My name is Aneil Hamid and I manage a South Chinese restaurant.
I have a Muslim background, more or less. I don't practise Islam. I'm a Pentecostal.
My first name is not Hindu, it's Muslim. It's A-n-i-E-l. It's pronounced, "Ah-neel," not "Ah-nil." People pronounce it wrong all my life but I don't mind.
I went to mosque with my Dad when I was younger. Up to about age ten. He passed away a couple years ago but my Mom is still around.
It's just three brothers and myself. I'm the last. I'm spoilt for sure. My brothers didn't really have a problem with it.
I went to Cunupia Government Primary. I moved to Caparo around age 12 when my parents got divorced.
I kept a good relationship with my Dad until he got sick. He was more strict with my brothers but I was the one he spoil a little bit more.
I went to Chaguanas Junior Secondary and Chaguanas Senior Comprehensive. I never felt threatened because I was security-conscious from way back then. If I see trouble in that direction, I go the opposite. I don't like to get into conflict or arguments.
I didn't really do any activities at school. Just stick to the books. I would say I was a good student and my grades would more or less say so, too.
University wasn't an option for me. Straight out of school, I got a job. I've been working in the food business ever since.
I love to watch movies. I prefer the new cinemas to the old-fashioned ones. Back then, most people never adhere to the rules. A lot of illegal substance smoking going on. The environment wasn't comfortable. So you tend to hold back. Now, it's more controlled so you could actually relax and take in the movie. It costs more but it's worth it for me, personally, because security is my priority. And comfort.
Money can split up a friendship. Yes, it could!
If I have something to tell someone, it's a lot easier to say on the phone or on the computer rather than face-to-face. Easier to send a text. I'm not sure it's the right thing to do, but that's how I am. I never broke up with anybody by text, though. On the phone, yeah, speaking verbally, but not by text.
I got married in 2003. And got divorced in 2005. We're friendly now. We didn't have children. I'm still recovering but it's getting there.
If the Bible says the Earth is 6,000 years old, that's what it is. Even if there is overwhelming scientific evidence that the Earth is billions of years old. The scientists probably need to do some more calculations to correspond with what the Bible says. I believe the Bible says one day is like a thousand in God's checking. So they probably need to look into that. I not sure how they going to arrive at an accurate figure.
In church, there're a lot of young people. There're young people in clubs, too, but I'm in an industry where I'm surrounded by alcohol and cigarettes all the time. It's not something I would associate myself with voluntarily. I might go a year without having a drink. I could lime with a malta. And there's no one could persuade me otherwise.
You might look at someone and think, "Your job ain't important." But everyone is important. Be your brother's keeper.
If I had a computer in my room, I would not sleep. I'd be on that computer whole night.
I could hold my own in the kitchen. Being around food for so many years, if I can't cook, it's a big shame.
I started in the food industry at basic level: cleaner, waiter, waterer. In a matter of no time, I find myself moving up. In two-three months, people asking me questions like, "What should we do with this? Where should this go?" Organising things came naturally to me. Even as a little boy.
I've managed several restaurants before but this is the first South Chinese cuisine restaurant I've run.
I try to make customers as comfortable as possible. I maintain good standards. I do some ordering and purchasing. Stock checking and balancing.
I like South Chinese food. But I would choose sada roti and fried potato any day over anything.
Managing a Southern Chinese restaurant is different from all others. They cook differently. Their food, taste, spices and herbs are different. It's not like the regular Chinese you'd go 'round the corner and buy.
It's difficult, at times, getting to know how, exactly, certain things is prepared. Most of the people I work with don't speak English. So I have to figure it out on my own.
Always you have new people coming in and most of them would look at the menu and frown their face. You have to be able to tell them, off the bat, how the item is prepared and served.
The best thing about my job is, I am free. Some jobs, you tied to a desk or under the constant watch of someone over you.
I wouldn't say there's a bad side to my job at all. Even the language gap is just a matter of adapting and getting your points across. I haven't learned any Chinese yet. Not even cuss words. I don't think they'd teach me those words, in case they get angry and want to cuss me. I don't think they'd want me to know the words.
A Trini is someone who can adapt to any circumstance. Someone who doesn't discriminate or judge. Someone who can live amongst each other in harmony.
Trinidad and Tobago is the land of opportunity. When one door close, another one open up right away.
Read a longer version of this feature at www.BCRaw.com