Do Your Job Properly Security Guard
I went into a certain business place today wearing a cap. While waiting to conduct business a security guard under his breath asked me to remove my cap. He then went off to another part of the establishment and just stood in one place as they tend to do. The business place has this rule now so that cameras can pick up your face. Now I'm fine with that and I removed it immediately but then I looked around and there were several people wearing caps! I did not leave it there - I hate being singled out - I went over to the security guard and in front of everyone waiting in line I showed him there are others wearing caps followed by the words, "If you want to do your job then do it properly". I did this mostly because he approached me near a line while everyone was looking on - he singled me out, the most unlikely criminal for whatever reason. Some people cheered at what I said. I was did not get any amusement from it, I was just disgusted. I hate the half-hearted approach of many Security Guards here - they do not take their job seriously. If it were me, I would be going around ensuring that everyone took off their caps, not just tell one person and go stand up in a corner.
What has been your experience with Security Guards in Trinidad & Tobago?
I have actually seen that happen in a KFC outlet before. There was a 'mad' person going around basically verbally assaulting the customers and the security guard just pretended like nothing was happening. Then you have Trinis chowing down on their chicken not caring much either way - crazy.
There is a silly guard at a popular women store in Trincity Mall (where women buy their beauty supplies). This guy is NOT dressed as a security person (there is also a woman there with the same attitude) and they don't like children at all. If they see their kids talking too loud, they get very irritated EVEN if the children are NOT bothering anyone. They are watching you like the Gestapo. I call that attitude "Wannabe Police Officer Syndrome".
We hould expect much from security guards they're just part of the bad service we get in general in this country.
I don't live in this area and have never been there. I would say though this does sound like a police state. Security guards in America are easily bought and have no real power. I don't know how it is there but from what you described I think you had a lot of guts to speak out.
Not a police State... More like a Banana Republic where someone with a uniform thinks they are ranking socially because they can give instructions to another. As IndianChick said service and manners are virtually non-existent here so the way people act is not a surprise. My reaction is a general frustration because when you go out you often have to deal with these types. Sometimes I just prefer to stay home.