Things Left Behind

By Stanford O. Lewis

Everyone will thoroughly enjoy this book. It is an exciting recollection of stories, incidents and interactions from the past, an unforgettable experience growing up in St. Kitts-Nevis. The descriptive accounts resonate with those who grew up in the Caribbean, on an island, encountered similar characters whether in a village, school or community, or had similar experiences. It is guaranteed to make you laugh and reminisce as it recalls a cherished past. The younger generation will marvel at life back in the day, how parents and elders enjoyed their past time and will have a window onto an unimaginable life of their elders. It is a fantastic read with universal appeal and anyone is guaranteed to enjoy it.

You will savor the nostalgia as it recaptures the early socialization and many cultural themes of the fifties, sixties and early seventies when life was different. If you grew up in this era, it is reminiscent of the good old days. Fort those who have been away too long, who have forgotten or are too young to know or remember, this is a great resource. It has something for everyone. Every chapter is a walk down memory lane savoring the days of a youthful innocence. It is a must read and you will need a comfortable seat.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Sep 6, 2013
• ISBN: 9781491805893

Stanford O. Lewis

Stanford O. Lewis, a native of St. Kitts-Nevis, is a Senior Technical Architect with AT&T Labs. In 2011, he was the recipient of a Special Recognition Award from the Black Engineer of the Year (BEYA) from the Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Professional Award Committee for outstanding engineering accomplishments. He is the author of “Things Left Behind” and “Nothing But Time.” This is his third book.

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2013 by Stanford O. Lewis. All rights reserved.

(Second Edition)

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

Published by AuthorHouse 09/03/2013

ISBN: 978-1-4918-0588-6 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4918-0589-3 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013914141

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

Acknowledgments

Chapter 1.   Twenty Years

Chapter 2.   Come Go Home

Chapter 3.   A Big Pappy Show

Chapter 4.   Pappy White was no Pappy Show

Chapter 5.   Radio Station WIGGY

Chapter 6.   Resumption of Play

Chapter 7.   Best Regards to the Elders Part-I

Chapter 8.   Uncle Tommy

Chapter 9.   Best Regards to the Elders Part-II

Chapter 10.   A Wave from the Past

Chapter 11.   Pirate on the High Seas

Chapter 12.   Tourist Overboard

Chapter 13.   A Primary Reason

Chapter 14.   Big School

Chapter 15.   Another Primary Reason

Chapter 16.   One Hundred Stops along the Way

Chapter 17.   Run for You Life

Chapter 18.   Saved by the Bell

Chapter 19.   Sink or Swim

Chapter 20.   Climbing Cleverly Hill

About the Author

This book is dedicated in loving memory of my parents: James and Jane Lewis.

Acknowledgments

I would like to thank all who have made this book possible.

To my wife Gretna, sons Daryl and Jermaine, thank you for providing an initial audience, motivation and for your readings and suggestions.

Many thanks to my brothers and sisters: Emile, Audrey, Donald, Georgina, Agnita, and Mervin who have influenced my upbringing. Thanks for all the love, support and memories of days gone by.

Much gratitude to relatives at home and abroad including: Emile ‘Meele’ Lewis, elder—’Brother’ Isaac Lewis, Sybil Lewis-Lloyd and Camella Fell for their conversations and encouragement. Thanks to Cousin Doris Lewis in New Jersey who is eagerly looking forward to this publication.

Thanks also to Lynette Bertie, ‘Ishu’ Humphreys, Heather Rodigues, Mona Lake, Valentine ‘Salt-Water’ Lawrence, Colin ‘Milburn’ Herbert, Clement ‘Kasha’ Kelly and others who never seem to get enough of the amusing personalities of the past and the memories of growing up. Also, thanks to Perry Peets for reminding me that the world would soon come to an end if this book was not published. The author is also grateful to his deceased friend Charlie Mentos for calling in the middle of a busy work day for a description of a fat pork tree.

I also wish to say many thanks and appreciation to the folks of Middle Island, Old Road and Sandy Point for their social interaction. All praise to the people of Half Way Tree who are responsible for much of my nurturing and upbringing and especially those with whom I grew up with who still keep me laughing.

Thanks to all my teachers and schoolmates at Mavis White Kindergarten, Middle Island Primary, Sandy Point High, Sixth Form at the Basseterre High School and to all my SKbees.

The author will also like to thank Annette Walwyn Michael for her help in navigating the publishing process and last but not least Denese Walker, linguistic editor for her input in the original version.

Chapter 1

Twenty Years

They left a long time ago, some by boat, cargo ship and later, the fortunate, by plane. Things were different then. It was an adventure into a new environment hoping for a new start. There was no thought of when or if they would return but focused on making use of the opportunities. For most, it was a once in a lifetime chance to change their economic situation and lay a foundation for a better life for their children. They left in different waves during the fifties, sixties and seventies and after many uninterrupted years abroad, a return visit required an adjustment to the unexpected changes. They would be in for a bumpy nostalgic ride with unanticipated changes and developments.

Twenty years is a vast void to fill on a vacation. The new developments are surprising, shocking, exciting, and demand attention. It is especially challenging in a country that made significant improvements within a short time span. With such rapid development, the older generation cherishes the past and adjusts to the new. The adjustment also requires acknowledging the present and preparing for the future. Those who have spent considerable continuous time abroad are more aware and recognize how far the Federation of St. Kitts-Nevis has come so fast but the impact is not realized until transported back to the place and time, they knew and love.

Returning nationals would have to adjust quickly to embrace the changes. During the early waves of migration, progress was slow. Everything was slow. A long uninterrupted absence abroad creates a recollection based on last impression. Most left with a still frame in their mind, a picture that remained unchanged, as if time stood still. Many elders in Chapeltown, a community in Leeds, England, who never returned, still reminisce about the 1950’s when men pushed three-wheel carts loaded with ground provision and other commodities in the streets of Basseterre. No thought is given to potential progress or a transformation.

Many who left lived through a similar era as their parents and grandparents. Back then, succeeding generations struggled with hard work, low wages and limited opportunities. Most were employed on estates or at the sugar factory or engaged in other aspects of sugar production. In the countryside, incomes were supplemented by farming the slopes of the mountain where a portion of the crop was payment to the estate for use of land deemed unsuitable for sugar production. The fortunate acquired trade skills like carpentry or masonry and the very fortunate had a government job or worked for a merchant house in Basseterre which at the time was a major accomplishment. Those who established store credit were in a trust and pay relationship with variety stores, John Gumbs, Thurston’s, Coury’s and other lumberyard and hardware establishments for big ticket items. Banks did not lend money to low income customers. The Government offered subsidized C.H.A houses but few accepted partly because of the low class stigma associated with government assisted social programs. However, some managed, saved and sacrificed to accomplish home ownership.

All were in search of a brighter future. In earlier times, workers left seeking jobs in Curacao’s oil refining industry and prior to the Curacao wave, emigrated to Panama and later, the Dominican Republic. However, not everyone could take advantage of these opportunities as a trip required saving or borrowing sufficient money to cover expenses.

It was a struggle unless relatives, friends, neighbors and acquaintances contributed but there was no guarantee of success. Immigrants were at the mercy of immigration officials and could be denied entry for no apparent reason. When a worker landed in Curacao, there was no assurance he or she could find work, at least, not right away. Expenses included room and board unless the new immigrant was fortunate to find a friend or countryman willing and able to carry the weight until the new arrival got on his or her feet. The prospect of migration was often limited by the ability to raise cash, an adventurous spirit and willingness to adapt to a new environment. However, an important motivator was a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

Migration to England in the 50’s and 60’s eliminated much of the uncertainty and changed the outlook. The re-building of that country required much human capital and England adopted an open-door immigration policy in the early years, guaranteeing admission. There was no job guarantee but it was safe to assume if the fare was purchased, the passenger would arrive safely and with a high probability of employment.

Neighbours, friends and acquaintances were therefore more inclined to lend money for a trip to England. Those who left earlier sent back money and trunks packed with food, clothing and modern conveniences from London, Birmingham and Leeds.

The prospects were good but the opportunity drove many into an identity crisis. Friends and acquaintances became strangers overnight. The change was initiated at the Health Center where would-be travelers obtained their birth certificate, required for processing a passport. The issuing of the document uncovered new family names and new identities. Few had seen the document before as it was never required for anything and many were surprised but had no choice but to assume a new name. Darrell discovered after twelve years that he was no longer a Slack but was now officially a Dupont. Sadie and Bells became Lawrence but initially kept the new identity secret. Decades later, everyone still addressed both sisters as Warner.

But it was not just the surname that required adaptation; some Christian names did not match the official documentation. Clive became Clyde and ‘Shine’ received a brand new name, Raymond. The records did not always match expectations; but fortunately, there were records. But one prospective traveler was not so lucky; his official Health Center birth record was a note: Becker had a baby boy.

Travel had improved since scores of workers sailed to the Dominican Republic in search of a more profitable employment. This new wave of travelers to England enjoyed improved accommodations as reliable cargo steamships like S. S Colombia had comfortable bunks and dining quarters. The two-week journey included stops in Jamaica and other ports before crossing the Atlantic.

English immigrants had a marked advantage over previous waves. A ‘word-a-mouth’ network quickly spread the news in the emerging St. Kitts-Nevis communities. Those who arrived earlier longed to see fresh faces from home and a welcome party anxiously awaited the arrival of the new comers. It was almost certain that someone among the crowd knew the new arrival or his relatives. Passengers were met at the docks or bus station where crowds gathered and those who did not have anyone expecting their arrival found accommodation with someone willing to put up a new comer.

As expected, the adopted country had its challenges. One of the main adjustments was the rainy, damp cold weather. In the early days, many lived in basements and dilapidated buildings, some with inadequate heat or no heat. And, to add insult to injury, subzero temperatures, a damp chill and the ever present cold rain were a rude awakening. In her later years, Aida insists that her arthritis problems were a result of the ‘knockbout’ she endured in the early days without heat. She went to bed wrapped in layers of flannel pajamas, flannel sheets, two woolen blankets, socks, and sometimes shoes, yes, shoes. An improvised scarf, an old frock wrapped around her neck, and two head ties prevented a brain freeze. She also recalled with amusement her rub-and-shake body heating dance routine when using the toilet in winter.

Every new comer was warned about the low temperature as everyone back home talked about freezing in England. But it did not matter how often accounts of the cold weather were repeated, no one expected it could be that cold and for so long hence, everyone was unprepared. But despite the unfavorable weather, finding a steady job was the greatest hurdle and as time progressed, the new immigrants adjusted. Wives and children were later reunited with husbands and other family members came after.

Getting there was easy but making a trip back home had its challenges. The British government and employers had opened the doors and after settling in and achieving some financial stability, many wanted to return for a visit. A trip back home required financial discipline, considerable saving and some managed to save enough but the real difficulty was re-entry. For a while, the status of immigrants was in limbo with uncertainty about what might occur on their return. Many were skeptical and avoided risking the chance of being denied. However, after residency rights became a non-issue, travel from England increased and the flow of returning nationals gained momentum.

It was a different experience for those who left for the United States Virgin Islands. The journey for many early arrivals began with a trip on boats like Tropic Star, Chrissy’s or Jeffery’s. These were cargo boats much smaller than the massive trans-Atlantic English cargo ships. These smaller vessels sailed from Basseterre and Pump Bay and docked in Road Town, Charlotte Amalie, Christianstead and Federickstead.

Unlike England, nothing was guaranteed. The risk of denial was sometimes minimized with a detour to Tortola or Virgin Gorda, later boarding a boat to their destination. Reportedly, there were a few very brave souls who avoided all entry procedures, literally jumped ship and swam to shore.

The tourism boom of the 60’s and 70’s encouraged an influx and absorbed thousands of immigrant workers from all over the Caribbean. While St. Thomas was especially attractive with a slick metropolitan flair, St. Croix and the British Virgin Islands provided a more reserved lifestyle, similar to home. Puerto Rico had some attraction mostly for domestic workers but was limited by language and cultural isolation.

The movement in search of work in the United States Virgin Islands initiated a different style of travel. With higher paying jobs and close proximity, folks returned regularly; it did not take years unless there were unusual circumstances. There was on-and-off immigration hostility that sometimes made re-entry uncertain. At times, homes and job sites received surprise raids followed by sporadic scouting, surveillance and unpredictable procedures. During these activities, many reluctantly made the trip back home. As expected, not every visit back home was voluntary. Those caught in immigration dragnet received a surprised gift, a prepaid one-way trip, courtesy of the US Government.

However, deportation was often just a temporary setback. Deportees sat through a waiting period and returned hoping that prior violations were undocumented or overlooked and when re-entry seemed impossible, every trick in the book was used; some even deed-polled their names to obtain new passports. Those who were fortunate eventually secured a bond and had minor restrictions. But, despite the risk and setback, many returned home for Christmas, Easter, August or whenever possible.

During the good years, the gainfully employed made the trip without breaking the bank and most returned about once per year unless there were unusual circumstances. The proximity of the Virgin Islands made it easy for the boastful to return even if only to ‘show off and cut style’.

Kidd and Bumba did not miss any opportunity. In 1966, Bumba returned four times. There was no urgent circumstance; none of his relatives had died. When Kidd returned, everyone knew. If his constant boasting of how life was so good in the Virgin Islands did not attract attention, his fancy clothes, extravagant spending and newly acquired accent gave it away. He ended every conversation declaring, me son, life really good in the VI.

Kidd was a big show-and-tell but The Dipper lived the new lifestyle to the extreme. He was on a spree for weeks living it up, and down to the last penny, literally. When The Dipper was ready to return to St. Thomas, his airline fare was borrowed from an unlucky friend with a promise to pay as soon as he returned.

Meanwhile, the new age of frequent travel and the new-found prosperity of the Virgin Islands introduced a new phenomenon, the ‘gladman’ syndrome. A new breed of young men returned just to show off. The gladness or the ‘Gladys’, as Bubby Fell described this new behavior was contagious and acquired even by some who never left.

But notwithstanding the proximity, there were some who did not return. Grilla returned only once when he needed a new passport but Codel perhaps set the record. He lived in St. Thomas for over thirty years and never made it back, not even once.

Years later, as the Virgin Islands tourism economy approached saturation job prospects declined. Many left for Miami, Atlanta, Dallas, Houston and New York in search of new opportunities. Some of the same folks who never returned home from the early days relocated, starting all over again and were later joined by relatives.

Time waits for no one and it did not take long before they realized another twenty years had passed. During the 70’s and 80’s, many long-time immigrants qualified for United States citizenship through Amnesty. And, during the same period, St. Kitts and Nevis political transition from Statehood to Independence increased the country’s visa and green card quota. The nation’s new political status produced an increase in the number of emigrants leaving for the Virgin Islands and mainland USA.

This latter wave was a different breed. Earlier immigrants to England left in search of a paying job and accepted the first opportunity. Those who left to pursue an education or a career were a rare exception. The early wave to the Virgin Islands also went in search of work, but the latter went not only in search of work but for other opportunities. Many focused on education, career and personal development. Some pursued college degrees and soon found themselves in the same predicament as the earlier wave. Goals and dreams require time to achieve. Time goes by swiftly and it did not take long before twenty years had passed.

Chapter 2

Come Go Home

Those who had been away too long needed encouragement before making a trip back home. Kasha was surprised to meet an old friend in Boston at the annual carnival celebration. They had not seen each other in about sixteen years as Kasha had left since the early 1960’s and his friend Charlie, followed a decade later. Charlie wanted to pursue a college education but unlike many, was better prepared. He had received assistance from a Peace Corps, who became a friend during high school. Bill had returned and had arranged for Charlie’s admission into college. Charlie was a teacher at a primary school in Sandy Point prior to departing for the US to pursue his lifelong ambition and before he realized it, twenty years had passed.

While away, Charlie too kept a still frame dating back to the early 70’s. It never made a difference how many times Kasha explained that the airport terminal was no longer a small building at Golden Rock but upgraded to international standard. A description of Port Zante, several acres of reclaimed land along The Bay Road, fell on deaf ears. Charlie could not imagine a scenic drive down the peninsular; he could not fathom the change. Kasha had returned several times and wanted his friend to experience it and after years of pestering, Charlie finally gave in thinking it was a great opportunity to reconnect with family and friends.

But, talking about home and making a trip after a long time abroad are quite different. Charlie hoped that the friends he left behind would still be there and had flashbacks of his favorite characters whom he grew up with. Both often reminisced about the old days and Kasha always mentioned a joke he heard about a Basseterre character called ‘Back-to-School’—The Tin Smith Man’. He told a tale of a clever tinsmith who was asked by his boss to take a measurement. When asked about his findings, the tinsmith declared the measurements as, once me rule and twice me hammer handle. Both always got a kick out of the joke and a replay of the story always reminded Charlie about a young apprentice, Clip, who reported similar measurements. Clip had informed his foreman that the width of a door measured, just as wide as it is broad. Apparently, the same friend from Basseterre also told Kasha about another famous character Dool Dal, with a popular refrain: Come an get dese fresh ballahoo. Dey good for you, give you plenty nature. An, if dese fish can’t help you, buy them anyway.

After twenty years, Charlie made the trip and returned with tales like he had discovered a new world and described the experience as de best hellawa time Ah ever had. No one could shut him up. He reported on everyone he met and described all that he surveyed. Charlie recalled every story and conversation about the good old days and was somehow up to date with the latest, using names like Small Axe, SKbee and Sugar City. He had become a self-declared expert on all things new, exciting and hip in St. Kitts and Nevis. Charlie spent a few hours in Charlestown ‘liming’ around Main Street and the waterfront, a visit that lasted in between Carib Queen’s schedule but painted such a colorful picture as though he was in Charlestown for years. He also described sightings of The Narrows, Nag’s Head and the peninsular like he had discovered new planets. The trip was so enjoyable, it required a repeat performance.

Through all the nostalgia and excitement, there were few disappointments. He told Kasha that Kittitians did not know how good life was in St. Kitts. He also discovered that most of his high school friends had left. However, he was so thrilled by what he discovered, reservations were made the day after his return and he continued to reminisce about the experience. For months, the excitement was still on his mind and one day in the middle of rush hour traffic, Charlie had a recollection. On the drive home, after detailing the sweetness of Sugar City for the umpteenth time, he expressed disappointment, blaming Kasha for not encouraging him to go sooner.

But his experience was not unique. Months after Charlie’s return, Kasha was on his way to England. He could not believe his luck as the airfare was ridiculously low. Kasha left the very last day before the offer expired, the last week of April. At this time of year, it should not be bitter cold and he was convinced that such a bargain would not be repeated.

Kasha arrived as planned and spent time in London with relatives and friends. He enjoyed meeting everyone, especially relatives he met for the first time. His stay was exciting but he was looking forward to making a trip to Leeds to visit other relatives and a childhood friend. There was much to catch up on as he had not kept in touch with his friend.

Every relative in Leeds had invited him so to spread the love, Kasha decided to spend time with each. His first stop was at his uncle’s in Chapeltown but he was anxious to see his friend Baptee, a born Kittitian who spent most of his teen and all his adult years in England and never returned. Baptee was a converted English bloke who never had any real interest in returning so spending some time with Baptee would be interesting, he thought.

Kasha arrived in Leeds and his first stop was at his uncle’s. The next day, he