It’s all monkey business
16 November 2021
Both literally and figuratively.
By literally, I mean monkeys are becoming an increasing menace to farmers and householders. I was sitting at my desk when I heard a chattering outside. I looked up and saw a monkey hop onto the verandah balustrade, look at me, then pluck two rosebuds off a rose in a pot and pop them in his mouth. They must be tasty. He then leapt back into a tree as I came outside to remonstrate.
Ten minutes later five of them invaded the verandah and I couldn’t understand why the attention until I realised I had a fruit bowl on the coffee table that contained oranges and bananas. They must be scenting the bananas. I immediately removed them and put them in a cupboard.
Next door neighbour’s dog, who spends all day with me, just slept through the whole affair. I gave her a nudge and she leapt into action barking and chasing them off into the road.
As for the farmers, they are a real pest. I spoke with Pedro, who is my landlady’s partner and a farmer, and he says they are a menace. His solution is to weave newspaper among his crops which rustle in the wind. The monkeys don’t appear to like this.
I might do the same but think I will invest in a high-power water pistol which worked well against wild dogs in the Algarve when I had a house there.
As for figuratively, on 30 November 1966, Barbados became an independent state and part of the Commonwealth with Elizabeth II as its Head of State. On the 30th of November this year we become a Republic. Sandra Mason, the current British appointed Governor-General, has been appointed to become the first president of Barbados. On 30 November 2021, she will replace Queen Elizabeth as Head of State. So, a major change.
The population is largely apathetic about this transition but those who have position and influence are worried that the prime minister, Mia Mottley, is making a grab for longer-lasting power. And they question whether this move is in the interests of Barbados and feel its suits the interests of Mia Mottley. She is a powerful personality and leader who is moving onto the world stage, latterly at the climate change conference. It’s a load of monkey business they reckon.
As for those of us here on the Welcome Stamp, I guess we will just keep on doing what we are doing, enjoy the sunshine, the beaches and the laid-back lifestyle.
We are now moving into high season and the tourists are returning in droves which is good for local trade. In tandem with this, the government has relaxed the curfew hours and instead of 9 pm we can now party until midnight! Tourists, locals and businesses are liking this. Another plus for Mottley. She has the populist touch even if the number of covid cases and deaths are rising.
The heat of September has passed and the winter trade winds have returned so things are cooler, though that’s relative as the mercury hovers at 28/29 C during the day, though this is better than 34 C! No need for AC or fans which is also good news. I still exist in just a pair of shorts around the house which is good news as far as I am concerned.
I have found a pretty place to breakfast in with its own private beach and after a round of golf at 6.30 in the morning, breakfast there, before a swim, home and a siesta. I do this three times a week. What’s not to like? I’ve fully embraced this lifestyle and won’t miss the British winter!
