(Trinidad Express) Businessman Derek Chin says he is disappointed and hurt over distasteful comments that he is receiving special treatment at Cascadia Hotel and there was an “ulterior motive” in him picking up cancer patient Krissa Bissoon to return to Trinidad.
The business magnate told the Express yesterday Cascadia Hotel is no luxurious place and, compared to what he’s accustomed to, it’s like “Globe vs MovieTowne”.
He added that like everyone in quarantine facilities, he eats food from Styrofoam boxes and drinks from plastic bottles.
Chin has been criticised by some on social media who claim he used the excuse of picking up Bissoon in The Bahamas to return home.
Bissoon had flown to The Bahamas to start a new job but, while there, she was diagnosed with cancer and underwent surgery. She was unable to return to Trinidad, as the borders were closed and, though she was granted an exemption, there were no flights.
Chin was in Miami seeking medical attention, and had applied for an exemption to enter the country some nine weeks prior to getting approval, he said.
Bissoon’s case was brought to his attention and arrangements were made to pick her up on the way home, as he said he sympathised and understood her pain.
Chin said he had already obtained his exemption and, because he identified with Bissoon and her suffering, he felt he needed to help bring her home.
Health is your wealth
He said people need to cherish life and not waste time on negatives.
“It shows you how much hate there is and how people pre-judge because I suppose there is so much mistrust and lack of credibility in their fellow humans.
“For me, because I’m somewhat lucky and successful, I draw envy and people who don’t know me, never met me, place me in that category—I’m a crook or did bad things, etc. It’s hurtful. I try my best to do the fair and right thing,” he said. “But I have many loving and supportive people who know me and make it worthwhile. I was in a mess in Miami for over nine weeks. My attorney really worked so hard to fight my case.
“I feel that the Government needs to prioritise exemptions for people who have been stranded for medical reasons. They are really suffering twice and need the comfort of being home amongst their families,” he added.
Chin said nothing really matters when you don’t have good health, adding that he “lived in and out of Emergency Department at various hospitals”.
He said he is faced with medical issues and mental woes as Covid-19 has affected MovieTowne operations and business.
He said he employs 2,600 people in T&T and his direction is needed.
Chin said he took two Covid-19 tests and was negative.
He said his doctors recommended that he be quarantined in isolation, as he has underlying health issues.
Chin said he is counting the days to return to his home
Bissoon told the Express yesterday she too is counting the days to return home.
She said when her story about being stranded was first made public, she was also hurt by the bitter and hateful comments against her.
She said she is grateful to have returned to Trinidad because of Chin’s compassion and, as each day passes, she reminds herself she is one day closer to her family and home.
