Leadership - Things to Think About

Being exposed to different experiences gives us the opportunity to interact with different people, learn about ourselves and use our talents in new ways. I enjoy a challenge when it comes to a task; however, the people element is always the most ticklish. I have been to a recent training about leadership which gave some insight on group dynamics and group roles. I actually prefer to work solo because I can hold me accountable. Working in groups is challenging because everyone does not carry out their tasks. People tend to criticize and complain, but offer no help. Some persons are there just for the show.

When you are put to lead, you become the person who has to make the decisions and of course, have all the answers. Everyone demands to be heard, and expects the leader to make it all work, despite the challenges. When things go wrong, this gets tenser and can lead to conflict. All conflict is not bad because it can stimulate new thinking and needed change. This thought continues to run in my mind: “If someone volunteers to assist in a group, can you ask them to leave the group?”

If you are chosen, thrown into or you ask for leadership, be ready to push, make decisions and take the criticism. Use the resources that you have to make things comes together, including family and friends. Be sure to show appreciation to those who assist in any way. Please don’t dwell on the mishaps. Learn from them and use them to improve. It’s okay to feel bad or a little down if all does not go well. Bounce back and come stronger. Don’t hesitate to pause, reset and try again.

The BVI Mourns for Hon. Ralph T. O'Neal

December 15, 1933 – November 11, 2019

Every nation has it nation builders and/or leaders who inspire, shape and lead the country. In the BVI, one such person is Hon. Ralph T. O'Neal, who passed away on November 11, 2019. He was the Ninth District Representative, which covers Virgin Gorda and Anegada, for almost fort (40) years. He served as Chief Minister and as the territory's first Premier, and was Leader of the Opposition three times. Hon. O'Neal had a wealth of knowledge and was party to many developments which the territory benefits from today. 

My first communication with Hon. O'Neal was when I needed a government service. I was very young and I remember being surprised at how quickly he responded, as Minister for the subject, to my request. Since then, I have never worked with him or had to communicate with him directly. The only time I really interacted with him was at an event and at that moment, I considered him a gentle giant. At that moment, he reminded me of Hon. Reeial George, who had passed on October 21, 2013. Kind, professional, generous, dedicated and polite were the words that came to mind. I had the pleasure of working with Hon. George for a few months and I can attest to his pleasant personality.

Leaders such as Hon. O'Neal and Hon. George leave a legacy that many of us can only aspire to reach. These men and many other nation builders dedicate their lives to serve the people - during the good and the bad. They had vision and charisma, which are great characteristics for a politician. However, I think these stalwarts went far beyond the politics and vested their lives into nation building and developing our people. I think that Hon. O'Neal being elected as Ninth District Representative for almost 40 years speaks for itself. 

I can only encourage the upcoming leaders to always remember their followers and to ensure that the people are always placed first in every decision. We have come a long way in the territory and it will take more people like Hon. Hamilton Lavity Stoutt, Hon. Cyril B. Romney, Mr. Noel Lloyd, Hon. Ralph T. O'Neal, Mr. Lindey deCastro, Hon. Reeial George and others to take us to the next phase, next level, next challenge and next development.

I offer my sincere condolences to the family of Hon. Ralph T. O'Neal and pray that they are comforted at this tough time. May his soul rest in peace.

Jovan Cline Inspires Us with the 'Something On My Mind' Project

Something On My Mind (SOMM) is Jovan Cline's most recent musical project and he is using his talents to inspire, encourage and deliver a positive message. This new music displays Jovan's multiple talents as a rapper, singer and lyricist. Other rising stars, NJAR and TravP, are featured on SOMM.

Jovan shared that Something On My Mind just started off as a 'cool idea'. He expressed that "I love rap, always have. Rap allows a type of pure expression that’s rare to its culture. I love to make and sing gospel worship music, but this time around I wanted to create something that was more down to earth. Rap, for me, is the most relatable form of music. I searched on YouTube for some beats and one by one I started to collect beats and write. Originally I only intended to do a few verses and chorus, getting as many features from as Virgin Islands artist that I could contact... but things didn’t line up that way."

In relation to the collaborations, he spoke positively of being able to work with other up and coming artistes. "I was blessed enough to get NJAR and TravP confirmed on songs. A big turning point of the whole project happened during the production of “Change” with NJAR. He called me one day and really opened my eyes to how big the SOMM project could be and what I should be reaching for. That guy is very inspirational. So from that conversation with NJAR my mind took off." After the conversation with NJAR, Jovan continued to become engulfed in the project and added three additional songs. 

Jovan will be conducting a community survey; additionally, a new song is in the making, which is intended to be the Virgin Island’s equivalent of the famous song “We Are The World”, called “VI United”. Jovan shared, "I’m working with so much talented people and I’m loving it. The SOMM mixtape is intended to connect with listeners on a relatable level, to promote self-awareness and true expression of different emotions, thoughts and messages." He added that the survey is aimed to take an account of the opinions and attention of the BVI’s general public in reference to the country’s development and culture. 

Therefore, “VI United”, is being developed to spread a message of unity across the Virgin Islands and as a call to action for us to be our brother's keeper. According to Jovan, "I’m loving the Something On My Mind project and I hope viewers and listeners not only enjoy but find things about it that put positive and purposeful things on their minds."

Songs on the Mixtape include:

• "Smiled On Me": Lyrics include "Every day's a challenge, this life's a maze, I'm steadily contemplating what's to come and what still is, like am I too late to come up after my mistakes, stop feeling useless, make change with my two cents".
• "Missing You" featuring TravP: Part of the hook is "never thought I'd ever see a day so long, never thought I'd never know what to do, never thought that I'd ever start missing you".
• "Moving": On this song, Jovan showcases his ability to rap. It's a 'must listen to' song.
• "Something On My Mind": This track reflects immense poetic talent and flow. There is definitely a lot on Jovan's mind.
• "Change" featuring NJAR: This song has a Common or Mos Def type of feel and flow. Jovan and NJAR definitely inspire you to want to change and grow with this track.
• "Praying": "Can you hear me now, send help I'm down, can't find my crown, do you see my tears, do you hear my prayers, tell me are you still there" are just a snippet of the lyrics.

Something On My Mind exudes positive energy, inspiring messages and versatility. Visit Jovan's SoundCloud page for the songs listed above and more of his music. 

Reading is Fun Week 2019 Book Parade and Book Fair

Today was an exciting day in the Virgin Islands as we celebrated reading in the our territory. I participated in our Book Parade today and it was a joy being part of the activities.  Students from various schools participated including Joyce Samuel Primary, Ebenezer Thomas Primary, Elmore Stoutt High School, Enid Scatliffe Pre-Primary School, Pelican Gate School, Willard Wheatley Primary, Francis Lettsome Primary and many others. The Parade started at the Festival Grounds and ended at the Central Administration Complex.

Authors represented included Dr. Richard Georges, Rick Grant, Peggy Clyne, Reuben Vanterpool, Verna Penn-Moll, Patricia Turnbull, Michael Anthony, Donald DeCastro, Ethlyn Rymer, Maureen Peters, Norma Benjamin. Grant, Georges and Vanterpool were able to present a short synopsis of their books to the audience.

Book vendors were also on site showcasing their books. Beacon Bible Bookstore and Karyn's Place sold various children's and other books.

Read, encourage others to read and share the importance of reading.

Poem: Bedazzled

Sometimes I think my brain needs
to be bedazzled
because I have so many thoughts
happening at the same time.
I look at possibilities, eventualities,
prophesies and policies,
but I have the answer to none.
And while I think about
what I could have done,
tomorrow is in my face.
So I continue
my hamster wheel race,
trying to keep in pace
while my shoe laces
become un-draped.
My ankles are scraped
and my sleep has been raped,
because I cannot escape
this cycle which I
do not know the fate,
I pretend to have faith,
and I say I'll wait by the gate
but I may as well
buy skates, and run away,
since I have so much to say
and my brain won't
let me get away.
Then all I have to say is
my brain's bedazzled anyway.
So I have to get
it together
despite the weather,
and my personal thoughts.

©  Linette Rabsatt
Ribbon 

POEM: Music Love

This is No Ordinary Love
because it's Never Too Much
we Keep It 100
because I can't deal
with Missing You
and it's true because
We're just Ordinary People
and I love The Way You Move
You keep it Skankin Sweet
and no matter how I get upset
I have no regrets in Loving You
and the Truth Is
that Every Little Thing I Do,
you're on my mind
You're like my Supersonic...
The one I count on
and this is not Forbidden Love
because Everybody Knows
that whether or not
they approve does not dictate
the way this love grows
and that's just
The Way Love Goes

Thank you to Sade, Luther Vandross, TeeJay, Case, John Legend, Outkast, Chronixx, Minnie Riperton, Fantasia, Third World and Janet Jackson for their inspiring music, which further informed this poem.

© Linette Rabsatt
ribbon

The Hair Story

Ten years ago, I wrote a post on Facebook about black people not liking their natural hair. I said it based on what people said to me. I also said it because weave and braid sales remain high. I still see those perceptions and thought processes in how we treat our daughters' hair when they reach a certain age. This post is not about who is wrong or right. I know what chemicals did to my hair. Others have processed their hair for years, and they are fine. My advice is always to do what works for you.

Paraphrase of things people have said:

1. Friend: Why are you wearing your hair like that?
The same friend grew locks eventually.

2. Family member: Don't wear your hair like that.
Wearing hair like me now.

3. A Role Model: You need to change your hairstyle.
Switches between perm and natural from time to time.

4. Schools children to a child: When are you going to get braids or weave?
What?

I always say that our race is the one that has the worst thoughts about us. Somehow, we despise our kinky hair, dark skin, and buffness. I don't know why and have realized that this mindset may never change. Does it make any of us less than the others? No. It only becomes a problem when you try to debase another person because of how they look - something our race has been through at the hands of others.

So what's my point? Be the best you - comfortable in your skin, loving your hair, face, and body - just how you prefer.