Wind Beneath Their Wings

As I pondered the subject for this entry and having once promised to highlight people with an interesting story to tell, I found a delightful feature by Barbados' Government Information Service (GIS) on one of our recent centenarians. Yes, this lady blew up social media with photos of her as she celebrated 100 years of life a few weeks ago.      

Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce you to Mrs. Avis Carrington, a beloved educator in my country, Barbados. 

                                               Retired Educator, Mrs. Avis Carrington 

The feature is in two parts so I will only provide the links to the documentary and cricket fans may want to see this as the internationally-renowned Barbadian and West Indies cricketer, Sir Wes Hall, also remembers her as his teacher when he was at a public primary school. Below is the BGIS trailer. (Now the opening theme music may seem a bit tinny, but bear with it and if you did not click the link for the feature before, most likely you will after seeing the clip).

                                 We Bajans Avis Carrington Trailer Credit: thebgis [August 2018]

In the second part Barbados' first female Prime Minister, the Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, speaks of her in a very down-to-earth manner. Actually, I know someone who taught briefly at the school in the very early stages and she recalls Madam Prime Minister, at age 7 or so, correcting some error she made at the chalkboard.  I can only imagine it. One of my friends is an alum of the school founded by Mrs. Carrington, Merrivale Preparatory School, which finally closed its doors 10 years ago, when Mrs. Carrington retired at the great age of 90.

Her older sister, Ms. Constance Inniss is another centenarian. She was a principal of my alma mater, known as St. Michael Girls' School at that time, which Avis attended when she was young. Boys were admitted in my first year there when it became The St. Michael School, Nisi Auxilio Dei Nihil! Ms. Inniss is immortalised on a commemorative set of stamps produced by the Barbados Postal Service in celebration of Barbados' centenarians. She is 103 years old now and is alive, as I write this.

                             Retired Educator, Ms. Constance Inniss featured on a commemorative stamp issue

So here's to all educators. May you leave with your charges the kind of legacy that these wonderful women left with theirs. Here's the classic Bette Midler "Wind Beneath My Wings", just for you. May your students be able to say the same of you. 

            Bette Midler - Wind Beneath My Wings (Official Music Video): Credit: Rhino [September 2014]

Tell It Like It is

Greetings to readers from Bangladesh, Canada, China, Hong Kong, India and the Seychelles. It's been a while since my last entry but it is great to see a reader from a new country - or someone who is travelling from country to country. 😎

It really shows this world is a global village.

There was so much happening over the past month. I pondered what I would write about next. The contrasting responses to men accused of sexual misconduct - Bill Cosby at age 81 and blind is being painted as a sexual predator and sentenced to prison while the Supreme Court nominee is being backed at the highest level in the land. Then there are the Stormy Daniels revelations.   

No offence to male readers, but some of you guys know of the tricks some used to have their way with a female "conquest" - plied her with alcohol, drugged a drink, convinced her "no" is really "yes". It happens. Young men (and these days girls) are not thinking of being role models in 20 years. They are not thinking of being a household name one day. They are not thinking of being a national leader. They are not thinking about being a Supreme Court nominee. They are looking for instant gratification.

Then there are the national disasters - Hurricane Florence's flooding, the earthquake and tsunami in Indonesia and here in Barbados Tropical Storm Kirk's flooding. September always seems to be an eventful month. It is also the month when 9-11 is remembered. 

So what could I feature in September? 

Then I saw our Prime Minister, the Honourable Mia Mottley, give her maiden address to the United Nations - and I had my answer. A woman of substance who says what needs to be said. A woman of substance who will represent the interest of the small island developing states. A change maker - or at least someone who will try.

Here she is ladies and gentlemen...the Prime Minister of Barbados speaking at the United Nations on Friday, September 28, 2018:

Barbados - Prime Minister Addresses General Debate, 73rd Session [Credit: United Nations, September 2018]

The speech was compact, to the point. No need to say more. And she left to return to Barbados to see the damage for herself after no doubt seeing images of flooding like these on social media before giving her speech.

                                                         This police car sits in flood waters.

                                                        Another flooded street

Some people actually thought the worst was past when night fell on Thursday. Then Tropical Storm Kirk dumped 12-hours of continuous rain on Barbados. It did not take long for some of the flood-prone areas to flood and nearly a dozen persons were rescued during the weather system. While no lives were reportedly lost, there would be hundreds or thousands of dollars worth of property damage. The Prime Minister has already toured the most affected areas. Luckily, two days of sunshine have caused the flood waters to recede. 

We are thankful that it was not worse, that Kirk was only a Tropical Storm. As the Prime Minister said to the UN, GDP cannot be the only measure for a nation's positioning on the development index and therefore access to development funding. All small islands are susceptible to natural disasters and it is time the most developed nations took their responsibilities for preserving the environment seriously. It is not fake news.

Until next time.

#CricketPlayedLouder

Summer time in the Caribbean is also the season for the Caribbean Premier League T20 tournament. Anyone interested can visit the link for videos of interviews and match highlights. 

As my international readers may not know what cricket is about, in this version of the game there are 20 overs (6 balls make an over) and the objective is to score the most runs. The bowler bowls at a batsman. There are two at each end of the pitch (the grassless square where the ball is bowled). The batsman has to hit the ball far enough and run to the other end of the pitch while the other batsman runs to his opposite end. That's one run. If they do it twice, it is 2 runs. Now, the rest of the field (around the square) has grass and is encircled by a rope. Any balls going to the rope is 4 runs and the batsmen do not have to move. If the batsman hits the ball over the boundary, it is 6 runs. He does not have to move. 

Now the object of the  bowler is to get the batsman out. He has to hit the stumps (called wickets)  or cause someone in the field to catch the ball after the batsman hits it. It cannot touch the ground. It must be a straight catch. There is also another way for a batsman to get out, called "lbw", which is best explained by a cricket officianado.

This year, there have been some tremendous scores and wonderful performances. I will share a couple with you, beginning with the highlights of the Barbados Tridents first match - and they won against the Guyana Amazon Warriors. Two young cricketers shone like diamonds in the match. Raymon Reifer (a bowler) got a five-wicket haul and Shai Hope scored 88 runs. I just love the graphics!

              Barbados Tridents' Raymon Reifer grabs five wickets in the team's first win in the Hero CPL 2018

. 

Another really brilliant youngster is Guyana Warriors' Shimron Hetmyer who blazed a century (100 runs) in a match against the Jamaica Tallawahs (JTs). 

                                 Young Shimron Hetmyer celebrates during one of the Hero CPL 2018 matches

The "old Guard" Kieron Pollard of the St. Lucia Stars and Andre Russell, captain of the JTs were also scoring 100 runs this season. 

So guys enjoy your moment in time for another year.

Whitney Houston - One Moment In Time (Official Live Video)

(Credit: WhitneyHoustonHD)

    Here's to #CricketPlayedLouder!            

Summer In Barbados Is Party Time!

A warm hello from sunny Barbados to my many readers from around the world. My posts have been sporadic of late. Life happens. 

'Tis the season for feting can't done - well for younger people. At my age and stage of life, I might injure myself! 😄 Summer in Barbados means party-time, Crop Over, or the Sweetest Summer Festival, as the National Cultural Foundation dubs it. 

ncf.bb photo promoting the annual Crop Over Festival

So I am dedicating this entry to this island's biggest party, Crop Over. The season features calypso competitions, parties and costumed revellery - culminating with Grand Kadooment on August 6, 2018, which is a parade of costumed bands. If you do not believe me, you can read the West Jet Magazine article on Barbados' premier festival.

July 6, 2018, was the first officially judged event - the International Bashment Soca Competition, won by the inimitable Lil Rick. An entertainer dominating the party scene for nearly 30 years, the older man proved that even in this newer genre he can emerge champion over the youngsters.

LIL RICK: 2018 International Bashment Soca Winner

It is not my fave genre; still the song is catchy and you can check his winning performance followed by a nice interview by him in the link above.  Caution: Twerking warning at the beginning of the video!! My style of music is more staid, so Marvay is again singing one that I do not mind listening to this season. I appreciate the lyrics for the season it is. A very sweet-voiced youngster he is.

Marvay ~ At Large “2018 Soca” (Barbados) [Red Boyz] {Credit: JulianspromosTV| 2018 Music}

Of course, the lyrical master and cultural ambassador Red Plastic Bag (RPB), has what I consider the sweetest calypso of the season, I Am Alive. It's inspirational so it's not likely to be very popular this season, except among the mature crowd.  So, I love it. 💕💕 

Red Plastic Bag “RPB” ~ I’m Alive (Crop Over 2018) [Credit: Alwyn Kirk (June 2018)]

Although RPB is the reigning Sweet Soca Monarch, he has opted not to defend the title and has withdrawn from competing, having won Road March and Sweet Soca titles more than once and the Calypso Crown multiple times from the 1980's through to the first decade of this century. 

Other inspirational work by younger artistes are: "Superstar" by Sir Ruel, a former Junior Calypso Monarch and finalist in the Pic-O-De-Crop (the social commentary calypso competition) and Donella. 

N.B. As the only clip of "Superstar" is on Sir Ruel's Facebook page, the link will only be accessed by persons with a Facebook account. 

As for Donella, one of the best female voices for rendering calypso. Check her audio for this year:

Donella ~ Pray for de Children [Credit: Mr. Richard Antonio (May 2018)]

And on that note, I wish Bajans everywhere, A Happy Crop Over!! 🎊🎊 

A Political Tsunami

Well, it seems that I have too many European readers, I've had to provide a Cookies Policy for this blog. Still, thanks for reading. I really appreciate your interest in my thoughts.

At the end of my Freedom Fighters entry in May, I wrote that "Barbadians will suffer in silence a long time, when we take action, it is well taken." Little did I know how well taken the action would be. On May 24, 2018, the island had its national elections. There were only three weeks of activity, but it was intense. 

When the ballots were counted, history was made in Barbados. The island was swept by a political tsunami. The Barbados Labour Party (BLP) emerged victorious winning all 30 seats. For the first time ever since Independence in 1967, there was no opposition party to take a seat in Parliament. Also, for the first time, a female Prime Minister, the Honourable Mia Amor Mottley (large and in charge in the red dress) took the oath of office to lead the country for the next five (5) years.

Throughout the season, massive crowds followed the national meetings of the BLP. They were bouyed by campaign songs by the island's most popular entertainers, such as Lil Rick, the Mighty Gabby, Adrian Clarke and Edwin Yearwood. Indeed there is a delightful picong promoting one of the BLP candidates for fans of the genre by two of the region's finest exponents of the art form - Gabby himself and Gypsy of Trinidad. 

                               Enuf Uh Dem! Lil Rick (BLP News, February 2018)

Known for her intellectual prowess, ability to ad lib on a wide range of topics and accessibility to the media (the latter characteristic which tended to be lacking in her predecessor, to the chagrin of a large segment of the population), she has engaged with the public via the media almost daily since being sworn into office on May 25, 2018.

However, she has inherited the worst economic situation in the island's history. As she mentioned during the campaign she would call on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) as a last resort. Following an analysis of the state of the country's economy, the last resort was sought and an IMF team will be in the island from June 5, 2018. Keeping true to her campaign pledges, she met twice in the first week with the social partnership [a combination of government, business and labour (unions)]. Following the final meeting, she presented a united front with representatives of these sectors in the background as she addressed the nation to inform them of the state of Barbados' economy. 

                             

                        Prime Minister the Honourable Mia Mottley Press Briefing 
                        (Meeting of the Social Partners) - BLP News, June 2018)

The matter of an Opposition Leader has since been settled as the BLP member for St. Michael West, Bishop Joseph Atherley, decided to cross the floor and take up the role of Opposition Leader - to much condemnation by the masses of Bajans who did not understand that his move averts a constitutional crisis.

                                Leader of the Opposition, Bishop Joseph Atherley

One thing is certain, there was not a dull moment in Barbados over the last four weeks - first with the campaign action, then the public swearing in of the new cabinet, the Prime Minister's revelations about the state of Barbados' economy which really should have overshadowed the rants over the reduction of the Government by one member. This week the action continues with the opening of Parliament and the arrival of the IMF team. Then it will be the Crop Over season - and these past weeks' happenings are more than enough fodder for social commentary calypsos this season.

🍷 So here's to Barbados' newest Prime Minister, the Honourable Mia Amor Mottley Q.C. M.P. May God grant her and her finance/economics team the wisdom to steer Barbados' economy back to safer waters. 

The Freedom Fighters

Greetings to my page reader(s) from Indonesia, Portugal, Grenada and Switzerland. 

Today is May Day - a national celebration in recognition of workers' rights. A couple of days ago, on April 28th, 2018, Barbados celebrated National Heroes Day.

Today, I will ponder the freedom fighters among our national heroes. The Barbados Government Information Service produced some insightful clips interviewing the national heroes. I hope you learn a little about Barbados' history through them. There are recurrent themes of challenging the establishment be it for social reform, religious tolerance, worker's rights or classicism. In the region Barbadians are considered "quiet" but when we resist, the consequences are far reaching. These are our freedom fighters.

The Right Excellent Samuel Jackman Prescod:
This national hero believed as  I do that the pen is mightier than the sword and he put his pen to write about the social injustices of his day as editor of a local newspaper.  He also served in the House of Parliament. Today, the Samuel Jackman Prescod Institute of Technology bears his name.

 

Back From the Past – Ep. 2 – The Right Excellent Samuel Jackman Prescod [thebgis, 2015]

An illustration of his face also appears on the local twenty dollar bill.

                                              The Barbados Twenty Dollar Bill

The Right Excellent Sarah Ann Gill Prescod:
The only female national hero was a subject of controversy when the heroes were being determined.  Her true story and the global impact of her resistance were not known by the historians of the day. She was a Methodist, a religious denomination that preached that all men are free, including slaves - who were the primary source of labour across the island for the white-owned sugar plantations on which the national economy was built. Fearing the destruction of their livelihood, the planter class, which dominated the House of Parliament, sought by every legislative means to stiffle the spread of Methodism. The Reverends were chased away. When Sister Ann began to hold meetings in her house, her life and property were threatened. 

 

Barbados National Heroes (Sarah Ann Gill) [MRD Barbados, 2013]

News of her persecution reached the House of Commons and on June 25 1825, legislation was passed prohibiting religious persecution throughout the British colonies. That makes the Rt. Excellent Sarah Ann Gill, a world changer!


The Right Excellent Clement Payne:
His is an interesting story. He was born in Trinidad to Barbadian parents and there he became acquainted with the trade union movement. Here is his version:

 

        Back from the Past – Ep. 5 – The Right Excellent Clement Payne [thebgis 2015]

  
When he saw the working conditions in Barbados, he sought to enlighten workers, much to the chagrin of their employers. The authorities arrested him, brought him to trial and deported him. On July 26 and 27, 1937, riots erupted in Bridgetown and the Report of the Commission into the 1937 Disturbances, directly attributed the unrest to this man. Throughout the British colonies in the West Indies, similar social unrest occurred between 1934 and 1939, resulting in the submission of the Moyne Commission Report, with recommendations for social improvements (though some critics deemed these as merely measures to keep the working class content enough to not disrupt the status quo again).

The Right Excellent Charles Duncan O'Neal:
As a black man born in the 19th century, he was well-educated locally and internationally. He too sought to alleviate the conditions of Barbados' poor. He is also the uncle of another Barbados national hero, the Right Excellent Errol Walton Barrow, who negotiated Barbados' independence from Great Britain. Here is what he had to say:

 

 Back From the Past – Ep. 4 – The Right Excellent Charles Duncan O’Neal [thebgis 2015]

For his contribution to social change, a bridge in the capital city bears his name and his image is represented on the ten dollar currency note.

                                             The Barbados Ten Dollar Bill 

These people fought for the right for education among the masses, for health care and the right to vote and have a decent wage as a worker among other essential human rights. 

While Barbadians will suffer in silence a long time, when we take action, it is well taken. 

In 24 days, Barbadians will vote in national elections. What will that vote say?

Celebrating Golden Girls

Having reached my golden jubilee, I'm celebrating a few "Golden Girls" and a couple who are almost there, who shone on the Oscars red carpet in February. So it's a celebration of "Golden Girl" power! 😀

This lady is actually my peer. When she stepped onto the red carpet in this stunning royal blue satin bustier gown with its thigh-high slit and huge bow, she wowed everyone. She was incredibly elegant and svelte.

             Nicole Kidman: stunning in royal blue on the Oscars 2018 red carpet

Winner of Best Supporting Actress for her role in I Tonya, Allison Janney, looked incredible in a red gown featuring a deep sweetheart neckline and gothic sleeves.

             Allison Janney exudes style and elegance in this red gown at the 2018 Oscars

Then there is one of my fave actresses, Viola Davis, of the hit #TGIT drama How to Get Away With Murder. She shimmered in a simple, rose-pink sheath.

                                  Viola Davis is chic in shimmering pink 

Anyone remembers this 2005 ballad? Not a fan of hip-hop but when Mary J. Blige sang Be Without You it became a fave for that year - having Terrence Howard (of Empire fame) in the video was the proverbial icing on the cake.

                      Mary J. Blige, Be Without You (Source: MaryJBligeVEVO, 2009)

Now, Mary J. is not quite a "Golden Girl", but well on the way and she has been making a mark as an actress at this age of her life with Oscar nominations. She channelled Ancient Greece in a white, off-the-shoulder gown featuring a fitted beaded bodice and lower-waist drapery.

                        Mary J. Blige rocked this white gown on the Oscars 2018 red carpet

Another beauty on this year's Oscars' red carpet was Jennifer Garner, a few years junior to MJ. She too wore a gown inspired by Ancient Greece - an intricately draped ultramarine (blue) evening dress. 

                      Inspired by Ancient Greece - Jennifer Garner is swathed in blue

Two more of my fave looks were seen on Lupita Nyong'o and Danai Gurira - while Lupita is a bit too young for the Golden Girls club, Danai is getting there. Lupita dazzled in gold and black, while Danai was demure in blush satin. Wakanda Forever my sisters! 

                              A dazzling pair: Lupita Nyong'o and Danai Gurira

Of course we had the very best inspiration. When I was a teen and I saw Tina Turner strutting her 40-year-old stuff in What's Love Got To Do With It, I was inspired to want to look like her at 40. It was not easy trying to age gracefully, but some of us have fared rather well.

           Tina Turner, What's Love Got To Do With It? (Source: Tina Turner Official, 2009)

So here's to the Golden Girls! 🍷