Ah-ma Fallen Ill

Ahma was ill in Ang Moh Kio, meaning a good deal of added work now for Vashti. Ma'am away on assignment in Europe; before that it was South Africa. Winnie was away in Canada recently. (It was uncertain whether she was returned.) Either way Ma'am and her sister could be assured their mother was in good hands. Early morning ahma needed to be taken to the doctor; after that the two kids to school. Usually ahma took the kids to school and picked them up, a pleasurable daily routine. The last few days she had been unable and Vashti deputised. Sir was away in Macau, where he has been based a number of years, returning for NY and recently for his birthday. Few in Macau to celebrate with most likely.) The family arrangement was not unusual in Singapore. There were many business opportunities in the region; many jobs in the admin. sectors at home. Cheap domestic helpers from Indonesia, Philippines, Myanmar and the rest numbered about 200,000 in the country. (Around five percent of the population.) Next year employers would need to pay a minimum salary of $450 per month and provide one free rest day weekly. 

Concern had been raised by the new regulations, the Letters section of the newspaper attracting much comment on the issue. Maids falling to their deaths from heights cleaning windows and hanging out washing had been another contentious matter. (Running at two per month at the time.) In order to address the problem a new law passed on window cleaning and washing hanging from anything above the first storey: employers would be required in attendance. Much consternation evident at the impracticalities. In the earlier debate there had been comments on the impossibility of safeguarding maids with limited education and comprehension.

On her return from Canada Winnie had told Vashti she had missed her. It seemed more than politeness. Gifts came from Winnie to Vashti; the woman had become attached to the maid. Vashti joked, You didn't miss your mother or sister, but you missed me!... 

Often children were more attached to their maids than to their mothers and fathers. A well-known phenomenon and unsurprising. All for well under four hundred a month for many years past.

Telling of ahma's illness, Vash explained her added duties. No complaints, just very busy. Helping ahma and the young children Vashti explained helped her feel closer to her own mother and child back in Java.