Sunday, March 29, 2009
Earth Day
Last night for one hour between 8.30 and 9.30 the household of Abeni shut off all the lights. We weren't sure if the Earth Day folks wanted televisions, computers and the like switched off as well but we decided to turn them off.
It took every ounce of my will power not to turn on the television since once I am at home the television must be on. To make matters worse there was a Law and Order SVU marathon on USA begging to be enjoyed. However, I steadied myself with vague thoughts about great causes and sacrifices while secretly apologizing to Law and Order for abandonment.
So Mother Earth,I did my little bit to keep you happy. I want to promise you that I will be more caring but you know how times and seasons change. Feel free though to nudge me into action.
It took every ounce of my will power not to turn on the television since once I am at home the television must be on. To make matters worse there was a Law and Order SVU marathon on USA begging to be enjoyed. However, I steadied myself with vague thoughts about great causes and sacrifices while secretly apologizing to Law and Order for abandonment.
So Mother Earth,I did my little bit to keep you happy. I want to promise you that I will be more caring but you know how times and seasons change. Feel free though to nudge me into action.
Monday, March 23, 2009
Paradise
Over the past two weekends I decided to reacquaint myself with the beauty that is SVG. Here is a peep of my island paradise and why I love this little place.
Sunday, March 22, 2009
This Hero business
Saturday 14th March was National Heroes Day commemorating the life and times of Carib Chief the Hon Joseph Chatoyer. As was to be expected the debate regarding additional heroes was once more brought to the fore. The names I have heard being bandied around at an official level are George Mcintosh trade unionist and politician(a market in Pauls Ave bears his name),political leaders Ebenezer Joshua( the airport bears his name) and Milton Cato(the public hospital bears his name). In other circles people mention names like DR Earle Kirby known for but not limited to his pioneering work in archaeology, DR JP Eustace educator and PH Veira one of the top business men. Since everyone is naming names I would throw in Capt Hugh Mulzac.
From the "official list" I have big problems with former PM Milton Cato. The others I can be convinced about if someone sets out the case well enough. It was under Cato's watch teachers were teargassed and a bill seeking to effectively repress citizens rights was drawn up. A huge march on Kingstown prevented the bill from becoming law and most likely contributed to the Labour party's demise in the 1984 election. This business of national heroes is too important for politicking and should involve careful thought and the input of the citizens. So before we rush to appoint more let's widen the debate.
Actually, most times I do not even think we need another hero. Maybe, I am spoilt by having Chatoyer(who we don't even really respect)as the first because everyone else pales in comparison. Anyway, I admit to a Chatoyer bias since his story and the story of the Caribs fascinate me no end.
From the "official list" I have big problems with former PM Milton Cato. The others I can be convinced about if someone sets out the case well enough. It was under Cato's watch teachers were teargassed and a bill seeking to effectively repress citizens rights was drawn up. A huge march on Kingstown prevented the bill from becoming law and most likely contributed to the Labour party's demise in the 1984 election. This business of national heroes is too important for politicking and should involve careful thought and the input of the citizens. So before we rush to appoint more let's widen the debate.
Actually, most times I do not even think we need another hero. Maybe, I am spoilt by having Chatoyer(who we don't even really respect)as the first because everyone else pales in comparison. Anyway, I admit to a Chatoyer bias since his story and the story of the Caribs fascinate me no end.
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Archealogical find at Argyle
From Will's blog for my friend who wanted some more info.
Lullabies, Fairy Tales and Other Self-Delusions: Argyle
I am equally fascinated and will make my "pilgrimage" this upcoming weekend.
Lullabies, Fairy Tales and Other Self-Delusions: Argyle
I am equally fascinated and will make my "pilgrimage" this upcoming weekend.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Of this and that
I woke up this morning to hear that the journalist who had "shoed" George Bush was given a three year jail sentence. I think he is lucky it wasn't harsher because no matter how we feel about GWB the office of the President if not the man deserves respect. So, all would be throwers who were entertaining thoughts of missile throwing a jail cell could be in your future. I don't think I should be worried about my Vincy people since their missile of choice is usually taking their grievances to the airwaves via the numerous talk shows.
On another note, the West Indies have actually won a series against England. I had to think hard to come up with the last time that happened since it is such a rarity.Then the Windwards Islands,perennial cellar dwellers are not only winning games but currently lie second in the points table. What a strange cricket season this is turning out to be!
This must be a dream,could somebody please pinch me.
On another note, the West Indies have actually won a series against England. I had to think hard to come up with the last time that happened since it is such a rarity.Then the Windwards Islands,perennial cellar dwellers are not only winning games but currently lie second in the points table. What a strange cricket season this is turning out to be!
This must be a dream,could somebody please pinch me.
Sunday, March 08, 2009
Happy Women's Day.
One in three women will be a victim of abuse. Sobering isn't it? On this International Women's Day my hope is for women to live in a world where abuse is not a common feature in our lives, where our right to say NO is respected and where social justice and equality between the sexes is a given.
It may sound like a big ask but I remain ever the dreamer. Happy Women's Day to all the fabulous women out there who keep the families together. Those of you who are struggling with various burdens,keep the faith and remember that this business of being a woman is not without joy.
PS: A gentle reminder to our men that violence is not the answer.
It may sound like a big ask but I remain ever the dreamer. Happy Women's Day to all the fabulous women out there who keep the families together. Those of you who are struggling with various burdens,keep the faith and remember that this business of being a woman is not without joy.
PS: A gentle reminder to our men that violence is not the answer.
Tuesday, March 03, 2009
Horror in Pakistan
I woke up this morning to the shocking news that the Sri Lankan cricket team was attacked by terrorists in Pakistan. I don't profess to know much about the situation in Pakistan but I never expected a cricket team to be a target for violence. Call me naive because this one certainly caught me by surprise.
The cricketing terrorism that I know is usually some team inflicting blows on another. Then the weapons of choice are usually a red shiny ball and a wooden bat. Today, the terrorists introduced a new element-the gun. My heart goes out to the families of those who died in the attacks and wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured cricketers.
Sadly, Pakistan days as a cricketing host may well be ended.
The cricketing terrorism that I know is usually some team inflicting blows on another. Then the weapons of choice are usually a red shiny ball and a wooden bat. Today, the terrorists introduced a new element-the gun. My heart goes out to the families of those who died in the attacks and wishes for a speedy recovery to the injured cricketers.
Sadly, Pakistan days as a cricketing host may well be ended.
