Progression or Regression in Our Corner of the World

I often question how or why we have lost some values. People often blame outside influences and immigration for any change in the culture. However, we need to look more closely at ourselves. I remember growing up hearing about our 99% literacy rate. Today, I often hear about the former excellence and efficiency of the public service and certain private businesses. I even remember one time when there was a 98% passing rate for senior school students.

We have had many updates to our education system, several versions of transformation in the public service and the private sector. We established a constitution in 2007. This country flourished financially, and many people benefited by attaining higher education, land, and higher living standards.

Yet today, I remain concerned about the youths who struggle in school, the young people who may never be able to purchase land or build a home, and the parents who cannot meet their obligations. You cannot help but be concerned when we boast of a passing and literacy rate, high salaries, and bountiful real estate and financial services industries. However, a segment of the populace continues to struggle.

Where have we missed the mark? The cost of living in the territory frightens us. The minimum wage increased from $4 to $6 in October 2016. However, prices rise constantly. Land that people sold for $25K now sells for $85K. People can barely afford to buy fruits in the supermarket, and anything health-related is most unaffordable.

It seems that while we progressed as a country, we regressed as a people. The improvements and transformations made us feel like we achieved feats. I am not discounting the tremendous developments such as Social Security, technological advancements, e-services, or the community college.

However, the past and recent crimes show us that we have real issues that we must address. A review of the working population also highlights other concerns about brain drain and upskilling the local workforce. Homeownership would also be another relevant statistic that needs reviewing.

I think we have ignored less fortunate persons and persons suffering from mental health illnesses. We have introduced an insurance scheme which is not sustainable. The government pension structure is not sustainable, and we have not pushed for a national pension strategy for all workers. We have come a long way, but we have much more to reach for and address so that our country can grow sustainably for the next generation.

I am not politically driven, nor do I mean to thrash any past or present leaders. However, we must challenge ourselves to improve our situation and surroundings. We must work feverishly to ensure that we leave a legacy that our generations can maintain and improve. I challenge everyone to look at their situations and see how they can contribute to improving the BVI.

You do not have to be a national scholar or laureate to influence change. You just have to be willing to stand up, sacrifice, and speak up. Encourage positive change in your church, workplace, home, and community.

POEM: Feelings

in here or out there
it's all the same
my name
my bane
my shame
the game of life
my strife
I hurt
I curse
and I pen this verse
because that's the only way
I can say
how I feel
my real
feelings
with no ceiling
no discretion
not for impression
or in suspension
it's my dimension
how I will deal
with my shame
my bane
in here and out there

 © Linette Rabsatt 2021

BVI Book Highlight: "The Virgin Islands Dictionary" by Kareem-Nelson Hull

 

"Face Mek Up," "Goonk," "Lass Lap," "Shame Box," and "Yabba" are words that Virgin Islanders know very well. Our native tongue is English; however, we have our unique British Virgin Islands dialect. In our islands, we may have word and phrase variations for certain things, and our accents may be a little different. However, when we communicate, we understand each other.

Virgin Islands author and public relations professional Kareem-Nelson Hull compiled a dictionary of Virgin Islands words and phrases in "The Virgin Islands Dictionary: A Collection of Words and Phrases So You Could Say It Like We." Mr. Hull, who also co-wrote the Territorial Song, "O Beautiful Virgin Islands," with his sister, Ayana Hull, also an author, is someone who promotes Virgin Islands history and culture. He also runs the VIlingual page on Facebook where he shares Virgin Islands history.

Any Virgin Islander who peruses the dictionary will be smiling and nostalgic because Kareem has captured our culture through language. Each word has its Virgin Islands spelling, pronunciation, and sample sentence. The authors also shares some rules that Virgin Islanders are very familiar with. The one that made me smile is "We didn't sleep together." If a Virgin Islander tells you that, it means that you have not greeted them. Always remember to say, "Good Morning (Mawnin)," "Good Afternoon (Afternoon)," and "Good Night (Evening)."

The definition that I would like to share is 'Crab Foot and Hangers,' which the author lists as a noun/adjective. I remember hearing and using this phrase as a child.

Crab Foot and Hangers

Definition: particularly unattractive penmanship (like that of a doctor) while either taking notes or writing to someone

My Sample Sentence: The teacher told me to rewrite the essay because she couldn't understand my crab foot and hangers.

I also encourage visitors to the islands to get a copy of this dictionary. You will become familiar with aspects of our traditions, as well as our language.

Kareem shared that he became inspired by various sources to create this dictionary - during his educational journey and after residing on another Caribbean island. He advises other writers to write about what they know, what interests them, and what exhilarates them. Kareem is hoping to publish a Virgin Islands Book of Proverbs soon. 

As you thumb through the dictionary, you will realize that this project would have taken time, patience, and immense research to complete. Kareem-Nelson Hull, I salute you and offer my congratulations on this excellent work.

Linette Rabsatt

Poem: Guardian of My Galaxy by Linette Rabsatt

Original poem, "Guardian of My Galaxy" written by Linette Rabsatt paying homage to the Guardians of the Galaxy movies. 

BVI Book Highlight: "The Adventures of Silver Spoon: The Fruits of the Spirit" by Delores Jones

 

Do you know the 'Fruits of the Spirit' listed in the Bible? Mrs. Delores Jones expounds on these fruits in her recently published children's book, "The Adventures of Silver Spoon: The Fruits of the Spirit." In Galatians 5:22-23, we read "By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control." Mrs. Jones used the main character, Silver Spoon, to depict how the nine 'fruits' apply to daily life. She shared that her inspiration came as she envisioned spoons being alive. 

Mrs. Jones not only wrote but also illustrated the book. Her main character, Silver Spoon, is a silver spoon who faces situations that we encounter daily. In the book, we meet his family, Daddy and Mommy Spoon, Grandpa, Grandma, and sister, Katy. His friends include Woody, Bronze, Plastic Spoon, and Chrome Spoon.

Each chapter highlights one of the 'Fruits of the Spirit.' In the chapter on Kindness, the author refers to Ephesians 4:32, "and be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you." Silver Spoon visited a neighbor with his father and gave her flowers to brighten her day.

In the chapter on Patience, the author highlights Pslams 40:1, "I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry." Silver Spoon sees his friend run across the road before a driver stopped to allow crossing. While Silver Spoon wanted to run across the street, he remembered what he learned about patience in Sunday School. Instead, he waited to cross. This chapter not only highlights a 'fruit of the spirit' but also encourages road safety.

"The Adventures of Silver Spoon: The Fruits of the Spirit" is ideal for young readers. The author shares biblical teaching with relatable scenarios and colorful illustrations. Children will enjoy the characters and their stories while learning more about being responsible, respectful, and strong.

Happy 2021! First Blog Post

What can I say about 2020? I have had my share of triumphs and dilemmas in this historical end of the second decade of the 2000s. Between the COVID-19 pandemic and the American election, the world remained glued to all forms of media. President Donald Trump overwhelmingly lost the United States Presidential Election and, of course, refused to concede. COVID-19 cases have overtaken the world, and economies are stressed, our children learn online, and many people are out of work. The year 2020 has closed, and President Trump is still in denial, and COVID-19 remains a topic of focus. With COVID-19 vaccines already being administered, people are debating whether they would take them.

I wrote and posted the above image on December 31, 2020, because despite the pandemic and the global stresses, we continued to waste time, bullied others, and shared things that we should have been ashamed of with the world. We also didn't take the opportunity to engage our imagination and just copied everyone else. We continued to be overly critical and hurtful to others. I will not expound on the various instances that fuelled that post. However, I have tried to stay off that behavior, but I know I have to work on myself. I've been short-tempered, impatient, grumpy, and inflexible.

I don't subscribe to resolutions when a year turns; instead, I aim to improve myself daily. I will still be agitated and impatient because that's me. I can continue to work around issues and speak up when I am frustrated. I can suggest solutions to situations and be willing to throw a hand in solving the problem. 

I want to continue entrepreneurial pursuits, increase the yield in my garden, add more content to my blog, and improve my wellbeing. I want to be me. I want to continue dancing, singing, and enjoying nature. 

I think there's a lot that we need to change and appreciate as a people; however, I don't think we are ready for it. I've written about the culture and traditions because these topics have been on my mind. We need to re-examine what we see as tradition and accept that culture evolves. We have lost ourselves trying to hold on to traditions and have forgotten about the youth and their sub-culture.

I wish everyone the best for 2021. Don't expect that this year will be perfect - especially if we are not doing what we are supposed to do concerning COVID-19 protocols and being our brothers' keepers'.

Hot Songs To Keep On Your Playlist - Part 2

When you release Part 1 of something, a Part 2 has to follow. When I published my August 3, 2020 blog post, "Seven Hot Songs Released in 2020 to Keep on Your Playlist - Part 1," I felt that a wealth of musical creativity was blooming. To close out 2020, I have compiled a list of songs of various genres and styles that bring different messages and encourage us to love, laugh, live, stand up, and take action. Music influences, entertains, riles up, calms down, and touches our soul. 

I am familiar with most of the artists, but I am a fan of the oldies. However, I try to stay updated on new trends in music. I first heard Kendake, Kevykevnow, and Banco Bizmol in the BVI's Department of Youth Affairs and Sports' Rap Battle. My children introduced me to BuGgz Blasé, V.I. General and Shawndehrapper who won the Stop the Violence Rap Competition. 

I am an avid soca lover, so I always check to see what Patrice Roberts, Machel Montano, and the other top artists release. Of course, I will never publish a list without reggae music, and I had to include Niyorah from the United States Virgin Islands and Tarrus Riley from Jamaica. While the BVI did not host a traditional festival celebration in 2020, I wanted to highlight songs from a few local bands.

BVI 2020 Festival Songs Recap

While we did not have a traditional festival, several bands created songs that would have brought hyped contention for the 2020 Road March title. VIBE brought us "Show Me What You Got," All Bout Music Entertainment "ABM" came with "Tha Style," and Our Music Group "OMG" sang "TSA Precheck." All the songs brought what revelers and troupes would have wanted, and the local radio stations have kept these tracks in rotation. 

2020 Hits to Keep on Replay
"Lighters Up" by Kendake
I find Kendake to be a powerful lyricist who knows how to flow her words. After seeing her perform in the Rap Battle, I wanted to hear more from her, and I would always comment these words when her name came up. She was the only female in the competition and made it to the final round. In "Lighters Up," she chants, "Really doesn't matter as long as you run your race, and put yourself in the place to receive everything great." I truly hope to continue to hear more great music from her.

"Beautiful Soul" by Niyorah
Niyorah is one of my favorite USVI Reggae artists. His music always has a positive message and never disappoints. When I first heard "Beautiful Soul," I had to listen to it twice because it was so mellow and uplifting. You can easily relax and unwind and listen to him singing, "You are a beautiful soul, just take one step at a time, in everything, God is control, just take one step at a time."

"Hakuna Matata" by Banco Bizmol
Banco Bizmol, also known as Pep Dawg, was the winner of the 2020 DYAS Rap Battle. Hype, intense, creative, and energetic are just a few words I will use to describe his performance style. He is super-confident and handles his words well. "I screaming Hakuna Matata cause I got no worries, I stacking my pesos to put my mama in a casa, when I need to work, I call up the plug...I had the rags then I get riches and now a n**** living proper, my pockets only get fatter, I get dirty for mine, ain't no 9 to 5, I been on the grind, I stacking money like I building a pile..." are a snippet of the lyrics.

"Pray For Me" by Wildlife featuring Priceless
"I know they pray for me, out in these streets trying to stack up these commas, I know they pray for me..." are the opening lines of this song by Wildlife featuring Priceless. Priceless adds, "I know my momma pray for me every night, I hear her talking to God, I know the streets can get dangerous, that's why I pray for my dogs." This duo reflects their acknowledgement for the Most High in this inspirational track.

"If Jah" by NJAR
NJAR is no stranger to the Virgin Islands music scene. "If Jah" is an inspirational track which incorporates the hook, "If Jah is standing by my side, then why should I be afraid" from Tony Rebel's "If Jah/Jah is by My Side. NJAR chants, "This is not an easy road, sometimes we feel like giving up, who feels it knows...is when you dig deep, you gonna find some things...."

"Laugh Now, Cry Later" by Drake and Lil Durk
Drake has been a mover in the Hip Hop genre and this track shows his continued versatility and longevity. Drake raps, "When he tell the story, that's not how it went, Know they be lyin', a hundred percent, Moved out the Ritz and forgot 'bout the Bent', Valet just called me to tell me come get it." Lil Durk, known for "Locked Up" and who recently released the "The Voice," adds "Bring Drake to the hood, surround Drake around Dracs, Even though I got a case, I'ma do what it take, And I never been embraced, And the money's hard to make, So I bet they on they face right now."

"Tender" by Patrice Roberts 
Patrice Roberts is a female soca icon and can be named among the greats such as Denise Belfon and Alison Hinds. Some of her recent hits include "Carry On" on the Pop's Guitar Riddim and "Into You" on the 10X Riddim; and "Tender" on the Tender Touch Riddim is surely another hit for 2021. In a soulful soca vibe, Patrice sings "If I give you all my love, then would you treasure? Would you cherish and never let me go? Cause you na go find someone to love you better, if a one thing there for certain, I want you."

"Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes" by Ofenbach & Quarterhead featuring Norma Jean Martine

I saw this song in my YouTube feed and I was curious because the name is a common children's song. It is quite catchy. A snippet of the lyrics is "I've been praying to a thousand different stars, To a thousand different arms 'til I found you, I've been chasing 'bout a thousand different hearts, For a thousand million hours, now I've found you...."

"High Life" by Machel Montano 
Machel Montano is one of the biggest soca artists in the world. He started performing as a child and continues to move crowds and influence soca trends worldwide. Machel has collaborated with Doug E. Fresh, Beenie Man, Skinny Fabulous and many others. "It's all about high life, we vibrating on, a high frequency, vibrating on, a high energy, we coming to you live with a bag of good vibes" are a sample of the lyrics in this 2021 soca track.

"Lighter" by Tarrus Riley featuring Shenseea and Rvssian

Tarrus Riley is currently one of the top reggae artists who has numerous hits including "Superman," "She's Royal," "Cold Kisses," and "Getty Getty No Wantee." Shenseea, an upcoming female artist, starts off this song with "Baby, when the bright lights start to fade, fire up your lighter, Float on with the waves, You make me feel lighter...." Tarrus chimes in with "Endless loving and it cyan expire, Ah who seh Jah Jah never answer prayer? Yuh know seh yuh have di loving fi mi body when yuh hold me, And if yuh call me, we go home."

"Upgraded" by BuGgz Blasé and V.I. General
BuGgz Blasé is a vocalist in ABM and is also a rapper. In "Upgraded," he chants "Flow so much like I liming, ain't my wave to be riding, ball like Mike in the gym, dog, but the punchlines hit them like Tyson...." V.I. General has several other tracks including "My Fav" and "Settle Down." He adds to the track, "They try kill my vibe, they won't get no bly... man, I wonder why, I don't need a scope, I can take them all through the sites...."

"Like Mee" by KevyKevNow 

"Who you know drip like me?" "Like Mee" shows the rapper's ability to flow consistently on an uptempo instrumental, making this an enjoyable performance. His opening rap is "Young KevyKev and I fresh than a mother son, dress to impress when I come around, if you think you bad, better simmer down, I can see it in your eyes that you been a clown...."

"My Heart" by ABM 

"My Heart" is from ABM, who brought us "Tha Style." IJ is the singer on this groovy track, and he croons about the woman that has taken his heart. He sings, "I just wanna hold you close, Your body is so amazin, let's dance the night away, come spend your life with me, I just wanna give you some loving, I just wanna know if you feeling me...."

"Stop The Violence" by Shawndehrapper

Shawndehrapper is a high school student who has amazing athletic and musical potential. He participated in the recent Rap Battle and went up against adults and some veteran performers. His lyrics ask us to stop the violence in the community: "We together like Myron, Jumping hurdles - Kyron, do wah I say like Simon, Simon say stop the violence."

Artists to Look out For in 2021

Shiloh and Shedien also have some exciting gospel music coming for 2021. This husband and wife duo are awarding-winning Gospel artists who bring life and energy into their stage performance as they praise God. One of their upcoming tracks is "Praise the Lord" based on Psalm 150.

Other artists to look out for: UYG Flizop and PNut Deh REal Nutt "PNDRN" from the US Virgin Islands, and Jefé Tunez, Killa Tooma, Arkyy, and youngsters, Khoy Don and YOHKEM from the British Virgin Islands.