BMA Red Carpet - The men

Peoples, I know this is a bit stale now but a promise is a promise. Here are the remaining red carpet photos from last month's Barbados Music Awards. This time around, the men and the couples. All photos are the property of Bajantube.com.


Under all that hair, that's cutie singer Kirk Brown from the band Strategy. I'm not too much in love with his outfit, but his friend looks good. Kinda Tyrese-ish....


Soca maestro Edwin Yearwood of Krosfyah fame and up-and-comer Jaico make a splash on the red carpet.


Who let this poor, unfortunate soul loose on the red carpet? He looks so lost I don't have the heart to say anything bad....


I don't have enough time to itemise all the things wrong with this getup. All I can say is that it gives new meaning to the phrase matching from head to toe....


World Champion hurdler Ambassador Ryan Brathwaite and his father Eugene heat up the red carpet. The Ambassador would have looked even hotter in more formal attire though...

Later, the couples....

Memories of Rex Nettleford

One of the shining lights of Caribbean academia has been extinguished with the passing of Vice-Chancellor Emeritus of the University of the West Indies, Professor Ralston Milton 'Rex' Nettleford, on Tuesday.

I had the privilege of being taught History, Politics and Culture of the West Indies by Prof Nettleford at the Mona Campus back in the late 90's, and what an experience that was. I can see him now, perched on the edge of the lecturer's table or pacing gracefully across the class room, stopping now and then to punctuate a point with a nod or a wink. The man could lecture off the top of his head for two hours, without referring to notes.

He influenced myself and thousands of other students over the years to question and research and learn more about the history of our region and for that I will be eternally grateful. Rest well, Prof., you will be missed.

Rihanna wows at the Grammys

Congratulations to local superstar Rihanna, who not only brought glamour and sophistication to the Grammy Awards carpet last night, but won, along with Jay-Z and Kanye West, int he categories of Best Rap Song and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for "Run This Town.




Simply elegant. This look suits you, Rih-Rih. Keep it up.

Soon come back

Hey, peoples. Sorry for breaking my promise about posting last Thursday, but things are hectic now. Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho are in town and so the entire media's busy right now. So, I soon come back with more BMA pics.

To tide you over, here's a cute one of Prince Harry at the QEH on Saturday. He visited the Paediatric Ward there.



Too cute. Credit for the photo goes to the GIS. The Princes also did a number at Farley Hall during the telethon for Haiti, joining the Red Plastic Bag on stage to dance to 'Something's Happening'. I tell, yuh, you had to see it to believe it. I'm sure it's on youtube or twitter as we speak.....

Bas just won't give up

Basdeo Panday just doesn't know when to call it quits. Kamla Persad Bissessar crushed him in the election for leader of the United National Congress, but Bas says he ain't going nowhere.

Show some humility for once, Bas, and give up graciously.

Barbados Music Awards Red Carpet - The ladies

Hey, peoples. As promised, here are some of the red carpet photos from the recent Barbados Music Awards, held at the Wildey Gymnasium. All photos are the property of Bajantube.com.


These ladies made some bold fashion choices, and they paid off.


I don't know if it's the contrasting colours or the angle of the photo, but soemthing looks a bit off in the top part of this ensemble. It's a bit swimsuit-ish, not the look I think she was going for.


I'm not sure what was the purpose of the netting over the dress, but it killed the outfit entirely. Also, my dear lady....support is your friend.


This outfit screams elegance, but the gloves are a bit much for a music awards show. Unless you're Michael Jackson, leave the gloves at home.


I don't usually go for white at night, but these ladies are so picture perfect it's all good.


Damn that Betty West. That's all I have to say.


Two of the most talented women in Barbados, Terencia 'TC' Coward (left) and Natahlee Burke (right) came out on in style on the night. Their friend in the middle looked stunning as well.


This trio looked young, hip and fresh, but dem purple tights with matching ankle boots gotta go....


This is one brave lady. Papa Joe, Fantasia and PM Thompson nearly had to deliver her baby....


Local songstress Keann Walters is rocking the ish outa that lil black dress. Do you, honey, do you.


Heyyyyy, Fantasia.

Tomorrow, the men.

Barbados Music Awards

Hey, peoples. The fifth annual Barbados Music Award came off on the 10th of January, and I was all set to blog about hte winners and thr red carpet, but then the tragedy in Haiti occurred and I had to focus on that.

It was a fantastic show, by all accounts, and R&B sensation Fantasia almost literally brought the house down during her performance. Michael Jackson's father Joe was also in attendance to collect a Lifetime Achievement Award on his son's behalf.

So, it's a bit old but here's the list of winners of the 2010 BMA's.

Soca Up-Tempo Single
Edwin Yearwood- In De Middle A De Road

Soca Mid-Tempo Single (Male)
RPB- Something's Happening

Soca Mid- Tempo Single (Female)
Natahlee- What We Do

Best Social Commentary
RPB- Home Drums

Best Collaboration
Alison Hinds & Richie Spice- King and Queen

Song of the Year
RPB- Something's Happening

Album of the Year (Artist / Group)
Shontelle-Shontelligence

Album of the Year (Compilation)
Monsta Piece- AWOL

Producer of the Year
KB Sharp

Songwriter of the Year
Mr. Dale

Backing Vocalist of the Year
Indra Rudder

Instrumentalist of the Year
Darien Bailey

Best Music Video (Male)
Kirk Brown feat. Justin King & Tejay- Shawty Get

Best Music Video (Female)
Tarah- Push Back / Love De Carnival

Best New Artist
Sir Ruel

Reggae Artist of the Year
Buggy

Jazz Artist of the Year
Kellie CaDogan

Gospel Artist of the Year
Mya Daniel

Soca Artist of the Year
TC

Pop / Rock / Alternative Artist of the Year
Philip 7

Rap / Hip- Hop Artist of the Year
Ruby Tech

Soul / R&B Artist of the Year
Jaicko

Band / Group of the Year
Krosfyah

Entertainer of the Year (Male)
Edwin Yearwood

Entertainer of the Year (Female)
Alison Hinds

Song of the Decade
Rihanna- Umbrella

Band / Group of the Decade
Krosfyah

Entertainer of the Decade (Male)
Lil Rick

Entertainer of the Decade (Female)
Rihanna
________________________________________
2010 BMA HONOUREES
Cornerstone Awards
Arturo Valentino
JoAnne Sealey
Andrea Gollop- Greenidge
ANTHONY BRYAN
Natahlee
Herring
Biggie Irie
John Sealy
John Roett
Tony Thompson

Lifetime Achievement Award
Tony Hoyos

Living Legend
Marvo Manning

BMA Award of Excellence
Terencia "TC" Coward

BMA Platinum Award
Shontelle- (Shontelligence, T Shirt)

International Award of Excellence
Toni Braxton
Fantasia Barrino

International Lifetime Achievement Award (In Memoriam)
Michael Jackson

Tomorrow I'll recap some of the red carpet fashion, courtesy of Bajantube.com.

Happy 1st Anniversary, Obama + Haiti Relief Concert

Yesterday marked the first anniversary since the inauguration of US President Barack Obama, and what a bittersweet year it has been. He's had to deal with the financial crisis, opposition to his health care reform and now he's lost the major Senate seat of Massachusetts.

Anyhoo, Mr. President, keep fighting the good fight. You still have a lot of support in your corner.

Last night, Hollywood and the music industry combined to stage the Hope For Haiti benefit concert and telethon. Rihanna performed alongside Jay-Z and Bono of U2 on a beautiful track entitled "Stranded". Check it below.



Here in Bim, the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation has hit the streets today to raise donations and on January 30 Barbados will be stagin its own telethon. I'll bring more info on that as it comes to hand.

Peace, my peoples.

Haiti Relief Effort

Hey, peoples. Well, the mobilisation of relief efforts is well under way here in Bimshire. On Saturday, over $1 million was pledged through the radiothon on Starcom Network and more donations are pouring in.

I have a list of the items and personnel needed URGENTLY to assit Haiti. Check it out below, get involved.

List of Distribution Outlets

Emerald City Supermarket
Six Roads, St. Philip

Carlton A1 Supermarket
Black Rock, St. Michael

SuperCentre
Warrens, St. Michael
Worthing, Christ Church

Popular Discounts
Spooners Hill, St. Michael

Trimart Supermarkets
- Haggatt Hall, St. Michael
- Bridge Street, St. Michael
- St. Martin’s, St. Philip
- Rendezvous, Ch.Ch.
- Mile-and-a-Quarter, St. Peter

Jordans Supermarkets
- Fitts Village, St. James
- Speightstown, St. Peter

National Cultural Foundation
West Terrace, St. James
Tel: 424-0909


UWI Guild of Students
Cave Hill, St. Michael
Tel: 826-5631

WAREHOUSES

Unit# 7 BIDC Building
Six Roads
St. Philip


Opening Hours
Mondays-Fridays
-9:30 am – 10:00pm
Saturday 9:30 am –11:00pm
Sunday 9:30 am – 9:00 pm

Monetary Donations may be donated to:

First Caribbean International
Account# 1001059963

Barbados National Bank
Account# 01801513-2002

Haiti Relief Command Centre - Kensington Oval
274 - 1100
274 - 1101
274 – 1102
274 – 1106
274 – 1107
274 – 1120
274 – 1150
274 – 1151
274 – 1152
274 – 1153
274 – 1154
274 – 1155

Email: barbadoshaitirelief@gmail.com

Items Needed

NON-PERISHABLE FOOD SUPPLIES
Tuna, Sardines, Canned Milk, Dry Foods (crackers)

MEDICAL SUPPLIES
Gauze, Pain Killers (Panadols, Tylenol), First Aid Kits, Disposable Gloves, Disinfectants, Cots, Bedding, Medical Equipment, Tents

BABY SUPPLIES
Wipes, Milk, Baby Foods, Pampers

SANITARY SUPPLIES
Feminine Hygiene Napkins, Hand Sanitizers, Sanitary Wipes

SHELTER
Tents

BUILDING MATERIALS & SUPPLIES*

Cement, aggregate building blocks, lumber, PVC, Doors,
Electrical Fixtures, Construction Tools,
Windows, Sheetrock, Roofing Materials

*Please call Command Centre to make pledges.

PERSONNEL NEEDED

Medical Personnel
Emergency Medical Technicians
Surgeons
Anesthetists
General Practitioners
Internists
Obstetricians
Nurses
Midwives
Psychologists
Radiologists
Nutritionists

Construction Personnel

Civil Engineers
Carpenters
Masons
Plumbers
Electrical Installation Specialists
General Labourers

Communications Personnel

Linesmen
Technicians
ICT Specialists

RIP Teddy Pendergras

Amidst the reports of the turmoil in Haiti, the news that soul crooner Teddy Pendergrass died yesterday at the age of 59 might have gone unnoticed. I wanted to acknowledge his passing and I'll do a fave list of his songs a bit later. Oh yeah, Love TKO, Close the Door, Turn off the Lights, Wake Up Everybody, it's gonna be fun.

For now, I'll post up a video of the legend in his heyday, performing one of his hits, Close The Door. Good stuff.

Aid for Haiti

Hi, peoples. Since I last blogged Prime Minister David Thompson left the island for an emergency Caricom meeting in Jamaica, before heading to Haiti to see firsthand the devastation wrought there by Tuesday's earthquake.

Also, aid is pouring into Haiti. Trinidad and Guyana are donating US$1 million each, and President Obama has earmarked US$100 million. As I mentioned yesterday, the Starcom Network will hold a radiothon on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. to 12 noon. The numbers to call are 434-1790, 434-1791 and 434-1770. For those of you overseas, precede those numbers with 1-246.

In addition, you can deposit cash on an account set up at the Broad Street branch of First Caribbean International Bank. The account number is #2645374.

I'll update you as more information comes in.

Help Haiti!

Barbados and the rest of the Caribbean are at this moment mobilising resources to assit the people of Haiti, following the massive 7.0 earthquake which occured yesterday. So far, reports are that 20% of the island's housing stock has been destroyed. Even the Presidential Palace has been seriously damaged.

Here in Bim Starcom Network and the OCM network are arranging a radiothon on Saturday to raise funds. I'll post up the information on the numbers to call as soon as I get them.

Prime Minister David Thompson held a hastily convened press conference to address this tragedy. Here's what he had to say:

It is with a sense of profound sadness that Barbadians learnt of the earthquake that struck the nation of Haiti yesterday, January 12, 2009. While the world is only now coming to understand the scale of destruction and loss of life as the first pictures and reports are being seen and filed, initial assessments indicate that Haiti has again suffered a calamity of horrendous proportions. This comes at a time when Haiti is still recovering from a series of hurricanes which struck that nation two years ago.

At this painful and trying moment for all Haitians, I extend, on behalf of the people of Barbados, my deepest sympathy to the Government and people of Haiti and especially to those who have suffered the loss of loved ones.

I want also to give every assurance of Barbados’ support for Haiti during this difficult period as it seeks to cope with and recover from the aftermath of the earthquake. I have already been in consultation with the Heads of other CARICOM countries, particularly the Chairman, to ensure that an adequate and meaningful response to this disaster is also made by the Caribbean Community. The pain of this disaster is felt throughout the Community, and we will do whatever is in our power to show our support and solidarity with our fellow CARICOM state as it faces this terrible trauma. Our prayers and thoughts continue to be with the Government and people of Haiti during this trying time.

For this tragedy to occur after suffering four hurricanes in 2008, it's just too much. My prayers are with you, mes freres at soeurs haitiens.

Image: Damage to the Presidential Palace following the earthquake

The Top 10 Blog Stories of 2009 pt. 2

Hey peoples. I'm back with what, in my lowly opinion, were the top four blog stories of 2009. These are the news items that generated the most buzz on my blog and among the public.


4. The death of Michael Jackson
The outpouring of grief I witnessed in Bim for the late pop icon Michael Jackson is usually reserved for Prime Ministers, and left no doubt that his fans and detractors alike felt his passing. Live coverage of his funeral was viewed by hundreds in Kensington Oval and the 24 hour sessions of Jackson's hits on the radio stations were spine-tingling. RIP, MJ.


3. The Inauguration of US President Barack Obama
Barbados came to a standstill almost a year ago as persons were glued to their tv and computer screens to watch the first African American being sworn in as President of the USA. It was a day that will live on my memory.


2. Rihanna vs. Chris Brown
You all know the story on this one, so I won't bother to rehash this dark episode. You can check out my numerous posts last year on this topic. I'm done.



1. Ryan Brathwaite wins gold at the World Championships
When hurdler Ryan Brathwaite beat out his competitors to win the gold medal at the World Championships in Berlin, Barbadians were overcome with pride and joy. I was in Bridgetown when he ran and I can tell you, even the City vagrants were fussy fussy. Well done, son of the soil.

Top 10 Blog Stories of 2009

Happy New Year, y'all! Hope you had a great Christmas and I wish you good health and prosperity in 2010. I also want to welcome on board four new followers. Thanks for signing on, hope you enjoy the ride!

Anyhoo, 2009 was quite a year for news. Actually the entire decade was one that saw many firsts: the first Grammy for a Bajan singer in 2007; the first African American President of the USA in 2009 and hopefully many lasts: the fall of the Twin Towers in 2001 and the Tsunami in the South Pacific in 2004.

I checked back through my blog archives and as a sayonara to 2009, I listed what I thought were the top blog stories of that year. I ranked them based on the interest generated locally and their significance to the country. Let me know of any others you think should be included.


10. Contractor Al Barack vs. the Government of Barbados
This story is a news gift that keeps on giving in the new year. To make a long story short, about six years ago a tribunal ordered Government to pay Barack about $35million dollars for terminating his contract to construct the Warrens Office Complex. With the dragging of feet by successive administrations the figure has since grown to $65 million. At the rate things are going, with a war of words between the two sides, Barack may own all national properties lock, stock and barrel soon....


9. Usain Bolt shatters 100-metre world record
Following on from his gold medal winning ways in Beijing in 2008, Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt smoked the track at the World Championships in Berlin, lowering the 100 metre world record to 9.58 seconds. And the Caribbean rejoiced.


8. Mia Mottley vs. Owen Arthur
Those of you newbies to the blog can read all about this particular story here.


7. The Tiger Woods scandal
Tiger, Tiger, Tiger. Who knew you had it in you? I don't know whether to be impressed or disgusted. You can read my post on that matter here.

6. Barbados' new immigration policy
Further proof that the road to hell is sometimes paved with the best of intentions, Government's unveiling of a new immigration policy whereby all undocumented Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nationals living on the island for five years or more can regularise their stay here, created a furore that reverberated throughout the entire Caribbean.


5. The Swine Flu epidemic
Like a storyline straight out of Hollywood, the H1N1 or swine flu epidemic spread quickly and left hundreds of deaths in its wake. Barbados had its share of deaths as well, and with the winter season in full flight now, we can only hope that we don't see a resurgence of the virus here.

I'll be back soon with the top four news stories of 2009....

Merry Christmas, y'all!

Hey, peoples! Hope you're all enjoying the merriment and joy and peace and goodwill and all that jazz associated with this time of the year. Here in Bim we're experiencing beautiful, breezy sunny days and everything's all aglow...sigh, loves it.

Anyhoo, I wanted to wish you and yours a blessed holiday. I'm on vacay from next week, so I'm not sure how much posting I'll be doing before Christmas. There's a tree and house to decorate, traffic to navigate and shopping malls to frustrate, you all know the score.

Next year I hope to finally put pen to paper on this story I've been carrying around in my head for months. I have some new characters for you to meet; hope you all like 'em.

Take care and God Bless.

Tiger 'transgresses' + Common didn't call me!

Wuhloss. It seems that no celebrity is immune from scandal these days. On the heels of him crashing his Cadillac SUV into a fire hydrant and a tree, golf great Tiger Woods has pretty muched confessed to what has been rumoured in the last week; he's been cheating on his wfe Elin Nordegren, apparently with at least three other women!

He issued the following statement on his website yesterday:

I have let my family down and I regret those transgressions with all of my heart. I have not been true to my values and the behavior my family deserves. I am not without faults and I am far short of perfect. I am dealing with my behavior and personal failings behind closed doors with my family. Those feelings should be shared by us alone.

Although I am a well-known person and have made my career as a professional athlete, I have been dismayed to realize the full extent of what tabloid scrutiny really means. For the last week, my family and I have been hounded to expose intimate details of our personal lives. The stories in particular that physical violence played any role in the car accident were utterly false and malicious. Elin has always done more to support our family and shown more grace than anyone could possibly expect.

But no matter how intense curiosity about public figures can be, there is an important and deep principle at stake which is the right to some simple, human measure of privacy. I realize there are some who don’t share my view on that. But for me, the virtue of privacy is one that must be protected in matters that are intimate and within one’s own family. Personal sins should not require press releases and problems within a family shouldn’t have to mean public confessions.

Whatever regrets I have about letting my family down have been shared with and felt by us alone. I have given this a lot of reflection and thought and I believe that there is a point at which I must stick to that principle even though it’s difficult.

I will strive to be a better person and the husband and father that my family deserves. For all of those who have supported me over the years, I offer my profound apology.

Now, I feel personally insulted. Tiger Woods come down here to Buhbadus to marry Elin. He block up the roads leading up to Sandy Lane and yuh had to detour all bout St. James. He nearly give we heart attack with the fireworks they let off up at the country club on the wedding night. He had paparazzi mekking people miserable trying to climb up pon roofs to get photos (though some locals mek a good buck, don't fool yuh foot). And after all that he got the audacity to cheat pon she? I feel like he cheat pon me, too!

I swear that I will NEVER understand men. What dem does really want, though? To feel needed? To feel important? Cause it seems that even if you is the prettiest woman pon the face of the earth yuh gine still get cheated on.

Look at this woman, then.




I know that all that glitters ain't gold, but Elin far better looking than that cocktail waitress or them other women. Wuh Tiger want, really? He better do more than apologise, 'cause if Elin get a good lawyer she coming for dem billions! Fore!


And talking about men, that one Common, yeah that cute rapper fella, playing he come to Buhbadus and ain't call me. I hear he and Serena had a good old time here last weekend. Is alright, though. Uh still like yuh, Lonny.



Anyhoo, check out AirBourne's site here to see the pics.

Happy Independence, Barbados!!!

To all my Bajan peoples at home and abroad, to all adopted Bajans from around the world, I wish you a Happy Independence Day!

Let's give God thanks for our wonderful nation. We are blessed.

Congratulations are also extended to our newest Knights (we're still very British, ain't), Sir Philip Greaves and Sir Maurice King. I've posted the full list of honourees below.

God Bless Bim!

2009 INDEPENDENCE DAY HONOURS LIST


KNIGHT OF ST. ANDREW

For extraordinary and outstanding achievement and merit in service to Barbados or to humanity at large.


1. Mr. Philip Marlowe Greaves, Q.C.

For his distinguished career and his outstanding service and contribution to Barbados and public life.

2. Mr. Maurice Athelstan King, Q.C.

For his distinguished service and contribution to the legal profession and public service.


COMPANION OF HONOUR

For distinguished national achievement and merit.

1. Mr. John Andrew Connell, Q.C.

For his public service contribution to the legal profession.

2. Mr. Lionel Seymour Craig

For his outstanding contribution in the area of community service.

3. Mr. Robert Livingstone Morris, GCM

For his outstanding contribution to the labour movement.


GOLD CROWN OF MERIT

For highly meritorious service or achievement in science, the arts, literature, sports, civic duties or any other endeavour worthy of national recognition.

1. Mr. Winston Alfred Cox
For his contribution to central banking and his meritorious contribution to the Region on economic matters.

2. Dr. Juliet Michelle Daniel

For her highly meritorious work in the area of cancer research.

3. Mr. Owen Lynderson Estwick

For his highly meritorious service in the area of public administration and cricket administration.

4. Mr. Joseph Cecil Ince

For his highly meritorious service in the area of tourism in particular cruise tourism.

SILVER CROWN OF MERIT

For meritorious service or achievement in science, the arts, literature, sports, civic duties or any other endeavour worthy of national recognition.

1. Mr. Ryan McDonald Brathwaite

For his winning a Gold Medal in the 110 metre hurdles at the 2009 World Championships in Berlin.

2. Mr. Jerston Sherlock Clarke

For his meritorious service in the area of athletic coaching.

3. Miss Elizabeth Eileen Alice Deane

For her meritorious service to horse racing in Barbados and the Caribbean.

4. Dr. Edward Augustus Layne

For his meritorious service in promoting Barbados and developing linkages with the Atlanta business community.


BARBADOS SERVICE STAR

For meritorious work in the civil, fire, military, police, prison or other protective services or any other similar field of endeavour.

1. Miss Eleanor Elaine Catlyn

For her contribution to nursing.

2. Mrs. Yvette Patricia Scantlebury

For 25 years of service to Government working in Cabinet Office.

3. Mr. Desmond Charles Weekes

For his contribution to the development and promotion of spouge music.

4. Rev. Dr. Carlyle DaCosta Williams

For his contribution to religion, in particular to the Wesleyan Holiness Church.

5. Miss Sylvia Oneta Wilkinson

For her contribution to the public service.

BARBADOS SERVICE MEDAL

For meritorious work in the civil, fire, military, police, prison or other protective services or any other similar field of endeavour.

1. Ms. Joan Wilma Glasgow

For her outstanding contribution to the community.

2. Mr. Frank Herbert Reid

For his outstanding contribution to education.

3. Mr. Weldon Adolphus Spencer

For his contribution to the community and in particular his contribution to the Police Force.

4. Mrs. Marseta Bynoe-Walcott

For her contribution to community development, in particular, her work with youth and civic organisations in Christ Church.

5. Ms. Evelyn Margarette Walcott

For her contribution to the hospitality industry.


BARBADOS BRAVERY MEDAL

For acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances.

1. Mr. Terry Tyrone Omar Ifill

For his act of bravery in rescuing two visitors from drowning while swimming at Bathsheba, St. Joseph, on September 2, 2009.

2. Mr. Victor Leon Lewis

For his act of bravery in rescuing two visitors from drowning while swimming at Bathsheba, St. Joseph, on September 2, 2009.

Vincentians reject new Constitution

Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves must not be in a good mood right now. Oh well, that's life. Read all about it here.

Fave Old Time Proverbs

Hi, peoples. Here's another flashback to one of my 2007 Independence posts. Enjoy.

As a "grandmother child" (i.e. child raised by grandparents), I grew up hearing a lot of Bajan proverbs and sayings that remain with me till this day. We Bajans have some very colourful sayings and here are 10 of my favourites:

10. Every fool got ‘e sense:
No matter how dull and ignorant, everybody is knowledgeable in one area or the other.


9. Cat luck en' dog luck
What one person may get away, may cause problems for another.

8. When yuh en' got horse, ride cow:
Utilize whatever resources you have available.

7. Don’t tek a six for a nine:
Do not misunderstand a person’s real intentions.

6. De berry don’ drop too far from de tree:
Children inherit traits and attitudes from their parents.

5. De higher de monkey climb, de more 'e show 'e tail:
The more you show off, the more your faults are brought to the open.

4. Evah skin-teet en' a laugh:
Not all outward signs of friendliness should be taken as genuine.

3. One smart dead at two smart door:
No matter how smart you think you are, there is somebody smarter than you.

2. Yuh could hide and buy ground but yuh can’t hide and wuk it:
It is impossible to hide your actions all the time.

1. De sea ain’t got nuh back door:
The sea is not that safe a place; take every precaution necessary.

For more proverbs, check Bajanfuhlife.com.

How to make conkies

What's Independence in Bim without conkies? Find out how to make them here.

Independence Cheese flashback

It's blue, yellow and black time again in Bim and I thought I'd share some of my fave posts from November 2007. Every day until November 30th I'll try to post one for you all.

THe first up is some pics of Bridgetown all lit up for Independence. You can find them here

Rihanna needs to wuk-up

Hey peoples! It's good to be back with you and I hope you're all well out there. Thanks for sticking around and gracias muchisimo for your mail.

Well, last night the American Music Awards went down in Los Angeles and of course home girl Rihanna took to the red carpet and the stage.





Love the cut out rose motif, hate the hair ....

And she performed a set which included the singles 'Hard' and the 'Wait Is Ova' off her new album Rated R, released today, in this outfit:



She reminds me of Charlize Theron in Aeon Flux for some reason, or that chick from the Bruce Willis movie The Fifth Element . Anyhoo, I know I'm going to get a lot of flack for this, but I gotta say that I find Rihanna's performances boring. She wears eye-catching outfits, she has a lot of props, but sorry, she needs to work on her stage presence. And I think I've found just the way for her to improve her shows. She needs to wuk up. Seriously.

It worked wonders for Shakira and Beyonce, and even Lady Gaga is trying a thing these days. All Rihanna has to do is check soca queen Allison Hinds when next she's back home for some lessons. She gine sort she out real good.

Images: theybf.com

Rihanna's 'Russian Roulette' video

Hey, peoples. Check out Rihanna's video for her new hit 'Russian Roulette', quick quick before it gets pulled down.

Serena's coming to BIM

Tennis ace Serena Williams will be in Barbados later this month for a tennis clinic for kids, and I'm pretty excited. She clawed her way back to the top of the rankings this year and really proved her metal.

Can't wait to see her, and I wonder if she's bringing her guy Common? If she does, hold me back, y'all!

Rihanna is simply GLAMOURous

Congratulations to Barbadian superstar Rihanna, who was presented with Glamour Magazine's Woman of the Year Award on Monday night. Not a bad way to end a pretty rough year.

Folks are raving over her gown, which does wonders to highlight her svelte figure, but I guess I'm not that into haute couture. I'll be kind and leave it there.




Now this gown, which she wore to an afterparty, I likey very much, though it's split so high it could cut her throat. Do you, Rih-Rih, do you.


Images: theybf.com

The Rihanna 20/20 Interview

Here's Rihanna's 20/20 interview with Diane Sawyer, aired last Friday. Although I'm skeptical in terms of the timing of the whole interview, she does sound sincere and truly shaken up by the ordeal. Hopefully she can move on with her life now.

Catching up again

Hey, peoples. I swear everytime I get bogged down in work etc, things get interesting around here and I can't get a chance to blog.

Since I last posted, we had a former PM going at it with his former deputy, and now Ms. Rih-Rih has broken her silence on the Chris Brown debacle, just in time to promote her new album....

Anyhoo, first things first.



The Owen Arthur/Mia Mottley "showdown" was an eye opener, not so much for what was said, but for what really wasn't said. Let me break it down for you folks who aren't clued into the political scene in Bimshire.

For about 14 years and up until January 1998, Barbados was led by Prime Minister Owen Arthur. In the latter stage of his administration, he had as his Deputy Mia Mottley. However, prior to the last election, he overlooked Mottley in favour of former Opposition Leader (yes I said Opposition Leader) Clyde Mascoll to be the co-leader of the Barbados Labour Party.

When the BLP's plans for re-election went to hell in a handbasket, it was alleged that that party decided to do some bloodletting, and Arthur was the chief victim. Mia Mottley was named Leader of the Oppposition and Arthur faded quietly into the sunset.

Or so it was thought. Bear in mind, Owen Arthur still had his fans, and many still believed he was the best choice to lead the BLP. That led to all kinds of perceptions of a power struggle in the BLP camp, and Ms. Mia finally put her foot down and went public, requesting a referendum of her parliamentary council on who they wanted for a leader.

Arthur didn't turn up for the vote, which Mottley won, but the next day held a press conference and put his former deputy on blast.

"The challenge facing Ms Mottley and the party is not within the parliamentary group. The challenge is to have a leader who enjoys wide aceptance and acceptability in the wider society and wide acceptance in the parliamentary party.

"That cannot be resolved by a vote among the parliamentary group," he said.

Arthur advised that his former protégée now needed to "recognise that there are things that you may like to do that could affect the standing of your party"; prepare herself for the fact that everybody was not going to like her; and immerse herself and "work harder than anybody else".

In typical Arthur style, he appeared to state his lack of interest in contesting Mottley's leadership of the party, but in fact threw her to the wolves by raising a lot of unanswered questions. And what did he mean by Mottley needing to "recognise that there are things that you may like to do that could affect the standing of your party"? You better ask a friend here in Bim, 'cause I ain't touching that one....

And now Ms. Robyn Rihanna Fenty. Girlfriend has finally gone public about her treatment at the hands of what's his name, sitting down with Diane Sawyer in an interview that will air on ABC'S 20/20 tonight. Snippets have hit the web, and I've posted two for you below.





Serious stuff. You all know Brown's camp is going to retaliate in some way, with his album coming out in a few weeks. Keep your chin up, Rih-Rih.