How Allan overcame my first major hurdle in Bermuda.

After reviewing my resume and interviewing me, The Bermuda Police Service offered me an opportunity to be police officer in Bermuda. If I were to accept the post, I was required to resign my position, as a police officer and stop being a member of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadines Police Force; an institution I had faithfully dedicated almos...t ten years of my life to, in service; move to the extremely small island of Bermuda; a place where I had no family member, I had no friends; As a matter of fact, I did not know anyone who lived or who had even visited the 22 square miles island.

This was stepping out into a new world, not knowing what to expect. However; I was ready for a new adventure, so I packed my bags, say good bye to my family; my friends, everything I knew and have grown to love, and I moved to Bermuda.

Once I made up my mind there was no turning back. I resigned my post with the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadine Police Force; knowing I was, one of the Prime Minister of S.V.G: Ralph Gonsalves fiercest critics, there was absolutely, no turning back.

The Prime Minister was extremely happy to get the rid of me and would have done anything, to ensure, if my Bermuda adventure did not worked out, and I return to the island, it would have been the dirty pleasure of Ralph Gonsalves to ensure that I returned to and remained in St. Vincent and the Grenadines unemployed. At least unemployment would have shut me up. At least that was what he thought.

However, I had no fear, for I was always able to legally, make money in St. Vincent and the Grenadine. As a preteen and as a teenager, I participated in a range of activities to make spending money. From pushing cart, which involved, taking the traffickers produce from the street outside the harbor to the loading dock on the wharf, where the produce were shipped to Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and other islands. We also took the groceries and other shopping of shoppers from the supermarket, etc. to the bus stop at the Market square. Another means of making money came when my friends and I, went to Gibson Corner after school or on Sundays, to picked Hog-plums and Jaw-plums, or to Molly Gutter or to Sweet Side to pick mangoes which we offered for sale, as we walked home on our long journey. I also dived whenever a tourist boat was in the bay; and I did not have to go to school.

I was also a Boat Boy. This responsibility, saw me getting up each morning before 5:00 AM, to prepare the fishing boat: for my friends to go fishing. My responsibilities included, putting a 45 Yamaha outboard engine unto the St. Lucian crafted canoe, ensuring said engine is properly secured, load and securing 6 or 8 fifty gallon Jerrycans of gasoline, into the boat in such manner that they became ballast, ensuring the boat run at its optimum and smoothly even with the weight, and even in rough water.

I also went to the fishermen's place of meal, collect and pack their meals, so they had something to eat while they were hard at work in the middle of the ocean. I also make sure their hook box was replenished and well stocked with all that was needed for the day’s fishing trip. After which, I see them off, prepare for and went to school. At this stage of my life I was a student at the Intimidate High School, AKA Timmy School which got out at 1:00 PM. Upon the return of the fishermen from work, it was my responsibility to ensure everything was ready for the next day's fishing trip which include replenishing and mixing the gas etc.

In short, I was responsible for ensuring Captain Eddy AKA Fry-rice, Center-man: Dougie "Bumps" Baptiste, and Bow-man Vincent Prop Williams job was easy. All they had to worry about was to find and catch the fish, which they did very well. On their return, I was responsible for putting away the equipment, taking their catch to the market and selling it at the very best wholesale price to the vendors, or if it suited me, I haired a fish vendors to chop the fish (sell the fish retail) for me.

The more money I made, for the day's catch, the bigger my reward for my job. In the Daulphin (Mahi Mami) season, the money I earned from being a boat boy was extremely good; however, in the Hine season, it was rough. In the Daulphin season, when the guys had an extremely good day, they can make up to three or four thousand plus dollars each in one catch, that means I could make up to $200.00 - $300.00 for my share and after selling the dolphin or King (King Tuna) fish, I get to take home, my days take, could put me over four $400.00 (Four hundred dollars). Not bad for a teenager.

When it was good it was very good, however, when it was bad, especially in the Hine season, where the guys fished bottom-line, it was really, really bad. For days or at times even weeks, I worked without pay, or my take was very small; because the catch poundage were small. there were more heads per catch, but smaller fishes resulted in less weight, means less money for the catch.

This job came with one set back. The owner of the boat was rumored to be a homosexual. I was offered the job, by the crew, because of my honesty, they knew I will not steal from them; as the Boat-boy before me often did. I expressed my concerns about the rumored homosexual practice of the owner. Without admitting or denying their knowledge of the boat owner's homosexual habits, they all assured me that I will be ok; they will ensure of it.

When My father got word of my boat boy activities, he had word with Dougie, Eddy and Vincent. My father not taking any chances; went and had a one and one with the owner of the boat. I did not know what was discussed; however, I knew, I did not have to worry about any homosexual advancement from the boat owner and there was none.

The very day my father die; was the very day, I give up the boat boy job. I did not show up the following day, under the circumstances, no one expected me to and I just stop showing up altogether; no explanation given. I know, I was safe as long as Daddy was around; I was not willing; neither was I going to take any chances with my safety. My father was the only one I could depend on to keep me safe.

I have since left those childhood hustle behind, now I was in Bermuda Where policing was my concerned. I was ready for Bermuda, thanks to Station Sergeant Calbert Straker. In a short time, Mrs. Straker made me into, an excellent police officer as he said. I was confident, fearless, very intelligent and I knew how to police. However, I had one problem, in St. Vincent and the Grenadine Police Force, we used registers, (big books) to record everything, from, detailing personnel for duty, which was the duty rooster, to keeping track with reports that were made: the crime register, Petty Offence register accident register etc.

In Bermuda, every things were computerized. Everything was done electrically; the only writing one were expected to do were to take basic notes, with which an officer, used in reference, to update the computer system and statements when they were so required. This made life easy but first I have to learn how to effectively and efficiently use the system. We were given a crash course in using this system, however, the amount of hours, for the purpose was not enough. At this stage of my police career, policing came extremely easy for me; however, because of the computer system; I was at the mercies of the officers, I worked with.

Ralph Gonsalves had his connection in the Bermuda Police Service, There was Superintendent of Police Randolph "Randy" Liverpool, a Vincentian, who went to Bermuda back in the day. He was one of Gonsalves' personal friend. He had it all set up for my failure before I arrived in Bermuda. To cover his dirty intention, Liverpool, would, invite me to his home for Sunday lunch, which was prepared by his wife, who was one of the most genuinely beautiful people you will ever meet.

When it was time to hit the streets of Bermuda: Randy Liverpool plans went into full operation. I was assigned to Hamilton Police Station and Senior Superintendent of Police Liverpool, brought in a seniors constable Colin Paynter from St. Georges Police Station, to work on A watch at the Hamilton Police Station. Up to this point in Colin's twenty plus year’s career, he had sat and failed the Police Sergeant Promotion exam five or six times. Superintendent Liverpool, promise to ensure Colin get a past on his next Sergeant's exam, if he give me a hard time. I don't know where Edwedina Oldbouy fit into the scheme of things but she and Colin were allied.

Every day like clockwork, Colin Paynter found something to publicly embarrass me about. His objective was to beat me into insecurity. This was supposed to be easy. After all, I was in a strange country, with no support mechanism; his task would be like taking candy from a baby. At first, it was errors made in the computer system. For this he had Edwedina, with whom I regularly partnered. She often, knowingly, showed me how to enter the information into the computer incorrectly, after which, she told the error to Colin Paynter who took the liberty to publicly humiliate me.

When I caught on to what Edwedina was doing, I became very annoyed. One day, before we fall in for duty, I had a chat with Edwedina. I said to the senior female constable, "one of your responsibility is to help me understand how to use the computer system, but you have been intentionally misleading me, in order for Paynter to publicly humiliate me. I paused to look for a sign of sorrow from chubby beautiful lass, but she stood and look at me steel face. Then she reply, "I don't get your pay, so why should I do your work?" I said to the lass. "I don't need anyone to do my work, you guys were instructed, to help the new foreign police make entries into the computer. That's all I am expecting of you."

I then said to her, "I resigned my job and I left my country, I don't have anything to go back to. I have no choice but to learn this system, I am not only going to learn this program, I will master it, and you will have to come and asked me how to use it." As a result, I stop asking her how to do things, with Sgt. Grime's help, I became a master of the police system. Not even the IT guys could have misled me. It was not to long after the same female police officer and other officers who were using that program for years before I did, was coming to me, for my help on the system. Later when Edwedina was given the short term promotion to acted as Sergeant, she always detailed me to work with her. Because she knew, there was no situation I could not deal with and it was an opportunity for her to impress the bosses; what better way to do such. However By this time we had put the pass behind us and had established a good working relationship.

Now there was still the issue of Colin Paynter, within a few months, thanks to the help of Sergeant Gregory Grimes, I mastered the computer. I don't know what Mr. Grimes was told about me, but very soon, he realized I was a very hard and very knowledgeable worker; and I did not waste time in the office like most West Indian and some British officers did, trying to milk the system for overtime. As a result, anything he could have done to help me he did. I was at ease going to discuss matters with Mr. Gregory Grimes. Thanks to Sergeants: Mr. Grimes and Mr. Jermaine Tucker, I was the first and probably the only police officer to date, to take an impaired driving (drunk, or high driving) matter before the court without medical evidence and gain a conviction.

It was going into month number two and I still had Colin Paynter on my back, every day, he had something to chew me out for, now it was grammatical errors, I did not make. Here we have a police officer, who can harely read, but he was able to find basic errors in my writing. Errors I did not make.

Sgt. Grimes the supervisor of B watch, always relief us. By this time, and in an effort to shut, Senior Constable Paynter up, I began doing my updates in Microsoft word, where I paying close attention to my Grammar, ensure that each word was spelled correctly, and double checked the synonyms and interchanging synonyms as suggested by Microsoft word. Yet, Colin Paynter often came up with grammatical and spelling errors that I knew was not there. I could not dispute his findings, because it was there in black and white in the updates.

I knew something was wrong, Mr. Grimes who was a brilliant Sergeant, he asked me to work over time for him. After checking my updates, he say Palmer, I double checked your work and all is well. You can go; the next day Sgt. Grimes came into work earlier than normal, under the guise of "too catch up on some outstanding work" and he began to work. After I completed my updates, Mr. Grimes call me, he said, "Palmer have you finished your updates?" I said yes Sgt. Grimes". All this time Mr. Grimes was in my updates and found all to be perfect. Then he said to me, "Palmer, why don't you over your updates, just double check it, and if you are satisfy with your updates, print a copy of your updates, read it over and if you are still satisfied with it just hold on to it. It could come in handy.

I did not see the point in doing this, but Mr. Grimes had never led me wrong. Mr. Gregory Grimes was five years my senior; but he possessed a level of wisdom and experience of one that was twice his age. He was one of the few people who had nothing to prove to anyone. Grimes was never promoted beyond the rank of Sergeant of Police, because, he loved being a Sergeant and refused to be promoted even at the bidding of police management; however, Mr. Grimes had prepared almost everyone to successfully take the inspector exam. He practiced integrity both in his police and personal life; As a result, I did what Mr. Grimes suggested even though, I did not see the value in his suggestion.

While I waited to be officially dismissed, Senior Constable Colin Paynter entered the station, and went to my work, he printed out my updates, and he started to point out spelling and grammatical errors. Then I heard the voice of the wise Sergeant Grimes, echoed in my head. If you are satisfied with your updates print a copy keep it, it may coming handy.

I looked at Senior Constable Colin Painter, I smiled then I said, I don't know whose work you are looking at, but that's not one of my updates, I pushed my left hand into my pocket, I took out several sheet of paper bearing the updates I did, then I tell him, you or whoever unedited my updates should go back and re-edit them, I lay my printed copy of the updates on the desk where Paynter sat next to the Station Duty Office (SDO) work station. Paynter looked at me with his eyes wide opened like a kid who was caught by his parents with his hands in the cookie Jaw.

I then took my notes, I said to Paynter, I will see you guys tomorrow. Sgt. Na’imah Williams, my Sergeant, was in the small Sergeant's office, with Mr. Grimes, listening to the whole exchange. Mr. Grimes who occupied the Sergeant's chair, was still focused on the computer screen; then he made a sharp momentary swivel around in the chair he occupied, he looked at me, gave me an approving smile and a nod of the head then he immediately; span the chair back to face the computer before which he was working, then he went back to work, Sergeant Williams, who is probably the most beautiful female in the Bermuda Police Service, on the other hand, looked at me with a big satisfied smile on her face, she then nod her approval to me, indicating I can leave, then I left and went home.

The next day, when we paraded for duty; Senior Constable Paynter was not at the parade. It was then the watch was told; Senior Constable Paynter, was sent back to St. Georges Police Station

True Story - Police Constable Palmer meets the Giant

 

I was working at the Biabou Police Station, when, Station Sergeant (SS) Cuthbert Straker was transferred to the Biabou Police Station. The year was 2003; The authorities fed SS Straker with many misleading information about me. They were still trying to force me out of the organization.

They were hoping, SS Straker add to the mountains of mis...s deeds and miss Fortunes I had experience so far. But I overcame each challenge and each dangerous situation that was put in front of me. The authorities were hoping the SS and I butt heads and he created an unpleasant place for me, at the Biabou Police Station.

One day, After the stand-offish SS Straker, warmer up to me, he declared, in a heavy, slow, lamenting, voice, as he sounded out each word, for two seconds of more depending on the amount of syllables the word had, SS said: "Palmer; you are nothing, like what them say you are like." He stressed each word for emphasis. He paused for a few seconds, then in quick time, as if he was in a rush, he bloated out; "them say you hard to get along with." Then back to his slow speech, "you are one of the easiest man to work with. You are not lazy and yo know yo job. Palmer you are a good police, but if you follow my instructions you will be an excellent police." He said. I gather from the Station Sergeant’s statement that meant; he was going to teach me what I needed to know, to be an efficient and effective police officer, anywhere I work. The SS was right. Under SS Straker, supervision and tutelage, I became an excellent police and my Bermuda experience was a testament to that fact.

SS Straker quickly learned, I like to work alone, he also realized; when I worked alone; I got all of my and general assignments completed. Liquor license check, investigation, arrest of the wanted; those who had committed offence, arrest on warrant executions. I never had an outstanding case file and every Thursday at the Biabou Magestrate Court day, I had two, three or four case in Biabou Magistrate Court and up to that point, I had only one case dismissed.

Superintendent Cornelius Charles on the other hand, hated SS Straker; he often tried to embarrass the SS in the presence of the staff. He did so on each visit to the station. Why he put so much effort in belittle the knowledgeable supervisor, I did not know. Sensing I was doing a large volume of the work at the station, which was reflected by the records. The Superintendent, also tried to use me to belittle the SS. He often said things like: "the commission should send you home and let Palmer run the station, Palmer will do a better job than you." SOP Charles rhetoric had an objective, and his objectives had nothing good about it.

The SOP realized, all aspects of my policing had developed and he suspected; SS Straker was responsible for my quick and sustained development. SS Straker did not only teach me, he also gave me the opportunity and the space to grow. He continued to give me more and more responsibility; and I loved it. When the Station Sergeant was dissatisfied with something I did. He broke out his favorite line, Palm-mer," he will say in a slow lamenting tone, “You are one good police, but If you listen to me, you will become an excellent police; but you didn't listen.

This was often an opportunity for further teaching and clarification on some issue of law, police policies and or procedures; a weakness in a case file, etc. I was developing and I was developing fast and I was getting things done. I never took the Superintendent's words seriously, and each time he tried to use me to belittle SS Cuthbert Straker; I brought it to SS Straker's attention, in the presence of the other staff member. I let them know what was SOP Charles objective; which was trying to stir up disunity, between the helpful SS Straker and I. I let everyone including the Station Seargeant know, how much I appriciate his teaching and confidence in me.

Station Sergeant Straker; ran a clerically tight ship, all his records were always in order. However; there was an outstanding warrant, for none payment of fine. Each time SOP Charles came to visit the station, he spoke of the outstanding warrant. He also accused the staff of being afraid of the man, for whom the warrant was issued; hence the reason, the warrant was not yet executed. I did not know this man, as a matter of fact, I was from Bottom Town, I am not afraid of anyone, was my attitude. I hated it when he accused the staff me of being afraid, of the wanted man. I could not speak for the other members of the staff, but my solo arrest record would say I am no coward.

When I was assigned to the Biabou Police Station, only a week into my transfer to Biabou Police Station, I made my first arrest in Biabou completing and submitting my case file within a week. I was out on country patrol and Investigation, in Simon AKA New Prospect, there was a fellow, I wanted, for a case I was investigating. A Cutlass (machete) bearing man was pointed out to me, as the man I was inquiring about. The suspect was wanted for praedial larceny/threft (the theft of agriculture product) one of the matters I was Investigating. This man had to be arrested. It was my case file and therefore it was my responsibility.

This was so because; I could not depend on the other constables at the station for help, the senior constable was always drunk, the tow of the other three younger, and junior constables, who was from the area, want to prove, they knew more than I did. And therefore, they refused to help and or corporate with me in any way; While, the other became a police officer, in transit, to his papers for his green card being approved. They all were always in trouble for not submitting their casefiles in the requiered times.

When I asked the constables about the suspect, they said they did not know him. Even though, they knew the fellow, they all knew how he looked, they knew where his parents lived, where he slept, where he frequent, etc. yet they refused to assist me, with the needed information; information the y had.

This man had to be arrested, and it was my responsibili to effect the arrest. As a result, I approached, disarmed and I arrest the suspect. I was on foot patrol therefore; I walked with my prisoner, from Simon/New Prospect big corner, to Bridgetown, where the Biabou Police Station was located at that time. I was not afraid of anyone, anything and or any situation, except.....

SS Straker, understood how I worked best, he knew I loved to worked alone; as a result, when there was real pressing work to be done, it was normal, for him to assigned me on Investigation and to do whatever was needed to be accomplished. On this day he assigned me on Investigation and he said to me, "Palmer; we have to arrest that man with the warrant to shut the office mouth. That is the only thing he can speak about when he visit the station". SS Straker said if we get that man, all he can do when he comes to visit the Station, is to sign the records and go on his way.

The SS was new to the district and he did not know anything about the man to whom the outstanding warrant issued for and neither did I. Therefore, I took out a few warrants included the outstanding warrant. The man was living, on the south eastern corner of the Lowman Windward Bridge, opposite the old Banana boxing plant. On several occasions Sgt. Francis received information that the wanted man was on the Lowman Windward Bridge with his friends. Each time we arrived there; he was no where to be seen.

However, today; I was going to take this a little further. Because the houses/building in St. Vincent and the Grenadine are not number, it is difficult to know who live where. I drove on to the Lowmans Windward Bridge, there was a group of young men hanging out on the bridge chatting, which is very common.

I asked the guys on the bridge where the wanted man lived. I was shocked when without hesitation; they volunteered the information to me. Up until the time, the guys give me the information, I did not know where the subject lived. At first, I was apprehensive about the information. If they were right why would they volunteer the information to the police so freely and so easily; as far as I understood the guys were all friends.

The guys on the block were all excited, as I left them and I drove over to the house. I got out of the marked police vehicle, walked up to the two story house and I knocked on the wooden panel door that secured the northern side of the house. A young man came to the door of the house, I asked him if he was the name that appeared on the warrant, he replied yes.

With the young man's answer, immidiately; a lot of thing fell into place. Now I understood why the young men on the bridge so quickly volunteered the information, I also understood, why the three police officer, who lived in the area, never attempted to arrest this young man. Now it was totally clear to me; what the Superintendent of Police Cornelius Charles meant; when he say: "you all are afraid of the man; that is why he has not been arrested."

The guys on the bridge knew there was an outstanding warrant for their friend, but no police have ever attempted to arrest him. They also thought the confrontation between both of us, would have been an interesting and funny one to witness, and they wanted to witness it.

When the young man who stood before me said, I am him, I took one look at the young man and I said to myself; what did I get myself into. I was a skinny, 175 pounds police officer; 180 pounds when I was wet, 5 feet 11 inches tall law enforcement officer. The man that stood before looked about 6 feet 5-6 inches tall, and about 350 pound of solid mass. There were only three other people that could be compared with this young man and they were my cousins Coldrick Young, his little brother Elroy Young and Arthur Puss and I was always on these guys good side.

My feet were already in the shit, and the stink was burning my nose. There was nothing else I could done but to deal with the situation I was now in. I could hear the muffled laughter of the guys on the bridge, as they looked on in amusement as the confrontation unfolds, right before them. It must have been funny, looking at me, as I looked up to the giant to speak to him. I knew, I could not back down, if I did, I would not be able to face myself or any of the people who witness the confirmation. I need to be able to serve the community without such a blotch of cowardice hanging over my head.

In analyzing the man, his height, his size, his possible strength, I know I could not match strength with this man, but I was faster than he could ever be. If this matter broke out into a fight; it will serve me good not to make these giant lay hold on me. In speaking to this man, it was extremely important that I was careful not let my voice or my words betray the anticipation I felt, "Hay na big man”, I addressed the man; not because he was big but because I always address every male suspect as big man.

Everyone; like to know and be called the “Big Man” “I have a warrant for none payment of fine for you, this warrant was outstanding, you have one of two choices. You can pay the outstanding monies you have for the court or I will have to arrest you!” The Guy looked quite shocked at my lack of fear and the irreverence showed for his size, but the level of respect I also give to him as a fellow citizen.

The young man was bear back and standing on the inside of the house with the door partly ajar. The young man was not a full muscular specimen, but he was not a fat fellow either. He was a farmer by profession and therefore, the young farmer had a firm body, one of a person who worked hard and long hours, chopping, digging, lifting, etc. The giant looked at me, and I looked at him. It seems like it is going to be a stan

Then he replied, to my ultimatum, I guess you will have to arrest me. I said to myself; here we go again? Although they could not hear the conversation, I was having with the wanted giant; I could still hear the muffled laughter coming from the group on the bridge. Then the young man spoke again, breaking the short moment of awkward silence we had, he said just give me a moment to put on a shirt and a shoe. I told the man it was not a problem.

He left the door slightly ajar, The young Giant then disappeared from the place where he stood, while we chat. Then he soon reappeared fully clad. He locked the door to the house, held up his two hands to me, with his inner wrist to inner wrist so I can cuffed him. I said to the young man, I don't think there is need for that. I said go around and sit in the front seat of the vehicle; which he did.

All it took for him to avoid the police was for him, to shut the door, leaving me outside, and go and watch TV. However; he corporated with me every step of the process, he was not in the least display any rudness or disrespect of me, my office or my intent and declaration to arrested him. I thought it was only fitting that I saved him any further humiliation.

I drove a little faster than I would normally drive got the giant to the station where he was processed. Needless to say Station Sergeant Straker was happy and surprised. SS Straker said "but Palmer Me na know that man was so big, how you manage to arrest he by yourself?" See More

My most embarrassing experience or the Best Father Ever!

                                                          Kevin "Wak" Williams

I must have been about eight years old. The Carnival season was in full swing on the island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. Vennor, operated a liquor and grocery shop, on Lower Bay Street and street, next to the Cable and Wireless store room.

Many of the Adults from, in and around Kingstown, who had migrated to the USA, had returned home for Carnival, and they were having fun, even before the big day. Vennor's shop was a popular hangout for many of the migrant returnees. One of the reasons for this was; most of the guys grew up in Bottom Town, or surrounding area, and or played soccer together or against each other as young men. As a result they develop a lasting friendship.

When my father realized he cannot keep me under his protective arms forever, he began to encourage me to go down to the Bay, or to the playground to see what was happening there. The older boys, often encouraged me to join in a game of soccer with then. Happy that I found acceptance, they used it as an opportunity to try to injure me. On many occasions, I left the playground crying, because I was intentionally bad played so viciously, I suffer sprained ankles, or some other injury that needed me to wear a bandage and get my feet nointed (A therapeutic massage of an injured body part in order to aid healing of injuries, reset dislocated bones and restore proper blood circulation).

I was just beginning to find my way with the other neighborhood kids that were in my age group. By this time, I have discovered line fishing, how to play marbles, eating long back and some other things. However, It was a beautiful summer day, some of my friends and I gathered in the yard of the Cable and Wireless building to play a game of marbles.

Then one of the popular neighborhood guys who had returned to St. Vincent for the carnival celebrations, called all the children into Vennor's shop. We all assembled in the shop, not knowing what to expect. However, the man called each child one by one, when a child was selected, he said; "give him a malt," then he called another and then he said give him a malt. Each child was called, and a malt was ordered for that child.

All the kids were happy, we were all expected to be treated by the buyer, I did not have any reason to believe I will not be treated because the man and my father were friends, at least he is always seen chatting with my father on his way to and from his home.

Then it was four people remaining who was not offered a drink. The guy's actions were deliberate. In situations like that a guy would say Vennor's give each of the children a Ju-c and put it on my bill. Then a tally of head will be made, the number of drinks will be taken out of the fridge and given to each person.

Then the man called another child, and he said give him a malt. When each person was called and given a malt, they became elated, they were happy that they were given an adult (by virtue of the price) drink, and at least they were not the last persons to be called. You could have seen the look of disappointment began to creeped upon the faces of those of us whose names were not yet call. Then he called another person and said give him a malt. He did not called each person by his name, those whose names he knew, he called by their names; he identified others by their parent's names, while he simply pointed at others and said you come, give him a malt.

Now, I was the last one standing in the shop, at least someone has to be last. I did not know what to expect. All of my other little friend were all happily posing off with their malt in their hands, next to the counter. They were happy to be acknowledged, happy to have the pleasure of having a whole malt for themselves, and happy they were not the one that was called last. for all of us, It was Christmas comes early.

And then as if I was not there, the man said that's it! I said to myself maybe he have not seen me standing here in the shop. I stood there disappointed, not knowing what to do. I stood in my place in the shop, as I watch my friend enjoyed their tasty treat. All my friends were happy, they did not laughed at me for being left out and not given a drink. They were just happy they were not the one, who were left in that awkward position I found myself in. After my friends had completed their drink, we went out to continue the game.

Immediately after the incident someone informed my father what had happened. Later when I arrived at home, I went to my father, who was my strength and my security. Daddy was still in his shop. Daddy meant everything to me, he knew who to fix everything. When my father saw me coming, he pretended as if he did not know what had happened; then he asked me what happened? I told my father the short version of the incident as it took place. Then he asked me, how did it made you feel? On hindsight my father must have been a psychologist, because he always used all of the techniques a psychologist uses.

However, I was too immature and my vocabulary was not developed enough to give my dad a rational answer, that would have let my father know, how disappointed, ashamed and rejected that man's unkind and inconsiderate actions made me feel. Just the opportunity to talk to my father about what happened was all I needed to know that everything was going to be OK. At lease daddy knew what happened.

For another father that would have been ok, however, Hamilton Palmer wanted to make sure, I was never hurt in this way again. He did not get angry, he was calm as he began to help me over come my hurt feelings.

Then my daddy called me by a pet name he had for me; A name I cannot spell, “don't worry about that.” he said; however, it was what he said next that put the whole incident that happened earlier into prospective. "You cannot be upset with him, you see, he went to America to work, and he left his family behind, that is very difficult to do. He has to work really hard, even in the snow when it is very cold." My father established and kept eye contact with me, to ensure I was getting the concept of what he was saying.

Then daddy continued; "He has earned the right to the money he earned, and he has the right to spend his money how he feels and on whom he feels. He also earn the right to buy you a malt if he felt like it. It is clear he did not want to buy you a malt; but nothing is wrong with his actions."

Then my father continued by saying to me. "Don't expect anyone to give you anything you did not deserve or worked for." I am the only person who has to give you anything, That is because, I am your father, you are my responsibility." I have to take care of you. So when you see people spending their money or with their things; don't be jealous of them, You did not work for it. you don't know how hard they work for it. or what they do to get their money. If they did bad things to get their money; one day they will have to pay for the bad things they did. You not going to help them pay for the bad things they did, are you? he asked not expecting an answer.

Then my hero looked at me, gave me a reassuring smile, then he said to me “do you understand me? I said yes daddy and just like that the day's events was not as bad; the horrible events I experienced, took on a whole new meaning. Then he said to me; go and wash your face, hands and feet, go upstairs and have your dinner. I was good and I knew my dad had my back.

A few days later, I was at home hanging out with my father in his shop. I was trying to make myself useful, while keeping out of sight and out of the customers way. While there, I heard my father called the fellows name, I heard the man's voice answered in response to my father's called.

By this time the man had walked over to my father shop. Then I heard my father said to the fellow in a calm tone of voice, "Someone told me how you embarrassed my son the other day." Then he (daddy) related the story as the third person had told him. Then Daddy said to the man: “that would have been an embarrassing situation for anyone; especially a child. You really hurt his feelings. I am not saying you were wrong in the way you spend your money, and you don’t owe him anything, but you could at least buy him a Ju-c let him feel like he was a part of the group, helped him to fit in.

The man said he did not intended to hurt my feelings then the man and my father chatted a while longer about his return to the USA before the man continued his Journey. However, that experience stuck with me and helped to mold my character. Thanks to the best Father in the world.

On Hindsight I am happy that none of my other friends were put in that situation, it was quite embarrassing and they did not have an understanding father who knew how to make everything better by explaining things to them. That experiences and the manner in which my father dealt with it, taught me some vital lessons that have kept me out of similar situations, lessons that still helps me even today.

True Story - Constable Palmer taken to Magistrate Court as a Defendant

I was still working with Justice Don Mitchell, Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court Judge. The newly promoted Cornelius Charles was inspector in charged of the Traffic Branch, Ralph E. Gonsalves had arranged for the Judge to be transferred to Antigua, because he had the foolish idea, my confident, had something to do with my ...assignment, with the High Court judge.

Ralph Gonsalves had forgotten, when I was assigned at Central Police Station, and was in the station officer, in the presence of Corporal Lenford Brewster who he promoted to Assistant Commissioner of Police, and Sergeant Michael Charles who Ralph Gonsalves also rewarded for his dishonesty, when Charles betrayed his sworn duties and female police officer Michele Andrews who was under his supervision, who reportedly was raped by PM Gonsalves. As a result, of Micheal's betrayal, of his oat and his victim colleague, on behalf of PM Gonsalves, Gonsalves used his political power and appoint Michael Charles commissioner of police, in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

The Situation was, Ralph Gonsalve was at the Central Police Station, visiting some clients who were friends of the Brawsha brothers and the Cornel (Noted drugs Barons). Gonsalves and I got into a verbal tussle over the law; and whether the immigrations officers had the lawful authority to detain his clients. Because he was losing the argument, He (Ralph Gonsalves) threw his hands into the air in defeat and declared, "Young constable, I have neither the time not the inclination to hold a legal argument with you". After which, he left the station, he never returned. Needless to say Ralph's clients were deported the following day.

How soon had Ralph Gonsalves forgotten when I was a teenager, while I worked, at the carpentry shop, at the Public Works Department, at Arnos Vale; and whilst attending a Commercial Technical and Allied Workers Union: Shop Steward workshop, I asked him in his capacity of lecturer, some basic questions; base on his lecture that he could not answer. As a result, Gonsalves requested that the union President Alice Mandeville, asked me not to asked him any more difficult questions; because I am making him look bad. Upon my refusal of Alice's request, Ralph Gonsalves cowardly refused to honor his commitment to the Union, to present the evening lecture.

Yet Prime Minister Gonsalves was attributing my confidence, to my assignment to a Judge. Now inspector Cornelius Charles, Cpl. Kenneth “Scratchy” John and a group of dishonest officer in the Traffic Department was looking for dirt on me. It was their plans and intent to ruin my character, and had me fired. However, in order for them to succeed, they must first turned me into a greedy dishonest man. I did not drink, I did not smoke, I did not party like each of them did. and I had a single operator driving school business, where I made money to subsidized my small police salary.

As a result, of my honesty, my lack of bad acceptable habits and my willingness to work for what I wanted, none of their plots worked on me. One day, while I was on duty using the judges' car, I parked the car in the no waiting zone, in front of the Kingstown Methodist Church; while I did some business, I parked the car in such a way that I did not block the church entrance. Although the Judge's cars are privately owned, such vehicles are treated like police vehicles; for the simple fact, they are often driven by an on duty, uniformed police officers, on official police assigned, and government approved duties. Therefore, the police officers' are given the same liberty, as if he or she is driving a police car. For the simple fact it is a police on official police duties.

By this time in Judge Mitchell's assignment the Judge was in his last few weeks on the island, before he moved to Antigua to continue his assignment, with the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court. However, when I return to the parked vehicle, I met, Cpl. Kenneth "Scratchy" John at the car, he was my senior in rank; as a result, he give me a notice of intended prosecution, which I took. I did not complained to anyone and I did not bring it to the Judge attention.

Some time later, there was a discussion in the Traffic Department office, as it related to serving me with the Summons for court. Most of the officers at the Traffic Branch, weather they liked me or not, thought it was a betrayal, of the officers confidence, to take one of their own, to court for holding different political views, no one wanted to serve the summons. However, junior police officer Nero presumptuously and proudly volunteered to served me the summons. While, I was returning from, the Judge residence, I saw Nero riding one of the little Chinese Motorcycle, he flagged me down, I stopped because we always had a good interaction.

Nero came over to me, he boastfully handed me the summons, and informed me, I have to appeared at Magistrate Court at Calliaquia, on the given date. I accepted the Summons, said ok no problem. After the encounter I drove off and went along my business. Later, I discovered Cpl. John laid a charge against me of Causing a Public Nuisance. A quasi-criminal matter.

When Nero, returned to the Traffic Department after delivering the order to attend Court Nero, Inspector Charles, Cpl. John and a few others had a good laugh, as Nero fabricated the story about our encounter. However a few months later, that same Police Constable Nero was apprehended in Barbados with a shipment of drugs, causing him to be thrown into Barbados prison.

Needless to say, against the police authorities instructing me not to. I showed up to court as a defendant, dressed in the Uniform of the Royal St. Vincent and the Grenadine Police Force. Confusing the judge who adjourned the case for a later date. Although Calvin Gold-teeth Glasgow and I were not close friends, I overheard him arguing in the office. "How you all could do the one of our own like that. You all have, and are always withdrawing more serious case than the case you brought against Palmer, letting known violent criminals off the hook," and he called the names of criminal examples; people whose names I will not repeat. Then he said, "If that case come up for me to prosecute, I will withdraw the case and I don't care who vex."

While the case was still before the court, Sgt. Williams from the criminal records office, came to me and informed me; he had a discussion with inspector Charles as it related to my prosecution, and Charles told him, If I apologise to him he will withdraw the case. I said to Williams “what should I apologise for? I did not do anything wrong, why should I apologise?” Then I said to him, “I want you to tell Inspector Charles this for me. I continued “I rather go to jail, than to issue a needless apology to him’ He will never see me apologising to him for nothing.”

Some time later, I was at the E.T Joshua Airport after taking Justice Mitchell to catch a flight out of SVG. I saw, the Commissioner of police William Harry at the airport; he was in the VIP Lounge. I doubted the commissioner who was a professed Christian, knew about my prosecution; I said to myself, his principles and Christian honor will never allow this to happen.

Commissioner William Harry, may have been many things, but he was not a dishonest man. I was determined to bring this injustice to his attention. When Commissioner Happy exited the lounge to leave, I approached the Commissioner, I politely said after saluting him in full military fashion; Commissioner Harry, Can I show you something, he said to me, Palmer what do you want to show me. I took out the Summons and showed it to the honorable Commissioner of Police my boss.

He turned his head towards the document in my hands, looks it with squinting eyes, and before I could ask him if he knew about it. Commissioner William Harry immidiately said, I didn't have my glasses, but It looked like the summons that was issued to you by Cpl. John. The commissioner could not have read all that information with one glimpse. His statement introduced me to a knew reality. It was then I realized, the professed christian Commissioner William Harry, not only knew about the whole plan to prosecute me, but give them the right of way to do so, which is required. I then said, to William Harry. Don't worry, I am going to beat this charge in court and when I beat it, I would have overcome the worst thing you all could do to me. When I win this case, you all will be unable to control me. The commissioner got into the waiting car and I went back to doing what I was doing.

However, later the matter was discharged by the magistrate.

True Story: The infant Allan Palmer - the falling Piano - & the Angel

 

I don't know how old I was, when this strange incident happened, However, what I do know is, I was not old enough to attend school as yet; yet I remember this incident as if it was yesterday. At this time of day, my older brothers and sisters were already at school. It was between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM. Because I was not enrolled in sch...ool, I spent my days at home with my mother; who we all called Mother, and my father who worked in the night and operated a shop in the day.

Mother was a house wife, and a seamstress. It is important to note that back then, every mother was a seamstress, especially, those, with as many children as my mother had. Mother had four girls: Clare, Closit, Charmaine and Andrea and three boys, Albert AKA The Skipper and Valentines AKA The Nazi; I being the youngest. This was so for the simple fact, it was to expensive to purchased clothe for so many children; therefore, one of the responsibilities, of Mother was to make clothes for her children. Those mothers who were good at sewing, were often given the odd job here and there to make outfit for friends, family and neighbor and their children.

And those who were extremely good at the trade, made the easy transition, and offered the service as a means of subsidising their family's income. I was too young to know which category my mother fell into, because she die just after my seventh birthday. However, mother was always sewing, with breaks to attend to her family's needs, cook, clean, etc.

Our closest neighbors, Mrs. Thelma John, operated a dressmaking business in her downstairs. She had many machine, and a small staff. Her clientele, were the big shots; her clients came in cars, they were people like Mrs. Hillocks, Mrs. Velox, the who of who of Vincentian society. My mother on the other hand, clients came by foot. It is not that they did not want to use the service of Mrs. John, it was a case, they could not afford to. Mrs. John prices were geared to cater to the deep pockets of her rich customers.

Obliquely right of the Palmer's residence, there was a beautiful, well kept two story building, that Mrs. Douglas called home; at this stage of Mrs. Douglas' life ,she was an old lady. I did not know much about Mrs. Douglas; other than she was a moody and strict white lady. She was an old fashioned music teacher who offered music lessons to anyone who could afford it. The story was; Mrs. Douglas had a rod, that she kept, whenever a student made an error, she give that student a wack on the nuckle, of the hand that infringe upon the wrong key, played the wrong note or played the wrong cord with her rod of correction.

Now Mrs. Douglas' eyes were dim, her hands were stiff and hurting from artaristis, and she could no longer sustained the stresses of teaching music; and playing the instrument was no longer fun. As a result, she sold her high back piano, an instrument you could frequently here her play, while singing, to amuse herself in the comfort of her home. It was always a delight to hear the beautiful music coming from across the street, breaking up the monotony of quite that has made the neighborhood its home.

Mrs. Douglas lived in a beautiful two story house on the corner of Queen Street and Middle Street, in the small capital of Kingstown, on the island of St. Vincent and the Grenadine. The ground floor of the house, was constructed with concrete or wall and the second or elevated level was constructed of wood. The lower floor, had large wooden harricaine shutters for the doors and the windows. While the windows that control ventilation on the elevated floor, were well crafted, well built, wooden framed, push up, ledweigh controled, glass windows. A two piece wooden framed glass door secure the main entrance of the upper level of the house.

The house also had a beautiful Gable roof which ensure the upper level remained cool on hot Sunny days. On the northern side of the house, there is a narrow outside stairway that led to and from the elevated level or the second story of the house. Running along the edge of the stairway, were a hand rail that was made of three quarters or one inch Galvernize pipe that was fit together, using galvernize elbow, Tees, and other joint connectors. The pipe frame work was securely anchored, every three or four round in the concrete steps, which created a secure and solid hand rail, which was more than efficient for the purpose.

Now the piano was just a fixture an unused piece of furniture that took up a large volume of space in Mrs. Douglas' small living room. Now that Mrs. Douglas had found a buyer for the instrument, she played so well. Now the men, with a truck came to removed the piano from her home, to it's new accomodations. This generated a lot of interest in the community. Back then, everything out of the normal routine was an event; as a result, those who got word of the sale and removal of Mrs. Douglas' Piano came out to see it.

This was so for a few reason, one of which was; Mrs. Douglas was a very private woman, no one went into Mrs. Douglas' house. As a kid I went into Mrs. Douglas' home very often, however, my visit was always restricted to her kitchen where she spent most of her free time. I went into Mrs. Douglas' living room three times. Twice with my mother, who went to visit for some reason, I was to young to remember the reason for my mother's visit. I sat in her kitchen while Mother and Mrs. Douglas chat, and when Mrs. Douglas was finished with her chores, we went into her living room and they continued their discussion. I also went into Mrs. Douglas' living room, once while I was still a tot and was at Mrs. Douglas’ home chatting with her, in the kitchen; she sent me into the living room, to get something she needed, which was very rear.

As a result, mary people were curious to see the piano, they have always heard played but have never seen. This would have satisfied some of their curiosity. But many were curious as to what the inside of Mrs. Douglas house looked like. Hence the reason, when Mrs. Douglas, Mrs. Sprot and Mrs. Marshall died and had a home viewing; people from all over went to the viewing, not to see the corpse but to satisfy their curiosity; as to what the inside of their exclusively private homes looked like. Before that time, they had only saw the beautuy of the house from the outside.

Getting the piano out of the narrow doorway, around the 90° angle and down the narrow stairs way, proved to be a big task; even for the five or so men who were tasked, with the responsibility of moving the piano, from it's present location, getting it onto the waiting flatbed truck and deliver the instrument to it's new owners. You could hear the curious chatters, asking, how did they get that piano up those narrow stairs and into the house in the first case.

This may have not been such a difficult task; however, sometime earlier, Mrs. Douglas did some renovation/repairs to the northern side of elevated level of her home, as a result, they changed the doorway to provide more shelter at the top landing of the steps and to create a little more inside room. This alteration now created and posed a problem for the men as they tried to get the big piano out onto the steps without damaging the instrument.

My father and my mother was out side, standing partly in the street, obliquely opposite to Mrs. Douglas' house, along with some other people, who was engulfed in the drama that was created by the moving of the piano. this was safe at the time because vehiclular traffic was bvery light. I stood with my parents watching the confusion. After my father had to leave to serve customers, Daddy decided to stay closer to the shop to fullfil his duties to his customers who came by. I was still with my mother, who was all caught up in all of the drama.

By this time, the piano was three quarters out of the house; however, it was blocked by the hand rail. There was only one way to overcome this new problem, and that was to lift the piano over the hand rail. But in order for the men to do this, two or three of the men had to put themselves in harm's way to bear the weight of the heavy piano. If those who were so in harm's way, could not sustained the weight of the piano, it could spell big trouble for them.

I was curious about what was happening behind that which I could see from the road, as a result, I decided, to take up another position, to get a different vantage point and a better view. My mother, eyes was still fixed on the drama, she did not notice that I had left her side. I started my journey to my new location unknowing to Mother. I casually walked across the street, walked into Mrs. Douglas' Yard, as I often did, I then walked along the four feet passage that give access to the back yard that was shared by Pasha Brown, and the Douglas'.

While about, the men were struggling with the piano. I was immediately beneath the piano, the weight of the piano overcame the workmen ability to hold it, it also compromised the pipe hand rail and the piano fell. By this time, the bunch of on Lookers, including my mother realize; I was under the falling piano. I heard a big vocal commotion, went up. In my little mind I was wondering, what had happened. Not to be detoured, I continued my walk to my new vantage point. Then I heard a big explosion, behind me. When I got to my new spot, I turned around to take in the actions, I saw Mrs. Douglas Piano on the ground in pieces. There were pieces everwhere. What had happened I said to myself.

It all happened in a blink of an eye. The last time I saw the piano, it was almost out of the houses; now it was destroyed. My mother ran into Miss Douglas' yard, skipping over and around the fragments that was a piano. She was all terrified when she reached me. she scrambled me up in her arms and held me close to her bosom, holding me in her arms as if she was trying to protect me from impending danger. She was almost to tears. I was trying to understand what this was all about.

Immidiately Mother took me home, and she went onto her knees and began to pray. I still did not understood what had happened. After one of mother's lengthy prayers, mother began to question me about what happened when I walked into Miss Douglas' Yard. "Did you see anything or anyone she asked? I was confused, I told mother nothing happened and I did not see anything or anyone. Mother wanted to know if I saw an angel, she was curious to know If an angel presented itself to me while walking into Mrs. Douglas' Yard.

It was then Mother began to explain to me what happened, "while you were walking into Mrs. Douglas' yard, when you reached under the piano, the piano got loose from the men, broke the hand rail and fell." She further said, "you were directly beneath the falling piano and even if you had ran; which you did not do, there was no way you could have made it out of harm's way." She further said "everyone was frightened and we were all screaming, because we fear the piano had crushed you." "I still do not understand, how the piano did not fall on you." she siaid.

Mother was searching for answers to explain the impossibilities she had just witnessed. That was why mother was asking me what happened, or if I saw anything or anyone while I was walking in Mrs. Douglas' yard. Mother was convinced, I had an encounter with an angel. Mother further said, "what was also amazing was, there was not a even one scratch on yo" she pause trying to put the whole event into prospective; then she continued. "When the piano collided with the ground, there were a lot of debris from the piano flying everywhere.

Mother's explanation of what happened was. When I was in danger, an angel, cause time to stop, freezing everything in there places, including the piano in midair, as well as everyone who witnessed the event. The Angel then moved you just far enough out of the collisions point of the piano, then restarted time. Hence the reason, no one can explain how you were not hit by the falling piano.

All of my life, even when I was a helpless child, the devil was on a mission to distroy me, He wanted to take my life; and each time he failed, because of the Most High's mercies and perfect protections of me. Bless be the name of Yahuwa See More

My best Valentine's dinner ever - Thanks to Laflour Primus.

As a young man, I met a beautiful young lady, whom, I slowly fell in love with. The more, I got to know the student nurse, the more I loved her. Although we had not discussed a relationship, of any sought, up to this point. Karen Williams-daniel, had all of the qualities, a smart and good man, wanted in a woman. And contrary to popular belief, I am a smart and good man. Proud of my ever developing friendship, with Karen, I knew one thing, I would be a fool to let Karen get away.

We spent many hours talking, and we never got tired of; at least, I never got tired of talking to Karen; when it was time to go; there was always one more thing, we forgot to say. One thing I knew was, if there was one person that had my back it was Karen. I was told, I had a good singing voice as a child. However, I had grown to hate singing. I hated singing because, my primary school principal: Mrs. Veria-Ann Brayan, heard me sing and thought, I had a sweet singing voice and she being a musician, wanted to help me developed the talent of singing. She also thought, I would be an asset as a part of the Prep School choir to represent the school at Music Festival. As she said it was an honor to represent the School.

As a result, I was forced to stay behind after school, for choir practice. I did not mind being in the choir, but to be kept back in school, long after the school day had ended, to learn a song I did not care to sing, when all of my friends were out on the Grammer School Pasture having fun; was punishment for something I did not do and I hated it. As a result and in hope that I will be kicked out of the choir, I stopped singing, as I did, at home during morning and evening devotion, and the opening and the closing of Sabbath worship. The way Mrs. Brayton wanted me to. Eventually; she replaced me in the school choir. And I was a happy child.

Karen also discovered that I had a good singing voice also, and thought that she and I could began to sing special song in church. "Allan don't tell me you cannot sing" she said. "I have heard your voice, and it is beautiful, but you have to learn how to maintain some consistency on the notes, and the pitches; a skill I had intentionally unlearn to get out of the school choir. Karen had a good voice, began to work with me to that end and we sang a few special songs in church, with Karen doing the bulk of the work.

Later, I excitedly I told My sister Clare about Karen, she said Karen is your cousin. I was devastaed, I was so upset with Clare, I told her, I think, you just go around inventing family members. I was determined to ignore Clare, and forged head first into a relationship with Karen regardless. If I was a stern Bible student at the time; I would have shut everything out and forged on, concealing it from Karen who did not know of our relations.

However, It was Valentine's day, I had not been in any meaningful relationship, for a while. My newly discovered cousin Karen Williams had just graduated from the St. Vincent and the Grenadine School of Nursing, and she was assigned at the Kingstown General Hospital. By this time, Karen, and the Primus Sister, Lafleur and Jillian Primus, who were students, at the nursing school at the same time, had developed a very good friendship. As a result, they had rented a house at Town Hill together. They did this in order to gain easy access to their place of employment. I had became good friends with Lafleur and Jillian.

Now Valentine's day was in full swing, all day on Valentine's day, you see many people, walking about the island dressed in red or red and white, a sign they were in a relationship and they had plans to celebrate with their special someone. You could see many men hurrying about the street, as they go about their business of trying to create lasting memories, carrying roses, Chocolate, etc. While some were only trying to remain in good favor with their significant other; while others were trying to ensure, their significant other was, not the one, who was forgotten by their love on the special day, lovers celebrated their love for each other.

Many couples could be seen hurrying out to lunch, trying to get to and be seated, at one of the city's Restaurants, they also had to be served a meal, participate in a romantic lunch and make it back to work within the hour that was allotted for their lunch break.

I was not planning to celebrate Valentine's day, I had just finished work, it was about 6: 30 PM. I saw couples heading to the restaurants to uphold, the romantic tradition, of expressing love in the form of eating out, as a gift to their significant other. I was taking a leisurely walk along Backstreet, on my way home.

My only plans where to; go home, get something to eat, watch TV and then go to sleep. On reaching the Junction of Paul's Avenue and Backstreet, I noticed Kentucky Fried Chicken (KFC) was filled with couples, celebrating Valentine's. KFC was fairly new to St. Vincent, the interior design was beautiful, and the ambiance was great, as a result; many people flocked there, for every occasion. Most just wanted to try, the fast food they had only seen in advertising, on their TV for many years and often imagine the taste, while they salivate at their TV, as the y watch a paid actors, bit into what appeared to be, the most delicious chicken on Earth.

While I was passing KFC I saw Lafleur, walked out of the fast food join, with a box of Chicken in her hands. Jokingly, I said to her. "Big Valentine's night and you alone coming out of KFC with a box of KFC. I thought you would have been on a hot date." Lafleur, laughed it off, and we had a friendly conversation; as we joked at each other's lack of love life and lack of Valentine's plans.

Then I said to my young beautiful friend, Lafleur, you are going home to eat your KFC, watch TV, then go to bed? I said, "I am going to do the same thing, the only difference is: I will not be having KFC. Hay, it's a beautiful moonlit night, you have food, what if I get a bottle of nonalcoholic wine, some snacks, we go somewhere and have our own Valentine's celebration, two friends, enjoying each other company and good conversation." Leflour said "that's not a bad Idea."

We walked to Mc Connie Yammy (Super) Supermarket, I got a bottle of nonalcoholic wine and some snacks. I passed home got a blanket. Now we were ready. The only thing was, Lafleur was very conservative, not the adventurous type like I was. Now we have to figure out the place, where we could hangout, undisturbed, while enjoy nature, enjoy the moonlight; chat and have our meal with a good friend. After a few suggestions, we settled on Fort Charlotte. At least if the gate to the fortress was closed, we could use the beautiful garden that is on the northern side of the Fort. This Garden did not need permission or special access to get into it.

We used the minivan Mad Dog whose last stop was three hundred meters, below the Fort. It was a nice easy walk up hill. This street was undisturbed by street lights. The moon lit up the dark night and the stars that lined the heavens creating a glittering canopy above. All of the stars can be seen in all of their beauty. However, tonight they have to share the night skies with the moon. The view was not just spectacular it was glorious.

On our arrival to the gate that lead into the historic fortress, was locked. However, the god of romance had smiled down upon us. The officer on duty at the Historic facility, was Arnold Monroe, a family friend, a neighbor and an all round good and decent fellow. I often go to the Fort at night and hang out with Arnold when he was on the night shift. The night shift at the Fort is a lonely and boring twelve hours shift. Arnold and the other guys who worked at Fort Charlotte, always welcomed their friends who drop by, for a chat, when they were on the night shift. This was not a security threat, so it was ok with the port authorities.

Upon calling my neighbor Arnold, he came down from the watchtower, and he let us in. I told him what we were up to and Arnold was cool with that. When I introduce Lafleur to him, I asked him, if he can tell Lafleur about the Fort and his duties at the Fort, which he did. Arnold explained, the way they communicated by the use of flags and a combination of flags.

This old tradition was useful because, the poor communication equipment they had. Lafleur was very impressed. She was impressed that I was able to get us into the Fort even after it was closed to the public. We had the whole place to ourselves. She was also impressed that she got the personalized attention of the officers on duty.

When it was time to eat, We informed officer Monroe, that we were going to the garden, to eat and he happily let us out and reminded us, don't forget to clean up after ourselves.

I was truly enjoying the night, whiles in the garden, I spread the blanket, then I invited Lafleur to sit. We opened the box of KFC, we opened the bottle of wine, and we drank wine from two plastic cup, we had begged for. Lafleur and I chat about many things while we ate. It was such a beautiful moon light, the moon lit up the night beautifully; and because there was no artificial lights in the area, except for the intermittent flashes from the signal light, which was hardly recognizable from the garden, which was on the underside of the Fort, the star were fully visible.

Lafleur was a good sport, we talk, we laughed we eat and we had good clean fun; no funny business, no hanky panky. I said to Lafleur, “I want to share something special with you. But in order for you to get the full jest of it. You have to come and sit next to me.” In that way, we will have the moon behind our back, and had a good view of the stars that were in full cluster in the North skies. Lafleur switched her position, and she came and sat next to me on the not so big blanket.

I said, “I want you to focus on the stars, while I share this poem with you. Try to visualize what I am saying in the context of the beauty that lay before you,” I said. I let my beautiful friend know, I had just finished a master piece entitled: Elope, that I had never shared with anyone. When Lafleur was all focused, I recited the three verses of my romantic poem titled: "Elope" to her. I began:

“Have you ever looked up in the skies in the night,
when the moon was not around;
And the clouds that often roams the skies,
are nowhere to be found.
The stars are in there places,
there Ray's uniquely shines,
I hope that space within your heart;
continue to be mine.
Should we Elope together;
and make the skies our home,
And join the heavenly body;
with twinkles of our own.”

When I finished the poem Lafleur was still gazing off into the skies, she gently leaned to her left, allowing her upper left arm to gently touch my right upper arm. Still gazing off into space, she let her head gentle fall upon my shoulder. Warmed by the beauty of the poem, said Allan that is so beautiful, Thanks for sharing that beautiful poem with me. I then gently, leaned my head to my right and rest the right side of my head on the top of my friend's head which was resting on my right shoulder. My way in the moment to say, thank you for listening, and for appreciating my work and thanks for consenting to spend the evening with me. Then I said to her, this is my best Valentine's ever.

Before we know it, it was time to leave. How time flies when you are having fun. When we checked the time, it was 10: 45 PM, it was time to ensure Lafleur, who had to be at work, the next day at 7: 00 AM, get home, so she can be well rested in order for her to function at an optimum level as she dispense medical care to her patients. I also had to be at work for 7:00 am the following day; although my work resposnibilities was not as serious and being a nurse. It was dangerous because I had to work with a range of high powered electrical tools. Electric plains, several types of electrical Saws, Routers, Jills, etc. and a range of sharp hand tooks as well; all of which need care and focus to avoid injuries to self and other workers.

By this time, the busses that ran the Eddingboro route were scarce, it was a beautiful moonlit night, so we decided to walk until we catch the next bus, either Fatty or Mad Dog. When the bus came, we looked at each other, then we looked up at the moon and decided; we should not waste the beautiful moon light, cooped up in a minivan with loud music we did not like.

As a result, we took our time, and had a beautiful leisurely walk to Lafleur's home at Kingstown Hill. After a brief hug, and the exchanged of thank yous; Lafleur went inside and I walked home. That was many years ago, and to date, it is still the best Valentine's day memory I have.
True Story -

True Story - The Dishonest PhD. Student

Educationally, I came a long way. From a child whose mother's death activated a preexisting vision problems and psychological daze, to the awakening that God made possible when he put the beautiful Janet Reno in my life.

I always know that I have a reservoir of untapped brilliance, and that brilliance surfaced every now and then, even when I was in the daze. However, now I began to realize that brilliance. I discovered early in my life, that I had the ability to argue any point and win, and I even had sound rationale arguments, to destroy those points I had use to win that argument, I would have so convincing won. Hence the reason policing came so easy for me.

When I was in the tiny Island of Bermuda, I started a bachelor's degree in Business Administration, I easily earned 21 credits in three months of work. I came to realize this was child's play.

While I was still on the island on suspension, I met beautiful tourist, who was in school, she came to the island to visit friends. Her visit was a getaway, for her to relax and write a paper on Child Psychology; a paper she was now in her final extension of time to do. However, upon meeting, she spent her days running about the island with me, then returned to her room, to do her work. But it was useless she had experienced a mental block.

One day, I went to pick up my foreign friend to go on an adventure, she said, "Allan I am sorry but I cannot go with you today." In explaining why, she was unable to spend the day with me; she told me the reason she was on the island. She also told me, if she did not submit the paper by Midnight the next day, she will be thrown out of the Degree program.

I asked her "what is the subject you were asked to write on, she looked at me strange as if to say, this is beyond your ability to comprehend. Then she asked, “do you know anything about Child Psychology.” I had never took a Child Psychology class in my life; however, I looked at my beautiful friend and I said, I knows everything. Such was and is my confidence.

I asked her again, what is the subject of your paper and the format you are expected to present the paper in. She said to me hold on, she retreated to some paperwork she had, then my new friend returned, with a computer print out and she handed it to me.

I read the content of the paper. On it there were three or four options, and she had to pick one to address. She said to me, "if I do not submit this paper by the deadlines, or pass this paper; all my time and my parents money will be flushed down the toilet. I will be kicked out of the program. I need to stay here and at least, make an attempt on getting this paper done" she said.

I asked her; which one of the subjects she had decided to address; She looked at me with that look in her eyes, as if to say, he is so sweet; he is even showing interest in my problems only if he could help. She told me the topic, I said not to worry, get dress, we are going to have some fun, and tomorrow morning, I will have your paper read for you. All you will need to do is to read it over, change up the wording for it to reflect your writing style and put in the bibliography. She said I don't know about that. I said the confused lady that sat on the opposite side of the bed; please trust me on this one. My friend looked at me all confused; she said, "I have a feelings you are going to get me into big trouble then she smiled at me.

I said to her, have I ever let you down since we met?" Her smile erupted into laughter, then she said “no but, I only know you for five days.” I said to her, "In the same manner, you trusted me, a stranger, to go to all of these secluded places with, and I have never made a sexual advancement to you; and mind you, it was not that you, are not attractive, for you are very attractive, even to the point that I wished that you were my girl. But the fact is you are not and I am good with that also. So trust me on this one.

We went out and we had fun. As soon as we hit the streets, my friend transformed into fun mode; immediately, she forgot about her problems. We spent the entire day running about the island, we did lunch on the town.

The next morning, I called my friend and I told her to check her email. I got a kind of vibes, she was anxious to see what I came up with, but she was not hopeful the paper would be useful. She said OK; I will check it out. I told her that “I am going to sleep for a little bit, because I was up all morning working on your paper.”

About an hour later, my phone rang I answered the call, it was my new friend on the other end. She said Allan, did you write this paper? I said “yes I did; why did you asked?” She said; “how is it, possible, that for months, I was struggling to write this paper, I even gotten extension of time to complete the assignment, and I could not even start the paper, you saw the assignment yesterday, and you were able to complete this paper, at such high standard in a matter of hours. I said to my friend, it is Just a gift God give to me. She said Allan, I am not going to change anything. I am going to submit as is.

Some weeks later, my friend called me, from the USA, she was all excited, she said Allan, I passed, my course thanks to you. It is the highest grade I have ever received its the equivalent to an A+. I need to reward you for your help. Then she offered to pay me. I said "I did that as a good deed from one friend to another". I then continued, you have already paid me.

Confused she said what do you mean. “I said “I was under tremendous stress, when I met you, and when you consented to be a good sport and spending time with you, the time with you; gave me the opportunity to put my problems into perspective, and relaxed me. You have already paid for that paper." I then thanked my now distance friend for her help; by letting me be her chaperone while on the island and for providing therapeutic help to me. Needless to say, I never seen that person again.

Later in 2009, I was living, in New York City (NYC). While chatting with a friend on the phone, just catching up on old time. This person was enrolled in a bachelor's degree program. I inquired of my friend how was the program going. She said to me, she had been stuck on a paper that she need to submit; she too had also requested some extension of time from her school to complete the paper. I said to my friend, I have a little business where, I do papers for people like you.

This lady had read my writings previously and loved them. She said I don't know about that. I said I guarantees you pass and it will be your best score ever. This lady had some money. She said OK how much. I said $400.00 for the paper two hundred to get me started and two hundred when you get the paper. My friend send me the money Western Union, the same evening and she emailed me the instructions to me. The following day, I sent her her paper. Some weeks later she informed me, she had her best grade yet from the paper I wrote, after that she began to refer her friends to me. this was my first official client and a satisfied one indeed

Some time later, Patricia Marksman, a Vincentian living in NYC, a small business owner who is a financial investment manager and personal banker, invited me to a wine and cheese party at her home. This was an opportunity for her to build her clientele by introduce new people to the service she offers. At that event, there was a chiropractor, (Who we will call Susan for this story) at the function, we began to chat. And then she told me she was enrolled in a doctoral program, which she was about to get kicked out of because of an assignment that was still outstanding.

She was on her final extension of time, I know she was desperate, I told her, God invited her to this function just to meet me. I told her I have a business where I write paper for people who found themselves in a similar bind like she was currently in. I said you can either get kicked out of the program because you will be tomorrow any way; or you can hair me to write your paper for you.

I asked her what is the subject and the format they are expecting your paper to be in. I told her it will cause her $400.00 dollars, I need $200.00 now and the rest later. Susan agreed to the arrangement, then she said, unfortunately today is Sunday, the banks is close and I did not walk with my debit card. Can I pay you tomorrow. I will pay you the four hundred dollars after I review the paper. I agreed, after all she was Pat’s friend; I did not expected any problems. So I agreed to the terms Susan had set. Being confident in my ability It was going to be an easy four hundred dollars.

Later that night, after reviewing my email; Susan had forward to me; the email from her professor. I review the information and I proceeded to write the paper for Susan. The following morning I emailed, the document to Susan; who promised to pay me after she review the paper. I had no doubt that it was a good paper. After all, she had only a few hours before her deadline was up.

An hour or so later, I received a phone call from Susan, she told me that she do not need my paper, because she figured it out and she got it done on her own. I knew Susan was lying, She did not want to pay me for my work. I said to her, how is it, for three months you could not start the paper you were assigned; how is it after you received the paper I wrote for you; addressing the topic you wanted, you have worked it out. 

I was upset, I spent the night writing this paper, and now she is going to renege on our agreement. I know Susan was going to use my work get a pass and she was not going to pay for it. The first thing I did was to called Pat Markman; hoping that she would be able to get my money from her friend. It was then Pat told me, the lady was not her friend; she was just a lady she met, whom she was trying to recruit, as a client.

I was upset, I could not have this dishonest woman, used my work and get away with it. But there was nothing that I could do. I said to myself, Only if I can get to the professor; to see if there was anything I can do. It was then I got an idea, I opened one of my blog page, I post the content of the paper I wrote for Susan as a blog, then I post the content as a blog online. After which; I went back to the email, Susan had forwarded to me that had her professor’s email address on it. I copy the professor's email address from the email, I send an email to Susan’s professor with a link to the blog post, I have just post on line which have now became the published work of Allan H. Palmer and I copied the email to Susan.

Even if Susan's Professor would not have check my email because it was from a strange email address, I knew it will catch his attention when he recognized the name of his student on the document. Even if the professor did not open the email. Susan will not submit that work to her professor. Because it is now consider published work of Allan H. Palmer. For her to submit such work as a course paper, she would be considered to have a plagiarize my work.

I did not get pay from my hard work and effort; however, I got my revenge and I prevent my work from being used by a crook.


Foot Note:


Ironically, While I was still in NYC, Ralph Gonsalves send one of his victims, to solicit my help with a paper, I knew the young lady was one of Ralph Gonsalves' rape victims, I also knew he had full control over the lady; I knew nothing good was going to come of this business relationship. Yet I accepted the job; this was my first Vincentian client and it was a quick couple hundred US dollars.


A few days later, the lady emailed me and said she failed the paper, I said to her, I doubt you failed the paper, I have done papers for people all over the Caribbean, and for people all over the USA, all of my clients had top grade for the paper I did. The first Vincentian I did a paper for and you failed; impossible I said. I agree to return the young lady's money and she agreed to take it. However, while we were talking, I said to the lady, it is either one of two things, it's either you submitted the paper you were working on, or you have mess around with the paper I wrote, taking out and putting in stuff and you messed up the documents. When I made the statements, the lady said, don't worry with the money, you worked for it.


When I arrived in California, I wrote four papers for a person I got to know, however that person was not in a position to pay my normal asking price. And because we hang out together, I accepted, very little from him, because he could not afford to pay any more. As a result, he said to me, Palmer, I know some people, at USC who can use your services, what if I get you the job and we split the money 60/40; wanted 60%. I said to myself.


I prevented this man from being thrown out of University of Southern California, instead he get me the business to subsidized the small fee I accepted from him, to show how grateful he was, he is trying to make a profit off of me. That was the last paper I wrote for him and I stop hanging with him. Each time he sees me, he will scribble in the air with his hands and open both hand as to asked me. When I am going to help him.

True Story: Who Give Inspector Charles a Heart Attack

It was only a few months into Ralph Gonsalves first term as Prime Minister, and he was sharing away promotion like crazy. He was fulfilling promises he made to people in order to get votes; one such person was Cornelius Charles. Cornelius Charles was a police officer and had the force number 313. Charles was a Sergeant of Police for many years before I became a police officer. Now, I had served eight years as a police officer and Charles was still a Sergeant of Police. Ralph Gonsalves, promoted Cornelius Charles, to inspector he was skipped Charles over the rank of Station Sergeant to inspector, and he put him in charge of the Traffic Department.

All this time, I was assigned to the Eastern Caribbean Supreme Court, with specifically assigned duties to Justice Don Mitchell, High Court Judge. Inspector Cherry Lip Charles were transferred to the Traffic Branch with one of two objective, the first was to get me in trouble and the other was to pressure me into fear of him and submission to Ralph Gonsalves. This was going to be a very tall order, even for the man who was known to vie for the title of the greatest liar in the St. Vincent and the Granadines Police Force.

Charles was an old time police officer, he was nicknames Cherry Lip because of the disfiguration to his face, which included his eyes and lips. The Story was told, while Charles was a young police officer working at the traffic Branch riding the police big powerful motorcycles. Someone waited until he was coming at high speed, tied a chain across the road, which caught him and resulted in the disfigurement of his face.

This was so for the following reasons, many officer of senior rank, had tried this before and failed. Even the baddest man in the St. Vincent had the Grenadines Police Force: Superintendent Osborne Quow had tried and failed. I did not and do not care who they were, what position of authority they held, or what level on the social ladder they were on; I was not going to create a god out of any man; by being afraid of them. And that was just the way it was.

The newly promoted inspector, first approached was to pretend to befriend me. One day, he called me into his office, and began to questioned me about Justice Mitchell's personal business. I was shocked, to think this man thought so poorly of me; a sworn law enforcement officer, my integrity as a Palmer, and the reputation I had developed as an honest man within police circles. Just the thought that the inspector expected me to breach the confidence the police authorities who assigned to that responsibility; the thought the inspector concluded that I will just breach the trust, the Judge put in me, to violate such confidence at his request; upsetted me.

I was appalled at the inspector's assertion, I said to the inspector, "my assignment with Justice Mitchell is not to investigate the judge. I was sent to work with the Judge because, the authority had confidence in my integrity, not to betray the judge's trust and confidence with anyone." Then I said to him; “I cannot discuss the Judge's personal business with you. So don't ask me to.” Inspector Charles did not take my reply too well; he said to me in reply; "You think you are a big boy because you are working with the Judge."

Some weeks later, I was called into the inspector's office and from that day forward, he wanted to see me every day. He wanted to see me in his office every day and everyday the inspector curst me out about Ralph Gonsalves. Inspector Charles accused me of wanting to bring down Mr. Gonsalves' government, "But not as long as I am a live, not over my dead body" he said. Each day Mr. Charles curst me out and he even threatened to throw me into the cell in the old Colonrie Police Station.

Once Mr. Charles took out a large photograph of Ralph Gonsalves and he said to me, as he pointed at the photo, "you see this man ya, I love him to death." Then he kissed the photo of Ralph Gonsalves. This is some strange romantic gay shit; it was too far about my pay grade and I had nothing to do with that. I did not know what I was to take away from that display of intimate affection demonstrated to me and displayed to a photograph of Ralph Gonsalves, except to conclude, maybe; the newly promoted inspector was Ralph Gonsalves gay lover.

Every day, I went into Inspector Charles' office, I looked at him with a smile on my face, as he worked himself into a frenzy, defending Ralph Gonsalves and his government against me. I have heard the worst of cussing in St. Vincent and the Grenadines from members of the Bottom Town community; the community in which I was born, grew up and was still living.

Charles words meant nothing to me. Inspector Charles hated to see me with a smile on my face, while he was all serious, issuing threats to me, trying his hardest to make me afraid of him. The inspector's expressed vocal rage, could be heard in the general office even beyond the closed doors of his office. He often shout at me "Constable Palmer, this is not a joke, this is no a laughing matter” he often said. "Serant Browne, is this a laughing matter," as Sergeant Richard Browne who was always a part of the meeting, sheepishly reply as if he had water in his mouth when he speak, "no sir, this is no joking matter."

All this time, Inspector Cornelius Charles had arranged for me, an enlisted police officer, to be taken to open court as a defendant, on some bogus, trumped up charges, that was approved by then Commissioner of Police: William Harry, who was a practicing Christian. These charges was brought against me by Corporal Kenneth "Scratchy" John.

As the inspector shout, issue threats, and worked himself into a frenzy like a mad man from hell; All I did, was to look at him, with a big smile on my face, and dear him, with my smile to leave his seat, come and lay hands on me. I said to myself, he can argue all he wanted to, however, the moment he build the courage, to get up from behind his desk, come into my space and lay hands on me for any reason, I was going to teach the inspector a lesson of his life; a lesson he would have never forget. Self-defense is always a good legal defense, in retaliation to violence, the perception or the threat of violence.

One Thursday Morning, I was sitting in the Transport Section office with my Supervisor, Sergeant Adam Billingy, when the news came, Inspector Cornelius Charles, was driving to work, upon reaching, the juc-y building, in Kingstown. He stopped his vehicle, called the ambulance and was rushed to the Kingstown General Hospital where he was treated for a mile heart attack.

Inspector Charles was later discharged, with a prescription, told to take it easy, and to make some changes in his lifestyle. He was also encouraged to eliminate any stressful situation in his life. The next day, Friday morning, Mr. Charles came into the office, he was at the entrance of the office relating the experience of his mild heart attack to those of the staff who was in the main Traffic Branch office.

I walked into the office; upon seeing me going into the little office that was the Transport Section's office, he said, "PC Palmer come here," I went to the inspector in compliance to his call. The inspector looked at me and in a very subdued voice he said, “yo see you, you are not killing me in this place, you are not giving me another heart attack. Gather your belonging, I am transferring you to Biabou. Tomorrow morning, report to Biabou Police Station.

It was on common, for officers to be transfer on weekend, however; this was a special situation, Inspector Charles was concerned for his medical health and personal well being. The next day, I reported to the Biabou Police Station, Sergeant Ashley Francis was in charged of the Biabou police Station; He suggested I go for a patrol and on my first day in the Biabou Police District I got into big basa basa.

Biabou police District I got into big basa basa.