Dear John Crow Tavern, Don’t Assume It Is Alright To Keep My Change

I’m rather appalled by the unprofessional manner in which many persons go about conducting business in Jamaica. Over the Heroes holiday weekend, I visited John Crow’s Tavern – a popular eatery on Main Street in Ocho Rios. While there, I ordered a mango daiquiri which happened to be the most distasteful and poorly presented daiquiri I have seen and tasted.

After consuming the beverage, I asked the waiter for the bill which was presented to me within seconds after making the request. I gave him a $1000 note to cover my total of $938 and he returned with a $50 note. Minutes passed and when it appeared as if he had forgotten me, I beckoned to him indicating that I didn’t receive all my change.  At this point, I thought he would have apologized for forgetting. However, his insolent response was “thru we run outta silver, yuh just haffi guh tek di fifty dollar”.

Not amused, I began explaining to him that his approach to the situation was wrong. While it is fine to be out of coins, it should be explained to the customer rather than assuming it is okay to shortchange them. Feeling himself too big to be corrected, the waiter had the audacity to start an argument. Upon seeing his manager, he quickly provided me with a $100 note in an attempt to end the heated discussion. Upset and exhausted, I simply left and vowed never to return.

The management team at John Crow’s Tavern needs to conduct a professional training seminar for their staff. How can you assume that it is alright to keep my change then start an argument when I ask for it?