Submitted by Ana Ramirez-Irineo on the 2017 winter session program in Barbados sponsored by the Department of Human Development and Family Studies…
My time at Eunice Gibson Polyclinic has been wonderful. I have a great supervisor who wants me to learn and actively participate. Bernadette is a counselor for individuals who are coming in to get tested for HIV and helps people to cope with the test and/or the results. The process to test for HIV is lengthy because every part of the person needs to be assessed and that includes their psychological health. I never thought about the mental health of persons getting a HIV test, but as I observed the individuals in her office, it is definitely something that affects them emotionally and mentally, even physically. I saw the obvious signs of distress and paranoia in their faces, their fidgeting and their nervous laughter. It was bizarre to see the differences in reactions from the clients and there are definitely extremes on the continuum. Some were detached and others were expressing their concerns, worried for their lives and their partner. I stepped out from my comfort zone and tried to talk to them so I could provide a distraction or a bit of comfort for them. I was not sure what was the best to say or if I should say anything at all. Most seemed to appreciate this and others took the opportunity to ask questions, but I decided to forward them to Bernadette because she is the professional and would give them the most appropriate response. I did not come into the clinic as an expert. I am still a student and wish to learn how professionals interact with their clients. Bernadette has taken the teacher-role and I am happy that she did. She has been at the clinic for many years and understands her clients so well. She gives me advice and pointers to better make use of my time here. She also makes sure I understand the conversations and what is being said. I have learned a lot more about Bajan culture through her and the people who come in.
On another note, Barbados is a big exporter of rum and rum was accidentally found through the sugarcane byproduct molasses. It was pretty cool to discover that Barbados is the birthplace of rum and has been creating it for over 300 years. We went to the Mount Gay Distillery and it was a great experience. There is so much history behind rum and it is a big part of Bajan culture. On the island, you will find over 12,000 rum shops! They are usually small shacks that sell rum and beer, as well was cutters, which are sandwiches, that are attached to a person’s house or right beside it. Most Bajans gather there to talk about politics, cricket, local news, and play dominoes. It was usually a “man’s place”, but it is acceptable now to see women spend their time at one. I was so amazed by the sheer number of rum shops on such a small island and how rum has transformed an island. I learned at the Mount Gay Distillery tour that Mount Gay sponsors regattas around the island and abroad, however, by participating in these races you get the famous red hat that are not sold anywhere. I definitely had a bit of culture shock because I came in thinking Bajans would be conservative and very religious, but they are not as conservative as I thought. Bajans love their music, dancing and celebrating. It is a bit of a contrast when you see the party side of Barbados, but it is still acceptable. It is quite nice to see how both sides balance out the island and doesn’t create friction. Barbados may have a lot of churches on the island, but they definitely know how to party!
