POEM: HIV is killing WE

HIV is killing WE
Come, my people, can’t you see
Think about how your life will be
If you are diagnosed with HIV
We’re singing to tell you to be wise
We’re asking for you to condomise
We’re praying that you’ll be abstinent
Please be faithful to your partner for good intent
HIV/AIDS affects both young and old
Just listen to some sad stories told
Of a pregnant woman plush and lovely
And then a baby born with HIV
My people, it’s time for you to listen
Protection and self control is what I’m wishing
Please don’t disregard my simple words
HIV is far too rampant in this world

© Linette Rabsatt 2008

Short Words for 11-30-2011

Raising children is not easy. It takes time and patience. I try but some days I get frustrated and yell at them. My children are nice and full of manners. They are each bright in their own way and are full of energy. I love them and would like to see the best for them. However, I know that while I can impart the knowledge that I have, it is still up to them to implement it.

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Getting to Know Me

I know who I am and what I like. Many people struggle with knowing themselves and until they can truly become one with themselves, they won't know where to go. It hurts me to hear that young women are increasingly becoming involved in illegal drugs. That is truly hard to swallow.

I know that life is stressful right now and people barely want to help. I still feel that there are other ways to survive. There's a commercial for Allstate where the announcer mentions that someone is on a 'Ramen Noodle' diet. Three Ramen noodles are $1.05 in the BVI. If you can afford one can of vienna sausage that's still $0.90 or sardine or tuna fish, you can mix it up. Add one carrot, one tomato or some beets and it's even more colorful. We have to find ways to survive.

I think these problems go very deep. Drug abuse may stem from depression which could be caused by a host of issues. We have some way to seek help without turning to the bottle or the pill or the pipe. This is harder when there are children involved. People are getting more desperate and make life more uncomfortable for many of us. I see young men begging for $1.00 and this sickens me. However, I do not know the circumstance. It could be an untreated mental issue or an adverse reaction to a legal or illegal drug.

There's a lot of work for the leaders and community workers. However, we as a community have to teach our children right from wrong and instill solid values in them. If we do not intercede now for the little ones then there will be much more begging and getting high in the future.

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POEM: As It Comes

piece of me
is broken
but the other half is good
although I may be soft-spoken
I may just be in a bad mood
while I stand with eyes open
my mind is closed to the world
I'm never the master's token
cause I will fight for the boys and girls
I may not be much in sight
but never underestimade a fighter
I have a vision to shin a light
that makes everyone's days brighter

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POEM: Your Words

I'm posting
but not because I'm boasting
or enjoy roasting
but cause I've got mad love to share
to the world I care for
I want to inspire and uplift
find ways to solve rifts
cause that's what words are for
to lift, encourage or implore
so use yours today
to share something positive in what you say

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Resting, Rising and Good Music...

Some people don't like to rise in the morning and some don't like to go to sleep. I think I am a mixture. I work well in the subconscious if I have a trip to take - I'll be sure to rise early then. Otherwise, I don't want to rise. I stay up some nights. Like tonight, I'll be up ironing.

I also have an article that I want to complete and I think it's time that I do it. I don't have deadlines and work on my own schedule with writing so I'm free to produce when I want. My full time job requires that I'm there as much as possible between the allotted hours and I try my best.

My kids don't like to go to sleep unless they are tired but somehow they rise early most days to ask where's breakfast.

As for tonight I have my least favorite chore to complete which is ironing. If I am in the mood, I may finish the article.

My playlist to get me in the ironing mood has been:
"Wake Up Everybody" by Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes
"Do You Love What You Feel" by Chaka Khan & Rufus
"I Love Music" by The O'Jays
"Love Train" by The O'Jays
"For the Love of You" by Isley Brothers

I will take rest when it beckons and bid yo a good rest.

Not another joke or joker

I like to live on the lighter side. I enjoy a good joke or a good comedy. I don't think I'm funny but I think I could crack a good joke at least one a year. I would never try to be a comedian because my memory stinks and I know I would start to laugh before I share the punchline.

I could see me up there, "Your're so stupid.....hahahahahah, whew, hahahahahaha......you were asked how much is 2x2......o lord, hahahahaha, and you said (with tears rolling down the eyes) ......2!" I'm surely comedian. People would just laugh at my laughter.

I think it's important to smile and laugh. Some days are very dark and challenges can be daunting but try to find something to smile about. It may be a nice memory or you may need to pull a joke from the internet to get that smile release.

I for sure laugh everyday at something. I try not to laugh at 'somebody' but rather at 'something' they did. I know people laugh at me cause I'm a thrift store shopper or I rock my natural hair but I don't care. At least, I'm not a bother to them. I am smiling and moving forward with my life. So....take a "hahahaha....whew this one sweet...hehehehhe......hahahahah....." today!

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Work...

Sometimes work can be:
a joy
a bore
a tiring task
a frustration
a conflict
a great experience


However you feel about your job, be grateful that you have one. Do the best you can and always keep an eye out for new opportunities!

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The Oddities that Affect Us

People never do cease to amaze me. We can be cool yet calculating. Some are subtle yet devious. Others are serious while being pranksters. A few are just difficult and there are those who are just too easy.

We all have our funny ways and our off days but we still have to deal with each other. I see and experience a lot of nonsense when dealing with my fellow man. However, these last few days have brought me some news that has been surprising and unsettling. I can only pray for healing for all involved.

While we can not predict the future or the action of others, we must still proceed in life with hope and patience.

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Cool Dog

She is a cute but timid little dog that belongs to my landlord. I call her 'Scrappy' because she tags along with her mom, 'Monkey'. Scrappy is a cool dog!

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POEM: We are so confused

Is it me
or is it frighteningly dizzy
how we are living in a tizzy
going quickly to no destination
living like stocks in speculation
it's like we just don't care
even our brother, we won't spare
cause today, it's all about the paper
and building huge skyscrapers
we have forgotten about the community
and are living in disunity
heading fast to no avail
moving like yachts without sails
we have to bring back that brotherly love
not like when we sit from above
and look down on the ants below
and pretend like we don't know
that our people are in danger
and no it's not the strangers
but the people who are our neighbors
so it is me
we have to stop acting like we can't see
how tough life can be
so extend a hand to a friend
cause kindness should never come to an end
this means that both you and me
have to work in unity
it should be every individual's policy
to re-build and uplift the community

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Simple Thought on November 12

A door without a hinge can not hang. Also a door with a lock that has no key (or keyless entry pad) can not be opened. Stay united and don't discount the small things.

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New Government Ministers Appointed in the BVI

These past few days have been tiring yet exciting. We have new leadership with the National Democratic Party (NDP) government and there is a lot of work to be done. The following ministers were sworn in on November 9:

Premier & Minister for Finance and Tourism: Hon. Dr. D. Orlando Smith
Deputy Premier & Minister for Natural Resources & Labour: Hon. Dr. Kedrick Pickering
Minister for Communications & Works: Hon. Mark Vanterpool
Minister for Health & Social Development: Hon. Ronnie Skelton
Minister for Education & Culture: Hon. Myron W. Walwyn

Congratulatons to the new Ministers and the rest of the cabinet! See Welcome to the New 2011 NDP Government for the full information.

The Speaker and Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly are yet to be named but this will come shortly. We are also awaiting the name of the Leader of the Opposition from the Virgin Islands Party (VIP).

The new government is already at work and we are ready to work along with them.

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The BVI Elected New Leadership on November 7, 2011

On Monday, November 7, 2011, the people of the British Virgin Islands voted and made a change in the leadership of the country.

Monday, November 7, 2011 marked a new day for the people in the British Virgin Islands (BVI). They went to the polls which opened at 6AM and voted for the persons who they felt were worthy of leading their country. After several marathon hours of counting, the Virgin Islands Party was ousted as the people chose the National Democratic Party team to lead the country.

How the BVI Votes

The BVI elects representatives in nine electoral district seats and with four at-large territorial seats. The nine districts cover Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, Jost Van Dyke and all the islands in the territory. The territorial seats are chosen by all the registered voters of the country. There needs to be a majority of seven representatives to form the government and the other representatives would sit in the opposition. Any elected representative can be named Premier and be a member of the cabinet. The ruling party decides who will lead and the Ministers of Government namely for the Ministries of Finance and Tourism, Communication and Works, Natural Resources and Labour, Health and Social Development and Education and Culture.

Parties Contesting the Elections

In 2011, there were 43 candidates vying for seats in the 2nd House of Assembly. There were sixteen candidates aiming for the four at-large seats and 27 persons spread across the nine districts vying for seats. Among the 43 candidates, there were four parties, the incumbent Virgin Islands Party (VIP) with 13 candidates, the National Democratic Party (NDP) with 12 candidates, the People's Patriotic Alliance (PPA) with four candidates and the Party Of the People (POP) with one candidate. There were also 13 independent candidates of which 9 spread across the districts.

Winners of the 2011 BVI Elections

After voting concluded on November 7, counting started. Some districts were completed by 11PM but the at-large votes were not completed until around 11AM on Tuesday. Many people stayed up with counters, not just for moral support but because they truly wanted to know what the BVI's destiny would be.

• First District: The constituents of the 1st District voted for the incumbent Honorable Andrew Fahie of the Virgin Islands Party over the independent candidate Preston Stoutt.
• Second District: VIP's Honorable Alvin Christoper was once again victorious. He won over NDP's Claude Skelton-Cline and independents Allewine Smith and Leall Rhymer.
• Third District: The Honorable Julian Fraser, a VIP incumbent, remained the 3rd District's representative as he narrowly won over NDP's Kevin Smith.
• Fourth District: Honorable Vincent Scatliffe of the VIP was ousted by the NDP's Mark Vanterpool. Collin Scatliffe also competed for this district.
• Fifth District: The fifth district voted for NDP's Delores Christopher over the VIP's incumbent, Hon. Elvis Harrigan.
• Sixth District: The incumbent VIP's Hon. Omar Hodge was unseated after 32 years of representation by NDP's Alvera Maduro-Caines.
• Seventh District: In the 7th District, Honorable Dr. Kedrick Pickering remains as the district representative. The constituents chose Dr. Pickering over VIP's Ronnie Lettsome and independent Allen Wheatley.
• Eighth District: In the 8th District, Marlon Penn of the NDP stood victorious over VIP's incumbent Honorable Dancia Penn Q.C., the outgoing Deputy Premier and independents Nolan Davies and Bevis Sylvester.
• Ninth District: In a close contest, the outgoing Premier, Honorable Ralph T. O'Neal of the VIP narrowly won over the NDP's candidate Hubert O'Neal. The other persons contesting this seat were independents Devon Osbourne, Samuel O'Neal and Laurie Rhymer.
• At-Large Winners: The National Democratic Party secured all the At-Large seats with winners, the new Premier, Hon. Dr. Orlando Smith, Myron Walwyn, Archibald Christian and Ronnie Skelton. The VIP's At-Large candidates included incumbents Honorable Keith Flax, Honorable Irene Penn-O'Neal and Zoe Walcott-McMillan. The PPA had Shaina Smith, Natalio 'Sowande Uhuru' Wheatley, Elton Callwood and Khoy Smith. The independent candidates for the territorial votes were Eileene Baronville, Lionel Penn, Edmund Maduro and Bertrand Lettsome.

At the completion of the counting, the National Democratic Party secured nine of the thirteen seats and the Virgin Islands Party took four seats. The new Premier, Hon. Dr. Orlando Smith will be sworn shortly and his members of Cabinet who will also be the Ministers of government will be named in due course.

Welcome to the New 2011 NDP Government

Welcome to the Honorable Members of the 2nd House of Assembly in the British Virgin Islands:

1st Andrew Fahie - VIP

2nd Alvin Christoper - VIP

3rd Julian Fraser - VIP

4th Mark Vanterpool - NDP

5th Delores Christopher - NDP

6th Alvera Maduro-Caines - NDP

7th Dr. Kedrick Pickering - NDP

8th Marlon Penn - NDP

9th Ralph O'Neal - VIP

At-large:

Dr. Orlando Smith NDP

Myron Walwyn NDP

Archibald Christian NDP

Ronnie Skelton NDP

 

We have all repeated one phrase today, "The people have spoken". For the previous months, many repeated "Leh We Do This Thing". From today forward, I say it's about "doing the real things". We have infrastructure to mend, a hospital to complete and staff, tourism to revive, agriculture to grow, education to truly go from so-so to good and youths to empower and inspire positively.

We also have to remember that while we have elected representatives, we also have our work to do to. I hear people saying that the new government will not do us right and we will be sorry. I firmly state that we will not let them slip to that point - the point we were at on November 6, 2011. We have to help them work to get our BVI back on track. If we can co-exist with our representatives and the opposition, then we do more.

In relation to the opposition, we have four vocal VIP representatives who I expect will stay on the issues. Otherwise, they should not expect to be back in the next election. Many of them almost were ousted so they need to watch their backs. The want and need for power is crippling and this is why we have to work with all our reps to keep them grounded.

I pledge my support to the 5th district where I am about to go to live and to the 6th district where I attend church, have family and where my children's school is located.

We have to keep 'doing this thing' - this unity, this national pride - to keep our heads afloat in this trying times. Welcome to the Honorable Dr. D. Orlando Smith and his Cabinet. We are looking forward to your best representation as we work together to improve our BVI.

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Voting of At-Large Votes Still Being Completing but it looks like NDP

As I rush to prepare to head to work, the NDP team still looks like they got the four AT-Large votes from the voting public in the BVI. There may be another two hours before the AT-Large votes are counted. I will be updating the blog tonight with the final information.

I think we can say that the NDP Government is back in from 2003 and have ousted the VIP Government who was voted back in 2007.

All the best to all the elected persons. We have a lot of work to do so let's do it!!!!!!!!

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At-Large Ballots Still Counting at 5:33Am

There is still no confirmed close to the At-Large votes as yet. The NDP candidates are still ahead. However, VIP's Irene Penn-O'Neal seems to be edging in on Archibald Christian.

I went to sleep after two because I was really tired. I'm about to get ready for work and get the children on the go.

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BVI Elections - At-Large Ballots Still Being Counted

The At-Large ballots are still being counted in the BVI Elections. So far, the National Democratic Party is in the lead with Archibald Christian, Myron Walwyn, Dr. Orlando Smith and Ronnie Skelton. The Virgin Islands Party with Zoe Walcott-McMillan, Vernon Malone, Irene Penn-O'Neal and Keith Flax are trailing.

The People's Progressive Alliance with Natalio 'Sowande' Wheatley, Shaina Smith, Elton Callwood and Khoy Smith are coming along as well.

The independants are Lionel Penn, Eileene Baronville, Betrand 'Washasha' Lettsome and Edmund Maduro. Lettsome is so far doing the best in the independents and has run a good campaign.

There is no doubt that all the boxes have to be counted before clear winners are declared. However, if leads start to stretch then we'll know what's going to happen.

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VIP has retained 4 Districts and NDP has grabbed up 5

These are the district results for the November 7, 2011 BVI elections:

First District - Andrew Fahie (VIP) returns
Second District - Alvin Christopher (VIP) returns
Third District - Julian Fraser (VIP) returns
Fourth District - Mark Vanterpool (NDP) back from 2003
Fifth District - Delores Christopher (NDP) back from 2003
Sixth District - Alvera Maduro-Caines (NDP)
Seventh District - Kedrick Pickering (NDP) returns
Eight District - Marlon Penn (NDP)
Ninth District - Ralph T. O'Neal (VIP) returns

The At-large ballots are still being counted so there is no way to say who will run the government yet.

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Marlon Penn is the NEW 8th District Representative

With upset suprise vote-out, Marlon Penn has won the 8th District seat over the incumbent, Hon. Dancia Penn. Both Penns ran a clean campaign. It would have been interesting to see what would have happened if the other opponents Bevis Sylvester and Nolan Davis had bowed out of the election.

However, congrats to the Hon. Marlon A. Penn. He has a lot to do in his district and I know he has a plan. As I have posted before, we know that the community has to come together and work with who is in place.

Congrats Marlon!

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Alvera Maduro-Caines has been elected to the 6th District in the BVI

Well it is truly a new day for the 6th District in the BVI. Mrs. Alvera Maduro-Caines has ousted 32-year politician Hon. Omar Hodge. It is truly a new dawning for the 6th District. I hope that all the voters will stand by her and work with her.

We have spoken and I think we are happy. She has a lot of work to do and we have lots to accomplish. We just have to remember that building the community is everyone's job.

Congratulations to Hon. Alvera Maduro-Caines!

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BVI Election Results are coming in - four districts confirmed

The excitement is hot and the suspense is brewing!

First District - Andrew Fahie (VIP) returns
Second District - Alvin Christopher (VIP) returns
Fourth District - Mark Vanterpool (NDP) back from 2003
Fifth District - Delores Christopher (NDP) back from 2003
Seventh District - Kedrick Pickering (NDP) returns

I will repost as I get more updates.

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November 7, 2011 will mark a new beginning for the British Virgin Islands

November 7, 2011 will mark a new beginning for the British Virgin Islands. The decisions that the people make will have a significant impact of the way of life and the culture of the country. While there has been a spirit of diviseness, we are hoping that the visit to the polls will cure this. Certainly, we do not want this to get worse.

I have my predictions on who will win but what I am hoping for is the best of all teams present to unite to improve our BVI. What we really need is unity in the country. The party lines that divide us only make the country weaker. We have prayed for the people to vote with their hearts and with their country in mind first.

I have favorites coming from the three parties and among the independents. However, they all can't win but we have to try to work with who will. I personally have seen some incumbents that must go. It is no longer acceptable to take the nonsense that they pass out - in bad decisions or white/brown envelopes. Some are still embroiled in this corrupt style of politics and it must stop. They are taking our country's treasury and spilling the money for unworthy causes.

What we need is to see the benefits of our labor. We need to know that projects are technically sound and cost effective. We want stiffer accountability from all levels of government. We want our infrastructure fixed. We want education brought back on track. We want the sewerage where it is supposed to be not on the road.

It is a pivotal time and all I can ask is for the people to pray before they cast their ballot. The future is literally in your hands.

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Addictions

I'm addicted to chocolate - sort of. Some days I don't even think about it and other days I need my sweet. Everyone has their fix. So what's yours? I'm realizing some people love their weaves, nails, Facebook, Blogger etc.

Sometimes I get addicted to a game such as Sudoku, Mahjong or crossword puzzles but that's when I need a brain challenge. I guess I more need the chocolate when my period is on its way. I'm not a hair addict but I create styles for my daughter and myself because I refuse to pay to have our hair styled. It's costly and I get to have fun with our hair.

I'm not a shoe addict because I get shoes for neccessity. However, I can be a sucker for a cute shoe if it's in my budget. I guess I can be an addict for saving too because I'm not that much of a spender.

I'm really not hooked on anything really. I admonish those who are addicted to prescription or illegal drugs, fast food, Facebook, alcohol, sex, porn sites etc to get help. These vices take a lot out of your life and distract you from your family. Go to a counsellor and get help.

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What's Your Creative Talent

Everyone has some way of being creative. My daughter loves to draw and to color. My son loves to draw and to drum. I like a little bit of cooking, drawing, writing and braiding hair. Some of the things I like to do, I may not be artistically inclined to create but I can still have fun with it.

Some ladies enjoy applying makeup, putting outfits together or baking while some men enjoy carpentry, cooking, cutting hair or spraying cars.

Unfortunately, as we mature and take on more responsibilities in life, we tend to throw aside our creative tendencies because we get too complacent or too busy. If you can find time for a little hobby, it's a good thing to take you away from the stress.

If you simply enjoy reading or a game, indulge yourself but just don't over-extend your pocket.

Have fun.

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Do Something Nice Today

I am a firm believer that life is a simple gift and we should all share simple gifts with each other when we can. Even if it's a simple positive word, some needed information, a plate of food, a drink or even slice of cake, little things count.

So, today spread a little love with a friend or a loved one. It might be a complete stranger and you may be able to offer a little help to them. It may be someone who does not have enough change to complete a purchase or someone standing in the rain trying to get a ride.

Don't forget the road you travelled to get to your destination. There are others who are on some rough roads right now and could use a lift.

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