My Flowers

Every now and again I find myself reading poems and to my astonishment they are very similar to some that I have written, sometimes even too similar and I wonder how persons from different environments, different struggles, different inspirations etc can come so close to mirroring each other in thoughts and in this case words and rhyme. It is even more weird because this time I dont even know who the author of this poem is, however I will share the two; my poem and that of the unknown author and you be the judge.

Give me my flowers

Give me my flowers while I'm alive
because I cant appreciate it when I die,
For I can't see the beauty of the petals
or smell the sweet scents
while my soul is at rest.
If I don't know who they came from
How can I show my thanks now?
Give me my flowers today
so I can plant them in the gardens of my heart
having beautiful memories until this earth; I depart.
I will see them bloom everyday,
having them color my gloomy days,
even share them with the world,
putting smiles on faces of little boys and girls.

by Nest@

and now the unknown author's poem:

If with pleasure you are viewing
Any work a man is doing,
If you like him or you love him,
Tell him now
Don't withhold your approbation
Till the preacher makes oration
And he lies with snowy lilies on his brow.
For no matter how you shout it
He won't really care about it,
He won't know how many teardrops
You have shed.
If you think some praise is due him
Now's the time to slip it to him,
For he cannot read his tombstone
When he's dead.

Well I prefer my version but that is only because I wrote it but you are free to give you unbiased opinions.

President Elect Obama speaks on Climate Change

President-elect Obama promises “new chapter” on climate change

More than 600 climate change leaders from across the country and around the world convened in Los Angeles today for the opening sessions of the Global Climate Summit, a 2-day event arranged by California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger to break gridlock on the issue ahead of next month's United Nations Climate Change Conference in Poznan, Poland.

In a short video addressed to the Summit's attendees, President-elect Obama emphasized his enthusiasm for the Poznan Conference and promised that his administration would mark a "new chapter in American leadership on climate change."

more here

Don't Find Fault

Another of my favourite poems. It is written by Vera Barker-Philip. The first time I remember reading it was in one of the offices where I work and I saw it posted on the walls and I now I have it posted up on the walls in my office as a constant reminder.

I think it speaks of the age old lesson of "judge lest ye be judged" and we should always try to understand what someone else is going thru before we cast judgement on them. It is always easy to say what we would do or what should be done in certain circumstances until we find ourselves in similar or worse situations and then our actions may surprise us. So I hope everyone enjoys the poem and take the lessons from it, yes there is more than one lesson here.

Pray don’t find fault with the man who limps
Or stumbles along the road,
Unless you have worn the shoes he wears
Or struggled beneath his load
There may be tacks in his shoes that hurt,
Though hidden away from view,
And the burden he bears, placed on your back,
May cause you to stumble too.

Don’t sneer at the man who is down today
Unless you have felt the blow
That caused his fall, or felt the shame
That only the fallen know.
You may be strong, but still the blows
That were his, if dealt to you
At the self-same time in the self-same way,
May cause you to stagger too.

Don’t be too harsh with the man who sins
Or pelt him with words or stones
Unless you are sure, yea, doubly sure,
That you have no sins of your own.
For who knows, perhaps, if the tempter’s voice
Would whisper softly to you
As it did to him when he went astray
Would cause you to falter too.

Quote of the week: Cavett Roberts

It's not often that i read books, i just dont find the time to do it. But lately, i have found myself reading alot. i just finished reading Zoukland by Henderson and i have a book from Aurelius Gordon (Come Ye Forward Sons and Daughters, 2002) waiting on my bed for when i return to Dominica.

Currently though I am reading one of those self-help, self development books. While reading it i always remember this line by Billy Bob Thorton in this movie School for Scroundrels "How many of you have self-help books? Okay, that's your first problem. You can't help yourself, because your *self* sucks!", lol. (Don't worry that is not my quote for the week though)

I still find myself reading one by John C. Maxwell, America's expert on leadership, although im sure that is just a promotional tool. That is besides the point though, today's quote is taken from his book: The 17 Essential Qualities Of A Team Player.

In the book by Maxwell he quotes Cavett Roberts on page 15 in a text box as saying that "True Progress in any field is a relay race and not a single event." I think it clearly means that in everything you do thta you can't really do it alone, being human is about being dependent on someone for some help, assistance, cooperation, collaboration. That is why we are social beings, that is why we live in communities instead of being cooped up in the hills all alone, although some people do that but that is the exception and not the rule.

I also take it to mean that in everything you do, you shouldnt see yourself as the focus point but instead you should see the bigger picture, being the team. Striving to be a team player and improving the team should be one's objective and in so doing we also develop ourselves in the process. There's more that can be said about this quote but i've got work to do, so until next time...

Nest@

GAIA's Essence

GAIA is the ancient goddess of mother earth. Gaia's Essence was founded to educate people on how their lifestyle choices affect their personal wellbeing, our community and the environment. We provide exotic, high quality, all natural and organic products from around the world, while incorporating fair trade and green practices in all aspects of our business. We believe that through education people will make sustainable decisions in their lives and enjoy a healthy life.

Our company values are:

Global Respect
Gaia's Essence has great respect for all people and cultures. We are committed to partnering with farmers to accomplish equality and balance in markets. With these relationships we are able to participate in fair trade and economic development in social communities around the world.

Natural Knowledge
Natural Knowledge is having the understanding of how systems such as the human body, natural resources and energy functions correlate to one another. We are focused in sharing, through education, the significance of life choices and their impact on our quality of existence.

Sustainability
Sustainability is a way of life that takes into account the interrelationships of different systems (industrial, ecological, societal) and how they can be developed to last continuously. We exclusively affiliate with companies that share our view in the importance of sustainability. All our packaging contains recycled, biodegradable and renewable components.

Check out the products here

The Long Road to Guyana

I've always been told to expect the unexpected when travelling but that is especially true when travelling through the Caribbean. Time and time again, i've learnt valuable lessons and time and time again, i fail to remember those lessons when i set off on a new journey.

This time i guess it was my fault, well kind of my fault. I left Dominica on Tuesday morning at 4:00 am, well actually i left my home for the airport at that time thinking that i had the first flight out of Dominica for Guyana taking connecting flights in Antigua and Barbados. When i arrived at the airport i was told that i was on a later flight at 10:50 but more to my surprise was the fact that my flight itinerary ended in Barbados and there was no continuation to Guyana, lol.

You can as well imagine the panic that overtook me, i started calling people all over the place in Barbados, Washington and Guyana. Well after about 45 minutes of calling and panic, they finally figured out that i had the wrong itinerary in hands and that i had to change airlines in Barbados from LIAT to Caribbean Airlines. Off course, with LIAT computer system down, they were unable to inform me of this, how convenient eh.

Anyways, that was the least of my experience. Now i find myself going from Dominica to St. Lucia, where i spent about 3 hours trying to catch up on some sleep on the most uncomfortable of chairs. Then on to Barbados, where the real twist occurs in this story. I had dinner with a traveling buddy (not a female). He is attending the same function in Guyana.

Our flight was at 7:50, so we had some time to kill so we walked around the airport admiring the workers, the females, etc. There was this particular hindi young lady who kept eyeing me, or i felt she kept eyeing me under all that facial covering. It was quickly approaching 7:00 pm so i cleared immigration to make it to the waiting area. After seating for about an hour and realizing that the plane was late, i decided to go online on my laptop to chat to a few friends to kill more time.

As soon as i put on the damn thing and started to chat here comes this announcement via the Public Announce System. Caribbean Airlines apologizies for the late arrival of flight ..... and we would appreciate it if all the passengers who are to board the flight approach the desk for more information, now you know that doesn't sound good.

We were informed that the airline was going to provide us with dinner and put us up in Golden Sands hotel until 3:00 a.m. But why 3:00 a.m., turns out that is when the next flight to Guyana is so we were whisked off to the hotel and before i could get any rest i was back at the airport in a long line waiting to get to Guyana. At least this time the flight departed and right now i can say i'm in Guyana (see view from hotel room).

Oh i will be returning to Dominica on Friday, i do hope the journey back is less taxing on me.

Nest@

In search of Past Presidents

The current Executive Council is feverishly trying put a list of Past Presidents of the National Youth Council together. Especially needed is the list of Past President before the council was disbanded in 1980.If anyone knows of someone who has served in the post of President, whether interim, acting or full term, please make their name available through this discussion or call 1 767 448 6944 or email nyc_dom@hotmail.com.

We would also appreciate some information on that person i.e. whereabouts, contact info, family, place of employment, domicile, etc1

Delroy Williams
President
NYC Dominica

Youth Council announces radio co-host vacancy

Know Your Country

The Know Your Country radio program is designed to empower persons, particularly young persons, about their world through the examination of various topic areas: Geography, Health, Politics, Agriculture, Environment, World Affairs etc.

The aim of the Know Your Country radio program is to actively engage Dominicans in research and dissemination of information about their world and to encourage their participation through the use of Radio as a communication tool.

The Program is designed for participants and listeners to embrace the tagline that “Knowledge is Power” but that knowledge needs to be shared to be effective in encouraging development, change and a brighter future especially with relations to Globalization and World Issues.

Applications for Program Co-host:

Ø Interest in radio programs and programming
Ø Between the ages of 16 – 35
Ø Strong communication skills
Ø Ability to conduct basic research
Ø Involvement in youth or community group is an asset

Send Application to:

National Youth Council
15 Bath Road
Roseau
or call: 1 767 448 6944
or email: nyc_dom@hotmail.com

Can I?

I don't know how it happens or why it happens but these things just come to me, at the weirdest of times. I was in a meeting when these words just came to mind, i guess the fact that i was thinking about this gurl didnt help either, cant get her outta my head, no matter how hard i try too...

Can I have a talk with you
or even walk with you?
Got thoughts that I need to share,
and it's the perfect time with you right here.
No friends, definitely no cell phones
so our minds, collectively, are free to roam.

Can I seat next to you?
for the next hour or two,
don't be shy, act naturally
look me in the eyes; take me seriously.
When i see you i transform into this nervous but happy little boy
who has just unwrapped his birthday gift to find his favourite toy.

Can I look at you? i mean really look at you
into your mind, body and soul
don't get me wrong,
my feelings aren't infatuation.
I'm just love sprung
I can't say I fully know what love means,
but you possess the power to fulfill my love dreams.

So now can I hold your hand?
Oh woman, can i be your man?
for I'm thru with petty games
when I'm done we'll both have love names.
You can call me boo and I'll call you baby
or better yet, I'll call you my lady.

Nest@

The Nature's Isle Number 1 Web Community

Proud to be a Member

Zoukland...Creole Music's Secret

Nobody told me but i found out anyway. Zoukland by Gordon Henderson is a gateway into Creole Music's past as he and his band, Exile One, journeys through the music scene in the Caribbean, France, England, Africa and North America.

I recommend this book to any person who has an interest in creole culture, music or needs a book that speaks of perseverance despite great odds. It is written in both english and french (i am awaiting the creole version) and shows the progression from cadence, compas to zouk. The book not only speaks of Exile One but mentions groups such as Tambo Combo, Kassav, Grammacks, Les Vikings and individuals such as Ophelia, Franky Vincent.

What really touched me about this book is the way it was written, the language was easy to follow and it felt like i was having the experience along with Gordon and friends. I also like the fact that it was also written in french (my favourite language).

Thanks again to Gordon Henderson, the Exile One Band and all those who lived thru those times to make this story available to people like me who cant seem to put down a good book. I read that book in a few hours, surprised myself because i met the book on my friends bookshelf covered in cobwebs, treasures are usually found in weird places. I consider this book a literary and historic treasure for Dominica and the rest of the Caribbean creole community.

Good Work Creole Classics (publisher of the book)

Nest@

Love's Plea

I wrote this poem a while back but i only put the finishing touches, or what i think is the finishing touches, on it tonight. But with poetry you never know, i could return and change a few things around. Feedback has a way of doing that to me sometimes, i never really feel that a poem is perfect, well at least those that i write, i am always looking to change a word or two, a rhyme or three, a verse or more...

My Plea

I act
Like I could be satisfied
with being a mere friend; when
I want
to firmly hold your hand
along long walks, having insightful talks; because
I need
your love to complete my soul
I'm the clay, you're the potter; so mold
I will
be there for you through thick and thin
for with you at my side, I'll always win
I am
planting seeds hoping to see them grow
sowing friendship today to harvest your love tomorrow
and if you
can see past my wrong and flaws
together we can break down chained doors.
If you
can value this diamond in it's natural, blemished state
then me and you together, forever; that's fate.
If you
can see the sunshine through the rain; then you will
realize that i will love you past your pain

Nest@

39 reasons to visit the Caribbean (Dominica takes two)

THIS has not been a great year so far for the Caribbean tourism industry. Seven named hurricanes have hit the region this fall, with Gustav and Omar wreaking the most damage. An earthquake registering 6.1 rocked parts of Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the British Virgin Islands. And, of course, the global financial meltdown has made Americans increasingly skittish about taking a vacation this winter.

What’s next, locusts?Well, things haven’t gotten that bad, and in fact, with new hotels continuing to open, high-end resorts raising the bar on amenities, family-oriented getaways expanding their offerings and talented chefs starting restaurants that are transforming the region’s culinary scene, there are plenty of reasons for vacationers to seek some solace in the sand and surf of the Caribbean this winter.

Thirty-nine of them, in fact.

Soufriere's PRODIGY

Saturday was the Launching of the PRODIGY Youth Group of Soufriere. The group, which has been together since January, now has 42 members. The National Youth Council, who has been supporting the group was very please to attend the activity which saw a number of energetic performances by group members and other youth of the Soufriere community .

It was my first official address as President of the National Youth Council of Dominica and I will always remember the moment. Despite the technical glitches and late start, it was an occasion to celebrate in the historic ruins/basketball court with the nearly hundred who attended. Although the crowd mainly gathered towards the end they enjoyed they afro-caribbean and hip hop dancing, singing and poetry.

For sure, there is much talent within the Soufriere bay and it is time that it was harnessed to showcase the positivity present in the Southern community. Hats off to Mr. Brown (group coordinator and mentor) and to Mr. Shandon Aubrey (group President). Looking to come back to Soufriere soon.

Nest@

Not In Love

This poem was written by Lynn Registe and is a part of a collection called Love n' Pain. She is just a high school student aged 15 and I think she has a bright future ahead of her. She asked me to review a few of her poems because she read a few of my poems and was impressed. I wish her all the best in that and will continue to encourage her in developing her poetry.

This is my favourite piece from the collection she gave me.

Not In Love

I'm suppose to be happy but I feel so down and out,
I think I'm in love but don't know what it is about.
I tell you that I love you when i know it is a lie,
I pretend that I'm happy when I really want to cry.
You're in love with me but do not have a clue,
I'm just pretending I'm not in love with you.
I'm not proud of what I've done or what I am to gain,
My feelings for you are so different it's something I can't explain.
How could I be so selfish to play someone like you,
You're everything a girl could want but I'm not in love with you.
How could you love me and think that I'm the one,
When you have no idea what I'm doing wrong.
To keep me happy there is no limit to what you'll do
So how could I tell you I'm not in love with you.

Most Popular Man

I asked a friend this question, who was the most popular person at the time of walking the Earth. He answered Jesus, and i said a sharp no to his surprise. I told him it was Barack Obama. He was startled at my answer because of my Christian faith but soon understood my point of view.

I explained to him that although Jesus may be one of the most popular people to ever walk the Earth at the time he walked the Earth he was frowned upon by alot of people and at that particular time Christianity wasn't very widespread and a few people outside of Israel (Africa), the Promised Land, knew of Christ.

Then he said Mohamed, i said NO as well for the same reason that the Muslim faith was limited to certain African and middle east countries.

To my surprise his third answer was Michael Jackson, i could only laugh to that answer though, but he had some clout at his most popular time. But the popularity of Michael isnt what it used to be. To add to the list of close but no cigar personalities, we have:

Michael Jordan
Mathama Ghandi
Mother Theresa
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Bob Marley

All great men, some more popular posthumously though. None as popular as Barack Obama is right now. We could also say that maybe none more under threat of assassination than him also although Dr. King Jr. was assassinated.

To just understand the numbers; over 50 million Americans voted for him. We can estimate a fair number of Americans who didnt or couldnt vote also wanted him to be President. The entire population of Kenya (millions) and most of the African continent, the Caribbean archipelago, Europe, the Far East (especially in Obama, Japan) and off course the Middle East and Asian continent was hoping he would win, could anyone be as popular a leader as Obama. He popularity also comes from the fact that he could also be a hated individual by white supremacists, radicals, racists, etc.

I dont think a President-elect of the United States has ever been as celebrated as him. Persons hail him as a savoir but one thing is clear he is part of history. Persons will forever remember his name. Kenyans have already started naming their children after him and his wife, Michelle. I'm sure there are lots more where that came from too.

How important a person he is right now we know and we are now awaiting to see how successful he will be. One thing is for sure, if he fails then Black people all over the World will take a step back but right now, the future is so bright, impossible is finally possible for Black people.

Thanks again Obama.

Nest@

IF by Rudyard Kipling

one of my favourite poems, i particularly like the second verse the best because i speaks to me. i love to dream of making things better but i want to be careful not to make these dreams take hold of me and forget reality. i also dont want to make thoughts my aim, i pride myself in being someone who can be described as a doer. I was told at a young age that as a leader is it important to promise little and deliver a lot.

But to get back to the poem, i hope it inspires you too. Special thanks to the author Joseph Rudyard Kipling (30 December 1865 – 18 January 1936):

was an English author and poet. Born in Bombay, British India (now Mumbai), he is best known for his works The Jungle Book (1894) and Rikki-Tikki-Tavi (1902), his novel, Kim (1901); his poems, including Mandalay (1890), Gunga Din (1890), If— (1910); and his many short stories, including The Man Who Would Be King (1888). He is regarded as a major "innovator in the art of the short story"; his children's books are enduring classics of children's literature; and his best works speak to a versatile and luminous narrative gift.

Kipling was one of the most popular writers in English, in both prose and verse, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The author Henry James said of him: "Kipling strikes me personally as the most complete man of genius (as distinct from fine intelligence) that I have ever known." In 1907, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, making him the first English language writer to receive the prize, and he remains its youngest-ever recipient. Among other honours, he was sounded out for the British Poet Laureateship and on several occasions for a knighthood, all of which he declined.

IF

If you can keep your head when all about you

Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you

But make allowance for their doubting too,

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,

Or being lied about, don't deal in lies,

Or being hated, don't give way to hating,

And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise:

If you can dream--and not make dreams your master,

If you can think--and not make thoughts your aim;

If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster

And treat those two impostors just the same;

If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken

Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,

Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,

And stoop and build 'em up with worn-out tools:

If you can make one heap of all your winnings

And risk it all on one turn of pitch-and-toss,

And lose, and start again at your beginnings

And never breath a word about your loss;

If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew

To serve your turn long after they are gone,

And so hold on when there is nothing in you

Except the Will which says to them: "Hold on!"

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,

Or walk with kings--nor lose the common touch,

If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you;

If all men count with you, but none too much,

If you can fill the unforgiving minute

With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,

Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,

And--which is more--you'll be a Man, my son!

--Rudyard Kipling

Obama's Acceptance Speech

Just read it to yourself and others, they will listen:

If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible; who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time; who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.

It’s the answer told by lines that stretched around schools and churches in numbers this nation has never seen; by people who waited three hours and four hours, many for the very first time in their lives, because they believed that this time must be different; that their voice could be that difference.

It’s the answer spoken by young and old, rich and poor, Democrat and Republican, black, white, Latino, Asian, Native American, gay, straight, disabled and not disabled – Americans who sent a message to the world that we have never been a collection of Red States and Blue States: we are, and always will be, the United States of America.

It’s the answer that led those who have been told for so long by so many to be cynical, and fearful, and doubtful of what we can achieve to put their hands on the arc of history and bend it once more toward the hope of a better day.

It’s been a long time coming, but tonight, because of what we did on this day, in this election, at this defining moment, change has come to America.

I just received a very gracious call from Senator McCain. He fought long and hard in this campaign, and he’s fought even longer and harder for the country he loves. He has endured sacrifices for America that most of us cannot begin to imagine, and we are better off for the service rendered by this brave and selfless leader. I congratulate him and Governor Palin for all they have achieved, and I look forward to working with them to renew this nation’s promise in the months ahead.

I want to thank my partner in this journey, a man who campaigned from his heart and spoke for the men and women he grew up with on the streets of Scranton and rode with on that train home to Delaware, the Vice President-elect of the United States, Joe Biden.

I would not be standing here tonight without the unyielding support of my best friend for the last sixteen years, the rock of our family and the love of my life, our nation’s next First Lady, Michelle Obama. Sasha and Malia, I love you both so much, and you have earned the new puppy that’s coming with us to the White House. And while she’s no longer with us, I know my grandmother is watching, along with the family that made me who I am. I miss them tonight, and know that my debt to them is beyond measure.

To my campaign manager David Plouffe, my chief strategist David Axelrod, and the best campaign team ever assembled in the history of politics – you made this happen, and I am forever grateful for what you’ve sacrificed to get it done.

But above all, I will never forget who this victory truly belongs to – it belongs to you.I was never the likeliest candidate for this office. We didn’t start with much money or many endorsements. Our campaign was not hatched in the halls of Washington – it began in the backyards of Des Moines and the living rooms of Concord and the front porches of Charleston.

It was built by working men and women who dug into what little savings they had to give five dollars and ten dollars and twenty dollars to this cause. It grew strength from the young people who rejected the myth of their generation’s apathy; who left their homes and their families for jobs that offered little pay and less sleep; from the not-so-young people who braved the bitter cold and scorching heat to knock on the doors of perfect strangers; from the millions of Americans who volunteered, and organized, and proved that more than two centuries later, a government of the people, by the people and for the people has not perished from this Earth. This is your victory.

I know you didn’t do this just to win an election and I know you didn’t do it for me. You did it because you understand the enormity of the task that lies ahead. For even as we celebrate tonight, we know the challenges that tomorrow will bring are the greatest of our lifetime – two wars, a planet in peril, the worst financial crisis in a century. Even as we stand here tonight, we know there are brave Americans waking up in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan to risk their lives for us. There are mothers and fathers who will lie awake after their children fall asleep and wonder how they’ll make the mortgage, or pay their doctor’s bills, or save enough for college. There is new energy to harness and new jobs to be created; new schools to build and threats to meet and alliances to repair.

The road ahead will be long. Our climb will be steep. We may not get there in one year or even one term, but America – I have never been more hopeful than I am tonight that we will get there. I promise you – we as a people will get there.

There will be setbacks and false starts. There are many who won’t agree with every decision or policy I make as President, and we know that government can’t solve every problem. But I will always be honest with you about the challenges we face. I will listen to you, especially when we disagree. And above all, I will ask you join in the work of remaking this nation the only way it’s been done in America for two-hundred and twenty-one years – block by block, brick by brick, calloused hand by calloused hand.

What began twenty-one months ago in the depths of winter must not end on this autumn night. This victory alone is not the change we seek – it is only the chance for us to make that change. And that cannot happen if we go back to the way things were. It cannot happen without you.

So let us summon a new spirit of patriotism; of service and responsibility where each of us resolves to pitch in and work harder and look after not only ourselves, but each other. Let us remember that if this financial crisis taught us anything, it’s that we cannot have a thriving Wall Street while Main Street suffers – in this country, we rise or fall as one nation; as one people.

Let us resist the temptation to fall back on the same partisanship and pettiness and immaturity that has poisoned our politics for so long. Let us remember that it was a man from this state who first carried the banner of the Republican Party to the White House – a party founded on the values of self-reliance, individual liberty, and national unity. Those are values we all share, and while the Democratic Party has won a great victory tonight, we do so with a measure of humility and determination to heal the divides that have held back our progress. As Lincoln said to a nation far more divided than ours, “We are not enemies, but friends…though passion may have strained it must not break our bonds of affection.” And to those Americans whose support I have yet to earn – I may not have won your vote, but I hear your voices, I need your help, and I will be your President too.

And to all those watching tonight from beyond our shores, from parliaments and palaces to those who are huddled around radios in the forgotten corners of our world – our stories are singular, but our destiny is shared, and a new dawn of American leadership is at hand. To those who would tear this world down – we will defeat you. To those who seek peace and security – we support you. And to all those who have wondered if America’s beacon still burns as bright – tonight we proved once more that the true strength of our nation comes not from our the might of our arms or the scale of our wealth, but from the enduring power of our ideals: democracy, liberty, opportunity, and unyielding hope.

For that is the true genius of America – that America can change. Our union can be perfected. And what we have already achieved gives us hope for what we can and must achieve tomorrow.

This election had many firsts and many stories that will be told for generations. But one that’s on my mind tonight is about a woman who cast her ballot in Atlanta. She’s a lot like the millions of others who stood in line to make their voice heard in this election except for one thing – Ann Nixon Cooper is 106 years old.

She was born just a generation past slavery; a time when there were no cars on the road or planes in the sky; when someone like her couldn’t vote for two reasons – because she was a woman and because of the color of her skin.

And tonight, I think about all that she’s seen throughout her century in America – the heartache and the hope; the struggle and the progress; the times we were told that we can’t, and the people who pressed on with that American creed: Yes we can.

At a time when women’s voices were silenced and their hopes dismissed, she lived to see them stand up and speak out and reach for the ballot. Yes we can.

When there was despair in the dust bowl and depression across the land, she saw a nation conquer fear itself with a New Deal, new jobs and a new sense of common purpose. Yes we can.

When the bombs fell on our harbor and tyranny threatened the world, she was there to witness a generation rise to greatness and a democracy was saved. Yes we can.

She was there for the buses in Montgomery, the hoses in Birmingham, a bridge in Selma, and a preacher from Atlanta who told a people that “We Shall Overcome.” Yes we can.

A man touched down on the moon, a wall came down in Berlin, a world was connected by our own science and imagination. And this year, in this election, she touched her finger to a screen, and cast her vote, because after 106 years in America, through the best of times and the darkest of hours, she knows how America can change. Yes we can.

America, we have come so far. We have seen so much. But there is so much more to do. So tonight, let us ask ourselves – if our children should live to see the next century; if my daughters should be so lucky to live as long as Ann Nixon Cooper, what change will they see? What progress will we have made?

This is our chance to answer that call. This is our moment. This is our time – to put our people back to work and open doors of opportunity for our kids; to restore prosperity and promote the cause of peace; to reclaim the American Dream and reaffirm that fundamental truth – that out of many, we are one; that while we breathe, we hope, and where we are met with cynicism, and doubt, and those who tell us that we can’t, we will respond with that timeless creed that sums up the spirit of a people:

Yes We Can. Thank you, God bless you, and may God Bless the United States of America.

Where were you when...?

There are times in life when certain things that happen to you or happen around you leave such a mark on your life and the lives of people around you that you will always remember the moment and remember exactly what you were doing at that point in time.

Example number 1: the not guilty verdict for OJ Simpson in the muder trial for his wife and her "friend." I can remember that moment like yesterday walking down King George V Street in Roseau next to Julian's Jewelry Store. All of a sudden, boom, there was an uproar and everyone ran to the streets, OJ was not guilty and we could have cared less about the facts in the case or anything else for that matter but a black man had beaten the court system in America and that was enough for me and the rest of the Black world.

Then there is 9-11, another moment that i can never forget. I remember it like yesterday too. I had returned to Dominica after a few years at a college in Guadeloupe and i was yet to find a job so i spent most of my mornings in bed until the hours of 11a.m. But that morning was different, i felt restless and was twisting and turning, feeling hot between the sheets. I guess it was the weather then i got a call asking me to turn on the news. Then it really hit me, I saw the first plane descending into the twin towers and at first i thought what is this really raw movie being shown on CNN and then i switched channels and there is was on NBC, ABC and FOX and the lives of Americans, Iraqis, Afghanis and the rest of the World citizens will never be the same.

Now yesterday was a similar event, i was coming from the Dominica Reunion/30th Independence celebrations and i must say it was really good. The independence climaxed with a nice "sewo" of little violence and to me that made it exceptional given the activities of the past years. I hurried home to watch CNN, not a big news fan too, but still the US Elections had everyone glued to the televisions. I am not sure if there was a more watched event around the world, only the olympics can even come close. I am so proud that the US found it within their hearts to vote for the better candidate, well at least to me and millions in the US and around the World. Up until today, i havent used my blog to discuss politics but hearts off to Mr. Barack Obama, President-elect of the United States of America.



I must also say hearts off to McCain too for his speech last night, showed he did indeed have some class to concede so gracefully too.

A new day is dawning? well we dont really know, we have to wait and see but its a good first few minutes in that day...

Nest@