A Meaningful Encounter with Floyd

I was sitting at a café along the beach in St. Vincent when Floyd approached me. He leaned over the balcony and asked for the WiFi password. “FrenchFries, both capital F’s,” I responded. And before I knew it, we were engaged in a long, deep conversation. Floyd was born in the UK but was Jamaican. He was a psychologist on a contract position living in St. Vincent, and working on a book about white supremacy issues and deep-rooted racial issues. I was intrigued, and ironically, sitting next me on the table was a book called ‘Caste.’ The timing was quite ironic and the insight I received, firsthand experience of Floyd growing up as a Jamaican in the UK, and then moving to St. Vincent and being ‘different’ than the people there, was truly fascinating. I hope he finishes his book and shares the knowledge he has. I know that I, personally, have so much to learn, and while I thought a week in the Caribbean would be nothing but relaxing, it was more than that this time.

in the Caribbean

I headed to the islands seeking some clarity. I was feeling directionless about my own life and struggling with the emotional struggle of seeing so much struggle in the world. I spent a little over a week bouncing around the Caribbean, moving rather quickly. Caribbean islands are difficult for me. They have these wonderfully amazing beaches, but 99% of them are lined in sand. Sand and wheelchairs do not mix, and thus, I’m stuck sitting at a restaurant or resort, overindulging in food and drink. And then, that’s not what I enjoy. I enjoy the conversations with the locals. I enjoy off the beaten path, hole-in-the-wall restaurants. I like street food, and performers, and the conversation. It’s the people. That’s what I want – what I need – the stories.

I get great fulfillment out of talking with people like Floyd, or interacting with Joann, the hostess at my last guesthouse in St. Kitts. I appreciate the genuine kindness of people, like Joann’s friend who gave me a fresh mango as I was heading for the airport, reminding me to ‘eat it before I board, or else I will get into trouble with immigration control.’