A moment

We all live in different moments at different times within our lives

A moment
by Delroy Nesta Williams

Need a moment to catch my breath
A moment just for myself
At midnight when all is asleep
With only the stars staring back at me
Speaking words only for my ears
I crave this time of seclusion
This moment with no fears

Need a moment to shine
A moment that is all mine
An opportunity to stand out
With all eyes upon me
All listening to the words I speak
An instance of fame to covet
Recognition at my fingertips

Need a moment in the multitude
A moment to congregate
Invisible in the crowd
Blending in among the mob
Comfort in the millions around
An occasion to go unnoticed

Peace Day Poem

Wrote this poem in 2006 and performed it at the Hands Across Botanic Gardens Peace Day celebrations that NAYA was having to recognize World Peace Day. For more info on World Peace Day or Peace One Day go to: http://www.peaceoneday.org/home.aspx

These words
By DELROY NESTA WILLIAMS

These words speak of youth
Of zeal, of enthusiasm
Cry out from neglect
From inexperience, from pretence
These words speak of truth
Of peace, of brotherhood
Cry out from war
From poverty, from treachery
But these words are strong

These words are formed from loyalty
From warmth, from love, from fraternity
Based on tolerance, on union, on bond
Thrives in diversity
Disturbed by dislike
Suffers because of hate
However these words, move on

These words pierce likes arrows
They cut the heart
Call out for justice
Scream out from conflict
Squeal from being suppressed
Bawling for the oppressed
They shout out for action
Not reactions
And these words carry on

These words need devotion
Need affection
Need to be received
To be embraced
Not displaced
Not erased
Yes, these words go on

These words should be stored
Should be loved
Needs freedom from strife
Thrives where there is life
Needs to be communicated
The message disseminated
These words speak of decisions
They see no conclusion
These words shall forever live on

One Day One Goal Campaign for World Peace Day 2008

Every year over 190 member countries of the United Nations are encouraged to celebrate World Peace Day. This movement, spearheaded by Peace One Day, has been recognized in Dominica by the National Association of Youth in Agriculture (NAYA), the Nature Island Youth Alliance (NIYA) and other youth groups since 2006.

This year, NAYA is partnering with DBS Radio to host a football match at the Newtown Football Field on Sunday 21st, September. Preparations are on its way and the outlook is bright for a fun-filled, entertaining, awareness-raising activity. Football matches will take place all over the world on that day in the "One Day, One Goal Campaign."

A halftime show including songs, poetry and/or dance promoting peace and standing against violence and conflict will also form part of the activity. Persons wishing to perform or show off their skills are asked to contact the Executive of the NAYA at the Division of Agriculture, Botanic Gardens, Roseau, at email: naya_da@hotmail.com or (767) 265 5755 or just contact me through my blog here.

The football match will hopefully be broadcast live on DBS Radio and i will provide a updates and a link to their website once everything is finalized. We need as much support as possible to make this happen

D

Writing my first book

Started writing a book today, i have the basic idea scribbled down already, just putting meat to the bones. It's called the long road to love and it takes place on a passenger bus. It is not a romantic love story but rather a comedic outlook on the various forms of love intertwinned with social commentary in Dominica (life in Pointe Michel).

I will be posting the chapters on my blog from time to time for review and comments. I'm not sure how long its gonna take to get it done, but i am hoping that by the time i am done that i will have some pertinent comments from readers and also develop a fan base. BTW, im not gonna publish it all on my blog, just selected texts.

"The Long Road to Love" is on its way.

delroy

too BLACK?

Cant remember where i got this from but felt the need to share it because i am a proud black west indian/dominican

They take my kindness for weakness.
They take my silence for speechless.
They consider my uniqueness strange.
They call my language slang.
They see my confidence as conceit.
They see my mistakes as defeat.
They consider my success accidental.
They minimize my intelligence to "potential".
My questions mean "I'm unaware".
My advancement is somehow unfair.
Any praise is preferential treatment.
To voice concern is discontentment.
If I stand up for myself, I'm too defensive.
If I don't trust them, I'm too apprehensive.
I'm defiant if I separate.
I'm fake if I assimilate
Yet, constantly I am faced with hate.
My character is constantly under attack.
Pride for my race makes me, "TOO BLACK".
Yet, I can only be me. And, who am I you might ask?
I am that Strong Black Person...
Who stands on the backs of my ancestor's achievements,
with an erect spinepointing to the stars with pride, dignity and respect
which lets the world know,
that I not only possess the ability to play by the rules,
but I can make them as well!

what's in a tag line?

When taken out of context, some of the best inspiration can come from the Hallmark card aisle and television commercials. Case in point, an ad from GMC trucks, which proudly proclaims:"Amateurs work until they get it right. Professionals work until they can't get it wrong."so i've borrowed this line as one of the mottos i live by, the other one i like to read is above my desk at work and it has to do with our greatest fear being the feeling of being powerful beyond measure. there are a few things i live by, this two above and the fact that i should live my life like there is no tomorrow, remind myself that i am on earth for a purpose greater than i can comprehend, that i am a servant of the world who came to leave it better than how i met it, if not then i would have failed on my mission.i believe i was called unto the earth to strive for action, to assist persons from escaping their inner poverty, to free them from self-oppression and other things which keep them from self development, from reaching true potential, i am here to point out not just the obstacles that other people put infront of them, but those that they themselves put to hinder their own progress.i am not perfect in this, for i too am victim of putting obstacles in my way, but it is all a learning process, a process that will take me a lifetime to perfect, a process i am willing to live for, a process i will complete before the good Lord takes me home.Dee

I am

This poem is actually about me, i hope that persons who read this poem see me through it and that persons who already know me related to it, that's my only wish for this one.

I am
a human
touched by nature
captive as its audience
lost in its beauty;
I've learned through experiences
gotten hurt by actions,
I love through words
showing care and concern

I am
a man
perfect in my imperfections
misguided in my actions
though with good intentions
strong on the exterior
needling help with my fragile interior
boastful in my ways
timid throughout my days

I am
a boy
supportive of my sisters
role model to my peers
in a time of confusion
my mother's arm: a pure sanctum
in my time of weakness
my father's shoulder: sheer strength

I am
me, myself and I
unique because I am me
exactly what, whom I choose to be
cry when I’m hurt
smile while I flirt
I am human, a man, a boy
I am Delroy

Powerful beyong measure?

Are we powerful beyong our own belief? if it is true that the normal human being only uses 10% of his brain's capacity to function on a daily basis, what is to stop us from using the rest? and what will we be capable of achieving once we do. I prefer to look at the positive sides to this like feeding the world, caring diseases and other such things instead of creating WMD and other ills that tend to bring us on the path of destruction.

If we are truly powerful to thta extent then our future really lies within the palm of our hands, we may not know the future but we have enough knowledge to influence it by our present actions, we are capable of setting the ground work for future generations to take the right steps to better our world, we may not save the world but we might just spark the mind that will achieve the social advancements that we all want to see; world peace, equality, food for all and all the other ideals in the utopian world that we always dream about.the perfect world doesnt exist but in each of us, we have the power to create our perfect situation, a situation where we are in total calm, serenity and in a happiness that cant be disturbed by selfish world leaders who sole aim on the world is to become world powers instead of world leaders.

What happens to this world will remain a mystery but we can word towards its betterment, we can strive to leave this world in a better way than we left it, this should be our driving force, what we strive for, so at the end of our lifetime, we can say we made a difference, a positive difference, as insignificant or minute as we may feel it is, it might just create a change in the person that will make the big improvments in the world. let's just be the change we want to see in the world.Delroy

Life's Wonders

This is a poem by a fren of mine name shennel from St. Lucia. I love it and i just think it touches on a lot of things we take for granted everyday and it shows why we need to sometimes stop what we are doing during our busy day and notice what is actually going on around us with nature, other people and stop being so self-consumed. The world is much more than what directly affects us on the daily. So many intricacies are involved in this web that is the Mother Earth.

A baby's laugh
A rainbow after the rain
the sound of the ocean
so soothing, relaxing
The stillness of night
The view from the top of a mountain
The smell of wild flowers
all of these are little wonders of life
they happen everyday
we take them for granted everyday
take the time today to listen to a baby's laugh
take the time today to hear the ocean
take the time today to smell the flowers
take the time today to enjoy at least one of life's wonders.

Join Taking It Global (TIG)

We're an international non-profit organization headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, yet we connect youth around the world. TakingITGlobal provides a portal for young people to find inspiration, access information and get involved in improving their local and global communities.

Inspire
Young people have the energy, the desire and the skills to make a difference in the world. All that's needed is a way of connecting with one another. TakingITGlobal's position at the intersection of key global trends enables us to support young people in acting as a force for change today and into the future. Our Vision is of a world where young people are more engaged in their communities on local, national, and international levels. We provide the tools and the space for young people around the world to be heard. And those voices will, in turn, inspire more to speak.

Inform
Our world is increasingly global and interconnected. Many threats face our common humanity, such as global poverty, war and conflict, HIV/AIDS, and environmental degradation. TakingITGlobal provides access to the information required to understand and act on global issues. Our mission is to provide opportunities for learning, capacity-building, cross-cultural awareness and self-development through the use of Information and Communication Technologies. Because once you have the information, you can share it.

Involve
Young people are most powerful as co-owners in our own development process. That's why TakingITGlobal is focused on encouraging involvement. By leveraging the power of social networks and digital media, we've created a tool for learning, collaboration, dialogue and action that is completely interactive.

Our flagship program, TakingITGlobal.org, has become the most popular online community for young people interested in connecting across cultures and making a difference. Hundreds of thousands of people visit the site each month to share their unique knowledge, perspectives and experiences.

Throughout all of our online and offline programming, TakingITGlobal aims to:

Strengthen the capacity of young people as leaders and citizens
Foster cross-cultural dialogue and understanding
Increase awareness and involvement in global issues

As a charity, we work with global partners that include United Nations agencies, major companies and youth-focused organizations. Our projects with these partners provide additional opportunities for our members to engage in a range of global issues.

Cockrane Rabbit Festival

I have always been a lover of rabbit since i became involved in the agricultural field, i.e. from the age of 17 when i entered the gates of the Clifton Dupigny Community College (now Dominica State College) and after my return from studies i got involved in the now defunct Dominica Rabbit Breeders Association (although some members have refused to see the light of day and i dont blame them with so much promise in the rabbit business). So i always take interested in everything rabbit and it is always a pleasure to read or hear about the Cockrane Rabbit Festival.

I remember when the Rabbit Association was busy going around the island looking for small rabbit farmers and encouraging them to increase production and introducing new breeds (efforts were made). After much of the fanfare and initial interest of many dominicans who came out in the hundreds to the rabbit meat culinary festival on the Roseau bayfront, it seems that rabbit has gone back to being a backyard activity for many and a commercial one for just a few persons.

But it is always good to go back to Cockrane for the Annual Rabbit Festival and this year will be no different. However, it is very strange that although the community has the biggest meat festival that very few of the villagers in this eco-village breed rabbit. I remember one year as part of the Ministry of Agriculture, where i work, we had a workshop on rabbit breeding in Cockrane and instead of totally embracing the idea, the livestock farmers was asking when we were coming up do to the pork production workshop showing more interest in the pig than the rabbit.

However it is still good that the community leaders and few rabbit breeders have kept the culinary festival alive, much to the delight of myself and the hundreds who flock to Cockrane each year. I expect to eat a lot of rabbit meat on that day, drink a lot of rum, in moderation, if possible. lol.

But hats off to Cockrane again and keep up the good work. It is good to see the festival as a part of the Reunion 2008 celebrations calendar for Dominica.

More about the Festival below:

EVER YEAR ABOUT THIS TIME THE PEACEFUL VILLAGE OF COCKRANE COMES ALIVE WHIT ITS ANNUAL VILLAGE CELEBRATION THE RABBIT FESTIVAL, THIS FESTIVAL WHICH WAS CREATED BY THE (C.V.I.C) COCKRANE VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE CAME TO LIFE 5 YEARS AGO WHEN THE C.V.I.C SAW THE NEED FOR A NEW, INNOVATIVE AND UNIQUE IDEA WITCH WAS SURE TO BRING VISITERS TOURIST AND ISLANDERS ALIKE TO ENJOY THE WONDERFUL NATURAL FEATURE THAT THE VILLAGE HAS TO OFFER.

THE VILLAGE OF COCKRANE IS VERY UNIQUE INDEED WITH SOME OF ITS HISTORIC ATRIBUTES STILL HERE TO SEEN, COCKRANE VILLAGE IS ALL SO A GATE WAY TO A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE THE MORNE TROIS PITONS NATIONAL PARK.

ANOTHER EVENT UNIQUE TO THE VILLAGE OF COCKRANE AND ALSO A HIGHLIGHT FOR SOME OF THE VISITORS TO THE RABBIT FESTIVAL IS THE ONE AND ONLY BAT TOURS WHERE A GROUP OF TRIANED TOUR GUIDES TAKE YOU IN TO THE RAIN FOREST TO VIEW A SPECTACULAR CALL OF NATURE WHERE WE HAVE THOUSANDS OF BATS ALL COME FLYING OUT OF THEIR CAVE BETTER KNOWN AS THE TOU SANTI OR "STINKING HOLE' A LARGE CAVE IN THE GROUND.

A SITE TO SEE SO COME AND GET AN EXPERIENCE OF A LIFE TIME

Support D/can singer Athenia Henderson

Hi friends.

This was a big week for Athenia as her song "A Song In My Head" just won a song competition and is now competing for the title of Song Of The Year.

Check her website at: http://www.atheniahenderson.com and listen to her song.

See the details of the contest at at: http://www.songoftheyear.com/winners/2008/052008.htm

The Categoryis Dance/ Electronica.

Dominica; Country of My birth

Here is a wonderful article about my country, here and enjoy:

Rumor has it, once you've mastered driving on Dominica, you can drive anywhere in the world. It's easy to see why. It is, literally, a jungle. Its roads, most of which are no wider than an alley, crawl over mountains and cling to cliffs tumbling down to the Caribbean Sea. All of their turns are shaped like hairpins, and all of their curves are as blind as the nightfall here, where there are no streetlights or stoplights - only stars. And just to make things interesting for the 66 percent of the licensed driving world who are accustomed to keeping right, Dominica's former British Commonwealth status means that here, one hugs the curves to the left.

to read the full article click here

Things I collect

currently I am collecting post cards and flags of countries. my postcard collection spans many countries and many interests but most particularly natural sites and cultural depictions. However my flags of countries collection hasnt been as prosperous in numbers particulary because I only collect flags from countries I have visited. I have flags from mainly carribean countries and a few african countries but im still in need of more to fully get my target, I only started to collect flags after I had made some visits so I am missing some flags of countries that I have traveled to, for example:

holland
belgium
romania
mali
benin
guyana
barbados
france

if you can provide me with flags from any of these countries, i would be deeply grateful. if you are interested then just reply to this post and we can start discussions.

Just send them to 56 Lime Street, Bath Estate, Roseau, Commonwealth of Dominica or for more information check out my facebook page

Nesta

EARTH CHARTER ONENESS BOOK PROJECT: GLOBAL CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

EARTH CHARTER ONENESS BOOK PROJECT: GLOBAL CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Have you ever experienced moments of deep connection with the world around you? Do you have stories or photos that illustrate the oneness of life? We warmly welcome you to become part of the Earth Charter Oneness Book Project...

THE CALL:Earth Charter International invites you to reflect upon moments when you have suddenly felt a deep sense of oneness or connection with the world around you. We are seeking personal stories and photos on this theme of connection from a great diversity of ages, cultures, religions, and walks of life. Submissions will be selected from every region of the world, and published in a book to be released internationally in 2009. For full details and the Youtube version of the Call, please visit: http://www.earthcharterinaction.org/publication. Please share with us your voice, your images, and your inspiration!

THE QUESTION:The question we are inviting you to respond to has two parts: When have you experienced moments of unexpected connection or oneness in your life, and how has this feeling inspired and sustained your vision, hope, and action for a better world?

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR? Stories and photos that come out of your personal experience and speak to unexpected moments of connection. This connection could be with anything that has inspired in you a feeling of oneness – with a culture, a stranger, a mountain, a community, or a passing butterfly. These may stem from experiences of the everyday or the extraordinary, from a random encounter that expanded your sense of connection to a defining revelation in your life. Ultimately, we want to hear about those moments of connection that have had a meaningful impact on your everyday life. Stories should be 1-4 pages in length (500-2400 words). Full details are available at www.earthcharterinaction.org/publication.

WHEN IS THE DEADLINE FOR SUBMISSIONS?

Send in your submissions by August 15th, 2008 (12 midnight GMT) for first priority consideration.

HOW TO SUBMIT?Visit http://www.earthcharterinaction.org/publication for full rules, guidelines, and instructions.

WHO ARE WE?The Earth Charter is a widely recognized, global consensus statement on ethics and values for a more just, sustainable, and peaceful future. You can find out more at www.earthcharter.org.

The Wanderer

As promised i went back to my writing this weekend and for some reason I kept thinking of this one idea i had. I couldnt get it out of my head. I spent the weekend at this youth camp with a few of my friends from the Dominica Youth Environment Organization (DYEO Inc.) and everytime i looked around, i heard the sound of the wind through the trees, the sounds of the waves crashing against the rugged Delices coast line.

All this led me to write the following poem:

The Wanderer

I go through the day
Highs and lows, ups and downs
From one position to another
Breeze and currents all together
As dust travelling as the sands of time
I drift with no end in sight

Through the trees, hills and valleys
My location is never stable
North, South, East or West
Moving clouds across the mountain’s crest
My mood always uncertain
Calm as the morning cool
Violent as the tempest’s hands

Strong as a million, moving as one
Only because I will it so
For with one strike I can all devour
Leaving man to scurry and scour
To square one he returns
As I await the violent rebirth

Back in the Nature Isle

I've left the land of sea and sun (Antigua) and i'm back in the Nature Isle of Dominica, my homeland. I haven't written anything since my return because i've dived right into my work but will be devoting some time over the weekend to look at my writings.

Until then, I will be involved in a few activities here and there and to those who wonder what i look like, i'm attaching a pic to this entry. That's me chilling in my cousin's room in Antigua during my time of rest and relaxation. I also got a lot of inspiration for my poetry too

Dee

Where's my guardian angel

Wrote this one last week, was in a lil depressed state and started to write, i guess it was channeled through my writing, hope it is enjoyed.

Where’s my guardian angel?
It’s not my time
But the moment seems so right
Walking on the beach watching sunsets
My day is over as the sun sets
My thoughts are cloudy gray
Where’s the silver lining of this dismay
The sun wasn’t shining on me today
Everything positive feels so far away

Searching for elusive comfort
Finding illusive consorts
I don’t mind dying not knowing true love
For promised treasures lie above
Above and beyond I often dream
Life isn’t all that it seems
Happy fleeting moments surround days of despair
My place of serenity, of sanctity, where or where?

Things are getting harder before better
Where are the examples to live by?
Who is to teach me wrong from right?
When best to love, when to fight?
My life seems this long parable
Where’s my guardian angel?
Are you truth or just fable?

les vacances

after a very hectic first half of the year, im taking the first week of the second half of 2008 for myself. I have disappeared to an almost secret location, doing nothing but sleeping, listening to music, the ocassional stroll and a lil poetry to keep the skills sharp:
here is a taste of what i've been cooking up (work in progress):
I'm Ready
I'm ready to be the man you need
having your love, my only greed
so as our story continues to be told
like prophecies, you and I as lovers foretold
one can hide, one can run
I wont rest till your love i've won

Be with me girl, standing side by side
for this is a thrilling journey, one unique ride
be my partner, be my equal
for this love is original
and there will be no sequels
no doubles, no fakes, no clones
I want your love, yes, all to my own

this mini-vacance is doing me well, i havent put on a pound, well i never could but right now i feel so relaxed, i know there's alot waiting for me when i get back but cant think about that right now so until you hear from me again.so i have the rest of this week all to myself...