Class, Race and Old Memories In Barbados – White vs Black vs Red
Dear Barbados Free Press,
Hey guys,
The Nation newspaper has not published the self explanatory letter attached. Please feel free to post on line if you wish.
Rodney Jones
Carol Martindale
Editor
Sunday Sun
24th March 2009
Dear Ms. Martindale
Re: Mr. Peter Simmons’ column on Sunday 22nd March
I am submitting another letter in response to the captioned subject which, irrespective of any further comments by Mr. Simmons are my final words on the subject:
My dear Peter,
I have digested your ‘Dear Rodney’ open letter which appeared in the Sunday Sun of 22nd March and I have to advise that this is my final reply. I suspect that we may run the risk of not only testing the Editor’s patience, but readers may soon regard us as being two silly old Lodge boys beating up on each other, still living in a bygone age. Whats more, my Captain has warned me that whether or not I get past your defence, this is my last over, so here goes: six deliveries with no wides, byes or no balls (I hope).
If the outcome of this very public dialogue between us was judged on the eloquence and flair of the discourse, it would be a veritable no contest. You would be the winner by daylight as they sometimes say in racing circles. But, my friend, the issue is not about persuasion by grammatical expertise, it is about the facts and facts alone.
I note that you have checked with old (Lodge) boys across the generations up to 1961 when we left the school and that their recall is the same as yours. Hmmmm, I admit that I sometimes think that my short term memory is not what it used to be, but I insist that my long term memory is still crystal clear regarding the important issues we are now contesting. Therefore I have absolutely no need to check the facts with the many men of our generation who know only too well what took place. I will say that without exception, all those who have commented to me about the culture of Lodge School during that period are in complete agreement with my version of events. So, have we arrived at an unbridgeable factual chasm? It sure looks that way. Continue reading →