True Story: My first Christmas with Janet - the best and most difficult Christmas ever.

For the very first time, in my life, I have truly fallen in love. I had girl friends before, that I was all excited about, but it was nothing like this one. At that stage of my life, I was fourteen years old, and as far as I was concerned, there was only two people in the world, there were Janet and I. Everyone else was just a blur, they were Just there. I lived, breathe and I eat Janet. My awakening thoughts was dominated by thoughts of Janet and when I was asleep I dreamt of her also. It was the very first time I have felt this way, and I loved it.

I wanted to do everything with and for my new love and the love of my life. When we were out Roller Skating, Janet and Kathy came to look at me skate. The only bad thing about that was, we did not skate in a rink, we skated on the street and we skated the entire Kingstown. So there were periods, I had to leave them to go with the pack and I hated doing that. I wanted to have my cake and I wanted to eat it also. 

At times I just ignore the pack and hanged out with Janet and her cousin Kathy. Things only got better, Janet got a pair of skates. Now we can always be together, it was an awesome time I was having; live was terrific.

Time had flown by quickly and it was the final week before school went on Christmas break. It was the first time in my life, I did not looked forward to the close of school or to the Christmas break. I always had access to my new love. I saw her every day, from Monday to Friday for more than ten hours a day and that was not enough time. On Saturday and Sunday I saw her for short periods, and I hated it.

Grace: Janet's mother was strict and very protective of her only daughter; her only child. She didn't took lightly to the fact that Janet had a boyfriend and Janet did not wanted Grace to know we were an item. My pressing concern was; how am I going to see Janet, when school was out. outside of school Janet and I had to play cat and mouse with Grace. Kathy was the look out. June did not mind us dating and hanging out at the restaurant, but Janet's mother had a whole different prospective. Grace is coming, Grace is coming was the warning, immediately Janet and I will disburse like a ripple on the water.

However; Grace eventually, found out her only child and only daughter Janet and I was an Item. As a result; Janet was in big trouble, However, June - Janet's aunt and Grace’s sister was responsible for quiet the raging storm that was brewing within Grace. As a result Grace had a one and one with her beloved daughter, she told Janet that she was disappointed in her, because she did not saw it fit to let her know, she was in love and was seeing someone; but instead, she chose to sneak around behind her back. This did not meant all was clear. It was Grace only daughter and only child and like the protective mother she is, she was not taking any chances.

I had another crisis brewing. It was Christmas and I wanted to get Janet a gift. However, what can a poor, broke teen from Bottom Town give to a princess. I had another big problem, one of my school friends thought Janet was too good and too beautiful to be with a Bottom Town man and wanted to win her heart. Janet did not love him but he had access to his grandfather’s money, which he dishonesty appropriate and use to impress Janet. I am speaking of hundreds and at time thousands of dollars and he spent heavily at Janet's Auntie: June's restaurant.

Although Janet had already expressed to Arnhem in my presence she has no interest in him, Arnhem will not give up. I knew whatever, I got Janet for Christmas; Arnhem was going to go out and get her something that was better and more expensive. My objective was to express my love to and for Janet in a special gift for Christmas. I wanted to get her something that will let her know how much she meant to me, a gift that will make Janet's mother look up and take notice.

My sister Andrea boyfriend Elliott Burgin Also known as Beebs, got her a watch and a ring for Christmas, and she loved it. at lease he had a Job. I wanted to make Janet as excited as Andrea was when she received her gift from Beebs. But I had no money. My father may give me a little $30.00 or so, on Christmas Eve but what can that do. Arnhem had hundreds even thousands and was going to out gift me for sure.

I had to call in the big guns, I went to Andrew Ash AKA Jah-I with my problem, Jah-I knew everything, if there is one man who can solve this problem it was Jah-I. Jah-I said "give her a ring". I said to Jah-I, "I do not have the money to buy her a ring." He said simple, "When you go to dive at tourist boat, any time a tourist tossed a US dollar coin into the water, make sure you get it." I did not know what that had to do with getting Janet a ring. Jah-I then said; the US dollar coins are made of real silver. He paused, then he continued, "There is a Guy in Paul's Avenue by the name of Tony; the brother of Black-I, the Ex-National Foot ball player; that make rings, I will take you to him and he will make you a nice silver ring for your girlfriend. You just have to pay him $15.00.

I didn't know about that; however, Jah-I was not a man of idle words. I had my work cut out for me. US dollar coins were scarce and when they were thrown into the water, the big sharks like Pricks, Buddy, Sheriff, Gomer, etc. Want them and they were very skilled divers. They did not show sympathy in their efforts to get even a quarter. This was one of their means of making a living. But more importantly, it was about bragging rights.

There was no doubting the fact that I was a good free diver, even at fourteen years old. I could stay submerged under water for a very long time, without air and without the aid of any form of breathing apparatus. Hence the reason, when I tried out to be a part of the Bermuda Police Service Diving Search and Rescue team, I pass the exams in water that was subzero temperature, with little ease.

However; I could not remain submerged under water without air for as long as people such as Kelvin Defreitas, AKA Sheriff; who was the best freestyle under water diver there was. Once Sheriff was being chased by the police, on the docks, he jumped overboard, and dived from Geest wharf to the area of the old Fish Market. The police declared him dead half way in his dive. Because no one was able to remain submerged under water for that long. Sheriff was a human fish. I could not match the length of time submerged of Pricks who was freestyle diver for a living, and a few others but I could have held my own in the water.

I put Jah-I's counsel to the back of my head, and was adamant to get a USA dollar coin. One day while I was diving tourist boat; Bread Head and I were working off of the roof that covers the bridge that led to the Geest Shed. All the sharks were out and they were eager, to make money. A dollar coin was tossed into the pond, the area of the Geest warehouse, by a tourist. Pricks the lead diver in his boat and Goma the lead diver in his boat were in the pond that is the area between the reclaimed area the Harbor and the main strip of the dock at the Main Harbor. At this point of St. Vincent and the Grenadines History there was no Cruise Ship Terminal.
 

I saw Pricks and Goma went into the water at the US dollar coin, I dived, head first off of the roof of Geest Shed bridge. I was late, there was no way I was going to get that coin before the two sharks did. When I got to the fracas under water. I notice Goma and Pricks were swiping away with their hands at the US dollar coin, each man trying to snatched the elusive coin before the other did. By this time, both men and the coin was almost to the bottom near to the ocean floor. The aggressive snatching of the hand created underwater turbulence, which move the coin away from their hands. They were also blocking each other’s hand in an effort prevent the other from getting the coin. It was friendly rivalry, and at time the rivalry could get friendly nasty. When that happened expect the favor in return.

I joined the underwater fracas over the US dollar coin, I was desperate, this was a serious matter. I had time on my side. Pricks and Gomer had been fighting under water for quite a while for the coin before I join them. Now their lungs were almost out of breath to sustain the underwater brawl for much longer. I came into the brawl late and therefore I was fresh.

I was hoping that both men ran out or breath and have to return to the surface, before either of them get the coin so that way I can clean up without much work. Unfortunately, Gomer managed to make a swipe that caused him to collect the coin. However, he was out of breath and so was Pricks. I proceeded to hold Gomer in a neck lock whilst he was still submerged, preventing him from getting to the surface. He was clearly out of breath and could not sustained a fight. This was a common thing to get your opponent to relinquished their new aquired bounty.

Even though Gomer was bigger, stronger and older than I was. At this particular point in Gomer’s dive, he was all out of breath and could not sustain a fight under water not even with a person of my size and strength. And because he was totally out of breath he releases the dollar coin. After which I release my hold on Gomer, then I proceeded to dive to the bottom, of the harbor, without refreshing myself, where I retrieved the USA one-dollar coin from off of the sea floor.

When I resurface, Pricks was dying with laughter because of the scene he had just bore witness to. Gomer on the other hand, was cursing at me not in anger, but issuing a warning. He said, “Oh so you bad dive me, I hope when I bad dive yo expletive, expletive, you could take it. The long and the short of the matter was; Gomer was not going to get the opportunity to bad dive me, because I had gotten what I want and what I came for. I quickly converted all the coins I had collect for the day into US paper dollars, then I went home.

On Christmas Eve morning, my father gives me $30.00 for my Christmas. I went into Paul's Lot, to pay for and collect my ring. I did not know what to expect; how nice will this ring be? After all, it was being made by a little ghetto youth-man, in his mother's kitchen, using crude homemade tools, a homemade furnace, etc. I just hope it looked good enough to be passable. Passable in the nice Jewel box, I had already kidnapped from my sister would be very good.

I handed over $15.00 to Tony the Jeweler, and the Tony handed a ring to me, rapped in soft white paper. I honestly did not know what to expect, however, I careful and fearfully unwrapped the paper, afraid of the disappointment that may be hiding within the paper. I took one look at the product, I was just a bout to give a disappeared O LAWD! But when I took a good look at the ring, I could not believe what my eyes beheld, I looked at Tony the Jeweler, I looked at the ring I looked at the Jeweler again. The Tony the Jeweler looked at me for a sign, any sign of what I thought of his work.

I could not say anything, all I could have done, was to burst out in a loud, mocking laugh. Not mocking the Jeweler, but myself for doubting the simple man ability. It was an excellent, piece of glittering workmanship. I was impressed, I thank the Jeweler, then I hurried home, got me some Christmas paper, scotch tape and I went to work rapping that tiny bad girl up with gift paper. I even put pleats on the package. Every end on that package were neatly tucked away, after many attempts and about 3 hours of effort, the gift was perfectly rapped.

Immediately, all fears of being out gifted disappeared. Later that day, I handed Janet a tint neatly rapped gift, we chatted for a while, then I return home. I wanted to spend Christmas with Janet, but that was impossible. Thoughts of Janet dominated my mind. It was torture, for two days I did not see the love of my life. I wanted to see the love of my life but I could not.

On Christmas morning Janet call me bursting with excited, she sounded even more excited than my sister Andrea was. She said Allan this is the best gift I have ever received, thank you so much. I love it! I have it on right now, I promise you, I will never lose this ring. Janet apologize for not getting me anything because she did not have any money to.

I did not want any gift from my princess. All I want was her to be happy and from the sounds of it she was. Janet had given me the gift that keeps on giving: the gift of love. Today when I think of this phase of my life, I get light-headed, and a warm fussy feeling inside all over again. The gift of true love is the most awesomely-terrific thing one can ever experience.

Later, Kathy told me, Arnhim got Janet a gift but Janet told him she was sorry, but she could not accept a gift from him. I was happy that Janet made that decision and took that action. That told me everything I need to know about this beautiful teen, the quality of the woman I had fallen head over heels in love with.

Janet not taking the gift from Arnhim made me feel special, made me feel exclusive, because she made that sacrifice for me. Most women today do not understand the importance of making the man in their life feel exclusive. Janet did and for that I will always love and respect her.

Thanks you all for reading my stories and for Joining me in a walk down memory lane. Merry Christmas to you and your family, and a prosperous new year. I love each of you.

True Story: She loves me – Janet really loved me!

It has been seven years since my mother had been laid to rest, after a prolong illness that had her riddled in tremendous pain. After my mother's death it has been seven years, I have been helplessly in a daze. I was unable to break free from the demons that held my mind captive. My mother wanted to die, because she had been living right with her God and because of the severe pain, she was experiencing; but there was something significantly spiritual about the number seven. My mother could not submit to death before I had attained my seventh birthday.

Mother was busy teaching me how to live a good live, how to be a good man, how to be a good husband, a good friend; how to be strong and fearless person, but most importantly how to honor YAH (God). Another big objective of my dying mother was to teach me how to deal with her death, when the inevitable came. She knew it would be in the near future but not before my seventh birthday. On the 5 Day of the month of November 1973, exactly twenty-two days after my seventh birthday, Mother took her rest with the hopes of one day being raised in the first resurrection to join her Lord Yah.

I dealt with my mother's death well, because I was prepared how to do so. However; Mother could not have seen so far into the future or if she did; she did not know how to prepare me to deal with her absence. Whilst I had all of the tools and I was able to hold it together at her death, it was her constant absence that got me, I had to adjust to life without my most central figure in my life.

I moved from a child who was unafraid of the dark that will get up out of his bed at 4:00 am, go down stairs to collect the Mangoes that fell from Girty's Mango tree, just to beat everyone else to it. Alternatively, a child who unafraid went to Nine Morning on his own; to a child who was afraid of the dark in the secure house he called home for all of his life up to that point.

It has been Seven years since I was walking around dazed, unable to comprehend any significant thing that was academic. I barely managed to pass when it was critical. I showed a flash of brilliance, here and there; which impressed my teachers and my classmates but I did not sustain the brilliance.

My siblings knew something was wrong and they did everything they could to help the drastic academic decline I experienced after my mother's death. However, my father knew that my new academic decline was resulted because of my mother's death. The same thing may happened to him also when his mother die; my father mother also die when he was young also. My father Hamilton understood me and he understood what I was going through.

I was now in form 2 or 3 at the Intermediate High School, AKA Timmy School, which was so named by the community because of the principal Mr. Timmy Richards. I was a part of a classic class. I has as classmates: Michael Nash: Michael’s father owned the business Green Thumb obliquely opposite the school. There was Dominick Ross, AKA the infamous “Nick Nick”; Nick father was a Trinidadian Gangsta, a member of the infamous Dole Trady Gang. There was Arnhim “Roach” Bascombe: the moneymen, the Grand Son of the famous Drummer turn Businessman Elias Roach. There was Keron Greaves - Keron was the real girls-man, Keron was very out going and brave, and all the girls loved him. There was Glenroy Robertson a discipline lad and good fellow, there was Ronald Boucher AKA Redy, there were Sean Yellow-man Dopwell from Paul's Avenue at that time part pretty boy, part ghetto, and there was Ashley Cupid.

Ashley Perry Ashley Cupid was quiet and kept to him-self. Ashley was dealing with some issues with his father's imprisonment and was somewhat shunned by some of his classmate, who made an effort to prevented me from befriending Ashley. I did not care about what they said, Ashley was a good kid, and we got along well, why should his father's misdeeds, affect my friendship with him. There were many other interesting characters, who were a part of that class; Such as Terrance Bynoe but we all hang together during this period.

Sean "Yellow-man" Dopwell came into the class one day all excited, he said Palmer I want to talk to you in private, I met him in the corridor, then he said, Palmer boy, there is a new girl that is the most beautiful girl that was transferred from the Emmanuel High School, and I know you will love her. Sean neglected to tell me; there were two new girls, transferred to the school. He had his eyes on Kathy, he knew it would be much easier for him, if one of his friends distracted her cousin Janet and I was the perfect man for the Job. May be both of us can win the heart of these two girls and go on double dates was Sean scheme.

He said Palmer come and let me show her to you. This girl will be the most beautiful woman you have ever seen. I had Bernadette Glenda Joseph on my right a big girl with the most beautiful face you have ever seen, both of us was bosom buddies, there was Rhonda Gabriel to my left, a beautiful little girl with skin of gold, there was Camille Robertson who sits in front of me. An Israelite (Black) princess with long black woolly hair that was always fixed in a pony tails, that reached her back; and there was the princess; Miss Kirby the Commerce teacher. I said to Sean, how beautiful can this girl be. However, it's a small school I will see her sooner or later; however, Sooner or later was not good enough for Sean.

But I had my hands full trying to decide which of the four women named about I was going to marry, my life was complicated enough, I was not interested enough to leave my current interaction, to go and see this new girl. Every day; three and four times a day, I had Sean in my ears; Palmer there is a lot of guy’s moving in on the girl. You will miss out. You want to bet me; when she finds a boyfriend and you see her, you are going say only if I did know. “Palmer I am warning you, you will regret it”. Sean always says before he leaves; “you cannot say I did not tell you.”

I said to Sean, "if this girl is as beautiful as you say she is, I will not need you to show her to me, I will know her when I see her." After several weeks of my friend Sean nagging me about this girl, we were in place and he said Palmer there she is. I took a good look at the young lady and life went into slow motion just for a moment. Yes, Sean was correct; she was very beautiful, I immediately knew, if she was added to the equation, she would only bring more confusion to my already complex life. Glenda, Camille, Ronda and Miss Kirby we're all beautiful Vincentian women; and they were all as different from each other, as night is different from day and so was this new beauty.

I said to Sean, she is beautiful but I am not interested, in getting to know anyone new. We were all in form 3, different classes. At the beginning of the new term, we all had to repeat form 3, for one reason or the other. I repeated form three because I failed the final exam. Now Janet and I sit together on the instruction of the form teacher. To cut a long story short, we got the opportunity to know each other. Janet and I were in similar situations, she had lost her father at an early age and was struggling to come to terms with her father's sudden death, as a result, of her father's death; Janet schooling suffered; she was yet to overcome the trauma of losing a significant person in her life. However, Janet was doing much better academically than I was. It was not all-smooth sailing in our friendship and I began to realize; I had fallen in love with the beautiful young teenager that sat next to me.

I wanted Janet to know how I felt about her. I was willing to make a fool of and even embarrassing myself doing so. After all, when you look at the benefits they far outweighed the deficits. I came up with a plan. One morning I entered the class and I asked the class to give me their attention. I let them know I had something important I would like to share with the class. When I had the entire class’ attention, I told them of a dream I was supposed to have. In this dream, I was set to get married to Janet Reno, the ceremony was in full swing, I had proudly taken my vows; where I declared my undying love for her. However, when it was Janet's, turn to do the same she told the preacher: “I changed her mind!” She proceeded to left me at the altar. I told the class of how much I cried.

While I was relating the so-call dream, Janet sat still and embarrassed by all of the attention, she was getting, all eyes were upon her and the class had a kick out of the whole experience. At least we all had a good laugh. However, instead of getting closer to Janet, now she has stop speaking to me all together. I came up with and I tried all type of creative ways to regain her attention but nothing worked - nothing!

One day after School, Janet's cousin Kathy - Sean's love interest came to wait for her cousin; they got out of class early. It did not matter how early you get out of class, no one leaves the school premises until 1:15 PM; when the gate will be open by the principal himself: Mr. Timmy Richards. Kathy was looking for someone other than that her cousin Janet. Then Kathy looked at me, and then she asked, "Are you Allan Palmer". I said yes! Trying to understand what Janet's cousin wanted with me.

Immediately, I saw Janet grabbed her book bag, skipped over several chairs and desk that separate her from her cousin, flew passed me, put her younger cousin in a neck lock, cover her mouth and dragged her from in front of the class room door; where she stood trying to relay some information to me.

At first, I thought oops! I think Janet was complaining about me constantly nagging her. It seems like my big plans to win the beautiful teen's affection and attention had backfired. However, there was something about Kathy's expression, which made me realize otherwise, she was not upset and she was happy to know who I was.

I wanted to find out what Kathy had to say that Janet did not want me to know. Therefore, I made my way to where Janet was still wrestling with Kathy, desperately trying to prevent her now resisting cousin's from expressing herself. I intervened in the friendly family fight. I took Kathy away from the hold Janet had on her and I asked Kathy to finish her statement.

Kathy was eager to get the information off her chest, before Kathy began to speak Janet was now pleading with me not to believe anything she said. Palmer do not believe anything she said; "Kathy let us go June (Kathy's mother and Janet's guardian when Janet mother was at work) is probably wondering where we are." Janet declared in an effort to distract Kathy and change the conversation. Oooh! So you are the Palmer eah! Kathy began shaking her head in the affirmative, with a smugged smile on her face; I did not know what to make of that statement.

Before Kathy could continue Janet charged at her again, held her in another neck lock with her left hand and once again covered her mouth with her right hand; I heard muffled sound mixed with laughter coming from Kathy's mouth. I could tell Kathy was amused to see Janet mentally disheveled; she had never seen her like this before. I could tell the beautiful teen, was nervous about something. Whatever Kathy had to say, made Janet insecure, I did not know if it was good or bad; but I wanted to know.

I once again separated The struggling cousins, this time I did not release my hold on Janet, then I said to Kathy now let me hear what you were trying to say. It was then Kathy made a revelation I could not have believed. I was shocked at what I heard come out of Kathy's mouth. Kathy said, "Palmer, I cannot get any peace form Janet, as soon as we reach home all she talks about is Palmer; Palmer this, Palmer that, Palmer this, Palmer that, When we wake up in the morning, she has something to tell me about you; something she forgot to tell me the day before. As of late, Janet does not speak of anything else but you. I think she is in love with you.

Janet shouted do not believe her, Kathy rebutted why would I lie? I do not have any reason to lie. Janet had this awkward grin on her face she was unsure, how I was going to react to this news; after all, there was the possibility of she being rejected by me, now that her little precious secret is out.

No one at that age wants to experience rejection; we all were just trying to fit in. I stood their shocked by what I have just heard. When the reality of what Kathy had said registered on my consciousness, I wanted to do a cartwheel and a series of back-flips; but my heart was already doing back-flips in my chest, there is a rule, don't attempt a back-flip when your heart is currently doing one. I was a cool kid; I Just could not kick all of my coolness away.

Then Janet all embarrassed that her little secret was out, declared, Kathy June is probably wondering where we are, let us go and she began to walk to the gate to leave the school premises. Kathy throw me a rewarding smile, two quick nod off her head as if to say you are in business now; then she run off to catch up with Janet. I can see them talking as they leave the school compound, but what was being said I did not know.

The next day, I arrived at school early for the first time in a long time, looking sharper than I have ever been before, the teachers and students alike was surprised that I was not just barely beating the closing of the gate or I was locked out of the school compound and had to be let in to the school after assembly. That day I had a little pep in my step because I was walking on cloud 9 or was it cloud 10. I was in love, and the girl that I was in love with, was in love with me. It was the best day of my life. Sean was happy about the good news, now we can double date. Sean and Kathy - Janet and I that was Sean plans all along

As soon as, Janet saw me at school the following day, the first thing she said was, Palmer; I hope you do not believe what Kathy said yesterday. I asked Janet was Kathy lying, she say; "not really, but she was exaggerating, I speak about you sometimes; but not all the time as she said. She made it sound like you are all I talked about." "So what bad stuff you have been saying about me in my absence," I asked the beautiful blushing young lady who was seated in her assigned seat next to me. Janet answered: "I do not speak bad things about you." Then I asked her, "What nice things have you been saying about me?" Then Janet, defensively declared, "Allan Palmer, you are trying to put words in my mouth."

Before I realized it, I had that moment where we locked eyes and I said to Janet "Hay Janet you may not believe me, but I am truly love you." Janet blushed for a moment casting her eyes away from my gaze, then she regains her composure she looked back at me establishing eye contact then she declared: I love you too Allan Palmer. we smiled at each other than the French teacher the famous Horne Player Mr. Shakeen walked into the class; and with the loudest base voice you have ever heard, he looked at me and he said: Palmer; whey do you have that stupid look upon your face where is your French book!

This marked the beginning of my emotional turn around. I began to see things clearly now, after seven years of walking around in a daze, my mind was finally freed, I felt good about myself. Now my life had that similar feeling; I had not felt since before the death of my mother. Yah (GOD) used Janet Reno, as the catalyst that shook me out of a seven years’ daze. This was late November, it was exactly seven years from the time, I began to missed my mother and fell into that psychological coma.

Christmas was a round the corner. In my mind I though this Christmas was going to be the best Christmas ever; at the lease I was in love with the most beautiful girl in the world: Janet Reno. But I had another thing coming.

Stay tune for part 2. Next week My first Christmas in love: with Janet!

Facebook response

True Story - Allan escape a machete fight in Jamaica!

I was dating a beautiful Jamaican lady; whose pet name was Judy, My son's mother with whom I was in a serious long term relationship, wanted space. As far as I was concerned, that was a sign that she was not satisfied with the way in which our relationship was going and that was her way of politely saying I think we should end this relationship.

I was not satisfied with our relationship either, but a wise Judge once give me some fatherly counsel, he said, Mr. Palmer "Parenting is a big responsibility. What most people don't realize is when they have a child, it is no longer about me, it is all about making sacrifice for that child; and most people with children are not willing to do that."

Justice Mitchell’s advice on parenting sound like something my father: Hamilton Palmer said once and I took it to heart. I wanted to make sure I was not a part of the most people, the Judge spoke about. Hence the reason I refused to end the relationship with my first son Malique's mother. Malique was happy and that was Paramount. To add to this, Malique, being the child whom I love dearly; had signaled his unending love for me since he was in the womb by always acknowledging my presence. A love that reminded me of how awesomely special I was.

In my opinion, it was better that Malique's mother and I part, before our relationship relegated into something that is so toxic that he get the wrong impression of what a loving relationship was. So I give her the opportunity to end the relationship. It make a big difference to a person's self-esteem if they were the one to do the rejecting than to be rejected. I did that because I was thinking about my young son again. It did not matter to me who end the relationship but it could have destroyed this young lady. I saw Malique's mother in such a position before, I had a full understanding of how she dealt with such things.

In 2007, I went to Jamaica to visit my new girlfriend. For just under two weeks, I was having a ball. My new girlfriend and her family took good care of me. I discovered Judy and I had something in common. She lived in a rough neighborhood also. Judy lived in August Town, however unlike me, her community frightened her and she was afraid of living in the area. Every day, I will hear Judy and her cousin speaking of who got killed and who was responsible for the murder, etc. Judy was concerned that my outgoing fearless attitude was going to get me in trouble but it helped me to make friends very easy. Jamaican upon seeing me immediately knew I was not Jamaican. No matter where I went, they approached me and in full Jamaican twang they always say: “brothering you not Jamaican ah way yo from”. I say I am Vincy, upon hearing Vincy they always declared: St. Vincent pronouncing the word in three distinct syllables in the best English they knew.

Immediately, I was there friend. You know what they say Ghetto knows Ghetto. They often find out where I was going, get me into the he appropriate taxi, threatened the Taxi driver about getting me to my destination safe. Some of my Jamaican spontaneous friends will say stuff like: “Vincy na give um more than 20 dalla for the ride, and if he give you trouble come back and asked for Bongo man or whatever their name was we will deal with im”. Some of the Taxi Drivers will asked how you know those guys, I often say they are my brothering, I felt like a king. When excitedly I recounted the days experience with Judy; she was always concerned and afraid that I will get into trouble with the wrong set of people. Allan you have to be careful. While Judy was concerned for my safety, I was having a ball; feeling like a king.

Judy was a billing and coding clerk at the University of West Indies Hospital in Papine, Kingstown 7 Jamaica. She lived about 15 minutes’ walk from her work place. And I was staying at a hotel some ways off. By this time my holiday in Jamaica, was coming to an end and Judy had returned to work ending her vacation. I left the hotel and I went to Judy’s work place, to wait for, and to walk her home. On our way walking to August Town, we often stop into the Papine market, to look around, chat with the venders and get fresh fruits. We had just reached in the area of the Papine Market, when I admiringly looked over at my beautiful friend, I saw a strange look of terror, flashed across her face. I asked her if she was ok, she said yes then wanted to know why I asked that. Immediately I knew something was wrong. This was Judy Home Town, she knew this place better than I do, I had to follow her unconscious judgment.

I said to Judy, hold on a while, I want to take a good look at and observed the place. I said put your back to this wall and let us take in the scenery. Judy looked at me strange, her eyes said to me, what is he speaking about scenery? It’s just a street, with taxi and people hustling. I then said to her in firm commanding voice: "Judy just put your back again the wall and let's watch the scenery. As soon as Judy followed my instructions I saw the people about twenty feet ahead of us began to scramble to get out of the way, then I saw a man running for his life, with his right hand concealed and following close behind him was a group of about six men all outfitted with machete and gun. The man quickly jumped into a Taxi and instructed the Taxi driver to go.

The Taxi driver sensing the man in his car was armed reluctantly drove away and he drove with a sense of purpose. Some of the members of the group boarded other Taxi who also reluctantly gave chase. All this time Judy had written upon her face, the same terrified look that I had moments ago glimpse when it flashed across her face; now is was painted upon her face like a mask for all to see. When Judy saw the commotion right in front of us, she was about to run in the same manner everyone else's did. I held her hand and I said to her don't move.

After the commotion had died down and the danger had passed Judy looked at me even more terrified and declared Allan, You knew that was going to happen, I said well I knew something dangerous was going to happen but I did not know what. Then she asked how did you know? I said you told me, shocked and even more confused she say, I could not have tell you anything, because I did not know something was going to happen.

I tried to explain to my still terrified friend, that this is her community, and she knows everything about this community; but it is registered in your subconscious. She wanted to know why I wanted us with our backs against the wall when everyone was running. I told the confused young lady, I did not know what was happening, I just cannot pick up and run because everyone was running, then I asked her, what was the danger? Who was in danger? Where was the danger? Judy had no answer for the questions. I continued, with our backs against the wall, we eliminates our blind spot. Now we could see everything, there will be no surprises and no accidents, I can see everything and therefore, I am better able to protect you and myself if our safety became threatened.

Allan how is it you are still calm like nothing have happened; then she asked were you frighten by what just happened? I said nope! What Judy did not understand that I have witnessed worse events than what have played out in front of us many times even as a child. While we were walking Judy said I hope they don’t catch them, because if they do they will kill him and they will also kill the taxi driver to ensure they don’t leave any witness.

I said to her well it is in the Taxi Drivers interest and personal well-being to make sure they are not caught. After which we continued our walk to her home. Judy still shaken and I all excited with a big smile written all over my face, I have experience Jamaica’s Violence an unexpected and exhilarating experience it was.

Facebook comments

True Story: Allan H. Palmer and his girlfriend escaped St. Vincent serial Killer Compea

It would have been a dirty shame and a one way ticket to hell if I had met my end at that time and in that manner.

I was a police officer, and I was hanging out with my friend Nick AKA Blacka and Mikey the belt-man; in Middle Street, in Kingstown, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, as I often did on my day off. A beautiful young lady walk by;, and she gave me that look. I was taken aback by the young lady’s beauty. So I accosted the young lady and we began to chat, I had not seen anyone like this young girl.

From that conversation; I learnt that she was fourteen years old, she was from the town of Mesopotamia and she liked me. I was flattered and I was tempted. I said to the young lady, you are so beautiful it hurts my heart to think that you are too young for me. She said to me: "who said I am too young for you". I then explained that she was under the lawful age to be involved in a meaningful relationship with an adult. I continued, if I only kiss you, I will end up in prison. The young lady said who is going to talk about what we do. I replied to her, I don't know but if I lay a finger on you, the entire world is going to know. I then advised the young lady to come back to look for me, in four years when she is an adult.

I often hope to see the beautiful young lady again, just to keep in touch and to chat, but I never did. I had resolved that I will never see that girl again and I went on with my life. However, about four years later, I met this beautiful young lady, I accosted her and we chat for a while, then without me asking, she said to me, I am eighteen years now. I was confused; I said to myself: “where did that come from”. I guess my friend saw the confusion on my face; which prompted her to ask: “don't you remember me?”

It was then; I had a real time flashback, to the strange meeting I had with the underage girl in middle Street. I quickly said of course I remembered you. We chat for a while, we exchanged phone numbers; we kept in touch and soon after that meeting we started dating.

One day; while I was driving a foreign official, that night after work, I met my friend, I had the care of a government rented car and decided to take her home; after all it was not my gas. It was early in the evening, and a beautiful moonlit night, so we decided to hang out for a while. I drove to our regular spot in La Coix. I do not know the name of the area, however; to get to the spot, driving from the Mespo; to La Coix, I took the first right turn in front of the Dean's shop and residence.

This area was farm lands with a strip of paved road that was only wide enough to accommodate one vehicle. There was one wide area on the road that was meant to accommodate two vehicles going in the opposite direction. However; both drivers had to corporate, in that one vehicle had to stop in the wide area while the other pass. At the end of the road there was a loop that brings you back on to the road going in the opposite direction of travel along the same road. As was usual I parked with the front of the vehicle facing outward. This area was out petting lab, and very often we went beyond petting. The place was very secluded. I have never seen anything one in that area before. I got a better understanding of the location, and could see how close La Coix was to Argyle.

While I was ensuring that we were properly parked, my friend said, Allan someone just passed and looked into the car; the person passed on the passenger side of the car. Then she asked me if I saw the person but I did not see anyone. I asked her if she recognized the person but she said she did not. Something tell me she did but did not want to discuss it. It was a bright moonlit night so I got out the car, I make a brief look around to appease my friend and to take away her apprehension; however I did not see anyone; there was no where for the person to; for the entire land was fenced in.

I went back into the car, I tried to kiss her as we did earlier and as we did in that location numerous times before, she said to me, Allan I am not in any mood for that tonight. I asked if everything was OK. She replied yes. Since everything was OK I decided to try to get her in the mood for a little romance. While I was trying to entice her, I felt a bump on the car. It was then my friend turned to me and said, come on Allan, I have never withheld myself from you. If I tell you I am not in the mood accept that.

I looked at my friend and I shamefully accept that she was correct. I said you are right; I must respect your wishes. By this time, I knew my friend did not just imagine the person, she saw outside the car, but from the bump I felt on the car, was indicative that someone was snooping around outside of the car. I was too stupid to be afraid, I reclined the driver’s seat to match my friend seat, I then tilt the outside rear view mirror to see anything or anyone that was hoping to make a sneak attack on us while we were chatting. I tilt the inside rear view mirror to see anything that suddenly rise up at the back of the car and I kept the foot breaks, holding it pressed in, which illuminated the entire rear of the vehicle. Thus gave me a good visual, of any movement around the car; even while in the reclined position. We sat there and we chat until it was time to take the beautiful young lady to her father home with whom she lived.

It was in this conversation, I discovered that my friend was raped the year before I first met. I learn that her rapist was a lawyer who later became a politician. When I asked she told me, her father wanted to report the matter to the police but her mother insisted and refused to report the matter; as a result, the rift between her parents broke up their marriage and pushed her father to alcoholism.

My heart went out to my friend and it was then that I realized; this young lady may not be in love with me as I thought but she was. Maybe she was looking for protection from her insecurities that were associated with rape. May be our first meeting; was a cry for help, the type of help she needed, the type of help she did not get a year earlier. I was ashamed that I did not take the time to find out this before. So for most of you who want to know why I hate Ralph Gonsalves this is one of several reasons.

Sometime later, I was transferred to the Biabou Police Station, after daily bouts with inspector 313 Cornelius Charles at the Traffic Branch; who was sent to take charged of the traffic Branch by Ralph Gonsalves to give me hell. However, after I was transferred to the Biabou Police Station, Cornelius Charles was promoted to Superintendent and once again, he followed me. This time he was sent to be the in charge of the South Central Police Division which included the Calliaquia Police Station, Stubbs Police Station, the Mesopotamia Police Station and the Biabou police Station. I think it is one of the festive seasons, it may be carnival or Christmas, however; the superintendent ordered nightly weekend patrol of the division. This was one of the way he ensure that I had a hard time.

It was about 3:00 am in the morning or there about, we were coming to the end of the the nights patrol, all the guys who were on patrol in the back seat was fast asleep, Myself and the sergeant was awake and we were chatting. I had to be focus because I was the driver. We were traveling West along the Argyle (Stretch) Public Road, heading to Stubbs Police Station, where we was going to dropped the Stubbs personnel to his station. It was then I saw a little blaze of fire on the north-western side of Argyle, I brought the fire to the Sgt. Attention and he said lets go to see what was going on over there.

By this time my sleeping colleague in the back seat were all awoke and we began to speculate what it could be. Some suggested it was people with music having a BBQ, etc. However, when we got to the scene we notice a Pickup Truck was on fire and we could smell a strong aroma of burning flesh. Immediately my heart began to race as I had a real life flash back to that night when my friend and I was parked in that very spot chatting; with our vehicle facing in the same direction this vehicle was. The exact same spot that my friend saw someone in the dark; looked into the vehicle, and the exact spot, I later felt the bump on the vehicle from outside.

We stayed at the scene until day light and it was determined that the vehicle belonged to a popular butcher Mr. John who apparently was from the town of Mesopotamia and his murder was committed by the now infamous Compea and his nephews. Investigations and confession revealed that Compea was a serial murder who had murdered in cold blood several people, including his brother. most of whom he buried in shallow graves. I always asked myself this question, was it Compea outside that car on that beautiful noonlit night and was he waiting on me or was this one of Butcher John's rendezvous place also and he was expecting Mr. John? I wonder! Mmmm!

True Stories - The four most rewarding moment in my policing career.

#4 Solving the noise problem (Bermuda)

In Bermuda, I had developed a reputation for bringing resolution to ongoing dispute. as a result, the police dispatcher will send me to those problems that the other officers had tried and could not bring resolutions to. It was a Sunday evening, I had as my partner PC Diamond, in St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Diamond was a Sergeant of Police, who spent most of his policing career gathering intelligence. On this occasion, I was Diamond's senior. I did not know about my partner's general policing ability, for in just under less 10 years of policing in SVG, I have never seen Diamond in police uniform, and I never knew about Diamond policing until I worked as an intelligence officer.

A call came over the radio to my unit, and we were dispatched to a loud music report in the vicinity of Mission Corner in the City of Hamilton Bermuda. There was an ongoing dispute, which involved neighbors. a couple had Just invested in a new two story house, on the Junction. This was one of the trouble area, in the city of Hamilton. The neighbor had a large Yard that bordered with the new homeowners house. However; the neighbor had a weed (Marijuana) operations going on, on their premises. They play loud music, while they sell liquor and weed. Their operations is a night operation.

under the cover of darkness, was when the music is turned on, and business get rolling. All this was unknown to me at the time of dealing with the incident. When we arrived to the scene of the incident, the couple who made the report was nowhere to be seen. They did not want to get involved in their own report and help to bring a solution to their problem. However, I wanted to know, what was the nature of the report. I heard the music and it was not, particularly loud, comparatively speaking. But to exist in such condition seven days a week, is asking too much of anyone even me.

I knocked on the door. and after some time a couple eventually came out, and explained what they were going through and what they had to deal with, on a nightly basis. I could hear the frustration in their voices. They had just completed the house and they had never, spent a quiet night in their new home. It was almost impossible to hear the TV the wife said to give us an idea of the magnitude of their problem. They had also called the police repeatedly with no redress to their problem.

The music was loud and coming from a building in the yard. The yard was pitched dark, I could not see anything in the yard but I could smell the strong aroma, of the dry Ganja (Marijuana) leaves when lit, coming at me. The Yard has two large gate both of which were open. I confidently said to the couple, don't worry; I will take care of this problem tonight. You will not have any more problem with these people from tonight I said. I open the driver side door, I said: "Diamond lets go" Diamond got into the car. I saw an eruption of disbelief on the couples faces. As if to say, you just give us your word that you are going to fix our problem tonight; why are you leaving.

I give the confused couple a reassuring smile and they looked back at me, even more confused than when I first re-entered the car. Diamond fixed his seat belt, unaware of what my plan was, I started the marked police vehicle, the Bermuda Police Service vehicles are equipped with first class emergency roof system. Apart from the flashing lights there are front spot lights, rear spot lights, left and right side spot light, all of which has very bright illumination. In addition to those; there is an external driver side manually operated spot light. I had spent many hours trying to figure out how to operate every feature in the emergency system; now I knew it like the back of my hand.

Now it was time for some actions. I turned on all of the spot light on the car, and I drove into the yard, when, Diamond realized what was happening; in a panic and in naked Vincy dialect he said: "boy Palmer way yo doing" I said to him: "We are serving the people's problems, that is what we are being paid to do". I stop the car in the middle of the now well illuminated yard; and I immediately 

i got out of the car. There were small groups of people all over the yard, lean up smoking, some had beers in their hands as they drank and smoke.

Surprised by the sudden police intrusion, they all froze in their last action. By this time Diamond had also disembarked the vehicle. In a laughing mocking manner, I said, Ahhh, It look like Marijuana is now legalize in Bermuda. Then I said don't worry, we did not come for you all; We are here on other business. I said the first thing I want the music turned off. A female voice said turn down the music, I said "I want the music turned off. Who run this operation, the female and her son came out to me, speaking full Bermudian. After I lay down the law, I told the woman she can turn on the music now. Then I had the couple determined the level of volume they thought was reasonable for their comfort. When they agreed on a level of Music, I said to the home grown DJ; turn it down a notch more and he did.

Then the lady broke character, and she went into full Jamaican twang, hoping she can intimate me. I then said, "YOU JAMAICAN ME VINCENTIAN ME NA FRAUD YOU!" she threatened my with Obeah and I responded to her threats with the most confidence. I added; as a matter of fact, I am giving the man my personal number, even if I am not on duty, and he calls me and complaint; I will put on my uniform, and come just to take you to court. I then left and that was the end of that problem. There was never another complaint from that location.

STORY #3. 

I was assigned South Western Police District assigned the the Biabou Police Station. One of my colleagues was investigating a matter that was made by a man with a history of mental illness, it was either wounding or assault bodily harm against one of the popular young person in the Greggs community.

My colleague recorded a "dud statement," the supervisor review the report and did not make anything about the report. My colleague intention was to, sit on the report for a few months, then summit same, recommending complainant take civil actions, which would have deprived the injured man of his day in court, and have a criminal on the streets not paying for his crime.

The people of Greggs Village had confidence in my integrity and knew no matter who the accuse was, I will always do what is right. Members in the community told the young man's mother to request, I look into the matter for her and I did at her request. After a discussion with Sgt. Ashley Francis he handed the case over to me, I scrapped and then retook the complaint statement, restarted the investigations, had the suspect arrested taken before the court and justice was served, the so-called "crazy" young man received Justice. He was no longer picked upon and abused because they were poor and the police refused to do their job.

Now the community knew that his reports are taken serious regardless of his pass mental history.

STORY #2. 

When I was transformed to Chateaubelair Police District and Station, The people of Chateaubelair made me feel at home, The people of Chateaubelair embraced me like I was a long lost prodigal son that has just returned. This may be so, because in the 50s and the 60s Chateaubelair was my father stomping ground, and quite a few people there still remembered and loved him. In the 70s my big sister Chrisceda Palmer work at the Canadian Save the Children fund early childhood facility in that town, and in the 80s my sister Clare Palmer was the nurse in charges of the Chateaubelair Health Center. Now in 2000, or there about, I was serving the community in the capacity of a police officer.

Very soon into my stint in the rural North Windward community I quickly became crossed threads with some dangerous men from the illegal drugs community in Chateaubelair and Pittibordel who threatened to take care of me, and this was not a good thing. I had my jaw bone fractured while in the process of appending a so-call crazy man, I had stood up to one of the None Commissioned Officers (NCO) who try to disrespect some honest law abiding citizen, by humiliating three of their sons who were to appear before the court, etc. I was not in charged but I was fair to all and therefore demonstrated my fairness as a police officer, ensuring everyone were treated equally, and they were not denied their rights.

However, at the time I was pursuing a program in Addiction Studies at the University of the West Indies, campus in Kingston St. Vincent, I had to commute back and forth three times a week, to get to and from class. The authority thought it will be better if I was moved closer to the campus, which resulted in my transfer.

On the morning of my transfer, while I was having breakfast; one of my colleagues said Palmer did you see what is happening outside, I said no then he said come and see something here. When I went to the door of the Police Station and look outside, I saw an assembly of a small protest, of about 15 – 20 adults; the protesters did not have any placards; however they were voicing their opinion. I can hear them say: every time we get a good police in the area, you all always moving them, “why all yo moving Palmer, why ‘all yo’ don't move James”, one of the protesters shouted their dissatisfaction with one of my Colleagues, then came an eruption of voices all in agreement “yeah, move James.”

I was shock and happy that the impact I had on the Chateaubelair community in my short stint there, was as such to merit such a response. I did not know how to deal with this new occurrence; all I could have done was too helplessly push up my shoulder, and give them the facial expression, that it is out of my control. After which, I was hurried out of the Chateaubelair Police Station by the NCO in charge, and left for Central Police Station.

What was most surprising to me, was in the small crowd of people who had staged the protest, in front of the Chateaubelair Police Station, there was a particular man in the crowd; one whom was considered a town character. Interestingly, I have never spoken to this man, but always give a friendly smile, and a nod of my head, when I pass him on the streets, he was not just in the small crowd, of people that gathered at the Chateaubelair Police Station; but he was expressing his displeasure at my transfer in clear cohesive language; not dirty words as he was known for. I did not know the man was so articulate, until that very moment when I heard him in the crowd. The thoughts of this incident make me emotional also. It is always a good feelings when the people you have served express their gratitude for your efforts.

STORY #1. 

I was on investigation duties in Greggs Village; I drove to the end of the Greggs Main Road, in search of information about a particular suspect. There was a very poor old woman who was living in a house in that area, I knocked on her door, to solicit information; she came to the door to see whom it was. She was one of the elderly women that witnessed me in action against the three young men with the Marijuana cigarette.

On seeing me, she said in Vincy dialect: “Officer Palmer ah you. Come in Palmer don't fraud, Me na have much but you can still come in.” unfortunately; she was not understating the reality with her words. She pulled up a bench and she said Palmer have a seat. I walked into that beautiful and kind lady’s home like I was just invited into the governor's mansion, I took a seat on the bench that she provided and we chat for a while. She did not have any information to help my investigations but I kept her company just for a while.

After a while, the woman said to me Palmer, I just made some chicken boiling, I was just going to eat some, would you like some. Trying to be polite and not to spoil my visit with the lady, and the fact that I had eaten only a little while ago. I said naaa, I don't want to rob you. She said: “no Palmer, I have more than enough.” I sense that it was important to the lady to be kind to me. I now walk over to the area in the house where my new old friend cooked, I looked into her pot, as if I lived in the humble dwelling, I said ok let me have two bananas, a chicken wing and some gravy. The beautiful old soul, share her dinner with me giving me just what I asked for. After which, we sat in her humble home and we chat and eat together. As a police officer; I was popular in Greggs community, and was known as a no nonsense police officer. I sense that it meant a lot for this Lady to have me in her home and entertained me. I was only too happy to obliged her.

I became emotional when I was writing this because, this old lady in her poverty felt confident enough, to invited into her humble home and offer me a meal, knowing that I would not look down on or scorn her humble dwelling. Of all the courageous and adventurous things I have done as a police officer this is the moment in my fourteen years policing experiences I am most proud of.

True Story – Allan rejected from becoming a police. WHY!

I have never been one to worry about the things, I did not have control over. I had waited about 3-4 years for the fulfillment of an opportunity to become a teacher. This promise was made to me after I Surprised the Minister of Education, Mr. Hon. John Horne, when he learn of my qualification that was beyond the minimum qualification that was required to become a teacher.

That offered was withdrawn, publicly; by Mr. Horne whilst addressing the graduates of the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Boys Grammar School, at their graduation ceremony, when Mr. Horne publicly announced a changed the minimum qualifications for entering the teaching profession. The change was just enough to disqualify me from becoming a teacher.

While I waited on the opportunity to become a teacher, I kept my job and I went to work daily at Beulah's yacht, where I was a part of a team that building Simi Luxury yachts; that was use for Caribbean tours.

After I realized the person who determined, who are haired and fired in the teaching profession, were working against me, I quickly conclude, there was no hope of me ever becoming a teacher, even If I went back to school and achieve above the minimum required qualifications for becoming a teacher; as I did before, what was there to prevent the minister in charge of the ministry of Education: John Horne, from raising the minimum qualifications to exclude me as he had done before.

Although I was disappointed, the matter was out of my control, and was not worth worrying over; as a result, I shock my head and I moved on. I wrote that experience down as a lesson learnt. Not being one to cry over spilt milk; I went and I applied to be an enlisted police officer. I submitted my application in 1994. After I completed the initial application process. When the recruiter saw, I have four O levels passes including English Language, he was impressed. As a result, he said to me, “so far; you are the most qualify applicant we have,” then he said: “you are going to be at the top of the list of people to be called". Sgt. Anthony Humphrey instructions was clear, "You have to listen to the public Service announcement on the radio, for your name and instructions.” at that time there were only one radio station on the island. National Broadcasting Corporations (NBC) - 705 Radio

I listened, I heard the names of many people were called, and were requested to report to the Old Montrose Police Station; however, I did not hear my name. The following day another list of names was called and they were instructed to report to the Old Montrose Police Station. Once again my name was not called.

I sense something was absolutely wrong, how is it, the first projected pick was left out. As a result, on that same day, I went to the Old Montrose Police Station, and to the office of Police Recruitment and Training, I met and I spoke to Sgt. Jonathon Nichols, I told him, why I was at the office. The Sergeant went to a filing cabinet and began to search through the files. He then said, these are all of the people who applied, there is no applications with your name on it. I think you should reapply, and bring proof of your qualifications.

I was upset, at the whole series of events. I went home, and immediately called Mr. John Horne, my constituency representative, and the minister of Education. I was not sure if Mr. Horne had anything to do with my technical rejection from enlisting as a police officer but I was not going to take any chances. Look at the deceitful and sneaky way in which he went about depriving me of a teaching opportunity. In my mind that means, the politician can and will do anything to deprived me of getting a job in the Government Service as retaliation for not becoming a member of his political constituency group.

When I heard Mr. Horne voice on the phone, I began the conversation by saying; Mr. Horne, you promised me a teaching job, you had me waiting forever, you never give me that job I was qualified for; and you change the minimum qualification to ensure, I did not get the teacher job; Now I applied to become a police officer, you all are depriving me of that opportunity to!

Mr. Horne, said in his official tone of voice, Allan what happened? I then explained to Mr. Horne what happened, he said in his big-shot official tone of voice, Allan, give me a minute let me get to the bottom of this. I will call you back.

I hanged up the phone, I patiently sat there by the phone and I waited for Mr. Horne to return the call. About 15 or 20 minutes later, the phone rang, I answered and Mr. Horne was on the other end. He said Allan, I got to the bottom of this, here is what I want you to do. Take copies of your qualification back to training office at Old Montrose Police Station, after which, go to police Headquarters on Bay Street in Kingstown, go to Mr. William Harry office, he is expecting you.

I went to the training office in compliance with the instructions, to drop off a copy of my qualifications. On my arrival to the Police training office, I met the two men I dealt with on both of my visit to the S.V.G Police Training School. Jonathan Nicholas, the officer who looked for my application without success was sitting at the desk, closest to the door, Anthony Humphrey was sitting at a desk immediately behind him. this seating position showed seniority between the two sergeants.

When Sgt. Nicholas saw me, He asked me what do you want, I said, I was told to bring proof of my qualification to this officer, and I am here to do that. The Sgt. got mad, and began to argue with me, I looked at him in the eyes, with a big victorious smile on my face and I said to him; listen, I did not come to argue with you, I am doing what I was told to do. Nichols continue to argue, his anger was targeted at me, but he was not arguing with me because I ignored him and his anger with a big victorious smile on my face. When Anthony Humphrey saw the debacle, that was slowly developing between Mr. Nichols and I, he came forward and he took the documentation from me and he said, don’t worry with him; he probably has problems; it is a stressful job.

I handed the documentation to Sgt. Humphrey and I left the office. By this time Nichols was cooling down. I did not know if Sergeant Nichols behavior was a test to see how I was going to handle high pressure situation. I did not feel no type of pressure from Nichols' behavior; for in order for a person too feel pressure in such case there must be a level of fear.

When I got to Mr. William Harry office, there were four other people, in the waiting room of Deputy Commissioner of Police office waiting to see Mr. Harry also. I though my wait was going to be long, however; unknowing to me, the four of us were there for the same thing. At this time, I was still unsure why I was at Mr. Harry's office; for all I was told was to report to the Deputy Commissioner of Police Mr. William Harry's office.

After waiting for a while, I was prepared to see the Deputy Commissioner in the order I arrived at his office. Then the phone rang, and the corporal who manned the office, said you guys can go in now. Still unsure who he was speaking to, he said you to Mr. Palmer. I entered the room with the other waiting young men. Mr. Harry did not waist anytime, he introduce himself, after which he ascertained our identity by asking out name. We were all given bibles, and Mr. William Harry, lead the swearing in of myself and four others.

As simple as that we were sworn in as Police officers, immediately, I had the powers of arrest, powers I was not qualified to use. After which we were given directions as to what we must do next. I has officially became a sworn police officer at approximately 1:30 PM on the 8th day of August 1994.

True Story: Allan P (Palmer) and the Jewels - took on the SDA Church

It was the 5th of August of 1985, I was stabbed on Villa Beach, and the word had spread that Allan Palmer is dead! Fortunately, I was not dead, but I was a penitent at the male surgical ward after having major surgery to repair the damage that the twelve-inch-long blade had done to my stomach. One night while I was up unable to sleep; as a result, of the severity of the pain I was feeling; I saw my police friend and roller skate buddy Sean from Block 2000 on the ward dressed in police uniform. Sean was on prisoner’s guard duty at the male surgical ward at the Kingston General Hospital, which is today known as the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital.

On seeing Sean, I wanted to get his attention, but it was too painful and to speak even with my normal voice. To shout would result in tremendous pain and therefore it was unthinkable. In this state, I had to whisper to communicate orally with hospital staff, family, friends and acquaintance that visited me. Sean was one of those people who had also heard that I had died. Sean was at the Nurses’ Station chatting with the staff nurse at the desk; he was trying to pass the time. He looked down at the row of beds of people from the nurses’ station. Sean saw me lying on the bed next to the window that overlooked the cemetery. I could have sworn; my friend the police officer had seen a Ghost. He immediately ended the conversation, he was involved in, with the on duty nurse and went back to his post to supervise his prisoner.

About 20 minutes later, Sean reemerged to the nurse’s desk, this time, not to have a conversation; but to ensure his eyes were not playing tricks on him. In other words, to make sure, he was not hallucinating. Sean looked in the direction where I was lying in bed, to see if the pigment of his imagination had left. At lease now he can say he saw the Ghost of Allan Palmer, in the hospital, which would have marked the beginning of a new legend: “the Ghost of Allan Palmer that haunts the Hospital he can be seen on the Male Surgical Ward”. The only problem with that legend was: I was not dead

Sean looked, in my directions and he could not believe his eyes; the dead man was still there. The man who was declared dead or his ghost is haunting the hospital. Sean had to verify that he was not seeing things. It was then he checked, with the nurse who confirmed my presences. After he confirmed that he was not seeing things; Sean quickly made his way to where I was still awake, observed the whorled scenario played out. It is then he says Palmer; I thought I saw a Ghost; for everyone say you are dead.

After I had recuperated from my injuries and the surgical repair of the injuries, I returned to church, and my writing had taken on a new dimension. I was now writing poem. I wrote the whole Bible story of Daniel in the form of a rhyme. I knew this was the hands of Yah, because I had never done this before, and the ease with which, I did the story; it could not have been anyone or anything but the words of the creator that was placed in my head.

Now, I had to figure out, why Yah gave this new gift to me. The art of Rap music has recently transition to mainstream, and was taking over the world. I realized the rap rhythm matched perfectly, with my rhymes. Now, where was a young man, in the small Caribbean island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, going to find an audience for Rap music, not just any type of Rap music; but Gospel Rap?

By this time, I had formed a Gospel Rap group; Allan P and the Jewels; which was made up of the following people. There was Nelcia “Ali” Primus: a family friend and a third form student of the Girls High School. There was Comsie Joyette: a Student Nurse; and a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church that hail from the Southern Grenadines Island of Union. And there were Desiree Murphy: a fifth form Student of the Girls High school, and also a member of the Kingstown Seventh Day Adventist church. Although Desiree was accepted in the big shot click, in the church; she did not fit into that group; even though Desiree was a very intelligent young woman, she was also a rootsy young lady and refused to fit into the mold she was asked to fit into.

It was not long that the Gospel Rap Group: Allan P and the Jewels found its way onto and was headlining the Caribbean Biggest Gospel shows: Gospel Spectacular; which was hosted by The Emerald Gospel Band. The lead vocalist of the Emerald Gospel band was Gideon Soleyn, Gideon, Desiree, Comsie and I attend the same church, The Kingstown Seventh Day Adventist Church. However our performance in the big concert had nothing to do with Gideon. Unfortunately, Gideon was under a lot of pressure from the SDA Church leadership for being associated with this gospel music group, especially one that was made up of Sunday churches. However, Gideon held his ground.

In the view of the church leadership, while Gideon’s association with Emerald Gospel Band was an associated with the world; on the other hand Desiree, Comsie and I, was accused of bringing the world into the church. I learnt this at the meeting with the eldership of the church held with me. At lease Gideon, got a little slack, for now Gideon Soleyn and his so-called unholy alliance was no longer the negative central focus of the Church leadership. The Church leaders knew I was the leader and central person of the group therefore they targeted me for the meeting; I stood up to the church leadership and I let them know I will not comply with their wishes. When reasoning with me did not work, they went to work on Desiree and Comsie; at lease, they were much younger than I was and more pliable to the pressures and would have broken easily under the pressure; and abandon me; at lease so they though.

We had performed as a guest artist at many Gospel concerts, in clouding Gospel Spectacular for three years. We had cemented our-self as one of the leading Gospel acts on the Island. Now we had to, take it to the next level. Now we had to hold our own concert. I could not depend on the others members of the group to play an active role in the planning and financing this ambitious venture, after all they were only student, and had to focus on their schooling. I went ahead and put everything in place; however, I make them feel like a big part of the entire process. The concert was organized and the venue of the concert was to be at the Peace Memorial Hall. Yvonne Soleyn helped with all of the planning, the writing of invite letter to the performers, she did the program and she also did the tickets.

Organizing a concert seems to send the leadership of the Kingstown S.D.A church totally insane. I had the guarantee best participation of my cast including some members of the Seventh Day Adventist Community. I anticipated retaliation from the Kingstown SDA church, so my crew and I visited several SDA church we did a modify presentations at the church to promote the concert. Some of the members of the smaller churches purchased tickers. Small churches like the Clay Valley S.D.A church, with the help of Tilon Cupid and Pearlene Weeks, threw their whole support behind the program and purchased ticket. The S.D.A church that surprised me the most was the Richland Park SDA church. A rural but large mainstream SDA church, allowed us in to their church to showcased what the production was all about and quite a number of them purchased tickets.

On the evening of the show, after the end of the Saturday evening youth program, Glenroy Providence, Jeremiah "Jerry" Cuffy, Rosemary "Rosie" Smart now Richardson, made our way to the Peace Memorial Hall, to get things ready. The other members of the group were at home getting ready to for their performance. Even though, we were short hand, we manage to get the place ready before Show Time. It was my first concert and there were many things I over looked. I began to see; how greatly short staff I was.

Immediately after the evening program at church, the leadership of the Kingstown Seventh Day Church called a meeting with the young people of the church, and told them not to support the concert, they told the youths all of the reason why, they should not support my program. They use the bible; the quoted text and they lay down the law.

My small crew was over work, everyone had their assignment, and yet there were many official roles to play to make matters worse, the master of ceremony was a no show. The Clay Valley folks were the first to show up, then the Richland Park, the hall was not full but it had already passed the shameful turnout mark. I was very happy about that, I can now boast attendance was good and people were still coming. Some of the people who made up the audience were spies from the Kingstown S.D.A church, who came in order to report to the elder-ship of the church.

Now I had an expecting crowd, but seriously short staff, I was fresh out of a Master of Ceremony, stage managers etc. there was only one solution, I must swallow my pride and privately asked some of the members of the audience to fill these roles. I was in the process of going to solicit help from selected members of the audience, when I saw a flood of familiar faces, they paid to enter the show. it was All the teenagers from the Kingstown S.D.A Church; a moment ago they were all in a meeting with the elder-ship of the Kingstown S.D.A church. however defiantly the showed up and paid their way into the show.

I had a good relationship with each of them, if they did not support the event I would have understood; for the pressure that was placed on them was immense. As a result, they were upset with the way, the group was treated and wanted to show their support and send a message back to the church leadership. Once in the show, they came to me, Palmer, they said in eager defiance; what can we do to help. They were willing to do anything, help at the door, sell in the bar at the intermission, usher people to their seats; anything! They wanted to be a part of this show in any way possible.

I have never been so relieved in my life, these were all secondary school students, super intelligent and talented young people; I was about to give them the biggest responsibility of their life so far. I had no doubt, these youth will rise to the challenge. Knowing their strength, I put them where they were comfortable.

Calling each person by his or her names, I said you and you are going to be the Masters of ceremony; I then explained what I expected of them. I saw anticipation but I reassured them that they were more than up to the job; my reassurance was all the youth needed. I continued; you and you; you are the stage managers, I also explained what was expected of them in their defined roles, you and you, find every act on the program get a short history of the act and get it to the MC just before the act take the stage. I assigned each youth to a significant production role and they all kill their role. The show went off without one hitch.

I was backstage and I give each performer a tap on the back, I thank them for coming and let them know, I knew what you could do; now it is time to show the audience what you can really do. Every performer killed it. In most case, they rendered their best performance on that night. The auditorium was full; anywhere two shoes could hold there were people standing there. The concert was not a financial success, but it was a success for our group. Through it all we had many victories, overcame many odds, I create an avenue for young people to display their musical talent, and put a group of willing teenagers in serious roles they were insecure about going in; but accepted the challenge, rose to the occasion and killed it. What more can anyone asked for?

Douglas Defreitas, a good and understanding man provided the sound for this concert. as usual he provided outstanding work. Unfortunately Dougie was paid some 12 + years after he had work on the concert. This was done on my first return trip to St. Vincent and the Grenadines from Bermuda in November of 2004.

True Story: They Say Allan Palmer Beat up the Police Officer Part 2 - Quashie's revenge.

After the incident at the Net Ball Center which left Officer Quashie a little banged up and his ego well brushed. I knew the officer will be looking out for me. However, I had two things working in my favor; the primary of which were: the officer's supervisors were convinced that he did not know who he was involved in the incident with.

At this point in my life, I was still a second form student at the Intermediate High School (IHS) also known as Timmy School. Attending the Intermediate High School was convenient for me. Each day after school finishes for the day at 1:00 PM I went to help my best friend ply his trade, there I helped a friend #10 and in turn put a few dollars in my pocket.

Each time the Special Service Unit (SSU) transport pass the St. Vincent Automotive Corporation Gas Station on Benthic Square and PC Quashie was in that vehicle his eyes burned a hole through me. He could not wait to get his hands on me. My friends who remember him and what happened, always took the opportunity to bring the hasty officer's behavior to my attention. I was too busy helping my best friend Winston "#10" Frankly to noticed. It was going to be a difficult task for Quashie to get to me, for the simple fact I was very discipline and I was a law abiding person.

However, fast-forward a few months; the Ads were everywhere, they on TV, on the radio and the bills were posted around Kingstown, the World Wrestling Federation (WWF) was coming to St. Vincent to put on a show. On the card for the night's show was King Kong Bundy, Big John Stud, Abdullah the Butcher, Mr. Fuji and it was rumored that Andre the Giant may make an appearance. I wanted to go and see the show. After all our favorite T.V programming was wrestling.

On the evening before the show, without even asking my father Hamilton Palmer; gave my sister Andrea and I money to attend the show. Andrea used the money for the purpose it was giving. However none of my friends had money for the admission and they were going to slip into the show. I did not want to miss the excitement of evading the security, with my efforts to get into and enjoying the show without paying. So I decided to join my friends. It was all about the excitement.

At this stage in the history of the Victoria Park, the facility was enclosed with Galvanize sheets. The Galvanize sheets were nailed onto wooden frames, which were attached to 4x4 wooden stakes, which were anchored in the ground with a concrete base.

On our arrival to the event, to our surprised, the members of the SVG Police Force were responsible for security; they were armed with long wooden baton. The South Eastern side of the park was scarcely lit and therefore was the best point to enter the park without paying. However, the security was tight, the police were ensuring that no one enter the facility without paying and those who so tried were thrown out of the park. For kids it was understandable and not a bad punishment for one’s effort.

There were three police staffing the South Western side of the facility, I recognized Corporal Lenford Brewster, He was in Uniform however. at this point of Brewster's policing career, his normal dress code was regular or civilian clothes. This was so because he was attached to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Kingstown. I was familiar with Brewster’s work and his habits. I had seen the injuries about the body of Gomma a noted criminal who specialized in stealing, As well as on my good friend and mentor Thin Legs and my mentor Crab. All the injuries were sustained through the violent beating at the hands of Brewster, Spencer and the other members of the CID in order to extract confession from these men for crimes that may or may not have committed. They wanted resolution to their cases at any cost.

I had also seen Lenford Brewster smoking weed under the Jacks Mango Tree and in back of Banks pool room and bar at Rose Place (Bottom Town). Therefore, when I became a police, It was no surprise to me, when I discovered that the police authority had caught the rough police officer; smoking Marijuana in the back in the Spring Village Police Station. As a result, of this encounter on the police premises, Brewster was black listed by the police authority.

I did not know who the other police were; they were further away from me in the dark. I saw the three police had a huddle. I did not know what was discussed in the little meeting, however with Cpl. Brewster and the officers abundant their post, we saw this as the opportunity we were looking for. Someone declare they are must be on their break that is why they leave.

As a result, my friends, the other people who were also trying to get into the Victoria Park for free and I; all stormed into the park, Some jumping over the galvanize fence, some squeezing themselves through the little gap between the galvanized sheets, whichever way the objective was to get into the park, then as soon as possible, mix in with the crowd at the function.

then without warning, and like a group of hyena the police came out from absolutely nowhere, we all dispersed, I noticed there was a particular police officer, that singled me out, and no matter what I did he will not relent. He refused to chase even the people who were closer to him than I was. I ran to the northwestern part of the park to where the old Red Cross Building was located. with the intention of climbing up the wall with the aid of the tree that was close to the building, which I had done numerous tomes before, The officer was not very close to me, but he was close enough to catch me before I can make it up the wall of the Red Cross building and out of the park.

I decided to stop running because I would eventually be caught. I stop running surrendering to the pursuing police officer; then I turn and face him expecting to be roughed up and shown the way out of the park which was the protocol for the night. Then I felt a blow to my upper left arm, the side of by bicep. I was extremely surprised, by the actions of the officer, because the action of the police was not the protocol the police were following that night. Before I reconcile what was happening, I saw the officer raise his baton, and he took a downward swung of the baton; aiming at my head. Immediately, I said to myself, this man is trying to kill me. I was too stupid to be afraid of the baton wielding police officer; I said to myself: “what!, I am going to give him a taste of his own medicine.”

The baton was on its way to an unpleasant meeting with my skull, I had to act quickly. I stop the baton from hitting my head by using an upward forearm block with my left hand, just as my big brother Val "Nazi" Palmer had shown me. Immediately, and in one flowing motion, I moved my hand and the baton to my left, doubling my left hand around the baton. I secured the baton under my arm pit and I further secured it with the back of my left forearm. with the back of my forearm lock the baton in place; I took all control of the baton away from the officer, and with the continuous flowing motion, I snatched the shirt of the officer in the area of the Shoulder/collar area with both hands. Now I have taken control of the officer with both of my hands.

Brewster was off in the dark watching the whole incident played out after all he had set the whole incident up. Now I recognized the aggressive officer, I certainly didn't care about the fact there were another officers around; I was going to give Quashie the beating of his life, but first I wanted him helpless on the ground. Having total control of the officer and his baton I began to toss the officer in a swirling motion from left to right, to cause him to lose his balance and get him helpless on the ground.

It was the first time I actually smell the fear, and the odor of Quashie’s fear got me more and more enraged. I wanted him on the ground, where he was helpless I wanted to hurt him, he must understand what it felt like to be hit with a baton in the same way I experienced it at his hands. I had the frightened officer totally off balance, stumbling over his own feet, one more twirl and he will be eating grass. When I was about to floor the scared officer, I felt someone held on to me it was Brewster, now he decided to intervened, pretending he did not know what happened. My arms and forearms were swollen from the blows I sustained. Two of my friends came back to look for me and saw the whole scenario. And they were angry, they wanted revenge.

In his pretense Brewster said to his junior, what are you doing to the youth man, then he said to me, youth man, go and watch the show, don't worry with him. I left with my injuries and I still manage to enjoy the show. The next day my father asked me what happened, I explained to him what happened. When he heard the story he said, you know I cannot do anything, I looked at him and I asked what do you mean you cannot do anything? It was then he asked me a few questions to get a message to me.

My father very calmly asked, "Did I give you money to pay for the show?" I answer yes. Then he followed up with a second question, "why didn't you use the money I give you for the purpose it was given?" I told him my friends did not have any money to go in. He looked at me and he said, each of your friends has parents, it is their parents’ responsibility to take care of their children needs, it is not your responsibility to take care of their needs.

He continued; do you think if your friends had the money to pay their way into the show and you didn't; they would have cared that you did not have money? I did not have to answer that question, for the answer was obvious; I knew my father was right in his utterance. He was correct for the simple fact; when it was movie time, it was all man for him-self. If you had money you watch the movie, if you did not have money you stay outside. Then my wise father continued by saying; I have a responsibility to you, there was a reason I give you the money to go to the show, it was to ensure you did not try to get into the show without paying and you went ahead and did exactly; just what I did not want you to do. Pearson you have tied my hands.

I fully understood my father’s reasoning and his argument was reasonable and just. He continued by saying “write that experience down as a bad decision on your behalf.” and that was exactly what I did. Quashie had his revenge and my father had spoken and I was satisfied. Biggest lesson learns. My friends wanted us to take revenge but my father has spoken.

However, this incident give me credibility among my friend and increased my mystique among my friends in school. I got to boast about my fight with a police officer and I had the tags to prove the fight actually happened.

OK People I give you part two early because I have a beautiful Christmas Story to share with you on the weekend. A story of trial triumph and the best Christmas ever.
Part 1
Facebook response