This seems to be the trend for many Caribbean New Yorkers. For more than 42 years, Gil Bailey, “The Godfather” has been the voice of Caribbean radio in the tri-state area. With his wife Pat always there by his side, Gil’s brand is a household name.

The duo is a perfect example of what a husband and wife business team should be like. More importantly, however, the number of years they are together as husband and wife is the icing on the cake.

I saw these lines on a friend’s facebook page, “Love does not consist of gazing at each other, but in looking together in the same direction.” I bet Gill and Pat Bailey lived the latter part of this statement. They have branded themselves with people of all ages. This is as a result of the situation I find myself in. I am a loyal listener because of my mother and that is the case for many other Caribbean descendants.

Here is how the show is structured, from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. it’s gospel, this kicks off the day for my mother. From 9:00 a.m. to noon it’s Oldies but Goodies, during this session I literally have to listen to mom tell us about each song and how our father and her enjoyed them back in the days. I guess it therapy for her. From noon to 12:30 p.m. it’s Soca, of course I am on high at this time. I love me some Soca.

Mrs. Bailey and their assistant, Sharon, have their popular talk segment, “Let’s Hear It,” from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. The show then wraps up from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. with a mix, where the more popular reggae songs are played.

Doing a little research about the man, I found that Gilbert Bailey was born in the town of Bath, in the parish of St. Thomas, Jamaica. However, he will be the first to tell you, “Me never like country.” After moving around in Kingston, staying with different uncles, Gil left Jamaica for London in 1958 to live with an uncle.

He was motivated to come to America because of the way the American GI’s profiled at the Q club, with their sharp suits and the wads of money. “I used to say WOW, that’s how it is in America!”
In 1966 Gil arrived in America but he was very disappointed. “All you did was stay in the house, you had nowhere to go.”

He worked as a valet, waiter, even as a short order cook but it was his stint at driving a limousine where he was finally able to make some good money. Gil drove for celebrities like Stevie Wonder, Harry Belafonte, Lena Horne and many other celebrities. He was making good tips and while his co workers would take their tips and spend it at the liquor store around the corner, he would save his and soon he had amassed a nice stash of $3,000. “I used that money to open a record store on Southern Blvd. in the Bronx” says a proud Gil Bailey.

From the moment Gil and Pat met, it was love at first sight. Gil said, while he was in Jamaica waiting to pick up in visa in 1968, he met Pat’s sister who was dating his cousin. She gave him Pat’s number and when he got back to the New York, he called her. She spoke to him as if they had known each for years. Gil and Pat got married in 1969. Together they worked hard and saved their money. Today, they are respected as pioneers in New York’s Caribbean Radio.

“I like what I do and the respect is there,” he says. Gil’s popularity is as much today as it ever was and his advice to those considering a career in broadcasting, “Be yourself, don’t try to be anyone else, you can’t be a Caribbean person on a Caribbean station trying to act like an American, it won’t work.”
He recalls that when he first started, they would diss him, saying he can’t talk on radio. However, Gil says, “I’ve stayed true to myself and that’s how I’ve won people over and see now today, I am highly respected and I am proud of that, (Sharon Gordon, Godfather of radio celebrates 40 years, 2010.)

I agree with his sentiments totally, in addition those of us from the rest of the Caribbean can relate to the accent, the music, the discussions and that like. So, thank you Gil and Pat for making my mom’s Saturdays meaningful.

Information gathered from http://www.caribbeanlifenews.com/stories/2010/12/2010_12_02_gordon_gil_bailey.html
Here is the man sharing with the world his journey to the show’s 40th anniversary.

There is much going on around us detestable. Many lives are being destroyed, people are being disenfranchised, and the powerful seem to be callous in the face of such immense suffering, intent on their own agendas. They are willing to spend millions to have their own way while people die of starvation, go hungry on their own doorsteps, die because they cannot afford medical care, and the list goes on. There is too much complacency and complicity in the face of what is nothing short of bribery and corruption as people pay exorbitant rates for favors and positions while others sell themselves to the highest bidder.

In times like these we recall the word of God through the prophet Ezekiel:

“And I sought for anyone among them who would repair the wall and stand in the breach before me on behalf of the land, so that I would not destroy it; but I found no one” (Ezekiel 22:30).

Then, like now, Ezekiel lived in rapacious times. God was not pleased and was looking for a witness to be engaged on the ground and before God in prayers. God is still looking for a witness.

How can we repair the wall and stand in the breach before God?

By Claire Smith: www.missionandyouth.com

Image: Suat Eman / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Keeping silent about Jesus Christ is not an option, once we have experienced God’s saving grace that comes through our Lord and Savior. It can only be good news that has to be shared.

However, it is important that we allow God to continue working in our lives so that we are changed into Christ’s likeness and our actions match our words.

It is astounding that many people who shout “freedom” lay claim to Christ’s name and profess that Jesus is their Lord and Savior. Yet, they use their freedom as an excuse to oppress others and deny other people what is life-giving. In this case the guilt is in their empty proclamation rather than their silence.

Yes, we need to sing and talk about this Christ who came, lived, died and rose again. We need to tell others about what God has done for us in Christ and invite them to share this life of true freedom. To do less would be to withhold what is life-giving. At the same time, let’s be sure that our deeds express the love, freedom, and life of Christ.

How are you growing in God’s love and grace? How are you living into Christ’s freedom? How is the Holy Spirit empowering you to share this in life-giving words, attitudes and actions? How do you empower your students to this end?
By Claire Smith: www.missionandyouth.com

http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/view_photog.php?photogid=721

To reelect the incumbent is to say YES, we love the corruption, greed, incompetence, discrimination, murders, assassinations, dictatorial politics, drug trade, skullduggery, mediocrity, suffering, lies, threats, slow progress, in some cases no progress … which is currently the order of the day in our nation.

To elect a new government is to say YES, we trust a group of intelligent, diverse, competent individuals who visualize hope, solace, dignity, peace, pride, love, unity, development, justice, transparency, jobs, law and order, collaboration, investments, companies, new industries, better policies, true democracy … for our nation and will make them a reality.

Guyana is crying out loud for help!

Many are suffering!

Too many have died!

It is time to take Guyana back!

Make her happy!

Make yourselves happy!

Put Guyana on the map for the right reasons!

The choice is now yours… Its consequences you will live with thereafter.

FOR GUYANA’S SAKE, VOTE CHANGE!

I had cause to think about this again recently and to remember that the more healthy we are, the better we can do the work God has prepared for us to do. Of course, there are circumstances over which we have no control. However, generally, we do have control over the quality and the quantity of what we consume, whether or not we exercise, etc. It’s about choice.

The  Bible addresses the matter of choice in different ways at different times. There is a general encouragement to be moderate. There’s the other piece about greed as idolatry. Then there’s the bit about not loving the world – the desire of the flesh and the eyes, etc. So often our choices are guided by what looks and feels good rather than what is good.

So we can choose – the things that lead to health and better life and better witness, or to just do whatever. We have that freedom, but each has its own result.

We often rejoice that in Christ we have been set free from many of the rules and regulations of the former covenant. How true is that? In any case, one thing about that covenant;there is a recognition that we are integrated people and so worship, diet, etc are related in our living for God.

Being involved in God’s mission is not a blind pursuit. Clarity of thought, energy, and the ability to focus help us to be more attentive to God’s voice, more available and better witnesses, notwithstanding that God graciously and mercifully accepts and uses all that we are, however weak that may be. But yes. That health thing does matter.

By Claire Smith: www.missionandyouth.com

I was reminded again this week that even though we work with God (1 Corinthians 3:9), it is God’s work, God’s mission. We are privileged to share in it but always we have to be responsive to how, what, where, when, and to whom God would have us serve and share the good news. We have to make room for God’s surprises and unexpected ways of working among unexpected people.

This making room can be challenging for us because we like center stage and being in charge. Just look at how we often try to tell God how to work and/or get impatient with how God works and what God does. However, we are called to follow Jesus and recognize that this is God’s world. God is in charge and we are only serving with God at God’s gracious invitation. And even when we do not understand and/or are overwhelmed by life’s circumstances, this is still God’s world.

In this world, how has God called you and I to serve and how can we be in the place to know this and be available? How can we be like Jesus Christ who said in John 4:34:

“My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to complete his work.

By Claire Smith: www.missinoandyouth.com

Leila Lopes, 25, was born in Angola’s Benguela Province and is studying business management in Great Britain. She Won the Miss Angola U.K. pageant on Oct. 8, 2010. She is a natural beauty and her three beauty tips are to get lots of sleep, use sunblock whether it is sunny or not, and drink lots of water to stay beautiful.

She is the first woman from Angola, the second Black African woman and the fourth black woman to be crowned Miss Universe. The first Black African was Mpule Kwelagobe of Botswana 1999. The Caribbean’s first and world’s first black Miss Universe was Trinidad & Tobago’s Janelle Commissiong in 1977 and the latest is Wendy Fitzwilliam 1998.

Leila Addressed the issue of tolerance in the competition, she said: “Any racist needs to seek help. It’s not normal in the 21st century to think in that way.” How deep is that statement?

This beauty inside and obviously outside, is a Linguist. She spoke to the pageant judges in Portuguese, the official language of Angola, and Brazil, where the pageant was held. In response to the judges question, if there were anything that she would change about her physical appearance? Her response in a soft beautiful voice was:

“I wouldn’t change a thing. I am endowed with inner beauty. I have my principles. I have acquired many wonderful principles from my family,” She then added “Respect one another.”

How about taking this win as a sign that there is hope for many more black beauties to shine in the pageant world and as a motivator to get in shape physically and mentally?
Congratulations Laila!
Your thoughts?

Communication in relationships should not be taken lightly. It’s not just speaking but the manner in which we speak is vitally important since communication also has a lot to do with one’s body language; facial and body expressions and our attitude while listening or speaking, since this sometimes says more than the spoken words.

Communication would make for better living should we be respectful, open, true and sincere and it must be remembered that communication is a two-way street. Poor communication and the lack of it will destroy a relationship and can lead to misunderstanding, conflict and separation. Every so often we hear of couples who end their relationship because of miscommunication and non communication. On the other hand however, good, effective, well-established communication tends to make our relationships’ more harmonious, respectful and long lasting.

Below are a few guidelines that may help us to do a better job communicating, whether it is with our friends, love ones, colleagues or even a stranger.

1. Speak Clearly

Use simple words, it makes listening and understanding easier for your listener and speak with an appropriate tone. Avoid being too loud (shouting sends the wrong message) and being too soft in certain situations may be misunderstood.

2. Stick to the topic

Often times we tend to switch the topic because it may be a subject we want to avoid. This is inappropriate especially when it comes to a conversation with your partner. If he/she is speaking about a problem that need to be addressed by both of you then complete focus should be afforded to the topic until both parties are completely finished. The feeling of knowing that your partner care about the problem and you are both addressing it amicably is priceless.

3. Listen

There is the saying, “A still tongue keepeth a wise head”. Typically we were born with one mouth and two ears and personally I think that was for a reason. Allowing your partner to express his/her opinion and views while you use your ears first and your mouth last helps you to better understand the other persons’ perspective. Note also, a person can tell if you are listening or not; blank stares and a lack of the occasional acknowledgement is an indication that you’re inattentive.

4. Be Honest

Honesty is the best policy; avoid doing or saying things to make one feel good, when in fact you are being dishonest with them. It is better to be honest and cause some pain than to be dishonest and cause joy only for a time.

Tell it like it is rather than piling lies upon lies that would eventually hurt all concerned.

5. Avoid getting defensive

It’s so easy for us to get into a defensive mode when we are in a potentially steaming conversation. Accepting the fact that we do not know it all and our opinions will often differ without allowing our inflated ego or defense mechanism to step in makes for better communication. You can’t be the one who is always right in everything. Being stubborn and arrogant about it would only make matters worse. Many persons personalize blame by saying words such as “you did this”, “you always”, “you must”, “I do not have to listen to you”, “I don’t want to hear or know” and that kind of selfish accusatory talk. Adapt words such as “we”, “us”, “together” and such like

6. Time and Place

The saying, “there is a time and place for everything”, applies when it comes to communication and doing so effectively. It matters not the nature of the relationship. Private and sensitive issues should be addressed at the right time, and the place for such discourse should be taken into consideration. Such a place should be comfortable and free of distractions so that the parties can give the issue at hand their respective undivided attention.

7. Mind Reading

Anticipating what the other person is going to say may be a fun way of exciting one’s self. However, the likelihood of constant correct anticipation is slim. Therefore, unless you have the facts then relieve yourself of the stress of trying to read one’s mind and preempting their statements, in essence avoid speculation. In addition, some persons are offended by such gestures and this may also be embarrassing for the person trying to read minds.

Share your view

If we could have the new without change, life would be grand. At least that’s what our actions and attitudes suggest. We see things that we like and at a level would wish to get them, but then when we think about the change we’d need, perhaps not. We can’t be bothered. We like the idea of God and even more, the idea of God in our lives working for us, but, intimacy with God. Hmm. We wish, maybe, but, really there’s no time. We’d have to . . . . No, no. That show is really important and fun. Can’t pray then. Can’t pray in the morning. Too busy. Can’t pray at night. Too tired. God . . . .

A close relationship with God requires an investment on our part. That means it requires some change. Change in our priorities so that we begin with God and don’t try to squeeze God in. Then change in our lives as God rearranges it. So . . . do we really want God?

By Claire Smith, www.missionandyouth.com ]]> http://www.caribbeanframes.com/religion/god-maybe/feed 0 http://www.caribbeanframes.com/sports/yohan-blake-won-world-100-meters-finals-yusain-boalt-disqualified-for-a-false-start http://www.caribbeanframes.com/sports/yohan-blake-won-world-100-meters-finals-yusain-boalt-disqualified-for-a-false-start#comments Mon, 29 Aug 2011 14:22:51 +0000 Admin http://www.caribbeanframes.com/?p=1290 Continue reading →]]> The Caribbean Island of Jamaica was in the news yesterday. Yohan Blake won the world 100 meters finals, while, record holder, Usain Bolt was disqualified for a false start.

According to (Reuters) – Yohan Blake ended Usain Bolt’s three-year monopoly of short sprint titles on Sunday when he won the world 100 metres final after the defending champion was dramatically disqualified for a false start.

World record holder and Olympic champion Bolt ripped off his vest as soon as the second gun went off to indicate the false start and was led disconsolately from the track in front of a stunned crowd at the Daegu Stadium.

However, he refused to indulge in self-pity after watching his fellow-Jamaican take the title. “Looking for tears?,” he said. “That’s not going to happen.”

The 21-year-old Blake made the most of his training partner’s absence, spreading his arms out wide as he stormed home in 9.92 seconds to claim his first major title.

“It’s a wonderful feeling, I have been praying for this moment my whole life,” he said. “I just tell people anybody can do it, you just stay focused, pray to God.

“Now I have mixed feelings just — very sad for Usain Bolt but at the same time enjoying this moment very much. I had to focus and get the job done for Jamaica.”

American Walter Dix piped Kim Collins to silver in 10.08 seconds, dipping over the line to leave the 2003 champion from St Kitts and Nevis with a third world championship bronze medal in 10.09.

Dix’s silver was his first at the world championships although he won bronze in both sprints at the 2008 Beijing Olympics but he was disappointed with his poor start.

“It was definitely a tough race for me, Yohan got out of the blocks really well and I did the best I could,” he said.

“I definitely think I could have been more competitive than I was.”

COLLINS RETURN
The evergreen Collins, who belied his 35 years with a blistering start, said he had every intention of returning to compete at the next world championships in 2013 after becoming the oldest 100m medalist in the event.

“I am going to come back in Moscow and make it 10 and I don’t think anybody is going to go 10 world championships,” he said.

France’s European champion Christophe Lemaitre was fourth in 10.19 ahead of Antiguan Daniel Bailey (10.26). Another Frenchman, Jimmy Vicaut (10.27), finished sixth with Jamaican Nesta Carter last of the finishers in 10.95.

The field for the final had already been weakened by the absence through injury of Bolt’s most likely challengers, American former world champion Tyson Gay and former world record holder Asafa Powell.

Jamaican Steve Mullings and American Mike Rodgers, two other sprinters who have run faster than Bolt this year, missed the championships because of doping violations.

Bolt had been considered vulnerable after a less than stellar season by his own standards but had produced commanding performances in the heats and semi-finals.

The 24-year-old still has a chance to go home with an individual gold medal when he defends his 200 metres title later in the championships.

“This is one event, it really doesn’t change anything,” Dix said. “He had a blip today and that’s all it was.”
Collins said he expected the world governing body to look again at the automatic disqualification for athletes who false start which was introduced at the start of last year.

“In all fairness, he’s world and Olympic champion and world record holder and people all over the world want to see him tonight,” he said. “That didn’t happen and that’s really sad and maybe now you might look into things.”

Unfortunately, I was unable to view the championships on Television or the internet because Hurricane Irene left many of us on the East Coast without power for more than a day. Nevertheless, though it is sad that Usain Bolt had to leave in such an unceremonious manner, I am sure most of the Caribbean are happy that the champion in Yohan Blake, keeps the championship in the Caribbean. Better luck next time Usaine. Lets make this right in the 200 meters.

Here is the false start

Here is the finals