Importance of G.P.S

So today (October 15, 2013) I had an interview (ish) in Princeton, New Jersey. I've been in New Jersey for less than a week now, but I've been driving up and about and checking Google Maps frequently for routes, and I feel like I'm getting to know the place pretty quickly. Frankly, this morning, I felt lke I already knew the place enough to go it alone, sans G.P.S.
For the interview (ish) I was given directions by email, which seemed pretty straightforward... EXCEPT, the directions I got from the person told me to go North, as opposed to South. I was to look for Exit 1B. Imagine my annoyance when I saw Exit 8, turn into Exit 9, then 10. I took the next exit, in the hopes of finding a road leading to the Northbound side of the road I was taking. A who tell mi fi guh try dat? Mi laaaaass, Mi laaaaaas, Mi laaaaaas!
(Translation for non-Jamaicans: I was very lost).

Finally, good sense prevailed after driving around aimlessly for about 10 minutes and I pulled into a parking lot and used the G.P.S on my phone. It was pretty much smooth sailing after that... until I reached my destination. Instead of going straight into the complex, I made a turn I wasn't supposed to and drove aimlessly again for another 10 or so minutes! My interview was for 11:00 a.m., and I didn't park in the complex till about 11:25 a.m., all because I got lost. And to top it off, when I got to the actual building, I still couldn't find the place! (Y'all think I ignored the warning signs? Maybe I did, nuh true?)
Turns out that I shoulda probably just stayed at my yard. I think that kind of job (Insurance Sales) really wasn't for me anyway, and maybe God just really didn't want me to go there.

What's more is that apparently, it wasn't really even an interview, but more of a presentation about the company, after which persons interested in full commission sales could indicate. At this point I can't accept a job like that, because one: I needs me a guaranteed salary! Two: EVERYBODY hates insurance sales people! Three: I've had experience with sales, and it was not my cup of tea at all. I don't like it.

HOWEVER!

With all the wandering around like a headless chicken, God taught me another lesson. It's amazing how He uses these little things to teach us. Many times we think we know what we should do, where we should go, and how to solve our problems. We think we can do good, all by ourselves. But Paul, in Romans 7 teaches us otherwise, from his own experience. He said (Rom. 7:21-25 NLT):

21 I have discovered this principle of life—that when I want to do what is right, I inevitably do what is wrong. 22 I love God’s law with all my heart. 23 But there is another power within me that is at war with my mind. This power makes me a slave to the sin that is still within me. 24 Oh, what a miserable person I am! Who will free me from this life that is dominated by sin and death? 25 Thank God! The answer is in Jesus Christ our Lord. So you see how it is: In my mind I really want to obey God’s law, but because of my sinful nature I am a slave to sin.

No matter how hard we try; of our own strength, we can do NOTHING good. Every time we try, we will undoubtedly fail. That's why we gotta listen to the still, small, Voice that speaks through the Heavenly G.P.S and follow His lead; because like me, your destination could be directly in front of you and you still make a wrong turn. Don't try to be a hero, don't try to make it on your own. Also of utmost importance; like that email I got that sent me the wrong way, people and other external influences will give you advice and influence that seems right, but they will ultimately lead you on the wrong path, and at times into the windy abyss of destruction. We must follow the map that God gives. Yes, sometimes He will send people to explain the map directions to us, but we must be very careful who we trust and listen to.

So my drivers out there, even if is just a two foot turbo you have; if you always know the way to where you're going, good for you! I hope to be like that one day. But from both an earthly and spiritual plain, knowing the way comes with experience and studying the map (the Bible). Just remember, for your earthly vehicular travels you may not always need one, but you will always, ALWAYS need Heavenly G.P.S to get to heaven :)

The Job Hunt Chronicles - The Comparison

As you may (or may not) have known by now, I'm no longer in Jamaica.

If you didn't know, well... umm... SURPRISE! I'm not there anymore! I meant to tell you, but umm... it was kinda sudden and it slipped me? (Maybe?) Okay, you don't buy it. Well... I suppose I'm gonna have to make it up to you huh... Okay, when I come back; I promise. When will that be you say? Weeeeeell... Lemme get back to you on that. *wink*

I'm sure most of y'all would figure out sooner or later that I'm in America: the "Land of Opportunity".

Like I said in my earlier blog post when I left Jamaica or my article in the Jamaica Observer (which is the edited version of the blog post) I'm here to improve myself and the standard of living for me and my family.

To improve one's self in the sense of which I speak, takes "mucho dinero", "moolah", "green", "dollars"--or simply put; MONEY! As an adult, what is the number one way to acquire said money? Yes, that's right: standing on the street corner with a sign begging getting a job, duh!

Photo from www.fotopedia.com

As up to this point (October 2, 2013 at 4:27 p.m.), I am yet to arrive at my place of settlement in the great United States of America; but, since I'm all about being proactive and "nuff" in this place to get what I want since nothing will be handed out to me, I've electronically been like a hunter with bow and arrow in hand, hunting for that prized 9-5 (or otherwise) to get my dreams started. So far, I've hit a few targets in the foot, but I haven't caught dinner for the village just yet. And in case you're reading now and your face is like "o_O huh?! What is he saying?!" I'm simply using my hunter terms to tell you that I've gotten calls, had interview discussions, and even set a few interview dates; but I'm yet to snag a job. All clear? You're welcome.

This is in part due to me not yet arriving at my place of settlement like I said before, but it's certainly progress. During this process, I have already experienced a stark difference between seeking employment here and in Jamaica.

The Jamaican Job Hunt

In one simple sentence: I'm QUITE DISGUSTED at what I knew as the application process in Jamaica! 

Too many people I know can relate to this all too well. It's like trying to kill a deer with a rubber band and some paper bullets! Okay fine, upgrade that to a slingshot, but still.. Mark you, everyone has not had the same bad experiences, but for the most part, I'm quite sure the treatment received in Jamaica is pretty much standard issue; save for a few blessed hardworking, honest, equal opportunity Human Resource teams.

I don't know of any, but I'm just saying, you know, just in case there actually are some.

In Jamaica, after seeing job postings online or in the newspapers, earnest job seekers send several applications by electronic and physical mail with much anticipation for that one place to 'connect'. After all, you only need to get into one place to get something going, and then the horizon can be broadened. At this point, I really really want to blame the lack of responses on Jamaica being a third world/developing country, but bwoy... almost everyone in Jamaica has a cell phone, and most have internet access, so people can be reached instantaneously to discuss job possibilities, so that's gone through the window straightaway.

What seems to happen normally? Well, there are the sad situations like this. Then there are the ones like these: Applications pile up in H.R. offices, or are placed on 'file', for what reason, I'm not sure; since each time someone is not successful in acquiring a job, IF CONTACTED AT ALL and informed of this, the person is promised to be placed on files that merely take up space for no reason and are never revisited. I applied to one place and got this response twice. Yeah, I'm an expert. At least they responded though, right? It would appear that during the application process, the first 50 or so are considered from the top of the pile, all while knowing full well that John Smith or Mary Brown--friends from church--asked about a work for their son, daughter, brother or sister, and so that position's owner has already been decided. In Jamdung, "links run di werl". That, and I think H.R. people in JA don't care much for humans as they ought.

>>>>>>> Fast forward to America, where people actually respond! And FAAAAST too!

I guess most places in Jamaica haven't heard about auto reply to email applications, but it's all the rage here. Before you even done applying you get an email response! AAAAAANND, though annoying at times, in order to apply for jobs in most companies here, there are talent networks that you have to sign up for before applying. When you sign up, these networks send you postings to other jobs for which you are qualified based on your selected interests and qualifications! Is that awesome or what? Then, to top it all off, if you're qualified, someone (who I imagine looks a lot like this lady)
                                                                                              ------------->

named either Amanda, Katie or Jennifer calls you in a day or two, sounding really really interested in you and having you work with that company to set up an interview for the next day. I am pleased to announce that my morale has been repaired for all the non-responses to all the applications I ever made in Jamaica, I swear! And yes, I won't say links aren't used or aren't helpful up here too, but it sure feels like equal opportunity for most of these jobs.

Clearly, I know I won't be successful in snagging every single job for which I apply, but the way things seem to be going, I have no doubt that I will not be jobless for much longer. The way things work here, I feel like a lot of people who aren't working, really don''t wanna work. That's not always the case, I'm sure, but I know that a lot of people could've been doing better if they really wanted to. I've been so pleased at the process for getting a job, most times I come onto the computer planning to do one thing, I end up applying for a couple jobs! People have been calling me and sometimes I don't even remember what I applied for. Sure feels good to be contacted though. These H.R. persons even send you directions to get to the buildings for interviews! I'm super excited at the possibilities that await.

Don't worry, I'm well aware that people might be prejudiced because of my skin colour because I'm hotter than them, or because I'm an immigrant (which I find kinda dumb since America was born BECAUSE of immigrants), but I'm going forth with God, the Supreme Owner of everything; a positive outlook and humble approach. I. will. not. be. denied.

As soon as my arrow kills the game (another name for food that is hunted), I'll let the village (y'all) know.
Wish me luck!

Editor's Note: Got my first email of being unsuccessful for a freelance writing gig mere seconds after publishing this post. lol go figure!

Your Ticket to Heaven...

It's been a while since I've waxed religious on this blog (Yes, I said waxed--sue me), and I feel it's my duty to share these little nuggets, every now and then... You know, 'cause Jesus says I should :)
This one came to me from an unexpected source, and my best friend Carl had a similar encounter, but it's always that much more real, when you experience it for yourself. I hope the message will reach home.

God uses some really simple ways sometimes to drive home some big points, and sometimes, if you're not paying attention, you'll miss it.

Now, I'm sure you notice that train ticket to the side. By itself, it's just blah... meaningless. But as of today, Thursday, September 26 2013, it represents a whole lot more to me.

Last week, my family and I took the train to visit a relative of ours. Before getting on the train, we had to buy tickets. Due to how this system is very structured and orderly, unlike a certain disorganized and chamba-chamba country *ahem* Jamaica, the train comes and goes on a schedule, and pretty much waits for no one. We had made it to the station just in the nick of time to get our tickets and get on the train. While on the train, an attendant is supposed to come around and verify everyone's ticket or easy cards to ensure that everyone paid. On the way to visit our relative, this did not happen. Two days later we were heading home, and I said that it made no sense to buy tickets because no one was going to check. Well, my sweet, law abiding parents bought the tickets anyway, and sure enough--NOBODY checked!

Today (26/9/13), I was taking the train on my own, and the saaame thought came to my head. "Why bother buy a ticket if no one is going to check?" But, my parents' law abiding-ness apparently is hereditary so I bought my ticket... What do you think happened this time?

Of COURSE! There he was, dressed in a khaki suit with a black stripe on the pants and the Tri-Rail symbol mounted on his shoulder, looking all police-like with a scanner in his hand. "May I see your ticket please?" asked the gentleman, to which I obliged.

Some hours later after a fun evening, with my lesson learned, I searched desperately for my ticket (it was round trip) while on my way back to the train station. After coming up empty from both pockets I was mightily relieved to find it tucked away safely in my wallet. On the way back, as you would imagine, tickets were checked again; who'd a thunk it? Not me. Good thing I was prepared.

Yup, good thing I was prepared. And you know, a bright smile came upon my face as I sent the following text message to my friend Carl:

"Such is the kingdom of heaven. You can be ready all your life, and then you seh "Chuh! God naa come"; and then you do all kinda fawt--next thing you drop out (die) and you have a one way ticket to hell..."

The message is simple. Life is too uncertain for us not to have our houses in order. We need to make sure our lives are in accordance with the will of God, or else, when the Ultimate Ticket Checker of Life comes, we will be found wanting, and will suffer the eternal consequence. Jesus is your ticket to Heaven.

The gospel train is a'comin'! And you best believe it won't be long. When you get on board, will you have your ticket? I definitely will.

Farewell, Sweet Jamaica - Open Letter to my Country

Today (Friday, September 13, 2013), I leave the country of my birth to live in another land. 

(I know I know, Friday the 13th, boohoo! I'm soooo scared *rolls eyes*)

N.B. This was published in the Jamaica Observer on Wednesday, September 11, 2013. You can view that highly edited version here ----> HIGHLY EDITED VERSION

For the original, continue reading.

I take with me, my skills, talents, knowledge and experience(s), as I prepare to expand and use them in the land for which I am bound. As most of you read this, I have already arrived at my new destination. Why did I leave you may ask? I'll tell you.

Jamaica needs hope; hope that seems to be on the brink of extinction. Hope that surely will not be forthcoming from our leaders--CERTAINLY not this generation anyway. As we speak, the leadership in the opposition Jamaica Labour Party will potentially be up for grabs, and should it change to the potential contender, I don't know if that would make any positive difference.

Photo from thepolitricks.com

You may ask; is the political system in my new found land perfect? No. Are the societal flaws too? Of course. But, at this point in my young life, those seem a lot more bearable.

Then, there are the job and educational situations. Jamaica does not appreciate its pupils as it ought, and it's a crying shame for students leaving secondary schools with 10 distinctions who get stuck because they came from poor families who cannot afford to send them further. For those who do go further and excel in university, they are unable to get jobs because they cannot acquire capital to create new businesses, and employers are hiring only their friends and persons who are experienced (i.e. old, needing to retire), all while looking over their shoulders to see if the Student's Loan Bureau will publish them in the island-wide wall of shame for nonpayment of their loans. 

Those who are trained and qualified watch while we import workers from Asia, Europe and everywhere not named Jamaica, leaving them to twiddle their thumbs while leaders in those countries ensure to cater to their own first. As a resident of my new home, the scope for opportunity is much larger, both geographically and quantitatively.

Goat Islands - Photo Courtesy of the Jamaica Observer

Jamaica can be oppressive, in a sense where the system seems to be set to fail, especially the poor and middle class. That way the rich get richer, and the poor continue to struggle and look to an uncaring government for help and handouts. Our society is supposed to be democratic, but our governments, past and present love to act first and deal with the consequences later. Face it, no matter what the populous says, the outcome of the Goat Islands conversation as the potential spot to house the Logistics Hub will be decided by (and probably is already decided) by the Cabinet’s decision, with little to no thought towards the people’s and environmentalist alarms. As we’ve come to learn, nobody's voice is heard, unless there's blocking of roads, brutal murder or an anomaly occurs that draws media attention. It is really sad.

I go to a society, where you can literally "tun yuh han' and mek fashion" with just about anything, not only clothing; one where you can work in sanitation and custodial services and hold your head high and be proud of your honest living and still be comfortable enough, as opposed to Jamaica where upturned nostrils and empty pockets are the most common sights for these persons, who look forward to Christmas time where they leave little envelopes hoping for a little serendipity. I go to a society, where, though imperfect, the justice system works, and quickly at that. A society, where corrupt persons are caught daily and prosecuted; a society where much care and financial support are given to the educational system; one where there already exists designated school buses, where there isn’t a daily squabble between commuters and public passenger vehicle operators over correct fares, and where state owned buses don’t spew you with toxic, noxious fumes every time they move from a halt. 

Courtesy of translationdirectory.com

Courtesy of the Jamaica Gleaner

Trading

<---- this for this --->

It is a society where, save for the occasional instance where skin colour matters, there is truly equal opportunity for ALL.

I go, to improve myself, and my standard of living for a happier life. But, I will not—CANNOT—forget my sweet Jamaica. No matter the trials and tribulations, 'nuh weh no betta dan yaad'. I'll send remittances, and admonish persons to visit. I won't turn my back on my home. I'll keep tabs on my island in the sun and continue to engage in debate and conversation with fellow locals on ways to improve life here, because, who knows, maybe like the in the movie 'Terminator', "I'll be back."

What Customer Service and Being a Christian Have in Common :)

 

Its been a LONG while since I've posted anything. I don't know why. Must be because I've been busy; I've been writing to the newspapers a bit, so much so it seems I've forgotten about my little spot here :(

I'm sorry spot, Daddy's here again. Hush yaaw baby, don't cry, I'm here to write on you again.

Let me FINALLY post this entry that I've been writing since the 2nd week in June. #Don'tJudgeMe

__________________________________________________________________________________

 

I'm pretty sure from the topic, you can immediately start to make comparisons between Christianity and Customer Service. But juuuuuust in case you can't, I'm sure this post will give you a little jolt and bring it to light. (Awesome metaphor there nuh true? "Jolt" and "light"... See what I did there? :D )

 

Anywhoooo... Now to my story. Of course. You know there's always a story :)

 

At my current place of employment, I'm in the Communication and Customer Service department. A part of my duties is to relieve the receptionist daily for an hour so she can get her lunch. While in university, I was a receptionist on the male dorm for about a year or thereabout, so I kinda had a little experience before hand. But bwoooy, there and here is a WHOLE different cup of tea!

Working on dorm was like a nice cup of Barsley, while this place at times can be like the most bitter of all bitter cerasse tea! (Yuh did know seh a suh it spell? I thought it was "cerci" :s )

All things considered, throughout every situation, I try to maintain the most positive and cheerful attitude, no matter what happens, or no matter who or if my boss ALWAYS bothers/annoys/upsets me.

 

This is a pretty accurate depiction of our interaction :/

On Wednesday, June 12, 2013, I was doing my usual hourly receptionist duty when a gentleman and a lad (who I think was his son) came to the booth. As usual, in my very polite and cordial way I addressed him and asked how I could be of service. Straight off the bat he seemed very brash. He was one of those high coloured Jamaicans, the ones you expect to own hotels, factories and such, whose voices always surprise you just a little bit when you realize they're actually from JA. He came to see one of the General Managers to have some fees waived for his business. I called that GM's extension but it went to voicemail. I called his secretary and I was advised that the GM was on lunch. I informed the gentleman of this, and he in turn informed me in quite a matter-of-factly manner that he was coming all the way from St. Ann and had already spoken to the GM and needed to see him. It was about 12:40pm and he further insisted that he wasn't about to stand around and wait for the GM to come back at 2:30 when he needed to return to the country. Throughout all this, the young lad just looked on grinning sheepishly like I was some sorta rat being cornered by a huge cat, as his father (I'm just assuming) continued to aggressively seek that for which he came. He pressed on, "Suh is only one manager? I can't talk to someone else?" all the while sounding quite annoyed at what seemed like an impending exercise in futility. I said I would try the Managing Director. I was informed that he was in a meeting and was unavailable. I informed the man, and he was not pleased. However, he was adamant that he had to talk to somebody, and he wasn't leaving until he did. I called the GM's secretary again, who advised that the gentleman could choose to wait until the GM's return. It was at this point, he started to make small talk, where I realized he seemed to just be mischievous, and not so brash after all. I told him that he could wait in the lobby, to which he said, "Why can't I wait upstairs? I want to go upstairs and wait. And I want a room with dancing girls." Yes. He really said this. Nuh kno wah do him *shrug*

At the dancing girls utterance, the lad, which once and for all I'll assume IS HIS SON, had the biggest Cheshire cat grin and I couldn't help but smile too. I told him we didn't have any dancing girls, but I could ask if he'd be allowed to wait upstairs. While making the inquiry on his behalf he said that I must be from the country, because I was very courteous and gave him good customer service. When I informed him that I had lived in Portland for sometime, he nodded and said "yeah man, mi know seh a country yuh come from!" Shortly afterwards he said he would go on the road and return and at the same time the rightful receptionist returned, and I promised him that she would take good care of him and he thanked me. After I returned from lunch, I went upstairs, and lo and behold! There he and his son were, waiting to be seen by the GM. He shook my hand and asked for my name and thanked me once more when I was going by. On the return trip, he shook my hand again and told me I was a good man. He admonished me not to change. Guess it was worth it after all. I was really happy to hear that.

 

I guess overall this turned out to be a not so bad story, but I've had to deal with some people you see? I wish I could step outside the booth and punch them in the face. And keep punching. And punching. Until my fist marks are outlined in their faces. You know... Just because.

Some people come in here thinking that you owe them everything and you should drop your entire life just to suit them. I believe in the customer's rights, but at the same time, some of them push it a little too far. I've encountered some real disgusting and difficult people (usually for no apparent reason) in this place, and it takes real control not to talk to them the way they talk and behave towards you. If you're a practicing Christian this is all too familiar.

 

Many times as Christians, people do all manner of evil to us, just because they can. They allow the devil to use them to try to provoke us to wrath, just so they can accomplish their own selfish whims and desires. But despite this, no matter how difficult it may be, we should always pray to the Father and instead of being unkind, give them good Christian service. Just check out what Proverbs 25: 21-22 has to say about that. 

 

 

Our goal should not be to heap coals of fire on anyone's heads, but to show that we have the love of Jesus in our hearts, so no matter what anyone tries to do to hurt us, we can smile and know that they can't phase us or stop our praise. We know what our reward will be. Jesus said to love your enemies (check the link) and he said it more than once. "If you are kind only to your friends, how are you different from anyone else? Even pagans do that." (Matt 5:47 NLT)

I posted the song below before, but it's so powerful and relevant, I'm sharing it again. Remember the next time you have to do customer or Christian service, that it pays to serve Jesus :)
Don't worry about getting back at anybody down here on earth; frankly, earth sucks! Store your treasures in heaven. Enjoy the song.



 

A Sad, Sad Norm...

Yesterday (Thursday, July 11, 2013) I was leaving work with two jackets in my hand, about to cross the street to meet my parents who were waiting for me down the road. I had just gotten them altered and picked them up from the tailor during my lunch time. They were in the plastic covering and this gave the appearance that they were new suits I suppose. One of my coworkers who was standing at the gate with two others, saw the jackets and asked if I just got a new suit for a wedding; MY wedding to be exact, with a big grin on his face. Mi look like mi ready fi married? :s
He's a cool guy still; we don't talk much, mostly 'cause he's quiet, but we always hail each other and we have a decent working relationship. For some reason he was quite interested in this little faux development in my life. I told him no, I wasn't going to a wedding, nor MY wedding (any time soon at least), and informed him I was merely bringing the jackets from the tailor. I went as far as to add that I couldn't be getting married because "mi haffi find a ooman first!" with a laugh. Who tell mi fi guh seh dat? Rahtid!

About a month or so earlier, he saw me with a lady friend of mine in Half-Way-Tree, one to whom I even introduced him, y'know, seeing that I'm polite and all.

Bredrin! The man start laugh and ask how mi suh lie, 'cause him see me wid ooman a Half-Way-Tree. I couldn't help but laugh too and assure him that the person he saw was only a good female friend of mine.

That's when the bombshell dropped.

TOTALLY devoid or unconcerned of the two summer workers beside him (who happened to be girls), the man just blurted out, with grin fully intact:

"Suh, yuh start beat it yet?"

Uhh... What?

Yeah... that's really what he asked. I'm still trying to figure out how two jackets in my hand led to that. Anywho, I could only offer an awkward smile and say no. I wanted to go as far as to let him know that that wasn't a practice of mine, and I was planning to wait until marriage, but I think that would have caused even more of an outcry. Right away I took the moment as my cue to leave and informed him that I had to go, and I went across the street and into the safe haven of my parents' car.

A dog doing as a dog does... Marking territory.

Now, I thought about it a little, and I was like "Wow. Is this really the society I live in?" Is this really how most of my contemporaries think these days, that the aim of talking to girls is just to have sex? Bwoy, I don't know about you, but that's a pretty sad reality to me. Here is a society, not isolated to only Jamaica, where it is expected that you're just supposed to have sex--lots of it, with lots of girls--before you're married, and that's the norm.

(I would say at least is not just us in Jamaica, but what consolation is that really?)

Any girl you talk to, that's the ultimate goal apparently; Get in. Hit it. Get out, and after that goal is attained, you move on very much like a dog would and continue to leave your pee (semen/pee--close enough) each place you visit, to mark the territory claimed/conquered.

Things like this make me ponder how much I don't want to have daughters, just because of guys who live their whole lives with this mindset. Clearly they would have to make their own choices, and you could even argue that my sons could turn out like that, although I'd do my best to ensure that they don't. What ever happened to Love, Marriage and then Sex? Is that process flow obsolete now?

Here is Jamaica, with most hitting out against gays only, but it's apparently cool to have "nuff gyal" and 'hundred stab' di whole a dem. The thought may be okay to some, but for me? It's a sad, sad norm.



Follow Instructions? PSH! Yeah Right!

RANT AHEAD!

 

And this is EXACTLY WHY JAMAICAN SOCIETY IS IN IT'S CURRENT MESS! NOBODY WANTS TO FOLLOW ORDERS! UGH!



 

Where I work, there are several entrances. Some specific to employees, and others for the general public. At the receptionist area where I work sometimes, there are two doors. One door, directly behind the receptionist booth, is specifically for employees, or deliveries. The other is a door for visitors beside the receptionist booth, who, if they need to speak to employees, or conduct business with the company's management, they are allowed in. After their visit, they are supposed to leave through that same door. Why? Because they're not employees. Duh!

I really think that this sign to the left needs to be on the door behind the receptionist. But then again, maybe it wouldn't even matter, because the very same employees are the ones allowing every and anybody to abuse it.

 

I was at the receptionist booth, and a man came to the visitor's door and beckoned for me to let him in. I did, and I don't know where he went, but shortly after he returned and went to the other door, which is for employees. I suppose this is because people are just lazy and this door is easy to access and so they would rather exit through that door than walk around through the main entrance. However, I have been told SEVERAL times, that that door is for EMPLOYEES. Everybody else is supposed to walk through the other one! This man is like "let me out deh nuh", like he's soooo important, rules don't apply to him. I responded, "I'm not supposed to do that." He hit me with this look like, 'Yute, yuh serious? Yuh cyaa let me out?' and proceeded to say "yuh naa let me out?" like I was obligated to. I gave him the same response. You see, if he was humble with it, then even though I'm not supposed to, MAYBE I would've, but him a gwaan like seh it was my duty! No bredda, a nuh suh it work! Or... so I thought.

There comes a co-worker, (who I'm not pleased to call that either) with his pass to let the man out. *cue look of disgust*

 

Now, I wasn't trying to be difficult, nor abuse my 'Authority', but I was simply following protocol. I guess my peeps at NCU may argue the same thing about the security there. But attitude goes a long way! Had the man been at least remotely remorseful about wanting to break the rule, then maybe him cudda get a bly; it wouldn't kill me, but don't act like it's a right. Suppose I did it and the General Manager for HR saw me and reprimanded me? He would be quite fine, long gone about his business. Suppose he was a thief? Leaving wid people belongings? Then you woulda hear seh Alwayne Allen let out di man! Not gonna happen ese. No way.

 

It shouldn't surprise me that that SAME co-worker was the same one who wanted me to lie to his family member who came to see him on the job. Wanted me to tell her he wasn't there when I was looking right at him. When I told him I couldn't lie, his response? "Yuh a mussi Christian, or Pastor, bout yuh cyaa tell lie."

 

(._.) Uh, YEAH I'm a Christian you lying, muscle head idiot!

 

E.G. of Muscle Head Below (for Clarity)

 

Bottom line is, we can't and shouldn't break rules, just to suit ourselves and people. I digress, not all laws will make sense to us, and we won't agree with all of 'em, but breaking them usually does more harm than help. Jamaican society has gotten so accustomed to this that it's now a norm. And we find all kinds of demeaning remarks and names to call people who don't comply to this bad, rule breaking behaviour. If we don't stand for something? We'll fall for every and anything.

 

I don't even need to bring up the Christian perspective, but just because I can, I will :D  > Read it here <