tempus fugit

Carnival came and went 'like a one jet plane', and in a couple days it will be only eight more months before we are into "the Carnival" again. We had all kind of excitement going from 2011 into 2012, and some real foolishness, stupidness as the Calypsonians call it, that took place in our first month of the new year. This is the year for foolishness, and some real dumb stupidness is happening and may continue to happen. It is not like we were not aware that this would come to pass. It is just that some of us like to play the Ostrich, and these are not the days to play with that.

But while some things are not to our liking, there are many other things that we can be proud about ... as long as we do not let any "politics" get into our clean water. I am not letting any politics interfere with anything I do. I am not thinking politics until the next general elections are called, whether it is sooner or later than we should expect. I am living in SKN like a tourist, and when you think about that, maybe it is the safer thing to do. Now, don't say what I did not, and don't play any mind reader.

So where are we going with photography for 2012. I am still on the same track, snapping certain aspects of life and living in SKN, and more so as it could relate to our Tourism product. Snapping what I am comfortable with. Occasionally I come across a scene which should not exist, but in our real SKN world it does, but should not. Regrettably, all of us are not on the same page with the ideas of being "ready to welcome the world" of photography to SKN. But I am not flogging that, because it takes time, which we may not have, to bring some people on board. The resistance to change is much higher that I could ever have though possible in SKN.

There comes a time when we just have to watch and pray, and even pray without watching ... but I have confidence in the system. But let us move on. I recognize that only cell phones with cameras are selling now. It seems that almost anything you buy, to enhance your walk around, have a camera built into it. Well, we live in the information and communication age, but I am not seeing many of the cell phone snaps, being shared in the public domain. I guess the camera use is more private and personal for now. With time people will recognize the critical national importance of their communication devices.

The New Year morning sunrise met me at Olivees taking my exercise walk. Just another beautiful SKB morning, which we identify as the beginning of a bright and prosperous New Year.

Times have changed, as they must, and a real effort is being made to keep the culture alive. It is not a desperate effort, yet, but in time it could come to that, if we continue to practice the art of exclusion. What we practice we perfect, but SKN is way to small for that.

I always had a plan to sing calypso in my younger days, but maybe I could stand a better chance in these times. I suspect that these Kings might be sorta hard to beat, but I am not dropping the idea just yet.

The Carnival CEO, walking the talk. I am pleased when our young ladies get the opportunity to show 'what they got'. To organize a carnival in these times of an apparent recession is a challenge many would shy away from. I am of the view that all women thrive on these types of challenges which allow them to demonstrate their real purpose in our world.

SKN holds an attraction for many people. Folks sail into the Basseterre Bay from all over the world, and I suspect that SKN is one of the attractions that lure many of them into the Caribbean. Actually more pleasure crafts are usually moored at White House Bay on the SEP.

It is wise to refrain from any comment.

Port Zante is the place for all action during the Tourist season ending in April. Some of our charming daughters and women make the visitor experience one they will always remember, and it probably lures them for a second visit.

Some residents have discovered that living like a tourist, like me, is the way to go. Shopping at Port Zante is not just for tourists ... especially if you know how.

The visitor experience on our island ... it is not only sand, sea and coconut rum.

All our tourists are not here on a cruise. We have to be cognizant of our ever increasing population and that contingent of returning nationals ... and their families. There are a few things that we need to learn from them before it is to late ... but I fear that some of us may not be watching, listening or learning.

The 'Beating of the Retreat' was one of the local functions held in commemoration of the Diamond Jubilee of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II. The celebrations end in June 2012.

His Excellency the Governor General.

The lowering of the Flag at the end of the ceremony

The face of the City is changing daily. South Independence Square Street.

As Calypso Reggie would say, " I like that!!"

It only took three days to replace and resurface Church Street. The other City street are to be "fixed". We have to watch and see if they too will be replaced and resurfaced ... or only resurfaced.

It all happens at Port Zante and the Law Officer is involved in conflict resolution. A certain amount of lawlessness [IMO] seems to be entertained and tolerated down here.

Monday is still market day for imports from the Windward islands.

The most consumed relish in the world, and at Carnival. Many things have changed for many people, so this now seem to be a full time and every day event. On this corner of the Bay Road two vendors operate within 10-feet of each other, but you know how we SKN people are, everybody happy with their own customers.

This is an "I was there!" moment in the life of some our visitors. Our Berkeley Memorial monument is one that they will never forget, for the rest of their life.

There is never ending action in SKN, and I only seek to capture a teeny weeny bit of it on some days. All the photos captured can be seen in my private Facebook photo albums by my Facebook friends. My public photo albums, status, this blog, etc.' can be viewed by everyone. However, this only represents less than 6% of the total photo album content.

SKN is looking forward to the Royal Visit, and the local activities that could continue until June. Let us keep our fingers crossed and PRAY that foolishness and stupidness does not raise its ugly head in our blessed and beloved Federation, at this time, or at any other time in 2012.

Time is not waiting for any of us. If you see a photo that you may need later, download it now, because it may not be there when you need it. If you need a high res copy, send me an email, and I will suggest a charity to forward your donation to help to feed hungry children somewhere on our planet. I suspect that we could have hungry children at home in SKN, but there are other countries that have far more hungry children and homeless people than we could ever have and imagine.

I continue to hope, wish and pray that this year continue to be great and prosperous for all of us in SKN.