The Caribbean is known for being one of the most diverse melting pots in the world. Here we accommodate all races without prejudice.
Maybe it has a lot to do with our history of accepting whichever super power claimed ownership of the islands. In those old Viking days the Chinese never venture in these waters so they have always been strangers to us. Now it seems that there is a covert plan to colonize the Caribbean from the inside out.
A friend related a story about a Chinese restaurateur who was constructing a restaurant
My friend is a plumber and he was hired to run pipes in the new building. According to him every piece of hardware to build the restaurant was shipped from China. That included all the tiles, lumber, sinks, pipes and fittings came down in a container. In his opinion, it seems as if the Chinese government financed his entire business.
Why would they do that? Well, speculating you would come to the conclusion that they wanted quality and the only quality they know is “Made in China”. Or maybe they could have gotten it a lot cheaper in China despite the cost of shipping. Whatever it is, it does not seem a fair deal to the host country that they expect to derive their income to take that approach.
And, while we are on the restaurant topic; have you noticed the number of Chinese restaurants on the Eastern Main Road? The last count was 22 and two under construction. Fast Chinese food is big business in Trinidad and Tobago and they are taking advantage of it.
The immigration people have cracked down on them and find that there are many illegal Chinese employed in these establishments.
OK, that’s just one thing. Here is another. If you are in the business of selling anything, the Chinese are the hardest people to sell. Maybe it is because they buy everything from China but some things they are compelled to purchase here. When they do they usually start the conversation with “What is your best price?” They consider buying things like advertisement, a book or any service as unnecessary. It’s like they went to school in China that teach them to “nat interested” .
How many interracial couples have you seen with one partner being a Chinese? Almost none in Trinidad, maybe there are one or two but have you seen them?
In this great big melting pot we call the Caribbean; the Chinese are establishing themselves without becoming attached to the communities in which they live. They are no doubt hard workers and dedicated to their work but other than that what can we gain from the Chinese? Seems like they came here for a purpose and most of us just haven’t figured out what that is yet.
Have you had any Chinese experience.
Interesting post.
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