BVI Hosts Farmers' Week 2012 from February 10 to 17, 2012

The BVI is hosting Farmers' Week 2012 from February 10 - 17, 2012.

The Government of the British Virgin Islands  supports the agricultural industry and the major event that showcases the fruits of the industry is Farmers' Week. This year, 2012, marks twenty years of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour and the Department of Agriculture hosting the Farmers' Week event.

Farmers' Week

While Farmers' Week started in 1992, the Department of Agriculture always held Agricultural Exhibitions in Paraquita Bay in Tortola since the early 1960s. Many older Virgin Islanders can share information about the grand displays of crops, livestock, preserves and handicrafts at the past exhibitions and current Farmers' Week. Since the celebration was changed from a two-day exhibition to a weeklong celebration, the activities extended past Tortola to the other big islands in the BVI. Since 1992, Farmers' Week was extended to Jost Van Dyke, Anegada and Virgin Gorda. In addition, the date for Farmers' Week was set to start from the first Friday of February and concluding on the following Friday.

Culture of Farmers' Week

 The intent of Farmers' Week is to promote all aspects of agriculture in a fun and cultural setting while showcasing the best agricultural displays. Farmers are encouraged to include their crops and

livestock in the various competitions. The farms are judged through field judging where the judges visit the sites and score based on various criteria. There is also on-site judging where produce, livestock, handicrafts and preserves are brought to the Department for judging and then display during the festivities. The coveted prizes include Best Livestock Farmer, Best Mixed Farmer, Best Poultry Farmer and several others.

Days of Farmers' Week

On the first Friday, Farmers' Week begins with an opening ceremony in Tortola which includes various diplomatic speeches and announcements of the Tortola winners and overall Champion Farmer award. The day progresses with tours of the various  inning entries on display and other cultural entertainment. The events continue in Tortola on the Saturday with similar activities. On the Sunday, there is an Ecumenical Service on Paraquita Bay in the morning and then the cultural activities continue. On the Monday, Farmers' Week continues in Anegada as the farmers on that island showcase what they have to share agriculturally. Jost Van Dyke hosts its exhibition on Tuesday and then on the Thursday, the events continue in Virgin Gorda. On the last day, the second Friday, there is a grand Food Fair at the Noel Lloyd Action Movement Park in Tortola where vendors sell local cuisine, delicacies and beverages.

Farmers' Week 2012

 Farmers' Week 2012 is being celebrated under the theme "Celebrating 20 Years of BVI Culture Through Agriculture". Due to scheduling constraints, the opening date was moved to the second Friday of February, February 10, 2012. Preparations have been put in place so that this twenty year celebration is one that is agriculturally significant and enjoyable.

Old Music

Old music brings back old memories. Sometimes I draw back to the old video or a moment in school. I may look back and remember that I disliked a song but I like it now. In many cases my old feelings remain the same. I have pretty much given up on new music only finding a few that tickle my ears. I noticed from the time I was younger that music is just being re-invented, sampled and re-inspired.

In almost every genre, the classics stand out and that's why they have to be sampled. I still think for most of the songs the original beats the remake any day. A lot of the catchy hip hip/rap traps contain R&B or Reggae inlfuences.

My memories are good as I reminisce on an old track such as "Back To Life" by Soul II Soul or "Rumours" by Club Noveau. I revert to the old soca of Burning Flames, Eddie & the Movements or Imaginations Brass and of course the reggae by Bob Marley, Steel Pulse or Third World.

I love music and love the classics the best. The new music is just not ready for the test.

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Four Things Parents Should Tell Their Teenaged Daughters

Parents should be sure to discuss life issues with their teenaged daughters so that the girls are informed about sex, periods, self-esteem and giving back.

Today it is very important for parents to communicate with children, especially teenaged daughters. The days of giving partial advice to teens is now long gone as the internet provides both good and bad sources of information, so parents have to speak openly to their children. Parents should tell their teenaged girls about menstruation, sex, self-esteem and community service as this helps the girls to be stronger women.

What Teen Girls Should Know About Menstruation

Young ladies usually have their first period between the ages of 9 and 16 with the average age being 12 years old. Every woman menstruates differently as some have cramps, swollen glands, nausea, heavy or light bleeding and some have no additional symptoms at all. Parents should educate their daughters about the reasons for menstruation so that the young ladies can learn and understand their cycle. This will help the girls to be prepared and avoid forgetting their pads or tampons or worse, any embarrassing moments.

Tell Girls the Full Facts About Sex

In the past, parents in the Caribbean have said to their daughters, "don't go and talk to boys because you will get pregnant". Today, parents can no longer speak to children like that. Teenaged girls, most of whom would have already have had their first period, need to be told about sex so that they make the right choices. While sex is not a delicate topic to discuss, there are many references parents can reach for today. There are many books and there are articles such as WedMD's "Talking With Children About Sex – Topic Overview" that parents can peruse for information. Parents must note that it is not as simple as giving the child the book to read and hoping that understanding will come. Both mother and father must take time and make themselves available to answer questions. Contraceptives of course should be discussed - not as an encouragement to seek sex but a precaution.

Building a Teen Daughter's Self-Esteem

Self-esteem speaks to the core of a person's being with the value of self-worth and also with a focus of self-improvement and growth. Both boys and girls experience difficulties with their self-image but parents play a large role in easing the difficulties and ensuring that teenagers are well balanced and self-confident. Issues with physical appearance, involvement in sports or academic achievement can bring a young person down. Dyan Eybergen offers encouraging words in her Suite 101 article "The Development of Self-Esteem: Parenting Behaviours That Boost a Child's Self Worth" that "Children who receive support are strengthened; those who are empowered feel encouraged; children who know unconditional love learn to love themselves and when children know that their parents have faith in them, they are fulfilled as a human beings." Involvement in church activities, pageants, sports, writing songs and poetry are great activities for young ladies to develop and continuously improve their self-esteem

Community Service is Important for Girls

It is important for parents to instill in their young daughters the importance of volunteering and community service. Giving back to the community builds character, allows for networking and provides enhancement to a job application. Young ladies can take part in school or church based organizations or other groups such as Girl Guides, Pathfinders or other groups. Hopefully open communication between parents and teenaged girls will foster strong relationships between them. 

Young girls need to be nurtured so that they can be strong young women. When parents communicate with their teenaged daughters about sexual health, self-esteem and community service, the young women will be better equipped to deal with life. 

An LOL moment - The Cows Must Be Out

The cows must be out! The dog is barking continously. The cows must be out! What will the cows eat?  Are they aiming for my sugar cane or my mango tree? The cows must be out!

I doubt I can get a good hit at one cow? Could I get the chain and tie just one cow? The cows must be out! Will the cows burst a pipe today? Does this mean that I can't use the toilet until the plumber comes? The cows must be out!

My seedlings are tiny and can't take a bite! Although the worms take a bite every now and then. I heard that I planted on the wrong moon. It doesn't matter because the cows must be out!

I don't know which one is worst - the cows or the dogs? I can't catch any and can get damaged by both. Are the dogs out? NO! Please let them stay in. They must be in because the other dog is barking.

The cows must be out!

LOL

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Quick Thoughts: POEM - Taking the Jump

when jumping the broom
one may wonder what the future looms
but marraige should not be considered doom
or like sitting in a tomb
but as a joyous adventure
one filled with joy and rapture
like how a heart gets captured
joining in unity is all in the culture
it's like a perfect package deal
one that makes you holler and squeal
like as a bell tolls and peals
and when you say baby 'I'm for real!'
it's love, love, love, love - crazy love
the kind that's blessed from above

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Don't Pre-judge Others

Never underestimate anyone. Never judge a person by their appearance. Although  first impressions are key, sometimes you have to give a second chance. You might meet me driving and I curse at you for cutting me off. I will forget that in a few minutes and walk into your business place with a smile for you to serve me.

I think that's why I keep music around to keep me pre-occupied. It's funny because I prefer to walk down the hill to work so that I can listen to music all the way down. Sometimes I think people don't see the phone in my hand playing the music and they think that I have lost it. I love to sing and dance so I will tap my feet and sing off key aloud. As I said before, we prefer if you don't pre-judge. Instead, ask a question if there is something you want to know.

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Album Review: Soul Over The Race Vol. 2

Album Review: Soul Over The Race Vol. 2

Intro: Soul Over The Race Vol. 2 by various artists in Japan showcases the amazing talents of Kaori Sawada, Sayumi, Emi Hinouchi and fasun.

Sweet Soul Records is a record company based in Tokyo, Japan. The company releases music of several genres including soul, neo-soul, jazz, R&B, funk and hip hop. According to Sweet Soul Records, Soul Over The Race Vol. 2 is the "third cover album in the "SOUL OVER THE RACE" series recorded in Tokyo with all Japanese singers and musicians. January 25, 2012 marked the release date for this new volume of music.

Soul Over the Race Vol. 2 Original Covers & Singers

The music was inspired by several R&B/Soul greats including The Isley Brothers, The Jackson 5 and Chic. These classic soul pieces were performed by four talented artists - Kaori Sawada, Emi Hinouchi, the veteran performer, fasun and the newcomer to the airwaves, Sayumi. These singers were chosen as the best out of the many who auditioned for a chance to lend their voices to such a noteworthy project. Sweet Soul Records shared that Kaori recently released a debut album titled "Affectionately Yours" with lifesound Records and Emi Hinouchi performs with the Japanese hip hop group M-Flo.

Songs of Soul Over the Race Vol. 2

1. "I Believe in Miracles": Originally performed by the Jackson Sisters, "I Believe in Miracles" is a musical testimony to true love. Emi Hinouchi carries this song well while showcasing her vocals.
2. "Don't You Care": "Don't You Care" was first performed by Alice Clark. Kaori Sawada gives a rousing performance of this classic which asks a very important question in any relationship.
3. "I Can't Let Him Down": Sayumi slowed down this version of "I Can't Let Him Down". The original song sung by Love Unlimited had a more up-tempo beat. However, Sayumi's version is mellow and her voice blends well with the softer rhythm.
4. "I Wouldn't Change a Thing": The original song by Coke Escovedo had a funk styled flow. On this remake, Kaori Sawada gave a rousing rendition but with a jazzy essence. Although Kaori did not 'change a thing' in the lyrics, this singer put some good energy into this song.
5. "I Wanna Be Where You Are": It is not many who attempt to remake songs by any Motown legend. Definitely to take on the task of remaking a Jackson Five hit is quite a feat. Emi Hinouchi took the challenge to remake "I Wanna Be Where You Are" and met with approval.
6. "Funkin' for Jamaica": Tom Brown was definitely pumping some funk in "Funkin for Jamaica" although Jamaica is associated with reggae. The singer, fasun, gave a stellar performance on a slower rhythm while keeping the pace of the original track.
7. "Bad Weather": The title of the track should not in any way make the listener think that the song is not a great song. The performer, fasun, was able to bring across a similar vocal performance and energy as the original artist, Melissa Manchester.
8. "Changin'": "Changin" is the longest track on the album and was a Sharon Ridely original. Kaori Sawada was challenged to keep the lyrical message on pace with the original song and she met the challenge with her soothing voice.
9. "Work It Out": Performer, fasun, surely was able to 'work it out' musically with the remake of Breakwater's "Work It Out". In another softer and more mellow performance of a classic, fasun was able to bring strong emotion in combination with the amazing instrumental on this track.
10. "Thinking of You": Chic was a sensation during their time in music and there is no doubt that "Thinking of You" was a hit. In this Soul Over the Race Vol. 2 remix, Sayumi was able to evoke the same passion and soul/r&b appeal in a softer version of the song.
11. "Lucky Fellow": Emi Hinouchi was Sweet Soul Records' choice to give the rendition of Leroy Hutson's "Lucky Fellow." Emi rocked the track with her relaxing and easy-spirited voice in classic song.
12. "Harvest for the World": The Isley Brothers are another group that other singers seldom attempt to remake their songs because of the caliber of performance and the essential style the Isleys evoke. Sayumi was able to bring across "Harvest for the World" in her tone, style and range while keeping the flow of the original track.

 Sweet Soul Records should be recognized for harnessing the talented Japanese artists who are willing to give their voices to the R&B genre. Sayumi, fasun, Emi Hinouchi and Kaori Sawada all gave rousing performances on Soul Over the Race Vol. 2 as they accepted to challenge to perform classic R&B hits.