Statia Day Review: The Social Media Version part 1

I am grateful that I was able to follow Statia Day's events via social media. Really, the internet is God's mercy on me. The problem with social media is that imortalizes mistakes. This may or may not be very controversial but someone has to provide feedback in order for us to move forward. In this blog and the next, I am going to share the good the bad and the ugly. Try not to be offended if you're in this blog. I tried as much as possible to offer tips for improvement.

Let's start with the fabulous, dancers in the student performance! I don't think many understand exactly how difficult it is for interpretive dance to incite emotion via a computer screen but they did that. Their outfits were also beautiful. The clean, pure look worked for the song.

Now everyone with ears knows that Statian children have golden voices but I missed hearing more of them. I was told that the live version was much better but for future reference microphones need to be positioned in a way that allows the audio on cameras to pick them up over the soloist. I would have loved it if the kids were all dressed in the same clothes. I am aware of the uniform issue so maybe robes could be an option? All in all very well done!

Rosabel Blake's poem? My EXTREMELY biased opinion is that is was fantastic and that she nailed her performance by being comical but also very real. You can read the poem on yesterday's blog.


There were other musical performances that I missed so I can't speak to their greatness. I heard parts of  Felistas' rendition and I thought it was beautiful and raw. I really hope that she gets some coaching because she could be the next big thing! She also has a YouTube channel so if you have time check it out.

I don't know if I am the only one who thinks that the uniform groups looked sloppy this year. The Brigades looked as if they were over the entire march before the salute (that the didn't make) at Cool Corner. The Pathfinders looked good in their uniforms but they were few in numbers and there was but a handful of Adventurers. With no Eager Beavers to rescue us with their cuteness the entire thing it was a painful ordeal. Also why are there two Statia flags heading one parade? Statia please learn protocol and get it together. If the Pathfinders are forever doomed to the back because of a BS rule THAT DOES NOT EXIST (I fact checked) tell them that they can't march with the flag or better yet put law enforcement to carry the colors. I'm sure you guys can figure something out.

 

There was a cake decorating contest and the cake that won was beautiful and truly depicted our island. The July tree flowers with the golden Statia was everything. Everything screamed Statia except for the iguana. The endangered Lesser Antillean iguana is usually brown and the one on the cake resembled a Green Iguana. Yes I am aware that I am nitpicking now but I just want our island to improve in every aspect!

As much as I want to talk about the clothing, makeup and speeches I will leave it here for now. Come back tomorrow for part two!

XOXO,

IslandGyal

If I were a Statian

My mom Rosabel Blake is a visionary and she came up with a very cool poetry concept for Statia Day. Since I enjoy meddling and improving greatness I helped her write this.  So enjoy a mother and a bit of a daughter's labor. Happy belated Statia Day to all!

 

 

If I were a philosopher what would my philosophy be? Would it be about being average or par excellent?

 

What if I were the ombudsman? Would I listen to Statia's cries or would I turn away and continue letting them be denied.

                    
If I were the CFT would I give Statia a chance or would I supervise to the end and continue the same old dance with our government. What if I were the government would I keep playing on the river on the bank? Would I keep talking so that the teacher would have too much grammar to correct?

What if I were the calypsonian would I sing and give social commentary? Would my song be of the investigations at the harbor and airport? Or would I sing about the birds and the bees and the black-eyed peas?

If I were in charge of culture would we be here today? Would we be raising the flags right side up or would we already be on our way?

I wonder if I would choose July 1st instead and celebrate our emancipation and not a day that was the idea of an old white man who has long been dead.

Maybe I should not talk about freedom because truly not much has changed. We're still ruled and governed by a group of men across the ocean and we for our shortcomings we constantly blamed.

Really? You think much has changed? The Antilles broke up and a new form of colonialism began with Den Haag setting up shop on Bonaire making it the new Curaçao.

I wonder what will happen in the next few years but really I wonder what will happen now.

Truly the most important question is what if I were a Statian. How would I move forward? Wait, I am Statian! Aren’t you? By joining hands and hearts and voices to be one community not some from North South, Pleasures or White Wall. But one people under God striving for a better tomorrow working towards liberty for all. Standing against injustice and helping one another grow. We are Statians and we will stand together until the whole world knows! Happy Statia Day!

 

XOXO,

 

IslandGyal

Hillary Lost :(

I was going to write a speech about what it means to be a woman in 2016. I was going to talk about how far we have come. I had plans! Unfortunately Hillary Clinton lost the USA presidential election to Donald Trump and I just can't. Dis goin be short cuz I still pissed. Leh we start see.

So I was convinced that Hillary would win the election. I had no idea how she could lose to her opponent. For as long as I can remember I have seen Americans as a less evolved species of the human race and on November 8th they proved my theory to the world. I will not go into detail as to how a bigot won the election because I don't want to talk about this. I will say that the results of this election shows the world that United State citizens are mostly racist, xenophobic, misogynistic, ethnocentric and really every other word that describes asshole-like behavior.

Today I worry about the people who did not vote for Trump. I worry about my family members who live in the States and unfortunately share my pigmentation. I say unfortunately not because black isn't beautiful rather because elevated levels of melanin in the human body have been known to lead to death by police. Really death by races lacking said chemical in general.

I have very little to say except good luck America. The red in your flag is about to take on a whole new meaning. The world and I will watch you bleed and pray that you all become smart by 2018.

Fuck Donald J Trump,

IslandGyal

I'm so Inconsistent

I took a long ass break from my blog after breakup week in September and I apologize. I have gotten lots of requests for different topics and I will get right on those but first my speech on Hillary Clinton's presidency. See you on the 9th of November.

Until then.

XOXO,

IslandGyal

This is What Love Feels Like

We made it through five day of bitterness. Are you ready for the last one? Enjoy some poetry. XOXO, IslandGyal

The House
Warsan Shire

I
Mother says there are locked rooms inside all women,
kitchen of lust, bedroom of grief, bathroom of apathy.
Sometimes the men they come with keys,
and sometimes the men they come with hammers.
II
Nin soo joog laga waayo, soo jiifso aa laga helaa,
I said Stop, I said No and he did not listen.
III
Perhaps Rihanna has a plan, perhaps she takes Chris back to hers
only for him to wake up hours later in a bathtub full of ice,
with a dry mouth, looking down at his new, neat procedure.
IV
I point to my body and say Oh this old thing? No, I just slipped it on.
V
Are you going to eat that? I say to my mother, pointing to my father who is lying on the dining room table, his mouth stuffed with a red apple.
VI
The bigger my body is, the more locked rooms there are, the more men come with keys. Anwar didn’t push it all the way in, I still think about what he could have opened up inside of me. Basil came and hesitated at the door for three years. Johnny with the blue eyes came with a bag of tools he had used on other women: one hairpin, a bottle of bleach, a switchblade and a jar of Vaseline. Yusuf called out God’s name through the keyhole and no one answered. Some begged, some climbed the side of my body looking for a window, some said they were on their way and did not come.
 VII
Show us on the doll where you were touched, they said.
I said I don’t look like a doll, I look like a house.
They said Show us on the house.
Like this: two fingers in the jam jar
Like this: an elbow in the bathwater
Like this: a hand in the drawer.
VIII
I should tell you about my first love who found a trapdoor under my left breast nine years ago, fell in and hasn’t been seen since. Every now and then I feel something crawling up my thigh. He should make himself known, I’d probably let him out. I hope he hasn’t bumped in to the others, the missing boys from small towns, with pleasant mothers, who did bad things and got lost in the maze of my hair. I treat them well enough, a slice of bread, if they’re lucky a piece of fruit. Except for Johnny with the blue eyes, who picked my locks and crawled in. Silly boy, chained to the basement of my fears, I play music to drown him out.
IX
Knock knock.
Who’s there?
No one.

X
At parties I point to my body and say This is where love comes to die. Welcome, come in, make yourself at home. Everyone laughs, they think I’m joking.

Songs to Listen to After a Breakup

Because sometimes the brokenhearted need to cry, get angry and be free. The songs are actually in that order so by the time you get to number nine you should feel amazing.

1. What Hurts the Most by Rascal Flats

 

 

This song has a way of breaking your heart and the video does not help in the least. If you have left your relationship with regrets then this is for you.

 

2. You're not Sorry by Taylor Swift

 

 

 

Sometimes things were bad from the start and we just didn't know it. :( 

 

3. Grenade by Bruno Mars

 

 

 

Choosing this song was actually difficult but this song makes more sense than his 'It Will Rain' which is also a complete heartbreaker. If you were willing to do everything and anything for your ex and they've left you out in the cold I feel your pain. Let's cry together.

 

4. Take a bow by Rihanna

 

 

For that lying, cheating, dirty son of a bitch. Give him his award and tell him to take his shit out of the box in the left corner. He's not even getting the box!

 

 

5. Resentment by Beyoncé

 

 

Bet you didn't know that this isn't even her song. It doesn't matter though because this soulful tune is what you need to tell him bye. There is absolutely nothing wrong with rage, hold on to it for a while. 

 

6.

 

7.  Stronger (What Doesn't Kill) by Kelly Clarkson

 

 

This is literally the F it all anthem! Whenever you start feeling low get up and realize that this will get much better because you are not dead!

 

8. Skyscraper by Demi Lovato

 

 

Do I really have to explain this one?

 

9. Love Myself by Hailee Steinfeld

 

 

Loving yourself is the most important thing in the world. Scream your own name and shout out the lyrics 'gonna love myself no I don't need anybody else!' Be fierce and understand your worth babe.

 

10. RISE (Katy Perry Cover) by SUPERFRUIT, Mary Lambert, Brian Justin Crum, Mario Jose

 

 

This song was originally done by Katy Perry and I have yet to hear that version. This song gives me all type of life! You are strong, talented and powerful and you have the power to rise from everything that life throws at you! This will not keep you down, you will still rise.

 

 

XOXO,

 

IslandGyal

 

 

8 Not So Simple Rules to get Over him

In the spirit of being an angry bitter bitch let's keep this thing going. How exactly do you get over a breakup, especially a bad one? Here are 8 simple (not really) rules.

1. The best way to get over one guy is to get under another one. Okay I know that sounded super sleezy and I learned this rule from Cinemax's A Girl's Guide to Depravity but listen for a second. Sleeping with a new guy is probably not the healthiest choice but putting yourself out there is. I am not telling you to go out and get in a new relationship but definitely go out with your girls looking amazing. Beat that face, put on your freakkum dress and slay! Your self-esteem will thank you.

2. Start reflecting and meditating. Listen booboo there is reason that your relationship went wrong and you were most likely a part of it. Start reflecting on your negative actions and think about how to change in the future. Then meditate! Whether you start praying or just have quiet moments with the universe this is essential. You need to be spiritually grounded in order to deal with whatever is coming next.

3. Shop with that mad money. Now this tip is not for everyone but if you got gifts go out and pawn them. you do not need them as painful reminders but that new Taraji P Henson MAC collection is not cheap. Go get your life babe!

4. Reorganize your life. If you don't, you will miss your ex and might become really tempted to call. Calling your ex is like calling Satan, why you playin' wid the devil? If you all don't have kids then cut that person off COMPLETELY. How else are you planning to move on? If you guys did movie nights on Sundays start going out to dinner with a friend in that time slot. Become too busy to notice your ex's absence.

5. Do what you couldn't before. I hate zoos I think they a cruel and that the animals are suffering. I would hope that my ex-boyfriend is in a zoo right not living it up (before being eaten by a tiger). It's time for you to do you.

6. Buy some batteries and coconut oil. If I have to explain what you need to do with these things then you're not grown up enough to be reading my blog! Go to the library and read a book.

7. You do not want to be friends with your ex as yet. If you have to unfriend, unfollow, block and delete then that is what you need to do because you are number one.

8. It is really okay to cry. You are not a robot and if in two months you feel like crying do not beat yourself up. Have some Ben and Jerry's ice cream and then jog it off. You are stronger than you know and you will be great in time.

XOXO,

IslandGyal

7 Signs That Your Relationship is Shit!

So continuing the bitter bitch week here are some rules on how to be smart in relationships. If you have not read Monday's post then you have missed a lot btw! #teaspilling

1. If he only talks to you late at night his intentions are bad. What exactly does this person do for a living that he's only free after 10pm? Is he out dating someone else? Has his mom or girlfriend just gone to bed? Or maybe he's keeping the conversation as short as possible. Whatever his reasons this is shady behavior!

2. You've only met his best friend. A lot of women get suckered into thinking that because they've met one of the most important people in his life that means that he is serious. NO it does not! His best friends already know what's going on in his mind and they will love him anyway. I mean think about it really well. You talk about your shit (literally) with your closest friends but not with coworkers. When he introduces you to his boss we can talk.

3. He still talks to his ex but NEVER when you are around. ''We're just friends." Cool, why won't he invite her over for dinner? Why does he think that you all won't get along? RUN!

4. He never talks about the future, or at least not one that you are in. Baby girl if he can't tell you what he wants to do for Christmas you all are not in a relationship. If he's always avoiding making plans, you're not in a relationship. Men are not planners like women but they also like to make sure that their meals will be covered and that they don't forget important shit for us to lose it on them. #justsaying
5. If the porn he watches is nothing like what you guys do in bed. This one is a bit tricky because pornography is fantasy. However, if all he ever watches is anal but never brought it up to you chances are the communication line is botched. Also if it super freaky things that you will never be into it's time to have a conversation because physical compatibility is extremely important.

6. You guys never spend the weekend together. The only way to know if you and a person are really good together is if you spend lots of time together. Spending the weekend having sex is not spending the weekend either. If you can't chill for a few days while you're on your period your relationship is a relation full of shit. Get out NOW!

This one is for my island gyals because this is 100% percent accurate, especially in small communities.

7. He says that you all do not need labels and that your love should be private. It does not matter how private a person is. If he is not willing to say that he has a girlfriend it's time to leave and do not take your time. This will not work!

I hope this was helpful and stay tuned for more of Bitter Bitch week! Laters.

XOXO,

IslandGyal

Story Time: No More Nookie! NOT FOR KIDS!!

I wondered how long it would take me to write something extremely personal. I guess tonight is as good as any. Come be fast and mind my business. Oh but this is probably not something for people who are prudish in any way.

 

So I have heard many different stories about me over the years but here is one that has never been told. It is one of how a selfish ex-whatever did not know how to love me. In the spirit of full disclosure, I should say that I am a crazy person. I enjoy controlling everything and everyone around my ex refused to be the kind of man I am used to. 

 

There are some men who leave you without an explanation and then there are the guys who want to be all sappy and shit, the sappy ones are the worst! This guy told me that he loved me multiple times during our trip to Spain. He bought me flowers -something that almost never happens in my life- and he made love to me. Now ladies there is a vast difference between making love and having sex. If you're 22 and you're not about that married with children life, I suggest you keep having (protected) sex because the love thing is a mess. ANYWAY back to the story.

Flowers from my ...whatever days before the end.

After all of the love and affection the weekend ended and as we were not living together when we got back to Holland we separated at the train station. He kissed me goodbye and we parted ways and I sat in the train thinking about how much fun I had during the weekend. Then two things happen: I am about to post a picture on Facebook with the caption 'parting is such sweet sorrow' and he sends me a message. As any love sick puppy would, I read his message first and I am shocked by his words. I think by now every woman knows that if the man you're sleeping with says "we should just keep things natural" is code for: I only want to fuck you. While that is fine in normal circumstances it's not fine when you go on trips together during an entire summer, which is what we did. It is definitely not ok when he whispers his love in your ear while making love to you. This was nothing but a hot mess.

In the end I told him that I was not ready for a relationship in that moment but I hoped to eventually move in that direction. When he said that the thought of a relationship made him nervous I did not get upset because let's be honest people be havin' issues, can't be mad at da. What I can be angry about is the deception. I can be pissed about him knowing that I was in love and still choosing to play with my heart. I can be angry about his selfish ways but I am pissed. I am livid because I knew better! I have rules that I completely disregarded for him. I compromised on my beliefs and alienated myself because of him. So this is really the price you pay for being Foolish.


XOXO,

IslandGyal

P.S. Y'all really thought I would spill all my tea on the internet? Not I said the duck! When I do decide to share my complete story like 'Why I am Cool With my High School Sweetheart' there will be names and receipts. Laters!!!

Random Monday Morning Musings

I thought this would be a great poem to share especially if you hate you boss or something. Vengeance can be very sexy and I mean it's Monday and the weekend should not have left us so quickly. Enjoy!

A Poison Tree

By William Blake

I was angry with my friend;

I told my wrath, my wrath did end.

I was angry with my foe: 

I told it not, my wrath did grow. 

 

And I waterd it in fears,

Night & morning with my tears: 

And I sunned it with smiles,

And with soft deceitful wiles. 

 

And it grew both day and night. 

Till it bore an apple bright. 

And my foe beheld it shine,

And he knew that it was mine. 

 

And into my garden stole, 

When the night had veild the pole; 

In the morning glad I see; 

My foe outstretched beneath the tree.

 

 

 

XOXO,

 

IslandGyal

Niklaus Mikaelson from the hit series The Originals. He's read this poem to the audience far too often.

Now I'm Back.

I am really sorry for being away but I have the most amazing nephew and family. Now that my parents and sister have left I think things are just about back to normal. I'm back in Rotterdam and writing once more. Thank you for sticking around! If you follow me on Instagram you will see my Joy sooner or later.

XOXO,

IslandGyal

Makeup Monday!

You must know that it was only a matter of time before I started talking shop! Yuh comin or wa?

So makeup is unequivocally one of my favorite things in the world and I have finally decided to write some reviews on some awesome products. Today I want to talk about an oldie but goodie and that is none other than the MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in Gold Deposit. This summer has been all about the glow and I have found myself constantly reaching for this highlighter. It is one that flatters my chocolate skin in the best way. It is also long lasting and never breaks up or starts looking patchy. Just watch the video below and enjoy the glow.



Another talking point is definitely the lipstick in this pic. Miliani has done it again and has released eight limited edition metallic lip crèmes. My favorite for the summer is 07 Automatic Touch. Let's just take a minute to understand that this liquid lipstick is EVERYTHANG! I am not very comfortable with extremely bright colors and this is the perfect berry making it summer and fall appropriate though you should do whatever you want!

So for this look I paired up with MAC's Rebel which we all know is the perfect berry toned lippie. I off course lined my lips and since I could not find my MAC liner in Currant I went for my trusty Chestnut. I then topped it off with Milani's Automatic Touch in mostly the center of the lip. The metallic really brightened the lips and created more dimension.

 

On the subject of the lasting power of these products together...they are amazing! They lasted an entire day and I had BBQ food. I find all liquid lipsticks to be somewhat drying so I wore my EOS Mint lipbalm underneath it all and I felt great. Below you can find the entire look in natural light and of course SnapChat shows you everything. All in all I totally loved this look and will be doing it again with the addition of lashes.

All of that glow! #slay

 

XOXO,

IslandGyal

 

 

 

My Family is Here!

I feel as if there has not been a post from me in years but I have a fantastic excuse! My parents and sister are in the Netherland!

My parents arrived on July 14th and my sister on the 18th and we've been spending a lot of time in Leeuwarden because of the cutest pumpkin in the entire world Dempher Joachim Cassius Henry also known as DJ. Our family welcomed him on July 17th and we've been enthralled ever since. Please excuse my absence as I soak up his cuteness. See yall soon.

XOXO,

IslandGyal

At church the day before DJ's arrival

 

Killing the Magic

There is no way for me to begin this. I hit the backspace button so many times on these few words that I am shocked that we have arrived to the end of the second sentence. I think the first steps are always the hardest ones. #BlackLivesMatter Let's just do this!

I am a 23 year old living in one of the best cities in the Netherlands: Rotterdam. I am also a woman and I am black. Many people may not understand the gravity of what they've just read but to be all those things make me one of the least privileged people in the world and unfortunately I am one of many. According to Buzzfeed's privilege test I scored 33 out of 100 meaning that I am not privileged at all. I grew up on an island and I think that sheltered me from getting an even lower score on the test. I would love to begin this by saying that there has never been a time that I have been more or even that there has never been a time that I have been less but I cannot. You see not much has actually changed for my demographic and that is why I am writing.

In the wake of last week's shootings many have come out on social media criticizing the #BlackLivesMatter movement calling it the new KKK. A movement for equality and really the right to live and not be harassed is being called a terrorist group! For years black people have been told that they are free but we have always had conditional freedom. You can get angry but you are not allowed to do so in public because you should not come across as aggressive. I could tell you that slavery was an American problem and that the civil rights movement was theirs as well. I could point out that no black people are being shot by cops in the Netherlands or the Caribbean and I would not be a complete liar. That is probably the reason why most people outside the USA are unconcerned but let me be clear on one thing. If you are black you are at risk.

A sprinter born on the island of Curacao runs for the Dutch national team and he is very good. Churandy Martina actually won the European 200M championship this year but was disqualified because his foot was on the line. One would think that our country would feel sad about the fact that the gold was taken away but happy that he is so fast that he could win in the Olympics. That was not the case! When winning Churandy was referred to as the Dutch runner but when he lost he was suddenly the islander. That is the Netherlands I live in! Statian young men and women live in cities like Rotterdam and Amsterdam where being black is normal but also live in places like Leeuwarden where they are viewed as criminals. Let us not forget about the justice system problems we have in the Netherlands where blacks who are in the minority somehow manage to commit the most crimes and spend the longest time in prison. Sound familiar yet? I live in a country that allows people to say "all black people are from the ghetto in public", only to hear that the person is free to say what they would like. I am live in country that thinks that if a black woman is being harassed or even robbed by a black man that they must know each other.

Many consider peace as the only way and that we should not be too forward in our dealings. "Ignore the racists" they say. "They are idiots and a waste of time", I am told. "Don't retaliate because you will make your race look worse." All of this and still I have yet to hear a person say that the slavery rebellions in which black slaves slaughtered their masters was a bad move. How can we then think that in 2016 we should react with peace? How can we say that we should not fight IF we have to? I will not criticize black Americans for standing up for their rights, I will continue to criticize blacks around the world who do not. Progressive news stations like the Young Turks have been telling the truth about our problems as a race for years and yet it has taken the massacres of our brothers and sisters for us to start talking. Racism is not dead, discrimination breathes and slavery merely shapeshifted. Now ask yourself how much longer you are prepared to accept this life and do you want the same life for future generations?

The Netherlands will never carry Jackie Aina's ELF eyeshadow palette and I will never walk into an Etos and find my shade of drugstore foundation unless we do something about it. Unless we start demanding everything that we want. Until we stop working on July 1st (Slavery Emancipation Day) and allowing our children to celebrate Sinterklaas with Zwarte Piet nothing will change. Until you scream no more TOGETHER nothing will happen. At the 2016 BET Awards Jesse Williams called the black race magic it's time for us to tell the world that WE ARE REAL!

XOXO,

IslandGyal

Thoughtful Tuesday

I just wanted to share something that I found very interesting. This truly sums up the way I feel about white people who care but not enough.


Letter from a Birmingham Jail by Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

"We know through painful experience that freedom is never voluntarily given by the oppressor; it must be demanded by the oppressed. Frankly, I have yet to engage in a direct action campaign that was "well timed" in the view of those who have not suffered unduly from the disease of segregation. For years now I have heard the word "Wait!" It rings in the ear of every Negro with piercing familiarity. This "Wait" has almost always meant "Never." We must come to see, with one of our distinguished jurists, that "justice too long delayed is justice denied." 

I must confess that over the past few years I have been gravely disappointed with the white moderate. I have almost reached the regrettable conclusion that the Negro's great stumbling block in his stride toward freedom is not the White Citizen's Counciler or the Ku Klux Klanner, but the white moderate, who is more devoted to "order" than to justice; who prefers a negative peace which is the absence of tension to a positive peace which is the presence of justice; who constantly says: "I agree with you in the goal you seek, but I cannot agree with your methods of direct action"; who paternalistically believes he can set the timetable for another man's freedom; who lives by a mythical concept of time and who constantly advises the Negro to wait for a "more convenient season." Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. Lukewarm acceptance is much more bewildering than outright rejection." (King, 1963)

XOXO,

IslandGyal

No Statia Sunday.

I'm really sorry but in the wake of last week's shootings I cannot write anything about Statia when my race is suffering. I will be back on Wednesday with a post on the Black Lives Matter movement. See you soon!

XOXO,

IslandGyal

Madness Monday!

I did not know that this could or would be a thing but here we are. This is my commentary on an Island Council meeting on Statia. Do enjoy!

XOXO,

IslandGyal

Meen Able!

Welcome to another Statia Sunday! I really wanted to post something about growing up on Statia but unfortunately the self-proclaimed leader of government (SPLoG) ruined it for me. So due to last week's events here we are once again hanging our heads in shame. Let's do this!

So Mr. Clyde Van Putten's (SPLoG) latest antics are proof of the crazy on my beloved island. I am still shocked by his choice to go to the United Nations for a second time. I would say that his going should save our government money as he does not stay in four/five star hotels but since the money he saves goes into his pocket I feel cheated. For everyone who missed last week here's a quick recap. The SPLoG and some dudes from Bonaire went to complain about Holland's unfair treatment of the lovely islands. Statia did this last year though at the time Mr. Merkman and Mr. Zaandam were a part of that little circus.

Mr. SPLoG has been fighting for more autonomy and I have been wondering what he intends to do with it. He keeps saying that under no circumstance will Dutch people hold key positions on the island when our people are qualified. The term 'our people' seems to have a very loose definition to Mr. SPLoG as it should be less someone points out that discrimination is a bad idea. I firmly believe that Mr. SPLoG wants our island to become more like the islands around us and this is reflected in many things. These subtle hints like the use of the name speaker to refer to a chairman (something that is British) or the way he has stated that he wishes to work with the English/foreign islands rather than the Dutch ones. Statia has never been an English island. We do not speak English in an English way, we don't dress English and we definitely do not act English so why in high heavens is the SPLoG trying to turn us into them? The islands of the Commonwealth are in no way better off than the islands of the Dutch Kingdom.


This next bit is directed to you Mr. Van Putten so pay attention!

There is a constant back and forth between Statia and the Hague and the only people that have suffered is the general public. While you were busy fighting for more autonomy, did you ask the public if they wanted you to talk to the Hague, cooperate and give us a better quality of life? How much time did you waste when Holland decided that enough was enough and boycotted our island for months? You come out and spew all of this emancipation, colonization, slavery nonsense and people in their desperation believe you. I'm exhausted by your constant bashing of the Democratic party with whom you refuse to work. I am over hearing the same song about the Dutch wanting a colony. OF COURSE THEY DO now take that information and spin it to benefit our island because should we ever want independence the United Nations will give it to us if we are ready. For now let's just work on getting better. Most of all I am sick of being sick of your racist, derogatory, sexist comments. You are our Trump and as a person with a brain I cannot follow you. I remember you calling me an educated fool once and it stuck with me. How could a local politician tell a student something like that? I realized that you needed to find a way to bring me down to your level as you have no education. Any fool can die for his country Mr. Van Putten, it takes a man to live for it.

It really is time for Statians to start thinking for themselves. We need to start tackling our problems together. When the roaming animals issue is resolved what will be next? These are things that we need to start looking at and working on because Statians are much more powerful than we think. I truly believe that by cooperating with every good initiative on the island we can bring about change.

Let's wrap this up so that we're clear on everything shall we? We're Dutch and we do not wish to change that so the government needs to stop pushing the Hague in that direction. Secondly Statia needs actions not words so Mr. SPLoG should do us a favor and shut up. Lastly it is time for everyone to understand that we have the power to change our island and shape our future so we need to get up and move. We can no longer keep silent, I refuse to. Not in 2016, not ever! The revolution will not be televised it will be live!





XOXO,


IslandGyal (Urisha Blake in case you were not 100% sure)

Livestock: A Horror Story

It's July 1st, Emancipation Day! I'm always happy and grateful for the right of freedom. I never forget about what my ancestors had to go through to get me where I am today.

Livestock

Come to our lands, come to our shores
You want them? You got the stuff?
Take 'em they’re yours...

I’ve got 550,000 healthy ones
Male and female, young and old
They are ready, the lot of them, they’re ready to be sold.

Here! To seal the deal take this girl she can be your toy!
She is untouched so take her as your Lord commands
She will enjoy the ravishing as much any animal can
Take her now!

Scream scream scream and wail
You don’t want it there?
Hmm ok into your tail

Wag your tail! Bark you bitch!
Get a needle and thread she needs to be stitched

Yes my captain as you wish!

75000 dood?
Die dieren waren niet zo sterk!
Take the rest and sell them all!
Black, blue, purple big and small

The little pet, she will stay with me.
Can she fetch? Oh no?
I will train her you watch and see.

–Urisha Blake
 

Why I am in LOVE with the Islam

The first word of the Quran, the holy book of the Muslim religion is Iqra (or Ikra). Iqra is to read. The prophet Mohammed told his fellow followers of Allah to read more, study more and to learn more. As you read this post that is my message to you. Iqra.

Muslims are terrorists, pedophiles, fundamentalists and the true oppressors of women. This was what I thought for most of my life. As I grew up I learned that this could not be true for all of them but it had to be so for most of them. In my mind they needed my love in order to be converted to Christianity (Seventh-Day Adventism to be exact) the only true religion. So I started on a quest in hopes that if I helped my Muslim friends and acquaintances find Jesus that I would too. I was very wrong.

The more I learned about the Islam the more I wanted to know. I wanted to understand how I, Urisha an intelligent black woman could not know all of this information. I started to understand that the media helped me out. When it wasn't Geert Wilders a Dutch politician on the TV calling for less Moroccans in the Netherlands, it was ISIS. When ISIS had enough it was some closeted Muslim homosexual shooting up a gay club. The news did not cover the fact that Turkey an Islamic country has been a constant target for terrorists. They did not cover the stories about the Muslims around the world not only praying for people in Syria but also donating their money and time. The truth is rarely told.

While child marriage is a serious problem in the world it is not a norm in the Islam rather the Quran states that children should be married when old enough. "More than half of the girls in Bangladesh, Mali, Mozambique and Niger are married before age 18. In these same countries, more than 75 percent of people live on less than $2 a day." (International Center for Research on Women, 2016) In the western world we have more than enough, we are the more "civilized" yet we allow these horrors to continue. We who know better profit from countries with nothing while never thinking about the products of poverty. Child brides (and grooms) are not an Islamic problem. It is our problem and it continues only because we allow poverty to continue.

On the topic of female oppression it is everyone's fault. In 2015 the Seventh-Day Adventist organization broke my heart by voting against the ordination of female pastors. The Catholic church has no priestesses and in the nonreligious world we are still waiting for equal rights and pay. There is more than enough blame to be passed around in every part of the world.

In January a class was formed at school and suddenly I met a lot of Muslims from all walks of life. As I spent more time with the young women of my class I learned more than I ever thought I could. I met a young Moroccan who wears her hijab with pride as well as her nationality. I learned why one girl chose not to wear a hijab yet she is one of the most devout, kind-hearted and gentle spirits I've ever met. In my quest to find truth I uncovered the horror of what it is like to be black and Muslim. Yet a Somalian young woman chooses to brave the storm or racism, gender discrimination and religious persecution on a daily basis. I met a Kurdish woman who decided to not just understand her religion but that of everyone else. Never did I feel as if sharing my religion made me less. Never did I feel closer to people in the Netherlands than I did with them.

A black Muslima in the western world is one of the strongest women you will ever find.

Remember my quest to find Jesus? Well I found him in the respect of my Muslim students. I found him in the gratitude of their parents. I saw him in the hospitality of my friends and classmates. I saw Jesus in their longsuffering spirits. I found my Savior in the words of the prophet Mohammed in the same way I found Him in the four gospels. I found Him because His message is one that Islam teaches above all. LOVE

There is a discussion in the Muslim world about the true meaning of the word Iqra. Some say it means to read but also recite, I am fine with it being both. Read and understand so that you can recite and teach. This is something that we all need to adopt because there can be no more ignorance in the world. The world is to small and the internet far to large, we have no excuse so close this window and learn. Iqra.

XOXO,


IslandGyal

No More Licks for Statia?

"Spare the rod and spoil the child" is the quote that has been used for many years to sanction corporal punishment as a form of discipline. It is known that in black culture children are spanked and while I believe that spanking is a useful form of discipline I do not think that it is the best or safest way to punish a child. By now someone is saying that a 22 year old with no children cannot possibly understand how to raise children but I disagree so let's begin.

There are four types of parenting styles and it is important for us to recognize them. The neglectful parent is one that basically lets their kids do whatever they want. If you've ever been in a grocery store and seen a mother completely unconcerned by the fact that her sons are jumping from shelves you now have your example.
Another type is the permissive parent. You know that parent who says yes to everything? The one whose child is their best friend? The worst is probably when you hear a dad say just give her the candy so she can stop crying. Permissive parenting is a great way to create a monster especially an academic one. As a teacher you often meet students that have no respect for authority. Students who feel entitled while having no motivation and you wonder why. Then you have your first parent teacher conference and it is like seeing for the very first time. A big flashing sign goes off in your head saying: BLAME THE IDIOT PARENTS. If you are any of the above or know anyone who is please seek professional help. #ImSerious

The more common parenting style in the Caribbean and on Statia is the authoritarian. This picture pretty much sums up the authoritarian parent.

Most Statian kids are very used to physical discipline and for many it is all they know. When I was younger getting 'licks' was a given when I misbehaved. It was simply nonnegotiable and to be honest that is probably why it did not have an effect on my behavior. Though this was not a good or effective method I knew that I was being spanked as a punishment. However, as I got older (around the age of nine) I started being hit because my parents were frustrated. They couldn't get me to shut up and so a lash worked to make them feel as if they were fixing the problem. Yet that reaction to my behavior was the problem. Parents often forget that children are human beings and can reason and understand. On Statia our efforts to silence children by using corporal punishment it abuse. A child's refusal to listen in general is not a good enough reason for them to be spanked.

Recently while having a discussion with a child psychologist he stated that parents who hit their kids should allow others like family members and teachers to do the same. He argued that the reason most parents would not allow it is possibly because they know or feel that physical discipline is wrong. When I gave this more thought I realized that this is completely possible. If you trust someone with your child on a daily basis and you trust them to punish them appropriately in a nonphysical manner why wouldn't you trust them with the physical?

The authoritve parenting style is one that seriously needs to be adopted in our culture. Children are not robots and do not have to do what they are told because the adults say so. Children should understand why they need to obey and that should be out of trust, respect and love. Many times we tell children not to touch the stove without ever sitting them down and telling them exactly why and if we do we think that once is enough. Unfortunately once is not enough for adults so it will never be for children. "I only talk once" usually makes no sense because children like adults forget and need reminders and that should not be physical.

I am sure there is someone saying that it is impossible to have a meaningful conversation with a two year old and I wholeheartedly agree. So by following my logic the less developed the child (cognitively, socially and mentally) the more physical the punishment. As children grow and develop so should the punishments. So do you spare the rod? No of course not you train up a child in the way they should go so that when they are past four you will not have to take out the rod as often.


XOXO,


IslandGyal

 



Hiatus

I obviously have not written anything in a little over two weeks and that is because I needed time to concentrate as well as understand where my life is going. I have been making some big decisions and I am ready to share them all with you.

My first decision is to be more instrumental on my island. I have decided that being a critic will not help so I will dedicate at least a week to positivity. I am not sure when this will begin but when it does I hope that everyone is on board with is but if you are not that is fine too. My island is far to dear to me for me to see it's charm slipping away and not try to help it. I thought that being critic would bring forth some type of progress but it is not so a new approach is in order.

I have also decided that my work and school life will be kept private for the most part so if you came here for that you will also be disappointed. I will however share my feelings on almost every subject known to me. My take on the smallest things like Gemeente Rotterdam's city garbage problem as well as the war in Syria. My very personal life will be shared when it can be beneficial, I've already written a piece on the rules of breaking up as well as one on being in love with your ex.

I am definitely excited about the direction everything will go in. Stay tuned for more!

XOXO,

IslandGyal

P.S. I will be back on Sunday June 26th!

Why Grandfather Blake is not Here.

I have decided to dedicate every Sunday to my home Sint Eustatius. So welcome to Statia Sunday!

During the last week my dad posted this photo of his fence:

The fence is obviously damaged and the person to blame was not a person but a cow. For as long as I can remember roaming cows as well as other livestock has been a serious issue on Statia. Every four years the general public was fed the same lie by political parties "if elected we will take the animals off the street." Unfortunately we have always been disappointed until now because now we are just furious. Furious because things are getting worse and it is not 100% the government's fault.

The new government has been trying to live up to their word and Statians have not been helping. Materials were provided for livestock owners to keep their animals fenced and yet they are not doing much to keep the cows in the pastures where they belong. There are laws in place to protect civilians' property if a cow causes damages but often times the cow is not claimed.

Fortunately there is a solution check out my YouTube channel for more information!

That's my Face on my ID

I am in a train to Utrecht. It is raining and I am late for school. I'm in no way prepared for this day. With my bare face and uncombed hair I seem to fit right in with the other passengers. They are all having their morning coffee and all anxious to finally get to work and like me they are praying that nothing slows down this train because being delayed is not a good look right now. The conductor announces herself as she comes to check our cards and tickets. My card like the lady sitting next to me in a yellow plastic holder. So if the conductor wants to make sure that I am who her gadget says I am she will have to slide the card up to see my picture. It only takes a second so this should be no problem at all. She takes the lady's card first since she is in the aisle seat, holds it up to the scanner and hands it back to her. She then takes mine slides it up, looks at me and returns it. I immediately notice what has just happened so I keep my eyes on her as she merrily does her job. I look for passengers with card holders and she does not look at their pictures. Finally she leaves the car and I sit and ponder exactly what just happened. I replay the situation over and over in my mind, I remember her cheery voice and her warm smile. She was not a mean person, she seemed friendly so why did she feel the need to double check me? As I sat thinking about it I realized that it is probably because I am black.

The Netherlands is a tolerant country meaning that they manage to get by with knowing that you exist but that's where it ends. My incident is just one of many and they occur more often than they should. When I am faced with a situation that would make any human being lose their cool I am reminded that I cannot because being an angry black woman is not a good look. Often times people tell you to just ignore it or to accept that people are stupid but how do you cope with people who do not know that they are even racist. A person close to me once went to Groningen for his job and a kid no older than three called him a Zwarte Piet (Black Pete). The child's mother was extremely embarrassed and apologized as much as she could but what she did not understand is that her child's ignorance was the problem. Every year thousands of people protest the existence of the holiday character and every year Dutch people claim that is a tradition and tradition is important. What does that really mean though?

Tradition has been an excuse for almost every foolish practice under the sun. "My father, grandfather and great-grandfather were slave owners and I will not give mine up." - Some Southern Idiot
We believe that we have evolved and moved on from such ridiculous thinking and maybe we have. I mean no one really thinks that people should be enslaved but what do we think about race? A recent study showed that when Dutch white parents were asked which race their sons should never bring home a  partner black was on top of the list. If that does not open our eyes I do not know what will. I have yet to meet a person who does not think that my skin is beautiful but the person beneath the skin is what is truly important and what is lost to many.

So coming back to the tolerance level in the Netherlands, the country on a whole is extremely tolerant but is not accepting and will not embrace differences. Basically if you are a Muslim you can be one  just as long as you keep your belief over at your house and do not let me see or hear it and all will be well. That is the Holland we live in and it is time to change that. My face is on my ID but that is all it is, a face. There is one way to know more and that is to close your eyes to my gorgeous color and open your heart.

Why I'm a Feminist!

On November 30th, 1993 Rosabel Blake gave birth to a beautiful baby girl and named her Urisha. That's Me! My dad missed my grand entrance because I postponed the show several times so he gave up and went back to work. For those of you who don't know Sint Eutstatius (Statia) is very small and it takes 5 minutes to get just about anywhere. I entered the world in a room filled with strong women and that was probably the day I became a feminist.

I was raised in the church, LITERALLY. We would go to church on Saturdays (Sabbath), Sunday- and Wednesday evenings. I was in a church club as soon as I was old enough and before that I attended with my parents who were club counselors. When I was about six I told my mom that I did not like the fact that the bible had so many boy stories. My favorite story was the one of Queen Esther because I like queens but also because she saved the day. Years later her story is still my favorite but I now see beyond the shiny crown.

Today we live in a world in which women who embrace their sexuality are called sluts. Girls are taught that they must hold on to their virginity until marriage while men do not have the same rules. Rather, male sexual experience is welcomed in relationships. I realized a long time ago that I would not be a slave to society. The amount of sex I would have would be based on MY beliefs and convictions. They would have nothing to do with what a church or society deemed correct. I decided that Miley Cyrus is a perfect role model for young girls because when you are 23 you are your own woman and if dressing half naked makes you comfortable you should be free to do just that! In a world where nudity is not main stream shows like Game of Thrones highlight the strength of women in characters like Daenerys Targaryen and Cersei Lannister. They embrace their sexuality and emotions and use them to be cunning and rule even better than many men do. Yet on that show we have seen those women naked more often than we should while we have yet to see a penis. The injustice seems to never end and I find myself asking "how is this still a thing?'

While Hillary Clinton is fighting to help and serve her country she is accused by male chauvinist pigs like the orange skinned buffoon Donald J. Trump for playing the "woman card". I am a feminist because I will play the "woman card" everyday of my life until things are equal. Being a man should not make you automatically get a higher salary in the same way that having my period does not get me off of work for a week every month. Feminists are not women (or men) who think that women are the superior race rather we are people who fight for equal rights.

As an enlightened black woman it is almost impossible for me not be a feminist. It is really just one more thing that I have to fight for and in this fight I am not alone. Women's rights are not for one race but for the human race! I will never say that anyone needs to become an activist but I am saying that regardless of your gender you need to start to pay attention. What type of world do you want your daughter, sister, and friend to live in?

Welcome to my World!

Welcome to my blog!

I live in the Netherlands the land of sex, weed and cheese but I am originally from the Historical Gem of the Eastern Caribbean, Sint Eustatius. Like most people from the Dutch Caribbean I moved to Rotterdam to study. Along the way I have been faced with many challenges but I am slowly finding myself and figuring out exactly who I am. I have learned many things in my 22 years of life. I now have way too much makeup knowledge, I am passionate about poetry and I still love singing.

You'll learn about me as well as life in the Netherlands. I will collaborate with my best friends and bring you some pretty interesting footage. We'll try a lot and learn a lot.

I want to talk about everything and anything! So read, comment subscribe and enjoy the journey with me. It is about to be a blast!