"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
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.
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.
