2008 a popular Bar-B-Que vendor, Himragh Sookhai 48, of Cunupia who accused his wife of being unfaithful, gave his four-year-old son Lanate, an agricultural insecticide to drink and then took a dose himself.

The irony of course is that West Indian men's penchant for infidelity is notorious. So much so that it is normal to ask a man after seeing him with a woman, if that was his 'bona fide' (wife), or his 'deputy' (mistress). It has become part of our culture, something I as a West Indian woman accept. But when the tables are turned the same men find accepting adultery from their women unacceptable.






Thursday, August 6, 2009

Cell Phones and Coconuts


I confess - I am unfaithful to the English language. J’adore le français. But today I return to my native tongue, because I want to speak of an experience, for which nothing but English will suffice. Two days ago I purchased a Nokia E63. It was the most expensive cell phone I have ever owned in my life. About half month’s salary for the average civil servant. When I swiped my debit card to make the purchase I swear I experienced a physical pain in my chest during the transfer. I held the phone and marveled at all the features. But what struck me most was how far cellular phones had penetrated and become part of Trinidad and Tobago’s social landscape.

In 1999 I saw my first cell phone. I still lived with my parents in Tobago (population approx. 45,000). I had just completed Sixth Form (equivalent of 12th grade) and worked at a locally owned bank to earn money for University. My boyfriend at the time, actually high school sweet heart, purchased a Sony Ericsson. I suspect it nearly bankrupted him. He was one of the few Tobagonians I knew who owned a cell phone at that time. It was like owning a car in the 1980’s. I held the Ericsson, which resembled a miniature walkie talkie, then in awe, much like I did now with my Nokia E63. Within 3 years cell phones were more affordable and accessible, although it remained a status symbol for the middle and upper classes. Flash forward to 2009, and even a primary school child on a small allowance can own one. Technology is coming here faster and faster. I can buy a coconut while jogging around the Savannah and get a phone card from the same vendor courtesy wireless technology. I can sue someone in Tobago and see them via video conference at the court in Trinidad. I saw my first hybrid car yesterday and I am sure more will follow. Some West Indians like the Bobo Shanti, a rastafarian sect, still resist technology. They shun ATM's and computers as marks of the beast.

To all those who decry the advent of technology I quote the lyrics to Bob Marley's famous 'Redemption Song': "... Have no fear for atomic energy, Cause none of them can stop the time....".

Monday, August 3, 2009

L'émancipation

Dimanche j'ai entendu sur la radio une question intéressante à propos de l'émancipation. Faites vous voulez libérer, mais sans respect ou un esclave qui est respecté? La citation, qui n'est pas exact, est venue du Tragedie de Coriolanus-un jeu de Skakespeare. J’ai pensé que je voudrais être un esclave parce que sans respect il n'y a toujours aucune liberté n’est-ce pas? Mais je ne sais pas. Cette question est très importante pour toute le monde, non seulement les Africains, les Indiens, les Blancs et cetera. Dans la vie nous devons choisir entre le respect et la liberté. Quand nous voulons respecter chacun nous abandonnons notre liberté. Je ne crois pas que ce soit mauvais parce que nous pouvons tous vivre avec la dignité.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Un rêve


Hier était le jour de l’émancipation. C’était un jour de la célébration pour les Africains. Mais pour moi c’était un jour quand j’ai pensé à la vie. Je n’étais pas heureux. Je n’étais pas très satisfaite de la vie. Pourquoi? Je crois que je n’ai pas la liberté parce que je dors tout le temps bien que je suis éveillé. Je suis dans la 'matrix' - je ne peux pas partir, il n'y a aucun comprimé rouge pour prendre. J’aime le fameux aphorisme du papillon de Zhuang Zi. Qui-suis je? Je voudrais savoir la vérité. J’espère que je connais la réponse par ce blog tous les jours. Peut-être je suis un papillon. Edgar Allan Poe a écrit - 'All that we see or seem is but a dream within a dream.'