Sign of the times?

By now it’s no secret that thousands of students the world over, who had sold their souls in pursuit of degrees they hoped would open doors into certain professions, now have good reason for regret. The jobs they planned to do for the rest of their lives, to make life careers, have lost their relevance in our Brand New World.

Certain words have also become redundant. Words like “credit.” Increasingly, you are required to pay on the spot for what you want, or go without.

Our picture speaks volumes on the subject: a Jounen Kweyol vendor perched on a chair of bamboo while staying in touch with modern reality via her tablet. Is she reading the latest on ISIS? On Kenny Anthony’s pre-election promises? The weather? Or is she checking on activities once associated only with red-light district activities?

We have no way of knowing. On the other hand, the message on her plastic bucket couldn’t be clearer, even though we are left to wonder what precisely is the commodity she’s offering only to buyers with hard cash!