"My Favourite Beaches in the Virgin Islands" Written by Young Author BVI - Declan Wheatley

This book gives the reader a fine synopsis on Declan's favorite beaches in the British Virgin Islands. He has shared his insight on the beaches he enjoys to visit, and has provided pictures so that readers can visualize the beauty of the beaches. "My Favourite Beaches in the Virgin Islands" is an excellent gift for a child who is Declan's age. The book is available for sale online and if you are in the British Virgin Islands, you may be privileged to meet Declan and purchase a book from him.

Declan has amazing talent for his age (third grader) and I'm very proud of him. It is wonderful to see young persons showcase their talents. Reading remains a fundamental tool that sustains our viability for success. Even as technology progresses, we will be unable to function if we cannot read. Therefore, I am very pleased to share information about "My Favourite Beaches in the Virgin Islands". I am also pleased to see an increase in the number of young entrepreneurs in the BVI because this reflects even higher hopes for a brighter future.

Congratulations to young Declan on writing his first book! I do look forward to hearing more from him in the future! I must also commend his parents who show immense passion, support and love for their children. Continue to be a role model for other parents in the region and in the world.

POEM: The 'I'

I'm not a wild child
but an intense with sense kinda person
Don't bother to analyze me
because you can't and won't get me
like I can't get you
it's true that we are made up
the same physically
but intrinsically
we are different
I've got my quirks
and I can be a quack
I have my good characteristics
and of course there are things that I lack
I can talk flack
and sometimes I want to get back
at people for getting me mad
or making me sad
but I find ways to get glad
because if I don't
then you'll surely call me bad
and I don't want that
I don't want to be considered
a flat personality
cause I'm full of bubbles and energy
I like being free
being me
and being free to be me
and you should be the same
don't let anyone call you lame
if you can walk
take stock and forget the blocks
pull up your socks
and open the lock on your heart
do your part
do you
stay true and
be the best you

© Linette Rabsatt

Thoughts for the Beginning of 2020

Happy New Year! We have entered into the final year of this decade and I pray that we will continue to make better personal environmental and political decisions so that our stewardship may be viewed as positive and developmental to future generations.

I have stopped making New Year's resolutions and instead I live in the present and try to do the best that I can. We don't need dates to make things happen or a year. A perfect example is that we have so many young and budding entrepreneurs. Why should anyone wait until they retire to start something - a business or a hobby? I have decided that I want to have a garden despite the challenges with loose livestock. I have issues with erosion and I am trying my best to manage the land the best that I can. I can't wait until I retire or for someone to magically come and assist. After all, I have been waiting on the farmers to be held accountable and that will still take some time.

I rolled up my sleeves and I started cutting and digging. I feel a sense of accomplishment in the work that I have started. It is the same feeling I get when I see young entrepreneurs honing their craft from early. This also truly inspires me to continue blogging and sharing. We have immense talents and we just have to use them for the greater good.

Therefore, my admonition to anyone reading this post follows:

1. Be good to people. You never know when you will need someone to assist you or a family member.
2. Be a role model. You start the positive vibe and let it flow.
3. Don't sit on your talents. Use them wisely and positively to make a difference.
4. Invest time in your family. Little things count. You don't have to go on a trip to spend good quality time.
5. Encourage people. Sometimes someone just needs a nudge in the right direction.

The whole point is that we really should be our brothers' keepers. So for 2020, be good and be better to those you interact with.

POEM: Living Positively

I'm forever grateful
because it's too much work to be hateful
it's actually distasteful to be disagreeable
but regrettably, many of us are that way
it may be the things we say
or just the way we deal with each other
forgetting that for our brothers
we are the keepers
and as the challenges become steeper
we are supposed to be sweeter
we are to show love and compassion
because this type of behavior
shouldn't be a passing fashion
our actions should always be loving
filled with positive energy and endearing
not just going off what we are hearing or fearing
but based on facts and delivered with tact
We have to challenge ourselves to improve
because it behooves us to do the right thing
our conscience should be our guide 
with a positive image on the inside and outside
reciprocate positively to each other
and give openly to your sisters and brothers
We all have a life to lead
and a legacy to leave on this earth
so even if you had a rough time from your birth
don't let your legacy be negative
put forth good energy and continue to live positively

© Ribbon

Leadership - Things to Think About

Being exposed to different experiences gives us the opportunity to interact with different people, learn about ourselves and use our talents in new ways. I enjoy a challenge when it comes to a task; however, the people element is always the most ticklish. I have been to a recent training about leadership which gave some insight on group dynamics and group roles. I actually prefer to work solo because I can hold me accountable. Working in groups is challenging because everyone does not carry out their tasks. People tend to criticize and complain, but offer no help. Some persons are there just for the show.

When you are put to lead, you become the person who has to make the decisions and of course, have all the answers. Everyone demands to be heard, and expects the leader to make it all work, despite the challenges. When things go wrong, this gets tenser and can lead to conflict. All conflict is not bad because it can stimulate new thinking and needed change. This thought continues to run in my mind: “If someone volunteers to assist in a group, can you ask them to leave the group?”

If you are chosen, thrown into or you ask for leadership, be ready to push, make decisions and take the criticism. Use the resources that you have to make things comes together, including family and friends. Be sure to show appreciation to those who assist in any way. Please don’t dwell on the mishaps. Learn from them and use them to improve. It’s okay to feel bad or a little down if all does not go well. Bounce back and come stronger. Don’t hesitate to pause, reset and try again.

The BVI Mourns for Hon. Ralph T. O'Neal

December 15, 1933 – November 11, 2019

Every nation has it nation builders and/or leaders who inspire, shape and lead the country. In the BVI, one such person is Hon. Ralph T. O'Neal, who passed away on November 11, 2019. He was the Ninth District Representative, which covers Virgin Gorda and Anegada, for almost fort (40) years. He served as Chief Minister and as the territory's first Premier, and was Leader of the Opposition three times. Hon. O'Neal had a wealth of knowledge and was party to many developments which the territory benefits from today. 

My first communication with Hon. O'Neal was when I needed a government service. I was very young and I remember being surprised at how quickly he responded, as Minister for the subject, to my request. Since then, I have never worked with him or had to communicate with him directly. The only time I really interacted with him was at an event and at that moment, I considered him a gentle giant. At that moment, he reminded me of Hon. Reeial George, who had passed on October 21, 2013. Kind, professional, generous, dedicated and polite were the words that came to mind. I had the pleasure of working with Hon. George for a few months and I can attest to his pleasant personality.

Leaders such as Hon. O'Neal and Hon. George leave a legacy that many of us can only aspire to reach. These men and many other nation builders dedicate their lives to serve the people - during the good and the bad. They had vision and charisma, which are great characteristics for a politician. However, I think these stalwarts went far beyond the politics and vested their lives into nation building and developing our people. I think that Hon. O'Neal being elected as Ninth District Representative for almost 40 years speaks for itself. 

I can only encourage the upcoming leaders to always remember their followers and to ensure that the people are always placed first in every decision. We have come a long way in the territory and it will take more people like Hon. Hamilton Lavity Stoutt, Hon. Cyril B. Romney, Mr. Noel Lloyd, Hon. Ralph T. O'Neal, Mr. Lindey deCastro, Hon. Reeial George and others to take us to the next phase, next level, next challenge and next development.

I offer my sincere condolences to the family of Hon. Ralph T. O'Neal and pray that they are comforted at this tough time. May his soul rest in peace.

Jovan Cline Inspires Us with the 'Something On My Mind' Project

Something On My Mind (SOMM) is Jovan Cline's most recent musical project and he is using his talents to inspire, encourage and deliver a positive message. This new music displays Jovan's multiple talents as a rapper, singer and lyricist. Other rising stars, NJAR and TravP, are featured on SOMM.

Jovan shared that Something On My Mind just started off as a 'cool idea'. He expressed that "I love rap, always have. Rap allows a type of pure expression that’s rare to its culture. I love to make and sing gospel worship music, but this time around I wanted to create something that was more down to earth. Rap, for me, is the most relatable form of music. I searched on YouTube for some beats and one by one I started to collect beats and write. Originally I only intended to do a few verses and chorus, getting as many features from as Virgin Islands artist that I could contact... but things didn’t line up that way."

In relation to the collaborations, he spoke positively of being able to work with other up and coming artistes. "I was blessed enough to get NJAR and TravP confirmed on songs. A big turning point of the whole project happened during the production of “Change” with NJAR. He called me one day and really opened my eyes to how big the SOMM project could be and what I should be reaching for. That guy is very inspirational. So from that conversation with NJAR my mind took off." After the conversation with NJAR, Jovan continued to become engulfed in the project and added three additional songs. 

Jovan will be conducting a community survey; additionally, a new song is in the making, which is intended to be the Virgin Island’s equivalent of the famous song “We Are The World”, called “VI United”. Jovan shared, "I’m working with so much talented people and I’m loving it. The SOMM mixtape is intended to connect with listeners on a relatable level, to promote self-awareness and true expression of different emotions, thoughts and messages." He added that the survey is aimed to take an account of the opinions and attention of the BVI’s general public in reference to the country’s development and culture. 

Therefore, “VI United”, is being developed to spread a message of unity across the Virgin Islands and as a call to action for us to be our brother's keeper. According to Jovan, "I’m loving the Something On My Mind project and I hope viewers and listeners not only enjoy but find things about it that put positive and purposeful things on their minds."

Songs on the Mixtape include:

• "Smiled On Me": Lyrics include "Every day's a challenge, this life's a maze, I'm steadily contemplating what's to come and what still is, like am I too late to come up after my mistakes, stop feeling useless, make change with my two cents".
• "Missing You" featuring TravP: Part of the hook is "never thought I'd ever see a day so long, never thought I'd never know what to do, never thought that I'd ever start missing you".
• "Moving": On this song, Jovan showcases his ability to rap. It's a 'must listen to' song.
• "Something On My Mind": This track reflects immense poetic talent and flow. There is definitely a lot on Jovan's mind.
• "Change" featuring NJAR: This song has a Common or Mos Def type of feel and flow. Jovan and NJAR definitely inspire you to want to change and grow with this track.
• "Praying": "Can you hear me now, send help I'm down, can't find my crown, do you see my tears, do you hear my prayers, tell me are you still there" are just a snippet of the lyrics.

Something On My Mind exudes positive energy, inspiring messages and versatility. Visit Jovan's SoundCloud page for the songs listed above and more of his music.