The Editor, Sir:

On Wednesday, I attended the CWC cricket match between Sri Lanka and New Zealand at the newly refurbished Sabina Park. I was seated in the stands located at the Kingston Cricket Club pavilion. I got thirsty and noticed that there was a well decorated and finely stocked bar and restaurant located in the stands.

I went across to gain entry in order to purchase some drinks and food. To my surprise, I was prevented from going to the bar to spend my money because I was told by someone barring me that it's only for VIPs.

My understanding is that VIP stands for "very important persons" and, therefore, I thought to myself that I don't consider anyone to be more important than I am. I, however, relented and went back to watching the match.

Minutes after that, I noticed that a lot of visitors including Sri Lankans, Indians, New Zealanders and other folks of a 'higher' colour than I am, entering and exiting the bar to make purchases. That's when it hit me that to be deemed a VIP by the Kingston Cricket Club, you have to be someone of a higher colour than I am, or maybe their money was valued a lot higher than mine, or perhaps the bar and restaurant does not accept 'locals'.

I thought that the plantation mentality went out with the abolition of slavery.

I am, etc.,

NEVILLE BECKFORD

beckkid@hotmail.com

Spanish Town