Book Highlight: Illustrated History of the Virgin Islands: The 1949 March and the Restoration of the LEGCO Activity Book

I introduced you to Gabriel Skelton-Bardo with her first book, "Illustrated History of the British Virgin Islands Colouring Book."

Her next project, the "Illustrated History of the Virgin Islands: The 1949 March and the Restoration of the LEGCO Activity Book," was launched in 2023 and co-authored with Bernadine Walters-Louis. The book highlights the significant activities that occurred on Sunday, November 24, 1949, in Tortola, British Virgin Islands. Three young Virgin Islanders led about 1,500 others in a demonstration that shaped the political landscape in the territory.

These historical figures were:

• Theodore Faulkner (1914-1989), aged 35 at the time
• Isacc Glanville Fonseca (1923-1995), aged 26 at the time
• Captain Carlton L. deCastro (1915-1991), aged 34 at the time

Faulkner, Fonseca, and de Castro were not pleased with the suspension of the Legislative Council and that Antigua ran the territory. They rallied other Virgin Islanders and presented a petition to Commissioner John Augustus Cockburn Cruikshank. Their efforts yielded success, and in 1950, Virgin Islanders had their Legislative Council restored.

The "Illustrated History of the Virgin Islands: The 1949 March and the Restoration of the LEGCO Activity Book" teaches children about the Virgin Islands' history with interactive activities that sharpen fine motor skills.

The authors include these fun activities:

• Coloring
• Crossword Puzzle
• Color by numbers
• Letter practice

This activity book provides readers with essential information about Virgin Islands' history. I encourage you to get copies for yourself and your family members.

Visit the Colour ME BVI History Facebook Page to arrange copies of "Illustrated History of the British Virgin Islands Colouring Book" and "Illustrated History of the Virgin Islands: The 1949 March and the Restoration of the LEGCO Activity Book."

New Album from Banco Bizmol - "Last Man Standing"

Banco Bizmol, who hails from the Virgin Islands, released his album, "Last Man Standing," on September 20, 2023. He was the 2020 winner of the Virgin Islands Qua-rap-tine Battle. Banco Bizmol has built an impressive discography of music, including EPs, "Route 88" and "Banco Bizzo Day." This artist captured over one million views with the music video for "Who Boost," which featured Prince Swanny.

Here are the eleven tracks on "Last Man Standing."

"Double Down" featuring Iyaz
The first track on "Last Man Standing" features Iyaz, another Virgin Islands artist, who is well known for the 2009 hit "Replay." "Double Down" is an excellent opening for this album, which balances Iyaz's soulful vibe and Banco Bizmol's witty lyrics.

Lyric Snippet: "Every man does get a shine when the time right/ but when you get the shine/ better shine bright, do it dawg for the cause/ don't get lost in the sauce/ never do for the likes or limelight."

"Never Fold" featuring Pressure Buss Pipe
The song opens, "This is the making of my history/ preaching to the world/ do it lyrically like a ministry/ all respect to God for the blessings that He has given me/ feel like I could make it, thankful for my ability."

Pressure Buss Pipe, an internationally recognized reggae artist from the Virgin Islands, is featured in "Never Fold." The refrain reminds us, "Give up don't live around here."

"For Me"

This song offers a softer, lovey-dovey side of Banco Bizmol. With the soulful vibe, the artist delivers with cadence and deep lyrics. He chants, "I still giving out the love I ain't receive yet/ some people stab me in the back and leave me speechless/ if I overthink and push away, it's just a reflex."

"My Life" featuring Timo Makaveli
"Good days, bad days, down times, up times/
rough nights, backstab, friends bite, heart breaks/
love fights, hurts right? Sudden highs, goodbyes/
big lies change lives, soul ties, my life, my rights/
one shot, one strike, three points"

"My Life" features Timo Makaveli, an international recording artist from the Virgin Islands and a member of the duo Rock City.

"Something to Say"
"You gotta keep going when you fed up/ it got times I feeling to quit but my people be like nah dawg keep your head up/ focus on music and go get your bread up/ shoot for the stars and see where you end up."

As the lyric snippet shows, the artist definitely has something to say in this track. He shares his journey about how his music and life have evolved.

"All Going Shine" featuring Theron Theron
Theron Theron is the other half of international recording duo, Rock City. In "All Going Shine," Banco Bizmol re-emphasizes his philosophy.

He chants, "Doing my thing, don't hate - just watch/ come from ground but we going up top/ I ain't going stop till they put we on the map/ and they fully realize that we more than a dot/ things ain't right but I love my life/ real ones in the pic, fake ones getting cropped."

"Fully 8" featuring Kalonji
"Fully 8" features Kalonji, who is known for "Apply Pressure" and "Chop Stick."

Lyric Snippet: "Lotta them a yes men, all they say is "Yes, Boss"/ I don't really talk much, I don't really take talk/ I be trying to keep calm, but my head sick, dawg/ I does see the devil on my shoulder with the pitchfork."

"Whole Time" featuring Th3rd
"I does go through the street like a Cadillac/ I maneuver the beats like an Acrobat/ mehn, this **** could get sticky like cataract/ cause we up like we deh on a flight/ cut off the ones who were there for the hype/ I see the duppie-dem, I see the blights."

"Whole Time" features Th3rd, who is also from the Virgin Islands. Th3rd's discography includes "Heartbreaker," "Best Things," and Higher."

"Retaliation" featuring Pediko
Banco Bizmol does not disappoint in "Retaliation". This high-energy track features Pediko, another Virgin Islands artist. We know Pediko from his tracks, "Bacck Seat" and "Grease" and his feature on Pressure Buss Pipe's "Who Feels It Knows It."

Lyric Snippet: "Just run your race, dawg, trying to keep my name good/ always need a face card/ n***as think they booming but it sound like the bass gone/ blind to the bull ****/ I feeling like Ray Charles."

"Donz Dem"
"Donz Dem" is another lyrically hitting track with Banco Bizmol's usual on-point delivery.

Lyric Snippet: "People always want to bring news and it don't even be the right set/ move on with your fake ***/ when I gone is bad talk and when I there is big laugh/ study long and you playing wrong/ in the game, you gotta think fast/ they be saying I the one now/ but I used to get picked last."

"No Problems" featuring DynamiQ
DynamiQ's discography includes "Dangerous," "Send Dem Home" and "Bad Inna Real Life."

Lyric Snippet: "I going hard till my last breath and my heart stop in my chest plate/ me and life in a chess game/ make the right moves and I checkmate/ one shot - get your best take/ don't want fame - we want estates/ and real moments that breathtaking - a blessed place."

Banco Bizmol absolutely delivers a powerful album with these eleven tracks on "Last Man Standing." You will enjoy the featured artists' performance, catchy instrumentals and Banco's usual on-point lyrical delivery. I commend this artist and his team another awesome release because the album is enjoyable from track one to track eleven.

POEM: Seeing the Similarities

Light and dark

Contrasts with similarities

Open the passage to clarity

But without the vagueness of insanity

Or the vengeance of vanity

Because I’ve shifted focus

on building my capacity

while watching the earth in its entirety

because I can’t tune the opacity

and you never forgave my senility

My naivety and lack of sincerity

Development is risky

And with no vision, the ground is shaky

Do you see how the bird’s feathers are silky?

It is easy to sit in the contrast

When you don’t see the similarities

© Linette Rabsatt

Daily Juggling - Making, Making Do and Doing

When you venture into any public space outside of your house, you have to put on your game face, tuck in your tummy and get ready for the challenges. No matter how you plan and coordinate, you have to be ready for the inevitable. I have been planning this whole week to package some files and I really think that I have had the best intentions.

However, every day something else pops up - some good and some bad. There are some things that I would prefer to avoid but if I want to be successful in my current role, I have to try to meet the various demands. There is a lot that I don't plan for and it's not that I am disorganized or that I procrastinate. It's just the nature of the way things work. The unexpected comes and you have to respond. Sometimes, I am at a loss as to how to respond and I have to take time to consider the situation.

When you go to college, you learn a lot of theory and you discuss what the possibilities could be in a situation. Real life is much different. I always encourage people to share their story on their journey so that others can learn from them. Raising a family, being an entrepreneur, working or leading a non-profit are all individual roles that demand your full attention and energy. There are some people who juggle all and more. Consider what challenges they may meet on a daily basis.

Therefore, we are all jugglers in some way. Today, I was told that sometimes we need take our time with situations and the advice is well taken. I find I have bursts of energy and other times, I feel overwhelmed. However, I put my best foot forward and try to accomplish as much as I can. The advice I mentioned has played out well several times because we often feel that we don't have the solution. We let the matter rest and eventually we find a solution or a solution finds us.

Whatever your role might be, you have to stay focused and as Kenny Rogers sang, you have to know when to hold, fold, walk away or run. Balance your priorities, maintain your physical health and be the best you that you can be.

ribbon

Fierce Competition in 2019 BVI Soca Monarch Competition... and the Winner Is...

Ramon George, BVI Soca Monarch 2019
Photo Credit: BVI Soca Monarch Facebook Page

According to the BVI Soca Monarch Facebook page, the winner of the competition on Saturday, August 3, 2019 was Ramon, whose song was Rampage. First Runner-up was JJ, whose song was All of That, and third runner up was Diffy, whose song was Sip Sip.

Original article published on July 25, 2019:
It's time again for the BVI Soca Monarch competition! Eight (8) competitors are vying for the title of  2019 BVI Soca Monarch - each artiste with his distinct flavor and style. The reigning BVI Soca Monarch from 2017 is JJ and he is competing once again in 2019.

After Hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017, festival was scaled down. However, the British Virgin Islands continues to progress and recover, and part of this process includes showcasing our culture and taking time to celebrate our emancipation from slavery. This year marks the 65th celebration of Festival in the territory and 185 years of emancipation from slavery.

The BVI Soca Monarch competition is slated for Saturday, August 3, 2019 at the Primetime Festiville and several regional artistes will also be performing including Mr. Killa known for "Run Wid It", Rupee known for "Think Twice" and "Tempted to Touch", Freezy known for "Woy", and Explainer known for "Lorraine".

The competitors include known band members and other budding artistes who are full of energy, spunk and talent. The songs listed below were shared by the BVI Soca Monarch organizers for the public to vote for their favorite. I enjoyed listening to all the songs and confirm that I would not want to be a judge for this show because the artistes have come strong this year.

Keep It 100 by TeeJay
TeeJay is a member of VIBE, the reigning BVI Road March champions. He is the lead singer of the band's "Eye Contact" and "Don't Leave". "I 'm so much better with you by my side, feels like I can do whatever, but I don't want to feel like I lied" are a sample of the lyrics. The song has a groovy feel, like a soca love song. The song flows well with the rhythm and pace so it's left to the actual performance to see if TeeJay will be the winner.

All of That by JJ
JJ is a member of OMG (Our Music Group) and is the reigning BVI Soca Monarch. His song gives a Caribbean flavour as he sings about coming to do "All of That". This song is an example of 'feel good' music that keeps your fingers and feet tapping. Lyrics include "Don't care if you want to judge me, is my life - is I decide to get on like I have no training". This song does reflect that JJ has some soca training though.

Chappy Boy 65 by Chap Chap
Chap Chap is well known in the BVI and his father, Chappy is also a known band man who sang in Primetime, the band the festival village is named after. Chap Chap sings "Waving up the flags, slavery is no more, freedom come through the door, I jamming til my body sore". This song is high energy with a rhythm that is synonymous with BVI Festival music. He is a serious contender and if the performance energy is high, he stands a good chance to win.

Rampage by Ramon
Ramon's song invites you to really have fun and go on a rampage! I hope that with the infectious rhythm and lyrics which entice you to move, Ramon will take the stage on a rampage when he performs on August 3, 2019. "We on a rampage, on the road Parade Day, we going leave it ablaze..." are some of the lyrics.

We Ain't Going Home by Pascal
Pascal is another member of OMG and he is not new to the music scene in the BVI. "We jamming again and we ain't going home, we got our friends and we ain't going home" are some lyrics. This is another high energy song with lots of rhythm to get you off your feet. The rhythm varies in the song and brings excitement to the listener.

Dilaahlaah FM by Mr. Bluez
Mr. Bluez's song is unique in style and rhythm and it seems to have influences from other genres. "Ahyu I think done, bring my other shot of the rum" and "The fete is my home, I'm a party animal" are some of the lyrics.

Wuk Up Permit by Jim Bob
I would say Jim Bob's "Wuk Up Permit" has the most fun and unique lyrics. I guess with all the improvements that the government is making with work permit processing, the song is ideal for this competition. Jim Bob sings "She here on a wuk up permit, shake your hips like you working for tips, homeboy don't rub up on it, cause a money man done eat it!"

Sip Sip by Diffy
Diffy's song "Sip Sip" is surely different. "Sip sip on it" encourages you to groove while sipping on your favorite drink at the festival bar. Lyrics include "Behind the truck, having my fun ..... we chipping and we sipping...." This is going to be an interesting performance.

I wish all the competitors good luck because the competition is looking tight. It's hard to say who is my favorite and since I do not have the judging criteria, I refrain from making any predictions.

** Thank you to Virgin Islands News Online for featuring excerpts of this post in their article, "Big $$ up for Grabs @ Fierce Soca Monarch Competition".

Some Musical Storytellers

I like to listen to all types of music. Sometimes the lyrics are garbage but the song has good rhythm and dance vibe. Sometimes, the dance vibe is enough. On the other hand, I do love a song that tells a story and keeps me enthused at the same time.

Some of the music of the 60s to the 80s told a story. Country musicians loved telling stories and a good example was Kenny Rogers in his song The Gambler. The Mighty Sparrow told lots of stories and he greatly influenced the soca and calypso we enjoy today. Jean and Dinah and Obeah Wedding are great examples of Sparrow's lyrical genius. Bob Marley was another exciting lyricist who shared so many aspect of life in his reggae albums. No Woman, No Cry and Trenchtown Rock keep us listening to hear a tale in reggae style.

Nicholas "Daddy Friday" Friday was one example of a talented musician, along with The Jam Band, who kept people in the Virgin Islands and the wider Caribbean enthralled by his catchy and insightful lyrics - all sung to a rhythmic balance of rhythm box, live instruments and drums. Jam Band's discography include We From De VI, Hugo and Let Loose.

Hip Hop had its share of storytellers including Slick Rick in Children's Story, Sugar Hill Gang in Rapper's Delight, and Will Smith as Fresh Prince in Summertime. Later R&B had hits like I Wish by Carl Thomas, Boyfriend Number 2 by Pleasure P and Need You Bad by Jazmine Sullivan.

I listen to many genres but these days, I mostly listen to the old school music. The depth of the music is not the same today. I do find myself listening to more soca these days because I think the genre has grown and there's even a collaboration with Machel Montano and Ashanti in The Road. 

Soca that I am pumping in car these days include:

• Kerwin Du Bois - Right for Somebody
• Teddyson John - Vent
• Jougo (VIBE) - Rule Numba Uno
• Kelly Jr. - Love Trip
• Pressure BussPipe - Do It and Done
• Machel Montano - Epic (2014)
• Skinny Fabulous, Machel Montano and Bunji Garlin - Famalay
• Farmer Nappy - Hookin Meh

Music is entertainment, it influences, it inspires, it evolves and it helps us to keep fit. Music is truly life.

Ten Tips I Am Sharing About Life

I like the simple things in life. I enjoy sharing in my blog and writing poetry. However, I dislike blogging from my phone. I wrote this entire blog post already … but had an error message.

I do not profess to have the answers or solutions to anything but I like to share information with others. I have learned a lot by reading tips and informational articles about life. I think these ten tips may be helpful to you.

1. Be nice
Be you but be nice. You do not have to smile with everyone but you should be courteous. Being pleasant makes you more approachable and helps you to make a good first impression.

2. Manage your money
Do not let your money manage your life; instead make wise financial decisions. Save for hard times or a rainy day and insure your property.

3. Be spiritual
Whether you are religious or not, find time to meditate. If you are religious, then pray and congregate with like minds.

4. Watch your friends
In the VI, the old folks used to say that “not every skin teeth is a laugh” meaning that not everyone who smiles with you is your friend. If you notice a trust issue among friends, address it and/or move on. Do not keep anyone in your circle who will bring you down.

5. Relax
We all need to relax. This does not mean that you should laze around and be unproductive. However, stress can kill you so you have to take time to chill and rest.

6. Be silly sometimes
Find what is fun for you and enjoy it. If it is fun, then there should be no stress involved!

7. Continuously learn
Learning does not only mean a classroom. Use the resources available such as elders, short courses and online resources. Grammarly is a good resource and you can learn about anything on YouTube. The internet is a great resource; just use it wisely.

8. Dream
Consider yourself in what you see as your realistic ideal. Start with how you can get there and make a plan to make it happen. Be mindful of the key word: realistic.

9. Seek advice when needed
You do not need someone to tell you how to make every move. However, sometimes you need to seek counsel when making tough decisions. Be careful who you ask because you do not want your information to be shared with others.

10. Love you
You will never succeed trying to be like everyone else. Love yourself – if you do not then who will? I am not saying to be egotistical, but you have to first love yourself before you can love others.

I hope that you enjoyed and can use one or two of these tips.

Ribbon

New Song: No Matter What by Dylan J

Listen to No Matter What by Dylan J #np on #SoundCloud https://soundcloud.com/dylanjartist/no-matter-what

Peeling the Onion - the Need to Smile, the Weirdness and Life

I know what I like and I'm guessing that you know what you like. I love to laugh - I'm sorry but I enjoy a good joke. Now, my sense of humor may be a little off but I don't think that it's crass or derogatory. I love comedy and I just enjoy laughing. As you think about the movie, Shrek, Shrek said that "Ogres are like onions" and I guess everyone is that way. We all have our ways and layers.

I think that I have bought into the "laughter helping you age better" trend of thought. Hey, I sometimes consider myself a "Conspiracy Theorist" so I'm technically like the "weird relative". You may wonder why all the quotation marks and you may even consider the words and phrases as cliches. Unfortunately or fortunately, I am the "odd man out". The good thing is that I am cool with that. Life is about loving yourself - not gloating or boasting about your bad ways - but accepting the intricate little parts that make you - YOU! In turn, we work on our bad ways so that others can not only tolerate us - but accept us.


I am the introvert and the extrovert. I love helping people and I am a lover of a "win-win" situation. I want to see people thrive. Yes - call me the "hopeful optimist" and yes I do believe that we all have our good ways that can outweigh our issues. I'm not claiming to be perfect or even pretending to be - I just want to be me. I'm going to get mad and I will show it - sorry, I can't hide emotion. However, I can bounce back - I'll try to!

After facing a Category 5 hurricane which ripped into my house and throughout the territory, I am thankful for the ability to smile and to witness the greatness of God's love. I love the little things - the butterflies although I despise their metamorphosis - as the caterpillars eat my pumpkin and tomato leaves. However, I understand the importance of pollination; so yes I fuss, but nature has to go through its cycle.

So as I go through my life cycle as God grants me time, I remain thankful for my blessings and I will keep smiling...and laughing too because I do love a good joke!

Ribbon 

Don't I look 'GOOD'?

Or should the question be, "Don't you think I'm sexy?"

Caption:
Two pelicans relaxing on the dock in Great Camanoe in the British Virgin Islands.

Blog, oh Blog - I have not Forsaken You

I know I have not written in my blog for while. I am now writing for Suite 101 and I love it because it keeps me busy. My blog in recent posts has more become the poetry generator. I will admit that several more poems have been written since the last post here on Blogger.

Poetry seems easier for me to write. I play with words and it comes. I guess it's second nature now - maybe more first. It's like my singing - I do not sing as much as I used to and I think my voice has deteriorated but the more I write - the easier it is to share my poems.

These are my thoughts tonight (while listening to some Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, Marvia Providence):

spirit
alive
passion
be free
smile
unhinged
in one look
it's me
feeling
so special
being
a new me
surrounded
by nature
this love
how it captures
with joy
it enlivens
with peace
it strengthens
YES
it's indirect
and YES
it protects
never rejects
shows respect
and in fact
I know know
that this
is the
only
love
that
I need
because
it comes
from
heaven

© ribbon 2010

REAL TALK to feature Callaloo Poets on Channel 51 and CORE MAGAZINE 1st Anniversary Issue in BVI

Check out Callaloo Poets - Linette & Sowande on REAL TALK with Karia Christopher on Wednesday, May 7, 2008 at 7:30PM on Channel 51. Be sure to check it out!

Also, CORE Magazine has released its 1st Anniversary issue featuring our own Revelation, Ritical, Alton Bertie and Kamau Georges. Poetry by the Callaloo Poets is also featured in this FREE issue which has Rock City on the cover. Delve into this issue to read about Avalanche, Jam Tyme Band, CORE Fashion and much more.

Why Steal

Are things really that bad that every day we steal? It does seem to be that bad because people are stealing scooters and cars - not food. There are about 10 people begging on the streets today either for hunger or for drugs. They're not stealing.

So what's wrong with the 18 year old who steals a scooter. Are you not employed? The classifieds are full of paying jobs. So what drives youn people specifically to steal. Is it Grand Theft auto that inspires them, or Ocean's Eleven or The Italian Job? Can they bridge the difference between reality and fiction?

If they are looking at Cops or Police Chases, then those are awful examples to follow since the perps ALWAYS get caught. So what is the fascination with taking other people's things?

For me, I prefer to do without or ask someone. That is what I was taught. So, are we as parents teaching our children to do without? Many say that they wish for their children to have a better life than themselves. Of course, I won't argue that but it does not mean that children are to be spolied.

We in the BVI tend to baby our children and spoil them. Many times they can't handle the harshness of life and result to stealing and embezzlement. Why is a 25 year old man being caught with his hand in the cookie jar?

Leave people things alone!

ribbon

No Children Allowed?

'NO children are allowed.' 'Please, do not bring your children'. 'Your children will disturb the event.'

Women in organizations that deal with women's issues say the above.

Is there something wrong here? The women who make these satements are the first to want to embrace or coo at people's children. Yet, they are the first to ask that children are left with a sitter. I'll tell you this, I will never participate ever again in any event that restricts the attendance of my children.

My children are my support and my inspiration. How can I speak about being a mother and deliver a good performance without having my children present. I work with pageants, poetry readings and other activities and my kids are there 100%. I am not stripping or working in a casino - I am trying to make positive things happen in the community.

I don't want to say that it's life in the BVI but it is. We celebrate women but ask that their children are hushed away and hidden. It encourages the nonsense in which parents leave their children all over the place and party and run wild. Then at festival, the same women will be on air complaining about parents who leave their children unattended.

My children will be will ME and attend functions with ME. If you cannot accept them, then don't call ME.

Insurance or assurance of higher premiums

Insurance means:

1. the act, system, or business of insuring property, life, one's person, etc., against loss or harm arising in specified contingencies, as fire, accident, death, disablement, or the like, in consideration of a payment proportionate to the risk involved.
2. coverage by contract in which one party agrees to indemnify or reimburse another for loss that occurs under the terms of the contract.
3. the contract itself, set forth in a written or printed agreement or policy.
4. the amount for which anything is insured.
5. an insurance premium.
6. any means of guaranteeing against loss or harm
from Dictionary.com


Looking at that definition, why do we hate the insurance guys? They collect their premiums faithfully and raise them every year. On the other hand, you may hardly make claims and remain a good customer.

So what is the problem? Health insurance is CRAZY here in the BVI. If you are not in a big group, you are in trouble because individual premiums are expensive, especially with a family. With Auto Insurance, you can get good rates but there are certain companies who work tirelessly to screw you over. They dig in to your business and have conversations about you with the 'world' - and you are insured with them! the Life Insurance guys can get away for now but they also need to research new policies to offer us here.

I obviously do not care for the auto guys because on two occassions, I have had bad interactions with them. Nevertheless, we need them. I ask people to review their policies closely and if you are not happy - SWITCH. They like to tell you that you cannot have comprehensive insurance on vehicles over three years, yet they lie because they can offer it.

Maybe it is a vendetta against me - no because everyone complains.

So, switch, switch, switch...........

Driving in the BVI

The old people say "drive for you and the other driver". I say drive for you and the other moron here in the BVI cause guaranteed by the end of the year someone will hit your car. Hopefully everyone will walk away without injury.

Seriously, SOME people here are really BAD drivers:

can't park
can't reverse
can't signal
can't brake
can't stay on their side of the road
can't overtake

BTW, the percentage of bad drivers is the same for male and female. The joke is that everyone wants BIG SUV's but they can't park and can't change the tires. lol lol These SUV's don't even want to drive in mud puddles. I just sit and laugh or pass or just laugh.

There may actually be one vehicle per adult and per child here - it's about 25,000 vehicles to 27,000 people. With no proper bus system, the traffic is horrendous and with the factors listed above - we're not getting anywhere.

The Government employees and officials spend our country's income on BIGGER SUVs which is such a waste. The $50K wasted on an Escalade could be a teacher's salary or a scholarship for a hopeful dentist. Yet they say they are moving forward - making the dealers rich and the school children slower because there is no equipment or qualified teacher to teach them.

The way forward - I would transfer the Escalades and Land Rovers to the Survey Department instead of having 8 men choked up in the 4 door truck. I think the pretty blue sea have the officials blinded somehow but these are just my thoughts.

Top 7 @ & Awards in BVI

Congratulations to ALL the winners of the ZROD Top 7 @ 7 Awards. Matter of Fact - congratulations to all of you with the courage to come out and share your music with the world. I would to see and hear more from all of the groups because the talent is uniquely BVI.

What I will ask of all of the groups is that they keep their diction a little clearer because I want to see you make it worldwide not just in BVI. You all also have to work on the productions and get some original beats or the necessary permissions.

All the groups clearly love what they do - perform. I think the community is also very much behind them and you know I'll do my part.

ribbon