Seven Hot Songs Released in 2020 to Keep on Your Playlist - Part 1

The year 2020 had some challenges from the pandemic to other natural phenomena. Technology and food security have become highlighted topics. However, I think that creativity and innovation are also trending, and entertainers have also stepped up. I love music, and I am sharing songs released in 2020 you should have on your playlist not only for this summer but for years to come.

"Butterflies" by Priceless featuring Pressure Busspipe

Priceless is a multi-talented musician and producer from the British Virgin Islands. His songs include "Listen to Me", "It's Real" and "Issa Hit" feat. Da General. "Butterflies" features Pressure Buss Pipe, who is known for "Love and Affection", "I'm Grateful" and "Virgin Islands Nice". Priceless sings in the hook, "I'm in love and I know, I'm in love and I know, the way you turn me on, gal me love you bad". Pressure Buss Pipe tunes in with "Gal me say her boyfriend pon de freezer, and me fi make your drawers fly with no visa".

"Lockdown" by Koffee
2020 Grammy Award winner for Reggae, Koffee, is a 20-year-old Jamaican reggae singer with a fresh and energetic music style. Her earlier hits include "Toast", "W" featuring Gunna, and "Rapture". Lockdown" brings a cool vibe and shows the artist's extraordinary talents. The hook is "Where will we go, When di quarantine ting done and everybody touch road, Mommy, me go Nascar, Pull up in a fast car, A nuh false start..."

"Don't Walk Away" by John Legend featuring Koffee
John Legend is one of my favorite artists. When I first heard "Ordinary People", I was enthused by his sensual voice. I appreciated his versatility and after listening to the albums, "Get Lifted" and "Evolver", I knew his name would be engraved in musical history along with many other great performers. Legend sings, "Can we just wait, don't walk away, don't walk away, don't walk away, There's so much more I wanna say." Koffee is also featured on this song, but this is not his first collaboration with a reggae artist. He sang "Can't Be My Lover" with Buju Banton. Koffee's lyrics include "Fragile is my love, I ain't never givin' up, Give you my life, I would, I'll stand by you, bad times and good".

"Cool as the Breeze/Friday" by Chronnix
This Grammy-nominated Reggae artist is another engaging artist who I enjoy listening to. Chronnix has released many hits and "Cool as the Breeze/Friday" is a chart-topper. "Here Comes Trouble", "Skankin' Sweet" and "They Don't Know" are some of his other hits. "The sun burning up til it red, Welcome to Kingston, every day is a summer, Every night feel like a Friday, Rev d bike til dem swear is a hummer"are some of the lyrics in "Cool as the Breeze/Friday".

"Blessed" by Buju Banton
Buju Banton has a long musical career spanning from the early 1990s. Impactful albums included "Til Shiloh", "Inna Heights" and "Voice of Jamaica". "Blessed" takes us back to the 1990s reggae/dancehall style. Buju chants "Tell dem we bless, tell dem we bless, tell dem we bless, Nah see me spend my last fi impress, Tell dem mi nuh waste my own, a me invest". It is great to have Buju Banton back on the charts.

"Mr. Policeman" by Ill Mindz
This song starts "Mr. Policeman, me no understand, why you driving past mi house so often for, Me have to wonder what you're really looking for, me a music dealer, lyric murderer". Ill Mindz is a music duo from the British Virgin Islands who are storming up the music scene. Their songs include "Day After Day" and "Black Man". The excerpt of the lyrics of "Mr. Policeman" display their lyrical prowess.

"Properlay" by Adam O - (Big Body Riddim)
Adam O has hits on the Caribbean Soca scene including, "Sexy Dance", "Wine and Dip", and "Welcome Home". He hails from the United States Virgin Islands. "Properlay" is on the Big Body Riddim produced by Marvelus. "She season up the thing properlay, sauce got me leaning properlay" is part of the hook.

Bonus:
"Fresh Prince of JA" by Tarrus Riley
You may have heard of the "Fresh Prince of Bel-Air" television show, but we introduce you to the "Fresh Prince of JA" performed by Tarrus Riley, a well-known voice in reggae music. He has countless songs and collaborations including "Superman", "Cold Kisses" and "Crazy Love" with Rock City. This song is different from Riley's style of crooning sweet love songs but it shows his versatility and fun side. Riley chants "Blessing in abundance, yeah it shows, and is like the more them see mi smile, ah the more them frown".

Listen to these songs and share your feedback in the comments. Soon, I will also be sharing some songs from the British Virgin Islands Soca scene.

Book Highlight: Illustrated History of the British Virgin Islands Colouring Book by Gabriel Skelton-Bardo

Do you want to learn more about the British Virgin Islands (BVI)? If you love history and enjoy coloring, then you need to get a copy of "Illustrated History of the British Virgin Islands Colouring Book," which was written by Mrs. Gabrielle Skelton-Bardo. Mr. David Thrasher created the illustrations, and each page vividly highlights the rich history of this small Caribbean territory. This coloring book, which displays historical data and areas in Central Tortola is labeled 'Book One' which hints that the author has plans to create similar works.

The Illustrated History of the British Virgin Islands Colouring Book brings the rich BVI history and culture alive by showcasing the national symbols, and notable buildings and sites. Did you know how Road Town, the capital city of the British Virgin Islands, got its name? One may think the name was selected because there was a system of roads for land transport in the area. However, that answer is not correct. You will have to get your copy to find the answer!

This book not only stands out because it is a colouring book created for the BVI by a British Virgin Islander. It is unique because the information shared reflects the time and effort it took to create this masterpiece. In addition to the historical details, another highlight is the official mascot, Zoe, the Turtle Dove. The turtle dove is the territorial bird, and the word, Tortola, translates to 'Land of the Turtle Dove.'

I asked the author for permission to share this page from the book about Sir Olva Georges, who was the first and only male British Virgin Islander to be knighted. She shared that the Sir Olva Georges Plaza "... has special meaning to me as this was where we were sold as slaves, and this is where politics was reborn in the '50s. It is a perfect tribute as we are celebrating 70 years of self-governance."

The author also shared that she would like to encourage anyone who has a dream to follow it and to embrace their passions, whether it be arts, science, writing, drama, etc. She urged us to always stay true to ourselves and be humble in all things that we do. Mrs. Skelton-Bardo also stated, "I hope everyone has a fun time learning about our history because I had a fun time learning about and putting this project together."

The Illustrated History of the British Virgin Islands Colouring Book is ideal for children because they have a beautiful reference guide they can use for their social studies and history lessons. Adults will also enjoy this book, especially if they are older because they can reminisce about their younger days and how the BVI has progressed.

For more information or to get copies of the book, please visit the Colour ME BVI History page on Facebook.

POEM: What I have to Offer

I've got something

although many may say it's little or nothing

Noting that I don't say much

as such, I'm like a blank slate

a child lost in a big state

but just like you I want to be great

but I can wait

because I have so much to offer

and I do want to prosper

but I'll do it in my time

when it's my time to shine

but in the meantime

I'll stay silent

become more resilient

and resistant to nonsense

I'm about setting my own trends

and don't have time to pretend

to be someone else

when I can be my self

these talents won't be shelved

but shared for anyone who cares

to listen

© Linette Rabsatt

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Looking at Life on June 17, 2020

 

I have written a few blog posts about COVID-19, and as we progress, life gets more interesting. We have mandated a "no mask, no service" policy. In response, several persons have been selling masks they manufacture, which facilitates creativity and employment. The downside is that persons are not wearing their masks correctly.  Thus, we put ourselves and families at risk. We need to educate people on the proper way to wear masks.

COVID-19 has also impacted church attendance. Numbers are limited, and attendees are mandated to wear masks. Can you sing and preach wearing a mask? People would have to remove masks at some point to sing or take communion. Does this pose a risk if everyone sits six feet apart? Unfortunately, the churches have suffered because some members are unable to pay tithes and offering because of financial challenges. While we have to be faithful and participate in corporate worship, we must remember that the threat of COVID-19 has not dissipated. 

COVID-19 also impacted our children. They spend most of their day in online classes. Oddly, before COVID-19, parents complained about children's screen time. Now, they spend several hours either in online sessions or completing assignments on their devices. Some parents struggle with the volume and level of work. Some students are stressed and are not learning the material. Parents ought to seek assistance from the teacher, family, or friends. Students can also contact their peers for support.

Extracurricular activities most likely have been postponed. Therefore, children need activities to keep them active and engaged. We have participated in various challenges and work together in the garden. Each family must determine what works best for them.

Financial challenges are some of the impacts of COVID-19. I can only imagine how some families are faring. While people may have saved money in their rainy day fund, some people haven't worked for several months. What about parents with young children who have no one to care for them? What happens to families if no one is working? Our government has implemented measures to assist persons in need. However, challenges exist that hamper some from benefitting from the programs. Therefore, the affected persons have to request assistance from the community or religious organizations, or elected representatives. 

We are affected by other factors outside of COVID-19. Therefore, we have to support local businesses. Also, we must be compliant and encourage others to do the same. Employers must pay statutory deductions on behalf of employees. Our success as territory relies on our ability to work together in this "new regular."

Please continue to do your part. If you need assistance, please request it.

Poem: Sore and Tore

As I delve into my mind

into my psyche

into my ego

I realize that 

there's a lot that I don't know

I may pretend

I may even bend the rules

thinking that I can fool

everyone but they

know I'm not having fun

they know I need to run

for the hills cause my skills

are not up to date

so I can't skate

by anymore

cause the score

is not in my favor

and while I savor

the one 15 minute moment

that one famed comment

I can't play the game anymore

I'm sore and I tore

the ligament

of resent

and I'm no longer content

and I don't want to be important

I just want to live

in peace with my mind

Linette

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BVI Youth on the Rise: Entrepreneurship and Innovation by Our Young People

COVID-19 has presented people globally with a myriad of challenges. However, prior to and during this pandemic, some young people have been developing their entrepreneurial skills and creativity to keep themselves busy and to earn money. I have children and they have always been innovative, and have shown interest in being independent. Therefore, I have been assisting them with developing their crafts and talents. In addition, I have seen an upsurge in youth entrepreneurs in the BVI, which I think is absolutely fantastic. I was very encouraged and decided to feature some of these future leaders on my blog.

The links for the various pages are highlighted for each youth. Each one is talented in his or her unique way and their ventures span from music, cosmetics, crafts, entertainment and graphic design.

World, I introduce you to the following future leaders:

Student: Anthony Cheltenham Jr.

School: Elmore Stoutt High School

Business/Activity: 3AL Productions 

What do you do: I create logos and flyers, design t-shirts, and anything graphic design related.

What inspired you to take this step: I wanted to create things for people, and get myself out there more.

Student: Anjanique Cheltenham

School: Elmore Stoutt High School

Business/Activity: Anji's Crafts

What do you do: I make key-rings and bracelets using plastic string and I create comic strips using Storyboardthat.

What inspired you to take this step: I wanted to make money to be able to help myself.

Student: Chevaan Richards 

School: Virgin Islands School of Technical Studies

Business/Activity: YouTube Channel - Chevy876

What do you do: My channel features Story time, Q&A's, Vlogs, Comedies and tutorials.

What inspired you to take this step: I want to motivate people who have been in the same situation that I have been in. I want to encourage others to push for their goals. I was inspired by one of my friends whose also on YouTube and his name is "Shaheim".

Student: Tymia Fahie

School: Elmore Stoutt High School

Business/Activity: Capture the View Photography and YouTube Channel - Tymia Fahie

What do you do: I take pictures ,and I write and perform my own music.

What inspired you to take this step: I was inspired by Khari Adams Photography and decided that I like photography. For my music, I realized the change in my voice in Grade 6 for my graduation, and I love music.

Student: C’Novia Toussaint 

School: Elmore Stoutt High School

Business/Activity: C’Novia Cosmetics

What do you do: I own a luxury brand of products that caters to both men and women. Our products are vegan, gluten free and cruelty free.

What inspired you to take this step: My inspiration to create this business was that I have always loved cosmetics and science, and was always busy creating something. We officially started on August 5, 2019.

Student: Amia Wheatley

School: Elmore Stoutt High School

Business/Activity: Mimi's Lips

What do you do: I make lip glosses, lip oils, lip balms, body shimmers, hand sanitizers, and face paints, and I draw and make old time crafts. I have also written a book, Hurricane Irma Through My Eyes.

What inspired you to take this step: My love of art was developed in school in grade four and I then realized with the other ventures that whatever I put my hands to, I  was awesome so I continue to dabble in every and anything.

Student: Dekhoy Farrington

School: Elmore Stoutt High School

Business/Activity: Music  - Khoy Don

What do you do: I write and perform songs.

What inspired you to take this step: To be honest, it was a good way to cope with anxiety and depression.

I hope that you are inspired when you read about each young person. They all have great talents and potential. We have to continue to encourage our young people and provide the appropriate forum for them to showcase their talents.

I wish all entrepreneurs the best of success. The journey will have its ups and downs, but perseverance will take you far. Walt Disney said “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.” These young persons have already taken the step to pursue their dreams; therefore, let us encourage them on their journey.

Linette

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BVI Author David Archer Shares Musings in His Book, "Pioneering Greatness: The Empowerment Experience"

Everyone in the BVI is familiar with Mr. David Archer. He is presently our Deputy Governor and is also an entrepreneur. If you have the opportunity to interact with this author, you will quickly feel his engaging and positive vibe. 

"Pioneering Greatness: The Empowerment Experience" presents musings from Mr. Archer on six (6) topics. He covers Success, Love, Building Greatness and Great Times, Living, Style and Culture. In his personal note at the beginning of the book, he states "The Empowerment Experience was conceived to influence, inspire and enlighten the world to simply be great...."

As you delve into "Pioneering Greatness: The Empowerment Experience" and start reading the musings, you will get an understanding of journey the author has designed for you. The musings provoke you to look at 'you' and help to evoke fresh thoughts on how you can improve yourself and community.

In the Success chapter, the author shares "Being successful is not the biggest challenge of people in the world; believing that you will be is the real challenge". I know many of us can relate to that because we harbor self-doubt and thoughts of inferiority. However, in this book, you can find the inspiration needed to propel yourself to greatness.

"To build a nation you must empower people to build for themselves" is one of the musings in the Living chapter. Thoughts such as these help us to focus on developing our community, in addition to improving our personal selves. 

The musings on Love will make definitely make you smile. One example is "Missing you. When you return from your trip, I will teach you for five hours why you should not leave this house unattended." When asked, the author clarified this musing by saying, "Lessons are not taught in short sessions. It was done to over emphasize the time it would take to express how much she was missed." I smiled as I read this one because love is integral in our lives. This musing is indeed a fresh way to express it.

As it relates to Building Greatness and Great Times, one of the musings shared was "Building greatness! A scan through your closet, removal of quality brands, donating it all to charity". We are therefore encouraged to share our success or wealth with others who may be in need. 

If you want to be inspired, please read this book. If you know someone in need of encouragement, please share a copy with them. For more information about the book, please visit Mr. Archer's Facebook page.

COVID-19 - Things We Take for Granted

I have been quietly observing how things have been progressing as it relates to COVID-19 in the British Virgin Islands and in the world. The one thing that stands out to me is that we take a lot of things for granted. We sit and assume a lot too; but the fact is that people are out there struggling silently. COVID-19 has forced us to rethink the way that we conduct daily life and interact with the community around us. Daycare facilities and schools are closed. Teachers are working from home as well as a variety of persons within the community. We have a mandated "No Mask, No Service" policy across the territory. A social distancing policy has also been developed and is being enforced for all sectors of businesses as they reopen. Most of what was mentioned is simple and easy to abide with. Right? 

With daycare facilities and schools closed, it means that parents have to ensure that they have adequate childcare. This is a challenge because we no longer live in extended family homes. Grandma, Auntie, Mommy, Daddy and older siblings are all working, so there is no-one home to watch the children. Parents are struggling to pay bills, so which one is going to stay home to mind the children while the other goes out to work. Bills continue to come in and now a computer and tablet or phone are needed for children to learn at home. Did I forget to mention the increased use of the internet at home may mean a higher and more costly internet package? If you are lucky like me, then you have the great option of working from home while driving yourself nuts working, helping children and still trying to make a meal because there are just not enough hours in the day. Did I forget to mention that the phone never stops ringing and 'pinging' so you can never real cool down and relax properly?

Of course, after one settles the family, and it is time to go out, we have the fun task of wearing a mask. Masks are an excellent way of ensuring that germs from your mouth do not impact others. However, wearing one for a long period can uncomfortable. Therefore, we have to learn to balance our movements well. Can errands be spaced out so that you are not running around in one day to several places with long lines, but instead over two days? Are you drinking enough water during the day? Could what you stood in line for be done online? Or would a messenger service be able to take care of it for a reasonable price?

Even as I think about going back to church, I am still wrapping my head around singing with a mask on. Clergy may worry about tithes not being paid but just as we are comfortable with buying from Amazon stores that we have never seen, the same way we should be comfortable paying offerings via other means. I actually think that churches should encourage members to pay a portion of their tithes towards helping others that are needy in the community. As I said in my opening statement, we take a lot for granted, and churches can use this opportunity to help those in need - the laid off, the youth without access to the technology for online learning or the senior who is unable to access the needed services.

We see each other every day looking beautiful and composed. However, as you speak to people and actually ask them how their family is doing and coping, you realize that many are taking on heavy burdens. Some are worried or frustrated, while others cannot cope. I have been trying to express appreciation to people work with me because I can see that some are running thin. We watch some of the others who may not be as engaged and assume things about them too but we don't know their worries - their families, their ailments, their bills or the status of their mental health.

If you take one thing away from this blog post, let it be that we really need to be our "brother's keeper". You can't save or help everyone but for who you can bless with a kind word, a small token or even a compliment, please do so.

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Recorded Poem: Living Positively by Linette

I have recorded my poem, 'Living Positively' and posted it on YouTube. Go to https://youtu.be/5DCGSKoUQKQ to view.

My Thoughts as BVI Heads into Final Hours Before Curfew - COVID-19

On March 30, 2020, I wrote a blog entry titled, "My Thoughts on COVID-19 as the British Virgin Islands Records Third Case". Today is the last day that persons can move freely around the British Virgin Islands because we are heading into a mandatory 24-hour curfew. Only persons deemed as essential workers will be allowed to move around to go to work and then return home. This has caused quite a stir for many people because it means no work, no ability to buy food, continuing to take full time care of children and elderly relatives, no barbershops and salons, no church, no liming and more of being home only.

As we headed to the grocery stores over the past few days, we saw that compliance continues to be a concern for our territory. Persons did not adhere to the guidelines to shop daily by surnames and there were few good examples of social distancing. Everyone ran out early in the morning to go to the stores and of course, that caused extensive waits, panic, panic shopping, persons got ill and traffic issues.

I tried to maintain decorum in every place that I went on my assigned day and I had no issue. People were polite and helpful. I also assisted in any little way that I could and I smiled. I waited a few hours to get into the store as well but when I was not chatting, I was doing a crossword puzzle or uploading pictures of me doing crossword puzzles on social media. I had learned to make the best of situations from a long time ago.

I was also asked to assist with a project and it did not take me long to agree to assist. I am still tired but when I thought about the few who did it for most of the day, I was happy that I lent my support. As a result, I benefited even though that was not what I was expecting. 

With a few more hours left before full lock-down, I am looking at the amazing weather and thinking about what else I can plant in my garden and what space I can use. I am planning to record some poetry and do some crafts with my children. We will also be launching some surveys to get people's opinions on what we create. I look forward to doing some drawing and coloring too - if we can find the crayons. I'll be attending church online as well.

I have seen many people post pictures of the food they have prepared; I have been doing that for years. It does not entice me like before. I prefer to share the joys of the "farm" part of the"farm to fork" philosophy. 

Blogging is one of my passions and I will continue to maintain it within this period, while balancing whatever work assignments are given while working remotely. I find that I sleep better now and I have less back pain. After all, I have already mentioned to my supervisor that I would be happy to work from home. I am a pusher and I will get my work accomplished once I have the tools, and Google if the tools foul up.

I take this opportunity to applaud the Public Service's Health Ministry and all Health Professionals for their diligence and hard work. I also appreciate the efforts of the Premier and his team for their leadership. I cannot forget the various religious sects for their prayers and supplications; and of course, the supermarkets, gas stations, hardware stores and other vendors for enduring us for the past few days. 

When we step away from the 24-hour curfew, I say that the cleaners, sanitation officers, janitors and other cleaning professionals should be the MVPs on every team. They are the one of the key human resources because their work impacts our health and well-being in the workplace. Be kind to these professionals and pay them well.

I pray that everyone remains safe and the BVI will not have anymore confirmed cases. I also pray for the entire world that people will recover, the grieving will be comforted and the homeless and hungry will be attended to. It is a trying time but how we reach out to each other will make the difference.

Linette

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