Ready Or Not… Here I Come!

singleorsomething

Unless you’re a member of The Fugees or The Delfonics, this should never be your hook line when entering a new relationship, especially if you’re not ready. It took some time to understand that wanting to be in a relationship doesn’t mean you’re ready for a relationship. It could mean you’re lonely or that you have some other issue in your life that you’re overlooking, and you believe a relationship will be your saving grace.

As women, we’ve been told for as long as we can remember that love will save us … that a relationship is that missing piece we need to complete our lives. I blame fairy tales as the reason so many women focus on this so intently and think a relationship is all they need to make them happy. Consider Cinderella, Snow White, Rapunzel – all women who were saved by some man and lived their…

View original post 1,072 more words

The Flower That Grew From Concrete

“I have been living in Laventille since the age of five (5). In recent years (2012 to present) things have been crazy. I live smack in the middle of two rival gangs, and I can’t accurately paint a picture of what this is like with words.”

– Keziah Campbell 

Kezia Campbell is a twenty-three (23) year old female on a mission to create a garden of Eden within the concrete city of East Port Of Spain. She is indeed a flower that grew from the confines of concrete and hostile environmental oppression, and may even be described as a ray of sunshine essential for other flowers just as herself to thrive with hope.
Growing up in Laventille, East Port Of Spain, she said; “I know what it’s like to deliberately position my body on the bed so that if a bullet were to hit me,  I wouldn’t collect it to my head. I know what it’s like to take half of an hour to fall asleep, only to throw my frame on the floor and repeat that four (4) to five (5) times in one night; so eventually I just began sleeping on the floor.
My house is pretty much a rice drainer. One time I somewhat slammed my mother to the floor because of the barrage of bullets making its way through the walls of our home. I also recall my brother being shot at because of mistaken identity.”

Kezia recalls having little to no neighbors because of homes being fire-bombed as a result of reprisal attempts. Usually she says, if they (gang members) are unable to get to the intended target, they’ll burn the mother’s house down or even go as far as killing the family members.

“I remembered literally praying for the gang members to die out because of the way they distressed the community that I grew to love while growing up. I knew I shouldn’t have prayed a prayer like that, but it was just the way I felt during those moments. Then one day I realized that most of the gang members had children – mainly sons – that statistically would follow in that path. There was this one particular guy that I had a serious altercation with because of a gang rivalry shooting incident involving him, where the bullets came so close to my home that my sister being home alone at the time, became so stunned and literally froze with fright and tears. He gave me his life story a few weeks after the incident, and it made me realize the way the minds of the males within my community are formed and molded because of their experiences. Whether it be as a result of parental absenteeism, family members or close friends lost due to reprisal killings, or just having the sense of family that comes from belonging to a particular gang, the insight was life changing. I have been since then, having a hard time ignoring the young black boys of the community, so much so, that whenever one of them dies, it compels me to want to do more for those that remain; even if it means just saving and preserving one.”

Kezia began a blog a few semesters ago which initially came to life as part of one of her school courses. The project entailed using the social media gateway to discuss any passion one may have. She decided that this would be the perfect forum in which to share the positive things happening within the communities of East Port Of Spain, and even when the course was concluded, she persevered with the project.

The blog titled “Blooming Through Concrete” features individuals  who have made immense impact on the communities through sports, arts, academic, social work and much more. Kezia says that she would love to change the view of the outsider about the people within Laventille and environs. She recalls an incident she had involving a boyfriend from her younger days and his grandmother, when his grandmother judged her solely on where she came from instead of who she really was. She say that his grandmother said “I don’t want no girl from Laventille coming in my place”

Finding solutions for the youth in the community is an immense passion of Kezia, more so finding solutions for the young men. “Back in the day, my father started a football team but couldn’t continue because of turf wars. Ninety-eight percent (98%) of those members have since then been shot and killed. Dad is always talking about the amount of talent and potential they had. Recently, he started another, but knowing what I know now, I had to sit with him and ask him about his long terms goals for them. The education system is not equipped to handle these young men, especially with the kind of things that they’re exposed to and are dealing with. Dad says, that he may not be able to help all, but if he can at least help one, then he knows that he’s doing something good. I’m going to continue praying because I feel that this passion and problem is something that would not go away. I’ve tried on numerous times to become desensitized, not caring about it at all, but it’s honestly all I think about. As a result, I’m always researching, thinking, day dreaming so to speak, about ways to help these young men. There’s honestly, nothing I wont do, but at times I feel like Kezia,  you’re a women, and this might be beyond you.”

Are You Ready

         

We spoke at lengths about various topics ranging from health and fitness to politics, as we endured an approximated twenty minute drive to the infamous Amcol Fitness First Health Club located at Penal. Matthew Garnet is a man with a life changing vision to amass fulfillment in having a much healthier life. But this is just part of a more grandeur scheme of things to come. All part of the much bigger picture as he puts it. Here is some insight into what Matthew has in store for the world.

“For approximately 20 years, I have been involved in the performing arts in one form or the other including mime, singing, dance, film acting, stage acting and modelling.  Apart from being on stage and infront of the camera, I have also produced and co-produced several television series which were aired on Gayelle The Channel and been a part of the production team for two locally filmed internationally produced feature films.  Additionally, I am currently set to make my debut as a director in November of this year with a play entitled “In A Fine Castle” at the Naparima Bowl.”

Having been absent from the television industry for the past year or two, He has experienced a re-invigoration of his zeal for media which resulted in his latest project, matthewgarnet.tt. This dynamic and innovative multimedia site is formatted to combine the best of today’s social media addiction and the ever appealing reality styled television while staying true to our unique Trinbagonian culture. A fusion of passions, matthewgarnet.tt is a creative hub for personal empowerment and enrichment as well as an online meeting place for contemporary Trinbagonians.

“Through a blog on the site, I will share my journey towards a healthier lifestyle, a better body and self actualization. Having said that though, this site is more than just a blog! With creative innovations including podcasts, vlogs and mini web series, matthewgarnet.tt breaks new ground in our local entertainment market becoming the first site of its kind.”

Bursting with pride in his local culture and heritage he says, “I will not only provides users with access to our local and regional music but has devoted an entire segment of his site to Trinidad & Tobago and to its beautiful people, places and things, exploring the forgotten treasures of our geographical and culinary landscapes.” He says that his ultimate goal is to restore some of the national pride that we as a people have seemingly lost over the years.

      

For The Love Of Art

“My main hope is that through art I can make an imprint on someone’s view of the world however small. I believe that we were put on this earth to do more than just exist and that our mission should be to create and do meaningful things. Not only in this moment but for a lifetime; to make a lasting impression on the world we live in.” – M. Amann

Her name: Melyssa Amann. (Make a mental note of it, as I am most certain that it may be quite a popular name in the future).

At only eighteen (18) years of age, she is one of the most versatile, passionate, and driven young (visual) artist I know. My first encounter with her was at the conclusion of a theatrical production in 2014 where I noticed that she played the guitar. After adding each other on Facebook, I would see ever so often, appearing on my news-feed, minor sketches that she had drew. These would often be displayed by her, with much joy and pride.

“I have a deep passion for the things that people create. I have on numerous occasions, looked at a piece of art and was  brought to tears by the words speaking though it. The mind is so beautiful a thing, and art is a small way of seeing someone’s mind.”

She further went on to say. “I believe that even if I weren’t artistic, I would still be as passionate – if not more – about beauty and the things that people create. I especially have a thing for hyper realism. Someone’s ability to capture a person or object on a canvas exactly the way they look in real life will never cease to amaze me.”

Melyssa is a past student of the Naparima Girls High School, San Fernando. While attending there, she pursued Art (of course), Pure Mathematics and Physics at the CAPE/Advance level. She also became deeply involved  in the school’s String Orchestra As the President, and the ISCF club.

She stated that she is not 100% sure about her ultimate career goal for the moment, but she is absolutely certain of her happiness, once she is given the opportunity to express herself through art. “Once it’s something within the field art or design, I will experience pure bliss. Not just art, but art that matters. I want to be able to make things that will create a positive difference in the lives of people. As for now though, I’m leaning towards majoring in Industrial design at the Savannah College of Art and Design. My choice in majors may however change.”

“My passion for art has been gradual. I always knew that I liked it, but I never thought that it would end up meaning this much to me. I realised at the CSEC level that there’s nothing I’d rather do than create things and my nine (9) scheduled periods of art per week at CAPE level were my happiest, and most relaxing times. Art has become so much more than a hobby for me, so I know now that having an art related career is the only way that I will ever be happy.”

When asked about her inspiration, she stated that ultimately, it came from everyday life. Anything that she is passionate about or anything that speaks to her soul is reflected in her pieces. I have noticed, that a large amount of her work has been centered around slavery and freedom. When asked if this was going to be her trademark theme, she replied; “Sometimes I plan it that way, and other times it takes its own course becoming something new. The idea of slavery and inequality has always been something that moves my heart and by centering my pieces around these themes, I speak through them, saying things that my words cannot express.”

What are your goals for the future?

– “In the future, after completing my degree, I really do hope to be able to return and give back to Trinidad and Tobago. Unfortunately, depending on the major I do, it may not be possible to find a job when I come back, so chances are, that I may have to reside in the US and seek a job there. It’s not my ideal plan so I’m trying not to worry about that from now.”

What is one of your biggest fears?

– “One of my greatest fears is that the concerns of everyday life will stifle my passion for what I love. I’ve already struggled hard enough so as to not be stuck in a career that is chosen out of convenience instead of doing what I would like. I need art to live through everything I do and I don’t ever want my flame to die.”

– “I’m am also afraid that I won’t be good enough at whatever I’d like to do. To make it in any field of art, you have to be exceptional. It’s extremely competitive and art itself is very opinionated. Traditional artists generally struggle between producing what the public would like to see and what the artist would like them see. It’s hard because what you express on a canvas or in 3D form isn’t always socially pretty or politically correct.”

What is something that most people wouldn’t know about you?

– “I appreciate people’s beauty more than I think is normal, regardless of gender or age. I tend to be obsessed sometimes. Not in a weird way of course, but sometimes I won’t be able to stop staring at a person’s face because of how absolutely gorgeous I think they are.”

Have you any advice for the upcoming artists?

-“Don’t let anyone kill your flame. They’ll try to discourage you from doing art and probably dismiss it as a mere hobby. If you have a talent or a gift, use it to its full potential. The worst thing that you can do is to settle for a career that you wouldn’t love just because you’d make more money. Ultimately, happiness is worth more. Stick with your passion and make it work.

More of her work here

 

© 2015 Microsoft Terms Privacy & cookies Developers English (United States)

https://login.skype.com/login/silent?response_type=postmessage&client_id=580081&redirect_uri=https%3A%2F%2Fblu175.mail.live.com%2Fdefault.aspx&state=silentloginsdk_1436462274184&_accept=1.0&_nc=1436462274184&partner=999

The Heart Beyond The Performances

Rojelio Gowrie

We sat poolside at one of the villas on the Magdalena Beach Resort in Tobago following a performance at the golf course the night before, during the Tobago’s Jazz Festival. This I guess was the ideal  time for bonding. I had only been privy to his name due to our association with the Free Speech Project, a spoken word initiative of the TTRN (Trinidad and Tobago Radio Network), but I had never met him in person.

On the flight to Tobago the day before our poolside conversation, we spoke intensively about poetry and writing, but never, until up to the point where we got to unwind on the pool’s deck, had he made any mention about his involvement with social work, and not only that, but his spear heading of a foundation of his own.

At nineteen (19) years old, the extremely humble Rojelio Gowrie of Penal is already a Poet, writer, aspiring producer, community youth development leader and business man. A past student of Presentation College San Fernando, he now prepares himself to undertake a degree in communication and emerging media in Florida.

“When I was a student I knew some friends who were involved in illegal activities, so Jonathan Hart (good friend) and I would try to encourage these guys along a better part.” This was the response given when I asked him how long had he been concerned about youth issues. He continues: “I remembered while growing up, I was at a sweet sixteen (16) one day, and we; yes myself included (shaking his head) were making fun of a girl who came early. My cousin told me that the girl was an orphan, and that the reason she had come early, was because of the limitations at the orphanage. I was deeply remorseful and moved to the point where I began working with orphanages myself.”

“I’ve seen orphans sexually abused and mistreated. Truthfully, they all need a chance to know what it is like to be and feel completely human; to feel loved; to know respect.”
– Have you seen the evidential impact of a helping hand among the youth population? I asked.
“I have a friend whose brother was a self proclaimed gangster, involved in many illegal activities. I personally saw how those who loved him, poured into his life relentlessly. As a result, he decided to re-immerse himself into education, becoming very steadfast at it. He now has an offshore job.”

Rojelio is one out of two founders of the YIM foundation (Youth In Motion). They began on January 1st 2015 doing minor projects, but officially launched the Foundation on May 28th 2015. The foundation plans to continue visiting the orphanages, execute visits to YTC and St. Micheal’s Home for boys, and in the month of July they’re hoping to have a youth rally. “We even have  t-shirts” he added.

“I have an eye for business. When I was thirteen (13, I started a car wash and bought my very first laptop computer.” Rojelio also loves music, and often tries his hand at producing. I got a chance to listen to some of the instrumentals he’s worked on, and I must admit, for an amateur, the sound is beyond amateur. He also loves outdoor activities, writing (of course), as he’s been writing for about four (4) years and performing for two (2). He was one of the nominees at the national youth awards 2014, where he and other members of the Free Speech Project was given a chance to perform, closing off the show. Rojelio also won the Courts Bocas Lit fest Spoken Word Competition (school category) in 2014, and represented Trinidad and Tobago in Philadelphia later that year at The Brave New Voices Poetry Slam.

Contact The Youth In Motion Foundation for further details about their projects.