tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-27861596706420117012024-02-06T19:26:24.506-08:00Discuss SVGThis is an expression of my perspective...ever evolving, sometimes revolutionizing itself and in turn patterning and weaving my life.
Maybe it is an effort to exist beyond myself...yet I dare not consider myself narcissistic but who am I to evaluate myself? After all, I function with the understanding that the only thing that is constant is change - so I can look at myself as if peering through a window into my soul.SVG epiphanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232576137523847141noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2786159670642011701.post-53368200414780013252012-01-19T15:14:00.000-08:002012-01-19T16:51:07.826-08:00The fishing expedition and the power of democracy<div style="text-align: justify;">Well I just had to do a post on this...don't expect it to be superbly deep or even analytically correct...I am totally writing off the cuff of the worn out polo shirt I am wearing.<br /><br />I am sitting in my living room wondering what SVGTV would deliver in their always unique concept on what amounts as "news". Then dear Jennifer announces the emergence of the newest political party and Matthew Thomas pops on screen - reading from notes/script/blank paper, with a rack of old CDs in the back.<br /><br />I can't remember it all because frankly I was intertwined between laughter and bewildered disbelief; but I paraphrase as follows: "We (meaning himself and Junior Bacchus) have thought about it and we decided to throw it out to the people" At this moment, my consistently over-arching imagination envisioned the populace of SVG trying to catch balls of political democracy, scrambling over other.<br /><br />"We have had a good response from the people" - this refers to their call-in programme "Stay Awake" on Nice Radio. Now let me say, I am not a radio listener. I have an appreciation for Dessie on 705 (yes I still call it that and you fully know which one I mean) but not much liking for any others. And as a reflection of my generation and my penchant for controlled surroundings I highly prefer my selection of music on my Ipod. So you well imagine, I have never listened to Stay Awake. But maybe just maybe they have a hugely supportive 'listenership'. But if they had such a 'good response' from the people, why didn't their previous party win the last election? Or was this within the last year since the last election? When did this rousing response come from? Someone educate me please.<br /><br />And then he speaks with no confidence, just the diction of a tired, old, embittered and battled man - like someone who has been laid up in siege for entirely long - living on the bare essentials but still maintaining a call for the troops to assemble - wanna play catch anyone? I can't apologise for liking strong willed men with their shoulders held straight and their eyes focused on their audience, decently attired - I want to look at him and feel like he knows what the f*@k he is about. Take the wheel and drive it baby (sorry I drifted there).<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Oh yes, he mentioned something about people knowing what objectives they have - but there was no statement of it, just in case someone (like me) who never listened to the show had no clue what those principles were.<br /><br />And I must not forget, dear Mr. Thomas informed us that all ideas were welcome and no one would feel as though their opinions had no merit....ah finally equality, true democracy - aka chaos, confusion and calamity. Within recent years I have been leaning towards a political philosophy heavily influenced by socialist democracy, so forgive me.<br /><br />True democracy does not and cannot exist....this is why countries are run by one leader with some lower levels groupings to make us feel that varying minds contribute towards the end decisions. We have Parliament and Cabinet and the Opposition, the US has Congress and the House of Senate; Germany has the Bundestag and the Bundesrat. And granted these groupings are not all sock puppets and the greater the population of a nation, the greater chance of opinions of differing minds being weighed in end decisions. But in reality, the lower levels of governance are aimed at keeping the populace at bay - away from the person who has to make the executive decisions.<br /><br />But clearly such a statement flows from the mouth and mind of persons recently slighted - possibly his guerrilla warfare threats and "wife me gonna die" postulations has caused him to get booted from the yellow brick road. But that seems quite reasonable to me - I would want to distance myself who was claiming to desire painting himself in camouflage and become one with nature to triumph over their rivals. I barely wear makeup and I have an aversion to bush, plus my naturally curly hair is a few inches away from my profile pic and I can't bear the thought of using vine as a tie back (I warned you people about trivialities). Either way someone is fishing for friends.<br /></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />And to crown it all, the PM comes on and he is asked for a comment - and Dr. Gonsalves has this look like he is on the verge of rolling his eyes and shrugging off the question - he claims they don't have far to go and I totally agree. Then his expressions becomes one of controlled mirth - well I was laughing for you Ralph - what an utter disaster. At least Jomo and Oscar had an official launch, with a logo and the requisite bunch o flowers on the panel table, even though we all suspected it was an opportunity for them to wax intellectual and show people how smart they were, without any of the burden of authoritative duties. Then Ralph says "democracy is at work" - is it? Is this why we are so screwed because anyone who wants to speak can?<br /><br />A CD rack...really guys. Was this in Nice Radio, the same station that got sued because of statements made by NDP mouth pieces about the PM - with the judgment of Court hanging over their heads. The same radio station that Matthew said if it is shut down, he will do some wild un-dertermined act. Really he did the announcement there?<br /><br />And by the way, where was Junior Bacchus? Do you remember the big big big protest that Concerned Citizens were to hold outside Financial Complex...the one that Bacchus was supposedly organizing? Yes, the one that was to take place on the Friday but then rescheduled to the Monday and one man (who was not Junior Bacchus) and 100 placards showed up..watch out Matthew, you about to be stood up.<br /><br />And as a woman who has been stood up once before, it ain't fun. You know I never answered his calls again.<br /></div>SVG epiphanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232576137523847141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2786159670642011701.post-11209162834759879942011-06-07T16:12:00.000-07:002011-06-22T16:46:56.567-07:00What are the chances the net books will make it?<div style="text-align: justify;">I am guilty of vacillating on this issue but I resist no longer.<br /><br />It seems as if no official entity, rational individual, wise-thinking commenter wishes to offer up some well-deserved criticism of the decision of the Ministry of Education to hand out laptops to the kiddies.<br /><br />So apart from the reporting of a view disgruntled and probably illiterate parents who have refused to sign the lending agreement - it seems as if there is some hesitation to point out the differences between the campaign promises of the ULP and the reality handed out by the Ministry of Education.<br /><br />The students of our nation were promised laptops not net books;<br /><br />"We giving you laptops" - now we hear it is a loan agreement similar to the book loan scheme;<br /><br />Aren't exams going on now? - why are the 1/4 of the children in the chosen school for the day being taken from exam revision to sit in a room that looks crowded and stuffy to hear at least three speeches from persons who are speaking over their heads (literally and figuratively);<br /><br />Why are we, as viewers of SVG TV evening news, being made subject to bi and sometimes tri-weekly displays of these 'ceremonies', only to be followed by some camera happy individual or exuberant child saying "tank you Dacta Gansalves fo de laptop, me real happy", "me real glad mi chile get dis yah lap...no net book."<br />Visions of "tank u Massa for giving mi ur chillun ole clothes...oh yes Massa, you de bes' Massa, you don' mistreat mi, jus' give the residue of the scraps of de food dat I cook, plant and rear fo' you" come to mind.<br /><br />I mean seriously, do these people realise that taxpayers money pay for these things - it is not like the PM paid for it from his own pocket, and knowing this Government we probably in some hard debt because of it. But Dr. Gonsalves doesn't mind because he knows the power of perception - prepare yourselves for 2014/2015 election which will likely feature this series of "look what de Comrade gimme"...Lordie I know why I hate politics...the manipulation stinks.<br /><br />On top of that is the already in existence reports of misuse (sorry VincyPatriot you fall into this group) of the lap...sorry net books by persons other than the children they are intended to benefit.<br /><br />E.g.1 - the purported absence of web protection on the machines, allegations of porn being downloaded (hopefully by someone other the child) and saved - now being shared among your unsuspecting kiddies [thank God I have no children].<br /><br />E.g.2 - the funniest story I heard came from a school in the Opposition Leader's constituency, where the child was asked where his net book was and after consistent nagging and possible threats, it was discovered that 'Mommy put on a password and not even she can remember it" LMAO ROTL, kill me dead....WTF?/!@#*#$..hehehe.<br /><br />There is more people.... it is the end of the damn school term, so between Carnival, DVBS, camps, youth programmes, neighbourhood roaming and sneaking powdered milk, Milo, brown sugar and condensed milk (pick ur mix), too many students are going to have their net book stolen, dropped to the point of destruction, one may even find itself in police custody after some belligerent person uses it to bash someone else's head in or just lost or absconded by some older sibling or a Mommy ...lol, or the thing would just not turn on.<br /><br />And this is it, the idiot NDP has practically ruined the ability of rationale minded Vincentians from criticising if one speaks out about the net books you are labelled as:<br /><br />(1) being NDP and really not many people want to be grouped with that fascinatingly crumbling organisation;<br /><br />(2) being anti-ULP, which is like a death sentence if you are in the Public Service or hope to make any progress within that party..maybe politics at all;<br /><br />(3) being anti-progress, after all, isn't any form of IT good for our developing Caribbean Civilisation, regardless to the absence of safety nets or structure.<br /><br />(4) jealous because after all that is the emotional space of the NDP because they didn't get a chance to implement the net books, cocoa and flood aid.<br /><br />And where does that leave us, with unsupervised net books being handed out, accompanied by the prayer that they will return in the new term - we all now have a duty (because it is OUR damn money walking around there) to ensure that those net books that are around us are well cared for.<br /><br />Oh and by the way, why didn't the Government build secure shelves in each classroom and LEAVE THE NETBOOKS THERE TO GUARANTEE PRESERVATION OF OUR MONEY and oh yeah, the IT education of our children.<br /></div>SVG epiphanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232576137523847141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2786159670642011701.post-47054053632833246732011-05-13T13:18:00.000-07:002011-05-13T14:23:23.246-07:00Celebrating me...within a world that still sees me as lesser<div style="text-align: justify;">I have always have an anger about the thought of my personal space and person being violated, either by the act of rape, robbery or some other of assault.<br /><br />I get incensed at the thought that anyone would think of me as being so vulnerable, so defenseless, so unable to protect myself that they would see me as a target of their ulterior motives because I simply to not see myself as vulnerable or defenseless. Granted on the other hand I am not claiming to be a kung-fu expert or have some kind of secret Israeli defense training, although I have promised myself that I would get some kind of formal training sooner rather than later. But to think that someone would want to satisfy their desire for what is not theirs to claim through me, is enough to make me lose words in a discussion on the issue or plot ways to defend myself in a moment where I think that I may be targeted.<br /><br />There are so many instances I can recall where I could have been violated, like several weeks ago when I parked far from Aunt Jobes' entry in Arnos Vale and as I returned a huge vehicle was parked adjacent to mine, effectively blocking my vehicle from the view of the remaining cars. The young men that were leaning against the car were sketchy (to use my sister's fave term) and stared at me in their swagger/pickup/idle looking manner, that I have unfortunately like many Vincentian women grown accustomed to. And my mind wandered into the chances of Aunt Jobes giving me a complimentary replacement of my goodies if I had to bust the bag in one of these punks' head. Or when I would walk home from university with an uncovered pen grasped at my side to plunge into the jugular vein of the bastard that attempted to grapple me from behind. I laugh at the memory of a close friend slapping away the hand of a guy who reached to grab her tiny waist as she strut past him in a club. Or insisting that I would run and murder the person who would grab my laptop with all my precious university notes and research.<br /><br />And I wonder what would you do? I recently read of the incident where a student was attacked outside Frenches House while she was about to enter the GHS lecture. Ironic in that moment that she was attacked, the attacker was unaware of her potential, unaware of the celebration of women going on just steps away, still stuck in the belief that women are more vulnerable, weaker and therefore easier for him to approach to glean for himself a damn Blackberry. <br /><br />I don't care what the Commissioner said, I was damn glad she beat his ass. She should have damaged that piece of shit so bad, he needed to be hospitalised, he needed to be scarred for the remainder of his life....every single time he passes by GHS he should shudder, he should watch his step every time he sees that striped tie and he should hold his breath. Even more, he should have a greater measure of respect of women on a whole.<br /><br />And my thoughts wander further, as GHS celebrates its 100 years of existence and the women who have poured forth from her womb, have we really become aware of abilities, our true potential? Applause must be given to the lecture series collection, the level of discourse in this country should only be raised after this year (E.G. Lynch, Hot 97.1 Chris, and the Star FM parrots please note this).<br /><br />But I observe there were no revolutionary or controversial topics, no issues that would arouse passionate debate, no one spoke about the tiny crack we have made in the glass ceiling in an extensive way, issues of sexuality, abuse prevention, the skillful way in which as women we are able to decimate a member of our gender with our tongues, the fact that our society has not made the necessary change to give equal opportunity to women who wish to pursue full professional careers and be attentive mothers, the continued insistence of women remaining silent at the abuse of their own bodies and that of their children, the fact that in about five years the average educated woman in SVG would not be able to find her intellectual equal in a mate, etc etc etc.<br /><br />Maybe it was an attempt to ensure the completion of this year of lectures without offending anyone, stepping on any toes, and to guarantee a positive collection. Or maybe I am just being cynical and my usual 'instigatory' self.<br /><br />And I have just read through this and realised it is one of my most random pieces of writing but I refuse to alter or change because I totally get but it is my mind and thought pattern and maybe someone else will.<br /></div>SVG epiphanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232576137523847141noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2786159670642011701.post-76483843631965291732011-04-15T16:45:00.000-07:002011-04-15T17:39:12.951-07:00Have we flooded ourselves?So many of the coverage and observation surrounding the recent flooding of the northern coast of Hairouna have focused on the survival, recovery and rebuilding efforts. Words of sympathy have been outpouring and we have seen our politicians among the people, giving a needed sense of reassurance in what was clearly a devastating experience for many. Even though I had little respect for the declaration of the PM that the damage would be tens of millions. Lack of respect because of similar declarations after Tomas and we are yet to get an outline as to the funds received and the funds put out in the recovery effort, especially with the ensuing election period.<br /><br />Kudos to my fellow blogger Abeni in her post, always aiming for the positive outlook - http://hairoun.blogspot.com/2011/04/dry-season.html.<br /><br />Congrats to BRAGSA who were on the roads soon after six a.m. - clearing the slides allowing some movement of citizens and officials to assess the damage. This I say in light of the fact that this entity was created with an aura of suspicion and corruption in the public perception.<br /><br />But as always, I dare to look beyond the picture handed to us - how much of this damage has been caused by our own actions or lack of action?<br /><br />Looking at much of the video and still photo coverage shows an overwhelming amount of trees and organic debris - much of which would have been left in our rivers, streams and tributaries after Tomas. We have had five clear months to do what we could but I wonder if the cleanup was holistic? Were the rivers and other water passages a focus point for the relevant authorities? I certainly never thought of it but in light of what I have seen - maybe it is one of the focus points that someone should bring to light.<br /><br />Like many Vincentians, I am convinced that many of the funding for the Tomas recovery somehow merged its with campaign strategy (like the three homes that started building in my neighbourhood shortly before the election with material delivered with G-plated vehicles - did I mention that the two people who got their homes damaged, broken windows one and one raised corner of galvanize never got help).<br /><br />It would be unfortunate if the focus of winning power somehow played a role in diverting fund from the places that needed it - like our rivers.<br /><br />Additionally, I am exhausted seeing the limited way that our people function when it comes to construction of homes, business places etc. Despite the existence of the Building Code, there are numerous people still building on the river banks and other precarious places that are susceptible to untold risk. Not only should we seek to prevent construction in the bay and river bank areas but we should seek to relocate persons from their residences that are close to the roads. Every year, someone's home is flooded simply because of their location in the mouth of a river....whyyyyyy???<br /><br />So is the Government going to rebuild these homes in their previous location - it would be interesting to see if that happens.SVG epiphanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232576137523847141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2786159670642011701.post-85775593138039314072011-04-01T16:04:00.000-07:002011-04-01T17:22:21.543-07:00Insular<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxtwlG-T7sim7543yRJmvouvvqek_sdwar0iswuRwDzbrQbJdtEjYkfwSHAjDmhv9nm3wAjlCkoN6i3xsuUn_78X_Y5Ez5b0Ia6z-CkTKp28UXvokCuho9FJMEENVe3NT_W3aNlwlMjSE/s1600/tunnel-vision.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 303px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhxtwlG-T7sim7543yRJmvouvvqek_sdwar0iswuRwDzbrQbJdtEjYkfwSHAjDmhv9nm3wAjlCkoN6i3xsuUn_78X_Y5Ez5b0Ia6z-CkTKp28UXvokCuho9FJMEENVe3NT_W3aNlwlMjSE/s320/tunnel-vision.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590774955024431170" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Insularity has invaded our nation and those that know better are seemingly thriving in the limitless restraint of the benefits that accompany it.<br /><br />I have always shook my head, rolled my eyes and stewpes whenever the media and the propaganda pontiffs would work half of a story or issue to death. I have often found that there was something missing in many a news item or article. I could not figure out how persons purporting to be 'journalists' practicing 'journalism' would skillfully function with tunnel vision only. How many times have we heard the other side of the story on the street or clarification of a hotly debated topic or the distorted version of what we know not to exist or simply the obviously missing puzzle piece?<br /><br />Journalists have a duty to the public to offer full awareness and disclosure - at the end of reading an article or listening to a newscast, should we not feel enlightened, thought-provoked or even inspired? There is little/no ability to be able to rely on a press piece for fear that quoting them, formulating an opinion, entering into discourse with others or being driven to effect a change may crest and merely flat line as you discover the misinformation that was handed to you from 'reliable resources'.<br /><br />I cannot even excuse the partisan radio hosts and columnists - for the fact that they are mere adherents and fervent tub-thumpers of their respective organisations is no excuse; it is imperative to note who guides the material flowing through the airwaves. Some even dare to profess that they engage in research and analysis, proclaiming to have a duty (God-given for a few) to reveal to the Vincentian public for our <span style="font-style: italic;">mis</span>information.<br /><br />Granted I am not saying that everything that is said, stated or declared is incorrect, misdirected or deliberately fed to us with the aim of poisoning our minds...on the contrary - we face a constant barrage of half-consumed, half-analysed, half-considered, half-revelations, half-insinuations of genuine issues, which means that we are listening to the result of in completion. On the other hand, I do not expect journalists and the hosts of whistleblowers to await to be fully informed on a particular issue before their moment of public disclosure.<br /><br />Rather, as the purchaser of all 4 weekly publications and the occasional listener to the FM discourse, I consider myself entitled to hear as much about an issue in an efficient, effective and timely manner - so I want to see certain stories get coverage ASAP but I would rather wait than see a "Sorry, we made an error" statement tucked into a corner or the silence.<br /></div>SVG epiphanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232576137523847141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2786159670642011701.post-45608834327664467612011-02-02T15:16:00.000-08:002011-02-02T16:44:37.910-08:00I laughed, but it really isn't funny<div style="text-align: justify;">Between the local budget debate, quasi-protests in Kingstown and the real thing in Egypt, and the strange weather patterns (April winds with January chill and summer rains), I had several moments this week that caused me to either to chuckle under my breath, collapse into giggles or just burst out in laughter...but my humourous reaction was founded in my disbelief that statements and actions were pursued by certain individuals and organisations rather the true existence of mirth.<br /><br />I had the opportunity to look at part of the Budget Debate on television and was utterly amused by the battle between Anesia and the Speaker of the House - evident was the fact that both of these persons have had truly different experiences when it comes to opposition hence the varied reaction to such. Anesia remained resilient despite her obvious disappointment but the Speaker was flustered and bordered on a stutter when faced with an unexpected point.<br />I could not believe it when Dr. Slater stood and objected to Anesia's use of a flip chart. I did wonder why she did not have an easel and in ignorance sighed at what seemed to be her adaptation of NDP unpreparedness. But when the Speaker agreed with Slater and 'ruled' on the basis of the most trivial reasoning I have ever heard (granted I don't listen very often), in that the use of the flip chart was cumbersome and inappropriate but could not state WHY they were so. I assumed that it was because did not have the easel.<br />But this was the source of my laughter, Anesia called out the Speaker and reminded him as to the fact that she did request to use an easel and he told her that he thought it would not have been appropriate to do so.<br />SERIOUSNESS: this is simply irrational, how does the use of a flip chart become cumbersome and Anesia said it well "I am the one holding it up". I could have understood if it was said that the figures could have been altered or that the information was not seen by the House before her presentation but no, it was just inappropriate. Let us get this straight, this is the man that has to determine on the quality and content of Parliamentary presentations yet he does not grasp the import of having the visual element in a presentation - what the hell he did before he became Speaker? Has he ever presented? Granted most of us have graduated from chalkboards and flip charts to Power Point presentations and some to the sexy touch screen monitors but OMG inappropriate?<br /><br />I AM THE MINISTER OF TOURISM - Saboto was on an ego-driven rampage and I think it is a bit too early in the game for that heroin trip. Dude you won your first election, your party won its third...you got some catching up to do. The tarzan-style chest thumping that I am an elected Member of the House was way over done and possibly could have been an attempt to resuscitate his heart that may have paused at the points of Anesia. His challenge to Anesia was surprisingly unschooled and clearly he still has not looked at his portfolio yet - and Dr. Friday jumped all the way down his throat on that one only to be followed by yet another nonsensical ruling by the Speaker , where he attempted to rationalise the statement by Saboto without asking Saboto for clarification. Huh, the moderator picking sides - oh wait SVG we are talking about.<br />SERIOUSNESS -<br />The Tourism Authority, while having Boy Beache as its CEO, is still a separate entity and he cannot just ring up a PS for a voucher or a budget shift - as far as I know, it takes a Cabinet decision to dip into the funds of a statutory corporation but why explain all of that - he knows he will get the money. And regardless to the obvious despise with which the ULP holds Anesia, her work was not something that could ever be challenged - Boy Beache himself admitted that she was an exemplary Communications Officer but that counts for naught.<br />And not to forget the fact that he is a mini-me - Small Papa, especially since Camillo probably not giving up dual citizenship to run (plus with the new baby) and Luke has not entered the House as yet - so he is the current future-face of the ULP.<br /><br />Anesia again (she proved to be entertaining) challenged the rationale for the increase in public assistance in light of the fact that ULP claims to have improved the job culture, education and skills training of the populace (see my last blog). Mini-me jumped up (since Long Term Papa was absent dealing with issues of 'national concern') declaring the categories of persons that we all know genuinely need assistance - foster parents, the aged etc. But this was the fart part - Saboto asked what I guess he believed was a rhetorical question but it was really retarded <span style="font-style: italic;">"Do you expect my great-grandmother who is 102 or 103 to go and find a wuk?"</span> First of all, is his great-grandmother alive still? And even if she is and she is over 100, at least try to remember the specific age, it is a milestone the last I checked.<br />SERIOUSNESS: Why was Frederick Stephenson left nibbling his mustache while Saboto, Minister of Tourism, defended the policy decision/campaign promise of a different Ministry (guess who else does that). And no you idiot, no one expects your great grandmother of undetermined age to work - we expect great grandchildren with fat pockets to take care of them and remove the need to have them on the list of state dependents.<br /><br />Ralph declared on Friday that he was not brought to office by a Road-Block revolution AND AND AND by the way, this was a concept 'popularized by the NDP' - another huh moment - I really thought I heard wrong - this is the man that played hopscotch between public issues and protests between 1999-2000 - the man that nearly made me and several other hundred students miss my CXC exams by encouraging people to block traffic. This is Chavez's and Castro's biggest (pun intended) cheerleader - I believe he once said that he saw himself as duty bound to continue the work of Maurice Bishop - I was grunting with disbelief by this time. And today he declares in a press conference on LIAT issues, that his middle name is protest - Ahhhhmmmm, really - does he decide when to tap into his Comrade personality? <br /><br />Did anyone hear the 10 minute debate between Francis and Cummings about water? If you didn't, sorry it was a moment for the present.<br /><br />Loved, absolutely loved the tactical slashing of the NDP campaign by Francis - it was strategy at its best, although its place in a budget debate falls into a grey area (but guess who is Speaker of the House) - it must have been disconcerting for the NDP to sit there and listen to a list of all the mistakes that they made and essentially a mini lesson on "what not to do if you want to win a general election" - hehehehehe - like ULP or not, this was one for the books.<br /><br />Vybez Kartel and the bleaching - does the idiot realise that bleaching actually strips the pigment from your skin, with the possible result of damaging the largest organ on your body and therefore becoming "blacker" than he was?<br /></div>SVG epiphanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232576137523847141noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2786159670642011701.post-3582698332446456792011-01-24T14:04:00.000-08:002011-01-24T15:50:27.283-08:00The true meaning of PS and other meanderings<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqDICbK_yKfJhVgganubI4yY5_T1FBjGAse5jIy5dSZfUldHr2YrEsu5KIg7ZnmDLSP8FhLREd5Do-nWETA7XtJNRf3fKEY4swAZZHbyiPmXHr4LWCKLYWwI2sPPcVFn03EO153Z_1LnHQ/s1600/jmo0689l.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 269px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqDICbK_yKfJhVgganubI4yY5_T1FBjGAse5jIy5dSZfUldHr2YrEsu5KIg7ZnmDLSP8FhLREd5Do-nWETA7XtJNRf3fKEY4swAZZHbyiPmXHr4LWCKLYWwI2sPPcVFn03EO153Z_1LnHQ/s320/jmo0689l.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565901285556812962" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I have muted the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">PM's</span> budget address and I am studiously avoiding staring at the cunning manner in which Dr. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Gonsalves</span> has sheathed his girth in what must be a damn lot of fabric - but there are no limitations for a custom-made suit. It seems as if he is carrying a child for every year that he has been in governance - 10 years and going.<br /><br />But back to the point of me typing this evening, I have to attempt to regurgitate the lost blog of several days ago...that I found to be(if I may dare say so) full of wit, wisdom but I had not arrived at the epiphany (which usually comes at its own volition).<br /><br />Amid the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">pre</span>-budget panic, uncertainty over House rules and quasi-protests over retroactive legislation, my mind lingers on another issue - one that I figure will make a repeat appearance for some time yet.<br /><br />Almost two weeks ago, the government launched the implementation of one of its campaign promises - the increase in welfare payouts. While I had little appreciation for the strategy of the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ULP</span>, I understood how it would be an 'incentive' to vote Labour. Especially since there are hundreds of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Vincentians</span> who are dependent on those funds to provide needs that are basic to our human existence - ones that I often take for granted, like good education, food, clothing, shelter.<br /><br />However, what bothered me about the campaign was the contrast/compare thrust which singled out the LOW LOW sums that were given during the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">NDP</span> reign and the promise that a vote for Labour meant more money.<br /><br />I found it ironic and confusing - because this was the same party that was so dependent on their 'record of excellence' - the skills training, the literacy drives, the education revolution, the job creation, nationwide building of schools and resource centres, the focus of the youth etc etc etc. I am subject to correction, but shouldn't all these refreshing tidbits lessen the populace tantalized by a promise to increase the payouts. Doesn't better education mean greater job opportunities, job creation mean increased, consistent income, skills training means entrepreneurship and business development? I guess it doesn't here because despite what great and splendorous things have been taking place - we also have a greater need for handouts from a welfare system.<br /><br />What was of greater disturbance to my already cynical countenance was the introduction of the increase - both the Prime Minister and the new Minister simply but excitedly declared "this was a campaign promise and we are keeping it". That was it - granted they repeated it a couple times. Ralph looked tired, wrinkled and fat and the other guy looked inebriated and unaware as to how to tie a tie - but that was all they said.<br /><br />I almost dismissed it as the rhetoric of government - but I was floored when the Permanent Secretary appeared on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">API</span> giving an extensive reasoning behind the increase. Do we have any idea what is the role of the PS? He/She is the head administrative head of the particular Ministry, I am not here to doubt the capability of the PS - the trend is common enough but it does not make it any better. How is it possible for the person who ensures the efficient and effective running of the Ministry and its department given the task of justifying a social policy decision?<br /><br />Why wasn't this task given to those persons who boasted of this increase as a partial basis for their entitlement to governance - touting it through out the width and breath (except the Grenadines) of <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">Hairouna</span>.<br /><br />Is it that someone is avoiding the pressing question - why are we having an increase in welfare, if we are supposedly the beneficiaries of greater social programmes that are purportedly intended to better our lives?<br /><br />Is it that the social programmes are of little/no benefit or is it that we have yet to eat of the fruit, smell the blossoms, or dwell in the temples of grandeur?<br /><br /> <span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204); font-weight: bold;">The cynic reveals herself - </span><br />even if the Minister or PM was interviewed by local media personnel, I doubt investigative journalism would have flourished in such a thriving mess of confusion because they seem not to be able to sink their teeth into the utter madness that seems to rule this land at times?<br /><br />But this is what I figure - PS are whipping boys (and I am not trying to fuel any chain and whip fantasies). They are given that role of explaining new projects, Ministerial failures, minor successes so that when problems arise - we the masses have a face to point to, to castigate, simply to blame - like <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">Shirla</span> Francis and the teacher rants. <br /><br />Permanent Secretaries, no longer, Permanent Scapegoats, maybe.<br /><br /></div>SVG epiphanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232576137523847141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2786159670642011701.post-24685984131463948232011-01-21T16:20:00.000-08:002011-01-21T16:27:25.852-08:00ARRRRGGHHHHH... I just lost a great post....because I clicked the wrong button.SVG epiphanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232576137523847141noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2786159670642011701.post-2772555928228166962010-12-07T15:07:00.000-08:002010-12-07T16:07:02.839-08:00Corruption or carelessness?<div style="text-align: justify;">So hot hot story is the issue with the PS of Agriculture and his company that sells goods to his own Ministry for exorbitant prices. I watching it on news right now.<br /><br />It is high time that a rule be put in place in relation to matters like this -<br /><br />Whether or not Allan Alexander really upped the price for items sold to his own Ministry is not even the key issue - why is it even possible for any person (high level or low level) in the Public Service to create a business enterprise/company that makes its profit from the Public Service itself?<br /><br />What happened to transparency? What happened to plain honesty? <br /><br />Why is this an occurrence, oftentimes leading to corruptible circumstances on a repeat performance on the national landscape? In and of itself, is there not an obvious conflic of interest?<br /><br />Like the allegation that Glen Beache has set up a marketing company to do all the business for the Tourism Authority? Or that Dr. Rudy Matthias incorporated a company that made huge real estate deals with the IADC?<br /><br />I am not against a legitimate transaction between a business/company in which a public official has an interest and a government ministry/department. But it should be done in a transparent manner, where independent assessment is undertaken to ensure that there has not been an exploitation of authority and that the deal is indeed a beneficial one for the government.<br /><br />But this is what I am not certain about - do any of our leaders see this as being a fault in the government system or are they merely content to ensure that the purses are not bursting but just filled to capacity?<br /></div>SVG epiphanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232576137523847141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2786159670642011701.post-61557011338104050402010-12-06T15:11:00.000-08:002010-12-07T15:06:21.289-08:00This is what it boils down to?<div style="text-align: justify;">The battle faced by ethnic and gender minorities within the last century so as to gain access to the ballot box is nothing short of historic yet it seems that little regard is given to the prize - the democratic right to vote in a general election.<br /><br />The exercise of my vote has been reduced to the following:<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">(1) Misrepresentation by the ULP on their project achievements by omitting the fact that mu ch of the funding came from the negotiating work of the NDP (e.g. the Ottley Hall debt relief or the EU funding for many of the new schools within the last 10 years.)</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">(2) The absence of a future planning outline by the NDP, despite their clarion calls for reinstatement.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">(3) The ad by Eloise Gonsalves, in which the same amount of expression that is used to state how much she loved her husband was also seen when she stated how disgusted she was by the NDP's vicious lies against dear Ralph not to mention the eyes following the blown-up script behind the camera. (Hope she cut a cheque for that).</span><br />(4) A Green Party representative for East St. George, who could not remember the name of her constituency.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">(5) The I-hate-Ralph Gonsalves tirade - there is a limit as to how far negative energy will propel you.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">(6) The laptop per school child fallacy - the only way I can describe the selling of the idea that laptops brought in for primary students would also be suitable for tertiary level students. (By the way - do we have 2000 children in the school system or am I that clueless?)</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">(7) The uncertainty as to whether Arnhim is always tired or he genuinely believes that his consistently depressed tone of voice does any good for his campaign.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">(8) The personal belief that the ULP mounting/painting/staining/plastering etc of their party colours was done in a way to ensure no/little space to the NDP (or maybe conveniently rejected planning permission).</span><br />(9) The throwing around of legality in a seemingly concerted effort to continue ruining the public perception of law and justice in the country.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">(10) The NDP ads that encourage us to "accept their (the ULP) bribes but vote them out". What the hell happened to the Representation of the People's Act and the criminal offences?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">(11) SVG TV and their blatant bias in favour of the ULP regarding campaign coverage.</span><br />(12) The stories of alleged illegal voter registration and the apparent need to mount independent vigils at polling stations on election day to ensure fairness.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">(13) The new roads that are being excavated in my neighbourhood - which will not be complete by December 13th 2010 but are being vigourously pursued despite existing roads being in a terrible state.</span><br />(14) The obsession with dialect in the campaigns - that is supposed to appeal to who exactly - the uneducated, ignorant, unwashed footed masses who understand nothing but bad english?<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">(15) The easy entry of ULP candidates into the primary school system, whipping them into childish frenzy chanting "Labour now" or playing tennis with Luke Browne.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">(16) The soft openings throughout the nation of projects that happen to be completed in time for elections. Has it been over a year and I ain't reach in the new Library yet?</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51);">(17) The obvious lack of proper campaign management of the NDP - which could be their demise.</span><br />(18) The fact that a few selected individuals are going to have a financially rich Christmas, regardless how the vote turns out - I can think of a comedian and a cartoonist, what about you?<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">(19) The possible reality that the ULP has used their power to refuse permission for the NDP to use any Kingstown venues (but yet was able to suddenly relocate their manifesto launch to the Victoria Park after the rain turned Argyle into a slushy mess.)</span><br />(20) The lack of investigative, analytical reporting by the media leaving the comparative work to the social commentators.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">(21) NDP's criticism of the padded electoral list - despite their failure over 17 years to put a system in place to avoid this.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">(22) The vehemence of a particular party and their supporters and despite the media coverage, it is not the NDP.</span><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">(23) Anthony Astaphan. I will say no more.</span><br /><br />This is what our X, our stained finger (ruining manicures nationwide), our right to vote has been <span style="font-size:78%;">reduced to.</span><br /></div>SVG epiphanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232576137523847141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2786159670642011701.post-80917039944269790592010-11-15T15:42:00.001-08:002010-11-15T17:41:16.888-08:00Are you genuinely willing?<div style="text-align: justify;">We voting, Abeni says it well enough for all of us in our lil blogging community.<br /><br />But allow me to tackle an issue that existed as a "wonder if" thought frame prior to Sunday night which has now been transformed into a current reality. Last year, our PM marched up and down the country's byways and highways asking for a yes vote in support of the Constitution Bill 2009. One of the major features of the Bill that he pushed was the lessening of the powers of the PM (I am not entering into a debate as to the substance of those provisions) but I must make reference to the power of the PM to call elections at anytime, during the constitutional tenure of that governing party.<br /><br />Dr. Gonsalves once said (if memory serves me correct) and I agree, that any politician worth his weight should function in a state of readiness for several months prior to the constitutionally due date. But he insisted that he believed that this ability to call elections at the whim and fancy of any PM to be excessive - Vincentians were pleaded with to lessen that power (was there a feeling that his leadership was not dependent on such 'mere' tactical moves?)<br /><br />About a week or so ago, the PM sat in a press conference and declared that he offered up this power as one of the elements of the 2009 Bill, but "they said no" - insisting that he had already set the date for the elections but it was not time for it to be revealed. <br /><br />Was this a realigning or re-embracing of this limbo environment - where everyone sits in poised anticipation, alert to every hint, suggestion, breach of confidentiality or slip of the tongue (or wrongly inserted date LOL)? Or was this simply a statement of how 'insignificant' that provision was to him?<br /><br />So there we have it - less than a month in which full-fledged campaigns can take place - sweeping the nation in red and yellow, with hints of green - overwhelming us with their voices that shall surely be louder because the time is shorter. <br /><br />So I must ask and I wish I could get an answer - Was the Honourable Prime Minister ever serious about limiting that power and effectively setting a constitutional date as to when elections would be held? Was he genuinely willing to relinquish it?<br /><br /> It would seem to me that if he was indeed desirous about limiting that power, he would not await the inclusion of such provisions in a Constitutional Bill - but would rather conduct himself in a manner that would imbue the 'spirit' of that limitation that he purported to 'desire' last year, around this exact time. But maybe that desire was for a season - one that has faded away - one that the majority of Vincentians said no to - one that has only a similarity in calender dates.<br /><br />Even though, strategy-wise calling quickie elections makes sense, I hoped the exercise of our civic duties, would meet us at a more settled state as a nation rather than having such pertinent issues pending - like the NCB sale, the Argyle airport, or even a return to some semblance of normalcy for the persons displaced by Hurricane Tomas. (I am sure you can add to the list ) Is this my treasured naivete speaking or am I realistic in wishing that our PM acted in a more statesmanlike manner by adopting one of last year's highlights?<br /><br />But here is my hope, my epiphany:<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"> We have been hearing, listening, learning and analyzing for the last couple years -<br /><div style="text-align: right;">we have become aware of many things, essential, trivial and in-between, seeing the change in our nation, our leaders and ourselves -<br /><br />may we take these lessons, remain firm in our stand to better beautiful Uromai, make the decision that is reasonable in our own minds and prepare to embark on a continuation of our independence journey, while respecting each other.<br /><br />ARE YOU GENUINELY WILLING?<br /></div></div><br /></div>SVG epiphanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232576137523847141noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2786159670642011701.post-18257164718935072352010-11-08T14:41:00.000-08:002010-11-08T15:20:38.598-08:00Dream on<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnSe-9ih61vEiL0fUiUseMxdKbxQdum0znce_fIVtXe5tC_Iwkg2sRLsU9M35n9UVwAGMcPWsza1EewaTEXGk8Z67NUBZ0Acv7Knu2ykfNJpbxd1lyv9mp6U_jx8XEYkKY6r-W6kFsvbm1/s1600/dreamingwoman-27x32-350.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 251px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnSe-9ih61vEiL0fUiUseMxdKbxQdum0znce_fIVtXe5tC_Iwkg2sRLsU9M35n9UVwAGMcPWsza1EewaTEXGk8Z67NUBZ0Acv7Knu2ykfNJpbxd1lyv9mp6U_jx8XEYkKY6r-W6kFsvbm1/s320/dreamingwoman-27x32-350.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537320435786439538" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I am a couple years away from 30 and I have found myself settling into a routine that is comfortable but pulsing in my sub-conscious (with occasional thrusts forward) is that desire for thrill -because like many persons, my life is spent doing what I love but sometimes don't like.<br /><br />I recently created a list in my mind of the things I want to do - maybe perfect them or just try once. Some are feasible, while others border on shaky ground. Most are possible and a couple may cause a questioning of my sanity.<br /><br />So rather than wait until I am approaching 60 and creating a bucket list of regrets, I thought I would dub this "the list of the evolving me".<br /><br />1. Bungee jumping.<br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 102, 204);">2. Learn how to play the classical violin/cello/piano.</span><br />3. Write a novel.<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">4. Play mas in Brazilian Carnival, with just body paint.</span><br />5. Backpack through Europe.<br />6. Ride a Harley-Davidson across the US.<br />7. Meet Oprah Winfrey.<br />8. Go to the Amirita Spa in Canouan and soak in a hot tub - facing only the ocean.<br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">9. Eat sushi in </span>Toyko<span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);"> - low couches, sake, chopsticks, </span>wasabi<span style="color: rgb(204, 51, 204);">, soy sauce all of it.</span><br />10. Visit the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem.<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 204, 255);">11. Live in Greece for an entire year ((preferably while doing 3).</span><br />12. Own a wardrobe of Michael Kors clothing only.<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 102, 255);">13. Dive on the Great Barrier Reef, Australia.</span><br />14. Surf in Chile (but I have to learn how first).<br />15. Host a social commentary interactive programme in SVG.<br />16. Visit every jazz festival in the Caribbean.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">17. Create a regional organ donor programme</span>.<br />18. Reach a place of spiritual fulfillment.<br />19. Design and own my dream home.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 204, 153);">20. Host bi-monthly dinner parties for friends and family</span>.<br />21. Have a mural wall by my fave Vincy artist, of course in the dream home.<br />22. Own and manage my consultancy firm.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);">23. Retire before 50</span>.<br />24. Learn to belly dance.<br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">25. Experience genuine, intimate love with a beautiful man - however brief or long.</span><br /><br />I know I am missing some stuff but this is my way of reminding myself and hopefully you to continue dreaming - never fails to be a fun experience.<br /></div>SVG epiphanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232576137523847141noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2786159670642011701.post-32608194621806571882010-11-03T15:25:00.000-07:002010-11-03T16:42:46.102-07:00I received a message from a colleague of mine, asking for a boycott of Trinidadian products since the PM of Trinidad and Tobago has stated that any assistance offered to CARICOM must involve benefits to Trinis. I would honestly say that I am not surprised. Persaud-Bissesar is the product of circumstance rather than experienced merit.<br /><br />So before I began a Kingstown Tea Party, I had check out the media coverage of the comment - first to ensure that it was even made and second to comprehend the context in which it was made.<br /><br />[check out the Trinidadian Express and the Guardian newspapers].<br /><br />So, she made the statement. But Rowley, the Opposition Leader is faulty for refusing to participate in discussions relating to determining what aid should be given to CARICOM. The basis of his refusal is that the condition attached to the yet-to-be determined aid is "backward", "colonial" and basically an attempt to thwart any relationship favoured by his party - formerly led by Patrick Manning.<br /><br />I was saddened by her words - the second such statement by her within recent times but I am in two minds or should I say seeing both sides of the coin.<br /><br />The reality is any diplomatic offering, whether it be humanitarian aid, regional investment or otherwise always comes with strings attached, whether it comes from a developed country or developing nation. Maybe Kamala has simply not realised that such declarations are better not made in the public forum, limited only to confidential discourse among regional peers. After all her rise to leadership involved a battle within her own party and nation, the lack of interaction among CARICOM leaders now showing face.<br /><br />The other aspect of this is the callousness of the statement. How dare she rank the desire to ensure the benefit of her nationals in the same category of the families, villages and communities that have been ravaged by Tomas? Has she seen or was she even cognizant of the dire needs not trivial wants of St. Lucia, Barbados and our very own Hairouna? I spoke to a close Trinidadian friend of mine and she had seen pictures that I had not even seen of my own country and that was on Monday. <br /><br />As I sit here, uncertain if my internet connection would even allow this to be posted, our own PM must be applauded for his response to the comments - stating that he does not respond to comments made by PMs that are communicated to him via the media. I wish we could see that level of reasonable logic from him and others on a consistent basis.<br /><br />I wonder what were the conditions that Haiti (earthquake 2010), Grenada (Ivan 2005), or South-east Asia(tsunami 2004) had to agree to so as to ensure that food, water, tents, medical aid, and clothing could be received. Indonesia is currently experiencing a volcanic eruptions - what will they have to promise to get masks to prevent inhalation of ash and smoke?<br /><br />I am tempted to blog on the possible effects of this Hurricane on the political landscape but I shall refrain while I pray and do my best to bring our nation back on its feet.SVG epiphanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232576137523847141noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2786159670642011701.post-3464291679227647912010-10-10T15:59:00.000-07:002010-10-10T16:11:58.120-07:00March 20th 2010 - read itMarch 20th, 2010 I wrote a blog about the whole Anesia Baptiste position - I just discovered the last comment - read it. It completely justifies my perspective on these people. Religious fervour at its best and hilarious too. Apparently, I will fail and fall and all other horrible things for speaking out against the prophecies that Anesia will become the first female PM.<br /><br />Maybe I should be worried because I am not certain as to how far their passion will carry them but I am cracking up in my porch. These people are outrageous - if you are going to battle me with words - come good baby. I got a dictionary and an appreciation for Shakespeare. I got a sermon - all that was missing was the Scripture but of course there is no Biblical foundation for their energy apart from carefully selected verses and their ordained interpretation thereof. <br /><br />By the way for the Thusians reading this, I respect that you have a firm belief in God but I do not appreciate your disdain for other beliefs. I may not be the holiest person out there and God knows I fall short many a time but I do believe in the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit so say what you have to say - Isaiah 54:17 - "No weapon formed against me shall prosper" despite my non-traditional ways of self-expression.<br /><br />This bitch is out....Peace and freedom y'll.SVG epiphanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232576137523847141noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2786159670642011701.post-71551945564070821582010-10-10T12:47:00.000-07:002010-10-10T15:32:25.300-07:00Dare to debate<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrjZUFu8PVzgX356KAYjL9-zBYmnWSvf7zwZvWBODJU8UmuCCtJ-RAsBmjpwC8WxGV3Msl82mP81lbZHiNxkzBlqUawkNWc2Y5O6QNh3KDVuKaADZGkfQDdQy7FRA0ON2lo0Zx55BsKtkt/s1600/the-great-debate.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 318px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrjZUFu8PVzgX356KAYjL9-zBYmnWSvf7zwZvWBODJU8UmuCCtJ-RAsBmjpwC8WxGV3Msl82mP81lbZHiNxkzBlqUawkNWc2Y5O6QNh3KDVuKaADZGkfQDdQy7FRA0ON2lo0Zx55BsKtkt/s320/the-great-debate.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5526547328084566242" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I have come to the sad realisation that there is no or little appreciation in this beautiful nation of ours for the opinions and thoughts of others.<br /><br />Once we have a perspective (turgid or flaccid) on an issue, any variation from that requires one to rise up with gasping bewilderment or contemptuous disgust at the intellectual incapacity of the person(s) who dared to challenge us or even merely seek clarification on the position.<br /><br />It would seem to me that if our leaders truly believed in what they say, and that could be contrasted with the opines of a contender, one should not have a problem engaging in discourse - and by that I mean, a debate.<br /><br />A battle of words - not the "you begged me for money when you were doing your studies" kind, rather I envision a more eloquent, graceful speeches with non-antagonistic approach.<br /><br />There is no doubt that our politicians have voices - their performances of wit, wisdom and wasted energy on the political platforms dotting our community corners of recent allude to that fact. But where are their "inside voices" - the same message of "vote me, vote me" with your mother's best manners and etiquette lessons on display.<br /><br />Is it that there is no true message, no unique propositions to challenge today's issues or a genuine fear of being reminded of the failures of our past or even present existences?<br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Frankly with the ULP we all know who runs the show - the Comrade's cronies/constituency contenders are rehearsed (some better than others), with little or no self-understanding of what they have been schooled in saying. Granted I don't think he actually conducts weekend seminars but any discerning individual would notice his uncanny ability to speak about anyone not aligned with him, with an limitless incredulity. His constantly raised eyebrows and chuckle in almost every conversation and press conference is geared to make one think "how could they ever come up with this idea" or "how dare they?". </span><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">With the NDP, the Son is on a seeming verbal rampage and apparently no one in the party is aware of the fact that he is not contending a seat, is officially retired from public office and has a solid resume of statesmanship behind him. Everyone else in the yellow hues only have voices for complaining and identifying to the Vincentian public the follies of the reds. I was relieved to read of their ideas for home health care provisions for the elderly in one constituency with the hope of making this a national project - how refreshing. But my cynical nature asks, if implemented is its longevity dependent on success at the polls?<br /></span><br />I would think that the true passion that everyone presumably has for this nation would cause to build up a desire to meet opponents across a table, with a well-placed moderator in the center. I would always give Ken Boyea some respect for the fact that he showed up in the only known (to my knowledge) attempt to debate around 2001, if memory serves me well.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">But let me be the philosophical shrink - our society has taught us to be dependent on what we have to determine what measure of respect we have for ourselves -the family names, lands and companies, the titles and the spouses - the house in this or that neighbourhood and the social association factors. My generation has added to that the degrees, the cars, the "it places" to be on Friday and Saturday nights, the bling and the sugar daddy element - these are the THINGS that define us. <br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">Once mankind allows the material elements in life to become a determination factor, the elements of true humanity are shelved in the recesses of our minds - and if it were ever to face a revival, one would have to contend with the reminders of when we first dismissed it. </span> <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">When one shrugs off the seeking of knowledge, wisdom and experience through life lessons and drape on the pride of what we have and who we know - we lose confidence in ourselves, we stop believing in who we are and stop dreaming of what we can be. </span> <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">We cling to coloured flags for self-determination, we chose to believe in only what favours us and we wallow in speculations of today.</span> <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">We fear the opportunity to shine under spotlights not created by our 'own' - forgetting that we all have blood running through our veins. We fear that our childhood speech impediment may make a comeback when faced with unrehearsed answers to unexpected questions - we fear that the other person may use a word we don't understand, since we tout paper knowledge but not comprehension. <br /><br />In essence, we fear ourselves because we know that we are not whole, we are impure creatures with decomposing bodies in the closet.</span> <br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(51, 153, 153);">And the response to the rare calls for a debate is full of denial in the ability to find an objective personality to moderate - uncertainty as to its structure - a blatant refusal to seat oneself across a desk from a person that could challenge us in ways known and unknown. </span><br /><br />AH HAH - now I understand why talk radio is so popular - here and elsewhere -challenges and undesired responses can be so well disregarded. The control principle along with the perceived anonymity factor are essential in allowing hosts/moderators and callers alike to run amok on the airwaves.<br /><br />Sigh, I think that my blogs of late and of future are and shall be reflective of a cry for what we can do, who we can be - simply because I firmly believe that I have a duty as a citizen of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to vote, not merely in ode to the achievements of blacks and women, but as an individual who wants to be a part of the formulation of my government. In my mind, it would seem to be hypocritical to continue this blog if I refuse to stain my finger on general elections day simply because I am sadly unimpressed with the Parliamentary buffet line. But is it wrong for me to desire a Sara Palin attitude when she shook Joe Biden's hand and said "Can I call you Joe?" - she may have been poorly prepared but she made up with enthusiasm.<br /><br />(P.S.) I always seek a graphic element that encapsulates the underlining theme of my blog - hence the cartoons (no credit to me, except to my googling capabilities) but like this chosen one - we all want what is best for the country, the same way we all want to be able to wipe our asses.<br /><br /></div>SVG epiphanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232576137523847141noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2786159670642011701.post-8742560125001139842010-09-17T16:56:00.000-07:002010-09-17T18:00:03.887-07:00Quality assurance<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQ4Q2LgLejifFnTZb0nMqw1IbZTFXgHgvq3ef3oPSJbMxLMTH7vSDk-mAsEwQF788JHRTbvBfYPx1yXD21w8NkeoFS6sXL2MIPJO6BFBqq0IVdDBkRuCw63L4Vlf2ZVWlP7-F0N3UfWM0/s1600/quality+assurance.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 280px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQ4Q2LgLejifFnTZb0nMqw1IbZTFXgHgvq3ef3oPSJbMxLMTH7vSDk-mAsEwQF788JHRTbvBfYPx1yXD21w8NkeoFS6sXL2MIPJO6BFBqq0IVdDBkRuCw63L4Vlf2ZVWlP7-F0N3UfWM0/s320/quality+assurance.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518051151735232626" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I am leaning more and more towards not voting at all whenever elections are announced. I have looked and listened and all have been found wanting.<br /><br />It is not to say that I seek perfection but standards of some decent level are a reasonable expectation. What the hell is being fed to us by the persons driving after political governance of this country? The utter drivel that flows from the mouths of men and women that we all know are intelligent, socially aware but maybe not wise, or fully cognizant of the effects of their conduct, their words, their omissions.<br /><br />I am tired of the stories and the fairy tales of tracking, following, creeping, cheating, suspecting and depositing. I want someone who has the ovarian or testicular fortitude to handle the issues, offer a realistic perspective, propose to find the truth, or adopt the phenomena of fairness.<br /><br />But as I said in a previous blog, the means by which our limited Westminster system operates demands that we sell our voices and consciences to achieve Parliamentary milestones. How many retired (whether forced out by scandal, loss of constituency seat, or voluntary exit) politicians have track sheets of their acts or omissions in the name of party loyalty that would have spun the lives of Vincentians amiss?<br /><br />So it comes back to the title, where is the monitoring system in this country? We have the Chamber of Commerce and the Bureau of Standards that theoretically are in existence to maintain certain levels of fairness and representation on behalf of certain entities and consumers alike. Even though we all know the misnomers that can arise from believing that these systems are the sure fire way of addressing the concerns of their relevant stakeholders - at least they do exist.<br /><br />So where is our truth regulator? Where is the person or the persons concerned with demanding the maintenance of some standard of quality among our leaders? The irony is that a government may have to be the one to formulate, fund and facilitate the creation of this dire need.<br /><br />And then that entity would be subject to criticisms of unfairness or unwarranted suspicion, like J F Mitchell's indictment of the Supervisor of Elections, according the media coverage this week.<br /><br />And then where are the masses in this whole fiasco? Sitting back nonchalant, cussing, quarreling, defending, rinsing of our brains, requiring nothing further than a hype, a momentary flash of angry at the unjustly actions of the reds and yellows. We have not determined within ourselves the need to be treated better, found the ability to demand a higher level of discourse. <br /><br />Why? Maybe we are fearful of our own voices, our minds? Do we think ourselves unable to express our concerns for ourselves, families and country? Are we so intimidated by the titles, the flash and the misconceived notions of 'me-reach-high-above-u' that we silence our cries for our communities?<br /><br />So here we are, stuck in the maze of confusion, filled with endless communiques of useless information that accomplishes the flushing of our mental cheeks, making us undertake a temporary indignation but not a righteous one.<br /></div>SVG epiphanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232576137523847141noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2786159670642011701.post-35304502897378781012010-08-31T16:38:00.000-07:002010-08-31T16:56:30.899-07:00The ULP/NDP ad<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6x87yPWbzG5Ugm7j1DnlD7668hKUYWsMsljDtdW0BumPsy4Wdtf-3sFoF_Kdwxj7oj3IY2OxKSoihFTk8Rqt-nttRWBfaw3pII4gG3aNV0fY5heaHri3CxEbSKjvYJULGBsgQg4VKlXbl/s1600/spellrite.gif"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6x87yPWbzG5Ugm7j1DnlD7668hKUYWsMsljDtdW0BumPsy4Wdtf-3sFoF_Kdwxj7oj3IY2OxKSoihFTk8Rqt-nttRWBfaw3pII4gG3aNV0fY5heaHri3CxEbSKjvYJULGBsgQg4VKlXbl/s320/spellrite.gif" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511726936348331666" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">If you deign to look at SVG TV during the news period (7-8 pm), like me, you would have likely seen that black and white ad from the ULP that took most of its content from an NDP ad - I was confused - I was not sure why there was an NDP ad with a voice over (sounding suspiciously like Kaleel Cato) dissing the same ad, until I realised that it was a ULP ad. And another oddity was the red lipstick on V. Frederick's lips - poor video editing because the red smudge smears its way up to her nose and across to her cheek.<br /><br />But enough about that, this is all I have to say - if an ad is claiming to promote the capability of the ULP to continue running the country by flattering us, calling us intelligent people, at least learn how the hell to spell, so we could see none Vincentians rather than non-Vincentians.<br /><br />Peace out.<br /></div>SVG epiphanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232576137523847141noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2786159670642011701.post-88343465985431075202010-08-19T14:06:00.000-07:002010-08-19T16:17:42.641-07:00Shock me to reality<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXGBidoypAIiRfKqIu2YmOcqrXKNF5VtDZxgdPuEez-IjoegbFpMRtEd11NQgdNpRfE_zyWb0pKQIUBqEZGhKQCLKnKPk5ugxU7shewbWEmO2LYr69U4wCmYu5cQUFXgxw72e9u3tYYjH/s1600/Electric+shock.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 297px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuXGBidoypAIiRfKqIu2YmOcqrXKNF5VtDZxgdPuEez-IjoegbFpMRtEd11NQgdNpRfE_zyWb0pKQIUBqEZGhKQCLKnKPk5ugxU7shewbWEmO2LYr69U4wCmYu5cQUFXgxw72e9u3tYYjH/s320/Electric+shock.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5507255456276832386" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Over the years I have been exposed to and possibly been a part of the the "blame game theory" - where we find ourselves in precarious, troubling situations and we summon from within ourselves the ability to point fingers and identify the systems, government officials, and entities that are responsible for our untimely demise - yet unable to determine our own role in the saga.<br /><br />But I was rather disappointed when I read a letter to the editor by Ms. Vynette Frederick, my fellow GHS colleague and the energetic youthful face of the NDP about the plight of the residents of 'Poleyard' - a community that has found itself on the upsurge within recent years. She called it a 'bustling community' of over 200 residents. But what bewildered me was the cry that she made for them to be provided with water because such amenities had not been yet provided to the area. Isn't this an area that houses VINLEC poles and therefore electricity in larger numbers than usual? Should they not be relocated - especially since the government always seems to have lands to give away within recent times? <br /><br />But I am guessing that numerous politicians have threaded their way through the area and made possibly genuine promises that faltered in the shadows of the reality of the location. I am not an electrical expert (I scream at the slightest spark from a outlet and I am tempted to shut down the fuse box of my house at the hint of lightning) nor am I a community housing expert but I consider myself to be reasonably minded female with a growing notion of what is commonsensical in this day and age. Why would CWSA run pipes in the area to provide them with water - since the chances of it becoming an established community are low to nil? Their continued occupation of that location, while probably founded on the basic need to find somewhere to live cannot be reasonably seen as having any sustainable future. <br /><br />And giving water to the residents of Poleyard is not even logical in the imagination of the most revolutionary of political directorates - electric poles and water don't mix favourably the last time I wikied that topic. So despite the noble garb of the passion expressed by Vynnie V., it still reeks of unreasonable political hype<br /><br />What also struck me was her reference to water as an amenity, rather than the basic need that it is. Have our politicians become so sullied by the thrust for power that WATER has become a "pleasant feature of a place" {the definition of amenity in the Oxford}? Usually, I hear the term being used on HGTV, when describing the golf course and the swimming pool access that comes along with a condo being shown to a young couple looking for their first home. I would not readily apply it to anyone in the world that does not have the ability to use clean water for cooking, cleaning, washing, drinking not to mention the automatic absence of sanitary toilet facilities.<br /><br />And not to mention the fact that Poleyard is located in the vicinity of the airport. I know all the talk about the development of Arnos Vale into a new city and the transformation of the airport into a commercial wonderland - all dependent on the completion of the Argyle International Airport (and we all know what thin strings that balances upon). Why would anyone be interested in improving the well-being of the residents of a community that is so unfortunately positioned?<br /><br />Would it not be more feasible, both on a political strategy point and national interest point to move them completely? When is someone going to hand these people reality rather than impassioned newspaper coverage? When are we going to be shocked for once and for all and hear someone in authority make an executive decision, disregarding the social upset it may cause and focus on the long-term solutions?<br /><br />But this is one of many situations that our politicians have allowed to fester, while promising outcomes of grandeur, dismissing the poverty that has driven people to that point and somehow justifying their claim to destitute lives.<br />Like the Long Wall and Quarry situation, or the houses on the beach in the Georgetown community, or the squatters perched on the hillsides in my own community whose constant clearing of the forest has caused at least two landslides within the last two weeks and damage to the property of a family who would have worked hard to build their home and hearth.<br /></div>SVG epiphanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232576137523847141noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2786159670642011701.post-7215447683644391612010-08-17T16:19:00.001-07:002010-08-17T17:24:09.345-07:00Stride onFinally, I am back on the blogging train.<br /><br />The death of my four year lap top and the quest for a new electronic investment took a while; but at long last the keyboard is all mine to putter away at in an attempt to express myself at my own pace or maybe not at all.<br /><br />So as a re-introduction to the cyber world of social commentary, I take this opportunity to capture my brief time of using this forum as a means critiquing our world and in essence, analyzing ourselves. A couple of my fave blogs have taken hiatus from individual blogs with their own personal reasons - justified I hope and not based on intrusive apathy at the issues that we face every day. I admit to having experienced the apathy-the niggling acceptance of the status quo and the shrugging away of the feeling that I should be comfortable speaking my mind.<br /><br />As an avid reader and an appreciator of the perspectives of others, I can honestly say that blogging has been a refreshing means of indulging myself after a day of hard labour at a varnished desk in Kingstown. <br /><br />The beauty of publication at any hour - the only deadline being the satisfaction of your inspired moment. The ability to flaunt the art of the English language is its full scope n nt in shrtend abbreviations and shortcut phrases.<br /><br />The truth is - is that I think we are capable of so much more than the typical - the expected. Like Herbert Samuel, the Vincentian engineer that has entered the GE Ecoimagination Challenge -using the addictive phenomena of social networking for something holistically positive - monitor your electricity usage by entering simple info from your bills and then networking with other persons around the world. I will blog about my actual use of the programme, especially since I have a dislike of social networking.<br /><br />This is an excellent example of just going beyond usual expectations of engineering or anything for that matter. Widening the scope of our understanding of what we can accomplish if we just open our minds and our hearts to support each other in the journey to create a better global existence.SVG epiphanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232576137523847141noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2786159670642011701.post-31701039638677774332010-06-10T16:25:00.000-07:002010-06-10T17:38:38.777-07:00Hush<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYTBZ9LRdLUe0nHKRKFT2bXxSVdaYAr0U3mXqcCVFv5P1bypFDGohWd0vRWMwIHido2FwK5Mtj6uO9PZwlLjkfZgqOgJClcOQByAkuovBQeiKx3y0CaXleF5bEhrvEeOmA0yw11x1UZFO/s1600/2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzYTBZ9LRdLUe0nHKRKFT2bXxSVdaYAr0U3mXqcCVFv5P1bypFDGohWd0vRWMwIHido2FwK5Mtj6uO9PZwlLjkfZgqOgJClcOQByAkuovBQeiKx3y0CaXleF5bEhrvEeOmA0yw11x1UZFO/s320/2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5481308627314837794" border="0" /></a><br />HUSH...<br /><div style="text-align: center;"> (1) part of a traditonal lullaby which promises rewards for silence of a crying child<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">(2) an apology in Jamaican parlance<br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Issues that once thrived valiantly on the airwaves, print media and tongues of many now struggle to remain within our realm of consciousness for too long. And I realise that silence is the tool used by the powers that be or concerned parties to dismiss the furor and allow it to die a quiet death.<br /><br />Like the dunce question...where did that go to? Personally, I found it was appalling that the education of young minds would be tampered with in such a blatant manner and especially since several months have passed since the exam was actually written. I didn't blog about it because the issue was being dealt with by everyone from Anesia to Chris and the ones in between...<br />The resolution of this issue was relegated to a statement by the Ministry of Education that they don't deal with those problems on a public level but rather leave it to be addressed internally...HUSH.<br /><br />What about the <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 51);">business that is not a bar and will only sell alcoholic drinks after 6 pm</span> in the school district area? It has not failed to amaze me that the authorities have no problem granting necessary permission to run a <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 204, 51);">business that is not a bar and will only sell alcoholic drinks after 6 pm</span> in that area but yet seem paralysed to make into a school zone...demanding the turning down of music on mini vans, driving with some measure of awareness as to lives that are at stake there, prohibition of the alarming horns and the placement of patrol officers in the area during peak hours... to ensure that another child is not dragged for several meters again... What care and concern we have for our nation's future.<br /><br />The whole talk about not selling alcohol before 6 pm was and shall remain a figment of imagination in the minds of any right thinking person. Can you imagine a conductor swinging off a bus in a casual yet flamboyant manner, running into the business place with his sneakers that match his cap which match the shades, shirt etc, and demanding two guiness for himself and the driver...and the owner saying...nah man is only 4:45 p.m.....BS if I ever heard it. HUSH<br /><br />Constitutional Reform ...frozen in liquid nitrogen on 25/11/09 ) <span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">H</span></span><br />Argyle International Airport ) <span style="font-weight: bold;"> <span style="font-size:100%;">U</span></span><br />Breaking in ULP headquarters ) <span style="font-size:130%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">S</span></span><br />The Canadian attorney that was allegedly ravished by the PM ) <span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> H</span></span><br /><br />So much more than I can recount....but it is all in passing...all a deja vu experience...1999-2000 all over...where the Opposition was plied with the pleas of the people...calling, crying yearning for change...how much we needed it...wanted it...were willing to do anything to get it...and get it we did....till we created a monstrosity called the present government.<br /><br />And we are doing it again...failing to learn from our ways...we have not done anything to uplift ourselves and persistently seek the engines of others to propel us on. We are glorifying the underdogs...the unproven...giving to them our unrequited love and adoration.<br /><br />Unaware of the fact that democracy is not only the ability to remove and the ability to put in place but the power the demand the standards at which our leaders should function at, the power to demand that we be led not danced down a stony path to socialism (which ever version that Ralphie adhers to, since it is not the ones in Cuba and Venezuela).<br /><br />So we spew out our troubles as they cross our path and we chant along with the sorrows of others until we get the newest mourning call...HUSH<br /><br />And we move on leaving in our shadows real persons with real problems with no solution...HUSH<br /><br />But we have done our bit...hyped up in the heat of the battle, pursued in the moment in time...for our own cause...and then we fall silent. HUSH.<br /><br />We blame it all on the <span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">present </span>and lean on the promises of the <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">desirous</span>...HUSH<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">Hush little baby don't say a word...Poppa's gonna buy you a mockingbird</span><br /></div></div>SVG epiphanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232576137523847141noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2786159670642011701.post-54993624999015378752010-05-23T08:04:00.000-07:002010-05-23T08:55:56.966-07:00Well-informed?<div style="text-align: justify;">The calamity called the socio-political climate in SVG has again continued to thrive in the most outrageous manner.<br /><br />I will never try to attempt in my blog to claim to have the whole story and despite my attempts at passionate opines on matters of Vincy life...I must question whether I can be ever truly informed on the issue...or can any one for that matter on any issue.<br /><br />Our lives are constantly merged with present-day illustrations, futuristic implications and historical resurgences...we cannot separate any of them so as to claim independent original thought. It would seem to me that what we experience is the framing of an idea, concept or incident in a way that captures the minds of others...grabs their attention and seats itself in the corridors of their minds for future reference.<br /><br />This whole drift about socialism - potential, impossible, subtle, blatant....the list can go on. <br /><br />The Vincentian editorial this week said that all the debate is causing unnecessary fear in the nation...because we would never relinquish our democratic freedom. But rhetorically we were asked in the same editorial...what really is socialism? Is it the implementation of programmes to better the society and people...you read the article, you should get the idea they were going for.<br /><br />It was brilliantly coined...can we ever define it? Even those who want to list their names proudly in the ranks of ALBA...is it fully grasped..can it ever be? My understanding is that socialism holds to many theories - one being the unfairness of capitalism and the exploitation of the majority by a minority, therefore it seeks to institute a system of governance that would ensure 'equality' among the people.<br /><br />Which is flawed in its own estimation...because there will always be hierarchies...rank and file...superior and inferior...well-done and rare...the leaders and the followers.<br /><br />If one were to ensure that no aspect of socialism existed...we might as well go back to the monarchy and create our own royal dynasties...I have my title already picked out...Empress something.<br /><br />It is not that I am disregarding the import of the issue...Dr. Jules Ferdinand gave his no to socialism last week...and people may have seen it as blowing the issue out of the water. But there is merit to addressing the point.<br /><br />In reality even though we know...well I KNOW I can never support the concepts of socialism and would fight valiantly against any attempts to implement such in my nation...should we not reasonably be concerned that our own PM has signed on to a document that clings to such ideals...that the nation playing a key role in the existence of ALBA, Venezuela, has a significant record of human rights violations and a practice of nationalising at their own seeming whim and fancy. What impact is this going to play in the mind of Dr. Gonsalves? Even if he is not going to be successful in instituting it...he may not even intend to - But are we not justified in asking a question as to the impact of such a clause in documents we have signed onto?<br /><br />I once read that no political theory has ever been perfected - we have never given them the chance...capitalism has ruined pure democracy, ironically so because that freedom of choice is the fuel behind that economic system...socialism and communism were battered equally by capitalism, monarchism and hubris within themselves.<br /><br />And the reality is that we have a people that are dependent on the 'socialist' elements within our society for mere existence...which is why the welfare department is jam packed on a monthly basis...and NIS is a saving grace for others. Yes, these are socialist elements....programmes instituted by the government to ensure the betterment of society. The same way Barbados has been funding the education of their students all the way to University for decades and Trinidad and Tobago introduced the GATE project several years ago to provide education up to your Masters...government did that...not a private entity.<br /><br />I have never had reason to go into any of the learning resource centres around the country...but if there was a private company doing that...we would have to pay an entry fee...a user fee and there may be an exit price.<br /><br />I don't get...they call us third world countries because of underdevelopment (ignoring their ravishing of our limited resources and the oppression and stranding of an entire people)...but by God's grace look at what the first and second world countries have fucked up...USA has fostered a culture that finds it acceptable to live above their means because one credit card or four will tide you through...Obama got heat because he wanted a piece of legislation that would ensure the provision of health care for most Americans...his visionary way of maintaining America's economic dominance in the world...and he was called socialist for it...because he was taking business from the private sector...if that was not an excellent example of the callousness of capitalism...I don't know what would be.<br /><br />Look people...all around us are examples of what has worked and what has not...learn from it. Not just government...but we ourselves. Like the same lessons we have failed to learn from America's obesity problems..spinning into diabetes, kidney and heart failure and people who frankly cannot fit into one seat in a plane...that is why Pizza Hut, Subway, Church's are coming our way...we have not learned.<br /></div>SVG epiphanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232576137523847141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2786159670642011701.post-36986497918110674252010-05-13T14:39:00.000-07:002010-05-13T15:14:51.185-07:00Random idlenessFor the last few days the most utter shit has been running through my head and there is this incessant urge to blog about the arbitrary thoughts that are sprinting a lap in my brain...sometimes overwhelming rational thought:<br /><br />Here's a list of what I can recall:<br /><br />1. My period is due....and I am craving chocolate and sex.<br /><br />2. Men are all whores...some are just controlled whores.<br /><br />3. Posting my resume online because I want a new job.<br /><br />4. I broke down in the bathroom of my office today and sobbed uncontrollably because my boss decided to act like a jackass...oh and I was PMSing. Obviously related to (3).<br /><br />5.What has happened when your laptop screen goes white?<br /><br />6. In all fairness to (2)...All women are sex freaks...some have just not been released as yet and never will be.<br /><br />7. I think my guy friends jokes are utterly hilarious...and I am over the fact that I am the only female laughing at them.<br /><br />8. I miss my best friend in Trinidad so much.<br /><br />9. How to become very financially comfortable quickly and honestly?<br /><br />10. I am tired of explaining to people why I am childfree and single at age 27 and absolutely comfortable with it. I am now planning to get married and divorced so the topic of relationships will become taboo around me.<br /><br />11. All these years Karib Cable was illegally tapping US cable....we now have Spanish shows and ads...joyous.<br /><br />12. I heard a whisper that a friend is getting married to an completely useless excuse for a man...who has no job but walks around blinging...which is long code for drug dealer. And I am silently hoping that I go to his funeral first before I go to hers.<br /><br />13. I want to organise a flash mob in SVG...to Bomani's song ..."This Island" around Independence this year.<br /><br />14. I am due to get my BB in less than a month and I am afraid I would not be able to figure out all the apps.<br /><br />15. Who are these people leaving Chinese comments on my blog? I haven't ordered the Rosetta Stone - Mandarin edition yet people<br />And the well runs dry.SVG epiphanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232576137523847141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2786159670642011701.post-58287110592078461792010-05-03T16:22:00.000-07:002010-05-03T17:14:15.731-07:00Secure me<div style="text-align: justify;">Well, about early last week, I heard a floating story about SVG being put up to the Security Council of the United Nations. At the time, my cynicism on governance kicked in and tried to compete with the nationalistic side of me. Was Labour doing this for another peg in the hole for elections or was some manipulative power putting us up to support their own cause? But then again, why not...why should we be excluded from such realms?<br /><br />And then tonight the grand entrance of the matter from the level of talk radio to legitimate media...Eustace criticises the lack of publicity on the issue and these are the pointers that struck me with the release from Sir Louie:<br /><br />* we have been encouraged to go up...<br />* and it has been years since a Caricom nation was elected onto the Council...<br />* and why not go up...even if it means jumping the line.<br /><br />Let us start with the last one....that is asking for a beat down...a licking...if you want to jump the line, you should be bigger than the people in front for defensive purposes. Especially, if the other people standing there for a while and there is a senior citizens line...geeshh. I have given my mouthful to people who have attempted to jump in front of me in a line...I am never impressed. Unless, they ask kindly and plead their situation...like a lady who looked like she was about to release the contents of her womb (it was so big, it could not only be babies in there...maybe a car seat as well).<br /><br />Columbia was supposedly the nation that got CARICOM's nod...what happen? we were not at that meeting? or maybe SVG did not get the memo. Or maybe it was one of those cocktail agreements made over snifters and cigars.<br /><br />Either way, I want to know how we jumping in front of. But, really now I know why Ralphie takes up all the talk...if that is the best logic that the people can get from a knighted man who is our Minister of Foreign Affairs.<br /><br />When last a CARICOM nation sat on the Council is frankly unimportant...after the Europeans raped our wombs and oppressed a entire people...military security in the Caribbean has been relegated imposing immigration laws and the invasion of drugs and guns...that's it.<br /><br />Grenada had some action in the 1970's to 1980's and 'merica swarmed in to restore control and democracy by occupation by force. Trinidad had a coup with al Muslimeen in 1990 for all of six days...and the man behind it all still walking free today.<br /><br />That is it people....oh yeah...Union Island wanted to join up with Grenada in the 1970's...that about wraps it up. Security in CARICOM and all the wealth of experience that comes with it. My view is what can we contribute...tangibly...or shall we be a mere nodding to the bidding of another?<br /><br />Oh wait, the whispers say China wants us on board...remember Tawian is not recognised by the UN...so that means dumping them if China backs us. Plus, China is a permanent member and they probably want to secure their votes by encouraging us to get on board. Eh...so I guess they will take over the runway for Argyle...because the Taiwanese <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">supposed</span> to be giving us this.<br />You know what I want...better and more affordable technology...Asia is the hottest market for all things tech and people can't afford to buy shit in the country itself. Why these people only giving to charities and making new fruits and vegetables? No disrespect.<br /><br />To round up...it sounds nice but a part of me thinks this falls into the look-what-we-did category...like the resource centre that has taken ages in a neighbouring community.<br /><br />I want to feel secure here...in my own nation. I want to hear that police stations have a vehicle to come rescue me if I see a naked man running behind my house...and hear that the coast guard has boats to guard our shores...and hear that there is a safe house for battered women that does not have a publicised address...and hear that there is a registered sex offender's list in SVG...I want to walk the road and know that even if there is a man admiring my ass...I don't need to hear about what he wants to do to me in brokenly graphic English.<br /><br />SECURE ME....<br /></div>SVG epiphanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232576137523847141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2786159670642011701.post-45842625215681054142010-05-01T09:11:00.000-07:002010-05-01T10:13:37.766-07:00Speeches of truth - the path to civilisation<div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold; color: rgb(204, 102, 0);">Knowledge comes but wisdom lingers</span> - Tennyson<span style="display: block;" id="formatbar_Buttons"><span class="" style="display: block;" id="formatbar_JustifyFull" title="Justify Full" onmouseover="ButtonHoverOn(this);" onmouseout="ButtonHoverOff(this);" onmouseup="" onmousedown="CheckFormatting(event);FormatbarButton('richeditorframe', this, 13);ButtonMouseDown(this);"><img src="http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif" alt="Justify Full" class="gl_align_full" border="0" /></span></span><br />I am beginning to understand why Solomon asked God for wisdom and not riches or power, even though they followed soon after.<br /><br />I was having a conversation with a group of persons sometime ago and we were struck down the middle on the issue of whether age brings wisdom. No one among us was above 50, so youth was a relatively recent experience shared by all. Yet some adamantly stated that youths should be seeking to groom themselves for leadership positions rather than attempting to assert what they considered a premature entry into the realms of authority. Of course, Anesia, Luke, and Michelle were the names that popped out silently.<br /><br />Meanwhile, there were others, like me, who didn't automatically think that age brought maturity.<br /><br />Some of the fuck-ups called policy decisions and social programmes that have been effected in this great nation of ours since 1979 Independence has not given much to the concept of nation building - and most of those were instituted by people seen to hold great wisdom.<br /><br />But then, maybe we wrongfully assume that leaders should be imbued with wisdom upon the ascension to those the hallowed halls of governance and our bubble walls of support resonate with shock when we realise the truth - they are self-seeking, legacy searching individuals, whose contribution to the lifting of society is second to the preservation of their livelihood.<br /><br />On the other side, there have been changes of significance, of benefit - true social edification - effected by mature men of wisdom.<br /><br />However, I wonder if we will ever see youth leadership being fostered in its truest form, rather than looking for a mini-me...the placement of a younger face to an old cause. It seems that the youth leaders that we have today must satisfy the minds of the mature in order to be given a platform to speak on.<br /><br />So then I ask is there independent thought? - when to have a voice that is heard, we must train our vocals to sing their notes. It is easy to have a voice, a perspective and a view that is of merit...but who will listen and how would they chose to listen. Our people have been groomed to listen only within a certain context - and to hear selectively.<br /><br />The few times that independent voices have emerged from within our society - we gear ourselves to align them one way or the other.<br /><br />Groups like the PMC baffle the norm...throw away the regulatory line drawing. I will say in my happily naive state, I take the PMC at face value...a group of individuals intent on enlightenment of the people on national issues in a civil forum. (no, they did not pay me). But like most Vincentians, I have never attended an event or discussion hosted by them...I can only commend efforts not execution.<br /><br />I can't bash anyone for supporting any side...you know the whole prerogative idea. But where are the independent forums?...the open communities where people can reside in safely with the knowledge that they will be respected, encouraged and disagreed with in a humane manner?<br /><br />Perhaps my plea comes more from within myself - I seek for wisdom...<span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span></span></span>I am under 30, female, career-oriented, passionate for free speech on socio-political issues and I associate with people regardless of political affiliations, yet I anonymously blog on my opines of life - presently content to remain shielded by a vaguely similar profile pic and ambiguous but truthful statements.<br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></span></span><br /><span style="color: rgb(51, 153, 153);"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">"wisdom is not finally tested by the schools, wisdom cannot be pass'd from one having it to another not having it. Wisdom is of the soul, is not susceptible of proof, is its own proof." -Walt Whitman</span></span></span><br /></div>SVG epiphanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232576137523847141noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2786159670642011701.post-67951657119459298452010-04-20T17:53:00.000-07:002010-04-20T18:33:39.103-07:00Signs of the timesThey say pictures are louder than words and SVG is a virtual coffee table book.<br /><br />1. In the last couple months, there was a splash of yellow across the country as the underground promotion of the NDP raised its head. Signs popped out all over the place....and not your usual tacky political poster...no pictures, and embracing of colloquial dialect and of course the $1 million dollar question.<br /><br />But then, some one decided to deface the huge billboard at the Sion Hill intersection, covering the words with white paint. And I thought to myself, somebody is going to be pissed about this and replace this poster...Lo and behold, the sign still up. Every time I see it, I think of the crazy person(s) that would have done this in the dead of the night, practically shitting their pants every time they hear a car coming near.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 102);">As I was driving by this week, I realised that it is better for the NDP to keep the defaced board up rather than bear the cost of re-doing it.</span> It is a constant reminder to the public that a government supporter would have allegedly done this...a resounding cry to the road users to "Vote them out" better than any platform address, any galvanize sheet and even the continuation in the recent series of "Government Blunders"...Season 2.<br /><br />2. Have you seen the bitchin signs on the road to Georgetown? As you approach the Byrea area, there are these gigantic "SLOW" signs painted on the road...I could not figure out what the hell I was slowing for but I did. Then I came upon it....<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);">TRAFFIC<br />MERGING<br />FROM<br />LEFT</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">All in yellow...all on separate lines. I looked, peered and peeped...there was no merging traffic..just one dry gap to turn into some side road. I thought "Impossible, I must have missed it. When I was returning now, I come upon the signs in the opposite direction...Slow slow then BOOM<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center; color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">TRAFFIC </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> MERGING </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"> FROM </span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 0);"> LEFT</span><br /><br /></span><div style="text-align: justify;">The sign was longer than my vehicle and I was driving a jeep. Then a friend told me that the dry gap leads to the PM's farm...yeah the one he planned to retire on after two terms. But I figure even though he talking about a third...he reckons that he will most likely lose and he will need the signs to direct him where to turn in, <span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">since he will have to get accustomed to driving himself again.</span><br /><br />3. Well, Aunt Jobe's is getting there and they painting <span style="color: rgb(255, 102, 0);"><span style="font-weight: bold;">bright bright hues</span>.</span>..lighting up the place, especially since the banner has started to rip and look worn. And guess who following behind, Greaves Supermarket. I see man on machine last week <span style="color: rgb(255, 255, 51); font-weight: bold;">bluing</span> and <span style="color: rgb(51, 51, 255); font-weight: bold;">yellowing</span> the entire building...some spots left back still but boi oh boi...I bet that paint job was not because it appeared on the maintenance calendar since they used the drabbest shade of grey for the building before. Or maybe they testing out the shades they going to use on the Buccament branch...yeah one special special for the resort. Anyway, Aunty better lower she prices if they want me to go in there for anything more than ice cream.<br /><br />4. Me...getting an expensive phone...sigh. I get cussing from all over...what's your PIN? Pin...common pin, a button pop or something? Don't I feel like the greatest ass? Anyway, I can gladly say I did not give into the social pressure in deciding to buy a BB but the last one I had fell and it occasionally falls apart in mid-coversation. I am the only one who thinks it to be amusing. Dear God, please let it not fall.<br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"></span></div></div></div></div>SVG epiphanyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05232576137523847141noreply@blogger.com3