A Dose of Reality

Photo taken from Sknvibes.com: Shooting on June 27 in McKnight takes
the count up to 16 homicides in St. Kitts-Nevis for the year

It was about 10pm last night, I was sitting outside on the porch by a friend's place when we heard the pop-pop-pop-pop-pop in the far distance.  In that moment I did not know what I was hearing.  It sounded like firecrackers or something to me.  My friend's cell phone went off immediately. Word spreads quick around here, especially with matters like this.  If you hear gun shots in Toronto (which I never have in the three years that I've lived there), it could be anyone. When you hear gun shots in St. Kitts, it could be one of your own.  Someone's brother, son, boyfriend, father, friend. The reality is that in St. Kitts, gang violence is far too prevalent among young men. In the month and half since I've been here there have been five recorded shootings that I can recall, including one that occured just down the street from where I'm staying.  One boy as young as 17 died as a result of one of these drive-by shootings, and yesterday's episode left one man dead and three wounded.

I say this not to frighten or discourage anyone, and I myself still feel safe in the company I keep, because the locals know where you should and should not be at a given time of day.  It does, however, keep me from falling complacent and reminds me that there is a darker side to this beautiful island. 

In speaking with people here about the issue of gang violence, many say the same thing. There is a need for a change within the culture of how young men are raised, how they see and value themselves, and how their anger, aggression, and conflict can be dealt with in ways where lives do not have to be lost.  We need more avenues for our young men (and as I say it, my mind thinks also to the young adolescent boys in Toronto whom I work with.  Different cultures and circumstances, but I believe the general need is the same).

Some things do shock me though. For instance, there is one prison system here for all ages.  For example, you could go in for something minor at 17 and end up staying in a cell next to a murderer (from what I understand).  There is an absence of any sort of Family Court and rehabilitation programs are few, with significant challenges in implementing them.  It makes me wonder how anyone could be successful under such conditions, and I hear from Child Protection Service Workers and Probation Officers that it is a struggle for those who work on behalf of children and youth to find solutions.  Much to be addressed, much work that will always need to be done.

Below are two music videos of local Kittian artists Infamus and Nicha B.  Their lyrics speak to the gang violence that plagues the Twin Federation of St. Kitts-Nevis. In the first song, Infamus mourns the loss of his good friend and well-loved local Kittitian DJ (Jamie 'Big Ship' Williams) who was shot and killed earlier this year in April.  In the second song,  Nicha B' speaks to the symbolism of the "white sheet" that is used to cover fatal homicide victims.

Lunch at the DeSuza House

This morning I managed to crawl out of bed after last night's music festival to attend church with my boss and his family at the Zion Moravian Church in Basseterre. Afterward, we headed back over to their home where I was greeted with a buffet of superb Kittitian cousine put together by the the wonderful Mrs. Carol DeSuza. Their hospitality once again was over the top - I was even given a change of clothes from one of Mr. DeSuza's daughter, Asha, who by the way is the FUNNIEST person I think I've met since I've been here. Great food including a bread fruit dish, an egg plant dish, sweet potato, plantain, macaroni, chicken, fish, rice and peas, and salad (accompanied with fantastic company) made this meal the BEST MEAL OF THE SUMMER thus far!

Although the weekend was probably the most fun I've had thus far and today's food was beyond delicious, it was a bit of a bitter sweet moment for me. Today was my younger sister's (who lives in Chilliwack, BC along with the rest of my immediate family) bridal shower, and I would've really loved to have been home for that. There are not many tangible or materialistic things I miss. I can do without having my favourite mousse sold here (although, tell that to my frizzy hair); I can manage without constant electricity (have I mentioned the frequent power-outages?); I can even stand not having a convenient dryer for my clothes (who needs one anyway when you could just hang all your underwear on the line next to your neighbour's house, right?) One thing I do miss, however, is being able to share this stage of my li'l sister's life with her. She knows I love her and I remind myself that that is most important, but it still doesn't replace the time lost. I do not regret anything about taking this internship, but I recognize that it does come with a cost, as all decisions do, as I'm sure many of the other interns may be experiencing.

I'll leave on that note because I am physically, mentally, and emotionally TIRED. I thought the weekend was for recuperating.

Music Festival

WHAT A WEEKEND!  The much anticipated Music Festival took place this weekend at Warner Park Stadium. After having my camera taken away the first night by security, I managed to sneak a couple videos on my phone of the oh-so-talented Jah Cure last night in the final show. Also in the line up were Fantasia, Gyptian, Demarco, Maxi Priest, and even the Commodores made an appearance....but it was Jah Cure that I was truly "longing for" and he did not disappoint!  Check him out!

The concert ended around 3:30 this morning, which was early compared to the first two nights, but not surprisingly my night didn't end there. It was off to the Strip for some more local soca/reggae music until I was about ready to drop!

Football

Village vs. St. Paul's in the finals

Look at the size of the crowd!

Me, Greates, and Jeanelle

One of the social events that brings Kittitians together in one setting is football (aka soccer for all you North Americans out there).  I'm not a huge football fan at heart, but everyone can enjoy the atmosphere of competition, rivalry and pride of backing one's own village's team.  Here I  am at one of the final games with a couple of my newfound friends watching Village take on St. Paul's, with Village coming out victorious in the end and coined new champions of 2011.  Although the loss for St. Paul's did not leave the reaction quite like what was found in Vancouver after the Canucks loss the other week (seriously guys? Seriously?), Kittitians do take their sports seriously and football happens to be an integral part of the culture of St. Kitts.

Launch of the National Cultural Policy Consultations

Did I mention this job comes with some really nice perks?  On June 14 I had the privilege of attending the opening ceremony for the National Cultural Policy Consultations.  Here I was able to appreciate some amazing art work, dance, and music performances, while listening to some distinguished figure heads speak on the importance of St. Kitts and Nevis to uphold their cultural identity in an increasingly  globalised climate. In the line-up were the Hon. Nigel Carty, Minister of Education, Hon. Hensley Daniel, Minister of Culture in the Nevis Island Administration, and the Hon. Marcella Liburd, Minister of Health.

Hon. Marcella Liburd, Minister of Health

Local media

Dance performance

Pottery from the Craft House

J'ouvert Morning!

Ok, so once again my blog is in need of some serious recapping.  Can you really blame me though? Every day begins at 7am (which, by the way, is not because I need to be up that early but because the roosters around here refuse to grant me that extra half hour of sleep I crave).  Unlike some social service agencies, at BNTF there is no sitting still behind a desk all day.  BNTF Project Manager and my new found mentor, Osbert DeSuza has me running around meeting with community members, going to the local TDC to pick up supplies (equivalent to our Home Depot), negotiating with other sectors to collaborate our efforts in certain villages, or making preparations for our upcoming workshop in July.  What I've learned is that most of what has been accomplished at BNTF over the years has been primarily due to the efforts of basically two people (Mr. DeSuza and former Community Liaison Officer Azilla Clarke).  A day could end at 4:30 or 5 or 6 or 7 or 8 or sometimes you wonder if you actually walked to work that day or if you just woke up at your desk.

 BUT one thing I know is this. If I'm going to work hard, you better believe I'm going to rest hard and play hard, and yes, party hard!  Speaking of partying, if you haven't heard of J'ouvert Morning (which was actually a while back on June 13) it is a festival held here in Cayon, which is also celebrated throughout the Caribbean.  It originated as a celebration of the emancipation of slavery in 1838 and the word J'ouvert comes from the French, meaning dawn/daybreak... and by that I mean we were literally out at 7:30 in the morning dancing to calypso and soca music all throughout the village of Cayon.  Nothing is more freeing.  That's one thing I'm starting to figure out - how to let go of some of my rigidness and enjoy myself and enjoy everything around me.  Life here in St. Kitts is largely about taking the time to enjoy things that I think go underappreciated in Canada, from singing, dancing, or just limin' with your buddies.  There's no room for my fast-paced attitude here.

Regardless of the adjustments, I'm loving it here.  There's something to be said for Kittitian hospitality.  I have definitely been spoiled since I've been here.  The woman I stay with (Ms. Williams) cooks meals for me every day, which by the way is amazing Caribbean cousine!  I haven't had to take a bus anywhere because there's always someone looking out for me to ensure I have a ride, and I'm never short of company whether it's coworkers taking me out to the Strip - the local lime on Friday nights - or having conversations with the neighbourhood guys, playing ball with the girls, or catching a lift down to Frigate Bay for a swim.  I also admit I've been given more than my fair share of attention from the men over here.  There's something to be said for being the new girl on the island, and I often get teased and have been accused of being "afraid of Kittitian men" for not wanting to get too close. Hahahaha, well if that's the worst of my troubles, then I guess I have it pretty good over here!

A Little Overdue...

I apologize for the late update!  I have been on the island nearly 3 weeks now and can barely sit still long enough to reflect and share my experiences with all of you.

These past couple weeks I have spent most of my time absorbing the generosity and hospitality reflective of Kittitian culture, while gaining understanding of the scope of the work that the Basic Needs Trust Fund does here in St. Kitts and in Nevis.  It is truly an organization for the people, involving the people.  They take the time to go into communities to hear from the members themselves what the issues and needs are, and as Project Manager, Mr. Osbert DeSuza, says, "At BNTF we get work done, boy!"  This is certainly an accurate statement.  Please feel free to check out for yourselves the slide show of the completed BNTF projects posted on the left. 

One of the additional perks to working for BNTF under the Ministry of Social Services is being invited to several summit meetings, workshops, and various ceremonies.  In the past week I went to the opening ceremony of the National Summit of Health where I met the Hon. Marcella Liburd, Minister of Health (in the photo: speaking at the podium) who spoke on the issue of non-communicable diseases.  I also had the opportunity to visit a workshop consisting of members from social sectors and various ministries discussing the topic of gender violence/ domestic violence; an area of prevalence here in St. Kitts.

When I'm not working, it comes as no surprise to those who know me, that I find myself at the local basketball courts playing some pick up with anyone and everyone.  In fact, not 5 hours after I got off the plane when I first arrived did I find myself signed up for a women's league, and subsequently am now also on a co-ed team....Now this is the life. Work in the day, basketball in the evening, and hit up the beaches on the weekend.  I could get used to this! 

Last Sunday I also experienced a cricket match for the first time with my boss and his wife. I have to admit, it is not my favourite sport, and unfortunately the West Indies were not doing well against Pakistan on this particular day, but I had a great time and found myself thoroughly entertained by the crowd and the comedic umpire, of all people! 

 Those have been a few of the highlights since I've been here. Look out for more to come!