Bajans seem ungrateful for gifts

Thu, June 14, 2012 - 12:00 AM

Dear Christine,

Perhaps THE NATION readers have seen recent articles about books donated to local schools by a couple and another set from the United States Embassy. I sincerely hope you share my story with your readers.

Neither my father nor I are Barbadians. My mother is. In 2009, we decided to donate some books to her old school. I telephoned the school, found out how to make a donation and returned to the United States. I went to the warehouse of a scholastic publisher and purchased 110 new books of a wide assortment. I organized and packed everything.

I then shipped a barrel to my mother and dispatched three cartons of books. Instead of sending them to the Ministry of Education, they were addressed to the school’s principal.

Immediately, I mailed the shipping receipt and a list of titles along with a letter containing my home address, telephone number, email info, and my mother’s contact information. When our shipping notice arrived, I spoke to the school’s secretary. The books were at the Bridgetown Port and the total Customs duty was $10.

To date, I have not received any communication from anyone at that institution. Several months ago, I wrote another note. Still, not a word!

When my grandmother passed away last year I hand-delivered seven bags of clothes to the Geriatric Hospital and received a “thanks”. No one gave me a receipt or asked for my name or address.

Needless to say, I will not trouble anyone in Barbados ever again.

– BAFFLED IN BROOKLYN

Dear Baffled In Brooklyn,

You have not given the name of the institution so I am left to hope someone there will see this publicized letter and follow up.

As far as the clothing is concerned, donations of food and clothing are sometimes accepted at various institutions [even Dear Christine] in like manner as your donation was accepted at the Geriatric Hospital.

Loads of clothing are also dropped off daily at the Salvation Army, [I do this at times] without giving a name or contact.

Please don’t stop being generous because of these two incidences.

– CHRISTINE