The Well is Running Empty

I am sometimes astonished at the way educated people behave. I am further dumbfounded at the way politicians behave. They enforce rules and break them or have their cronies break them. The only people they are hurting are the hardworking taxpayers who provide the sugar to fatten their bellies. In many instances, the politicians are educated people who were voted in by a set of educated people as well.

Throughout the world, we are facing layoffs and cutbacks. However, the politicians never cut back on themselves. Their salaries remain the same and also their perks and their cronies’ too. Many of the persons who were elected to run the governments in the Caribbean are greedy, wicked and nonchalant when it comes to the publics’ purse.

I find that in many of the nations, there are an excess amount of representatives but yet the people’s cries are not answered. In times of crisis, we see large contract given to colleagues. On the other hand, in one territory, a school had to be closed and in another, the teachers ask parents to bring toilet paper and paper towel to school because the relevant department had not sent the requested items as per their mandate.

We see persons heading departments going on wild spending sprees and there is no one to stop them because they feel that they are invincible holding on the treasury’s purse strings. For too long, there has been a lack of accountability in our countries. There are no watchdogs to keep an eye on the finances and to curb the corruption. I honestly feel that many of these officials are fully aware of the many underhanded things happening in their countries but they cast a blind eye. It seems like no matter who we elect, it is always the same game.

I just feel that many of the leaders are not serious enough to make the tough decisions from early on. We simply have to put measures in place and get our countries back in order. All the unnecessary contracts should be halted and never revived. The over-bloated cost of construction puts would-be homeowners in a spot where they can never get a home. Something needs to be done because the people are suffering. We are threatened on our streets, victimized on the job, robbed in the daylight and our daughters are prostituting themselves for a snort of cocaine just to take them to a place where there are no worries – until the high wears off.

We shall continue to pray but with God’s guidance, POSITIVE action will have to be taken on all levels to get our place back in shape.

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POEM: New Sight

Until we wake up and realize
that the climbing and mounting size
of the criminal assizes
is all related to the love that was lost
how we've been living at any cost
when we cry when another brother gets shot
then we are truly like ostriches
living in pretense on false wishes
holding our lives together with broken stitches
we must arise and do different
live right and to the wicked – be resistant
by striving to be good citizens
we need to have a universal mindset
and instill in our children good concepts
so it means some of us may have to reset
the way we think and perform
cause life is no longer just the norm
we have to be prepared to weather the storm
cause life was not meant to be easy
some days the load will get heavy
but we have to remain steady
be on alert and stay ready

© Linette Rabsatt

The Micromanager?

Is micromanagement a sickness? It is a symptom of having a large ego? It is a passion for the power hungry? I simply can not fathom why anyone would want to control so many things. If President Obama applied that type of behavior - trying to run every state and every facet of the central government, he would not get anywhere. I think that is why the 'system' is designed with several layers of management, castes, hierarchies etc.

I find it absolutely annoying watching a micromanager in play. This person has no trust for others. You can micromange your home but that still can alienate your family members. So imagine a workforce of 30 people? The manager can not dabble into every process - he will get burned out. However, he should not totally ignore any employee or issue. However, empower supervisors and allow them to function.

I am not the best person or manager but I truly feel that micromanagement is not the best management philosophy. I'll still with that opinion too!

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Ongoing Projects

I enjoy country life! It is calm and cool and the children love it. The water is very cold in the morning but the heater will be on soon. A cat visits me from time to time and people say that is good luck. Cows visit me too because I need to get my yard to get manicured.

I have a lot to do including getting a little farm started but I will take projects in stride. I still have the inside of the house to do some work on too. I am looking at other freelance projects as well. I enjoy that kind of work! I am hoping that one day, I can freelance and have that cover my bills - freelancing and farming that is!

Working full time is great too but the office politics gets a little too annoying for me. I've never wanted to be a boss but I would like to be more fulfilled. I will keep my eyes open and my mind ticking.

Keep the faith and the keep your head on!

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POEM: Seven Deadly Sins

Greed is nasty and makes you crafty
Sloth is slackness and most times is tacky
Wrath is like a deadly cancer
And envy only fuels disaster
Pride makes for a bad attitude
And lust upturns your aptitude
Gluttony makes you scrape the bottom of the barrel
These sins will make your life a nasty spill
There are called deadly sins for a reason
But in life, good and bad come in their seasons
So try your best to be your best
Never strive for anything less
Love your neighbor and defend your friends
Let your light shine and your love transcend

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Moving again

Since I have returned to the British Virgin Islands, I have moved five times. I love the experience of living in different places. Now I am moving back to the first place I live when I first came here and it is truly exciting. It has been a hard journey - one which I will chronicle more in the near future. I am blessed to have met so many nice people and hope that I can be as nice as they have been to me.

I have to shout out to a special young lady, Christia, who has truly been a 'big sister' to my kids. The blog may be down for the weekend as we finalize the moving in and get all the utilities transferred but as I get a chance I will at least post some short poem or quick thoughts.

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Old & Young Parents - Teach Your Children Values

I see young people from 16 to 20 having babies and I wonder how they survive. I am in my mid 30s and sometimes it can be really stressful and frustrating being a parent. Today the pressure is harder and money is tighter. I think the young ladies today have a tougher job than a 17 year old 20 or 10 years ago. What is easy today is that we don't so easily attach a stigma to a teenage parent. In 1990 or 1999 and much earlier, we might have but today some of those young parents stand strong and take their role seriously.

Today youth have a harder time finding a job and have so much negative to influence them. We have to work hard to show them doing the right thing is the best thing. I in no way look down on any young parent. Instead they need nurturing and love and they at the same time must be willing to listen and learn. I am no expert but I do try my best to have my children disciplined and full of manners. I also impress upon them the importance of God, completing tasks and of course their education.

While I may give them the moral fiber they need, it is still their decision if they want to follow bad company. I can only encourage and try to seperate and for sure I will put the best effort forward to do this.

Young parents, I encourage you to speak to the elders around you. I admonish you to pay attention to your child's education and take a full interest and role in their school. Lastly, tell your offsprings about God and spend time with them.

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Wise and Giving for the Holidays

I want to remind everyone that you can give little or simple things to the ones you love for Chirstmas. There is no need to make yourself broke trying to catch up with the JayZs, Knowles or the Smiths. We need to be honest with ourselves and deal with priorities. If all you can give is a pot of basil or thyme, then do so. Why try to give a ring or an expensive perfume set when that leaves you undone?

Visit someone, call them, make amends or go to church with someone. Be smart and safe this holiday season. Most of all be wise and giving - but give what you can afford.

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Niyorah "No Guts No Glory" Music Video

Niyorah is a Virgin Islands artist that I have mentioned before in my blog. He has a positive energy and inspiring lyrics and character. I'm hoping to hear and see lots more from him. Bless Up Niyorah!!!

Short Prayer for World Aids Day

Dear God,

We thank you for your blessings upon us. We pray for strength and healing for those who suffer from HIV/AIDS that their lives can be enjoyed and their suffering minimized. We praise you for your mighty works and for inspiring the counsellors, caregivers, doctors and nurses who assist persons infected with this deadly virus. Heavenly Father, we also pray to you for humility and understanding that we may not judge or persecute these sufferers and instead accept them and pray for them. Dear Lord, we praise you for your continued mercies and seek to live your favor.

Amen