Michael Reckord, ContributorI HADN'T seen Artie for several days and was amazed when he telephoned me and told me he was in Athens.
"Athens, Georgia?"
Artie laughed. "Athens, Greece, at the Olympics -- which I'm thoroughly enjoying, of course."
"But-- but when did you leave?"
"Early in the week, right after my dad heard the murder rate had passed 900 for the year. He sent me the plane ticket so I could get away for a while."
"He's clearly not one of those Jamaican teachers in New York who are on the verge of being sent back home."
Artie laughed. "No, he isn't, but don't think he bought the ticket himself. One of his students is on the US Olympic team and the boy's parents -- they're millionaires -- gave Daddy 20 tickets to get a cheering team to Athens."
"Lucky you."
"Yes, it's good to be away from crime-ridden Jamaica just now. You know that young men my age are the ones at greatest risk of being murdered --"
"Because so many are involved in drug dealing," I pointed out.
"True, Dads," said Artie, "but quite apart from affording me relief from the stress of Jamaica, this trip is a wonderful opportunity for me to interview interesting people."
Artie wants to be a reporter and he's continually interviewing people in an effort to get a story published or broadcast. Though I didn't want to dash his hopes, I had to point out that the major media houses had their own reporters in Athens.
"I know, Dads," he replied, "which is why I'm not interviewing the obvious newsmakers, like the medallists and their coaches. I'm focusing on people on the periphery of the Games."
"Like who?" I asked.
"Like Doris, a Jamaican cosmetologist I met this morning."
"What is she doing there?"
"Listen to the interview," said Artie, and I heard the familiar click of the Play button on his tape recorder being depressed.
Artie: So, Doris, how long have you been a cosmetologist?
Doris: Bout five years ago me start braid de tourist dem hair in Ochi. Den after a year me start do dem finger nails, too. Den last year me add on 'pedi' services.
Artie: Congratulations on your growth. Are you thinking of including massage, as well?
Doris: No, me boy fren seh dat is slackness.
Artie: I see. Why aren't you back home in Ocho Rios with him?
Doris: Him is in Athens, too.
Artie: Oh. I guess your clients here are the visitors to the Olympics?
Doris: No, the women athletes.
Artie: Really? They need hair and nail servicing?
Doris: Of course. You don't see Gail Devers fingernails? And when dem win a medal and have to go on de podium, dem hair gots to look good. Billions of people will be watching on television and more will see dem picture in newspapers and
magazines.
Artie: Hadn't thought of that. So business should be good.
Doris: Business is great. I wish dem would have Olympics every year.
Artie: Well, you could always go to the other international
athletic meets. Many are annual.
Doris: You right, you know. I could mek more money dan if I win de Lotto.
Artie: (Laughing) Not really. It was $120 million when I left Jamaica, and it would have gone up if nobody won.
Doris: Ah true. But at least I would earn more dan what my boyfriend making in Athens -- and das a whole heapa money.
Artie: Oh? And what does he do?
Doris: (voice going low) Dis is just between me and you, but him is the chief one supplying drugs to de athletes.
The tape stopped and Artie came back on the line. "Dads, her answer made me realise there isn't a necessary connection between drugs and murder. You know how many athletes take drugs, but nobody has been killed because of it."
