TIGblogs - NESTA's TIGBlog

PDA to do or not to do!

Sun, 08 Apr 2012 11:04:00 -0400

Just finished my latest article, in my column the Chronicles of Nesta. You can find it here: da-finest.com.

It's on Public Displays of Affection, PDA.

Feel free to leave a comment or even suggest topics that I could write on, thanks again.

Nesta

New Poem: Facebook Stalker

Sun, 04 Mar 2012 11:03:00 -0500

Latest poem from Nesta: Facebook Stalker

Dear Miss Beautiful

Excuse me if this seems rude,
I know we’ve never met,
But I’ve been loving you for a while.
Yes, I’ve loved you for a very long time,
Ever since I stumbled upon your Facebook profile.
I took a chance and sent a friend request
And to my delight, you did accept.
I’ve secretly watched all your photos
And I’ve read every status too.
I listen to every single song you post,
I liked that song by Whitney Houston
“I will always love you” the most.
There’s only one thing I detest
I can’t stand your relationship status
It just doesn’t reflect “us”
Those photos of your boyfriend,
Wish I had your password
So I could delete them!
Replace them with just a few
Those I Photoshoped,
Those of me and you!
I look out for you every time I sign on,
Even if it means staying logged on
For hours while doing nothing .
Just the thought of you being on Facebook
Has got me hooked.
I even bought a Blackberry Storm,
Just to keep up with updates of your account.
I check my phone on the hour, every hour
To see if you’re on.
I’ve seen you in group chatrooms
But haven’t uttered a word.
I haven’t mustered up the courage,
Guess I’m not really that brave.
I know I should have started a chit chat
But something keeps holding me back.
Thanks to a “close”friend
I even got your cell phone number too
And I did call
3 or 4 times the other night
The late night ringing
From the unknown caller
I just couldn’t let you know it was me.
I know how things might seem,
I hope I didn’t offend you,
I just wanted to hear your voice.
Even if it meant hearing you scream
Wanting to know who was calling.
I wished you thought it was an outside woman
And create problems with your man
If I can’t be yours in real life
Can I be yours, even if it’s just on Facebook?
Maybe even hi5 or My Space
I don’t use those anymore
But I could always sign up again
Can we just pretend to be lovers?
Promise I won’t get jealous
As long as you don’t post about your real love life.
If I can’t have you in cyberspace or in real life
Then will you wait for me in the afterlife?
I hope you can read between the lines!
It doesn’t have to come to this,
But you leave me no choice.
I can’t understand
Why you wouldn’t want me as your man.
We have the same likes and interests
Listen to the same songs.
I even have a private page,
With “our” pictures on.
That I created just for us
Where we can post about our love.
And no one will ever need to know
It’s between me, you and Zuckerberg
And he would never, ever talk.
Mark’s too smart for that
He wouldn’t want another cyber attack.
So what do you say?
Can I count on you?
I love you.
Yes, I do.
Please tell me you love me too.

From
Your friendly Facebook Stalker

For the Children/victims

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 08:01:00 -0500

Wrote this poem for three (3) children in Dominica who are recent victims of senseless behaviour. I won't say anymore on the topic, let the poem speak for itself...

For Sophie, Rachel and Dahlia

They are our children too
By Nesta

Now what does that say about the justice system?
What about justice for our children?
Who really looks out for them?
Nobody cares for the innocent!
So sad, so sad are the stories,
No one seems to bother or worry,
Rachel, Sophie and now Dahlia.
Lonely tears that no one sees,
Silent cries that no one hears
Isn’t it strange coincidence?
That while one mother walks out of court
Another cries her heart out
That’s just too strange,
I felt compelled to shout out!
Scream out for them as they rest and wait,
Wondering why the world has sealed their fate?
Pondering what they did to deserve their death?
Their bodies may be gone but their souls aren’t at rest.
I see them too, on their knees praying
Hoping that they can protect the next victim.
The next fatality from our reckless behavior,
Who will be their savior?
When all is said and done
I don’t hate the mother or driver,
I just feel for the children;
The REAL victims…

Thoughts

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 11:01:00 -0500

My friends always seem to inspire my poetry and this offering is no different. I took one line from a conversation that I was having with Michelle Belle (a blackberry conversation) and developed the rest of the poem around it. See if you can guess which line it is

Thoughts

I laugh out loud

Just to keep from crying.

If the rainbow is a promise

Then what’s the storm?

After all, the damage has already been done!

I’ve made so much from so little

Now I’m left alone to pick up the pieces

All is gone; left with only rubble.

I have to start over, back to square one

Run the race again,

When it was so close to being won.

It pains me to know,

But at least I’ve got the experience to lean on…

I’ve done it before

And I surely can do it again.

Walking through the blazing sun

Dancing in the pouring rain,

Living to see another day.

Light always follows the dark of the night

So showers of blessings will come my way.

From the ashes I am reborn

Walking with my chest to the sky,

As I hop, skip and jump through

This maze called life.

Wish me the best,

Please I beg!

But, not luck though,

There’s no such thing

When you’re divinely blessed…

give me something to write about...

Sun, 06 Nov 2011 09:11:00 -0500

So I was feeling bored tonight, just browsing through facebook and I had this idea, so I put out a request for my friends to suggest a topic for me to write a poem on:

Here is the status: I need to write something, give me a topic, any topic, I need to write a line, a verse, a rhyme... something metaphoric or even a simile... I need to write something, somebody suggest something quick...

and Rude Gyal Casimir suggested the topic that I wrote on (took me about five minutes to write it):

Why do you want to bring me down?

Inspired by Anelia Casimir

Is it jealousy?

Why the envy?

I just don’t understand

You don’t even know my story

But you would want me to be history

I’m not rich

I’m not even that beautiful

Only smart enough to fool you

For you seem to feel the need to covet me

Resentment for what?

In spite of all that

I shall rise about it all

And even offer a hand

To get you off the ground

For it must pain you to feel you’re beneath me

When I only see you as an equal

I wonder where this all comes from

Is it me that you hate?

Or what you think I have become

I wonder if it isn’t just greed

That makes you see me this way

Or maybe even foolish desire

Because you feel the need to just like me…

Do enjoy...

In the news!!!

Tue, 21 Jun 2011 04:06:00 -0400

I've been busy over the passed two weeks and haven't been posting much on my blog. I've been on the campaign trail as I seek a second term as the President of the National Youth Council of Dominica. I also partnered with my uncle to host a Father's Day activity for the Blue Blue community, Bath Estate. The media houses have basically been my home.

Here are the links to the stories:

Re-election

Father's Day

Roseau needs sporting facilities

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 03:06:00 -0400

Every now and then as President of the National Youth Council of Dominica I am called upon to give my views about various national and youth issues. I did an interview last night about the lack of sporting facilities and opportunities for urban youth. Here is the outcome of this interview on one of the more recent internet news fora for the Caribbean region.

See the story here

Enjoy and feel free to leave a comment

RIP Bob Nesta Marley

Wed, 11 May 2011 09:05:00 -0400

30 years ago today; we lost an icon, leader, teacher, rastafarian and most of all someone that we could relate to.
Today, I join the rest of the world in remembering his contribution to music, peace and humanity in general. Through his countless songs and messages, Nesta as I prefer to call him (my middle name is also Nesta) left us with timeless classics and a song for every situation.
Not much more can be said that hasn’t already been highlighted by about Bob Nesta Marley but I would like to thank him for being an inspiration to myself and the rest of the globe.
Thank you.

Below are the lyrics to my favourite Bob track:

Redemption Song lyrics

Old pirates, yes, they rob I
Sold I to the merchant ships
Minutes after they took I
From the bottomless pit
But my hand was made strong
By the hand of the almighty
We forward in this generation
Triumphantly
Won't you help to sing
These songs of freedom?
'Cause all I ever have
Redemption songs
Redemption songs
Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery
None but ourselves can free our minds
Have no fear for atomic energy
'Cause none of them can stop the time
How long shall they kill our prophets
While we stand aside and look? Ooh
Some say it's just a part of it
We've got to fullfil the book
Won't you help to sing
These songs of freedom?
'Cause all I ever have
Redemption songs
Redemption songs
Redemption songs
Emancipate yourselves from mental slavery
None but ourselves can free our mind
Woh, have no fear for atomic energy
'Cause none of them-a can-a stop-a the time
How long shall they kill our prophets
While we stand aside and look?
Yes, some say it's just a part of it
We've got to fullfill the book
Won't you help to sing
These songs of freedom?
'Cause all I ever had
Redemption songs
All I ever had
Redemption songs
These songs of freedom
Songs of freedom

See the video on Youtube

Back at it again

Tue, 03 May 2011 08:05:00 -0400

I'm blogging once more, after alot of issues... I managed to recover my blog, thank God for that... So to my faithful readers, i will soon be putting up some poems, short stories and other blog posts.

Stay tuned...

Jetzzz

Mr. President

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 04:09:00 -0400

Obama ain't the only black President, I joined the ranks, lol. I wasn't trying to sound arrogant but I got sworn in last saturday as President of the National Youth Council of Dominica at its inauguration ceremony. Fellow members of the Executive Council include:

Carlyn Rolle - 1st Vice President
Damon Jno. Baptiste - 2nd Vice President
Fenella Wenham-Quamie - General Secretary
Larissa Andrew - Treasurer
Kinisha Browne - Asst. Secretary/Treasurer
Alvin Alexander - Publicity Coordinator
Kezia Augustine - Committee member
Priscilla Ormond - Committee member (she was absent on overseas duty)

We still have to add one person to the Council, a youth representative of the Kalinago people. Here are just a few photos of the event:

Tomorrow

Fri, 04 Sep 2009 04:09:00 -0400

finished this poem this morning but i had started it yesterday. I was looking forward to today and wishing for the bad weather to leave and for sunshine and my cousin told me "tomorrow isn't yours, you have no idea what it will bring" and this just sparked a poem. Hope my readers like it:

Tomorrow
By Delroy "Nesta" Williams

If tomorrow never comes
Why long for it so?
The day is never promised
To do as you choose.
It’s a gift to cherish,
If we see the light at dawn.

Unless you make it to the dark of night
What it holds remains unknown,
Until it is lived.
Tomorrow can’t be distinguished
From any other day
And even then,
The lessons of tomorrow
May just escape.
Only to reveal itself,
When you least expect.

As a witness to today,
Grasp the chance of the moment.
Worry not about the morrow,
If it comes your way
Because it will flee from your hold.
It just isn’t yours,
It’s always running away,
Running off to another day.

Even if it grabs your attention,
Tomorrow avoids staring you in the face,
Always evading the eye glance.
Tomorrow is the girl,
That you hug in your dreams
But have yet to hold in reality.

Saving You

Fri, 31 Jul 2009 03:07:00 -0400

Just another love, (well heartbreak) poem that I pieced together from some rhymes and lines that I had scribbled some time back. Had them stored in my likle black book, the one I keep wiht me at all times...

Saving You

I had to set you free
I did it for you baby
It wasn't for me
That's how much I love you
I knew I would hurt you
So before our love grew
I had to walk out on you

You didn't understand it then
but I hope you get it now
I'm sorry I took so long
I trust it's clear to you now
I let you go
because i'm afraid to be loved,
because I love you too much

Too much to disappoint you
Too much to disappoint me
So I'd rather leave in regret
but with the knowledge
That I saved you from myself

by Nesta

Cricket and more cricket

Mon, 27 Jul 2009 11:07:00 -0400

This time I am talking about the sport and not the insect. I haven't posted on my blog since last weekend and that's because I was a little busy and just didn't have the time to seat down and type. I think I needed the week off as well.

But i'm back and although I dont have any poems to post (building up my collection to have in my new book), I do have a electric experience to rant and rave about. Yesterday I was at the Windsor Park Sports Stadium in downtown Roseau, well actually I was next door since I live in Roseau to witness the first International One Day Match between the West Indies and Bangladesh in Dominica at the brand new (open to debate) venue.

I had a first hand view, because as an usher I had access to more facilitaties than the average fan and I did take advantage of that. I didn't get any autographs, the Head Usher frowned upon that type of interaction with the players, but I did manage to talk to a few of them and even found myself in the party stand (no free food or drinks though).

What I most enjoyed about being there was the crowd's energy and how supportive they were of both teams during the game. The thousands didn't bother which team was performing well, every run, four or six was cheered (for those who don't understand the sport this can be very complicating). Off course, I didn't have much time to really watch the early hours of the game as I had to be ushering the fans to their respective seats but I was able to witness the demise of the makeshift West Indies team at the hands of the superior Bangladesh team.

It was almost like waiting on the obvious after the first hour of West Indies batting innings, all that was debatable was the number of runs that the team would achieve and the margin of defeat. I was disappointed in the team's overall effort but there were still moments of brilliance and times when the whole environment made me observe in awe at everything going on.

I will surely do it again and very soon since I am up for volunteer duty again on Tuesday for the Second International One Day match, let's hope the Windies can square up the series. I got my fingers and toes crossed, Wish us luck...

Nesta

For official information and statistics on the match: http://www.windiescricket.com/ or http://www.cricinfo.com/

Dream Poem

Fri, 10 Jul 2009 03:07:00 -0400

Wrote this one a few days ago, basically speaking to people about holding on to their dream and pursuing them but at the same time not becoming slaves to them. I hope this message is clear in the words.

What’s in a dream?

Dreams flow away like rivers to the sea
Lost among the oceans of the world
But a glimmer of hope still exists at the horizon
Just at the point of the sunset

When the sky turns from blue to a pale red
Then we see the power of the dream
The inspiration it brings, to see beyond the ordinary
Pushing intellect and creative capacity

The future of our world
Lies within those not afraid,
Nor captive by the dream.
Willing to separate idealism from reality
But still reach outside the box,
Beyond physical or coloured boundaries

But who holds the match to ignite that spark?
Who to fan the flames?
Prevent the fire from burning out
For there’s so much preoccupation with life’s leisure
That the dreams are left with no caretaker

Now that the rains have come
Aspirations washed away by worldly erosion
The substance of our subconscious floating away
Rushing by the currents of the river
To the emptiness of the deep blue sea

by Nesta

Life Can Be So Cruel: Andy Roddick poem

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 03:07:00 -0400

I am a huge fan of tennis, more Venus and Serena Williams than anybody else but I also love men's tennis. I have followed the sport ever since I was around 9 or 10 and my favourite player is/was Andre Agassi.

For that reason, I never like Pete Sampras and also because I felt he always stood in the way of Agassi and a Grand Slam Trophy. My favourite match between the two was when neither had a break of each other's serve at the US Open, I believe it was at the US Open, but Sampras still managed to beat Agassi.

Sunday I saw a similar match unfold while I was watching tennis on TV and I wrote a poem at the end of the match. I wrote this one for Andy Roddick, after I saw his defeat at the hands of Roger Federer at The Championships, Wimbledon on Sunday. He worked so hard but still didn't win and I felt for him, just as I felt for Agassi.

So here it is:

Life Can Be So Cruel

Life can be so cruel
To he who falls short of victory.
Just once you’d like to win
But the feeling of success evades you.

Why did life have to choose you?
Being remembered as second best...
Moments before you cross the finish line,
Someone comes to pass you by.

It hurts even worst,
When that person doesn’t need to win.
They’ve tasted victory before
But defeat has to be your meal.

And there’s always that one reminder
Of the moment you reached so close,
A moment when victory was within grasp,
But instead you walked away in defeat.

by Nesta

BTW, congrats to Serena and Venus Williams on winning the women's singles and doubles championships at Wimbledon... more to come for the trophy mantle.

pics of the week

Fri, 03 Jul 2009 09:07:00 -0400

Flowers got to me this week, so i'm posting shots of anthuriums as the pics of the week. A few years ago the Anthurium Late Blight demolished the local anthurium production, leaving all farmers/growers with nothing but empty shadehouses and farm lands. Anthuriums in Dominica are usually grown under shade netting or in forested areas where the plants can recieve shade during its growth period.

The Roseau Valley but more particularly the Giraudel/Eggleston communities are famous for their anthurium blooms and flower show. But enough of my talk about growth and so forth, just enjoy the photos. They tell more than a thousand words

Michael's Childhood

Fri, 26 Jun 2009 08:06:00 -0400

Arguably his truest lyrics, according to his own words. Although not my favourite song of Michael (I have many favourites), I felt it appropriate to share it:

Michael Jackson's Childhood Lyrics:

Have you seen my Childhood?

I'm searching for the world that I come from

'Cause I've been looking around

In the lost and found of my heart...

No one understands me

They view it as such strange eccentricities...'

Cause I keep kidding around

Like a child, but pardon me...

People say I'm not okay

'Cause I love such elementary things...

It's been my fate to compensate,

for the Childhood

I've never known...

Have you seen my Childhood?

I'm searching for that wonder in my youth

Like pirates in adventurous dreams,

Of conquest and kings on the throne...

Before you judge me, try hard to love me,

Look within your heart then ask,

Have you seen my Childhood?

People say I'm strange that way

'Cause I love such elementary things,

It's been my fate to compensate,

for the Childhood I've never known...

Have you seen my Childhood?

I'm searching for that wonder in my youth

Like fantastical stories to share

The dreams I would dare, watch me fly...

Before you judge me, try hard to love me.

The painful youth I've had

Have you seen my Childhood...

May your soul rest in peace after death because it was misunderstood during life

Nesta

Venting: What's with the word "kid"

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 11:06:00 -0400

Yesterday I was on the radio with the Peace Corps Volunteer of the National Youth Council of Dominica promoting our Summer Camp, 2009. It was a great experience until some callers decided to make petty, trivial comments that had nothing to do with the spirit of what was being discussed. At that moment, I understood clearly what people have been saying for a long time. Dominicans just like to talk for the sake of talking and make every non-issue the issue at hand.

First there was this calling asking about the presence of Dominicans as Peace Corps volunteers in the United States and even asking me to do some research for him. Off course, I knew exactly what he was getting at because Dominica has no peace corps service offering anybody. There is also a belief that Peace Corps volunteers are secret CIA spies who come to distabilize the country and learn its local customs in order to provide information to the United States.

Then there was this caller who made an issue with the theme of the Summer Camp: Art and Expression; Changes Lives. She wanted it changed to Arts and Expressions Changing Lives, which off course I have no big issue with because it was intended with good intent. We actually had a good conversation with the caller during the program and I did take note of her point.

But it was the third person that really just upset my spirit for the rest of the day. I was making a point and I mentioned that parents should take a greater role in raising their kids and that society should be a support system and not the main player. A few seconds after the phone rang and the caller just fired off at me:

"Mr. Delroy Registe, you should not refer to children as kids, kids are little goats, thank you very much" and she hung up. Her tone wasn't a welcoming one nor one that was gracious.

First of all, I dont mind correction, I actually take it in the spirit in which it was given, that is why I couldn't understand why I was being attacked for using the word kid. It is really issue to call the talk shows, give your point and hang up but I would have loved to have been able to respond to the lady. What made it even worse was that even while she was trying to correct my mistake, she was guilty of making one herself because my name is Delroy Williams, not Delroy Registe (Mr. Registe is a politician, Mr. Williams is a Dominican).

There are so many things that are wrong with our Dominican society, so much to talk about, so many things to try to improve but the minute someone tries to assist in whatever way they can, we find ways of reducing the person's contribution or even sidetracking from the point.

I was so upset that I cut the interview short, off course, I didn't make that obvious to the listening public. That troubled my mind for the rest of the day, I even went to search up the meaning of kid on the internet at dictionary.com and this is what I found:

Kid/kɪd/ Show Spelled Pronunciation [kid] Show IPA noun, verb, kid⋅ded, kid⋅ding, adjective

– noun
1. Informal. a child or young person.
(used as a familiar form of address.)
2. a young goat.
3. leather made from the skin of a kid or goat, used in making shoes and gloves.
5. a glove made from this leather.

So now I have to wonder if there is something wrong with the word kid. Or maybe there is something wrong with using words that have multiple means. If so, then we would have a hard time using the English language. My conclusion is that the problem is with us, as human beings, who tend to put issues where are none and who always brush aside the true story for the sake of sensationalizations and making news.

Let me stop now before I say something I shouldn't. Next thing I know, someone copies my blog and provides it to Matthias Peltier and I end up on the Hot Seat on Q.95 Radio, lol.

Nesta

Finally on Facebook

Thu, 25 Jun 2009 04:06:00 -0400

Yes, I finally accepted one of the hundreds of invites I keep getting from friends to join Facebook. I guess I will find out what the craze is about now although I think i'm already hooked.

I've been going on that site every other minute to get updates, to reply to contacts... guess i'm a fan of Facebook now.

Check out my page

quote of the week: faults

Wed, 24 Jun 2009 03:06:00 -0400

Found this quote on Wisdomtips.com and felt that I should share it. It speaks about how people react to certain things depending on who is doing it and not exactly what is being done. I think it rings true, I know of situations that i have witnessed and some that I have also been in where I would have done otherwise if it were a friend that had committed the grievance against me. So here is the quote.

A fault in a loved one is no matter. The same fault in an enemy is an outrage.

And please try to treat people on an equal footing and look more at the situation than the person in the situation.

For more wisdom tips click here

Nesta

Arts and Expressions; Changing Lives

Tue, 23 Jun 2009 03:06:00 -0400

The National Youth Council is putting together a two-week summer camp for children between the ages of 2 and 13. The camp is expected to develop their creative juices and assist in the holistic development and social interaction of the kids.

NYCD Peace Corps Volunteer Michele Garavaglia, will be camp director and will ensure that the children are exposed to a wide range of activities and programs including arts and craft, music, dancing, drama and some educational programs (spelling bee, reading, presentations, etc).

The camp is only EC$10 per child, which is a non-refundable registration fee. It will definitely be a ten dollars well spent and one that will reap benefits in the millions especially as it targets underpivileged and unattached youth.

I still remember making tie dye shirts at my first summer day camp and up until today i still want to tie dye, who knows, i may even open a tie dye business. The possibilities of activities and interaction between participants, tutors and director are endless.

The NYCD is still in need of assistance to ensure that they can give the kids a quality experience. If you are able to assist please contact them at:

15 Bath Road

Roseau,

Commonwealth of Dominica

Tel: 1 (767) 448 6944 or (767) 225 6367

Email: nyc_dom@hotmail.com

Nesta

Raw Poetry; De Dominican Gift

Sat, 20 Jun 2009 09:06:00 -0400

I was speaking to my neighbour yesterday and talking to him about poetry, he is also a poet, and he said something to me that resonated and influenced my latest poem (wrote it last night). He said a poet must reflect his society and should also be able to speak for the people and about the people. In plain english, a poet should be part and parcel of his community.

So i got to thinking about my country and the hot issues of the day and this poem just glided out of the tip of my pen, off course i had to go back a few times and edit and realign the verses and so forth but i hope the final product does justice and speaks from the Dominican perspective. I also used a lot of Dominican lingo, not really the french styled creole, just our broken english.

So here it is:

De Dominican Gift
By Delroy “Nesta” Williams

Society in a rift,
Blue say is borboll
While red convince is a gift.
So much debate about de bin purchase
And who truly benefit,
Look I hear is campaign money dat trafficking,
An’ me neighbour say cocaine money dey laundering.
But as garbage bin knock down
Look fertilizer issue jump in de boxing ring,
But de poor farmer man, he eh talking
Cuz he love de handout ting.
Yes, de man love de "salt"
An’ he eh care who at fault,
Rubbish bin or fertilizer doh matter to him,
Or if de Big Man wrongly profiting
As long as is de Labour Party dat winning.

Now, Blue looking confident
But inside dey panicking,
An all de rest, dey afraid and shaking
Cuz dey know de PM cunning an’ convincing,
Too much psychology an’ philosophy.
De likle man eh understanding,
Dat wrong is wrong.
Yes, all borboll is borboll,
Whether red, blue or green
In de end is Dominica dat losing.

I cyah wait eh
For de next borboll to expose.
Yes, Boy everyday I listening.
Every morning I tune to Q,
To dat radio station, I man glue
From de moment I rise
Is Matt in de morning
An Saturday, between Me and You.
Till Election Day come and pass,
Then we go see who really win de race
And who come dead lass.

I doh care who win or lose,
Cuz it clear dey all de same
Doing de same damn ting
An one accusing de oda of cheating
But de sad thing is eh,
Dem poor people always along for de ride
Only seeing blue, green an’ red.
Boy, dey really colour mad or colour blind.
I waiting for de election meley
As society continue de rift,
Yes, dat is truly de Dominican gift…

Photo of the week: doggy tricks

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 12:06:00 -0400

Took this photo just a few minutes ago while walking through the Botanic Gardens. I'm not sure how the dog got the roll around it's neck and thinking about it now I should have helped it to get it out.

Then again, I was the victim of a dog bite as a little boy and I surely do not want to relive that experience. Anyways, I hope people can see the amusement from the photo.

Nesta

A whale of a time

Fri, 19 Jun 2009 02:06:00 -0400

I thought I knew alot about whales but I found out a lot more when I assisted the Executive Director of DYEO, Mr. Terry Raymond with a presentation at the St. John's Primary School in Portsmouth. I didn't only find out new things about whales but I can now truly appreciate the joy of being in primary school now that I see it through adult eyes.

I yearn for those childhood days more and more. That's also because we never had anything like that when I went to school. The only lectures or visits we had to look forward to was from health officials looking to give vaccinations and the annual school walk-a-thon to raise funds for school improvement.

Now the children have so much to look forward to, besides the presentation about whales, they are will also be taking a whale watching trip as part of the floating classroom experience. I only had the opportunity to visit one school but a total of five schools will benefit from the International Fund for Animal Welfare project. The project is also being supported locally by CaribWhale, the Dominica Youth Environment Organization (DYEO) and the Youth Development Division. Plans are to expand the program, after the initial pilot phase, to encompass more schools and more environmental topics like waste management, climate change, biodiversity etc.

The most memorable experience had to be the blindfolded kids making the sounds of whales and trying to find each other among a crowd to explain the difficulty whales have in identifying other whales with all the marine traffic these days. The kids also enjoyed the whale measurement excercise that saw them using string to measure the average length of some whales. Most of the kids though enjoyed the question and answer period where they recieved pens, pencils, tshirts, etc for attempting to and answering questions.

I had a whale of a time, for sure.

Nesta

quote of the week: happiness

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 11:06:00 -0400

Simple, to the point and timely as I am searching for a personal happiness. Don't get me wrong, I am not the sad, depressed character, far from that, but still there are moments where I search for more than I can find. So when I found this quote, I just felt the need to share it with the internet world, although I am sure they know more about it than me.

Happiness is not the absence of conflict but the ability to cope with it.

by Dr. Wayne Dyer

Dr. Dyer is an internationally renowned author and speaker in the field of self-development. He's the author of over 30 books, has created many audio programs and videos, and has appeared on thousands of television and radio shows.

For more information: Dr. Dyers Website