Why I Love Chaguanas

Today I realized why I love my country so much.

I spent most of the day running errands in and around my old homeland of Chaguanas recently. The nostalgia and warm feeling of all these mixed cultures, races, religions, personalities intermingled together were a bit overwhelming.

I remembered why Chaguanas was so influential for me as a teenager because it shaped my understanding of people, race, religion, beliefs, cultures, biases, etc.

While getting some work done on the car, I met an old east Indian friend whom I have not seen in several years. It was a pleasure connecting and sharing with him again. As the conversation progressed, I was surprised by how open he was about some personal challenges he was currently facing.

It was clear that there were some social and culturally issues intertwined in his present challenges. However, he seemed appreciative of me just listening and offering whatever advice I was able to.

"Yeah Mamo!" he said to a friend that passed in the street. The word Mamo brought a smile to my face because I never understood the meaning but knew it represented a greeting or respectful acknowledgement of some sort.

Leaving the mechanic to head to the tire shop, I observed the mixed races, religions and personalities working and teaching each other the different skills and techniques of the trade.

This made me reflect on the very dark picture painted from time to time about race relations in Trinidad and Tobago especially, around election time. Nigger people this, Coolie people that, it is all a ridiculous when I look at it. While I admit that race and hate exist, here I am, no election and these mixed races are working and laughing together.

Leaving the tire shop proceeding along Montrose main road, I noticed that very familiar Chinese food restaurant I frequented for lunch or dinner from time to time. The surroundings are different, with bigger competitors (Marios, Subway and Wendys) close to them. However, they are just as busy and seem to be holding their own.

Now I am here at Al Haaq, a well known Muslim family-owned business known for some of the best BBQ in Chaguanas and its pepper sauce. As I await my order, once again, I am observing the interracial couples and families coming.

As I looked around, I smiled and just shook my head at the behaviours of some of our leaders. In my opinion, Chaguanas shows the ability for people to unit regardless of their beliefs, cultures, faiths, etc.

The union of people will always overcome any negative agenda by or leaders.