Dear Editor,
On Wednesday, January 11, at approximately 10:25am, as I was about to enter a speedboat at the Vreed-en-Hoop stelling, I noticed an elderly man attempting to go down the stairs leading to the speedboat and was having difficulty. Repeatedly, he called on the bowman who was sitting on the rail of the boat for assistance, and was being ignored. I started voicing my disgust and assisted the elderly man to enter the boat. Whilst taking my seat, the bowman along with another bowman, obviously ticked off that I had voiced my displeasure, started directing lewd and hateful comments towards me. I confess I didn’t remain quiet, I answered back. Upon disembarking I decide to get the name of the boat (Americano or something like that) which further aggravated the bowman and others, because he proceeded to follow me out of the stelling area, ‘busing’ and issuing threats to me.
Editor, I though my misery was over, but journeying on Water Street, walking on the pavement by Muneshwer’s wharf, the walkway was practically blocked by a minibus, the driver sitting inside and comfortably chatting with the security. I asked why the bus was blocking the walkway, and how are people supposed to pass, when the security asked if I cannot squeeze through. With some difficulty and messed up clothes, I successfully passed, whereupon the security asked if I hadn’t managed to pass. I replied, yes, but people shouldn’t have to endure that nonsense to pass. With that I was greeted with a barrage of expletives, again including lewd references. A few onlookers noted that his outburst was an act he committed regularly, and that was the way he spoke to people.
I need say no more. This is the hostility we have towards one another.
Sincerely,
Sahadeo Bates