Some Barbadians were hurt, offended and downright angry this past week when Jamaican Shanique Myrie made disparaging remarks about their country.
So upset were they that shortly after Myrie’s interview with the Jamaica Observer was posted on THE NATION’S website and Facebook page, many lashed out.
In that interview, Myrie, who alleges she was subjected to a cavity search when trying to enter Barbados in March last year, said a “flood of bitter” memories fell on her like a ton of bricks when she returned recently to take her case to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).
“Everybody came to look at me. Some ‘cut’ their eyes, while others just stared coldly. I felt like a victim, like a criminal . . . ,” she complained.
She said she thought Barbados was more sophisticated, but instead it turned out to be ordinary.
The comments, some of which have already been published, are still coming fast and furious.
Jamie Moore: “So tell me, why you want to come in a country that is not that sophisticated?”
Nikki Hollingsworth: “First of all, Barbados does not even have a ghetto. I have seen slums in Trinidad. I have been to many other Caribbean islands – St Lucia, Dominica, St Kitts, St Thomas, St Vincent – and our infrastructure is superb ….”
Gail Clarke-Spinks: “Just to clarify matters, I live in Canada and all the houses up here are made out of wood and I wish I had a zinc fence because this wooden one I have here is prone to pests. I don’t question your right to your case but crying down the country where you were planning to visit is also reprehensible ….”
JCP: “She’s a mouthpiece for dismantling Barbados’ tourism and boosting Jamaica’s own.”
Another development which had tongues wagging was the call by Opposition Leader Owen Arthur for transformation of this country’s economy. He said Barbados needed to “transform or perish”.
Readers also empathized with the relatives of slain Police Constable 784 Dexter Yarde, who are crying out for justice after eight years.
Conchita Moseley: “Keep your strength. Some day somebody might talk.”
Perro Holloway: “This is one of those mystery cases, and there are a few of them in Barbados’ history.”
