A married couple who fled Haiti for Virginia achieved their American dream when they opened a variety market on the Eastern Shore, selling hard-to-find spices, sodas and rice to the region’s growing Haitian community.
When they added a Haitian food truck, people drove from an hour away for freshly cooked oxtail, fried plantains and marinated pork.
But Clemene Bastien and Theslet Benoir are now suing the town of Parksley, alleging that it forced their food truck to close. The couple also say a town council member cut the mobile kitchen’s water line and screamed, “Go back to your own country!”
“When we first opened, there were a lot of people” ordering food, Bastien said, speaking through an interpreter. “And the day after, there were a lot of people. And then … they started harassing us.”
Oh my gosh! No, I’ve very much enjoyed conversing with you and hearing about amicable solutions to everyday life! I just fail at posting coherently from my dying phone. One day I’ll type my password in on the laptop; off my phone doesn’t completely die first. I’m lazy af in certain ways. Most ways, tbh.
Eta: you’re welcome, and please forgive my asininity!
No worries! If my stupid past mistakes can help someone, at least something good has come off them!
Absolutely! First hand learning is one thing; second hand learning preferable! Be happy and well, friend.