By Dawn Ritch, Columnist
www.jamaica-gleaner.com
March 25, 2007
Any reader will know that I think the country’s domestic financial sector was handed to Trinidad and Barbados on aplatter. By any measure this is a strategic industry.
Also by any measure there is nothing more bombastic than a Trinidadian. The Barbadians are still conscious of the fact that they occupy a little atoll, even if its real estate prices now beat those of the Bahamas, which were high to begin with. Their sea-front villas are being snapped up by rich people from the industrialised world. As a direct consequence, the Barbadian prime minister has had to defend himself against charges of selling out the country to rich foreigners. In effect, he’s replied that he doesn’t regret it.
In the case of Trinidad, nobody wants to live down there because there are poisonous snakes and no mountains. Murder down there makes a speciality of mutilation. The only part of that country which is any good is the island of Tobago. But a luxury hotel there has made its guests violently ill three times over the last five years according to the Sunday Times, a U.K. newspaper. It seems to me nobody would want to go there, except another Trinidadian.
Continue reading: ‘Bombastic Trinidadians’
What an ignorant woman……….not worth dignifying her column with a response. How this got by the editorial staff is another question.
This columnist must be crazy. Is she authorized or qualified to write in a newspaper? Lord help the hapless Jamaicans who must read this tirade which spews of hatred.
Madam, Trinidadians like myself, live all over the world. If what you preach is the truth them we all should be in jail. Furthermore, how come Jamaicans are so foolish to allow all these corrupt activities- you mentioned- to continue.
Lord help haters like you. What is your problem with Trinidadians? Furthermore, who are you to malign me – I am a Trinidadian. I do not know uou – nor do I wish to know you.
Please remember to tell your captive audience about your airport in Kingston. Tell them how we are afraid to leave the airport when we are intransit. Tell them how the thieving taxi drivers try to ‘jook out we eye’ if we try to take a taxi to look around the run-down Kingston.
Why do I waste my time to reply. May the Lord help you!!
I wonder why I see so many Trini women in Toronto and NYC making babies like crazy for these ppl so?
Trinis are really stupid for so! just imagine we lent them millions of US$ in the 70’s and this is how they repay us!
Barbadians are no different they too got millions in aid etc, and just recently the PM began telling ppl in Tobago to “come and join Barbados in a federal state”(since Petro Canada began looking for oil and gas off the coast of Tobago)
Alyuh watch them guyanese too!
Most definitely she is ignorant, hateful and envious. That piece of editorial, if it’s legitimate, was meant to get by their editorial staff because it smells of only resentment. But in order for us Caribbean people to get along, we cannot fall party to that type of garbage coming from an obvious loser.
There several places in the world called Trinidad. This person may not talking about the one that I know near Venezuela, and where the Andes mountains finally come to an end (or begins). This appears to be the divisions we as West Indians have to deal with as a result of our ignorance cause by our laziness to learn about ourselves and our surroundings. Nevermind using this easy thing as the WWW to see actual scenes of mountains in TT, that takes too much effort. I rather smoke a joint and chill in Black RIver.
It is interesting that many Jamaicans and I know a lot when they go to Jamaica they say they would never visit kingston they would only fly over the capital.This place is a slum.I can go to my great country of trinidad with its class people and not be afraid.Clearly this species of writer like Dawn whatever has no class, she is typical of many of her people who have a truly bad reputation around the world.Amen And for your information there are mountains in Trinidad.Just proves how ignorant madame Dawn is.
And by the way Dawn I would like you to visit that same hotel when you go to Tobago. Watch your step now there might be Poisonous snakes around
Can’ t anyone give you Jamaicans common sense…who are the ones that let us take over your plant your goverment..without their permisson and imput..How the hell can we move in without consent..by the way before you start to write please do your research well…cause in your article you have made you and your Goverment look like total BOMBASTIC Jamaican..
I see that you don’t know much about the caribbean islands..Beacause you would have known that there are indeed moutains in Trinidad..I have visited Jamaica on many occassion due to my job..And was told on every visit to stay in my room…not to venture out with out my associates..Thank God I don’t have to vist there anymore because the taxi drivers are like theives….they so love money that they would hold on to your bag and pull you into their taxi….BOMBASTIC JAMAICANS…..
OH OH OH jamaica, how soon do they forget. Who has supplied the carribbean with oil citrus pitch money and the chance to build themselvies. The typical ignorant Jammie. You hold the worst litteracy record in the west indies. you cany pronounce home..or any world that begins with the letter ” h ” Your money have no value , your country has no jobs….you went to USA get a third grade education and think you are qualified to put yourself in the same class as we who has been reading since the first grade. I sugest you complete high shcool then come back and I will have talk to my 14 yr old daughter.Soon u will say that u invented calypso, steel band and Limbo ..Just like Harry Balafintoe
Editors of Trinicenter.com have bastardized the dialogue by publishing this drivel.
You are talking about murder in Trinidad what about Jamaica
they don’t have murder, in case that you don’t know it have Jamaicans lives and work in Trinidad miss lady.
We the people of sweet island trinidad and tobago will pray for you
Hey, remember this is the ranting of one person and may not reflect the views of most Jamaicans.
Although, I have met many people from the different islands who have strong derogatory opinions about Trinidadians.
Home without hope: the deportees blamed for a tropical crimewave
It is an increasingly urgent question. Every month the so-called Con Air flight scoops dozens of Jamaican-born convicts who have completed time in US jails and dumps them in Kingston. Dozens more arrive monthly from Britain on British Airways and Air Jamaica flights from Gatwick and Heathrow.
The US, UK and Canada account for almost all of the 33,268 Jamaicans who have been deported in the past 15 years. The rising numbers reflect a political imperative to crack down on illegal immigrants and foreign criminals.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/international/story/0,,2047914,00.html
This is the ranting of just one Jamaican who is trying to overcome a personal struggle to decide which is most appalling – their grasp of Geography, Anthropology or History. We can’t be mad at the people who published this article because that is what a free society is all about. I would prefer to hear what people think than be surprised when they act on their thoughts.
This is a sever case of Pot calling Kettle black! I’m just glad most of the Jamaicans I know don’t suffer from such a inferiority complex.
You know I had to read deep into this article to understand what motivated the writer to push such a venomous pen. Most of her article appeared to be empty unsubstantiated insults to Trinidadians as a whole, even though she appeared to have a problem with the Trinidad government not going through with the LNG deal – regardless of the reason why they could’t. All she needed to know was that they didn’t ! And what made her article particularly repulsive and frivolous was the fact that even though she found the Jamaican Chamber Of Commerce, and The Jamaican Manufacturers’ Asso. to be inept because she wondered why they would just stand by and let this all go down, and then be beside themselves with indignation – her venomous pen was suddenly tamed. She only had eyes for Trinidadians, even though the ordinary man in the street really had nothing to do with it. And I’m still trying to figure out what our heritage had to do with the deal falling through, and what would it matter if we were Carib and not Taino, and why would being muderous supersede cannibalism. Then to my utter amazement you want to drive us out with prosperity ?? SAY WHAT ?? You think that way you’ll have the econimic independence to buy back WHAT ?? My dear, and I think a bit of condescending patronizing is in order here at the risk of slinging mud with you, you see,I’m trying my best not to go down into the gutter with you. But I have to tell you that you’re ignorant, and I’m betting you probably heard that before ! You remind me of a calypso The Mighty Sparrow sang years ago called ” Well Spoken Moppers “. ( LOL ) And who appointed you’all leaders of the Caribbean ?? I’d leave you with a bit of education before I go. ( no charge ) Real respect is dispensed according to how much money you have, and that means Trinidad deserves more than what she’s getting from you. And the cart that you think you’re being draged at the back of is not as
” ramshackle ” as you think – and I believe you
know that, but for sour grapes !
The ignorance you recklessly display may be somewhat of an anomaly, since I have quite a few Jamaican friends, and they’re not at all as ignorant as you are, and I hope most Jamaicans are’nt either !
Goodbye, and you’ll have to do over English class !!!!!
And while you’re there, please learn that there’s strength in unity !
I wonder what would happen to her great leader called Jamaica if we were to pull out the Green Fund from under them? I wonder what would happen if we pulled out of the CSME like they did with the Federation?
Jamaicans, Barbadians, and company, meaning all those who signed the deal with Venezuela were always, have always, will always be a fine example of biting the hand that fed you.
Guyana should be on their knees before Mr. Pandey, why? he forgave their debt
All you other islands who complain about us should be on your knees before us, why? Because we have breast fed, spoon fed, and every kind of fed you on our money at the detriment of some of our citizens.
All of you know full well if were to foreclose on any one of you we would own you, lock, stock and barrel
She quarreling about a cement factory, she should be worried about them paying back our millions that they have lived on and continue to live on
Murder with cannibalism, I guess almost 2 thousand murders and more a year is civilized behaviour, showing hungry children on reggae videos i guess that is a picture of a country with leadership qualities?
Canada doesn’t hate us the way they hate you guys when u open your mouths, the first thing they ask is are you jamaican with a twisted face.
Americans despise you all and don’t talk for the UK, Lady get real. Mountains, you probably don’t know what mountains look like if you can say there are no mountains.
I for one will smile and say I don’t like Jamaicans any more that they like us, and goes for all the other jealous islanders out there, to be with a jamaican comes after being with a vagrant or mentally unstable person.
You islands fail to realise that we Trinibagonians are free, independent and a republic unlike some of you that are still bowing to the Queen who just don’t care for your black butts, who if she wanted could pull the weight of her money from behind your EC and whatever else you all want to call your money and you all will have no economy and then you all will have to come back to sweet T&T to beg more money to feed your hungry bellies.
So continue to cuss us and jealous us but you know what we still getting fat, still prospering, will continue to prosper and you all will continue to hate.
Ce La Vie.
I am convinced that in the anglo- speaking Caribbean there can be no real unity. When i studied at University with students from different caribbean islands there never existed and unity or love (especially towards Trinidadians) so i do not expect anything great from CARICOM or the CSME, it is a clear case of back biting and jealously between these micro states the only one that does not hate and not green with envy is the one that does not depend on Tourism and that is TRINIDAD.
We have oil, Gas, Asphalt,Armonia, Methanol,Urea,Miss Universe, V.S Naipaul, Brain Lara and also “GOD” who happens to be also TRINI and for your information the island Trinidad was named after colombus saw three mountains and said “There is the Trinity” so we are blessed so no hurricanes either Miss Ritch GOD say so …..
The comments made by Dawn Ritch are typical of somebody who seems to be envious of the progess of one country and the continous failure of another.
Trindad has achieved 15 years of economic growth and has ambitious plans for the future, EG: – 2020 developed status , diversed economy, etc.
Jamaica, on the other hand has underperfomed for the past 30 thirty years.
One of highest children born out of wedlock rates in the world ,the highest murder rate in the world and large sectors of the population involved in drug cultivation/distrubition and an increasing bad reputation abroad due to some nationals involved in crime(eg:- yardies )
Trindad has it’s crime problem but this pales in comparsion
to the crime levels in Jamaica.
I think I’ve read e-mail forwards that were better written, more cohesive and made more sense that this steamy pile of dung.
We sell oil & gas. We’ve given the Caribbean a break. They bite us in the ass by accepting Petrocaribe.
Fair enough. You need cheap energy.
But that doesn’t really help Trinidad. Cuz we still have oil & gas to sell. Its just that now, we can sell it to the highest bidder, rather than to our ‘po-me-wan’ neighbours.
Now that the Caribbean has pulled the energy rug from under us, do you think Trinidad would invest resources in a venture in which it would be in direct competition with Venezuela to supply Jamaica? Especially when we can sell to the US or use the gas to fuel factories here at home?
You think the Jamaican Government didn’t understand this before they accepted Petrocaribe? Why do you think they haven’t made a fuss?
Plus, the Caribbean needs to understand that they can’t have the best of both worlds. Jamaica especially, tried to pit Trinidad vs Venezuela as their energy suppliers for their own benefit. Why would we put ourselves in that position? I dont support Manning’s government, and we also need to understand that the move by Trinidad is at least partially political, but I’m happy the decision was taken to make the Caribbean understand that we will deal with them in the manner they dealt with us concerning Petrocaribe.
Islanders hate Trinidad&Tobago, just because they know that we don’t need them.
And Jamaican journalists are bomboclats.
Recently when I completed my master’s degree thesis on international trade and CARICOM, I stopped purchasing goods from T&T and Barbados but more so from T&T.
T&T has some of the most restrictive non-tariff barriers against goods and services from the rest of the region including Jamaica. (incidentally, Jamaica is T&T biggest market outside of the USA)
What I found was shocking! We down here in the Eastern Caribbean love to give J’cans hell but I was shocked to find how they play by the rules while we here tend not to. T&T has done a lot to block Jamaican manufactured good from entering T&T and while the T&T government reserves business for T&T businesses, the Jamaican government follow the rules of the the Single Market & Economy and open up to tenders, thus many T&T business get business from the government of Jamaica.
Never thought that I an Antiguan would ever come out on the side of Jamaica in any debate until my research led me to. I understand Dawn Rich. She is a patriot of Jamaica and has a right to ask her government not to sell strategic industries to the Trinidadians… Do any one remember the smear campaign carried out my large sections of the T&T Chamber of Commerce when Jamaican Billionaire, Michael Lee Chine started to invest there?
On another note. We all like to say Caribbean when Jamaicans do well. We claim their successes as “Caribbean” but ours as ours. We love them for their international stature then hate the assertiveness they use to get there. We love their culture and there music and when we meet them in places where we all face racial discrimination we depend on them to stand at the front of the battle like they did in England for all Black immigrants to Britain in the 1940s 50s and 60s.
These people I have discovered are some of the warmest and friendliest anyone can ever meet. I am happy to have had the privilege to go and I will go back there in a heart beat and I defend Dawn Rich’s right to condemn the sell out of key industries to Trinis and to whoever else it was sold out to…
I am surprised at the disunity and discord among caribbean people all in the name of politics. small caribbean islands should not be quarrelling among themselves this kind of way, much like a dysfunctional family.
Response to John,
Dissapointed that you would actually support Miss Dawn. Yes you may understand her position but she wrote an article that was venemous and personifies ignorance to the highest degree. There were no facts, just a blatant attack on a country. By the way she wrote her article I am surprised she can actually spell. As for you supporting her, put Antigua in the article and tell me how it sounds ummm…. Remember there are things that go on behind closed doors which the public may never know.
Since you seem to have some knowledge of Caribbean markets and economies, give Jamaica some tips on keeping her companies afloat instead of supporting fools (yes I said it} like miss Ritch.
That is the most ridiculous piece of hogwash I have ever been unfortunate to cast mine eyes upon. Its context evidences an intellect struggling vainly for enlightenment, but unable to discover any trace in a cranium that substitutes for the functions of the colon. It is no wonder that throughout its history Jamaica has had a problem electing dark skin leaders despite the fact that they are virtually homogeneously African.
If this is an example of what patriotism produces in Jamaicans, I urge Trinidad and Tobago not to take a page out of their book. I mean this assinine turd uses the racist cannibalistic arguments of the Slave Masters to explain the difference between two Caribbean Islands. There is no Trinidadian Drug Mafia in the US. There is no Trinidadian Drug Gangs in the US. In fact, Trinidadians in the diaspora probably have one of the lowest crime rates among Caribbean and West Indian Immigrants.
But let me stop here rather than going down the road this truant from history classes does. Suffice to say to Jamaicans, “hey, one love Rasta”. And remember what a treasured “Son of your soil” lamented. “Through political strategy they keep us hungry, and when we want to get some food, our brothers got be our enemy”. We Trinidadians ain’t your enemy man. They reside in the trojan horse mindsets of writers like this court jester Dawn “Itch”. She should go in a room and scratch rather than transfering the discomfort to Trinidadians.
boy!one ignorant woman comments make you all start spilling out your guts on your fellow caribbean neibour. please, can we all just love and respect each other.
“Patriotism is your conviction that this country is superior to all other countries because you were born in it.” George Bernard Shaw
“The man who loves other countries as much as his own stands on a level with the man who loves other women as much as he loves his own wife.” Theodore Roosevelt
Dawn Rich called Trinidadians bombastic , but that could almost be view as complimentary when compared to the vitriolic bile she eventually spewed via the following:- “Jamaica is supposed to be the leader of the Caribbean.” These Trinidadians, all they do is pack up the place and get in the way. In that twin- island state there is a Muslim problem. Nobody wants to live down there, because there are poisonous snakes and no mountains. Nobody goes to Trinidad, and I could have told him so. The only part of that country which is any good is the island of Tobago.”
They all want to come here, and they’ve always wanted to come here. First, the black ones came because the Indians were running them out. The Indians have come to Jamaica to run our show up here. They’re making a very bad job of it. Can’t anybody keep them away from us?”
“It really is an indignity to have been re-colonised by a people who were themselves colonised. What the Jamaican Government must now have realised are baleful consequences of the Amerindian heritage of Trinidad. They are not Taino but Carib, and those were cannibals. We were not, and it’s not part of our make-up. Murderous today, but still not cannibal. The only thing to do with cannibals is drive them out with prosperity.”
So tell me you fellow outraged citizens , which part of the straight- shooting patriotic Jamaican journalist commentary you found most reprehensible and or revolting? Get used to it ,for you prefer to continually allow conniving , disingenuous ,uncaring , politicians, on both side of the ‘so call divide,’ have you go at logger head at each other like crabs in a barrel, while ignoring your basic developmental needs and push cronyism and nepotism where ever possible to maintain strangleholds on the country.
Since most of you often use every conceivable opportunity available to verbally and otherwise tarnish the name of your country to gullible willing listener , then please suppress any out rage at this honest journalist for showing her disgust at our very existence and what some might perhaps correctly perceive as ingrained jealousy at our fortunes .
The irony is that this is simply the tip of the iceberg , for every citizen from backward Cuba ,all the way down to dung heap Guyana, feels exactly the same about you and your blessed country . The Canadians, Yankees, Europeans , Australians, and beloved foreign motherland Africans or Asians that you try daily to ingratiate yourself with for some strange psychological reason, are repulse at your shallowness, lack of identity, and non- patriotic predilections.
The problems with many of you is that you were not fortunate like I did to get sound and wise admonitions by the smartest woman that ever lived- Grandma Socrates – for she would have informed you that “ all skin teeth ain’t laugh .”
I want to think that the man who made the following statement is now turning over in his grave to see what his party, people, and country is now relegated to. Probably saying to St. Peter boy as he puff on his stinky Pipe- was this prevailing nepotism, mediocrity, and national inefficiency , why I banned my former Howard University ,radical student Stokley Carmichael from his country for life for ?
He said once when he began he like others began the creation of his neo- colonialist fiefdom .
“I was born here, and here I stay, with the people of Trinidad and Tobago, who educated me free of charge for nine years at Queen’s Royal College and for five years at Oxford, who have made me whatever I am, and who have been or might be at any time the victims of the very pressure which I have been fighting against… I am going to let down my bucket where I am, right here with you in the British West Indies.” From Public Lecture at Woodford Square, 21 June 1955 Dr. Eric Eustace Williams (1911-1981)
Cousin Bas , said in contrast, “I am going home to take care of my people, ” as he turned down an India Commonwealth Scholarship. Some day we should check the pudding to find the proof, eh?
Regards. Neal- aka your voice of reason.
Thanks for your comment Neal. Trinidadians need to be more patriotic and stop degrading ourselves and our country.
Some months age I had the pleasure of travelling to the UK. On my flight and about two rows ahead of me were a Trinidadian guy who now resides in Scotland and a lady traveeling to England. From overhearing their conversation I believe she was also trinidadian. These two individuals, both much older than myself, spent almost the entire flight discussing the “situation” back home and the state of admentities etc. The lady in particular was complaining about a lack of internet access and I believe water at her apartment in Maraval. Given her mixture and her manner of speech I believe she resided in the more upper class section of Maraval. Knowing that such places normally well serviced, water quality in some parts no (but that wasn’t what her grievance was about), I believe her problem was either an isolated incidence or due to her landlords bad managment. However to my ears, they both made Trinidad sound as the most backward place in this part of the world. I was so ashamed to hear these two bad mouth T&T throughout the flight in a volume that could be heard from my seats two rows back and most likely to whatever foreigns were on the flight also.
It’s interesting that we all fail to realize that it’s up to us to make T&T a better place to live. Migrating to another country does not help T&T grow.
On another note we attempt to please others too much. I believe this is as a result of us being a cosmopolitian people. Sometimes I feel this blessing works against us moving forward as a people too much. So what if other islanders doesn’t like us? While we need to be very aware of how others view us, and I appreciate the article for educating me further on the views’ of our islanders let it not hinder us in becoming a greater economic power. Once it is done in the proper manner and not in a backstabbing way we have no right to feel ashamed of moving into another island’s economy. If the shoe was on the other foot they would not hestiate to do the same. We are not respnosible for Caricom’s well being and wealth. While we can’t have them fall on the way for our purposes we must keep moving ahead to compete on an international stage.
Glad to share my insight.
Trinidad’s claim to being the most advanced power in the English-speaking Caribbean is neither assured nor inevitable. This title is for Jamaica to lose. Jamaica is the natural leader, because it has the biggest market for goods and yes, the biggest population, just like China is destined to be the biggest economic power in the world and not the US. Jamaica, like China, is a sleeping giant and once Jamaica gets its act together, it will take its rightful place as the leader of the Caribbean.
Trinidad, now is the juggernaut in the Caribbean. This is so because of their oil and gas and the other industries that spun off from that. With cheap energy, they could afford to ramp up their industrial infrastucture to make cheap (cheaper) products. They flood Jamaica and other markets with these cheap goods, putting Jamaican companies at a disadvantage. This won’t last long.
Jamaican products do not enjoy the same access into the Trinidad market. Jamaica is playing fair, while Trinidad isn’t. This won’t be the case forever.
I admire Trinidad for using the funds from oil and gas to diversify their economy. But gas and oil will run out or they won’t be so important going forward, since there is a move to get away from fossil fuel. This won’t happen overnight, but demand will slacken, which will result in lower prices for gas and oil.
I am told that much of the construction downtown POS was paid for by the government. If money is free, why not? But is there a business case for all these buildings? Or will they become white elephants over time? Remember Dubai anyone?
I see where Caribbean Airlines is taking over Air Jamaica
On another blog, I advocated for CAL to move their primary hub from POS to either Kingston or Mobay. Why?
Because doing so makes better business. Jamaica is more centrally located – for better connection in the Caribbean – and because Jamaica is a bigger air travel market. So you see the business dynamic in this case is a guage of other markets. It is all about business people. A small, relatively isolated and low-populated island can never be the economic power in the Caribbean. It will be Jamaica!
Way to go richi. I wholeheartedly agree with you on this issue with Jamaica. To hell with these bombastic Trinis as you’ve described them .They have always treated you guys so callously even as far back as the Federation when you all were Bauxite kings, and they could not spell oil and gas as yet.
Not only is Jamaica the most advanced , sophisticated , and progressive country in the region , but the entire globe. At this very moment , Jamaica -even with it’s 5000 per year murder, and $ 89:23 JC to 1 US -can be a formidable industrial rival to the world’s sole remaining hegemonic superpower.
If I were you , I won’t even stop there Richi. Jamaican women are the prettiest , their Carnival the greatest, according to Peter Tosh , Trinidadian pan music is loud noise garbage when compared to dance hall music. Jamaica is morally sound , without one single gay person on the island when compared to decadent Trinidad, their women can gyrate much better than Trinis, their food especially mannish water, ram goat liver, are the best.
You just stole my thunder Richi, as I was on the verge of giving up my useless Trini citizenship and thus becoming a Jamaican in a few years , but is about to submit an application immediately . I just can’t handle another boring Carnival aka one of the greatest wonders of the world, Looking forward to sunsplash, as it’s much better than that Trini invasion carnival you started having each year in August.
Thanks Richi , for exposing the Trini frauds, and showing us the light as to that much neglected gem called Jamaica.
Let’s not forget,Jamaican dasheen help produced some of the fastest runners in the world , when they are not on steroids like Ben Johnson and company. Darm ,Ungrateful Jamaicans still own stupid Trinis over 400 million dollars since Dr. Williams generous days, yet are breaking down the IMF doors to repay backlog loans , and apply for more monies to service their sluggish economy.
Warm regards.