Random thoughts on experiences and matters of interest. Hoping to foster a vibrant community of readers and contributors. It's the next iteration of Buzzing Around, which began as a school project.
Warm greetings to everyone who visited the blog! 👋 I acknowledge visits from you who live in Bolivia, Mexico, Qatar, here in Barbados, Greece, India, USA, UAE, Canada, Russia and Portugal. I hope you visit again soon. Remember to view web version, depending on your device.
Today is National Hero's Day. I've featured some of them already, so today I'll focus on the day volcano ash covered this island.
La Soufrière Volcano in the nearby island of St. Vincent, part of a small archipelago with the islands of the Grenadines, erupted on April 9, 2021. That was the first of several eruptions. Barbados was placed on a warning for potential ash fall from then and for several days. The real damage occurred on Saturday, April 10, 2021, when people awoke and wondered why outside was overcast - only to discover there was ongoing ashfall. It was worse in the north of the island. By the next day, the south was badly affected. Over that weekend Barbados was affected from north to south by ashfall. Checkout this family's experience on April 10. It seems they decided to live in Barbados for a while and have been documenting their life in Barbados on Youtube.
La Soufrière Volcanic Eruption - Barbados Ash Fall Part I, The Flip the Script Family [April 2021]
It is fascinating viewing. Yes, my car looked like that too. Actually I refused to clean my car except for the windows, rearview mirrors and windscreens for two weeks because on the road as large vehicles zipped by and covered my little car in dust, it would have been a waste of time. I only recently tried to clear some small areas of my property. It's been an experience for sure.
This is not the first time Barbados was affected by La Soufrière. In 1979, it erupted and an ash cloud came to Barbados (also in the month of April) but most of us alive at the time, do not recall such sustained ashfall or that degree of cleaning.
In my research, it seems that La Soufrière erupts early in the century as the last really significant eruption to affect Barbados was in 1902. Prior to that, recorded eruptions were 1812 and 1718 - so except for 1979, an eruption occurs in the first couple of decades of a new century. An eruption was due.
One of Barbados' eminent creative writers and educators, now deceased, Kamau Brathwaite wrote "The Dust" to commemorate the effects of the 1902 eruption on Barbados. He was writing in a spoken word style before "spoken word" artistes were fashionable. In this excerpt, Merle Collins reads from "The Dust" in celebration of his 90th birthday in May 2020.
Night 15: Merle Collins reading Kamau Brathwaite's The Dust, Kamau Brathwaite Remix Engine [May 2020]
Her accent is not Barbadian, but you get the gist.
Staying with the dust theme, when I was a youth, we would say someone "dusted" the competition to describe being soundly beating in a race, a sport, any kind of competition where the leader wins by a large margin. So in parting, I will share the work of another renowned Caribbean artiste, David Rudder, who is a multiple calypso competition winner in Trinidad. This one was a fine tribute for the steel-pan bands when competing in the steel pan competitions during Trinidad and Tobago's Carnival celebrations. The winner would "dust" the competition. Listen to David Rudder's Dust in Dey (pronounced "day") Face. Do you hear that pan? The sweetest sound in the world, I say every time.
This month, I want to greet readers from the USA, Canada, Brazil and India! Hello there. 👋Good to see you visited. Remember thsi is best viewed in Desktop format, no matter the device.
I'm still amazed at how popular V.I.P. is! I hope those of you reading get the message and share it with young people you know.
It's almost the end of the month of March 2021. This has been quite a month.
It began with the furor over Meghan Markle's claims that she experienced racism in the palace. I fully understand why she made the revelation. What would her children think 15 years later when they discover some of the horrid comments about her in the British press, if she never gave her perspective? They need to know her side. I say bravo to Prince Harry for leaving the Royals to protect his family. Some men (race does not matter) do not take their wife's side against blood relations/connections. That I call shameful.
Racism is everywhere. It needs to be revealed. I was introduced by a relative, who looks white, as a "friend" when I was young. I understood why. I continued to interact with the relative. I still recall when as a young adult visiting family (who look white) at a local hotel, I noted the surprise on the security person's face when I explained that "I'm taking my cousin (a rosy, red-haired 3-year-old) back to his room." He said nothing.
That leads me to ask you who have children, to raise them to respect others who are different - racially or who have various challenges. The experience that rankles most with me was being harassed by some brats in a cinema. It was just us. The little tyrants chose to pelt hard candy throughout the movie. One landed no more than a foot from my foot and I was sitting ahead of them and several seats to their left. So it was purposely done. I was not in their line of fire. At the time I was twice their age and wanted to do nothing more than to put each of them over my knee and give them 3 hard slaps on their backsides (not being polite enough to use the term "bottom") and give them 3 months of community service in a non-white neighbourhood. I was an international student, they're not my children so I could do nothing but complain to the duty manager afterward. I was refunded since there was no attendant in the cinema - and there should've been so they would behave their bratty selves. Other than that I've never been uncomfortable looking different from those around me on the train, the plane, the bus, when travelling. I stopped caring what people say about me a long time ago.
Then Bachelor Nation was rocked when their first African-American bachelor, whose choice for partner was the white woman, split up on learning she had made racially-bigotted comments in the past. I understood that too. While their children would be no darker than Harry's and Meghan's children (they'd look white), they still have to be raised to understand the reality of their dad's existence - being followed around in a mall, possibly being stopped by police in a certain neighbourhood. It was good to see that he was conscious enough to know why the relationship could not continue. Of course it's pretty obvious she was smitten but she couldn't wrap her head around his reality. Hopefully they both have a happy outcome in the future.
Now we have anti-Asian sentiment in the USA and another African-American man lost his life at the hands of the police, this time in Virginia. Not going there again.
This month was Awards season. 👍👍 to the Golden Globes for showing some diversity. Andra Day won the Best Actress Award for her portrayal of Billie Holliday in the United States vs. Billie Holliday (basically she was targetted for highlighting in song the dastardly practice of lynching, mostly African-American men, in the southern states) and it is a much more gritty portrayal than the sweetness and light of Diana Ross' 1970s portrayal in Lady Sings the Blues.
Andra Day makes her acting debut as Billie Holliday
The late Chadwick Boseman won the Best Actor Golden Globe posthumously. He was in Ma Rainey's Black Bottom, in which one of my fave actresses, Viola Davis, stars; her portrayal of Ma Rainey looks quite brassy and brash. Daniel Kaluuya won the Golden Globe for Best Supporting actor in Judas and the Black Messiah (depiction of the 1960s/70s pro-black militant Black Panther movement). Chloé Zhao, of Asian heritage, won the Golden Globe Best Director award for Nomaland, while Soul (featuring the voice of African-American actor, Jamie Fox) won the Golden Globe for Best Animation. I say kudos to the Golden Globes for that.
Still, none of these was my subject for March. The Christian community celebrated Lent (a time of reflection on the temptation and ultimate sacrifice of Jesus, the Christ) in March. Many, even non-believers try to give up or sacrifice something in Lent - a popular television programme, an unhealthy eating habit. One Lent I started a liquid fast one day a week. It was hard. Then I got used to it. It turned out to be rather therapeutic. I continued it. Last year I tried a Passover meal. It was quite good. Did not plan for it this year. March 27, 2021, was Passover. March 28, 2021, is Palm Sunday - when the Christian community remembers Y'shua's triumphant entry into Jerusalem on a colt. People sang "Hosanna" and greeted him as king. Within a week, they called for his death. It was never my favourite season, yet it is the most critical observance in the Christian calendar. His death made possible his resurrection. His death made possible our salvation. Most people, even churchgoers, do not fully understand it. Check this Palm Sunday service from the James Street Methodist Church. The message was quite riveting.
As it is the most sobering season in the Christian faith, I decided to go for the gospel and share some children's messages. Gather the young ones around and listen...
First up is a message for children on love with Pastors David (from China) and Nicholas (Trinidadian) who tell us that love makes all the difference using a scientific experiment, before they are joined by Bro. Bolsom (from Africa) on the drums...
Methodist Church of Barbados Children's Corner July 26, 2020 [Source: James Street Methodist Church Media Team, August 2020]
This message is an encouragement for students as they transition from one class or school to the next, having completed their exams, as well as a showcase of some Barbadian culture. Check the diversity of this group. We're all one people.
Methodist Church of Barbados Children's Corner August 23, 2020 [Source: James Street Methodist Church Media Team, September 2020]
I will end on a positive note by sharing the music of one of Barbados' music ministers, Pastor John Yarde, who collaborated with Nathanael to "Count Your Blessings". Please teach your children to be grateful and kind, to count their blessings. They are all around us.
John Yarde feat Nathanael - Count Your Blessings (Official Music Video) [Source: John Yarde, January 2020]
Valentine's Day is winding down in Barbados, so I'm writing from Barbados with love💘. As usual, I greet some who visited the page over the last month - hello to you from Qatar, Ukraine and Portugal.
So, in recognition of the "love month", I feature some of Barbados' vintage ballads. These bring back memories from my childhood and youth.
Much of contemporary local music in Barbados is soca (the party version of calypso); during my childhood, most local artistes were singing more soulful music - and the quality at the time was as good as anything playing on radio stations overseas.
I Only Have Eyes For You
This rendition by the Merry Boys is one such. Imagine my surprise when I was old enough to learn this is a local song:
THE MERRY BOYS - I Only Have Eyes for You [Source: Bajanbloom Bloom, June 2010]
I hope you enjoy the lovely scenes of Barbados to which the song is set. Many of our vintage songs were played on record players - I'm sure most of my readers have never even heard of that device - and that was the age before videos unless it was a live performance as with the following Sheryl Hackett rendition:
Beautiful and Unspoilt
Barbados' Music "Beautiful and Unspoilt [Source: Cheyne Jones, September 2016]
The late vocalist left this melodious ballad for generations to enjoy.
Flamingo
Another of the "big" balladeer voices from the 1960-70s was Rudy Boyce. His "Flamingo" is a beloved classic for many and it was still popular on radio during my childhood.
Flamingo - Rudy Boyce [Source: Bajanbloom Bloom, November 2010]
The Clock
Carlyn Leacock was another of the beautiful female voices on radio when I was growing up. This rendition is somewhat later than those above - and she sings in it in both English and Spanish.
The Clock - Carlyn Leacock [ Source: bajanmusicfan, February 2017]
Not many of these early artistes ever "made it" overseas the way Rihanna and Shontelle (to a lesser extent) managed to do. Yet their music lives on.
COVID-19 Update
On an unrelated matter. In my last blog, I mentioned there was a an increase in COVID-19 cases in Barbados. Well the active cases are now down to 422 with 1,616 recoveries of 2,061 total cases diagnosed since March 2020. The vaccination programme is underway for frontline workers and persons over 70 are being asked to register for the next round of vaccinations. There is light on the horizon.
Remember to view this as a webpage for best effect.
It's the last day of January 2021. We survived. A few persons in Barbados with COVID-19 were not so fortunate. So I want to greet readers from Moldova, Canada, France, Albania, Austria, Greece and Mexico. 👋 So happy you take the time to check out the blog.
This month, Barbados was placed in a bit of tailspin. On December 24, 2020, the island had 47 positive cases for COVID-19 in the state-run isolation facility. These were all imported cases (visitors, Barbadian nationals and citizens). By January 26, 2021, there were 742 active cases of mostly locals - and it was discovered soon after that that the island had the highly transmissible UK strain. From 47 to 742 in four weeks should have been a glaring indicator. That is not my subject for today.
A couple of days ago, the regional female calypsonian "Singing Sandra" died. She sang my female empowerment song from my youth: "Die With My Dignity". I used to sing it loud and proud - you can click on the link to hear it. Later that day, the news broke of the death of the African-American/Afro-Caribbean iconic actress, Cicely Tyson. I was close to heart-broken that day at the loss of these female titans in their respective fields. So I can't say that January began with a lot of "joy". May they rest in peace.
Iconic actress, Cicely Tyson: 1924-2021
On the bright side, I discovered a new local awards show, Gine On People's Choice Awards, which celebrates Barbados' creatives. Winners are voted for online by the fans and on January 6, 2021, voted began for the 2021 nominees.
The 2020 awards ceremony unearthed some fine local talent. Krisirie was one such. Her music video for Long Time Love was the fans' choice for Music Video of the Year. I can see why it won with its rich, vibrant imagery of Barbados' landscape and rhythmic dancing girls. You can click on the link to see it.
Then there was Leadpipe, who won Soca Artist of the Year, for the Soca Song of the Year, "Sometime", which I featured before so you can click the link for the lyric video.
Leadpipe, Soca Artist of the Year 2020, Gine On People's Choice Awards
Though it was not in winner's row, this short animated film is set to one of my fave party calypsos from my youth - so I could not resist sharing the entire animation. It is hilarious. Seriously.
Queen of de Band Short Animated Film [Source: Queen of de Band Film 2019, August 2019]
So, how is it that this online product missed me? Well, I'm not that young anymore, so clearly I'm not following what the young people are. With a goal to showcase Barbadian talent in its various forms, whenever I can, I'll let international singer, Shontelle, tell you why she follows Gine On - and if you have not figured it out "gine on" is Barbadian slang for "going on".
Shontelle Gets Why We Do This [Gine On, October 2018]
On that note, I sign off for another month. Bless up.
Very special greetings to readers from Saudi Arabia and Taiwan. (Best seen in web view.)
Having already presented glimpses of Christmas traditions in Barbados, including our annual fashion parade as well as much of the local music - even the humourous touches - and my "goosebump" faves, I will focus on the real reason for celebrating Christmas with some recently-discovered "goosebump" songs and seasonal quotes (not quite a nine lessons and carols) but I hope you will be inspired.
O Come, O Come Emmanuel
"Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the virgin is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel. That is God is with us." Isaiah 7: 14
O Come, O Come Emmanuel | Filmed in Israel (Hebrew & English) [Source: Anna Hawkins, November 2015]
Mary's Song
"Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David, called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house ns family of David. He went to be registered with Mary to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they are there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger because there was no place for them in the inn." Luke 2: 4-7
Amy Grant - Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song) (Lyric Video) [Source: AmyGrantOfficial, November 2019]
News of Messiah's Birth
"But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid; for see - I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people; to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord." Luke 2: 10-11.
Chris Tomlin - Noel (Live) ft. Lauren Daigle [ChrisTomlinVEVO, November 2015]
The Reason For The Season
On that note, I will sign off with a blast from the past. When I was a child, Jim Reeves was very popular on the local radio stations. Today, country and western music is still popular among a certain age group. He knows the true reason for Christmas (though the image with Santa and baby is unfathomable):
Jim Reeves..."C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S" with Lyrics [V.A. Hoss, December 2013] Until next time...
In the month of November, Barbadians celebrate all things Bajan! It is the month when we celebrate our Independence from Britain. That historic day was November 30, 1966. This year 2020, marked the 54th anniversary of Independence. So I will share images of Barbados of yesteryear.
First, greetings to the readers who visited the page over the last four weeks from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Nigeria and Romania! Hi there! 👋
Now, for new readers, you can view previous posts when I focused on our music or a few traditions. This year it's a pictorial display. I suspect only a few of my readers are more than four (4) decades old so here are images of my trip down memory lane...
This is before my time. It is a view of the southern end of Bridgetown, near the wharf and the bus terminal shown below. In the background of the image, there was construction on a Government building that was since vacated.
One of the most iconic images of Barbados is the policeman's uniform. Again, before my time, a policeman directed traffic in the city. Given the type of vehicles in the background, this was well before I was born!
As a child, I remember travelling on a similar type of bus to visit relatives "in the country" - that meant leaving the outskirts of the capital city of Bridgetown to visit a rural village. Yes there were rural villages in Barbados, though it's only 166 sq. miles. To be honest there still are. The eastern side of the island remains mostly rural as town-centres are located in the south and on the west coast.
Also, before I was born, ships docked at the Wharf to offload goods (this must be circa 1960s):
When the mini became fashionable in the late 1960s-early 1970s, this is what a girl's uniform looked like - I doctored the image so it no longer resembles a photograph. Note the straw-hats worn as part of the uniform - and these uniforms were handmade by parents or a seamstress. They were not ready-made as many are now.
Writing of school uniforms, here are examples of bus tickets. When I was going to school, those I used looked like the ones on the bottom right of the image.
Back in the day, you could use this to buy a bus transfer ticket for 60 cents and get back 40 cents change. Then the $1.00 dollar bills were discontinued.
Now there are only $1.00 coins and effective December 1, 2020, a specially-painted, glow-in-the-dark limited edition $1.00 coin goes into circulation, which were launched in tribute to the essential workers who continued to carry out their duties during this COVID-19 experience.
When I was growing up, music was played on record players. My father had a wonderful collection of Merrymen albums and "God Bless Bim" (the first video on the page) remains a favourite at this time of year.
Of course, we used a rotary phone. There were no smartphones! This would be an antique to anyone born after 1990.
To finish today's piece, I end with a wonderful video circulating on social media of images of Barbados over the years. It's a great historical snapshot. Enjoy the handiwork of Mul!
Old Barbados: Part I - Memories of Days Gone By [Credit: Mul]
Should anyone be curious about the informal language used in Barbados, check this out:
On that note: Here's to another Independence celebration!🥂
A sunny greeting to my regular readers. Thanks to you, there have been more than 3,000 views of the blog. I hope most of those are actual readers! A special shout out to you who visited my page from Cambodia, Qatar, Hong Kong and the Netherlands.👋🏼
October is known as the month for Breast Cancer Awareness. While I've been hoping for 3 years to speak to a survivor - and I did this week, the person had reservations about speaking on camera. So, for plan B I'll share an informative presentation by a Barbadian researcher, Juliet Daniel, featured for the Inspiring Future Women in Science International Women's Day event. I recommend it for parents of, and people working in community projects with, girls in particular.
From Barbados to the cutting edge of cancer research: Juliet Daniel at IFWIS 2020 [Source: Perimeter Institute for Theoretical Physics, March 2020]
There is also a young Barbadian male involved in research as well. He is Shawn Hercules and he was featured last year in a production in which Juliet Daniel was also instrumental in its realization. Let's learn about him:
Aggressive forms of breast cancer | Meet Shawn Hercules| Triple negative breast cancer research| [Source: Stem Caribbean Media, October 2019]
In celebration of the survivors, this classic by Lee Ann Womack, I Hope You Dance. #thinkpink.
Lee Ann Womack - I Hope You Dance (Official Video) [Source Lee Ann Womack, October 2009]
