I am profoundly saddened by the events that have touched our writer in residence, Kahuna. I looked forward to the descriptions of his Jamaican experience and joyful expeditions through the real neighbourhoods of Negril sent to us via Negril.com and was (am) hoping that we will soon see a third novel surface. I felt his pride and peace as he walked good, through the backstreets and lanes of the local quarters,and met genuine people in unnamed little bars where tourists rarely ventured. I chuckled at his discoveries of great trees and anatomically incorrect cacti. The theft of his laptop was not a big deal. The invasion of his safe place though, obviously has caused him to leave and reassess his connection with Negril as it would anyone. That is so sad for him. What is sad for me is I now have an uneasy feeling about connecting with the non tourist Jamaica. If it can happen to Kahuna, of all people, then what about me. I thought that I wasn't just a tourist. I realize now that that's all I am. I see a little clearer now, the economic differences between us. I see the growing differential between the haves and the have nots in Negril, and at home. While I hear people talk of their "good friends" in Jamaica I always see somewhere a financial transaction. That's OK. When I hear the sickening crowing of 50-60 year old men bragging about their Jamaican "girlfriends" I cringe when I think of the truth of the relationships. I think of the footprints we leave. I am forming a new deal with Jamaica. Negril has been very good to me so far. I promise, Negril, that I won't take you for granted. I promise that I will no longer use you for only my hedonistic pleasures. I will contribute to your good health. I will contribute to St Anthonys. I will take 25$ to Gail Jackson at Treehouse so that she can buy some beans for the Kitchen. I will support local business in hopes that the profits won't fly back to the continent. I will buy things I may not need from the self employed vendors and maybe not haggle as hard. I will buy a CD of a roving minstrel even if he is just OK and that I will never listen to it. I will ride in Red Plates only and contribute to the enterprising spirit of the hopeful drivers. I will leave the route taxis to the Jamaicans to get to work,church,school,wherever. They deserve that. Most of these people are trying so hard. I will leave something behind and it will be only good footprints. It's a start, for me. So from this tourist, soon come, irie and all that. But most of all. Respect.
