A bad case of mistaken identity!!
Young woman embarrassed because of her name

By Stanford Conway
Editor-in-Chief-SKNVibes.com

MISTAKEN IDENTITY: Sherani James-Paige

BASSETERRE, St. Kitts – TRADITIONALLY, many parents seek to name their children after a famous person; be he or she a world-acclaimed sports personality, actor/actress or singer. The name, however, would have only been the Christian aspect, and if the surname were included, it would be used as the children’s middle name.

But when two or more persons bear the same Christian name and surname and may reside in the same country, one or more of them may be blamed for acts committed by the other, especially if there is no accompanying description with the name.

A case in point is the name Sherani James; the name allegedly given to two women who reside on St. Kitts. According to Sherani James, who has added Paige to her surname, there is another woman who bears the same name and a number of incidents have occurred, which had caused her a great deal of embarrassment and trauma.

Sherani James-Paige is currently undergoing studies in St. Lucia to gain her degree in Business Management. She is originally from Neverson Street, East Basseterre but had moved to 144 Carifesta Village, St. Peters.

James-Paige told SKNVibes that she first realised someone had the same name like hers some 12 years ago while she was employed at the Jack Tar Village.

“About 12 years ago, while I was seated at my desk at the Jack Tar Village, two officers walked in around 7:00 p.m. and asked if I were Sherani James. I replied in the affirmative and they said that they came to warn me because some lady was complaining that I am constantly cursing and harassing her.

“I was flabbergasted at the accusation and immediately told the cops that I am a very friendly person and would never do that to anyone. They did not believe me and said if I continued they would have the individual take action. I was beside myself with worry, especially since I had no idea what they were talking about.”

The mother of one said the second incident occurred one year later while seated at the same desk in Frigate. “About one year later I was sitting at my desk at the same hotel and two officers walked in and asked for Sherani James.

They were directed to my desk and said neighbors complained that I left my baby in the house and had gone to work. I thought they were joking, as I did not have a child.~~Adz:Right~~

At that time I was dating a guy at work and he told the officers that I did not have a child.  My friend, Tracy Thompson, also told them that I did not have a child. The officer said that there was another girl called Sherani James and when they went to her she said it was not her but me.”

James-Paige declared that she again got her name cleared but there was a recurrence a few years after: “I was sitting at home putting up my Christmas tree when I received a call from a lady who asked to speak with Sherani. I identified myself and the lady proceeded to threaten me about having me prosecuted if I did not pay for the clothes I took from her store.

I told the lady that I travel regularly and I hardly shop at home. I also told her that there was apparently someone else with my name who has been causing me some trouble, and she said she would check it out. I never heard from the lady again.”

The third incident occurred when she was employed at the Ocean Terrace Inn. She explained that while at work, a Marshall Bailiff went up to her and asked for Sherani.

“I thought for sure it was new business and I welcomed him into my office. After he sat down he told me that I had to remove my clothes and furniture from a specific property because I did not pay the bill. I was astonished! I told him that I live in my grandparents’ house and that we own the property.

I proceeded to tell him about the other incident that took place years before and he found it hilarious. He recommended that I change my name and finally said okay…I know exactly who it is now and he left.”

The young woman said the embarrassments ceased for some time and was replaced with a death message that had her extremely worried. “Earlier this year, I moved to St. Lucia to complete a degree in Business Management.

One day, whilst I was preparing for class, I got a phone call from a friend saying that she was so sorry to hear that my mom died and wanted to know when she would have been buried.

“I was devastated. The calls were pouring in with the condolences. I called my sister to ask if she heard anything and she said no. Finally, I called my mother and she was fine. Thank God.”

James-Paige’s final embarrassment was recently experienced when she brought her son back to St. Kitts after a part of his summer vacation with her in St. Lucia.

She explained that she was at the court in Basseterre on business pertaining to her property, and on completion and while outside she was approached by a lady who said, “Girl they calling your name all morning”.

“I said you must be mistaken. I do not have a case. However, on the following day, as I was sitting in my lawyer’s office, she said, ‘I know this is not like you but I have to ask, do you owe anyone?’ I said no! She said, ‘Well, because a case was called up for you saying that you owe some money.’

I assured her it was not me and I left the island the following day to complete my courses,” James-Paige further explained.
She told this media house that she has had enough and “this mistaken identity has caused me a lot of grief and embarrassment. It has to stop! I try never to get in trouble with the law.

My dad was a police for the last 38 years and he just retired. My uncle was the Fire Chief and he too recently retired. I am the mother of a young boy and I try to do the right thing for him.

I am a law abiding citizen and I do not wish to be punished for the sins of another. The public must know the truth. This is a bad case of mistaken identity”!