Writen by Ovie Peter
Before traveling to Barbados three years ago, I did thorough research about the island. I
discovered that it is one of the friendliest places in the eastern Caribbean, renowned for
its warm people and vibrant culture. Alured by this, I embarked on my journey, eager to
explore and learn from this beautiful paradise.
Barbados did not disappoint. Strangers went out of their way to assist without expecting
anything in return. This kindness made me ponder: if Bajans are so generous to
outsiders, their sense of community must be extraordinary. Surely, relationships and
marriages would flourish in such a warm environment.
Inspired by this realization, I set a personal goal: to immerse myself in Bajan culture
and, ultimately, marry a Bajan woman. I admired their unique accents and vibrant
expressions, which seemed almost musical. Determined to learn the dialect, I mingled
with locals, but I encountered unexpected challenges.
One such challenge was understanding the housing culture in Barbados. Unlike many
African countries where basic amenities are scarce, even the poorest in Barbados enjoy
24-hour electricity, running water, and gas—luxuries that seemed like a dream to me.
This comfort made socializing with neighbors challenging, as most people preferred the
solitude of their homes.
Despite the hurdles, I met Christian, a neighbor, and extended a hand of friendship. To
my surprise, he rebuffed me, shouting, “I’m not gay!” I was stunned. In my culture,
friendships between men are normal and valued, but here, my intentions were
misunderstood. I learned my lesson and decided to focus on making female friends
instead.
It wasn’t long before I met Shakira. She was breathtaking—a goddess of beauty whose
grace captivated every man in her presence. Her African name deepened my admiration
for her. Determined to win her heart, I practiced my best Bajan accent for weeks, though
it felt like a battle with my tongue.
One day, fate smiled on me. I saw Shakira walking down Bay Street in radiant yellow
pants that turned heads. Gathering courage, I approached her, claiming in my awkward accent, “Good morning. I am the richest man in Barbados.” She laughed, her eyes
scanning me with amusement.
Seizing the moment, I whispered sincerely, “My heart speaks a language only you can
understand. Let me show you how deeply I care and how beautiful life can be with you
by my side.”
Her response shattered my dreams. “I have four child fathers and two side chicks,” she
said, walking away. Heartbroken, I realized that cultural differences and personal values
often complicate relationships.
Later, at a restaurant, a bartender’s casual question about finding a Bajan girl to “have
fun with” added salt to my wounds. I wasn’t seeking fleeting pleasures; I yearned for a
meaningful connection. As I conversed with others, I learned that many Bajans,
regardless of age, avoided marriage, citing infidelity and distrust.
Reflecting on these experiences, I couldn’t help but think about the importance of
family. A strong family unit forms the bedrock of any society, instilling morality and
stability. Without it, communities risk losing their essence.
Marriage isn’t just about companionship; it’s about building a home and nurturing future
generations. God designed this sacred union to distinguish humans from animals,
giving us the intellect and capacity to create loving homes.
To young readers: aspire to build meaningful relationships. Value marriage, honor your
vows, and cherish your partner for life. The strength of a family is the foundation of a thriving society.
Thank you for reading.Kindly share this article.
