The West Indies - 2012

Sometimes I reflect on the events of the world as well as in my life which have transpired since the 1990's, or in the case of the Y2K scare, have not transpired.

One thing which has not changed is how many of the West Indians have sold their souls and their fate to foreigners, or perhaps have been sold out, indentured by their politicians. Every shop and most stands seem to be owned or controlled by Indians - yes, I asked.

Basseterre, St Kitts
Actually named St. Christopher's. We arrived on 26 December, Boxing Day and a legal holiday there, celebrated with carnival-type parades. There were 3 competing bands, each with its own blaring sound truck - reggae meets techno - and followers splashed with the color of their favorite station. Almost everyone, especially the men, was very, very drunk. It was the closest thing to a public orgy I am likely to witness, scenes which ranged from mildly irritating to deeply repulsive, and on 2 occasions, frightening. I was very happy to get back to the ship.

Roseau, DominicaThe largest of the Windward Islands, about 30 miles long and 15+ wide. There are groups of Carib Indians struggling to retain their identity. They called the island Waitikubuli and according to a tour guide I overheard, many Carib villages retain their original names.

Castres, St Lucia

Named for St Lucy by Christopher Columbus who spotted it on December 13th, 1502, feast day of Santa Lucia, but did not go ashore. Good thing for him as the Carib Indians had a fearsome reputation. After many yars of disputes and at least 14 battles between the English and French, the island became English and in 1979, fully independent.

Curious at first: the postage stamps have no adhesive; there were bottlers of Elmer's glue on the counters. Reason: the intense humidity would cause the stamps to adhere to each other and anything else long before a letter or postcard was in sight.

Philipsburg, St Maarten

Two-thirds French, one third Dutch. There was a water taxi from the new pier into across to the town, fast and inexpensive. The town was bustling, with tourists and locals. Of course, the same luxury jewelry shops but also lots of small shops, a large salt water lake in the middle of town, a very Christian bookshop and really friendly people. But, it was Saturday so no post office.

Charlotte Amalie, USVI

The last stop, on a Sunday, and the only cruise ship in the harbour. Only the luxury shops were open with the Indian owners hovering in the background. The stalls were empty and rows of taxis stood unused, empty buildings and trash blowing in the street - a sad end to the old year.