Dear Editor,
OMG Restaurant: I can’t believe that I was just denied entry to the buffet at lunch time because I was wearing a vest. No, not just any vest. A very trendy and tactful piece of summer attire.
I was born in Guyana, but currently I reside in the United States of America. Every year I return to Guyana to celebrate Mash, and to enjoy the friendships and relationships that I value here locally.
My group of four was greeted initially by a rude staff member as she explained the rules of the restaurant, and pointed to a small printed sign which also explained the rules. As I glanced around the restaurant, I found that the rules did not apply to women and that not only was I being discriminated against because of my gender, but I was also embarrassed by her degrading tone and non-verbal communication. I asked to speak to the manager; she protested but then got her and had a sidebar conversation before I was able to speak. The manager shook her head signalling no, as she walked over to where I was standing. I was infuriated by this time so we left.
Less than a mile down the road we found an Italian restaurant which everyone in my group agreed was an upgrade from the buffet we left. They catered to our social and nutritional needs and our time spent there was pleasurable. The staff were not Guyanese, and they catered to all customers, some in suits and others casual.
Guyana is a tropical country, and sits near the equator. On a hot day, a visitor coming from winter weather and not being fully acclimatized is subjected to wearing more clothing than they are comfortable with.
OMG Restaurant! OMG! No thanks, I will not be back to that restaurant. I hope that this letter finds the right person who is able to implement appropriate changes and training for staff on professionalism and cultural sensitivity, among other issues discussed.
Yours faithfully,
Shervin Narine
Editor’s note
We are sending a copy of this letter to Banks DIH for any comment they might wish to make.