Diaspora Corner
Barbadians who live abroad navigate to BU to share experiences, search for news about what is happening on the Rock.
The blogmaster welcomes you!
Barbados Underground
Bringing News and Opinions to the People
Barbadians who live abroad navigate to BU to share experiences, search for news about what is happening on the Rock.
The blogmaster welcomes you!
@ CanBajans,
https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/canada-u-s-border-closing-82b-in-direct-aid-and-stimulus-coming-trudeau-1.4857881
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@CanBajans,
https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/walmart-canada-to-hire-10-000-staff-to-meet-surging-demand-1.1409596
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old school
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PM Mia say listen to this. Nice tune.
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@ CanBajans,
https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/coronavirus/worried-you-might-have-covid-19-try-the-government-s-new-online-self-assessment-1.4863421
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@CanBajan
Can we as a society at a time of great crisis go beyond the ordinary norms for the greater good.
I think we can.
The old lady in a humble dwelling deserves our support, the young girl with young mouths to feed is also entitled. Let us all see the bigger picture and in so doing go to basics of a society which has enable mankind to survive for thousands of years. See the good,be kind, think of others less well placed than ourselves and help them if we can.
When this time has passed and it will, it always does. Even if we are not here to see it our children will and if not them some one who benifeted from our kindness.
As a society see ourselves as one people, rise to the challenge.
We have it within ourselves to rise beyond the ordinary. Not because we are Bajan but because we will be a kind Bajan society.
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@Charles Knight
Good to see you on BU’s pages.
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G G is still the one I listen to the most. lol
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G G
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G G has me mesmerized tonight.lol
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G G rocks.
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Would like to see a Ladies of Soul concert in Amsterdam next year….if God spare life.
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Hants,
I checked out the Purple Rain video. It was an interesting interpretation.
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@ Donna
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Ah feelin
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G G acapella
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@ CanBajans,
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A Barefoot Bajan Boy in Berlin
I was a passenger in a window seat as the train pulled into Berlin Railway station. Immediately a soldier standing on the platform drew my attention.
He was a Russian soldier, the first I had seen in uniform. He was very swarthy of complexion, my gaze lingered on him and he returned my gaze. For about ten seconds we just looked at each other. There was no hostility in that interaction, just a look of interest. The train did not linger long at the station. Then it slowly inched forward. I glanced down at his boots, thinking someone must have spent a long time polishing those. He had followed my gaze, there was the flicker of a smile on his face. One soldier to another acknowledging the effort required in preparation of kit.
Why was I in Berlin? I was a soldier in the British Army Corps of Royal Engineers. Attached to a detachment sent to relieve an Infantry Brigade in the district of Spandau. We would be stationed at Spandau Barracks which was next door to Spandau prison. Detained in the prison was Rudolph Hess, Adolph Hitler’s deputy during the second world war. He had been convicted of war crimes at the Nuremberg Trials. He was the last prisoner to be detained there. After his suicide the prison was demolished. The space on which it stood is now a car park so is history. But I saw it with my own eyes.
The prison was guarded in rotation by the major allies of the second world war. Russia, America and Britain amongst them. Apart from the usual guards in the prison there was a high lookout position, always manned with armed soldiers
The Spandau barracks where I was stationed was a separate entity to the prison. We had our own internal security arrangements. We were only next door what separated us was only a wire fence. To the observer from the road that could not be seen.
When it was my turn to do guard duty at night. The format was usually instructions, collect weapons from Armoury, ammunition checked and signed for. One then prepared for the night hoping that your watch would not be one in the early morning.
At night in the dark when it was quiet, those Sunday afternoons when as a young boy attending Dalkeith Church Sunday school would come to the fore. Then thousands of miles away from where I was born, in my mind. I walked along Lanes Road, Scott’s Gap, Weirs Gap in Brittons Hill, I would say a simple prayer: “God please let me see my mother’s face once again”.
Often I would lay on my bed at night and think less than twenty five yards in his bed is Rudoph Hess. A man who four great nations were spending a lot of money and effort to ensure he is detained in Spandau prison.
Now who would believe that East Germans were shot by East German soldiers to prevent them leaving East Germany for the West.
My Army discharge book among other entries states: Active service Berlin BAOR”. ( BAOR means British Army Of the Rhine)
Just that line brings back memories but there are others.
One pleasant summer’s day my wife and I walked through the gates of Buckingham palace invitation in hand. To attend her Majesty the Queen’s garden party.
( The sunshine made me think of Barbados, when as a boy I walked through the Pine on my way to St Giles Boys School. The dedicated teachers at that school, for example Mrs Riley her kindness to a young boy just five or six years of age. In all humility I remember her with great fondness)
The military bands played in the background the most appropriate of music. As her Majesty the Queen and the Royal Party walked down the line of guests.
I remembered my mother and what she told me that shaped my life.
It does not matter if in far away places but events influence your life even as a small boy.
Even for a Barefoot boy from Brittons Hill.
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Yes we are.
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Boris Johnson Prime Minister of the United Kingdom goes into intensive care in Hospital.
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May I politely add a Postscript to The Little Boy Who Wanted The Flute.
My mother’s decision did not harm me in any way. Neither was any harm later caused to my own family.
I loved my mother dearly throughout her life.
Both of my children have followed their chosen professions, having successfully graduated from University. They are both married and settled with their own families.
To end on a musical note where it started. All (3) of my grandchildren play musical instruments to a good standard. My eldest is so proficient that last year he did a successful tour of America, which was well acclaimed.
This year he was due to perform in Belgium and later Austria but Corona Virus has put that on pause.
As far as behaviour is concerned I was never in trouble with the Law in Barbados, Canada, America, Germany, UK or other countries I have lived in or visited.
Even in the Army I was never charged with a misdemeanor during my years of service.
I have been happily married to the same woman for more than fifty two (52) years.
When I was placed in a position to make important decisions over others, I was at peace with myself.
These days I enjoy my retirement and the gardening which keeps me busy.
I have enjoyed reading “all” the comments they have been insightful.
If you can be anything in life just be kind.
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Staying home listening to G G is soothing in this climate of doom and gloom.
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G G
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Musical therapy.
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Sweetness triplicated
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Funky as funk.
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G G is more than enough.
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@ CanBajans-Ontario
https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/04/ontario-unveils-guiding-principles-to-reopen-the-province.html
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Well done Nicholas Brancker and the band.
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Really good arrangement.
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Some of Barbados’ best musicians. Nicholas Branker is a creative arranger.
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from 2008
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G G is sweeeeeeeet
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@ brother Hants
She is, isn’t she?
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@ Piece the Prophet,
She is nice distraction for me. lol
I trying to stay out of trouble. Can’t understand how the concept of retroactive Dalean law is ok to commission the double deputisation of the commissioner.
On top of that there is the teflon leader who ” as seen on TV ” keeps the boys and girls in check and can be very photogenic as seen in Nation News below.
Buh doan mine me G G got me bazodee. lol
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Ode to the PM.
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@ CanBajans,
These numbers are not good.
“” TORONTO — Ontario Premier Doug Ford said it is “concerning” that the province has recorded the highest daily number of new COVID-19 cases in two weeks, adding that he’s “up all night” thinking about the recent upward trend.
On Friday, health officials reported 441 new cases of the disease, bringing the total to 24,628. It is the highest number of new patients since May 8, when 477 new cases were recorded. “
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nice tune
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Walla walla
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Hello Africa
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S A
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https://www.msn.com/en-ca/news/other/what-it-s-like-being-black-or-brown-in-ottawa/ar-BB157lGp?ocid=spartan-ntp-feeds
@CanBajans
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@ Hal,
You may have missed the news of the passing of this lady
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2020/may/25/dame-jocelyn-barrow-obituary
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Another madman.
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old school
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Condolences to the family and friends of Leighton.
http://classifieds.nationnews.com/bridgetown/death/leighton-greenidge/AC1E00400c6e81B84BiLu2C0DD3A
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@Hants
Condolences to the family.
SB has to select another candidate?
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https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20200610005399/en/Canadian-Council-Business-Leaders-Anti-Black-Systemic-Racism
Black wealth matters.
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Good to see the changes as a result of the BLM.
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O Canada
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This is who we are
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Dreaming.
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Heavenly
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Pretty nice,
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Powerful voice.
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Good stage presence.
G.B.T.V. CultureShare ARCHIVES 1988: JOHN KING
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Still
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I think there was a conversation on the blog about the use of Facial Recognition technology but so far the facial technology algorithms are misidentifying black people to a great extent.
Here is one man’s story
https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/06/24/i-was-wrongfully-arrested-because-facial-recognition-why-are-police-allowed-use-this-technology/
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ACLU of Michigan is waging a battle on his behalf
https://www.aclu.org/letter/aclu-michigan-complaint-re-use-facial-recognition
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@ my fellow CanBajans, wunna willing to take the risk ?
” Air Canada, WestJet to drop physical distancing policies as air travel ticks up
MONTREAL — The country’s two largest airlines are ending their on-board seat distancing policies starting July 1, raising health concerns amid a pandemic that has devastated the travel industry.”
” Air Canada is to be the first commercial flight to touch down at the Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA) since March, Prime Minister Mia Mottley has announced
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@Hants
For family reasons I may have to take the risk, some airlines were leaving the middle seat vacant but they say if they continue that practice they will lose money.
BTW Westjet lay off 3000 people recently, those jobs aint coming back.
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Grenadians protest peacefully.
https://www.nowgrenada.com/2020/06/peaceful-protest-for-man-beaten-over-accidental-killing-of-dog/
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The late Pat Hoyos was a muscian in the band Brothers.
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@ my fellow BaJOnts, support Made in Ontario products.
https://news.ontario.ca/opo/en/2020/07/proudly-supporting-ontarios-manufacturing-sector.html
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What I am listening to right now.
You Tube ” Glennis Grace – Beyoncé Medley ”
Glennis Grace – Whitney Houston Medley
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Again. More G G
You Tube
It’s Not Right But It’s Okay (WHITNEY – a tribute by Glennis Grace)
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Stairway to Heaven ( not the Led Zeppelin song)
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G G and E R
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The attached is an open letter written by a Black female employee of the Union of Concerned Scientists
Perhaps R Lucas should take note.
Union of Concerned Scientists: On Black Death, Black Silencing, and Black Fugitivity
https://docs.google.com/document/d/132Ow3_FYcTQdc73pyAe0V_IIoIzq4nktYpZ-V4MZRTY/preview?pru=AAABc5tphXs*N0pFbJkfHKecV8VItpEFVg
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Worth watching.
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KINGSTON, Jamaica — Jamaica’s high court ruled Friday that a school was within its rights to demand that a girl cut her dreadlocks to attend classes, a surprise decision that touched on issues of identity and one the most recognizable symbols of the island’s Rastafarian culture
++++++++++++++++++++
Just saw this……..
https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/the_americas/jamaica-dreadlocks-school-student/2020/07/31/2cf6db4c-cf4e-11ea-8c55-61e7fa5e82ab_story.html
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Emancipation Day 2020
Jamaican Court says no to Dreadlocks
Bob Marley spinning in his grave
+++
Emancipate yourself from mental slavery
None but our self can free our minds
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In the next few days there will be many articles on Kamala Harris, her background, education, family history etc.
Here is one article written by her father Donald Harris who was an Economics Professor at Stanford.
https://www.jamaicaglobalonline.com/kamala-harris-jamaican-heritage/
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@Sargeant
The comments are interesting?
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@David
The comments are interesting but you know what those same comments were made about Obama prior to his entering the race and winning the nomination. I‘m sure those folks would hold different views if questioned today.
As to her not claiming her “blackness”, she went to Howard and pledged to a Black sorority, check out who her circle of friends past and present from that experience.
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@Sargeant
It is the beginning of the silly season and the colour Black is not a favourite colour of the establishment.
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@David
One other thing, last election many so called “black” commentators and organisations on social media that came out against Hillary didn’t exist but were the products of Russian disinformation so we can expect the same for Kamala
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@Sargeant
We heard the early salvo from Trump yesterday. This is going to be a bitter campaign. Kamla has shown she is a ‘tuff’ lady and her record is as good as the guys.
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Another first for the ladies.
OTTAWA — Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland will be sworn in as Canada’s new finance minister later today.
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Hants & NO if you have funds to invest Carney comes home
just copied as the link says or subscribers
Former central banker Mark Carney is taking his crusade for sustainable investing to one of the world’s largest money managers, joining Brookfield Asset Management Inc. with a mandate to create funds focused on both generating profit and saving the planet.
Brookfield appointed the high-profile former Bank of England and Bank of Canada governor as its vice-chair and head of ESG (environmental, social and governance) and impact fund investing. The Toronto-based company oversees more than US$500-billion of assets, including a global collection of renewable power plants.
While at Brookfield, Mr. Carney will continue to serve as the United Nations special envoy for climate action and finance, a volunteer position he accepted last year
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For everyone who was a Hoyas fan RIP John Thompson
https://www.cnn.com/2020/08/31/sport/john-thompson-jr-death-spt-intl/index.html
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Something different
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@ my fellow black CanBajans……Black votes matter. lol
“OTTAWA – The federal government is creating a new national program to help Black Canadians get business loans with national banks.”
https://toronto.citynews.ca/2020/09/09/trudeau-announces-cash-for-loans-support-to-black-canadian-entrepreneurs/
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Still my favorite.
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RIP Toots
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Just saw this under the heading:
Faces of Power in the US: 80% are white even as the US becomes more diverse.
The most powerful people in the United States pass our laws, run Hollywood’s studios and head the most prestigious universities. They own pro sports teams and determine who goes to jail and who goes to war.
A review by The New York Times of more than 900 officials and executives in prominent positions found that about 20 percent identify as Black, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, multiracial or otherwise a person of color. About 40 percent of Americans identify with one of those groups.
Even where there have been signs of progress, greater diversity has not always translated to more equal treatment.
campaign_id=37&emc=edit_rr_20200912&instance_id=22134&nl=race%2Frelated®i_id=27905862&segment_id=37937&te=1&user_id=ade811a3b694fb5458149ae6bc33f7ea
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Please Help Bring Reanna Home
On Friday September 4, our dear friend Ryan Holder lost his 18 year old daughter Reanna. Ryan is an amazing person and an extremely hard worker. He has been working for us, Precision Towing, for quite sometime. Ryan’s sole mission for the last few years has been working to get his 2 children here with him in Canada. Finally on August 30th, Ryan’s daughter and 12 year old son Nathan arrived in Canada from Barbados to finalize their citizenship so they could live here with their dad. They have been quarantining at our family property in Dunnville. Since landing here in Canada, Reanna had been suffering with migraines. On the Friday early morning following their arrival Ryan called an ambulance for his daughter when he noticed she was having difficulty breathing, she was taken to the hospital. The doctors decided she was well enough to leave after a few hours deciding that it was probably related to her migraines. Later that afternoon Reanna had a seizure. Ryan again called an ambulance while rushing her to the hospital. The 911 dispatch advised Ryan to stop the car and put Reanna on her side on the ground. By this time she was unconscious and had a very weak pulse. Paramedics arrived and took his daughter from there to the hospital. Once at the hospital they wouldn’t allow Ryan and his son in right away. When the doctors came to ask him to come inside to the quiet room it was to tell him his beautiful daughter had passed.
https://www.gofundme.com/f/please-help-bring-reanna-home?utm_source=whatsApp&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=m_pd+share-sheet
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Another nice distraction.
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RIP Johnny Nash
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Can’t get any better
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I Can See Clearly Now by Johnny Nash is my pick me up song. Also Jump by Van Halen. Both will now be twinged with sadness.
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