Short Prayer

Dear Lord,

Thank you for all your continuous blessings. We praise your name and exalt you for all that you have done for us. We pray for your mercy upon us and our families. We plead for your comfort for those are grieving, empty, broke, broken, addicted and depressed. We seek your divine intervention in the leadership of this territory. We pray that our actions may be pleasing to you and that we would be good stewards and shepherds to your flock. We seek this in Jesus' name.

AMEN

POEM - I love You

I Love you
for the things you do
are cool
your loving is
very smooth
You know how
to take it up a notch
and how to
hit the spot
let's hook up
live and direct
sit back
and on life reflect
cause I love you
cause you're so cool

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My NEUTRAL Comments on Elections

I posted this on Facebook and think it pertinent to blog it. My question to the voters is:

Have the FIVE persons who you voted for in 2007:
1. Helped just you?
2. Aided just a few?
3. Facilitated a selected crew?
4. Pushed for community initiatives for me, she, he, them, us and you?
 
If your answer is any other than number 4, then you need to think carefully when making your choice on November 7!

There are many parties with different vision and manifestos but you have to weigh your FIVE votes carefully. They are all saying that you should go with one party all the way. However, I think you should vote with your heart and your conscience. If you have an ill feelings towards any candidate, you have to evaluate why you feel that way and evaluate the opponents and make that choice.

Don't let anyone influence you in the way they feel you should go. Pray and go to the polls with your BVI on your mind.

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God is My Liberator, My People's Man, My Rising Sun and My Winner

Only God provides opportunities for all. Only Jesus is the rising sun. Only with God can we truly win. However, somehow man seems to want to make the claims that he can do it all. We can do nothing without God in our midst. God is the propeller, the energy and the motivation.

During these political times, even the prayers are slanted. Truly all I want is good visionary leadership. I want to see the problems addressed. I want to see the education move from passing and promoting to seasoning the youths for future leadership. I want to see the hospital completed running. I need to see the needs of the special needs, abused, elderly, the  mentally challenged and the addicted addressed more seriously. I want the mode of agriculture to be changed and the farmers mobilized. I need to see greater accountability in the use of government funds. My list can go on and on but these are some that stand out.

Only with God's guidance, we can move forward as a country in strength and unity.

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POEM: It's Election Time

It's election time
and we are hearing all kinds of rhymes
unfortunately it's a lot of negative
but no true visionary perspective
it's a lot of calling names
and a lot of throwing blame
but that's not what we need
we need good people from a strong breed
to take our country to another level
and take out corruption with a big chisel
people with a national plan
who will make good use of our resources and land
people who will improve our infrastructure
leaders who believe in BVI culture
we need to focus on our education
not just the total figure at graduation
cause if the graduates can't read or write
then this country is truly in a plight
I remember we used to talk about 100% literacy
but now it seems to be 100% hypocrisy
we need to move forward from this trend
we need to take corruption to an end
let's look at the tourism sector
without solid infrastructure it can't get better
don't be fooled by the gimmicks and envelopes
these tactics are what make the country broke
pollution and crime are some of our problems
and the whole country has to be called to solve them
we are the ones who make up the community
but we have not been living in solidarity
we have to take our country by the helm
this is our BVI - it's our gem
so let's not take our future for granted
and hang with the lines of the corrupt and slanted
let's get our minds right and vote with our hearts
this is our BVI  so let's do our part

© Linette Rabsatt

Loving My Reggae

If I was serious about being a reggae artist, I would be an artist who sing all kinds of music with a reggae flavor. I would want to be inspiring like Tarrus Riley, international like Sean Paul, legendary like Bob Marley, frank like Lady Saw and Tanya Stephens and sexy like Alaine. I would want to be powerful and VI representing like Pressure and Niyorah. I would still want to be edgy like Sizzla, Capelton, Beenie Man and Elephant man while being raw like Demarco. I would want to be entertaining like Jah Cure and Richie Spice and have qualities of all the artists I respect.

I am definitely the karaoke and house singer. I love reggae and I'll sing-a-long but that's it. I love ShineI, Ritical, Imo and the other BVI reggae artists who are coming strong lyrically and performance wise. They have the full talents to pursue music as a career. They are truly inspiring and know how to give good positive energy in their performances.

Reggae is a great artform because the music can make you cry, sing, love, dance, make wars or make babies. I think reggae will always be my favorite artform because it is so versatile. The only thing I would say is that gospel reggae sometimes tends to lean more dancehall reggae and I think gospel should keep that mellow flow. You want the non-christians to hear the gospel without hearing others secular songs popping in their heads.

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In Awe of Plagiarizers

I can never understand the audacity of people who steal other’s work. It is one thing on a job when the co-worker takes credit for your ideas. However, when someone has the gall to steal an article that you have worked so hard on, it is a hurtful feeling. More and more I realize that there are people who are just looking for the easy way out. Sometimes, an article is barely published for five days and it’s already scraped.

I have had an editor threaten to take down my article because some thief republished it. I have written and fought with every person who has stolen my articles. They don’t think about the music you have to listen or the song lyrics you have to write out to complete an article. I’ve watched whole television shows while being tired and read boring subjects just to get an article completed.

Plagiarism is also a problem in schools and universities because the students are willing to pay for a paper. Can you imagine your doctor or lawyer or senator being plagiarizing a paper while they were studying? You’d have to hope that the paper was not in their subject area.
We can only hope that people would do the right thing. Copyright infringement is stealing and it is very unfair. No one has the right to take your hard work and represent it as t

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Be Mindful of Others

I want to say that I have guts, confidence, vim and energy. But some days, that intestinal fortitude is hard to find. It could be because there's a tough decision to make or there's a tough person that will be affected.

You have to feel comfortable and good with yourself. I have worked with people who prefer not to share their feelings with the affected person - but yet they tell everyone else. It's a funny situation to be in but as you learn people, you learn to stay out of their way. You can also sense when there's a funny vibe coming from people. As cliche as it might sound, read between the lines and give them their space.

Giving someone their space might be one of those tough decisions but if it must be done, do so. Still maintain basic communication and manners but most of all be mindful of others.

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POEM: My Grandfather

My grandfather

I can proudly say that my grandfather was a great man:
He was a hardworking and talented a craftsman
He never spoke ill-will and had a giving spirit
and his loving his smile would always give me a lift
He always gave me an encouraging and positive word
Some of these words have helped me in this world
I never had to look too far for a role model
because my grandpa had values that were solid
He showed me that I should be purpose driven
but not to forget about God while I’m living
he encouraged me to get an education
because life was not meant to be just a vacation
these values I can now teach his great-grandchildren
and give back some of the love that I have been given

Rest In Peace, Grandpa! We love you!

Linette Rabsatt and Anthony Jr. & Anjanique

Crime Around Us

There are a lot of things that we can not explain. We will never know the answers and no matter how long we consider the scenario, we still won't understand. Crime is one of those things we won't understand. While, I may say that I have immunity to committing a crime, I can still be accused of wrongdoing. Every person has the right to supply a defence for themselves in court. Sometimes, he or she may be guilty but a good defence attorney can poke holes in the prosecution's case.

I don't know if anyone intentionally starts off wanting to be a crook or a criminal but I guess the situation may present itself when a dire need arises. We are not the judge and jury and while we may feel embarrasment and shame, we must remember that every one has their day in the wilderness with the devil.

We should not condone criminsl activity but we need to be empathetic to our fellow man. There is so much corruption, greed and lust in the world today and it is hard to stay on the right track. However, staying on the right track is the best decision.

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The Earth has lost a Role Model but Heaven has gained an Angel

My grandfather, Joseph Blyden, was a good man. He was a hard worker and had a giving spirit. He had a strong will and loved to share positive values. I think his life is a great example for me to follow. He was well-respected and dedicated to his family. A very mild-mannered man with handsome features describes my granfather's outer features. What truly entreated you was his kind heart and peaceful spirit.

He is someone that I only have positive memories of. The memories may not be many but for what I can remember, it has always been a great experience being in his presence. He died on Sunday, October 16 after a long illness. May he rest in peace.

Linette
(One of the few times I sign my name)

Food Prices, Crisis and Keeping My Home Stable

FAO choose a correct theme for World Food Day 2011. The theme is "Food Prices - From Crisis to Stability." However, unless a country is producing enough food to ensure its food security, the prices will be primarily subject to external factors. We, the consumers, are hardest hit when climate change, oil wars, invasions, economic downturns and the like increase the cost of food.

We also have to make better choices and by this I mean healthier choices. The first cry becomes healthier means more expensive. One of the Health Care Advocates who visited our PTA meeting reminded us that eating well today saves on medical bills in the future.

I look at fast food and compared it to the healthier choices. If I can get three apples or oranges for $1.00 then that's only $0.33 for each apple. A bag of cheetos is more than $0.50. One store has ripe bananas for $0.79 per pound. One banana does not weigh one pound and it may only weigh a quarter of a pound. My only problem with bananas is that my children will squash them in the bags but I can always cut them up.

I love shrimp but shrimp is not a necessity. Salmon can be considered a need because it is an excellent source of protein. However, you have to shop within your budget to try to get ahead. Things like ketchup, sugar etc, the staples, can be sought through comparison shopping for the best deal.

I learned that if I want my nice fresh produce to be used and not wasted, I need to turn it into fast food. I do not mean by frying! I take the grapes off the stems, wash them and store in a zipper bag. I cut up my lettuce and store the same way. I try my best to season my fish and meats immediately and store in the same matter.

I think more people need to try the green thumb method. Plant some herbs, tea bush, peppers or tomatoes to save and to also eat healthy.

We have to find ways to keep healthy while still saving and enjoying life!

 I have registered for Blog Action Day 2011. Join me in the global discussion about Food. http://bit.ly/BAD11

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FAO Celebrates World Food Day on October 16

The Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO) observes World Food Day annually on October 16 to encourage attention to agriculture and to world hunger.

The Food and Agricultural Organization of the United Nations (FAO) celebrates World Food Day annually on October 16. As October 16 marks the anniversary of FAO, this day remains significant in the promotion of food and agriculture in the growing world. In November 1979, FAO at its Twentieth General Conference established World Food Day and this day has been celebrated ever since. With over 180 member countries in FAO, this commemoration has spread globally from the United Kingdom to the United States of America to the Caribbean among other countries.

World Food Day Celebrates Agriculture

World Food Day is celebrated not only to promote literal food but to promote agriculture, food security and to raise the awareness of hunger and poverty in the world. According to FAO, the most significant objective is to "encourage attention to agricultural food production and to stimulate national, bilateral, multilateral and non-governmental efforts to this end." This means that agriculture must be a central focus on all levels of leadership both in the private and public sectors locally and globally. According to FAO, two other key objectives for observing World Food Day are to "heighten public awareness of the problem of hunger in the world" and to "strengthen international and national solidarity in the struggle against hunger, malnutrition and poverty and draw attention to achievements in food and agricultural development."

According to FAO, there are almost one billion people in the world who suffer from chronic hunger. FAO states that "people who are chronically hungry are undernourished (and) don't eat enough to get the energy they need to lead active lives." While some people may feel that the prevalence of hunger may be low in their country, it is important to understand that the hunger FAO refers to is not only the lack of food but the lack of enough nutritional food in the diet to get a person through their normal day.

World Food Day is Observed Worldwide

Other significant objectives of World Food Day are to "encourage economic and technical cooperation among developing countries" and to "promote the transfer of technologies to the developing world." With FAO having its presence globally and with Governments worldwide having to reduce spending, feeding the world's population is a global problem. There are countries that rely heavily on the importation of their food and while they may thrive financially, their inability to feed themselves is a major concern. What happens when climate change or economic slumps affect the food supply? As these factors affect the number of persons who are chronically hungry globally, commemorating World Food Day brings attention and action to taking a more unified approach to reducing global hunger.

World Food Day in USA, USVI & BVI

While the USA has been observing World Food Day from the onset of the commemoration, World Food Day is becoming more significant in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) and United States Virgin Islands (USVI) where hunger is not seen on a large scale.

• USA's World Food Day: World Food Day USA encourages Americans to host activities to promote agriculture by organizing agricultural events and farmers' markets, making linkages with the schools or making donations to the needy.
• USVI Makes World Food Day Fun: In the United States Virgin Islands (USVI), the [University of the Virgin Islands (UVI)](http://www.uvi.edu) hosts World Food Day activities. In 2009, UVI sponsored the "World Food Day Youth Super Chef Competition" for junior high and senior high school students and a "Breadfruit Bonanza Cooking Competition" for the public.
• BVI Celebrates World Food Day: In the British Virgin Islands, 2009 marked the first official commemoration of this day with activities by the Department of Agriculture. The department gave donations of produce to the elderly, assisted at a local soup kitchen and held an open house for the public to learn more about agriculture.

Every participating country celebrates World Food Day at different levels. World Food Day is a significant day because it addresses the production and availability of food. According to the FAO Director-General Jacques Diouf, the number of hungry people in the world should be considered a "tragic achievement in these modern days". As World Food Day happens annually, it is hoped that on that day, people everywhere will unite towards the common goal of increasing and improving agricultural production while simultaneously reducing the number of persons who are hungry globally.

Times are hard

People, times are hard. It means that you may have to be mean or you may have to just mean well. We should cast our bread on the water but when you leave home in the morning to buy bread and bush water (tea), how can you really move forward? Can't you make breakfast for yourself at least 3 days out of the week. This is even stronger if you have a family.

I would like to see more young people invest in land as opposed to cars today. Even if your family has land, you should either seek to get a house lot at your own expense or purchase a lot or a home. This is the advice I willingly give any young person today.

The experts say that we should have 3 months living expenses saved but we can't save if we want to live like the rich and famous. It's time to think wisely and live smartly.

POEM: My God is competent

My God is competent
omnipotent
and he is the superintendent
He defies all boundaries
he is fair and never contrary
even when I act crazy
fail to act promptly
and move like I'm lazy
he is still always there for me
and he is there for all of us
but first we have to put in him
our trust
and forfeit our lusts
as he rubs off our rust
we can start afresh and anew
to show the example
of how we grew
in faith and patience
and with a renewed
consciene and confidence
YES My God is competent
all he asks you to do is repent

Copyright LINETTE RABSATT 2011

October -Domestic Violence Awareness Month

October hosts World Food Day, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, Reading is Fun Week, Fire Safety Week and a few other things in the BVI. The media is business around this time because in addition to these observances, election is on November 7, 2011. The media is busy and making lots of money too. There are so many choices of topics to write about but some I will skirt around the issue and others I will hit on the head.

Domestic Violence is a serious offence because it affects the family. Crimes under domestic violence include rape, assault, bribery, kidnapping, murder, extortion, neglect etc. We have had several cases appearing in the headlines recently that show us that domestic violence is on the rise in our country. Charges of buggery, sexual assault, assault, attempted murder are cases that are waiting for the assizes.

We as a people no longer have that community spirit. We have become careless, covetous, rude and unruly. The family structure is no longer honored and children are allowed to rear themselves. A child rearing himself is like an unruly animal that rears up when a stranger comes near. We have many social issues that are the underlying problems to the issues we face in society - including crime, teenage pregnancy, financial woes etc.

To curb some of the negativity in our society, the approach has to be a territorywide action. Homes, schools, government, employers all will have to collaborate to teach the right values. Parents, lovers, employers all will have to learn, teach, grow and unite for the betterment of the community.

To end domestic violence, we all have to pledge to work together for the solution.

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Short Story - Melony Melody Visits the Yorkton Islands

These are exciting times. Melony Melody is here! She is going to endorse one of the candidates in this year's election. I am very excited because I've always wanted to see her perform. She comes from our neighboring Caribbean island, Caliente. She has some great songs and is quite a performer. I focus on her as an artist, so I don't think about the proposed candidate, Juan Pang.

Anyway, I already have my hair done, and my clothes are ready. I arrive on time even though everything in the Yorkton Islands starts late. I am looking forward to getting Melony Melody's autograph. I snuck backstage and found her. She was polite and seemed quite glad to talk to an islander. After all, she came from the bigger island of Caliente, so she had one set impression of politicians. We continued to chat, and she asked me about Juan. I could not say much. However, I think she may have spoken to some other islanders before she spoke to me.

I left her to get ready for the show. I sat in the audience and waited for the show to start. I should be describing the event as a political rally, but I was there to hear Melony Melody. After the formalities and official openings, Melony came on stage. She said that she was dedicating her song to the new candidate. She sang her classics "Peace & Unity" and "Deceitful Minds." Then all of a sudden, this artist turned on Juan. She said that these would be politicians are all fake, and then she said something about money missing.

"This song is for Juan Pang:
you can't keep my honey
cause you make the bees sting me
you can't have my money
no more will we allow thievery
cause we tired of them defrauding the Caribbean countries
further messing up the history
defiling we pickney
and trying to take we dignity"

I say 'well sah' this is the thing now, "lol".

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Poem: A Snippet

You'll gonna make me lose my mind up in here
But thank God for a Lord who cares
cause when I start to fret and fear
He sorts out the wheat from the tares
although they make look like a perfect pair
God know our hearts and he makes repairs
so rather than fear and scare
have faith cause God is always there!

Copyright ribbon 2011
11-11-11

 

A Key Story

Keys seem to be very important to people. Some of us relish the fact that we can control a key. It seems to be an element of power. I relish the fact that I control my words and that I can craft and shift them as I like in my blog. Any door can be broken down if the key is not released.

However, words convey every feeling that we have in this life. As much as they cause problems, words can squell a beef or express forgiveness. I forgiving people in different ways. If someone has been hinting that they want their space, I'll be glad to give it to them. The tension may be sharp but I have my headphones and can easily take a trip outside for a walk. So keys are simple just a symbol for one person but can be freedom for another. This freedom comes when access is discontinued - there is no more pressure or stress. Every thing works itself out.

Working in different jobs has helped me to read people. Most of them just want to use you for your talents. They are afraid to see you rise and are threatened when you shine. These are the people you leave with their keys. I seek to shine in many other arenas because I am not limited to just one dimension. I am like a multi-sided 3-d shape. I am hard to figure out yet I am simple to deal with.

So, don't let anybody victimize you or harass you. If you can't find a way out of a tough situation, hold the figurative keys to your mind and release the key of bondage and stress.

Net Profit
you hold the keys
but never on my knees
will I bow to you.
the actions you do
are not right
in any shade of light.
if in paradise
you can not realize
your safety and peace,
then you do need a release
and relief from tension
with no more apprehension.
just to stay away
from the smiley plays
and be true to my family
because reality
defends reciprocity
and life can only be
your own reality
accept it and defend it
true love to be your profit

 © Linette Rabsatt

Fun in Wiriting - Add Some Literary Devices

Metaphors and similies are necessary to lighten or brighten the English language. Otherwise, we would be saying that the cat looks like a feline. Doesn't it sound better to say that the cat is sly like a fox or that the cat was slow like a turtle? I guess we can even say the cloud sings or the trees howl. It just really makes the English language funny and I can add creative elements to my poetry.

We use literary devices to enhance our writing. Sometimes, people overuse common ones which can be considered cliches. I don't think I'm much of a metaphor user. I use more alliteration, rhyming, a little onomatopoeia, short lines or other techniques in my poetry. I write articles, press releases, speeched and blog entries but not much story/fiction.

I think that's a good challenge for me! I am going to experiment with fiction in short stories. Readers and followers, please be sure to leave me a comment so I can continue to improve.

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Ribbon's Thoughts on Struggling, Persevering & Living

Crisis is here. Corruption is on the rise. So why are the high officials continuing to sweep the wrongdoing under the rug? They must be corrupt too. So what's really causing the crisis? It's all about greed.

We have become to lustful of our neighbours' goods and are trying to reach much farther than we can extend. I watch others to learn from their mistakes and to get good ideas. I am too much of a simple person to dig myself that kind of trouble. There are certain things that I want but I have to refrain from getting them because I simply cannot afford it. Where I can make a sacrifice, I will but it most cases it is far beyond me. I have to seek simple solutions to pull me out of the hole so that I can climb forward.

I never want to be a disappointment and therefore I need to live within my means so noone does not have to open the newspaper to hear that I have stolen or defrauded anyone. There is a lot of funny business and apparently we need to be mindful of the friends we keep. My friends are all progressive and are seeking to do positive things. I wish to remain that way too. I can only hope that those caught in corruption will change their ways. When you acquire by illwill, it never lasts.

I have had to work hard for everything that I have. Some people feel that I don't deserve it. It is God's will and if the Lord decides that I am to move on, so be it. I know the 'wants' that I have sacrificed, the trips to Red Cross, the walking that I have done and I am happy to say that I feel blessed to have lived simply but yet enjoyed life. I am glad to share my story as well.  As I move forward with the blessings that God has given to me, I can only smile. I know trials will continue but I go in faith.

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My Broken English in a Poem

I stop wondering
cause I doing things
big and little things
I ain't pushing nobody
I just hailing
and passing with speed
cause I don't study delays
or distractions
unless is something positive
I got a higher calling
and I ain't got no time
to be bawling
I dusting off
and pushing harder
so if you ain't got
something nice to say
back off
and move out my way

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