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Description
First, I didnt catch his name, so unprofessional of me, but anyway, let's call him Shellman.

I was making pictures of the waterscape in the area, and I saw Shellman walkin in the water, coming to shore with a big bag. Once on shore, I approached him and greeted him, asked him what's in the bag. He smiled and showed me alot of Conch Shells, about 6 or 8 in various sizes. He took them all out and start giving me his story.

Shellman has lots of problems to deal with, and beside his regular job that doesnt support him well, he harvests Conch for its meat and sell them to local restaurants. He agreed that it isn't the best job there is, that it doesnt bring much but he rather do this than resorting to crime. That is a central issue on the island, where it is believed the ones bearing many hardships commit crimes, however I believe this isn't completely true. I think the youth are spoilt, where they don't want to do a hard job, have no education so instead they commit crimes. That's why I admired Shellman, he looks and finds a way to make end meets. He even added a bottle near the shore, decorated with many empty conch shells hoping for any donations from passing tourists.

Shellman explained me the basics of extracting the meat from the shell. First with a knife he makes a small opening on the tip of the shell. He then proceeds with a knife and thrusts it in the hole, trying to cut the conch muscles that is attached to the shell. They do it this way, so minimal damage is done to the shell, and sell the shell to tourists. He usually fetches 10 bucks for a real nice example. Shellman asked me if I wanted a shell, I said sure why not and I was about to pay him (cheaper price for locals ) but he wouldn't accept my money. I tried to push, but I let it go because I understood he is a proud man and he appreciated that I heard his story.
This is why I love St. Maarten, I could just start a healthy conversation with locals...even the crazy ones won't stop talking to me!

Description
First, I didnt catch his name, so unprofessional of me, but anyway, let's call him Shellman.

I was making pictures of the waterscape in the area, and I saw Shellman walkin in the water, coming to shore with a big bag. Once on shore, I approached him and greeted him, asked him what's in the bag. He smiled and showed me alot of Conch Shells, about 6 or 8 in various sizes. He took them all out and start giving me his story.

Shellman has lots of problems to deal with, and beside his regular job that doesnt support him well, he harvests Conch for its meat and sell them to local restaurants. He agreed that it isn't the best job there is, that it doesnt bring much but he rather do this than resorting to crime. That is a central issue on the island, where it is believed the ones bearing many hardships commit crimes, however I believe this isn't completely true. I think the youth are spoilt, where they don't want to do a hard job, have no education so instead they commit crimes. That's why I admired Shellman, he looks and finds a way to make end meets. He even added a bottle near the shore, decorated with many empty conch shells hoping for any donations from passing tourists.

Shellman explained me the basics of extracting the meat from the shell. First with a knife he makes a small opening on the tip of the shell. He then proceeds with a knife and thrusts it in the hole, trying to cut the conch muscles that is attached to the shell. They do it this way, so minimal damage is done to the shell, and sell the shell to tourists. He usually fetches 10 bucks for a real nice example. Shellman asked me if I wanted a shell, I said sure why not and I was about to pay him (cheaper price for locals ) but he wouldn't accept my money. I tried to push, but I let it go because I understood he is a proud man and he appreciated that I heard his story.
This is why I love St. Maarten, I could just start a healthy conversation with locals...even the crazy ones won't stop talking to me!