The Bahamas viewed from Eleuthera.

Election Fever is Now.

2011-03-19T14:56:00.000-07:00

Today, Election fever is in the air.
People are making every effort to register and some are becoming frustrated. I just spoke to a young man who said he can't find his birth certificate and he wants to register. He now has to go to Nassau in order to get one. I was surprised to realize how many people have been turned away because they do not have the required documentation to register.
I fear for those first time voters. In this country there are so many people who do not have a passport, nor a birth certificate in hand. Now they would have to pay for an affidavit to prove that they are truly Bahamian. What about those people who are not working? Who is going to supply them with that $50 plus to get an affidavit?
Tonight, 19th March, 2011. The FNM party would hold its first Mass Rally at the Clifford Park in Nassau. The leader is going to report to the Nation the things that were done for the good of the People of the Country in the last 3 years and 10 months. Modern technology would have it streaming live on the Internet. I guess that is so that scholars out side the country can watch and listen.
This 'show tonight' at clifford park would start the race towards the 2010 general election, or it may be earlier!
So, as stated earlier, people who want to register and are being turned away due to documentation must be helped...not everyone has a passport, a birth certificate in hand, has no money to get to Nassau, nor a place to live when they get there. I would like for a way to be made for people to register without so much hinderance. Voters need help.

Changes Come

2010-10-16T12:19:00.000-07:00

It is already the tenth month of the year. Boy have things changed in the last four months. In July 2010 I made that BIG leap, I committed to being a Rotarian.
  My sponsor a former student invited and encourage me to give through Rotary instead of just giving. I agreed. As soon as I was in the door, I was challenged to become the Chair for International Services/Rotary Foundation. I raised to the challenge.
  First challenge get a young lady through to an Ambassadorial Scholarship. How do you work with a name without a face? You communicate. And that is just what we did Communicate. A few weeks later she made it in and is now awaiting her final answer to study law.
  Second order of business get to a two day Leadership workshop in another city [Saturday/Sunday] . So, it was rush on Friday after five PM packed and do some house hold chores, and get to be early for a 7AM flight the next morning. Airport to Workshop until 4PM and the back the next day. At 5AM Monday morning back to the airport and from there drive 22 miles to work...That is what is calls for "Service above Self".
This is only the beginning..Now it is learn, learn, learn and apply to make life better for those nationally and internationally and I am have a 'blast' as I do so.
  To serve is truly what brings 'JOY'.

Scenes to enjoy

2010-07-07T07:03:00.000-07:00

The Waters of Eleuthera - The Isle of Freedom ...

A view of the Ocean from Millionaire's Heights, Eleuthera.

The Gulls of Summer...

Enjoy a Sunrise, you'll never forget it.

A PICTURE PAINTS MORE THAN A THOUSAND WORDS, YOU NEVER SEE THE SAME THING TWICE.

Summer School

2010-07-07T06:38:00.000-07:00

With school out for the Summer and children having so much free time on their hands, it is an excellent idea to enroll them in Summer School.
The advantages include enhancing what they learned during the year; exposing them to fun ways to learn; meeting and interacting with new children; visiting places they may not otherwise visit; and learning to stand up for themselves.
  It is believed that when students stay at home during the entire summer break they lose up to 60% of what they learned during the school year.
  At home there are many things to keep the children occupy, but most of them revolve around the television. They are either to watch cartoons, or to play some electronic game be it WII or any other game.
  If children attend summer school for at least 4 -5 weeks they would benefit more than watching the television.
  The older children may work at summer jobs, but they too should be jobs where they learn a skill not just sit around and do nothing or very little.
  It is my hope that parents would ensure that their children use that long summer break wisely.

It's Your Life.

2010-06-01T06:28:00.000-07:00

On this first day of June 2010, thousands of young people are completing high school and college and seeking employment. What is there for them? They bought into the 'story' get a good education and you would get a good job. Applications forms have been dispersed with resumes.
  These young people are beating the pavements, knocking on doors and speaking with 'who you know' but that is not producing any jobs.
  Parents are frustrated as they now have at home young people who have completed high school and/or college and there is no jobs in sight.
  Yet all is not lost... there is something called MLM and worldwide this movement is producing financial independence for people. How can I start may be the question asked? There are many company advertising on the Internet, but one must be careful. There are reputable MLM companies out there, to get more information you can search carefully... If you can persuade your fellow graduates to embark on this MLM adventure with you, it can take you far...You only have to ask the right questions.
  It it no over night fix or a quick fix as you decide how much you would like to make and then work towards that.
  I did and I am working to improve my status. It works...

What would your child be doing in Summer 2010?

2010-05-27T08:23:00.000-07:00

In just a few weeks schools will be closed for the Summer Break. The longest break in the school year.
Would you child be doing any of the following:
   Sports Camp
   Summer Job Programme
   Reading Camp
   Travelling to another city, state or country
   Mathematics Camp
   Science Camp or
   Just staying at home.
If he/she is what do you as a parent plan for your child to do at home?
Would you be at work?
How about letting your child create a garden in the back yard? Or create an area to read quietly. Maybe learn how to mend his/her clothes.
There are so many things that children can do to occupy their time and learn something new in the process.
Don't let your child be idle for those 9 weeks, ensure that he/she is busy in a positive way.

These students are!

Isle of Freedom

2010-05-21T14:44:00.000-07:00

Have you ever visited the Isle of Freedom in the Bahamas? If you haven't you should.

This is a typical evening overlooking the water.

Have your own 'boat'? It is even better you can anchor off the shore and enjoy true tranquility.

And, the people are friendly.

Should Students Be Punished for Fighting at School?

2010-05-21T14:39:00.000-07:00

Why do students fight? Why do they feel it is OK to attack each other in groups? Why are they comfortable with bringing a weapon to school, be it a knife or some other edge tool?

A few days ago some students felt it was right to fight during school. The fighting was so severe that the police had to be called in...what kind of reflection does this have on parents? Should parents be held responsible for the child's behavior when he is at school? Should the school? What negotiation tactic should be used to enable the student[s] to defend his action? It is obvious that beating the child does not work. In fact it seem to be encouraging the student[s] to counter use violence.

High school students can be tried as adults, but do we want more prisoners living off the state? Are prisons remodeling inmates for the benefit of society or are they producing better criminals? Why is it that some people after spending a term in prison decide to make a career of being a prisoner and do the most trivial thing to return to prison?

Question after question can be raised, but we need answers.

More police officers does not stop people from committing crimes. Some people feel that they are smarter than the officers. When they are apprehended they quickly lawyer up. What is the solution?
Please share.

School Year Ends with Drama

2010-05-21T14:13:00.000-07:00

As the 2010 school year ends around the world we wonder what this group of young graduates would contribute to the world.

Yet, as we reflect on this some students are grappling with abuse of one kind or another. This abuse has led to abusive behavior by students against each other.

Teachers are being charged with sexual abuse against minors, male and female. There are many charges against male teachers whom we expect to 'look after' our children are preying on them. Not only are they preying on the young females but in some cases they are preying and being charged with abuse of young males also.

The question arises should all future teachers be investigated by the police before they are hired?

While the preyer sits in prison or is out on bail, what happens to the young person who has been abused?

What kind of help is given to enable that young person to go on? To acquire a college education, to lead a production life without shame and blame feeling as if it was their fault?

What will the end results be when young people are abused?

Do you have an opinion, please share.

New Commissioner of Police in the BAHAMAS

2010-01-04T19:31:00.000-08:00

I watched history in the making today. The Bahamas received its sixth Commissioner of Police. A young man under 50 and who has over thirty years in the policing field. A young man who has trained in The United States, Canada, United Kingdom and The Bahamas.

Crime in the Bahamas at this time seem to be out of control. In 2009 this small country with less than 500,000 inhabitants had 87 murders! That number is unacceptable.

Most of those murders were committed by young men.

This weekend, one of those young men who though violence was the way will be buried, on the same day a young lady who was killed in a car accident would also be buried. Two young lives who did not live out half of the 70 years promised.

As we reflect on the History made today it is my wish that parents would communicate more with their children especially the young men. That more adults would become mentors to the youth. That the churches will spend more time talking to instead of talking at young people. That adults on the whole become a true example for the youth to follow, instead of portraying double standards, that is saying one thing and practicing the other.

We will see.

What Will 2010 Hold For You?

2010-01-01T11:29:00.000-08:00

It's January 1,2010. We made it. Have you made resolutions again? Will you keep them through the year or will you drop them within the month,week?

Let's try another tactic, the things you wan to do write it on your wall [use a sheet of chart paper]. Make sure that wherever they are written you can see them daily. Concentrate on doing one thing at a time, finish it, do it well and then move on. Or consider choosing the one thing that you feel is 'pressing'. Do that, then go down your list in order of priority.

Think of the things you wish to do seriously, is it to lose those nagging 10 pounds? or clean out your closet and pass on those shoes and clothes you have not worn in six months to the Red Cross, The Salvation Army or Good Will; what about that vegetable garden you keep telling yourself you are going to start? and what about that mentoring program you promised to join? There is no time like the present to do yourself that favour and 'do it'.

Have you promised yourself that next year I am going to take a vacation; or go see my grand children in another state or country, this is the year to keep that promise. What about the course you promised to take? What are you going to do about it? Are you going to register on the Net or are you going to do those classes in the evening at the campus?

WE must live in the NOW... we only have this moment in time. If you start now you will finish. If you don't start who know how long it would take to do so?

This 2010 should be the year you go for it and do so in a BIG way. Take the bull by the horns and ride it. No more excuses. No more procrastination. Just go with your gut instinct. You are what you think so think BIG.

Christmas 11 days away, yet who knows who will be here to enjoy it.

2009-12-14T07:25:00.000-08:00

We can reflect on the past but the future is unpredictable. Rage, Anger and being unprepared can hamper one from seeing Christmas.
Every day in the 'news' no matter where you are there is tragedy. The young people are most likely to be involved. In the past two days two young men lost their lives in tragic situations. The first murdered in anger by his neighbour. Not everyone can take 'teasing'. The murderer said he had enough and with a screwdriver stabbed and killed the victim. Two families in mourning. One son in prison and the other on a slab of cold metal. One family looking for a lawyer and the other for the undertaker. This 11 days before Christmas.
Less than 24 hours ago another young man lost his life. He decided to hold up a business place and threaten to kill the workers if they did not hand over the money. He met his match, the owner decided, he had worked too hard to just hand over his money and while the gunman held a customer as ransom the owner shot and killed the would be thief. Again, one more family looking for an undertaker instead of 'enjoying' the Christmas.
Why the rage? We cannot blame it on the economy, there are many things that can be done to make money. Why nit ask to clean someone's windows, what about cutting someone's lawn, what about walking the dogs, cleaning a vehicle? And the list can go on.
Yes, Christmas is in the future, yes it is only 11 days away, the question is how many more families would be in grief instead of in celebration?
What advice are you giving your family members? Think about it!

Reading is Fundamental

2009-11-21T08:43:00.000-08:00

The ability to read is so important. Today too many children are unable to read. Parents, siblings, cousins, grandparents, and other family members must take a keener interest in children and help them to learn how to read. Take 10 - 15 minutes a day and read them a story and ask them to tell you what it's about. Teach them alphabetical sounds, sight words and show pictures of words to help the children retain what they have learned.
Once a child is able to read, he would be able to do so many other things. Reading gives a child his independence. He knows which bus to take without being a follower. He can choose different topics to read about. He can improve in every other subject area. He can research things that he wants to know by himself. He would no longer have to rely on some one telling him, with the ability to read he can see and know for himself.
If you know of a child who needs help in reading become a mentor and help that child read. Help him to expand his world. If each one teach one or two it would make a big difference and make this world a better place.

What do you think/

2009-10-05T14:31:00.000-07:00

It's early October. This month is celebrated for so many 'things'. It is Breast Cure month, Careers Awareness, Teachers' Appreciation, Public Service month, Senior Citizens month and Youth Month. There is so much overlapping and some of the things that should be celebrated is lost in the fray.

Do we need to re think what we emphasize? Or do we need to go to week instead of month? What do you think?

And these all require some funding as each group would like their own celebration by themselves. And even as the financial situation improves slowly, we need to spend thrift.

Let's re think the things we are celebrating where money is needed. Maybe we can pay in time.

Teachers

2009-10-01T08:46:00.000-07:00

World Teachers' Day is in a few days.

Take the time to speak to your former teachers, your children's teachers and if you are a teacher take the time to congratulate each other.

Teachers are under appreciated.

Let us remember that no matter where we are in life we passed through the hands of a teacher. Some of us may have listened and others may not have, but we all have something that we can thanks you to a teacher for.

Freshly Grown Food

2009-10-01T08:38:00.000-07:00

Today with the high cost of living growing one's own food stuff is necessary.

If we grow our own food we will eat better. When we plant the vegetables, we will plant those we like and can share with family and friends. We know that fresh vegetables and fruits are essential for overall health.

Apart from being a way to produce fresh food stuff, we implement exercise so we have a two fold thing going on. It can also bring together friends and family members, encourage young people to explore the way food crops are grown. It would be more benefitting to pick your own tomatoes, did your own potatoes and pull your own onions.

Not only will you eat healthier you make some money. You can sell your excess produce, start a farmer's mart in your neighbourhood.

Think about this, we will eat straight from the garden, fresh to the table. And when you grow it you can grow organically instead of using pesticides or other chemicals.

Plant a tree to provide food, ornaments are good bit you can't eat them.

Make no excuses, do.

2009-09-27T17:35:00.000-07:00

We must stop making excuses for not doing the things we want to do. Whatever you want to do, especially if it's to make things better for family, friend and the community just do it.

When we make excuses, things don't get done. We stand still, at times in a rut. If we do we move forward. This forward movement allows others to examine themselves and think they to can improve. So let's stop making excuses and do what we know we should be doing.

Investing and Celebrating Our Youth

2009-09-16T08:42:00.000-07:00

How do we invest in and celebrate our Youth?
This is a question we should all consider. Today too many of our young people die too early. Some never get out of their teens.

Why is it so easy for our young people to get ahold of weapons of any kind. Some have east access to guns, knives and home made weapons. Should parents not periodically check their children's rooms, bags, cars? Why do they have so much privacy in your home?

It is time to take back the power over the youth from the people outside the home who are using them to kill themselves and others. We need to deal with anger management, respect for others no matter the creed, race or class.

We must put in place things that the youth can strive to do and be rewarded for. Why not start a real dialogue? Why not encourage them to join 'debate teams' speech organization, geared to them not adults. Why can they not be taught how to own and operate a small business, be it making holiday, speciality cards, design business cards, make pies and other home made candies and market these to the food store or just to home owners. If the adults invest the time into teaching the skills than the investment would pay off.

As a community the youth with the best product can be encouraged to expand his market.

What are your thoughts?

On the Road to Wealth

2009-09-10T19:19:00.000-07:00

The Secrets to Wealth

People whose net worth ranged from "comfortable" to approaching a billion dollars all achieved significant financial wealth, and all of them have done it on their own. There was no inherited money they accumulate money. TIPS for uu.

1. Save 10% of everything you make, no matter what. The amount they recommended varied slightly, but they were unanimous: Live within your means and save money every month.

2. Invest for the long haul. They pointed to Warren Buffet and noted that he buys and holds a stock for 20 years or longer. Invest in things you understand, and hold on!

3. Avoid debt. They talked about raising capital for their businesses (sometimes borrowing from investors), but insisted that personal debt be eliminated. One woman said, "consumer debt is devastating. If you want to achieve financial wealth, kill your credit cards." Another added, "no car or boat or anything else is worth the cost (financial and emotional) of borrowing money."

4. Crunch the numbers. They talked about doing their financial statements "every month, no matter what." Another added, "Only the numbers tell you how you're really doing; you've got to watch them like a hawk and use the information every day."

5. Have a plan. They expect their investments to grow steadily over the years (not over-night), and they plan accordingly. They emphasized setting 20, 30, even 50-year financial goals.

6. Know that money is one way of keeping score, but it's not the game itself. Money comes from investing or creating or doing something other people value and will pay for. They emphasized that "it's fun to have nice things" but noted that the money was secondary to doing "interesting things."

All of them had stories of starting out with school loans, small children, a "stuffy little apartment," working for minimum wage or eating "lots of macaroni and cheese," and yet knowing that they could "achieve some measure of success." Now, they've done it, and so can you. We can learn from the experts!

Thought for Today Saturday September 5 2009

2009-09-05T09:34:00.000-07:00

The Fear you let build up in your mind is worse than the situation that actually exists.

Examine the times you were fearful. Think back to what actually happened when you face whatever it was you were fearful of. How did you feel after facing the Fear?

Leave a comment.

Your thought for the day.

2009-08-29T15:08:00.000-07:00

It is never too late to be what we might have been. George Eliot.
What are your thoughts?

Motivation

2009-08-29T15:05:00.000-07:00

There are days when we want to do everything possible and others when we want to just lie in and do nothing. Ever wonder why?
Check out the following.

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This month he's giving away a free report (and a self-assessment
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Affordable Home away from Home on your vacation

2009-08-28T08:44:00.000-07:00

Are you not tired on that same old hotel room? Come join me at West Gate. Enquires can be made on this blog. I will answer any questions you may have.
I'll show you how to do a virtual tour and see what you can experience for 4- 7 nights, for less than 3 nights in a hotel room.
Ask away.

A Thought for Today.

2009-08-25T10:46:00.000-07:00

You can improve your life situation, but you cannot improve your life. Life is already whole, complete, perfect.

What are your views?

Why Vacation?

2009-08-25T10:40:00.000-07:00

That is a question we should all answer. We work for the most part 44-46 weeks per year. Should we not go away from our routine for at least a week or two or three?

For me a vacation away from the usual is a MUST. Whether it is a family vacation, to spend time with a friend or just to see some new exotic place.

And to those who think it cannot be done, look at the low airfare, the special hotel rates and if cost is still a factor, take a friend.
Share the cost and that way you would have some one there to go to dinner with to chill with or just someone familiar.

If you live in the Islands, try the cities of the Americas, New York, Orlando, Chicago where ever your spirit leads you.

Just do it.

The Power of Music

2009-07-22T04:05:00.000-07:00

From Biblical times music was used to sooth the 'soul', to celebrate a victory and in ancient history it was used to help in times of moodiness.

Today, music takes on a whole new meaning for all. It stimulates people to behave in different ways. I have seen young people and some adults go from standing quietly into a frenzy if certain songs are played.

What is your take on that?

Thought for Today

2009-07-21T13:02:00.000-07:00

"The fear you let build up in your mind is worse than the situation that actually exist"

The above is true.

Sometimes you feel you heart pumping before you enter an unknown area, only to find out after you enter there was nothing to fear.

You want to become a part of a company or group and because there are people you don't know you hold back and when someone else does and you see the success you wonder why you did not become a part.

What does it mean to work for yourself?

2009-07-19T10:08:00.000-07:00

Hey folks with unemployment up what can we do to make life better? What can we do about creating our own work for money?

What can we sell without over head expenses? Do you have fruit trees that bloom? Do you have a vegetable garden that produces more than you and your family need? Can you sew? What about window cleaning for working people? What about cutting other people's lawns?

If this make you think, respond.

2009-07-10T10:53:00.000-07:00

This island has the most beautiful sites/sights ever.

You become overwhelmed with the beauty of this island to the point where sometimes you can only look and saw wow!

Wherever you are on this planet and you get the opportunity to come to this side of the world, come.

If you like boating, especially if you own you own cruise these magnificent, ever changing waters.

Feel the sand through your toes. A beach like this may be a tranquil retreat for you to be alone with yourself.

Come, experience "paradise".

2009-07-09T13:13:00.000-07:00

Independence Day #36 BAHAMAS

As a Bahamian or a visitor what does this mean to you?

What improvements have been realized in the Bahamas?

How have the people changed or not?

Where does the Bahamas stand in relation to other countries?

How does its Education system add up?

What about its health care system?

What about its care for the elderly?

Pray tell.

2009-07-08T15:41:00.000-07:00

People who work should take a vacation. This include people who work in the home. You can vacation within your own town, your own island, your own country or out of the country.

Why stay in one place 12 months per year?

Go out there and see how others live. Explore the country side. Go bird watching. Take some books and find a quiet inexpensive hotel/motel and relax using the reading material to take you away.

Go to another country. Sometimes it is cheaper than you think.

Airfares are down, so are hotel accommodations. Check your friends and family they may have time share. House sit for someone.

There is truly no excuse why you cannot take a vacation. Think about it.