Dr. AUDREY GITTENS OF SVG PUBLISHED HER FIRST BOOK!

It is always a breath of fresh air when I see my fellow natives of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines carve out their names in the pages of our history with their proud achievements. Dr. AUDREY GITTENS has added to this reservoir on February 7th, 2017 with the publication of her first book entitled "

Crossing the Chasms of Life: A Little Bit of Heaven and a Lot of Hell." I hereby extend my CONGRATULATIONS to her on having reached this milestone in her literary journey.

 HERE IS A SYNOPSIS OF THE BOOK:

 Product description

  Review

In this heart wrenching and inspiring memoir, author Audrey Gittens lays bare the tragedies and victories of her storied life, taking us from the destitution and travails of childhood through the hardships of adulthood, while celebrating the life affirming beauties of motherhood and the resilience of a faithful spirit. There is a painful longing and devastating rawness to Crossing the Chasms of Life as the author recounts, in striking prose and through gripping dramatization, the details of her harrowing narrative, drawing the reader into a painful truth that pierces straight to the heart. The memoir, however, is by no means bleak or nihilistic. Through this crucible of brutality, loss, and sorrow, Ms. Gittens gleaned an uplifting philosophy of life, an outlook of resilience and reconciliation. Readers, no matter the extent or intensity of their own suffering, will undoubtedly both relate to the emotional weight of the narrative as well as find an inspiring solace through the fear and pity of catharsis so deeply ingrained in the form, content, and honest, poetic sensibility of Crossing the Chasm of Life. At the same time a powerful account of life's darkest possibilities and a testament to overcoming, a manual for living with a haunted past, Ms. Gittens' memoir is sure to captivate audiences on a profound, spiritual level. -Charles Asher

Synopsis:
Dr. Audrey Gittens is a Caribbean woman with a global perspective on life. Her experience in health care, and involvement in socio-economic and political spheres have given her wisdom beyond her years. Despite her achievements, she considers being a mother and grandmother her most significant accomplishments. This book is based on her life’s trajectory, the hills and troughs she has climbed, and the passion she has for any undertaking.

The author’s strongest characteristic is the ability to overcome challenges. She knows what it is like to be tossed in the wind, to be battered and bruised, yet she survives any storm. She rose to the highest rank of the nursing profession, earning her BScN, MSc and doctoral degrees in nursing. Her education, training, and experience have propelled her to other career fields, including housing, public service, information, and labor. She has been chairman of the board of several organizations and sat in advisory capacities on others. Her most notable trait is that she is a humanitarian, always defending the vulnerable and marginalized. 

Apart from her mother, the women who inspired her and whose legacy she emulates, include the head of the International Monetary Fund, Christine Lagarde; Margaret Thatcher, former British Prime Minister; Mary Eugena Charles, former Prime Minister of the Caribbean Island of Dominica; Elnora Warner, nurse leader and educator of Antigua and Barbuda; Dr. Marjorie Parks of Belize, nurse leader and educator; and Aberdeen Brown of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, a former nurse leader and educator.

Dr. Gittens’ motto is “The sky is never the limit, look beyond.”

About the Author:
First-time author Audrey Gittens grew up in humble circumstances on the island of St. Vincent and the Grenadines in the Eastern Caribbean.

Dr. Gittens said, "I knew that I had to tell my story. Each time I shared with someone or with a group, they encouraged me to write because it could be an inspiration to others. Additionally, people form conclusion about who I am without knowing me or anything about my life. The book is an introduction of who I really am."

BOOK LAUNCH

On May 9th, 2017 Dr. Gittens officially launched her book at 4:20 pm at the Peace Memorial Hall in capital Kingstown. Her fellow Vincentians at home went out at this event to rally around her in solidarity. Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Hon. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves were among the attendees. 

Family. My Sister, brother, nephew and niece.

Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Hon. Dr. Ralph Gonsalves 

BOOK SIGNING DONE BY DR. GITTENS:

Dr. Gittens received congratulatory notes on her Facebook wall from persons who are indeed proud and elated of her accomplishments.

Publisher’s website:http://sbprabooks.com/AudreyGittens

YOU TUBE VIDEO TRAILER ==>

BUY THIS BOOK ON AMAZON ===> https://www.amazon.ca/Crossing-Chasms-Life-Little-Heaven-ebook/dp/B06XCPWVG8/ref=sr_1_fkmr0_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1494492575&sr=8-1-fkmr0&keywords=Dr.+Audrey+Gittens
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LIVE VIA FACEBOOK: A VAN IS ON FIRE IN GLEN SVG

This morning as I was i received a notification from one of my Facebook friends that A VAN WAS ON FIRE in Glen, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines. It was with great sadness that I looked on. Several questions raced for a spot in my mind. Why was the fire truck not on the scene already? Why didn't the onlookers seemed effortless in doing something to bring this burning fire under control? Did they even care that a house was sitting beside this burning van and it can catch fire too?

With the advancement of technology that makes everything noways in our community accessible at the click of a button it is difficult for the human eyes to miss these flaws in human nature when disaster like this one occurs.

Lesson learnt: IT DOES NOT HURT TO BE NEIGHBOURLY!

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OTTAWA VINCENTIAN ASSOCIATION PRESENTS: TASTE OF ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

For many of us Vincentians who domicile away from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines we preserve a little of the rich culture that we were born into by aligning ourselves with a VINCENTIAN ASSOCIATIONS organised within the diaspora. Canada's capital, Ottawa is no exception. The association will host a cultural event under the theme "TASTE OF SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES" on SATURDAY, JUNE 03, 2017 at 379 Waverley Street, Ottawa, ON.


PURPOSE OF THE EVENT
This event was organised with the sole purpose in mind: 
ABOUT TASTE OF ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES Taste of St. Vincent and the Grenadines is presented by the St. Vincent and the Grenadines Ottawa Association, on Saturday, June 3, 2017 from 3:00pm – 2:00am in honour of Canada’s sesquicentennial. With Ottawa dubbed the center of attraction for Canada’s 150th Anniversary, the Association decided to be an integral part of this celebration! In recognition of our multicultural character, we plan to showcase the arts and crafts and the food and beverages of St. Vincent and the Grenadines to the wider audience. Taste of St. Vincent and the Grenadines - Everything Vincy – is an exciting cultural explosion of: Art, Culture. Fashion. Food. Music. Shop. Tourism - (The show case of: Art & Craft, fashion, dance, food tasting, musical celebrations, artistic performances and more! The Cocktail-style event will also feature live cultural performances, fashion show, DJ & Live Band, playing Vincy music, prizes, shopping for ethnic fashion all under one roof. VISION OF THE EVENT  To promote and strengthen ties between Canada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines on the occasion of Canada’s sesquicentennial.  Promote St. Vincent and the Grenadines :  Attract tourists to visit St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Investors to invest in St. Vincent and the Grenadines  Promote our Culture and Products  Promote Vincentian Businesses in Canada and International Taste of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Planning Committee is pleased to blend a celebration of Taste of St. Vincent and the Grenadines with philanthropic efforts in support of children in our community, our homeland, as well as our neighbours within the Caribbean region.

VISION OF THE EVENT
  To promote and strengthen ties between Canada and St. Vincent and the Grenadines on the occasion of Canada’s sesquicentennial.  Promote St. Vincent and the Grenadines :  Attract tourists to visit St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Investors to invest in St. Vincent and the Grenadines  Promote our Culture and Products  Promote Vincentian Businesses in Canada and International Taste of St. Vincent and the Grenadines Planning Committee is pleased to blend a celebration of Taste of St. Vincent and the Grenadines with philanthropic efforts in support of children in our community, our homeland, as well as our neighbours within the Caribbean region.

Purchase/Reserve your tickets now! 
This event will sell-out.
Taste of St. Vincent and the Grenadines -Everything Vincy – an exciting cultural explosion of: Art, Culture. Fashion. Food. Music. Shop. Tourism - (The showcase of: Art & Craft, fashion, dance, food tasting, musical celebrations, artistic performances and more!
Click on the link below to Purchase/Reserve your tickets NOW!!

TICKETS INFORMATION
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeL8p_pqbrQxrsCLR9W0QII9FsoJ2kNX-L7dtrjbkTEwYytQg/viewform?c=0&w=1

WHO ATTENDS 
Taste of St. Vincent and the Grenadines will welcome 300 luminaries from the Ottawa Community including professionals, members of the diplomatic corps, guests from out of town, media and other movers and shakers. Guests to the event will have the opportunity to dive into a unique multicultural atmosphere to savour our culinary delights, connect with our official representatives in Canada and shop ethnic arts and crafts all under one roof. The Cocktail-style event will also feature live cultural performances, fashion show, DJ & Live Band, playing Vincy music. As well as remarks by our Honorary Patron, Mr. Fitzgerald Huggins, Consul General for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Toronto, Mrs. Shelly John, St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tourism Representative, Toronto, exciting door prizes up for grabs, shopping for ethnic fashion, a raffle, bidding on special silent auction items and lots more. 

EVENING OUTLINE 3pm - 8pm: Cultural Explosion CASH BAR  FOOD ON SALE VENDORS  PRIZES  SILENT AUCTION + much more 9pm onwards: Dancing and Entertainment (Featuring: Winston Soso, Tropicks Band, Toronto DJ Fusion, Toronto) Ticket Cost: $20  $10 – Seniors & Kids 12 and Under (Cultural Explosion + Dance + complimentary cocktail) PROMOTION Taste of St. Vincent and the Grenadines has developed excellent relationships with media partners, allowing us to offer our sponsors valuable promotion as we market out our event through print, radio and web advertising/social media. Partners/Sponsorships Benefits Logos on all Marketing Information, Program, Complimentary Tickets (depending on the level of Sponsorships – (still to be determined)
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6 persons were confirmed DEAD and 7 injured as 2 gunmen opened fired on a gathering of 40 MUSLIMS praying inside the Quebec City Islamic Cultural Center 2 hours ago.

Canada's Prime Minister immediately issued a statement condemning this heinous crime that was committed against these Muslim immigrants. “We condemn this terrorist attack on Muslims in a center of worship and refuge," Trudeau said. 

Ironically this atrocity came 1 day after Prime Minister Trudeau condemned US President Donald Trump's 'REFUGEE TRAVEL BAN' from 7 predominantly Muslim countries.  'Canada would welcome refugees,' said Trudeau.

1 arrest has been made thus far. Police is still carrying out investigation.

QUEBEC CITY POLICE tweeted that the situation is currently under control.

This recent incidence has raised the pertinent question as to whether or not CANADA is REALLY SAFE FROM TERRORISM.

The owner of this blog CONDEMNS this hostile attempt to threaten our right to a safe country! Our prayers are with the family and friends who are now moaning the loss of these six souls!
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CASKETS OF THE DEAD HAS BEEN DUG UP BY HEAVY RAINFALL IN ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES

This morning the Island of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has been devastated by heavy rainfall. Below are pictures which show the destruction to a cemetery digging up caskets of the dead which have been recently buried.

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NEW YOUTH DIRECTOR OF ONTARIO SDA CONFERENCE WITH A FRESH PERSPECTIVE!

WRITTEN BY CLAIRON HAYNES (OWNER OF THIS BLOG)

The year 2016 has seen a reshuffle of the executive body of the SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH CONFERENCES across Canada. The Ontario conference of SDA is no exception. The election of Youth Director PASTOR JOHN M. SCOTT came as no surprise to many who have known him and his ministry for Christ over the years.

Only three months in this position yet we have seen losts of hope and promises from his appointment already. A Youth Pastor in the past, one would think that no doubt he should have a fair idea as to the needs of the YOUTHS in his conference and can tailor to dress those needs. However his approach right from the onset has proven otherwise - that he is not willing to go into this game with the preconceived notion that HE HAS ALL OF THE ANSWERS TO WHAT THE YOUTHS NEED but moreso that the implimentation of the DIAGNOSTIC APPROACH to his ministry will help to gather the pertinent information that would better inform his effective planning during his tennure as Youth Director. The vehicle through which Pastor Scott has used to access this data is his #RealTalkLive tour. What better way to know the needs and concerns of the youths than to engage in a dialogue with them.

Accompanied by a team of willing individuals the #RealTalkLive kicked off its first episode on Saturday October 29, 2016 at 9PM at EAST CENTRAL ONTARIO. Youths and young adults were invited to participate in a live discussion with the hope of bringing to the fore some of the needs and concerns that they have and measures they would like to see implemented by the youth division of the conference to see those needs addressed.
PASTOR SCOTT & HIS HARD WORKING TEAM

THE POWER OF SOCIAL MEDIA
The power of social media helped draw persons into this experience through various video clips and pictures posted of the sessions. The feedback seen from several Facebook post indicates that this tour is exactly the FRESH BLOOD that needs to run through the veins of the youth ministry of our churches. I applaud Pastor Scott and his team for MOVING AWAY FROM THE TRADITIONAL WAY OF DOING THINGS (assuming what the youths need and make the provisions most of which continue to handicap this ministry).

Some of the districts in Ontario that #RealTalkLive visited are as follows: 
- East Central Ontaion
- West Central Ontario
- Southern Ontario
- Western Ontario
- Metro North Central
- Metro South Central
- Metro East
- Eastern Ontario (Ottawa)
- Metro West

The tour wil culminate on December 17th at Metro West at 6:00 PM at the Mississauga SDA Church. 

The focus questions that fueled the discussions were centred around three (3) broad areas. These included:
1. Need of the youths.
2. Capacity to help fulfill these needs.
3. Solutions and guidance in terms of how to make youth a reality and even more impacting on the lives of the youths in the Ontario Conference.

YOUTHS LIVE ENGAGEMENT IN CONVERSATION

MY EXPERIENCE IN OTTAWA
I am grateful for the opportunity to visit the Ottawa SDA church to sit into one of these #RealTalkLive sessions with Pastor Scott and his team. The evening opened with a Moderator posing some questions to Pastor Scott relative to his call to Ministry and his days growing up as a youth. The youths got a first hand glipse into his past experiences and realized that their own experiences were not remote from his. This strategy helped to break the ice and established a ground of familiarity, thus setting the pace for what was to come.

The second phase slid into a group discussion. Key questions were posed by the facilitators to generate discussion. The underlying theme that was echoed was centered around the GENERATIONAL GAP that seems to exist between the mature and the youth of our churches. We got to hear how the youth felt about this. Suggestions for solutions were given to help narrow this gap. For example it was felt that no particular age group should wait on the other to make the first move toward integration. In addition it was revealed that the MAIN REASON  why youths tend to leave the church is due to the fact THAT THE ADULTS DO NOT UNDERSTAND THEM. This for me was REAL TALK as it sort to answer this burning question which I have had regarding why so many of our young people continue to leave the church and those who remain why they seem to lose interest in church life.

Unfortunately I had to travel back to Montreal before the session ended but based on what I was able to experience I can safely say that Pastor Scott and his team GOT MORE THAN THEY MAY HAVE ANTICIPATED relative to the needs of our young people and now they can go back to the drawing board and better tailor their programs to suit these needs.

CONTACT INFO:
For more information regarding this topic feel free to visit the ADVENTIST YOUTH ONTARIO Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/AdventistYouthOntario/?fref=ts

As the owner of this blog I take this opportuity to congratulate Pastor Scott and his team for the excellent work they have done with this tour. I hope that other conferences will see this as an example to better help their youths as well.

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37TH SVG INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION IN MONTREAL, CANADA

WRITTEN BY CLAIRON HAYNES

October 27, 2016 marked THIRTY-SEVEN (37) years since the Southern Caribbean Island of SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES has gain its INDEPENDENCE from mother country Britain. Free from colonial rule, this tiny island of 163 square miles (including the Grenadines) waved its flag to independence and took its first step to nationhood in 1979. 

Vincentians at home and in the diaspora commemorated this prestigious and historic event in various forms showing a sense of pride and patriotism for their country. SVG Organizations across Canada were among the celebrants. Here in Montreal right in my backyard the SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES ASSOCIATION OF MONTREAL INC. showed up and showed out with its sophisticated INDEPENDENCE BANQUET AND BALL held at the Scofield Hall, 90 Ave. Roosevelt, T.M.R, Montreal, Quebec on October 29.

The event was well attended. Master of Ceremony BERNARD (EB) JOHN did what he does best to keep the audience informed and entertained throughout the evening. 

MESSAGE BY THE PRESIDENT
PRESIDENT of the Association Mr. ALFRED (JACK) DEAR addressed the gathering. He expressed how proud he was to welcome them on behalf of the Executive and Members of the Association. We were reminded that Independence day is always an auspicious occasion for all of us as it still remains to date the most important day to all Vincentian citizens. The importance of remembering our forefathers who struggled and made sacrifices for us, sometimes with their lives was reinforced by Mr. Dear. In addition, he called on Vincentians to pause and focus on what has to be done to attain true independence, as that is only possible when a country meets it goal in getting rid of poverty, hunger, and unemployment. Government's need to continue to provide the necessary ingredients to stimulate the economy and promote opportunities by means of trade and industry. His lens zoomed in on the challenges facing St. Vincent and the Grenadines due to global economy, socio economic conditions and climate change. The ARGYLE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT was pushed to the front as the major ECONOMIC GAME CHANGER, having huge propensity for improving transportation, promoting tourism, and expanding trade opportunities. Mr. Dear announced that the Association is celebrating 51 years of existence and that robust programs are already in place to usher in this milestone. Food supplies, clothing, books, medical supplies to the hospital, maintenance etc. were some of the assistance given to St. Vincent and the Grenadines by the Association annually as sighted by the president. The assurance was given that Education is still top of the Association's priority list. In fact bursaries to students attending CGEP and University have risen from two to four over the past three years according to Mr. Dear. In his closing remark the President stressed the importance of their ANNUAL UNITY PICNIC sponsored by  Montreal, Ottawa, and Toronto as the 
seemingly only unifying force for Vincentians within the North America diaspora. He expressed his sincere gratitude to the Executive and friends for helping the Association's goals and objectives to come to fruition. 

CONSUL GENERAL OF SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES TO CANADA Mr. Fitzgerald Huggins' address:
The central theme of Mr. Huggins' address was the global issue of CLIMATE CHANGE ON OUR ECONOMIES especially at a time when Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is in the middle of the hurricane season. We were reminded of the fact that over the last five years the country has seen many disasters that have impacted its people negatively causing damages amounting to one third of the GROSS DOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP). Homes were destroyed, infrastructure was damaged, and most importantly lives were taken. Due to the devastating impacts that climate change causes scientists have broadly categorized them into three groups:

- Erratic climate and weather extremes
- Altered ecosystems and habitats
- Risk to human health  and society

According to Mr. Huggins the beautiful beaches in the Grenadine and tourism facilities  low line areas like Calliaqua, Colonarie, Port Elizabeth, Layou, Ashton, and Chateaubelair are under serious threats from rising sea levels. Mr. Huggins felt that if  drastic measures are not adapted now to curb these then these impacts will continue to erode the gains that we have made in tourism over the past thirty-seven (37) years of Independence. 

Fulfilling its environmental and economic responsibility, the government has embarked on the geothermal  project as part of its sustainable development goal to REDUCE THE COUNTRY'S CARBON FOOTPRINT as SVG contributes to the reduction of the emission of HEAT-TRAPPING GASES from human activity especially the BURNING OF FOSSIL FUELS for energy that is CAUSING OUR ATMOSPHERE TO HEAT UP. The GEOTHERMAL project is expected to supply MOST OF ITS ELECTRICITY demand when completed in 2018.

Another strength spotted from the Consul General's Independent message to Montreal Vincentians is his CALL FOR UNITY & TOGETHERNESS among Vincentians, two pertinent tenets  in NATION BUILDING.
He expressed satisfaction in seeing various groups in TORONTO working together to organize this year's Independence programs. The Toronto, Montreal, and Ottawa groups also received applause for organizing the ANNUAL THOUSAND ISLAND PICNIC that brings our nationals together in one setting. "I challenge all group leaders to lead by example and unite your communities and groups. Let's work together to inspire and educate our people so that we can achieve that goal of transforming our people to enhance national pride."

Mr. Huggins concluded with a reminder of what the role of the CONSULATE GENERAL OFFICE is to Vincentian within the Canadian diaspora: to offer quality service. We were assured that as Consul General he will make sure that that objective is achieved.

SAMPLE PHOTOS FROM THE EVENT
Clairon Haynes (OWNER OF THIS BLOG)

OTHER GUESTS 

PRESIDENT OF OTTAWA VINCENTIAN ASSOCIATION 

FOOD SAMPLE

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KIRK FRANKLIN COMING TO MONTREAL, on November 4 at the Bell Centre Theatre.

Evenko and Live Nation are pleased to present KIRK FRANKLIN, on November 4 at the Bell Centre Theatre.

TICKETS ON SALE FRIDAY, AUGUST 5 AT NOON
Tickets on sale at the Bell Centre Box Office
By phone: 1 855 310-2525
Special group rates: 514-963-7677 or christopher@cahnewmedia.com
Order online: www.evenko.ca 

For nearly five years, Franklin had wrapped himself in a blanket of his fears, which blocked him from creating new music. Instead, he focused on entrepreneurial efforts—building his label Fo Yo Soul Recordings and nurturing his artists; executive producing and hosting BET’s top-rated musical competition series Sunday Best, while also re-branding Sirius XM’s Praise channel into Kirk Franklin’s Praise; and curating the House of Blues Gospel brunch. In 2013, Franklin headlined The King’s Men Tour alongside Donnie McClurkin, Marvin Sapp and Israel Houghton. All were worthy endeavors that kept the Grammy-award-winning artist connected to his audience. But not writing for himself was masking a bigger issue. “It was pride manifesting itself through fear,” says Franklin, reflecting over that period. “Fear is deeply rooted in a lot of self—The fear of failing, the fear of not being relevant, the fear of not being accepted. All of those things really consumed me, and I got a little lost in it.”

It’s hard to believe that an artist who sold over 10.5 million albums and who has won 9 Grammys, over 40 Stellar, and 16 Dove awards would have doubts. However, when God sent Franklin the song “Miracles,” he says writing it helped put aside his fear and opened the floodgates for his most comprehensive album yet. “I think that my job is to be the conduit [for] what God's calling me to do and then get out the way and let Him do His work.”

On November 13, 2015, Franklin released Losing My Religion.  Produced by Franklin and longtime musical partner Shaun Martin, the 13-track album features gospel and R&Bs most respected and rising voices: Sunday Best winner Tasha Page-Lockhart (season 6), Zacardi Cortez, Kim Burrell, Lalah Hathaway, Sarah Reeves, Tasha Cobbs, and Tamela Mann.

Eleven albums into his 22-year career, Losing My Religion offers fans classic Kirk Franklin—head-bumping anthems that awaken the spirit (“123 Victory” and “Over”), stirring testimonials (“True Story” and “My World Needs You” featuring Sarah Reeves, Tasha Cobbs and Tamela Mann), and soulful solos from gospel’s new stars (“It’s Time” featuring Tasha Page-Lockhart and Zacardi Cortez). But a Franklin album wouldn’t be complete without pushing the envelope and making audiences rethink what is gospel. After the album’s opening spoken-word piece, Franklin leans right into “Miracles”—an uplifting reminder of one’s self-worth and God’s unyielding power of change—until the outro fades and the next voices are a mother screaming for a child who’s been killed and a newscaster reporting from the scene. Franklin abruptly ends the song by proclaiming, “The revolution is now being televised.” For him, the message had to be direct. “Miracles” felt like this big movie idea, but feels very lofty with the strings and horns and this long outro. But then I wanted the news piece as a reminder of what is our reality now.”

The album’s title track is a nod to Franklin’s influences outside of gospel. A self-proclaimed 80s and 90s pop music head, R.E.M.’s “Losing My Religion” left a lasting impression since the days when he first heard it back in Fort Worth, Texas. “When you listen to it, it’s a song about somebody who really kind of feels done wrong with the buy-back institute of organized religion,” says Franklin. “I thought it would be a very cool play on words to be able to use that concept to create a spoken-word piece.”

But that’s not all. Franklin saw the song having a dual purpose: “As a gospel artist, you rarely have opportunities to be a part of the cultural fabric of pop culture—to say and do things that use references from people's everyday life. Jay-Z has the platform to do that. Kendrick Lamar has the platform to do it. You would be surprised how some people still feel we live in a bubble.”

Franklin’s shift in songwriting must be hitting a nerve. “Wanna Be Happy?,” the album’s lead single, broke records by becoming the best first-week digital single in gospel music history—besting his own chart success with 2011’s “I Smile.” However, he doesn’t let the numbers interfere with his mission. “I'm very cautious to not be too observant, or too consumed with what works and what doesn't work, because I think that's when you fail,” he says. To Franklin, “Wanna Be Happy?” resonates because “people don't realize that happiness takes work and that work can be, and sometimes needs to be, very painful.”

Until that glorious day, we’re thankful Franklin has been given a new ministry through song. “I just keep trying. Keep trying and failing and I will continue to keep trying to see what I can do to try to keep people engaged in the conversation about our Lord and Savior, man,” he says. “Really that's all I'm trying to do. Really, at the end of the day, if I want to keep God part of the conversation then I will do everything I can to make that happen.”

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100M BRONZE MEDAL FOR ANDRE DE GRASSE OF CANADA AT THE RIO 2016 OLYMPIC GAMES!

100M BRONZE MEDAL FOR ANDRE DE GRASSE OF CANADA AT THE RIO 2016 OLYMPIC GAMES!

All eyes are usually set on the famous 100M race at the OLYMPIC GAMES every four years to see which country on the globe can pride itself in having the FASTEST MAN in the world.

A perusal of my Facebook newsfeed was certainly a tense and nail-biting moment for me as I was thorn between which country to whom I should pledge my allegiance since I was born and raised in the Caribbean but now residing in Canada. ANDRE DE GRASSE of Canada ran alongside USAIN BOLT of JAMAICA. I supported both athletes but in the end I was forced to choose #TeamCanada since I live here but deep in my heart I celebrated #TeamJamaica as well. There were many speculations as to whether or not JAMAICAN SUPER STAR and defending 2 times champion USAIN BOLT will put on a stellar performance and retain his championship as he did in Britain four years ago since it is a known fact that he was not able to  attend the Olympic trial meet in his country due to injuries. Eyes were set on SILVER MEDALIST from the London 2012 Games JUSTIN GATLIN to win this race. However, Bolt showed up and showed out winning the race, making it THREE TIMES IN A ROW with a time of 9.81.

The biggest surprise of the night was our very own CANADIAN rookie ANDRE DE GRASSE  placing 3rd with a time of 9.91. The 21 year old  BRONZE MEDALIST has media buzzing with his PERSONAL BEST at his 1st OLYMPIC. This is no doubt great for TRACK AND FIELD in Canada.

It is amazing how confident De Grasse seemed as he approached his starting block not showing any signs that he was intimidated by the big names that he lined up to race against. In an interview with CBC TV De Grasse said that for him to be among Gatlin and Bolt was in itself an honour and the bronze medal is good enough for him as he prepares for the next Olympic four years from now, granted he has had a series of ups and downs of injuries prior to the Rio games.

De Grasse came into to the race as the DARK HORSE and surprised many. Seeing the friendly interaction between the Canadian and the Jamaican minutes after the race was certainly a breath of fresh air.  Bolt was heard on camera saying to De Grasse that he told his Jamaican teammate to watch out for him because he is fast, pretty much explaining why he outran Yohan Blake of Jamaica for the 3rd spot.
 
After this race tonight it is safe to say that Bolt may be on his way out and De Grasse will be the next athlete to watch for the next Olympic games. He is only 21 years old with about 10 more years before him.

Since DONAVAN BAILEY won the title back in 1996, CANADA had never been a serious contender at the 100M race. Thanks to De Grasse that might just change.

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MESPO FIRE VICTIM GETS EC $1, 000.00 DONATIONS FROM DIASPORA VINCENTIANS

Written by Clairon Haynes

This post is filled with lots of emotions. As you are aware I posted a story about Miss TAMARA ADAMS of Mesopotamia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines who lost everything in her two-bedroom dwelling house which that vicious FIRE engulfed leaving her family of four without a home of their own momentarily. I came back to you with UPDATES.
PERSONS WHO DONATED!

Moved by the the sadness surrounding this incident, the OWNER OF THIS BLOG put out an appeal to her Facebook friends soliciting their help in an effort to raise some funds to assist  the grief stricken Tamara to replenish some of the items. According to Tamara one 1 CHAIR & FEW OF HER 4-MONTH OLD BABY CLOTHING were salvageable from this disaster. Persons were asked to donate any amount that they could afford toward this cause.

That soliciting funds from the public at large warrants a PERMIT from the city of Montreal, I refuse to go this route due to the fact that by the time the city officials get around to approving and granting me this permit too much time may have elapsed and prospective donors may have forgotten all about Tamara and the fire that deprived her of her safe haven she once called her home. Persistent and determine, I asked my EXTREMELY CLOSE FRIENDS who did not disappoint.

GOD IS GREAT! With His help we were able to raise ONE THOUSAND ($1, 000.00) EASTERN CARIBBEAN (EC) dollars which was MONEY GRAM to her today June 28, 2016.

During this exercise I discovered that Miss Adams is one of my PAST STUDENTS whom I taught in GRADE 3 in 2001 at the MARRIAQUA GOVERNMENT SCHOOL.

Tamara's goal was to own her home at AGE 25 God helped her see this dream come to fruition but she lost it at AGE 23. I know God will give her MORE THAN SHE HAD TO BEGIN WITH.

This amount may seem little but it is the HUMAN SPIRIT behind this gesture that is important. I was deeply touched by the GENEROUS HEARTS as they gave of their lil $$$$ to HELP PUT A SMILE OF TAMARA'S face. This signifies HOPE for Tamara, that THERE ARE STILL GOOD PERSONS IN THIS WORLD WHO ARE TOUCHED BY HER PLIGHT and are willing to show their LOVE & SUPPORT by dipping deeply into their pockets!

Thanks to all those WHO HAVE DONATED and keep CLAIRON'S PRAYER ALERT in your PRAYERS as we continue to AID IN ADVANCING THE CAUSE OF HUMANITY here on earthly until JESUS RETURNS.

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