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