Dear Editor,
The people of the Gray’s Green & Point Area are born winners and should be given alot more respect than what they are presently getting but unfortunately, they may have to blame themselves for their own downfall.
It was several months ago, during the carnival celebration, I was filled with joy after hearing that Hellsgate Steelband from the Point Area, won the steelband competition.
Again, last week, I was even more ecstatic when the final results was announced that Greenbay Primary School of the Gray’s Green community became the champion in this year’s Independence steelband competition.
Interestingly, I am not a fan of either orchestras but a sense of enthusiasm & excitement overpowered me after witnessing that both bands coming from oppressed communities have proven that they have the ability to rise to the top when competing against their opponents of any class, external to their community.
Winning a competition or reigning supreme is is nothing new for both communities. In the past, both communities have triumphed in all spheres of life including in Devine ministry, medicine, sports, academics, culture and politics.
It clearly demonstrates that inspite of the socio-economic conditions that the residents are faced with, both communities have what it takes to produce champions and will continue to do so, even though the communities have been stigmatized and cried down.
Having said that, I am of the view that the residents of both the Gray’s Green and Point communities need to carryout an introspection as to why they are been looked upon in such negative light by others from other communities, although they have proven to be winners / conquerors over the years.
From my vantage point, it is my opinion that a high percentage of the residents from both communities have developed a mindset that has been cultured into inflating their pride with mediocrity and making a choice of not stepping up to the plate of living a lifestyle of high standards so that they can be on that competitive edge that society presently ask of.
Not withstanding the financial & socio-economic pressures, the choice of not exercising proper discipline has also become a part of the community’s culture. Hence, certain ettiquette, mannerism, protocols & respect becomes lacking in the way the residents socialize and communicate.
There is no getting away that ” society ” dictates how we live. Standards are set and protocols & rules are implemented. Hence, for one to be recognized in high esteem or given that respect, the standards of society must be conformed to.
Unfortunately, for the residents of the Gray’s Green & Point Area, that seems not be the case. Dialect along with a derogatory mode of verbal communication becomes a normal way of their daily lifestyle. The community gutters are used as conduits to dispose of rubbish. Rusty galvanized fences are erected in a distorted manner. The esthetics of some houses are even yet to be desired. Abandoned properties are left unpruned and young men are half dressed seen selling marijuana at the community street corners, hustling to make a dollar.
Perhaps, it is for this reason why these communities have attracted a very high concentration of immigrants from the lower socio-economic class of other communities, both locally and from abroad, thus causing such persons to fall in line as a comfort zone for survival.
As winners, it is full time for the people of the Gray’s Green & Point Areas to wake up from their slumber. The residents need to realize that they need to raise their standard of living and change their mode of operation in order to get that respect that they duly deserve.
If only they wake up and free themselves from that mental slavery and mediocrity state, then both communities can certainly be a force to reckon with.
Alex
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Alex, I read you loud and clear. I will agree with you in most path, except where you’re critical, in the use of “dialect.”
There is nothing whatsoever, that is wrong communicating with, through, by the [sounds] which are ingenious and belong to your CULTURE.
French, German, Mandarin, Portuguese, English are all “dialects.” They are simply approved and accepted forms of communication, by HUEmans, who term them languages.
Speech is not a “sense,” but a bunch of idioms, signs, symbols put together by any idiot to make sense, their way.
However, I do agree with your overall message regarding the attitudes, habits and norms, of the People who reside in these communities.
Ras Smood aka Jumhee_Picknee
De’ole Dutty Peg🦉Garrat_Bastard
Vere C. Edwards
I will also agree with the writer of this letter…….. Both communities have produce some outstanding personalities and organizations. However, the residents are certainly their own downfall why they have not being getting that recognition they so deserve…….
They really need to step up their game….!
Writer I like your writing style.I wish I could articulate like you but what you say is very contradictory.if so much grate people comes out of point and grace green.why would want to change it’s people.you want to see shackles on they brain like yours and the rest of de oppressors.it the government fault if a community is dilapidated. The people do they best with what is given.anyway they have one of the best PM Antigua have ever seen.and things are changing wait for booby alley project to finish,you might one to live there among some amazing people. it will help to change your colonial mind set and think for yourself.and stop with the society think of you bs.we are not controlled. they can control we y’all wish to be like point and grace green people but to scared of what society thinks.to hell with you and your society.we not changing.we don’t need you opinion. We will continue to be the best.heater!
@stop hate!!appreciate: you seem to be missing the point. Yes great people have come out of Gray’s Green and Point. You do not sound like you are one of them. Perhaps you should ask yourself why do alot of these great persons and their families move out of those communities and reside in other communities after they have accomplish certain feats?
The writer missed a critical point. That is: those places are where most of the immigrants always end up. Now that is not to say that is not always the case but the old immigrants were from places like: Montserrat, Dominica, St Lucia, with a few Bajans, Trinidadians- Calypso Gypsy lived there in the 70s. The difference is, their numbers were fairly small and they tend to blend with the local community. Any influence they brought: the goat water, fish broth etc, were positive things hence they were incorporated into the community and society. The new immigrants come from Dominican Republic, Guyana and Jamaica. They are larger in numbers and come from places with pretty strong cultures. Long story short, they have basically taken over those communities so the people that have roots there are in the minority and that “good behaviour” to which you refer is really from people who basically “live” there. Furthermore no one has educated them on the expectations of which you speak so they are just living the life that there accustomed to.
So place some blame on the agents that allowed them in and basically use them as “vote mills”. The ball is in their court now to try to mold them according to our expectations. I would not hold my breath.
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