An Open Letter to Jamaican Taxi Drivers, Bus Conductors, and Loadermen

Sir,

I am not a guard rail; don’t hold on to mi.

Like you choose which air freshener fi buy, so mi choose di vehicle fi mi.

I am not a dog; SO NUH BARK AFTER MI.

And I am not here for your catcalls –  so nuh comment pon mi body!

I am a customer – a consumer. I don’t recall begging you for a ride.

I’m slim, but paying the same as them. So don’t kotch mi pon nobody side.

When you pointed to the occupied front seat, I asked if I’m paying half price.

Why so shocked? For half a seat, I think a discount would be nice!

 

How can you tell me to either deal with your slackness or find a car to drive?

As if the cash in my purse doesn’t help pay your gas, your rent, your light?

Yuh too rude and out of order! Cause you wouldn’t like it done to you.

Imagine going to Juici Beef and dem tell yuh fi go home go cook food!

I’m a pleasant person, not a diva. A basic respect mi like.

I promise before yuh rude to mi fi nutn, mi rather ride a bike.

Sir, have you ever even ridden in the back of your own bus?

When you’re speeding, a mi a suffer, so yes mi a go cuss!

 

 

How must you cuss mi out, because I said your car isn’t yet full?

I was in a rush, so jeezam, hush! Stop huff and puff like bull.

Look how much time mi tell yuh “Next bus stop when yuh go roun’!”

But by all means, cuss mi out! Choo yuh have di radio tun up too loud!

How can you tell me you hope rain soak mi outa road?

Because mi decide nuffi have mi left hip bone a climb up pon di door?

Mi have mi umbrella! So stay deh bad mind!

See another taxi jus’ pull up and I can fit just fine.

 

Thank you to those in transportation who appreciate basic manners and respect.

I’m very loyal to those whom I deem have decency and common sense.

Maybe you all can hold a conference to teach others the art of service.

‘Cause a lot of these men make me wonder, “a coulda wah mi do fi deserve dis?”

If I were running a public taxi or bus, it would be a sought after 5-star brand.

Because people have a need, and they are paying their cash, and I perfectly understand.

The culture that exists where passengers are worth only what be the fare

Needs to be reformed to one that respects all, so that Jamaica can reach somewhere.

 

Byyeeeeeeeee!

 

 

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© 2019 Sihle Atkinson – All Rights Reserved