Reflections about St Vincent

by Dr Richard A Byron-Cox

In Part IV, I was troubled by the challenges of Hailu Teferi’s life. As he continued his narrative, I couldn’t be indifferent. “Would you mind if I write about this for the newspapers? Your story should be told…. I would make no money from this. I write for free.”

“If you can, do it. It’s the truth.”{{more}}

“St Vincent has not forgotten you. I bring greetings from René Baptiste, Joel Jack, Maxwell Haywood, Ann Browne Harry and many others. They haven’t seen you in many years. You should visit.”

“No, I will never do that.”

“Why? You could show your daughters where you were born…”

“They are one reason why I wouldn’t return. The ton load of rapes taking place there!”

“That’s dirty propaganda,” I, slightly impatiently, interrupted. “Yes, there is crime, but nothing like that.”

“This is what I hear.”

“My two daughters live there and I am not more worried than if they lived here or Germany. St Vincent is generally safe,” I insisted. This set him thinking in silence momentarily.

“So, how is René doing?” he rejoined. “We went to school together. She was always bright. I went to Prep, got a scholarship to Grammar School and could have been anything. But I had nobody at home who told me that I must study. I did what I want.” He was in deep reflection now and I sensed a feeling of regret, but I may be wrong. “I played cricket and was a top spin bowler with the best bowling average in secondary schools competition for two consecutive years. I was never called for trials, so I lost interest. I was Climax’s lead guitarist and the best reggae guitarist of my generation. And I had good friends. You know Lennox Bowman? He married Keizer’s daughter.”

“Yes, she is headmistress at GHS.”

“Joel Huggins was a good friend. I knew Bumba Providence and those guys. What about the Burgins from Montrose? There was one who was a sprinter.”

“Yes, Jets; he’s around,” I offered.

“And you had a brother who was Ras and one with a big afro.”

“Yes, Everton and Curtis. Evy was murdered in New York, but Curt is fine”

“Oh, I didn’t know the Ras died.”

“That’s a few years ago. Joel Huggins died recently.

“Oh! Sad. He was a real good brother.”

“SVG has changed a lot. You should really visit.”

“No. You see, I can’t get to St Vincent without going through Europe or the States, and there they are waiting for me. I am safe here.” The door on the “they” had swung open again. I jumped in.

“Who are ‘they’, and why ‘they’ looking for you?”

“Every man has a talent and mine is to see revelations. I expose their wickedness, so my picture was on TV all over Europe and the States. This world is evil and I told them so!”

“I think environmentally speaking we are in crisis and I am not sure we can fix it.”

“We cannot. This is the end! And because I told them so, once I appear in Europe they will seize me.”

“But you don’t have to go through Europe. You can fly to Angola, Mozambique or South Africa, take a plane to Brazil and travel to St Vincent through South America. It’s long, but possible.”

“If you can arrange it, then arrange it, because I will never travel through Europe or States.”

“We are building an international airport. This should help. St Vincent has its problems, but it’s a good place.”

“I know. I have many good memories …..” He again was clearly reflecting. “I have a son born in St Vincent. He lives in the States….” I waited. “Yes, St Vincent gave me opportunities. It would be good to see people like my schoolmate René and others….

“It would be good to continue reasoning, but you have to catch the bus or you will have to sleep here tonight.”

“Yes, we must leave now,” Dr. Bahir reinforced. We all stood up.

“Wait. I want you to take these cards of appreciation to René, Lennox and others.” With that he went back inside and prepared the cards. We then headed for the gate. As we reached it he said ‘Wait’ and pressed a piece of wood in his hand, “Zzzzzzzzzz, this is my remote.” We both laugh genuinely knowing this kind of “kicksing” is purely Vincy. We stepped through the gate, embraced gently, and I took my leave. Seconds later, “Hi Richie.” I turned. “Remember, give my love to everybody.” I nodded. Something moved in my heart. Sadness! That last image of him at the galvanize gate waving goodbye has never left me since.