POEM: Drive

You have to have drive
to survive
to stay alive
to thrive
but remember
there are times when
you will sigh
and you may even cry
your eyes dry
but don't run and don't fly
off the handle
or break your bangles
so that you end up tangled
in a web you can't get out of
instead focus your love
focus your mind
focus your energy
and find that synergy
because you can be successful
and everything you touch
can be plentiful
you just have to start
with being hopeful

© Linette Rabsatt
Ribbon

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'.