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Rihanna Gets Reception Fit For A Queen

See exclusive pictures on BoyceVoice blog It is 9.30PM and Rihanna is being celebrated in song by the best musical talent which Barbados has to offer in Independence Square, Bridgetown, Barbados. The tribute is occasioned by Rihanna’s capturing a Grammy Award and her international success over the last 3 years. Prime Minister David Thompson has…

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See exclusive pictures on BoyceVoice blog

It is 9.30PM and Rihanna is being celebrated in song by the best musical talent which Barbados has to offer in Independence Square, Bridgetown, Barbados. The tribute is occasioned by Rihanna’s capturing a Grammy Award and her international success over the last 3 years. Prime Minister David Thompson has wasted no time in setting things in motion to recognize his fellow Combermerian and world famous Superstar. Rihanna entered the Square in style aboard a boat commanded by the one arm cancer Olympian Andrew Burke. Many Barbadians were anticipating that Jay Z, who signed her to his international label Def Jam would have accompanied her to Barbados, it turned out to be Chris Brown the American Pop Star. The Internet has been congested with the buzz in recent times about a romantic association between the two. The fact that he has accompanied her on this special occasion maybe enough to confirm the deal. Rihanna was flabbergasted when in a proclamation read by Minister of Culture Mr. Steve Blackett she was elevated to Youth & Culture Ambassador for Barbados. She was also given a piece of land in the exclusive and ritzy part of the island, a place called Apes Hill. Finally the crowd went wild when Chris Brown was asked to visit the stage to cut the cake with Rihanna. We are back to the TV to enjoy the rest of the celebration!

138 responses to “Rihanna Gets Reception Fit For A Queen”

  1. samizdat Avatar
    samizdat

    Just listen to yourselves! You people are really something else…

    Not one of you has a single thing to say about any of the really fine performances we saw (Arturo, Livvy, Shontelle, Kid Site, the gospel ensemble, et al).

    All you can do is drone on and on about KB like a lot of old Moaning Mavises.

    How lame. How insecure in your own identities you are.

    You know what I think really vexes you? It’s that the foreign media were present. You’re all so anxious about what non-Bajans think of us, mortified that (as the guy above put it) we “were embarrassed as a nation on an international level”.

    Such rubbish! Listen to me. I’ve talked to many, many people from abroad about this today, and – I swear on my kids’ lives – to a man (and woman) they agree with me: that it’s this grotesque over-reaction to KB that makes Barbados look ridiculous, not KB’s performance.

    Let me spell it out for you once again:

    This was like a massive family party; it wasn’t the State Opening of Parliament, for God’s sake!

    The triumphant homecoming of a young Bajan pop star was being feted by her own people; it wasn’t the first Official Visit by President Obama!

    And as for embarrassing Chris Brown….

    People, grow up! Do you know who this young guy is? Have you listened to any of the lyrics of his songs?

    Here’s a sample from Run It!, his first smash hit.

    “One of them Brand new big boy toys
    I do big boy things
    I make big boy noise cuz…
    I know what girls want…
    I know what they like
    They wanna stay up , and party all night
    so bring a friend…”

    Not exactly Irving Burgie, is it? Now don’t get me wrong, I like the youth and his music. He’s talented and focused. But talk of KB embarrassing him is just fooish. He’s not Sir Clifford Husbands!

    And one last thing before I finish in connection with KB and PM Thompson.

    A confident, grown-up person doesn’t have to get their panties in a twist all the time over matters of protocol. The fact that Thompson didn’t seem phased by being called ‘David’ (any more than former UK PM Blair minded being callled ‘Tony’) in what was clearly meant to be a relaxed, warm and familial setting speaks very highly of his own sense of self-esteem and status. It also speaks volumes to me that so few of you can grasp this.

    Honestly, it’s not KB who should be ashamed today, but people like you posters here along with all the other Bajans who, when presented with an entirely positive, good-humoured, heart-warming, well-executed and celebratory Bajan occasion, can only fret about what the rest of the world is thinking of us…

  2. princess Avatar
    princess

    Listen up!

    KB did the PROUD! He took them down a peg or two off their high horses Maybe now they will stop acting like they are above everyone else. Since their own acted like a jackass in public and flaunted where he went to school. how could we forget ! GO CAWMERE!

    Good luck Rhianna …all de best girl

  3. princess Avatar
    princess

    KB did CAWMERE PROUD! He took them down a peg or two off their high horses . Maybe now they will stop acting like they are above everyone else. Since their own acted like a jackass in public and flaunted where he went to school. how could we forget ! GO CAWMERE!

    Good luck Rhianna …all de best girl

  4. island spice Avatar
    island spice

    Samizdat,
    You could not have said it better! I live in New York and I have to say that myself and friends who live in the U.S. loved the show. KB was a bit over the top but it was it was all in good fun. With the exception of referring to the Prime Minister as David, I LOVED that he treated Rihanna and Chris Brown as REAL people. My friends were cracking up and saying ‘man he giving them real nuff pressure!’ It felt like such a warm welcome home – something genuine and not the contrived way of living that exists in the U.S. and surely for Rihanna in the cut-throat entertainment industry. Rihanna deftly handled the situation and from what I can see only Mediatakeout covered it with a few pics. It was really no big deal in the States but it appears there is a tempest in a teapot stirring in Barbados. Stop worrying about the international press they are so over this story and onto the next one. However, be confident in yourselves and the awesome culture we come from. According to reports the tribute was conceived and organized in 4 days so kudos to everyone. You only had to listen to Rihanna’s overwhelmed but grateful voice to tell she appreciated this outpouring from her own people. And that my friends makes this event a success.

  5. me Avatar
    me

    Cornrosw in Parliament, Kevin Hinds as compere, Hi David, my Buddy,

    Our standards are falling!

  6. David Avatar
    David

    Samizdat,
    You could not have said it better! I live in New York and I have to say that myself and friends who live in the U.S. loved the show. KB was a bit over the top but it was it was all in good fun. With the exception of referring to the Prime Minister as David, I LOVED that he treated Rihanna and Chris Brown as REAL people. My friends were cracking up and saying ‘man he giving them real nuff pressure!’ It felt like such a warm welcome home – something genuine and not the contrived way of living that exists in the U.S. and surely for Rihanna in the cut-throat entertainment industry. Rihanna deftly handled the situation and from what I can see only Mediatakeout covered it with a few pics. It was really no big deal in the States but it appears there is a tempest in a teapot stirring in Barbados. Stop worrying about the international press they are so over this story and onto the next one. However, be confident in yourselves and the awesome culture we come from. According to reports the tribute was conceived and organized in 4 days so kudos to everyone. You only had to listen to Rihanna’s overwhelmed but grateful voice to tell she appreciated this outpouring from her own people. And that my friends makes this event a success.

    Could it be that as Barbadians we have our own idea about the standards which we want to uphold? Do we care whether the Americans found something wrong with it or not? It seems that a majority of Barbadians have a problem with the tent like antics of Kevin Hinds. The phrasing of his apology shows that he was ‘forced’ to apologize by somebody of influence.

  7. Tell me Why Avatar
    Tell me Why

    People, grow up! Do you know who this young guy is? Have you listened to any of the lyrics of his songs?
    ……………………………………………………………………..
    You’re missing the point. Yes , we might like Kelvin during the Crop Over period for his immense wit, we might like Kelvin as an entertainer, we might like Kelvin as an intelligent promoter and the like, but we cannot like Kelvin for making a total donkey of himself. Sorry ‘animal lovers’.

    His behaviour and lack of protocol cannot be accepted by wise thinking Barbadians, even if we forget the International media we must deal with the real occasion. These are the facts; the concert was an acknowledgment for Rihanna. It was held under the auspices of The Prime Minister and the Government of Barbados and was part sponsored by the Private Sector and attended by Barbadians and Guests. The age grouping was from babes in arms to retirees. The concert was on national TV with all types of viewers.

    You can make a mistake by calling the Prime Minister by his ‘first name’, but this was not uttered once, but many times. Don’t tell me as a MC he don’t know about ‘protocol’. Secondly, Rihanna was the guest of honour and was accompanied by her guest Chris Brown. Kelvin constantly accosted her about her relationship with Chris and you the reversal to accost Chris about Rihanna. That was not the place for that, period. Where were the damage control staff. Where were the organisers of the show. I must say the blind was leading the blind, no wonder Hurricane was unable to hint to Kelvin of his poor performance.

    Samizdat, his condemnation came from all segment of the community, especially the youth who realised that it was totally uncalled for and he was made to pay for his actions. Don’t get me wrong, I am not happy in bashing Kelvin, since he is one of the smarter entertainment intellects in our country, but I will be deceitful in putting a feather in his cap.

    By the way, your apology was only directed to the Honourable David Thompson. What about Rihanna, Chris Brown, the sponsors, the invited guests and the thousands of attendees and viewers. Kelvin, you have so more apologising to do.

  8. Anon Avatar
    Anon

    samazdat
    Not one of you has a single thing to say about any of the really fine performances we saw (Arturo, Livvy, Shontelle, Kid Site, the gospel ensemble, et al).
    …………………………………………………………………
    Yes they were excellent(except grumpy Lil Rick) but KB Kleen alias Kevin Hinds overshadowed them with his assness. He ruined a night that was set to be brilliant. From the fabulous Rihanna to the huge crowd to the cooperative weather we had a perfect setting. Then this fool arrived.

    I could not believe what I was seeing and hearing from this ignorant boy. Make no mistake kevin Hinds shamed all of Barbados. I felt sorry for Rihanna, Chris Brown and especially the Prime Minister. Keven Hinds is the worst and he must be told so by everyone.

  9. Khaidji Avatar
    Khaidji

    Those of us who viewed the Believe Concert from at home may have had a better vantage point them many of those in attendance. And thanks to Boyce Voice, we were getting photos from the time Rihanna landed. Sometimes, being at home has its advantages. I am generally pleased with most I’ve seen and overjoyed with Rihanna in an impromptu setting. People can be best judge when unrehearsed and for me, she scored top points even when the situations seem difficult.

    It’s A Tribute To Her

    I too was bemused
    The kind of style KB used
    Such taunting was a shame
    And can only taint Rihanna’s name
    This was my feeble mistake
    Rihanna was classy and took the cake
    I must give this young lady much more credit
    Bajan star knows this business and can handle it
    Ugly moments she turns into Kodak ones
    This gal is in an industry where she belongs
    Elation covered her face when the PM declared
    This position meant more than she’d been tangibly awarded
    One Grammy and a barrage of other trophies
    Honor of Cultural Ambassador seemed more than these
    Efforts were all out for this tribute to confer
    Reception great but Rihanna’s class, It’s A Tribute To Her

    Notice the message down the left spine of each poem.
    See other poems about Rihanna Here All written by Khaidji

  10. born and bred Avatar
    born and bred

    I believe two out of 56 comments on this subject cry like a voice in the wilderness.

    If a Combermerian became famous for being a Drug Lord would there be such fanfare as well?? God help us.

    Rihanna is more wealthy than 95% of the population here. Does she NEED land at Apes Hill or a free vehicle.? If she wants it, she has more than enough money to purchase it.. Does she need to be “bribed” into having property in her homeland???

    What about poor Stephen Grant living on the streets. How many comments did that garner. WHO??? WHO CARES RIGHT???

    What does all of this say about us BARBADOS??

    I’m not saying that Rihanna is a drug lord but the culture that she moves in is not exactly wholesome. While I don’t care for such affairs, I do keep myself informed. Rihanna announced to the entire world by virtue of her last album that she is “A Good Girl Gone Bad”.

    Wow, Barbados — I guess that’s what we want to be known for.

    Go to Chris Brown’s website. Look at the skull and bones tattoo on his hand.

    What statement is he making?

    Ever heard birds of a feather flock together?

  11. Rhi fan Avatar
    Rhi fan

    Born and Bred you are more weird and confused than KB Kleen. Are you him? Rhianna is the most famous Bajan internationally whether you like it or not. Ninety nine percent plus Bajans excluding you and the two voices are proud of her. As an obvious anti Rihanna person I hope you stay in the wilderness.

  12. NattyBaj Avatar
    NattyBaj

    I firmly believe there is a time and a place for everything and everyone. Clearly we need to show our future (children, youth, young adults) the what, where, when and how and not simply applaud the ridiculous. Fact is fact…stop polishing the brass and calling it gold. It will tarnish no matter what!

  13. Radiance Avatar
    Radiance

    Sometimes people can take thing too far. In some ways Kevin Hinds’ behavior was inappropriate for the occasion. He took some things too far. The people complained. He realized that he offended people and he apologized to the nation. Yet we are still going on and on and on about what he said. To me, that’s taking it too far. What more do we want? His head on a platter? A pound of his flesh? Let us learn how to accept apologies with grace when they are offered.

  14. David Avatar
    David

    Here is Kevin Hind’s apology compliments of Boyce Voice blog

    My beloved Barbados. I am a tried and true professional in the entertainment business for over 25 years.

    Last night at the tribute to Rhianna (On Feb 21st 2008)I realize that some of my comments and actions may have offended some of you. Comments that may have been misinterpreted to be disrespectful of rank or position could have been unclear.

    Let me state that I have the highest regard for the Right Hon. David Thompson, the Prime Minister and leader of our great Nation and, at any point, would do nothing to destroy the relationship we have developed since our school days at Combermere.

    Last night, just after the PM’s arrival I may have called him David due to fact that I am so familiar with him as an individual. However, when it came to formal introductions, I did indeed refer to the Prime Minister with clear and proper protocol and regard.

    At this time , let me seize the opportunity to apologize to Barbados, special guests and our new Ambassador, Rhianna and anyone I may have offended.

    Kevin “KB Kleen” Hinds.

  15. born and bred Avatar
    born and bred

    Is is it a question of how we treat famous Bajans or shouldn’t there be a question of how we treat the LEAST of Barbadians. If we don’t care about our kind who can’t help themselves. What does it say about us??

  16. Bush tea Avatar
    Bush tea

    Born and Bred

    This thread is about how we define EXCELLENCE and establish high standards. It is about recognizing success and achievement.
    If you don’t understand this then say so – but do not bring welfare into this equation. These are TWO DIFFERENT concepts.

    Rihanna did not ask anyone for land or car. Barbados did not do her any favour by those gifts. Those gifts were designed to inspire other Barbadians. To lift our self esteem and to build our national self confidence.

    People like Rihanna and Obba are worth MUCH MUCH more than we could ever give them.

    If you and your welfare cases present yourself to the welfare department then I am sure that you will find that Barbados is more generous than most other countries including many of the wealthy developed ones (How many of these provide FREE education, free health care, National insurance, subsidized housing etc)

    As far as those ‘great’ Bajans who seem not to get the same response as Oba and Rhi got…. you tell me how you rate their contribution to inspiring national spirit, self respect etc…

    As far as standards go, this KB thing is a real blessing if we are smart. It demonstrates clearly the danger of lowering standards. Our ‘tent and ZR culture’ seems to lead us to accept all kinds of crassness – much like a lousy parent encouraging rudeness at home because it is so ‘cute’ and then being upset when the child ‘make dem shame’ in public and in front of friends.

    You see the corn rows in parliament and the dread locks in school? — we will pay for these too- just wait….

  17. me Avatar
    me

    I agree with u 100%

    People who succeed like Rihana are to be applauded. In fact we need our young people to see that you can succeed if you try!

    We need to also show them that there is a time and a place for everything.

    Corn rows in Parlaimnet is disrespectful ( they are ok at home , in the club , on the block, on the street etc. KB Kleans behaviour on that stage at that time was unacceptable ( it is ok in a tent, at a Madd performance etc).

  18. Radiance Avatar
    Radiance

    Please explain exactly what is disrespectful about cornrows and dreadlocks. Disrespectful in what way? And disrespectful to whom? What are the characteristics of the people who find them disrespectful? Which standards are being lowered? By whom were these standards set? And when did they become the standards? Do standards ever change, or are they immutable?

    What is the basis for comparing which of the following approaches to hair are more/less respectful or of a higher/lower standard: Braids, dreadlocks, cornrows, twists, weaves, wigs, a perm/relaxer, jheri curls, texturized hair, a short cut, plaits, a bald head, a bun, a ponytail, nubian knots/corkscrew, a bob, a shag, and the list goes on.

    Thanks for replying.

  19. born and bred Avatar
    born and bred

    Bush Tea:

    What excellence is there in “Bad Girl” behaviour?

    Amy Winehouse won the most Grammys is she to be applauded? Look at her lifestyle. What type of role model is she giving to young people?

    This is not about Barbados, try and lift your sights higher. Aren’t you very insular in your perception?

    This is about our young people and the direction in which they are going which is for the most part a negative one if you would be honest. It’s like that the world over not only on this “Rock”. Are “Hip-Hop” stars inspiring young people to greatness? If so at what?

    Rihanna got a lucky break.

    Are all Bajan young people going to repeat that? NO.

    You mentioned free education. Why was it implemented? Was it not in the spirit of ASSISTING LESS FORTUNATE PEOPLE and building them up??

    Do we applaud and lift up Bajans simply because they feed the Entertainment/Sports industry and are recognized in THE “GREAT USA??””

    Seems hypocritical to me. Bajans don’t have much use for that country or any of the other western countries until a Bajan gets recognition from them.

    If that is what you believe will bring about excellence in young people we should be seeing it all like now so.

    Seems to me Obadele brought home the bronze about six years ago but the youth are getting worse not better.

  20. Bush Tea Avatar
    Bush Tea

    Ok Born and Bred…. I get you – you don’t understand….
    You are focused on “assisting those who are less fortunate…”

    Reflect on the parable of the talents and see if you can figure out why and under what circumstances, Jesus suggests that we should take even the little that the “less fortunate” has- and give to those that already have…

  21. Snuff Avatar
    Snuff

    I agree with Technician,undertaker and also quite a few of you..it was our time to SHINE not DISGRACE… i was most horrified to see the manner in which KB “NASTY” was behaving and you would have thought the other MC “Hurricane” would have took over or did something to tame the fool… but then again what more can you expect from the two who have no class whatsoever…it disgusts me to think that one of the members of a school which is suppose to be one of the best in the island can display such ignorance for the whole world to see… it was embarassing and i wish someone would have stepped up and snatched the mike from the cunt who was obviously oblivious to the fact he was ripping away the proudness that we bajans have felt until that night and replacing it with nothing but shame and disgust…What business was it of his to ask those personal questions and on another hot topic addressing the Honourable David Thompson as “David ” infront of the whole nation like they were pitching marbles!weren’t these so called MC’S briefed on what was expected ??? or could it be they thought they were at Bachanal or Madd ????, there’s a new script for you Mr.Boyce ” KB’S WALK OF SHAME ” ….In my opinion Wayne “cool”simmons and Cassandra from the “chat room” would have been a perfect pair that night they were both excellent and very professional at the B.M.A’s and they both have class and manners and i also must comment on their diction and poise..you do not have to be vulgar or brawling to be a “PROUD BAJAN”….i’m sure Rihanna must have felt like crawling under a rock her very own “people” behaving in such manner..what confidence would that give her or her manager for future events in which she may be invited to attend here without asking the questions would they embarass me again?..despite all of that i must commend her on the way she handled it all..both KB and Hurricane were the faces and voices of Barbados in that i mean they were the ones speaking on all of our behalf and representing our Nation…. how could such a simple task go so wrong ?? and as for the whole show i thought it was tacky so much more could have been done the lack of preparation showed …..where was the podium? the whole paper reading thing was tacky although it did suit the two MC’S… but a podium would have been nice and why was karaoke going on if it was a tribute to Rihanna ???

    Snuff

  22. samizdat Avatar
    samizdat

    “it was embarassing and i wish someone would have stepped up and snatched the mike from the cunt…”

    Charming. So elegantly phrased. What a great role model for Bajan youth.

    Seriously, isn’t a cretin like Snuff spewing this kind of disgusting trash on a blog for all the world to read far, far more shameful than anything silly, harmless KB Kleen is meant to have done?

  23. Bimbro Avatar
    Bimbro

    Radiance // February 23, 2008 at 7:33 pm

    Please explain exactly what is disrespectful about cornrows and dreadlocks. Disrespectful in what way? And disrespectful to whom? What are the characteristics of the people who find them disrespectful? Which standards are being lowered? By whom were these standards set? And when did they become the standards? Do standards ever change, or are they immutable?

    What is the basis for comparing which of the following approaches to hair are more/less respectful or of a higher/lower standard: Braids, dreadlocks, cornrows, twists, weaves, wigs, a perm/relaxer, jheri curls, texturized hair, a short cut, plaits, a bald head, a bun, a ponytail, nubian knots/corkscrew, a bob, a shag, and the list goes on.

    Thanks for

    *******************************

    These standards are set by intelligent, respectable, society!! Did n’t you know????

  24. Kadri Avatar
    Kadri

    bimbro i would hate to know you believe also that people who wear dreads or corn rows are not any of the above you mentioned.

    let me make this clear to you or any who believe so, you cannot win this debate with me anyday.

    corn row and dreads were classed by society as a thuglife or a way of living, if you want to measure a man by his appearance also include his academic achievements also. because we all know, the so called thugs do not have such achievements, well most of them.

    its just like de earrings, people believe men should not wear earrings, well i got good news for you on that issue too, i have never seen a woman who born with holes in her ears fitted for earrings.

    our problem today is that we cannot accept people for who they are, and because we were brought up in a certain way we think our bringing up is always correct. well the correct way of thinking is to have an open mind instead of having a selfish thought, i guess the doctors who wear cornrows you would not let them attend to you either.

    the same so called intelligent respectable society who wore decent shaven heads, were the same ones who were the most corrupted administrators and CEOs, so dont comment jargon.

    that comment is useless, you people who believe that, need to live on the outside world away from de british standards.

  25. Bimbro Avatar
    Bimbro

    well the correct way of thinking is to have an open

    ********************

    Kadri, the correct way of thinking is to have normal, decent standards!! I realise that may be a challenge, for some!!!!

  26. Kadri Avatar
    Kadri

    everything starts from our thoughts brimbo, if you want respect, you show it first right?

    what do you consider normal decent standards?
    clean shaven hair, trimmed beard? thats just appearance dude.

    so what do you call the lecturers at the UWI who wear dreadlocks? sorry to say brimbo but you need to learn what standards are before you comment on them.

    these so called standards were set by people who would not accept people for who they are and want to dictate to people what they should look like. is that not a form of dictatorship? then you people would cry down castro for telling people they cannot have 2 cars.

    fair is fair, if you do not think people who wear corn rows or dreads are decent, do not read their articles in the paper, do not speak to them, do not let them prescribe you medication or even come in contact with you.

    i have a bald head that i keep clean every 4 days,

    i would hate to know i am being discriminated against because of the style i choose to wear my hair, i am sure you would too. if not you yet have a lot to learn.

    and last but not least.

    Brimbo, the correct way of thinking is to accept people regardless of how they style their appearance!! I realise that may be a challenge, for you!!!!

  27. Bimbro Avatar
    Bimbro

    Some people delight in making fools of themselves and black people, as a whole, whether they realise they’re doing so, or not!!!!

  28. Anonny Avatar
    Anonny

    Can’t we all agree that all individuals should be able to do what they want with their hair? Can we agree that as a society our standards are shaped by all kinds of things which influence our thoughts and perceptions.
    Let us all agree that certain modes of dress, speech and other mannerisms we rightly or wrongly associate with diviant behavious.
    Let us all agree that the plaiting of hair, wearing of tattoes and baggy clothing is associated with a diviant lifestyle which natuturally shape our opinions.

    Dont all of these these determine what standards our society will accept?

    Just asking Kadri.

  29. Bimbro Avatar
    Bimbro

    The problem is; is straightened-hair inappropriate, at any time?? I maintain that it is. If cornrow is inappropriate then why not straightened-hair? Neither is natural to us and only a manifestation of our widespread vanity which, normally, everyone would agree was n’t commendable!

  30. born and bred Avatar
    born and bred

    Defending the Faith — Bush Tea

    What kind of convoluted machinations, “thinking”, could bring one to misconstrue the piece of Scripture you have abused in your response to what I said.

    Answering you now, who are pathetically throwing up dust to cloud the issues:

    Jesus set aside his Divinity and went so far as to give His life for those of us who are mere mortals, not only for the “Rich and Famous.”

    To imply that He in any way inferred the abuse of power or position to the advantage of the privileged is to say, in more recent times, “If you’re white you’re right, if you’re black stay back”.

    There is no political leadership in Barbados whose foundation was not against such principles of the rights of the “privileged few” to the disadvantage and denigration of the masses. Hence the free education you mentioned earlier, that Rihanna enjoyed.

    It is an observable phenomenon, worldwide, that we humans live vicariously through the “Glory of our Idols”………….. sports, entertainment, politics, big business what have you.

    Juxtaposition, (compare) this against the lot of the Roman populace during the time preceding the fall of that Empire.

    Similarly the lot of the African Diaspora in the western hemisphere supporting the lifestyle of the “Plantocracy” (the “Rich and Famous” of that time). “Capitalism and Slavery”.

    The focal point of my contribution to this thread is to bring into context the “CONTRAST” of our, Bajan, response to one in need and one in plenty.

    We as a Nation have given to someone who currently would be the beneficiary of an extraordinary income and lifestyle but prefer to “HIDE” and “DISAVOW” any knowledge of the least fortunate in our midst.

    As it were “chasing away the lepers and the blind and the halt” from God’s mercy.

    You would suggest that they should go and see the Welfare Department while you take your hard earned money, via your tax dollars, VAT etc. and give it to somebody who already has more than enough.

    Did Rihanna offer to give anything to Stephen Grant or any of the other homeless, disenfranchised Barbadians who were scrunting in the back alleys while she was enjoying her “birthday cake”???

  31. Kadri Avatar
    Kadri

    Anonny // February 24, 2008 at 9:20 am

    Can’t we all agree that all individuals should be able to do what they want with their hair? Can we agree that as a society our standards are shaped by all kinds of things which influence our thoughts and perceptions.
    Let us all agree that certain modes of dress, speech and other mannerisms we rightly or wrongly associate with diviant behavious.
    Let us all agree that the plaiting of hair, wearing of tattoes and baggy clothing is associated with a diviant lifestyle which natuturally shape our opinions.

    Dont all of these these determine what standards our society will accept?

    Just asking Kadri.
    ———————————————-

    obviously only in our modern day society under the british dude.

    corn rows from biblical days, tattoos are ancient body art adapted by the egyptians and baggy pants are fashions worn by the hip hop culture.

    in other words, when i go to a store, i do not see gangster nor executive over the labels, i only see a price, you are and will be a fool to judge someone based on their appearance, for example.

    i was on duty in the city an evening dressed in my party attire and an elderly lady was behind me and asked me why i don’t go and look for a job and stop walking bout de place like i foolish.

    never judge one by their clothing, or how they wear their hair.

    what would you say about adonijah then who wears dreadlocks? that he is a theif and druglord like the others who were charged with his same appearance?

    i call wunna fools simply because everyday people go before the courts who appear decently dressed and they are charged with some high court offences, and based on your beliefs, i would say you too are criminals just like them, no appearance of any man can be judged.

  32. Kadri Avatar
    Kadri

    sorry fuh de spelling errors

  33. Bimbro Avatar
    Bimbro

    so what do you call the lecturers at the UWI who wear dreadlocks?

    ***************************

    a**holes!!!!

    ****************************
    fair is fair, if you do not think people who wear corn rows or dreads are decent, do not read their articles in the paper, do not speak to them, do not let them prescribe you medication or even come in contact with you.

    ****************************

    I don’t, unless I’m absolutely, desperate!!!!

    ************************

    P.S. What’s the matter with the hair which got prescribed for you?? Think u know better than he does, I guess?*!*!*!*!! As I mentioned, ‘making a fool of your/ourselves’!!!!

    ********************************
    Brimbo, the correct way of thinking is to accept people regardless of how they style their appearance!! I realise that may be a challenge, for you!!!!

    *******************************

    You’re so right, it’s more than a challenge for me. In fact, it’s an unacceptable, challenge for if I had the power, I certainly, would n’t stand for it!!

    Point in question: looked out of my window a few minutes ago, to be ‘greeted’, i.e. horrified, by the sight of an idiot Jamaican, rasta looking more like excrement on legs than anything else, and that’s what u say we shoud accept!!

    I’ve only one reply to that, it’s, “you must be joking”!!!! Any other reply of mine, would be unpublishable!!!!

  34. Bimbro Avatar
    Bimbro

    Look, de lord prescribe wha I should look like an I happy wid it, hearrrrrrrrrrrrrrr?!!!

    Not to mention any other, but, for this reason alone, other races think we’re pathetic!!!!

    ‘Well done’, Kadri and others for giving them that perception!!!!

  35. Kadri Avatar
    Kadri

    you certainly revealed the type of so called decent you are with your comments.

    kudos to you

  36. David Avatar
    David

    In defense of Rihanna she has a charity and the tribute given to her by the government promoted it, Believe Foundation we think it is called. It was set up to assist terminally ill children. Although it is a universal charity and Stephen grant may not qualify, she is helping people.

    On the other side of the coin we want to agree maybe that with the exception of government the businesses (Warren Motors, Colombian Emeralds, Simpson Motors and other) who gave Rihanna jewellery, jeep and other hands outs which she can afford from her petty cash could have looked at making the donations to a charity in her name. We are sure Rihanna would have been agreeable to this approach.

    This is a minority view we are hearing coming through on BU which we want to highlight a little.

  37. Bimbro Avatar
    Bimbro

    It’s probably this dissatisfaction with our physical appearance, which has ****ed-up our people mentally, for so long and decimated the achievements which they would otherwise, have made!!!!

  38. Bimbro Avatar
    Bimbro

    Kadri // February 24, 2008 at 9:54 am

    you certainly revealed the type of so called decent you are with your comments.

    kudos to you

    ************************

    Thank you, Kadri. That’s right, I realise it might not be very, fashionable among your cirle of friends, but I’m proud to be decent!!!!

  39. me Avatar
    me

    It is idealistic to think that we are not judged by the way we look, by the way we present ourselves. If the senator is on a crusade to change the current 2008 standard for what is presentable then good for him but I dont think that was the case. He would have to tell me otherwise.

    I am well aware of how we african people were introduced to straightened hair etc but that is not the point. It matters not how we got here what matters is an understanding of how things currently work.

    If the senator had worn locs , a dashiki or such like I would have no problem since they usually mean SOMETHING! Cornrows FOR MEN in this day and age are not regal,conservative or serious. Maybe the senator can change that view!

    Standards change and expectations change but Im confused by this one!

  40. Radiance Avatar
    Radiance

    I see that there have been few attempts to really address the set of questions I posed, though. Saying that X is respectable/presentable because respectable/presentable people say it is, or that it is the standard because that’s what the standard is at the moment doesn’t say anything at all. What is our rationale for saying that some hairstyles are “good” and some hairstyles are “bad”?

    (BU, sorry to be writing about all this on a Rihanna thread, but this is where I saw the comments being made).

  41. Kadri Avatar
    Kadri

    radiance, all i can say is that some people’s level of thinking are still stuck in their backsides, so they cannot think for themselves and make their own judgement, they can only speak about what they were told, but not what they believe.

    nothing is good or bad about a hairstyle, its a part of our body we just happen to manage differently.

    this is from someone with an open mind.

  42. me Avatar
    me

    There is no rationale, they is no rationale for what is acceptable speech, what is acceptable dress, what is acceptable anything if you really think about it. Indeed why are they even rules since we each individually can think for our selves. Why don’t we just all do as we please?

    I never said that the man’s hairstyle was bad. I said they is a time an place or the most recent catchphrase “a sense of occassion.”

    Question? Do you think that ALL black women will make their hair natural now that they know ‘ where they came from.’

    Why dont we all speak Dialect AT ALL TIMES!

    Why don’t we all let our pants fall off our ASSES?

    Seems to me that the current caribbean way of doing some things work ( whether it has a european or african origin or both) quite well.

    We shouldnt have been dragged here screaming from the mother land BUT we HERE NOW so what to do????

  43. me Avatar
    me

    please excuse my “theys” they should be THEREs

  44. Technician Avatar
    Technician

    Kadri..

    Trying to get through to Bimbro is an exercise in futility!!
    Lets just leave him in his apt complex surrounded by the very people he hates..that is his punishment until he croaks.

    This thing about hairstyles is just how we think as a people.Maybe if we all parted our hair down the middle all would be ok.

    I have dreadlocks, yet still I work for and represent five of the Commercial Banks in Barbados .Everyday I am in the contact with people from all levels of society.My hairstyle does not stop me from being professional, disciplined and courteous in carrying out my duties.
    I just think it is sad when we are judged by our appearance as opposed to our qualities.

    One thing which will stay with me though..is that …funny enough….the ones who always have a problem with my locks are black people like me.
    I was turned down by two black employers because of my dreadlocks while looking
    for a job.
    At the interview for the third job, I asked if my locks were a problem. I was told no, as long as I had a police certificate of character(due to the nature of the job), was qualified, professional,well mannered and well spoken, this was all that is required.
    I am employed still and have had nothing but commendations from my clients, who see me as an asset to my company.

    On the topic of the senator with corn rows.
    Why not use him to show the others that you can be something regardless of you hairstyles.Can’t he be used as an example to the youth today to make something of themselves?Must we turn this into a negative issue , when as a positive one it can have more impact?
    This young man is successful, bright and decent.Would it not be better to show others what they can achieve in life with hard work, rather than pulling him down because of his hairstyle?

  45. Technician Avatar
    Technician

    #

    Bimbro // February 24, 2008 at 10:03 am

    Kadri // February 24, 2008 at 9:54 am

    you certainly revealed the type of so called decent you are with your comments.

    kudos to you

    ************************

    Thank you, Kadri. That’s right, I realise it might not be very, fashionable among your cirle of friends, but I’m proud to be decent!!!!
    ———————————————-
    How can you be decent when this is your way of thinking…..’looked out of my window a few minutes ago, to be ‘greeted’, i.e. horrified, by the sight of an idiot Jamaican, rasta looking more like excrement on legs than anything else…..’.

    How do you know this man is an idiot?
    What gives you the right to call him excrement?

    One of these good days Bimbro…you might very well need that same “excrement ” to give you a hand.
    If you are decent……..then I am the Pope!!

  46. Bimbro Avatar
    Bimbro

    Hearty congratulations to the various Barbadian educational establishments which have cracked-down on students’ disgusting appearance. There will always be those, in all areas of society, who will try to drag everybody else down into the gutter with them. They must be resisted and rejected!!!!

    When I think of the cumulative, centuries which black women have wasted trying to make their hair straigt like white womens’ hair it really makes me sick!! Is it any wonder we’re at the bottom of the pile!! While our women are busy straightening their hair, the world’s other women are busy studying, or training or helping their children with their studies!! Poor black women!!!!

    Techie, I did n’t say that he was excrement but that he ‘looked like excrement-on-legs’, which he did!! You must get your understanding straight, first!!

    I guess it would be ok if Thompson wore locks!!!!

  47. Bimbro Avatar
    Bimbro

    When it is n’t the rastas, it’s the homosexuals or some other deviants trying to drag our society down with them. They must all be resisted or we shall all end up in the gutter, which, of course, is precisely what they want, where they’ll be in their version of filth-heaven!!!!

  48. Technician Avatar
    Technician

    Bimbro says..’I guess it would be ok if Thompson wore locks!!!!
    —————————————————-
    Once again, you have shown your ignorance to all things Bajan.
    I am waiting patiently for You to be sooooo disappointed in our new PM when you realise that his very close friend who is always in his company, is in fact a Rastaman.
    Explain to us on this blog, what is wrong with being Rastafarian.
    There are Rastafarian police in the NYPD, there are Rastafarian lawyers etc.
    Rastafarian has never tried to drag down society but rest assured, society has tried their collective best to drag down Rastafari.
    So ignorant Bimbro and others, please ……understand what Rastafari is about first before you go bashing something you know nothing about.
    Everyone with dreadlocks on their heads are not Rastafari.
    As for the institutions here against locks, it is all hypocrisy and double standards as usual.
    The SJPP is a tertiary institution just like the BCC and UWI.
    The majority of students at SJPP are from working class families. This ignorance would never be seen or heard at the other two institutions, I bet my pension on it.
    Rastafari is a recognized religion in this country and it is sad that others can practice theirs freely while the ignorant stigma attached to Rastafari continues to this day to be a hindrance to others.

  49. Observer Avatar
    Observer

    I did not see or attend the show. I only know what I heard on the call-in-programmes.After some time to reflect I see noyhing wrong with Kb’s presentation. What the whole world got to see was our culture at work. The fact that we can go on a first name basis with our prime minister. Could he have done that in Cuba? Lighten up people.Stop living your live to impress others. Ok he might behave that way in a tent but it is that same tent culture that we look forward to each year and the foreign exchange that it brings. We also have lots of international journalist here at crop-over. I do not hear you people complaining then. We had our pm on stage minus any significant amount of security. That girl and her guy had security white-house style. These are the positives that we should be focusing on from the show. Kb is an excellent performer and a real pro. What he does takes talent. The others that you guys are mentioning would have made the show boring and not really bajan. Thanks Kevin for keeping it real.

  50. Bimbro Avatar
    Bimbro

    Explain to us on this blog, what is wrong with being Rastafarian.

    **********************

    Well, it begins with ‘s’ and ends with ‘t’!! I leave u to work out the answer!! Of course there’re also, homosexuals in the NYPD. They’re both proof of one thing – either the NYPD is desperate for recruits or just how persistent these people can be!! I suspect it’s a mixutre of the two!!!

    Society has not to be gutless and stand-up to the degenerates who would drag us all down into the gutter with them!!!! That’s precisely, what they hope will happen and has so often, that we’ll give-up the fight, as clearly, is the case in the NYPD!!!!

    We must resist them, at all points, or next, it’ll be the child and women-abusers and murders demanding exception!!!!

    We need to be less gutless!!!!

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