Barbara Gloudon

IF THERE IS ANYBODY LEFT on the face of this planet who has not got the message that when America dumps you, you're truly dumped, then speak up now or forever sink into the silence of naiveté and deepest ignorance. To listen to some of the duplicitous denials about how Aristide suddenly left home, you'd think he got up and decided to go on vacation, opting to flying for 20 hours to one of the least-known, least-respected countries of the world. Maybe he is right. It is only a "kidnapping" which could have got anybody there.

Already, according to media reports, his hosts are jumpy about the implications of his stay among them, especially as he has been telling whoever will listen that the US did a number on him. (So, what's new, bro?) Even his definition of "kidnap" as against the US dictionary understanding ("against one's will, held for ransom") shows how much has been lost in translation. Maybe it's the creole.

Our Caricom leaders have been quite rightly outraged but they, and we know, they can't do a damn thing about it. The Marines are in place (yet again). When the US repelled the Haitian refugees from reaching their shores, in direct contravention of the international treaties on refugees, who dared to say "Feh" 'bout it? That's how the cookie crumbles, guys.

Now that Aristide has been dumped in some African backwater, who is going to point finger in Washington's face and tell dem dat, dem outta order? The obvious lesson to other upstarts who rely on aid to survive, is that they'd better get with the programme. (And while you're at it, watch the space marked "Venezuela". It might not be labelled "aid", but check the box for "oil".)

Back home, while it is good political sport to mock the Caricom leaders and dare them to go to war, some of the very people snickering for Caricom to launch an army and go tramp on Washington's toes, know when and where to say it.
(Man don't mess wid visa just so.) We in Jamaica should be aware more than anybody else. For those who don't know or may have forgotten, go read the Battle of the Seventies and ponder on what happens when you forget that han' inna lion mout. Might I remind you that if you have use for your fingers, the prudent thing is to tek time draw it out. It is, however, a sad day for one and all, not just us, as the whole world stands paralysed in the face of an ugly new reality.Right doesn't always go with Might.

The US presidential campaign is now fully under way. The Haiti story is quickly being pushed out of the headlines. So, all that's left to ask now is, where exactly is the Central Republic of Africa?

GET OUT YOUR MAPS, children. Locate Africa. The Central African Republic is bordered by Cameroon, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and the Sudan. It is the former French colony of Ubangi-Shari (once ruled by the Emperor Bokassa) which gained independence in 1960 and was under military rule for three decades. In 1993, civilian rule was established but by last March 2003, the military returned after a coup. (Somebody might have found it amusing that the size of the country has been defined as "slightly smaller than Texas"). Its 3.6 million people are ravaged by HIV/AIDS. Its economy is limping.

The legal system is based on French law. It has an ambassador to Washington and in return there is US diplomatic representation in the capital, Bangui. A review of its economy states: "Distribution of income is extraordinarily unequal. Grants from France and the international community only partially meet humanitarian needs."

Someone obviously thought that Aristide would feel right at home there. French is still spoken there along with a patois called Sangho. I wonder what words they have for the tangled web of geopolitical sleight of hand which is being played out?

By the way, weren't the French and the Americans at odds over Iraq? I guess Haiti has provided cause for them to patch up their differences and even persuade normally non-interfering Canada to go along for the ride. What is dis!
WHILE WE PONDER THE LESSONS from Haiti, we have a sea of challenges of our own making surging around us. Last week, I visited Negril for the first in a long while. The town was preparing for Spring Break with the usual mix of gratitude and grumbling. The complaints came from those who groused that the clients were low spenders, "school pickney" travelling on just enough to buy beer and pay to get into sessions. They didn't "drop money" for souvenirs, expensive meals and so on. Others took a more pragmatic view. Better a little than nothing.

Despite the grumblers, Negril on the whole is grateful for Spring Break. It fills a very necessary space in their season.
Even the upscale end of the town, the luxury all-inclusives along the Norman Manley Boulevard, can no longer ignore the event. One manager confessed that while he does not "do Spring Break" he facilitates day passes for those willing and able to afford a bit of upgrading.

A unique feature of Negril is the interaction of the visitors with the community, especially those who stay in villas and guest houses where they are freer to "shop around". Some interesting commodities are on sale.

In broad daylight, as mi granny would sey, I witnessed young girls - all in their teens, sauntering back and forth in a shopping centre with that hungry, brazen look which told you that they were not out purchasing groceries. What they were selling was advertised by the skimpiest garments and an air of defiance. One girl had already found a patron who paraded up and down with her. She could not have been more than 16 years old. He was long past his "sell-by" date. When I remarked on it, a contact retorted: "Ah nuh nutten.That is common assault round here."

TEENAGE PROSTITUTION is the order of the night and day. It is said that there used to be a nightclub in the area which specialised in girls as young as age 13. Pressure from citizens eventually got the establishment closed, but the trade continues. Seasoned "Negrillers" admit that tourism is a two-edged sword. On the one hand, no one can deny the benefits to the overall economy. On the other, however, it brings with it some of the worst social baggage, drugs and prostitution being chief among them. In a global atmosphere where sex is marketed in every possible way, (prostitutes now go by the sanitised title of "sex workers"), it is not surprising that Negril and other tourism areas are seeing an upsurge in the industry.

The increasing involvement of teenagers in the trade is particular cause for concern. People credit it to national financial difficulties and the lack of employment. In the minds of some, this seems like an excuse for the ease and willingness of so many young women to sell their bodies as the only way to "step up inna life". There is little time for reflection on the consequences, especially in an age of HIV/AIDS.

Government has spent considerable resources on improving the resort infrastructure. Now, it is time to enhance the quality of life for the local residents. As tourism areas continue to grow (and Negril is one of those where the growth is most evident), it is clear that we have to begin moving away from the old paradigm which focused more on the amenities for visitors and get to affirming the status of the local residents, thereby promoting a sense of well-being for everyone, not just tourists.

FOOTNOTE: I'm advised that in the recent event of "children on the rampage" outside Denham Town Police Station, students of the primary school were not involved. I have the principal's word on it.

The fear factor

Feeding the multitude

DANGEROUS PETS