I AM WELLNESS 2 by iammagazinett

MISSION Enlighten, Expose, Educate & Empower. THE I AM FAMILY Creative Consultant/Puzzle Writer: Fleur Wheeler Youth Consultant/Model: Tiffany N. V. Duncan Cartoonist: Miguel Lashley Feature Writer: Ifarounke Deidre Prescod Feature Writer: Shanice Musgrave Feature Writer: Tammy Guy-Granderson Sex Educator: Onika Henry Holistic Health Writers: Kenya Gale & Dr. Caroline Alexis-Thomas Researcher/Writer Elder Issues: Katharine Inniss Neo-Natal Consultant: Marissa A. Callender Head Writer: Patricia Nicole Whiteman Assistant Editor: Shaun Biggart-Hutchinson Editor: Eutille E. Duncan FRONT AND BACK COVERS Mt. Irvine Back Bay Photograph by Tiffany Duncan WAIZ D SCN COVER TSTT Park at Flamingo Avenue Sou Sou Lands Photograph by Patricia Nicole Whiteman KEEPING IT REAL COVER Croton Dam, Croton-on-Hudson, New York Photograph by Marissa A. Callender ROOTS & CULTURE COVER Photograph by G. Benny Watkins MY BROTHERâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S KEEPER COVER Mural at Gardenside Street, Scarborough. Photograph by Shaun Biggart-Hutchinson

MAGAZINE LAYOUT AND DESIGN Eutille E. Duncan

Dear R EDITO e This is aders; R’S N s OTE. and m ue continues ental w t o lo ok at ellness the im . portan Join w t issue ith us s of a in this seek to buse ca each o be each othe mpaign of a ther wit w r h emp s’ keeper in areness and athy, lo every c action. ve and We als ir Let u compa cumstance o publi and tre s s s h poe throug s io n . at h t land’s articles on ry from deep health recent t h in kin history a and re nd well bein g youth, offe port on g We hop r advic local n , look back e you e at the e ews. njoy. isThank you. Eutille. E Editor Duncan

IN DEFENCE OF THE CHILD

CREATIVITY COVE

IN DEFENCE OF THE CHILD BULLYING. by Emerald Star Ashby (age 12) Do you know what Bullying is ? Well let me tell you what I know. There are several types of bullying: There is Verbal Bullying, Cyber Bullying, Physical Bullying and Social Bullying. Verbal Bullying includes name calling, insults, teasing etc. Cyber Bullying includes overt or covert bullying behaviour using digital technologies; including hardware such as computers and smart phones and software such as social media, text messages etc. Physical Bullying includes hitting, kicking , tripping etc. Social Bullying includes lying and spreading rumors etc. The most common type of bullying happening in schools is Physical Bullying. This type of bullying happens in most schools around the island. I go to Speyside High School and this type of bullying happens in my school. It happens to children but they just donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to talk about it. Bullying is not a good thing for someone to be going through. It makes you feel down and sad. It feels like this ball of depression is building inside of you. It even makes you think of bad things. So parents, teachers and especially children let us help to stop bullying. Sometimes children are not being treated well at home, so they decide to take their feelings out on an innocent child/children. So parentsâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;talk to your child or children and be calm with them so they would not have to bully anyone else'sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; child.

CREATIVITY COVE TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN by Tulani James I am 16 years old and attend Harmon School of Seventh Day Adventists. I like reading, writing stories and photography. Reading Nancy Drew and Enid Blyton books inspired me to write because I loved words and was fascinated by the way you could make them into sentences and then stories. There was a ‘charm’ in their words and whenever I read their books, I felt it. I wanted to feel that ‘charm’ all the time and create it for myself so I started writing and it is now something I just have to do. It is something that is a part of me.

I guess your fingers aren't tired yet Are they? Not as yet I guess Furiously typing you target take and taint The souls of the ones who think they aren't worth much The ones who think they aren't worth much You type ’til your fingers bleed And type ’til your fingers bleed Tap tapping and smashing at the keyboard or your cracked phone screen You irritate and hurt like a hangnail Your words are horrible like liquid lye In the end you'll get what's coming to you Life's got a box of ammunition Just waiting to take its shot at people like you So keep doing what you do Coward behind a screen You're being mean Heart unclean Tearing people down Just like Wolverine And it's the truth I'm speaking While you persistently Tweak and leak People's darkest secrets And it's revealing You need healing Your words are like C-4 explosives And the bomb squad is desperately needed To keep you from blowing to smithereens The hearts of the ones who are suffering They were almost there you know? A new heart was knocking at the door Their names were high up on the transplant list But what you did Blew their chances to nothing Life support will only keep them for so long Until it's shut off and the beep of the flat line resounds and Soon disappears into the ruins of the blown-up wall

No round of applause The curtains are closed The lights are off The seats are empty I hope you're satisfied with the destruction you've caused The pain you inflicted Because one fine day When the birds are singing And the breeze is blowing There's going to be a knock at your door And you'll start running See what they did to Escobar? Ah! Alas. Just like I promised Remember? Life's on the other side of that door Looks like it's finally caught up with you And redemption saves no fool So how does it feel? Now that the tables have turned? You're stealing the show The curtains are open Got my feet propped up Popcorn at the ready Waiting to see, if the lesson is learned

HIV/AIDS AND HOW TO PREVENT IT by Jelani Frank Jelani Frank is a 16 year old student of Signal Hill Secondary School. He enjoys Visual Arts and travelling around the world. What is it I hearing here in Tobago, Some people turning HIV/Aids into a pappy show. I hear a young lady sent a few names out there on WhatsApp, Let me tell you all what I say to that. It is forty-six names to be exact. HIV/AIDS have far reaching effects, And sooner or later it will end with death. And as we live our lives with each passing day, We get up knowing HIV/AIDS is not going away HIV/Aids you are a disease anyone can get, That steals your health it makes you live with regret. And HIV/Aids you were born out of man's sin, And now you are living secretly inside his skin. HIV/AIDS have a name but no face, It can be shared by anyone in any race. So mother, father, brother, sister, son or daughter, Protect yourself and your life partner. How? Husbands and wives must be faithful to one another, Young boys and girls before having sex, check the doctor. And practice safe sex by using a condom, And by getting tested regularly as you go along Written on September 20, 2018.

Photograph by Fleur Wheeler

DEPRESSION by Chris-Anne Esther Hyocinth John (age 15) Feeling to kill Tried to use a mill, Jump off a hill, All because of the raise of a bill. Feeling down Watching people with crowns Having no money All taken by somebody Trying to borrow But I have no faith now Having nowhere to go, not a single place I surely lost the race. Thoughts running through my head My life is dead now No-one to pick me up, Can someone drop a penny in my cup?

Blue Sky, Photograph by Marissa A. Callender

ABUSE by Chris-Anne Esther Hyocinth John (age 15) Beating me, Boxing me, Kicking me, Abusing me Taking my whole youth away But I have to stay. Hitting me on my head Jamming me against the bed. Kissing me on my cheeks Licking my ears I didn’t like it But I had to give in to it Only shouting and telling me to come Having to stay in that lonely home Having nowhere to go Watching my life drift away Calling out my name Just to do the same It’s a crime Its overtime. Sitting alone It’s cold Watching people pass Looking through the glass

IF YOU KNOW OF ANY ACTS OF ABUSE BEING PERPETRATED AGAINST OUR MOST PRECIOUS RESOURCE AND HOPE FOR THE FUTURE YOU CAN TAKE ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING STEPS: * CALL CHILDREN’S AUTHORITY HOTLINE: 996 OR 800-2014 SEND A FAX: 625-4986 * CALL CHILDLINE: 800-4321 * EMAIL A REPORT TO REGISTRY@TTCHILDREN.ORG * MAIL A REPORT 35A WRIGHTSON ROAD, PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD. * OR PLEASE VISIT THE NEAREST POLICE STATION. IN TOBAGO THE CHILD PROTECTION UNIT IS LOCATED ON THE GROUNDS OF OLD GRANGE POLICE STATION, CURRENTLY LOCATED AT MAIN ROAD CARNBEE, OPPOSITE PENNY SAVERS SUPERMARKET.

EXPRESSIONS

SEXUAL SENSE

SPIRITUAL VIBRATIONS

BABY TALK

HEALTH GURU

AFTER THE VOWS 13

AFTER THE VOWS with Eutille E. Duncan Do you ever wonder what happens after the vows? After a long or sometimes short dreamy courtship, when a man decides to propose on bended knee to the woman whom he hopes will be his wife and the mother of his children and that they will live happily ever after. What really happens after the excitement and frenzy leading up to the glitz and glamour of the fairy tale wedding day is over? After the romantic ceremony, Hollywood style photo shoot, clinking sounds of over filled long stemmed glasses, eloquent speeches and toasts, delectable dishes, cutting of elaborately constructed and decorated cakes and cheek to cheek dancing. What is life like together as Mr. and Mrs. after the music stops and the guests have gone? What really happens after it is time to slip off the princely suit and princess dress?

HUSBAND AND WIFE BUSINESS It is a common maxim on this island that "I ent getting in no husband an' wife business! Because when dey make back is me de guh be vex wid!" But how and when should this maxim be applied? Is it relevant to every situation or is there a point when we as extended family, friends, and neighbours need to intervene? What do we do if we see a common law or married couple in a situation of domestic abuse? At what point do we decide it is no longer "husband an' wife business" but community business. Is it when the first loud "cuss out" occurs between them? Is this the point when it becomes our business? Is it when we see her with a black eye or a "swell up face"? Is this the point when it becomes our business? Is it when he is liming on the block with us and he declares: "Ah guh kill dat woman yes!" Do we let it slide and pass it off as "ole talk" and "he only making joke"? Is it when we hear her screaming for help because he is physically abusing her? Is this the point when it becomes our business, or do we close our windows and turn up our T.V. so as to not hear the noise? Is it when she runs to our door severely wounded, barefoot, naked and covered in blood - begging to be let in? Is it finally our business then? Or do we allow him to catch her and drag her away? When does it become our business? Is it when we get up the next morning to find her dead? Is it then that we finally take action? Is it at this point that we frantically run to our cell phones and call the police? Is it only our business after the fact? If this is so then we are unbelievably hypocritical, because are we not the ones who say "buh why she doh leave he, only quarreling, quarreling all the time? Wha' she waiting for, to geh out ah dat?" But then if she tries to leave are we willing to take her in? Or does the shelter of "marriage" - whether common law or governmental law - shackle us and make us afraid to step outside the prevailing social norms of our society; and by our silence and inaction continue to stand with the abuser? At what point do we find the courage to stand up for what is right, and against what is so obviously wrong?

THE DEPARTMENT OF GENDER AFFAIRS IN THE DIVISION OF HEALTH WELLNESS AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT, TOBAGO HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY was kind enough to provide us at with statistical information which shows the prevalence of the problem of Domestic Violence/Abuse. The data indicated that The National Domestic Violence Hotline had a total of 445 reports of instances of violence for the stated period. Whereas the overall reported instances of Domestic Violence throughout Trinidad and Tobago over the period were 1125. The data also indicated that all ethnicities in the two islands are affected by the problem, and that abuse ranged from physical force to the use of weapons including cutlasses and firearms. According to the research although men sometimes suffered from domestic violence women were by in large the main victims. and they were dispersed across both islands with Tunapuna–Piarco showing the highest amount of reported cases and Tobago showing the lowest. For 2018 the data showed that in Tobago a “pre-school teacher was viciously beaten to death with a hammer in Lambeau.” LET US PUT A STOP TO DOMESTIC VIOLENCE/ABUSE BEFORE IT ESCALATES TO THE POINT OF DEATH. LET US DO OUR BEST TO HELP THOSE IN OUR MIDST. IF YOU OR ANYONE YOU KNOW IS A VICTIM OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE OR ABUSE PLEASE CONTACT ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING: ∗

THE NATIONAL DOMESTIC VIOLENCE HOTLINE: 800–SAVE (7283)

∗

THE DEPARTMENT OF GENDER AFFAIRS IN THE DIVISION OF HEALTH WELLNESS AND FAMILY DEVELOPMENT, TOBAGO HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, HABIB BUILDING. PHONE: 639-3395 OR 729-5818

∗

POLICE EMERGENCY: 999 IF RESIDENT IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

OTHER AGENCIES COMMITTED TO THE PROTECTION OF WOMEN ARE: ∗ The Shelter for Battered Women and Children ∗ The Business and Professional Women’s Club - Halfway House ∗ Madinah House ∗ Nekevah Rescue Centre ∗ Rape Crisis Society ∗ Serenity Place for Empowerment of Women ∗ Myrtles Place ∗ Eternal Light Community ( Vision of Hope and Goshen ) If you or anyone you know is generous enough to open the door, pull the curtains aside and allow us to peek into their married world, so we can share and inspire others, please contact us at email: iammagazinett@gmail.com or call (868)-714-0924/(868)-393-6725/ (868)-707-3668

Mt. Irvine, Back Bay at Twilight. Photograph by Tiffany Duncan

SEXUAL SENSE with Onika Henry B.A., M.Ed. Human Sexuality, CSC

HOW DOES THIS STILL HURT?: THE IMPACT OF SEXUAL ABUSE PART 2 How Does Sexual Abuse Impact You? Author Wendy Maltz has described a “Sexual Effects Inventory” to help people identify how sexual abuse may still be influencing them sexually. The inventory takes victims through a series of statements from which the reader must identify as something fully or partially agreed with. Each survivor’s experience is unique, so there is no right or wrong set of answers. Below is an excerpt from the chapter on “Identifying The Sexual Impact,” from her book “The Sexual Healing Journey: A Guide for Survivors of Sexual Abuse.” Remember, there are many more statements under each category, so this just gives you a sense of the kind of statements it includes. Please note also that many of these statements apply where no sexual abuse has occurred, because we also live in a sex-negative society where miseducation, misinformation and negative messages about sexuality are the norm. SEXUAL EFFECTS INVENTORY (An excerpt) Put a check mark (√) in front of each statement you agree with and a question mark (?) in front of each statement you sometimes or partially agree with. Attitudes about Sex Sexual abuse generates negative, false attitudes about sex. These become hidden from your consciousness. You may have difficulty separating abusive sex from healthy sex. This mind-set can affect every aspect of a victim’s sexuality: sexual desire, sexual expression, sex roles, intimate relationships, knowledge of sexual functioning, and sense of morality. _____ I feel sex is a duty I must perform. _____ I feel sex is power to control another person. _____ I believe having sex is all that matters. _____ In sex, one person wins and one person loses. _____ Sex feels dirty to me. _____ I think sex benefits men more than women. _____ I feel sex is a game. _____ Sexual energy seems uncontrollable. _____ I think males have a right to demand sex from women. 2. Sexual Self-Concept Sexual abuse, and its consequences, can subconsciously influence how you feel 17 about yourself and about sex. You may now see yourself as sexually damaged,

Onika Henry M.Ed. Human Sexuality TOBAGO-BASED SEX EDUCATOR AND SEX COACH (CSC): CONSULTS, DESIGNS PRESENTATIONS, PROVIDES WORKSHOPS, TRAINING AND PSYCHO-EDUCATIONAL COUNSELLING, ADDRESSES SEXUAL HEALTH CONCERNS. Contact: (868)-381-3049 Email:ohenrybusiness@gmail.com www.onikahenry.com suffering a poor sexual self-concept. Or you may have developed a self-concept that is inflated, where you believe you’re more powerful as a result of sex. _____ My sexuality is disgusting. _____ I hate my body. _____ I am confused whether I’m gay or straight.* _____ I feel I will lose control if I let myself go sexually. _____ I don’t like certain sexual parts of my body. _____ I want sex for all the wrong reasons. _____ I have to stay in control during sex. _____ I don’t have a right to deny my body to any partner who wants it. _____ I can be loved only to the extent I can give sexually. _____ I am oversexed. _____ There are some things I have done sexually that I can never forgive myself for. _____ I’d be happiest in a world where sex didn’t exist. _____ I couldn’t live in a world without sex. _____ I deserve whatever I get sexually. 3. Automatic Reactions to Touch and Sex Sexual abuse can create a conditioned or automatic way of reacting to touch and sex. Some survivors get panicky, avoid sexual possibilities, and want to run the other way when sexually approached. Others freeze and feel helpless and unable to protect themselves. Still others get overexcited and may recklessly seek dangerous sexual encounters. Flashbacks to sexual abuse may arise and interfere with sexual relating and satisfaction. _____ I am afraid of sex. 18 _____ I have little interest in being sexual.

_____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____

I am afraid of some sexual body parts. I am preoccupied with sex. I am bothered by sexual thoughts I can’t control. When I get horny I feel extremely anxious. I feel especially powerful when I’m having sex. I constantly look for sexual opportunities. I believe that when a person touches me, he or she wants to have sex with me. I lose all power to protect myself when sexually approached. I often have flashbacks to past sexual abuse during sex. During sex my mind feels separate from my body. I feel like I’m another person when I have sex. I experience negative feelings such as fear, anger, shame, guilt, or nausea with sexual touch. _____ I get sexually aroused when I don’t want to be. _____ I often feel emotionally pained after sex. _____ I am very sensitive to certain smells, sights, sounds, or sensations during sex. 4. Sexual Behaviour Sexual abuse can shatter our capacity for healthy sex. You may have been taught abusive patterns of sexual behaviour and introduced to unhealthy, compulsive, abnormal sexual activities. Now as a reaction you may associate your sexual expression with secrecy and shame. Some survivors may withdraw from sex, preventing any fresh discovery of healthy sex. Sometimes survivors act out or relive the abuse in a subconscious attempt to resolve deep-seated emotional conflict related to the original abuse. _____ I am unable to say no to sex. _____ I feel I have no physical boundaries when it comes to sex. _____ I need to be under the influence of alcohol or other drugs to really enjoy sex. _____ I spend money to have sex. _____ I engage in medically risky sexual behaviour (using no protection against disease or pregnancy). _____ I act out sexually in ways hurtful to others. _____ I have sex when I really don’t want to. _____ I am confused as to what is appropriate and inappropriate touch in dating. _____ I am unable to stay away from pornography when I want to quit. _____ I often rely on abusive pornography to turn me on. _____ I find it hard to say no to unwanted sexual touch. _____ My sexual behaviours have caused problems with my primary relationship, my work, or my health. 5. Intimate Relationships Sexual abuse influences a survivor’s ability to establish and maintain healthy sexual relationships. Abuse can interfere with our ability to make good choices. Some survivors may have difficulty selecting partners who are emotionally supportive. Other survivors may be unable to trust and feel safe with intimate partners who do care.

Survivors may fear intimacy or have a limited capacity to experience closeness. _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____ _____

I am drawn to partners who demand sex from me. I am afraid of being emotionally vulnerable in relationships. I feel obligated to please my partner in sex. My intimate relationships always fail. I have difficulty being intimate and sexual at the same time. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t trust that a partner could really be faithful to me. I hide my real feelings in an intimate relationship. I experience difficulty initiating sexual contact with a partner. Our relationship would end if we stopped having sex. I want, but am unable, to remain faithful to one intimate partner. My intimate partner reminds me of a sexual offender. My intimate partner perceives me as sexually abusive. I want to get away from my partner immediately after sex. My partner feels sexually rejected by me.

6. Sexual Functioning Problems Sexual abuse can create specific problems with sexual functioning. Abuse may have taught you unhealthy patterns of responding to sexual stimulation. Stress and anxiety that originated with abuse may continue to shadow your sexual activity. Over time these sexual problems interfere with intimacy and long-term sexual satisfaction. _____ I find it difficult to become sexually aroused. _____ I have trouble experiencing sexual sensations. _____ I do not like to touch my genital area. _____ I have difficulty achieving orgasm when I stimulate myself. _____ I have difficulty having an orgasm with a partner. _____ I am hardly ever interested in sex. _____ I over-control sexual interactions. _____ My orgasms seem more related to relieving tension than to feeling pleasure. _____ My orgasms are not very pleasurable. _____ Sex in general is not very pleasurable. _____ I am limited in the types of sexual activity I feel comfortable with. Men _____ I have difficulty getting or maintaining a firm erection. _____ I have difficulty ejaculating. _____ I ejaculate very fast. Women _____ I do not like touch to my breasts. _____ I am unable to be vaginally penetrated. _____ I experience pain or discomfort with vaginal penetration. _____ I orgasm very fast.

Maltz, Wendy. The Sexual Healing Journey: A Guide for Survivors of Sexual Abuse (Third Edition) (Kindle Locations 1355-1358). HarperCollins. Kindle Edition.

Footprints In The Sand Photograph by Tiffany Duncan

BABY TALK with Marissa A. Callender DNP, CNM

POSTPARTUM EXERCISE Physical activity is good for your overall health: 1. It helps your lungs and heart. 2. It helps strengthen your abdominal muscles. 3. It helps with mood swings and depression. 4. It helps you maintain a healthy weight. 5. It boosts energy. 6. It helps you sleep 7. It relieves stress. The U.S. Department of Health recommends healthy women receive 150 minutes a week of moderate intensity exercise. Even 10 minutes at a time is fine. Remember to start slowly. Increase the amount and intensity gradually over time. Most women can start exercising a few days after delivery - or when you feel ready. During the first six weeks after delivery, take it slow and listen to your body. Walking is the most common exercise done during this time. Other activities may be added slowly as your body heals. Avoid activities that increase bleeding or cause pain. Take it easy and be patient with yourself! Remember to: Drink water and stay hydrated Wear loose fitting clothing to keep cool Wear a supportive bra to protect your breasts Warm up /stretch first Cool down /stretch after

Photograph by Patricia Nicole Whiteman

EXPRESSIONS WOMAN KNOW YOUR WORTH by Natalie Solomon My name is Natalie Alexandra Solomon.I am a writer of poetry, songs and other readings. I write because with words I am able to express life. Whether it's a life of pain, joy sadness or other lifestyle behavioral tendencies. It can all be summed up with words that I write of the past, for the present and the future. Woman know your worth, you are a life giver, Whether you are a concubine or you are a true wife And as a tree produces fruit after their own kind What is growing in your heart, woman what is on your mind Is your heart full of madness and folly, do you think crazy thoughts, Do you have free sex, get pregnant and then want to abort. The foetus that you conceive that is growing inside you, Because suddenly you don't like the man and the things that he do. Woman we are living stones which men try and throw away, Fight back I say, woman stand up today You are bone of his bone and flesh of his flesh So woman show your worth and command his respect. Written on September 19, 2018.

Photograph by G. Benny Watkins

DID I READ THE BOOK TOO SEXILY? by Eutille E. Duncan On the 30th October 2018 an alert was sent out by the Tobago Writers Guild informing women to be careful whilst in the Scarborough Library Facility as a woman had been attacked while accessing the female bathroom. (Thankfully due to her bravery in fighting back and screaming the harm was only psychological) Often in attacks the victim is blamed for being in a dangerous place, dressing inappropriately, engaging in unsafe practices such as being intoxicated while out alone. However it is the stance of us here at that the victim is never to blame regardless of the circumstance.. Did I read the book too sexily Did I tease while turning each page? In my quest for knowledge was I flaunting my femininity in your face, Did it put you in a rage? Were you high or drunk on information overload Intoxicated by the books, So that my casual â&#x20AC;&#x153;good dayâ&#x20AC;? you interpreted as come hither looks? Was I sitting too alluringly as I downloaded research from the internet. At what point did I cross the line? You haven't answered yet? Were the legs on the chair too short, was my outfit too scholarly, Did I pull the books from the shelf way too teasingly? Did I trigger you, or is the truth that you are ill mentally? Did I Read The Book Too Sexily... While sitting in the library, So you made a safe and comfortable space, unsafe for me?

Photograph by G. Benny Watkins

SPIRITUAL VIBRATIONS with Ifarounke Deidre Prescod Researcher and author of five star Amazon.com rated book: Letters From Nigeria : Reflections of An Ifa Initiate. Ifarounke Deidre Prescod spent four years living among the Yoruba people of Nigeria, Africa researching their sociocultural and religious practices. This experience left her with a heightened awareness of the connectivity of all humanity and the need for balance of the different aspects of our being.

MENTAL HEALTH "Our mind is a part of the invisible, inspirational world of thoughts feelings attitudes beliefs and imagination. The mind is not confined to the brain and communicates with the unseen. Mental health includes the thoughts we have, and how we sort and process those thoughts. Believing and expecting something and experiencing another can be jolting and can compromise mental health through profound grief, helplessness, betrayal, abandonment. But believing something in spite of confirmed evidence to the contrary is delusion which is a mental disorder. How do we avoid mental attack and breakdown in a world that thrives on manipulation and lies and where injustice is the order of the day? Believing something is possible or true does not make it true and mental frustration can arise when we are not able to manifest our mental constructs based on what was purported as true. We are expected to be good citizens and uphold governmental views and religious belief systems as our protector and salvation. So we conform but even when we try to obey, their methods do not fulfill our needs, leading to doubt , opposed thoughts and pertinent questions yet we blindly force fit it. Confusion and delusion will step in if we do not fearlessly call a spade a spade. We have to face facts. The powers that rule through government, banking system and church do not have our best interest at heart. We are being misdirected and lied to everyday. We know this to be true by experience and the present state of the world. A world where we hold on to ancient grudges and fight wars even where the reason and the origin is obscure, where we throw away food as people are dying of starvation. We live in world where we have plundered the animal kingdom into extinction and where we are not given a fair chance because of the colour of our skin or personal preferences. A world where it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t seem to matter if we pollute, to the extreme, the natural elements that sustain us. We participate in a world where we are bent on destroying each other and our beautiful garden The Earth; the only dwelling place we have. Our mental health is determined by the quality of how of we think, feel and act and includes social well-being. It also determines how we make choices, handle stress and relate to others. Do our societies display sound mental health? I think not.

Schizophrenia is â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;a mental disease marked by a breakdown in the relation between thoughts, feelings and actions and often with delusions and retreat from social lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Oxford English Dictionary. Our core social and religious beliefs are sometimes the root cause of puzzlement primarily because at times they contradict our personal experiences. The ability to discern and make sound judgment in our daily choices is crucial. There is a difference in changing what we believe and coming from a place of disregard and disobedience. With the latter we run the risk of hurting ourselves with the mental torture of uncertainty, shame and guilt or expecting punishment - which to my mind is worse as it will eventually attract circumstances to mirror the expectation. We empower ourselves when we are confident enough to acknowledge wrong thought patterns and are not bound to repeat through blind loyalty and unnatural attachments. If we agree with the above, even in part then on closer inspection we will recognize that each of us can succumb to different degrees of mental health issues if not for vigilant management and candid interaction with those we trust. We all have issues in our personal lives where our thoughts, emotions and actions would serve us better if they were more consistent with each other. Am I constantly working towards good sound character? Do I want to acknowledge the truth about my blind spots and shortcomings? When discovered do I have the mental maturity to not torture myself with negative self talk and blame? Although I cannot change what is going on around me I could be more mindful and make a difference through my personal behavior and interaction. Truthful self inquiry is mandatory if we are to destroy the demon of delusion and renew our minds.

Pigeon Point Beach at Night. Photograph by Hilton Grant

HEALTH GURU CONTROL YOUR ANXIETY WHILE STAYING FIT by Kenya Gale BSc.PH Do you find yourself feeling like you don’t have control over anything? It is often difficult to maintain stability when life feels overwhelming. Fortunately, there is a way to regain control. Calm your mind while simultaneously improving your health and physical appearance. Exercising is an effective way to manage anxiety and maintain a peaceful and calm disposition. Exercise promotes the flow of blood to one’s brain, which in turn allows oxygen and nutrients to circulate adequately. Endorphins are released during physical activity, which generates a euphoric state of mind. Incorporating a fitness routine into your life is beneficial to both your mind and body. Don’t have the funds to commit to a gym? There are numerous activities you can engage in with little to no cost. WALKING Instead of driving or travelling by public transport make an effort to walk to nearby destinations. JOGGING/ RUNNING Start off alternating between a brisk walk and a light jog. Your endurance will increase in due time. SWIMMING Make a commitment to go to the beach [or a swimming pool] at least once a week. Your mind and body will thank you. YOUTUBE WORKOUTS We are blessed to have access to free platforms such as YouTube. This platform has various videos that can assist you as you develop your at home workout plan. YOGA Yoga has recently increased in popularity. It involves meditation and breathing techniques. Your muscles will strengthen as you consistently practice yoga. BICYCLE RIDING Ride your bicycle instead of driving or travelling by public transport to tone muscles, and also increase your heart rate. TENNIS Challenge your mental and physical strength with this intense sport. Tennis works out your entire body due to the physical demands required to effectively hit the tennis ball.

WHO IS HE?

YUH DID KNOW DAT?

BOOK TALK: ROUGH SEAS

WHEY DE LIME IS?

WHO IS HE? TOBAGONIAN PIONEER THE HONOURABLE JAMES ALPHAEUS ALEXANDER BIGGART by Shaun Biggart-Hutchinson

Tobagonian pioneer The Honourable James Alphaeus Alexander Biggart [1877-1932] was the first person of African heritage to be elected as a Member of the Legislative Council [MLC] of Trinidad and Tobago. He served between the years 1925 and 1932 and died on August 11,1932, while in office. Born June 6, 1877 in Pembroke, Tobago and baptised, according to parish records, at that village’s St. Mary’s Anglican Church on August 5, 1877 Biggart’s parents were William Thomas Biggart, a carpenter, and Sarah Eliza Biggart nee Murray. Sarah was the daughter of Brutus Murray, the former metayer who had owned Pembroke Estate (1797-1887). Biggart’s wife Marie Antoinette Biggart nee Murray was a granddaughter of Brutus Murray. Described as a ’well-to-do, politically astute, educated black professional’ James Biggart evidently excelled in his studies becoming a licenced druggist [pharmacist] and a business proprietor and Scarborough property owner. The Biggart family home on the corner of Young and Cuyler Streets in uptown Scarborough, where the social, cultural and political leader lived with his wife and daughter Edwina in a dwelling later occupied by another Tobagonian pioneer, APT James— is now the Mills Guest House.

Photograph from author’s personal archives

With the Adult Section Scarborough Library Facility named in his honour, Biggart’s contribution is becoming more widely known in Tobago. And the eponymous Library succeeds the - at that time—sole library/meeting place in Tobago, at Biggart’s Hall, conceived of and opened to the public in 1911. A decade later the civic leader was a member of the Committee which established Tobago’s first public library. An active campaigner and participant in several social and cultural groups and at onetime the president of the Scarborough Literary Debating Society, Biggart is quoted as stating, in April 1911, that: “The world is preparing for a great crisis, the universal emancipation of the human intellect from the slavery of ignorance. This is the silent, steady but sure revolution working in society and it is upon those who are now young that the conduct of this mighty movement will devolve.” Ahead of his time in many ways the Tobagonian advocate proposed equal access to education for both girls and boys and in 1909 he submitted an appeal to the colonial Governor for the establishment of a secondary school in Tobago. At that time secondary education was a privilege for those who could pay and who usually sent their

children to Trinidad. Biggart’s campaign took more than a decade to be crowned with success and after determined lobbying the Anglican Church Committee, led by Biggart as well as a Mr TJ Baldwin and others— and endorsed by the Right Reverend Bishop Arthur Anstey—Archdeacon Davies, agreed to proposals to raise funds to erect what would be named the Bishop’s High School for Tobago. The institution was officially opened to its first 27 students on 21 September 1925 by one James AA Biggart. Biggart rose to prominence as a leader and advocate for Tobago at a time when the British colonial authorities were openly promoting and defending notions of white supremacy, the ‘white man’s burden’ and the supposed innate inferiority of people of African and Caribbean descent. As a living embodiment of the irrationality of this unPhotograph from author’s personal archives scientific theory Biggart can be placed alongside Caribbean and African American peers such as Edward Wilmot Blydon, Henry Sylvester-Williams, WEB Du Bois, Marcus Garvey, Booker T Washington, Frederick Douglass and others who used their talent, education and positions to campaign for justice and equality and through their word and deed personified the intellectual standing of people of African descent. PRINCIPAL CAMPAIGNS IN WHICH JAMES AA BIGGART WAS ACTIVE: On discrimination against Tobagonians in respect of education, and eligibility to sit exams on same basis and on equal terms with Trinidadian counterparts active in expressing concerns at disparity in wages of Tobagonian Public Works Dept labourers compared to their Trinidadian counterparts the opening of a lime juice factory lobbying for a resident dentist for Tobago lobbying for police, fire stations, government services for rural areas, an ambulance service for the island and health office at Delaford village, geriatric care, care for mentally ill citizens development of Tobago’s infrastructure, roads, bridges, improvement of sea communications and education, establishment and improvement of markets, postal services and post offices and wireless and telephone services, construction of a market in Roxborough, the erection of a bridge over the Louis d’Or River, alleviating unemployment through seasonal work; provision of [joint] T & T government services in and for Tobago archiving and curating of Tobagonian history, culture and heritage consideration of increased funding for and supporting scholarships to secondary schools, representation on boards of education for Tobagonians, advocacy and request/demand for an inspector of schools for Tobago successful advocacy for co-educational secondary education in Tobago; lobbying for

Bishops High School and In the face of opposition from the churches in Trinidad, he attained the Government’s agreement to make BHS an assisted school affiliated to Queens Royal College. pharmacist to the Heart and Hand Friendly Society established by St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, Scarborough [January 1906] Secretary of the Anglican Guild of St. Mary’s in Pembroke [1914] Member of the Vestry and Churchwarden at St. Andrew’s Church, Scarborough President of the Scarborough Brotherhood (Methodist Church) Lay representative of the Anglican Church, Tobago First President of the Scarborough Club—a society formed for recreation and literary pursuits [1920] Cofounder and Secretary of Tobago Star Lodge (No. 8869, Oddfellows) President of Stingo Cricket Club, the Tobago champions [1912] President of Scarborough Literary and Debating Club [1911]

Photograph from author’s personal archives

WHEY DE LIME IS? We Trinbagonians are always looking for ah lime. Whether the occasion is formal or laid back we are constantly on the look out for the perfect spot to kick back and let it all hang out. In this issue of I Am Magazine we recommend two spots that you can visit to ease the stress and tensions of your busy life.

APEX BAR AND GRILL by Rodney Piggott, President, Tobago Writers Guild Apex Bar and Grill is one of Tobago’s prestigious dining and liming venues that is affordable to any entertainment budget. Their tagline ‘The art of liming’ is well deserved. The bar caters to those with ‘top-shelf’ tastes as comfortably as it does to those with smaller budgets. Exotic mixed drinks will delight your palate, while their range of lagers and ales is sure to quench your tropical thirst. The Grill is to dine for offeringdishes from poulette to fish and other treats of meats. Apex Bar and Grill provides the perfect mix of drinks and edibles in an atmosphere suitable for all ages. It is family owned and family friendly. The nightlife at this fine establishment is replete with local artistes presenting Tobago’s sounds for the world stage. The venue is the perfect environment to catch Tobago’s emerging open mic scene hosted by The Next Chapter every 1st Sunday. This intimate event witnesses Tobago’s up and coming Spoken Word artists, poets, writers, singers and musicians as they take their craft to the next level, or join the journey of the first-time performer sharing experiences crafted into words that inspire. Whatever your entertainment desire, Apex Bar and Grill invites you to experience the art of liming at their all new location, the Genie Plaza, bottom of Stumpy’s by-pass road, 33 corner Store Bay Local Road, Canaan.

LEH WE GO CAFÉ DOWN LOW by Rodney Piggott, President, Tobago Writers Guild Probably Tobago’s only 100% al fresco venue for fine dining and liming. Proprietor Chezelle Powder and family have raised the bar on outdoor venues by providing an eclectic indoor dining and liming environment within the landscape of nature. One may be tempted to think it’s a painting, with rustic brush strokes of artistically crafted outdoor furniture, accented by modernized glitter. It is perhaps Tobago’s most glamorous way to dine and lime outdoors. Enjoy fresh home-made foods daily from rabbit to fish; pork lovers will relish well balanced edibles garnished with fresh vegetables and tasty dumplings. Café Down Low gives that extra something that Tobago has been longing for. They have solved the equation of how to use Tobago’s unique landscape while providing Tobago’s local foods and drinks to the many tourists who favor this venue together with the locals who visit it daily. Sit at the hand-made surround-seat- bar or recline in the rock garden setting surrounded by tall shade trees. Sip some exotic wine, quench your tropical thirst with a local or international beer, or locally made seasonal fruit juices - sorrel, mauby, or passion fruit to name a few. And if that isn’t enough, for the cigar lover, aficionado, or experimenter, Café Down Low now boasts the only humidor in Tobago, and perhaps the Caribbean, for their exotic range of cigars. The outdoor setting with the constant sea breeze is perhaps the best environment to safely and guiltlessly enjoy your passion for a good Cuban. Sip on your favorite cognac, rum, whiskey, or a hot cup of Brazilian coffee. Have it your way, at Café Down Low, located on the Buccoo Main Road, on the way to Sunday School.

Photographs by Café Down Low.

Photograph by Patricia Nicole Whiteman

BOOK TALK: ROUGH SEAS with Shaun Biggart-Hutchinson

The Bocas and The Bulldog – The Story of Sea Communication Between Trinidad and Tobago. By Constance McTair The more things change, the more they stay the same. Trinidadians and Tobagonians are well familiar with the ongoing crisis on the air and sea bridges. After 18 months of consistent challenges associated with transport of passengers and cargo between the two islands bad memories evaporated with the maiden voyage of the Galleons Passage on Monday 08 October 2018. The recently acquired vessel having departed Port of Spain at 6:07 a.m. arriving at the Scarborough Port at 10:40 a.m. Euphoria was short-lived however as the vessel was soon put on dry dock, where it remains as of the date of writing. The intervening year and a half witnessed vessels removed at short notice for dry docking repairs, procurement problems, unavailability of tickets to travel, stranded passengers, inadequate information and advice and apparently defective vessels. Each crisis has generated frustration, anger, bitter recriminations and endless debate on the source of the crisis. With two vessels currently in use [Cabo Star and TT Spirit] it had been announced on 21 September 2018 that the MV Cabo Star, a cargo boat with capacity for minimal passengers would be withdrawn from service to go on dry dock for 10 days, leaving passenger ferry TT Spirit to take up the slack. Truckers had already complained of the inadequacy of this ferry to cater for their cargo and business people, tourists, workers and others while awaiting deployment of the MV Galleon’s Passage. Procured to supplement insufficient fast ferries, although with an anticipated 6-hour journey time between the islands – the Galleon’s Passage will not deliver passengers and cargo with a high-speed journey, as Prime Minister Keith Rowley admitted at his recent conversation series session. And the persistent air and sea bridge woes were addressed by the government in the October 2018 budget statement when Finance Minister Col Imbert announced the arrival of two additional fast ferries – the Austal and the Incat – expected to arrive by mid-2020. Bringing the story right up to date in this way it is important to recognize that these challenges are by no means recent and the problems on the sea bridge between Trinidad and Tobago have existed since the union between the two islands in the 19th century.

As the writer explores in an accessible style the story of transport between Trinidad and Tobago the quality and class of vessels and characteristics of renowned vessels, successes, failures and several inquiries and investigations are highlighted;. So too a review of ticketing, personnel, customer service issues, shipping schedules, seafarerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s training and other maritime matters. The uninitiated will be enlightened and informed by the clear descriptions of nautical and seafaring terms; those already familiar will be reassured by the writerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ease with these topics. Well researched, entertainingly written and extensively illustrated this is a clear and perceptive history. What's lacking is punch and political-economic analysis. Despite reference to the several formal enquiries, investigations and commissions conducted over the last century there are no concrete proposals or suggestions to address and solve the perennial crises. Why the problems? Incompetence, disdain towards the smaller island by its larger sibling, mismanagement, corruption, relegation of the service to a secondary concern. Though alluded to deeper explanations are either beyond the scope of this book, or perhaps too controversial. That's not a major gripe however as whilst permanent solutions to the seemingly intractable problems on the sea bridge await resolution the author shares this controversial history with enthusiasm and verve. The Bocas and The Bulldog â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The Story of Sea Communication Between Trinidad and Tobago. By Constance McTair Self-Published [2006] ISBN 976-8194-75-8

Photograph by Patricia Nicole Whiteman

YUH DID KNOW DAT? TOBAGO’S UNBEATEN FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS by Shaun Biggart-Hutchinson My interest was ignited by photographs of my late uncle Kenneth Biggart-Hutchinson - renowned as a sporting legend - alongside his teammates of Rovers FC. Clearly a successful side judging by the trophies brandished in their team photos each of the players has a story to tell. Admittedly my family only gave interest to our relative, who joined the ancestors in 2003,but it is true to say that the story of Tobagonian football needs to be explored and recalled. With this introductory report, a survey of the recent history of the people’s game in Tobago is begun. To begin my research I visited Ken Sardinha celebrated chef of uptown Scarborough’s renowned Blue Crab restaurant and integral part of the team’ squad, for an enlightening conversation about Rovers FC and the players and personnel of the era’s strongest sides. It proved to be an illuminating and rewarding discussion and having taken place in one of the island’s most famous culinary landmarks there is plenty of food for thought. An unbeaten team in the 1955 season, one in which siblings played on the same side, a rare occurrence in football at any level up to today; the brother of the father of the nation, international players, sportsmen from other islands in the Caribbean, athletes who became attorneys, optometrists, dentists, Commissioners of Prisons and other professions. Whilst it is often said that a picture speaks thousand words, these are some of the intriguing facts not revealed by the photos. Rovers FC 1949: [pictured left right] Back Row - Kenneth Biggart-Hutchinson, Streetly an Anglican Priest of St Andrews Anglican Church, Alan Pascal, Carl Sardinha [coach]. Middle Row - unidentified player, Winnon Bishop [A Barbadian], unidentified Player. Front Row Clyde Procop, Tiny Cross [whose sibling Jim also played but is not pictured here], John Dobson, Ian Devitille, Neville Miranda.

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Rovers FC 1955 [pictured left - right] Back Row – Alfred Geyette (right back/wing) [holding his daughter Sally], Kenneth Biggart-Hutchinson (left back), Alan Pascal (goalkeeper), Hilton Clark, Carl Sardinha [coach]. Middle Row - Clyde Procop (right winger/right foot specialist), Michael Artie Hercules (a Mr. Universe Runner Up), Lloyd Murad (centre half), Selwyn Sardinha, Ali Clark. Front Row - Percy Villafana (right wing), Kenneth Sardinha (inside right), Neville Clark (centre forward) Ossie Fernando (inside left) [died 2006], John Williams [left wing and Brother of the late Dr Eric Williams, first T & T Prime minister.]

IS AH LEGAL THING INSPIRATION INLET TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN CHILLAX CORNER

IS AH LEGAL THING with Eutille E. Duncan There are many laws set up to ensure the safety and equality of all citizens of this country, over time we will endeavor to bring them to the forefront of our collective consciousness:

CHAPTER 45:56 DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACT

PART I PRELIMINARY 1. (1) This Act may be cited as the Domestic Violence Act. (2) This Act shall have effect even though inconsistent with sections 4 and 5 of the Constitution. 2. The objects of the Act are inter alia to— (a) provide immediate injunctive relief to victims of domestic violence; and (b) ensure a prompt and just legal remedy for victims of domestic violence. 3. In this Act— “applicant” means a person described in section 4 who applies or on whose behalf an application is made for a Protection Order; “Attorney-at-law” means a person whose name is entered on the Roll in accordance with the Legal Profession Act; “child” means a person under the age of eighteen years who ordinarily or periodically resides with the applicant, whether or not the child is a child of the applicant and the respondent or either of them, and includes an adopted child, stepchild, or a child who is treated as a child of the family but not a person who is or has been married; “Clerk” means the Clerk or Deputy Clerk of the Court; “cohabitant” means a person who has lived with or is living with a person of the opposite sex as a husband or wife although not legally married to that person; “Court” means a Court of Summary Jurisdiction; “dependant” means a person over the age of eighteen years who by reason of physical or mental disability, age or infirmity is reliant on either the applicant or respondent for his welfare; “domestic violence” includes physical, sexual, emotional or psychological or financial abuse committed by a person against a spouse, child, any other person who is a member of the household or dependant; “emotional or psychological abuse” means a pattern of behaviour of any kind, the purpose of which is to undermine the emotional or mental well-being of a person including— (a) persistent intimidation by the use of abusive or threatening language; (b) persistent following of the person from place to place; (c) depriving that person of the use of his property; (d) the watching or besetting of the place where the person resides, works, carries on business or happens to be; (e) interfering with or damaging the property of the person; (f) the forced confinement of the person; (g) persistent telephoning of the person at the person’s place of residence or work; and (h) making unwelcome and repeated or intimidatory contact with a child or elderly relative of the person; “financial abuse” means a pattern of behaviour of a kind, the purpose of which is to exercise coercive control over, or exploit or limit a person’s access to financial resources so as to ensure financial dependance; “guardian” in relation to a child includes a person who has custody of that child within the meaning of the Family Law (Guardianship of Minors, Domicile and Maintenance) Act; “Interim Order” means an Order made under section 8; “member of the household” means a person who habitually resides in the same dwelling house as the applicant or the respondent and is related to the applicant or respondent by blood, marriage or adoption; “Minister” means the Minister to whom responsibility for Social Development and Family Services is assigned; “Order” includes an Interim Order and Protection Order; “parent” means a person who is a parent or grandparent in relation to a child, dependent, spouse or respondent as the case may be— (a) by blood; (b) by marriage; (c) by adoption; or (d) within the meaning of the Family Law (Guardianship of Minors, Domicile and Maintenance) Act;

“physical abuse” means any act or omission which causes physical injury and includes the commission of or an attempt to commit any of the offences listed in the First Schedule; “Protection Order” means an Order made pursuant to section 5; “respondent” means a person against whom an application for a Protection Order is made; “sexual abuse” includes sexual contact of any kind that is coerced by force or threat of force and the commission of or an attempt to commit any of the offences listed under the Sexual Offences Act in the First Schedule; “spouse” includes a former spouse, a cohabitant or former cohabitant; “visiting relationship” means a noncohabitational relationship which is otherwise similar to the relationship between husband and wife.. For more on this Act and the laws of Trinidad and Tobago go to:https:// rgd.legalaffairs.gov.tt/laws2/Alphabetical_List/lawspdfs/45.56.pdf

Photograph by Patricia Nicole Whiteman

TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN: with Shaun Biggart-Hutchinson

WHA AH GWAAN ? SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2018 - SCARBOROUGH VANDALISM Over the past several weeks pedestrians, cyclists, motorists, shoppers and visitors to Scarborough have been confronted with the sight of walls, buildings, advertising hoardings and landmarks defaced by an unknown vandal. Using lurid orange or green coloured paint, a 'tag line’/ signature, and apparently political message. The graffiti is scrawled at several locations including the Independence Store boundary wall on Wilson Road, opposite the Glen Road junction, on the boundary wall of the [abandoned/ unoccupied] Ministry of Tobago Development building at the junction of Wilson Road and Pump Mill Trace, Warner’s Hardware Store boundary wall on Milford Road, on a galvanize wall on the corner of Smithfield Road/Milford Road adjacent to the Docksite Bar, on the concrete benches which overlook the port on Milford Road opposite the NP gas station. Most disturbing of all is the extensive damage done to the art work and photographs of Tobago life which adorn the downtown Scarborough Boardwalk and the landmark 150 metre mural which extends along the entire length of Gardenside Street presenting historical, cultural, sporting and political personalities alongside vibrant depictions of the island’s traditions and culture. Speculation on social media has suggested that the perpetrator is a mentally unstable person who abuses drugs and, at the time of writing, although the vandalism seems to have stopped, the identity of the culprit has not been revealed. Whoever is responsible this anti-social behaviour constitutes an unconscionable act. To deface public art in this way merits serious punishment. And if the perpetrator is mentally ill then this episode also becomes a philosophical and moral, as well as criminal and legal question. That is - how to punish crimes committed by people with diminished responsibility? Prince Charles of England once spoke about controversial architectural structures reminding of a 'monstrous carbuncle on the nose of a friend'. This vandalism of Tobago’s public works of art evokes the same emotional response. It is to be hoped that the relevant authorities [Police, THA respectively] have a plan to apprehend, charge and punish the perpetrator, and to repair and restore the damage done to Scarborough’s artwork and public spaces.

Vandalism of the mural at Gardenside Street Photographs by Shaun Biggart-Hutchinson

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INSPIRATION INLET with Tammy Guy-Granderson

LIFE IS NOT EASY God never told us that life would be easy or â&#x20AC;&#x153;a bed of rosesâ&#x20AC;?, but the one thing He made clear is that He will never leave or forsake us, so when life throws lemons at us, just remember His promise to us and know that you are never alone. Just picture God holding your hands and bringing you through, there must have been an instance when you were in a situation and things turned in your favour and you knew for sure that it must have been the hand of God. Family in Christ Jesus be strong pursue and conquer without fear because we know who we are in Him. And know this God made is with love courage and a sound mind to weather the storms as they come. Be strong and stay blessed. Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Photograph by Nicholas M. B. Duncan

CHILLAX CORNER MUMAH USED FUH SEH This segment is inspired by my mother whom used sayings to admonish us as children. Wha nuh meet yuh nuh pass yuh Meaning: you never can tell what you will do in a situation until you are faced with it so it is best to reserve judgment. Yuh nuh guh see something ah daylight an’ tek fire stick fuh look fuh i’ ah night. Meaning: When you see something very clearly it makes no sense to deny it. When yuh neighbour ‘ouse on fire throw water pon yuh own. Meaning: when you see trouble breaking out around you reevaluate your own life/situation.

QUIZ THE WIZ 1.) How old was King Solomon when he started to rule? 2.) who were King Solomon’s parents? 3.) Who was the strongest man in the bible? 4.) How many years of plenty and how many years of famine did Joseph tell pharaoh the land would have? 5.) What is the name of the only female judge whom God appointed over Israel?

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Answers (1. ) 20 years (2.) David and Bathsheba (3.) Samson 4.) 7 years (5.) Deborah

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