Written by Clairon Haynes In North America the month of February plays a pivotal role in the celebration of who people of colour are. It is an opportunity to bring awareness of the history, the present, and the future of our black culture to this multi-ethnic society in which we domicile. It is often said that MEDIA helps to shape the minds of people, and so, kicking off BLACK HISTORY MONTH with a GROUP OF INTELLIGENT AND RENOWN MEDIA WORKERS here in Montreal, Quebec is a step in the right direction.
On February 1, 2016 five media workers participated in a live ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION on the VAULT K103/103.7 FM at 9 PM - 12 PM. LISTEN TO VIDEO BELOW ON THE LEFT "Get yourself empowered and START YOUR OWN BUSINESS. The big businesses are not hiring on a large scale anymore even if you have DEGREES. You are the first to be hired ad first to be fired." Don Smooth, Malik Shaheed, Vibe Time, Denburk Reid, and Maya Johnson captured the attention of listeners across the Montreal region, disseminating a wealth of knowledge and experiences expressed and and articulated with profound conviction.Topics revolving around the heart ad soul of the BLACK COMMUNITY were brought to the fore. Entrepreneurship stood out tall as the GAME CHANGER for empowerment. As a budding entrepreneur this was music to m ears and immediately this panel ideas resonated with me.
ORGANIZATION MENTORING This was strongly suggested. Excellent point indeed. I believe it is high time for community organizations which have been in existence for years like the BLACK COMMUNITY, Jamaica Association of Montreal and the likes here in Quebec to offer scaffolding to the upcoming ones. How about helping to FUNDING COMMUNITY PROJECTS and sponsoring LEADERSHIP WORKSHOPS to prepare them to effectively continue the work which they have started. TOGETHERNESS is the only way way the black community can prosper and grow. IF BLACK PEOPLE UNITE THERE IS NOTHING STOPPING US FROM REACHING THE TOP. I think sometimes we tend to be the biggest obstacle to our progress in life.
YOUNG PEOPLE AND THE INTERNET The panel felt that young people need to capitalize on the ONLINE EDUCATIONAL OUTLETS to develop their ENTREPRENEURIAL abilities and themselves. Too much time is wasted on nurturing virtual friendships instead of building real connections to better their lives.
MORE WEST INDIANS NEED TO OWN GROCERY MARKETS IN MONTREAL It was noted that there are many grocery stores in Montreal operating under the name "WEST INDIAN STORES" yet only TWO (2) are known to be owned by people from the WEST INDIES (CARIBBEAN). Could this be that we as a people still suffer from the INFERIOR COMPLEX SYNDROME? Do some of us still live by the notion that ANYTHING THAT IS NOT BLACK IS THE BEST???? The change must come now and it must be with each one of us.
HOW DOES MONTREAL FEEL ABOUT LACK OF BLACK REPRESENTATIVE IN THE TOP NOMINATED AWARDS AT THE ACADEMY 2016?
According to a CTV poll "TALK BACK MONTREAL" 44% said they don't feel the Academy is TOO WHITE. Maya Johnson came to the defense of her workplace (CTV) by stating "it is not a huge sample size I don't know if that is a full representation of the whole of Montreal but it is indicative to a certain extent. If people are not affected by something then I guess they don't see it as a problem." Don strongly felt that Actress Jada Smith felt slighted because her husband Will Smith did not get nominated for his role in CONCUSSION. According to him he did not deserve a nomination. Other panel contributors feel that BLACK people DESERVE SOMETHING but we as a people need to focus more on the BIGGER PICTURE than ENTERTAINMENT AND SPORTS. Since the media portrays these two variables then it may me difficult to show people the other side since they may not even believe their is really another side. MODERATOR AND DJ DON IN SESSION
WAS THE GOAL OF THIS HISTORIC ROUND TABLE REALIZED?? Since MEDIA controls the mind who is better to bring awareness about our BLACK culture to the mind than this outstanding group of YOUNG BLACK MEDIA WORKERS? I say yes this 1st ROUNDTABLE DISCUSSION was a WIN for me. I will like to see it done not only at Black History Month but throughout the year. I hope THEY CAN FORM THEMSELVES INTO A TV SHOW OR SOMETHING PERMANENT and act as THE AUTHENTIC VOICE OF THE BLACK COMMUNITY. One people under one umbrella. GROUP PIC OF THE PANEL
The Owner of this blog extends CONGRATULATIONS to this awesome team for a JOB WELL DONE. You are certainly a BEACON OF HOPE for our community! PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT
WRITTEN BY Clairon Haynes Ladies and gentlemen it is with amusement that I write this post. As you may have read in the caption the NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY has posted a flyer of their VICTORY RALLY slated for January 30, 2016 at the LAYOU WATERFRONT.
This move spells CONFUSION painted with a brush of DELUSION. Why label it a VICTORY RALLY?? What are they victorious about??? Is it the 7 seats which they have won???? I hope this is an effort ACCEPT DEFEAT and move on to rebuild for 2020 general elections. Earlier this week Leader of the NDP Hon. Arhnim Eustace expressed his frustration and disappointment about his supporters failure to join the picket line.
Is he trying to say that his supporters are ALL MOUTH AND NO ACTION???
WRITTEN BY CLAIRON HAYNES Ladies and gentlemen the elections in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines has been long over 1 month ago. However, recent behaviour by a HANDFUL of supporters from the NEW DEMOCRATIC PARTY (NDP) seems to want to keep the DEAD hovering over the populace forever even after a POSTMORTEM has been conduced by several renown and respected organizations around the region to authenticate the validity of the UNITY LABOUR PARTY GOVERNMENT. Terms like THE ULP ILLEGAL GOVERNMENT is being thrown around insinuating that the elections has been stolen from the NDP.
HERE IS THE VIDEO IN QUESTION WHICH THIS PERSON HAS POSTED!
We have seen various forms of PROTEST staged outside of the ELECTORAL OFFICE in capital Kingstown. I have joked in a video about one of the protest and have decided I would refrain from giving this MESS OF A PROTEST more attention than what it truly deserves from my blog. What I am saying is that as the owner of this blog I have personally MOVED ON FROM ELECTIONS in my beloved country and I personally feel it is also time for the NDP supporters to do the same as no one seems to be benefiting in a PRODUCTIVE way from this.
HERE IS ANOTHER POST BY THE FACEBOOK USER
However a post showed up in my FACEBOOK newsfeed and caught my attention. No matter how hard I try to resist the temptation to BREAK MY FAST and blog about it I had to give into it as I could not give a blind eye and ignore a blatant THREAT TO CREATE EXPLOSIVES BY AN NDP SUPPORTER in the DIASPORA to ALLEGEDLY BLOW UP OUR COUNTRY.
This individual has posted a series of written articulations showing disgust for the current Government in power and uses language that is allegedly full of HATE SPEECH. In the same day after these HATEFUL utterances against the government these VIDEOS on how to make EXPLOSIVES were posted to the same group with captions like "THE WAR HAS STARTED IN SVG...............above the VIDEOS posted on how to make these EXPLOSIVES.
Is this a SERIOUS CAUSE FOR CONCERN?? I say yes. It was only 2 weeks ago persons have ALLEGEDLY hinted about BURNING DOWN BUILDINGS in SVG and shortly thereafter the PUBLIC WORKS BUILD AT ARNOS VALE was on FIRE! It is evident that these FACEBOOK groups are set up and used as the INCUBATION CENTRE for nurturing of acts TERROR against our country. Suffice it to say I am WORRIED FOR THE SAFETY OF MY COUNTRY.
HATE SPEECHES BY THE SAME INDIVIDUAL ON FACEBOOK!
An urgent INVESTIGATION needs to be conducted to stop this spread of HATE and TERROR among our VINCENTIAN people NOW!
The ULP Should Not Have Won Elections 2015 But... In a normal
world, the ULP should have lost Elections 2015. The widespread mood for
a change in government was palpable. A large section of the Vincentian
populace was simply tired and fed up of the Comrade and his party. Their
waning popularity has been attributable to a number of factors.
The productive sectors of the economy have been stagnant or declining
for most of the past decade. The road network has been marked by
widespread deterioration and disrepair. The state managed health sector
appeared headed for a crisis. Social ills such as crime, unemployment
and poverty have been spiraling out of control. The private sector,
particularly small businesses, has been struggling to stay afloat. At
the same time, allegations of official corruption, political
victimization, nepotism, cronyism, and sexual immorality in high office
have helped to define the ULP administration. Amidst it all, the
debilitating effects of rampant political tribalism have effectively
retarded the country's progress.
Despite the generally dismal
situation facing SVG on the watch of the ULP, the party has barely
managed to retain the seat of governance. On reflection, FIVE critical
factors may have been responsible for this.
FIRST, the party has
mastered the art and science of winning elections. By skillfully
integrating the party machinery with the state apparatus to full effect,
the ULP has found a winning formula.
SECOND, the Comrade and
his team have been able to steer scrutiny away from their mediocre
record of the past decade and instead get the voters focused on future
projects, programs and policies even the most grandiose and far fetched.
THIRD, the party made the elections all about RALPH, who
clearly still has tremendous political capital. The NDP's attack on this
the ULP's most valuable asset served only to further enhance his
popularity.
FOURTH, the ULP has been able to effectively exploit
the perceived weaknesses of the NDP, some of which I have raised in a
previous post.
And FIFTH, The ULP spared no expense in trying to
buy a victory. The party itself appeared to have unlimited funds to
spend. This was further complemented with the use of state resources in
the pursuit of initiatives involving significant levels of material
assistance to large sections of the population. Did the ULP CHEAT? I have NO EVIDENCE to support such. However, I do think the
weaknesses of the applicable electoral laws were exploited to the
fullest. Given the inherent advantages of the incumbency and the robust
election machinery built by the party over the years, a victory for the
ULP though not necessarily desirable, was still quite likely.
Despite the allegations of widespread irregularities, the elections are
over. The ULP has WON its fourth term. The government is legitimate. Let
us all combined our energies to take SVG forward. Irrespective of whom
we may have supported, the people have spoken and we have a country to
build. Come on, let's do this! Philbert J A John-Bute
PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT
DISCLAIMER THE VIEWS EXPRESSED IN THIS ARTICLE ARE NOT THOSE OF THE OWNER OF THIS BLOG BUT SOLELY THOSE OF THE AUTHOR!
WRITTEN BY KENLEY JOHN
I made a conscious decision to respect the will of the Vincentian
electorate and move on from politics since the results came out on
elections night.
However today I took some time out to check up here on
FB just simply to check on the mood of the people. As someone is never
afraid to be wrong to find right than to think I'm always right, I
sensing a dangerous development about to happen in my country.
Apparently both political parties supporters are about to converge on
Kingstown tomorrow with the strong possibility of a confrontational
showdown.
Some of my party members might not share my views here
but my country will always come first. Maturity and common sense always
prevail in times of adversity. The ULP is again the ruling party in the
country, and I do not see us gaining anything from having a public
swearing in ceremony especially with all of the above adversity that can
come out of it. Tomorrow is a workday hence I see no reason why we
cannot have a private ceremony streamed live to the general public
including radio and Television. To the NDP, to maintain civil
societies we have created legal systems including the courts. I strongly
suggest that you take your issues to the courts and stop encouraging
innocent people to fight an issue that you have not proven legally.
"Let peace reign from shore to shore, and God bless and keep us true". Please let us put our country over parties. PLEASE LEAVE A COMMENT
On December 12, 2015 three days following the GENERAL ELECTIONS in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines the UNITY LABOUR PARTY under the leadership of Dr. Ralph Gonsalves assembled at ARGYLE INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT for their VICTORY RALLY. ULP candidates who contested the elections took to the podium to thank Vincentians who voted for them. Various entertainers who graced the ULP STAGE to provide entertainment throughout the campaign returned to give their final performance.
A surprise FIREWORK was carried out to usher in the Prime Minister to make his speech. VIDEO of the fireworks can be seen below.
The campaign is over and the silence on Facebook is deafening. A cool and calm breeze seems to be hovering over social media this morning December 9, 2015. Where have all of the POLITICAL SO CALLED FACEBOOK ACTIVIST GONE TO? Your guess is as good as mine. They are all at the POLLING STATIONS in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines to EXERCISE THEIR FRANCHISE IN ELECTING THE PARTY THAT THEY THINK IS BEST TO GOVERN SVG FOR THE NEXT 5 YEARS! My eyes went lurking around the dullness of FB and look what i saw in my newsfeed - A LOT OF VOTING FINGERS WITH THEIR INK!!
I
observed the reactions/participation of Vincentians during the election
season with foreboding and great apprehension. I'm left with no doubt
that as a people MOST of us are NAIVE, GULLIBLE and POLITICALLY
ILLITERATE.Evidence of these manifested itself in the way the two
leaders of the two mass political parties were/are exalted to god-like
status. It was crystallized in the LENGTH these fanatics are willing to
ridicule themselves in defense of their demi-gods.
Accusations
of sexual miss-conduct leveled at an embattled PM were intercepted,
blunted and rubbished by politically-crazed supporters as sacrilegious.
Not to be outdone, the Opposition Leader's supporters went to ALL length
to defend, protect and conceal all unearthed flaws of their flawless
leader. Where is the objectivity? Is independent thinking an endangered
practice during this "foolish season"? My GREATEST area of concern
is the consummate ease in which our RELIGIOUS LEADERS have undermined
and sacrificed FUNDAMENTAL religious values/principles in an effort to
lie in bed with these strange bedfellows. How can CHRISTIANS who
professed to be followers of Christ get hitched in these unholy romance?
No wonder GOD vents HIS wrath through Mother Nature who continues to
unleash its fury with increasing regularity in SVG. Unfortunately,
SVG continues on an unprecedented downward spiral created by a senseless
political divide. This malaise has caused families to be torn apart,
churches to be ripped right down the centre and colleagues to become
competitors. But, there is still hope as can be gathered from my
following (three) post-election recommendations. 1. I STRONGLY
recommend a Prayer session for ALL elected Members of Parliament in a
designated worship place of GOD and NOT in a man- purposed institution.
ALL CLERGY men involved in this solemn session MUST be TRUE servants of
Christ, devoid of ANY political affiliation. 2. A second session of
divine outreach/intervention conducted by at least SEVEN Clergy Leaders
with the Prime Minister-Designate. These clergymen should be free of
political baggage.This is highly recommended ESPECIALLY in the likely
event that the incumbent is re-elected to office. It's obvious that
the embattled PM is unable to confront his MANY personal demons which
continue to impede his better judgement and undermine his legacy as a
great leader. 3. Vincentians MUST take the HOLY season of Advent to
reconcile and atone. It's a herculean task given the chasm that has
been created. The seemingly "unmendable" bridges can only be fixed
through EARNEST and FERVENT prayers! Whatever, the outcomes of tomorrow's polls, please let's accept the wishes of the people since SVG belongs to ALL of us. ONE GOD! ONE AIM! ONE DESTINY!!!!
Reports reaching CUHCREATIONS is that the mother of voter who registered to vote in the constituency of NORTH CENTRAL WINDWARD (Dr. Ralph Gonsalves area) went to the POLLING STATION yesterday to check to see whether or not her name was on the VOTER'S LIST only to be told by one of the clerks there that HER NAME IS NOT ON THE LIST. Her son contacted me last night and shared this information with me. He suggested that he will CHECK ONLINE to see if her name is there. FORTUNATELY HER NAME APPEARS ON THE ONLINE LIST BUT FAILED TO BE ON THE LIST AT THE POLIING STATION.
Something is FISHY here. Please alert the SUPERVISOR'S OF ELECTIONS about this as soon as possible!!!
Your guess is as good as mine. They are all at the 
