Thoughts?????

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aMfSGt6rHos

Just for a Smile

Agribusiness Opportunity

I just want to take a little break from the true nature of the blog and share a little of what we doing in my neck of the woods to foster youth in agriculture development and value chain attention:

Agribusiness Enterprises to be the focus of Business Labs Workshop

Twenty-five persons will later this month be engaged in a one-week on-the-spot Business Labs Workshop focused on Agribusiness Enterprises, sponsored by the Young Americas Business Trust (YABT) and Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation (MASHAV), in collaboration with the Centre for Enterprise Development Inc (CED).

The workshop will provide trainers and young entrepreneurs with guidance and support to generate viable and creative ideas to assure new agribusiness enterprises. The Business Lab will stimulate innovation and generate entrepreneurial initiatives that positively affect the society and their community.  The Workshop will offer hands-on business experience and guidance in business modeling and planning, marketing and financing; it will evaluate existing ventures to identify and pursue new opportunities.

It will run from August 26-30 at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Conference Room and will be facilitated by an Israeli team comprising Mr.  David Slyper, who is a former Founder and CEO of Business Development Centers (MATI) and Technology Incubators and Innovator of SME supporting tools in Israel and other developing countries; and Miss Rina Yaffe, an expert in developing training programs using experiential learning methods and a facilitator of innovative workshops on entrepreneurship and on the implementation of SME supporting tools and networks in developing countries.

By the end of the Business Labs participants will have 

1. expanded acquaintance, self-confidence and understanding of agribusiness in practical planning, development, economics, operations, management and marketing terms
2. and will have hands-on experience in product\service planning, producing, marketing and selling, business modeling and business planning of a small or medium enterprise, under the local geographic, statutory, cultural, socio-economic, vocational and supply and demand conditions.
3. They will also become acquainted with the YABT and MASHAV tools, created within the four focus areas (Leadership and Networking, Training and Experiences, Strategic Alliances and Technological Resources) and with Israeli models for supporting entrepreneurs.

TRAINERS

1. Trainers who will participate in the Business Lab will experience and learn the methodology so that the program may be replicated. They will also acquire familiarization with setting up and production of the "Business Lab".

This workshop provides trainers and young entrepreneurs with guidance for the development of agribusiness enterprises, that can later continue receiving support through the Second Edition of the Caribbean Innovation Challenge (CIC), which will be launched later this year.

The CIC is part of the Entrepreneurship Component of the UNDP project Youth Innovation (Youth-IN): A Caribbean Network for Youth Development, which responds to the needs of youth identified in the report of the CARICOM Youth Commission (2010): 'Eye on the Future: Investing in YOUTH NOW for Tomorrow's Community. 

As part of the process of the Caribbean Innovation Challenge (CIC), the Business Labs help young entrepreneurs in the region to formulate their business proposals.

hobby part 1

I recent attended a workshop where I got to meet the value-added end to sweet potatoes and cassava. Yes, the agroprocessors those persons who see the business end of farming.

Yes, some might want to take me to task for that statement but it is true our farmers do not see themselves as business persons and this is hurting the sector more than I can say. 

From the production stage to the post harvesting stage our farmers do not take it on themselves to view what they do as a profit making venture and not one of a hobby.

These are some of the hobbies I have experience while travelling through the islands. 

I believe that although they were hobbies for the owners of these businesses they are now huge businesses that generate economic development in these countries.

Mama's Baking

heather-thegoodlife.blogspot.com

I am the last person that you would find in the kitchen. So I am not the worse for tear in that side of domestication. Burning water is my specialty, never thought it possible until I actually experienced it personally.

Last weekend my mom continued her usual weekend routine, cleaning the house to a sparkle and baking bread and the cakes to a crisp brown. Somethings I wonder why I hadn't inherit that side of her.

Before the cakes were cooled, I made sure that 2 hot slices belonged on my plate. Yes I was quick and greedy, you would be too, the previous weekend saw cakes and bread disappearing without even a bite from me. So I was upfront and proud.

Mom with her continued ingenuity, uses an old stove as her bakery. With all but a minor air vent, charcoals and gasoline as her source. Baking time is less and the result are oh oh so Magnifico...

Randomness

The Journey Man Tales - Paul Keens Douglas

caribbean-beat.com

As a product of the West Indies, I have been consumed by our many customs, traditions, taboos, innuendos, tricks, tales and stories and it goes on. Our Culture... Our people

The other night I awoke to the sounds... the sweet sounds of Paul Keens Douglas on the radio... I am not sure what station he was on and neither do I know what was the tale that he relayed... But it brought back so many.

Do you remember his tale? One of the Caribbean unsung hero. His stories so vivid that it kept us entertained as youths. In those days the television was a luxury, playing outside was a given and obesity amongst us kids was a novelty.

Tanti Merle, Boopsy and the Queens Park Oval.... So many tales and stories to tell... reminding me of what it truely means to be West Indian

Folk Lore

Absence makes the hear go fonder... 

I will attempt to tell you a little about what happens to me when I travel outside of my home and share some of the customs that I have seen throughout the region that have become fond memories to me over the years. I want to start with one that very recent in my mind and one that no matter what over the years will remain fresh in my mind. 

I recently visited one of our sister island and the discussion was around how you eat the well at home we roast the breadfruit, peel it and serve well in this island it was roast and serve with the black skin. I went to the beach and my good friend said to me "is the first time I having breadfruit" low and behold the man eating the breadfruit out of the skin what a first time experience. I will stick with the peel and eat! I got to share this one.

Every visited anywhere and heard that it was fly season? Well I did and boy it was really a sight to see man they were about in there numbers and they just love to show themselves when we were around. 

When I left my hotel room and went down for breakfast got to be sure that there was someone else sitting at the table because this person had to watch and fan your food for you until you finish collect your food. And to top it off it was a food event really nice touch. It still brings a smile! 

Anyway I just wanted to those two stay tuned for the other custom duties and what makes the heart go fonder!!!

Cricket - The game of the West Indies people

www.golfandsports.com

I fell in love with cricket from an early, early age. The marriage was cemented. I grew up in the era of Viv Richard, Gordon Greenidge and Desmond Haynes as Batsmen.

I remember fondly how easy it was for the Indies to score runs. In those days no amount of runs was ever too much. Often it would take the Indies the opening batsmen to start the game going. If either Greenidge or Haynes got out, we knew that the mighty Viv Richards would save the day. Oh how I love those days of Cricket. The sixes and fours rained supreme.

www.espncricinfo.com

Then we entered the days of "selfish" boys where the batsmen didn't care too much about the West Indies bond. It was all about the one man. Don't get me wrong. I am sure my heroes of old were just as selfish but at least they played as a unit. 

I lost faith in the new yings. The era of Mr. Brian Lara, Chanderapul, Courtney Walsh and Courtney Ambrose. Ambrose, a light amongst the darkness. Amidst, the changing of the guard, there were some fun times. Lara, magnificence and our delightful bowlers

My love affair had began to dwindle. The marriage had began to show signs of cracking. I wanted so badly to believe that the cracks would be mended but it kept getting worst by the days onslaught.

Enter the age of Chris Gayle, Dwayne Bravo.. just to name a few. I hardly know our cricketers this time around. I don't pay that detailed attention anymore. The marriage was "irretrievably broken". No amount of mending seems to be able to fix the problems.

The fights grew more public. It was time for heads to roll. Calls were made to change members of the board. There were so many lost, so few wins. The spirit was leaving to soon. Yet my love affair still lingered on. Treasuring the memories of old.

The good ole days of West Indian Cricket. Today I feel so many emotions as I sit and watch. I scream, I groan, I shout.. I cry at our easy loses... I mourn at times too as does my household.

Cricket, Lovely cricket. I am still waiting.



Nish, what say you.....

Summer time

I took the time to visit a few of my relatives in the countryside for a night just to say the expected "hi"and "Hello" and to hear the "yo come up to visit granny" Always nice to hear since I just love visiting my granny or "mommy" as I prefer to call her.

I normally use public transport because so much more easy( a concept) to relax after work in these ground planes that operate on that side than to actually drive; it was raining so I decided to take a drive myself.

I left town early did not want to deal with traffic and the journey started. First stop was my friend here I became technician working a antenna to get a television work boy just to see and here news.

The next stop was home and I had to go see the river because it was raining and this particular river was starring in the Georgetown Mash April hit "Georgetown mash up, Georgetown muddy muddy music video!

Back in town I got a taste of summer in the Caribbean going... Kids playing hop scotch!

 I want to try so bad but the shoes just would not allow it

Importance of a Home Cook Meal

I suppose I was just spoiled... In a way we all are.. My time away has shown me how much I missed home. How much I miss having a vincy meal. I wanted my veggie roti from STOP Light Restaurant. I missed my lunch from AGGIES. 

Oh how I miss my moms coconut cakes and bake bread... never realized its sweetness.

I looked far and wide to find something familiar. I indulged myself in the meals of foreign lands but nothing came close. I looked... I really looked. but at each turn I lucked out.

www.glucocardyouchoose.com

I never had so much junk food in my life, each day and each night, soda, crackers, chocolate.... the list can go on. Miss N happy invited me along for the ride into candy land. I never knew she had such a sweet tooth. Mind you, I tried, I kept trying to sway her but she had to have her candy as I watch in amazement.

Homemade....Vincy made

Quarantine and Pest

www.foodsafetymagazine.com 

So in an ideal world, all things being equal... I would have gone to the Quarantine Department to ensure that all produce are inspected and documented accordingly. No hassle, light sweat .. on my way

Imagine my frustration when the office attendant called and stated that there was only one (1) phyto being issued for 210 boxes of specified produce. In my pretend calm, I inquired. I inquired because if I had not personal, physically done the labelling and counting off for myself. If I had not written up the information... 

I called the relevant persons before I placed a call to Quarantine. I called to make certain that I had not made a mistake. I checked my memories.. I recalled my thoughts.. I knew for all that I can remember, I took to the port 210 labels, 90 labels one way and a further 120 labels another way. I remember separate envelopes with specifics for boxes. With my mental capacity in tact, with my information gathered i called back Quarantine.

I spoke as calmly as possible. I indicated to the young lady on the other end that 

1. The person who did inspection had made a mistake
2. A proper inspection was not done however I can understand a mistake happening
3. That 2 independent persons who checked off the shipment, had the same information that i relayed, hence just a simple correction is needed

Simple solution to the problem. No .. no such luck. I listened on the phone for about 15 minutes until the lady had satisfied her soul and cleared her lungs. I said simple "With further inspection this problem would have been avoided." I asked, "When did Quarantine start writing up phytos without a representative being present?

I suppose I was not to ask that question. The rant went on but this time I had no patience. I simply told the young lady on the other end that it is all about communicating and admitting a simple error.

Emotionally Spent

www.ehdwalls.com

Arrived at the Office after a few days absence. Tired and emotionally spent from my time away. I welcome home and I welcome the office with great jubilance. I just wanted familiar. 

I wanted to just drown myself in vincy. The stress of work felt like nothing. after feeling as a stranger in another mans country, i felt belonged. 

After the meals I endured .... I indulged myself in local cuisine..... can't remember in my life having ground provision that tasted so good. Those few slices of sweet potatoes took me to another world.  indulged myself in local cusine.

My bed became my refuge. I just slept as much as I could. I slept and slept... perhaps I am yet sleeping....

fat from jokes

Well I was told by the the organisers that we were brought to this training venue to learn how to survive and that is what we did so well that when we got home one of our parents declared "boy Barbados got you fat " if only they knew

Well I not to picky with the eating because sick is one experience I try not to have to share when I leave my country however my colleagues do not share the same view. Hence we had a few visits to the hospital and you know the other place sure I don't have to mention it since it might be to delicate to mention here. Anyway although food was an issues jokes was not and it appears as if some of us did get fat since...

One colleague was quick to share her family view of her size on her return "girl u got fat" if they only knew.

Hard Landing courtesy of LIAT

Check list

1. Call Ahead for Taxi
2. View flight arrival on web
3. Flight on Time
4. Passport and other document in hand
5. Leave Campus 45 minutes before check in time
6. Arrive at Grantley Adams International Airport
7. At Check-in desk

So begins my journey to Grantley Adams International Airport on my way home, home to sweet St. Vincent. I should have sensed trouble from the get go. But no, I said to myself, don't overreact, don't get frustrated just go with the flow. ... Waiting to get checked in... still waiting to get check in.... waiting... How long has it been already. A family of too many was ahead of me checking in.... A family of too many, too many bags, too much noise.. just too many... 

I probably fell alseep waiting to be checked in... To add to it, the LIAT attendant couldn't care less.. Nothing said... Just an ordinary day in time with wonderful LIAT - The Caribbean Airline.

After About 45 minutes, checked in and proceeded to immigration, out to get a bit of the usual food...not going there today... We will deal with the food soon enough. Into the lounge to await the arrival of FLT 369 to St. Vincent, scheduled departure time, 8:40 pm. Yep... I waited... Aha... What did you just say? 

Does it really make any sense? We will update you at 8:50 pm.... Another at 9:00 pm. It kept on going. Announcement would be made at 10:00 pm... I had had it.. Then apparently the aircraft took off empty to St. Lucia to return back for us... Hot chocolate and a overly filled cheese sandwich for light snack ad conversation. Was I to spend an extra night? I wrenched at the thought. I just wanted to get home.

Eventually I boarded sometime after midnight. Did I really??? I had lost track of time. But I arrived in lovely St. Vincent sometime after 1:00 am. Not a bad flight after all. The workers tried as tired as they were. The airhostess, herself a bajan, retained much pleasantries as she could muster. 

Hard Landing, I was finally home.

Over Chicken Leg Dinner ... Pt 2

Oh Boy.. What can I say about my night.... Perhaps it is my being naive or perhaps it is because I had have enough..

So we sojourned to the wonderful Bridgetown to find us some dinner. Some dinner, with hope that finally our stomachs will be filled with some kind of food similiar to that of home. Well I am still hoping.. I am still dreaming... We found Cheffette... such wonderful delicacies provided.. Never had roti like that before and I can't dream of it again. I am still trying to figure out if anyone finished a meal....

Around and around we go, stopping at, no one knows... How hard is it to find a credit? Around and around we go, stopping at, no one knows. Thanks to the every presents of rum shops. It took a while but we found one. Jovial drinkers with a mutual passion for cricket. Cricket.. cricket the game of the damn west Indian people. I am so tired of cricket. I hate it because hell, three days and not even lucky me.

We walk forth... Trying to find a way back to campus.. Is it me or is it that getting directions from a native is like wrenching teeth? Gosh Man.... we were told to just walk all th way to Eagles something. I went pass in a mini .... To Be Contined..
x

Over Chicken Leg Dinner ... Pt 1

Well the CPL started in Bim lastnight and Bajan came out in their numbers despite it is crop over time!

Well I did not make the cricket grade; but a man got to eat so a few of us decided that a visit to the capital would be a good time to sample chicken leg, veggie roti, burgers and veggie pizza hmm what a menu REALLY CARIBBEAN! 

The ride in the bus was interesting we saw the conductor gesturing at us so being Caribbean people "fast" it was "whats up boss" later we realized it was the fare he was asking for (BDS$2).  

Well the roti was wrapped up and thrown away, the pizza polished off, the legs clean and the burger just disappeared all in all a good dinner. We took a walk looking for LIME and Digicel Top-up watch a adventure! We passed gaming streets, parks, taxi stands, poorly lit streets and a maxi drivers shouting some language we discovered the Caribbean had.


The Rum shop was next here we sat and watch cricket with the older guys and an Australian guy offering more drinks.


Well this lady character was not short on words...TO BE CONTINUED!  

Never a Dull Moment

I got a taste of what this catch line meant recently.

I took a few days to visit to a island recently for  business and it was around when they were celebrating there summer festival. The first thing I realized it a challenge to pronounce the name of the events  for this festival.Still trying to roll the tongue. But there really was never a dull moment in more ways than one.

I decided to take a visit to a supermarket and lord the variety was good but to get back to where I was staying proved to be a bit difficult and not because I was generally lost, or lack of funds just a more a issue of so much options. We had funds just not bajan currency or US boy for the first time in a long time my currency had no use lol! To top it off a young man came to ask for a little change you can imagine our expression. it was hilarious!

Anyway we were able to find enough  among us to get home along with a chat up, drive around and some laughs but at least we got the  to take the change that we had. All in a day work!

x