4/6/84

Just read an entry from last year about this time. Wow! I can't believe how far we've come. It seems ages ago. But the past is still not settled. It was almost exactly a year ago that we first heard of Elizabeth's rape. I still have a bad taste in my mouth about that whole thing. It was absolutely amazing that how after P.C and the government of St. Vincent had assured us that justice would be done, that how little was actually done for Liz. What a tragedy and injustice was done to us all. I can't forgive and forget this one. If anything in St Vincent has marred my impression and respect for the system of justice (if there even is one in St Vincent), it is the horrible wrong that was done to Liz. Not just the rape (though I personally castrated ‘Kelly’ in my head several times) but it was the joke of the court system. Not only Liz but on other Vicentians, too. You can get away with murder here. Makes me want to become a revolutionary, form a hit squad and take out most of the Gov’t people ‘elected’ into office. The people have no power here. What a hopeless situation to live in. No wonder people just give up. Gads, I'm still so angry. God give me patience and charity…..

On to other things. Mrs Douyon is in the hospital with some sort of heart ailment and I'm anxious for her to fly out of here and get some REAL medical treatment in the states. Even her mother and aunt are ailing. Someone once said, in reference to getting to know the culture of a foreign country, that you should attend a wedding and a funeral. Well, we did go to a wedding over the weekend but I have no desire to go to a funeral. Especially one of someone we love like Mrs Douyon or Lanie Duncan who is also having health problems.

The wedding was very interesting. It was N. Amer in most respects except that it started predictably late. It was due to start at 3:00 p.m. We showed up to an empty church at 2:50 and the bride arrived at 3:40. Of course at the reception the music was Calypso/Soca/Reggae and then there was the callaloo soup with a goat's head and tripe base. I'm glad I didn't know until after I had had it. It was good though. It was a fun, fun evening. A real cultural event….

Next week I may be in Antigua for “Motorcycle training” a new P.C. policy. The only advantage is that it may give me a chance to pursue some training-employment opportunities at CHP and allow me to make a business stop in Dominica to see Mark Thomas at the M.I.U. there. But, I won't know until nearly week’s end. Usual PC protocol…..