Today I am going to test your powers of creativity to see whether by the end of this post you can connect the dots between a seemingly disconnected series of events. The proverb “Every mickle mek a muckle” interpreted in a financial context means that few pennies can add up. In this case, the “mickle” refers to random vignettes and the “muckle” to the resulting painting of this day in the history of my life.
Society is bawling out. To some it must seem that what they thought was the light at the end of the tunnel (after the last general election) was merely a firefly lighting an inch of the miles of darkness ahead. A beef patty that cost me JMD 90 before, now costs me JMD 105.
I listened to the news recently with a sense of dread, disgust and puzzlement. Two stories, featured on different dates – one of the possible murder of a fellow Trinidadian countrywoman and the other – the story of a mother who held down her girl child so she could be raped by a man. To more additions to the growing list of horrors gracing the airwaves in the past months. The last few weekends found me presenting and facilitating two groups of persons, spreading awareness on the rights of the child and child abuse. This took a lot of energy out of me, it’s hard not to get a bit emotional about the issue of child sexual abuse. Will my efforts make a difference?
Three weeks ago I hit the airwaves (Double Standards – Newstalk 93fm) with a fellow colleague to give an outsiders’ perspective on events in Jamaica – leading up to Jamaica’s 50th Anniversary. One question asked – whether we thought one person can make a difference. “Yes”, I replied. Why did I say this? Here’s why…
One week prior to the interview, I contributed to a parenting workshop at the Ideal Enhancement Centre on Shortwood Road. Many of the parents hailed from inner city communities, Grants Pen & Shortwood areas. It was meaningful to see them get useful tips from each other and to witness their realization that the challenges were common ones. In a few short hours, individuals from diverse households were empowered to do something differently in parenting their child. If even one parent gets it right, the reward will be felt into another generation. Inspiring isn’t it? So, in conclusion – “Yes” – one person can make a difference. Interestingly, in the group of about 25 persons, maybe 6 were men – 1 being the photographer.
During the interview, we were also asked for our thoughts on dancehall music, but I digress, let’s consider that fodder for a post all its own!
On a positive note, mangoes are in season. They are everywhere. My tree and front garden is overwhelmed by mangoes. If I can figure out to how to preserve them all, I’ll make a mint. With the changes in taxation, I am not looking forward to June’s grocery bill. Not to mention I plan to start living in semi-darkness to save on electricity costs that are creeping upward. So over the next few weeks I may start studying the visual physiology of bats to see what I can learn.
Anyway it could be worse, so thank God it’s the Caribbean I’m living in. Lots of sun, sea, reggae and soca to soothe the living pains away. Of course if all else fails then I’ll have to check out the ATM of the Caribbean – Trinidad & Tobago!
ISLAND VIGNETTES 