Harassment from Guinean police and military personnel's for 'Carte' meaning paper or documents when all they are looking for is money. Fighting with drivers and passengers for money at the Gbalamuya border post got so tense that morning as we drove through. This time I was in a tight spot -- for carrying a (NHA) press ID, Media vest and worst of it all, a camera!!! A big fight to stop them from grabbing my camera. They wanted the film out so I took the lens off and then the battery. I then placed rest of camera in my vest and quickly took the media stick out, hidden. Thanks to a Sierra Leonean military man who asked them to leave me alone when they found out that there wasn't media stick in it. (They damaged the rubber of the camera searching for film, they didn't understand the concept of digital camera)
As a Camera man, Media or whatever you may call it, there is this art of picture taking as you go about doing your stuffs. This is part of my job as I work with people. Sometimes it is very heart breaking to take pictures of rough kids and poor scenery when there is not enough to give to all, but I think it is good to show the world some of these stuffs. In the midst of it all, you are sometimes faced with smiles and most times trouble especially with security personnel. The trip to give Pa Barrie our last respect here on earth was no exception.
It was very difficult to say the least, but so it was and I am happy to be back home at St. Laurence house. Thanks for your prayers. - James
