a cheesecutter and a coke...

From the title you must be asking yourself if I have lost it completely and the answer is still pending...ya know like those blackberry messages you sent since last week Friday and dem still ain't come through yet cause de communications network you on is sour! lol *wink*

But seriously, its my muse for this blog cause I just indulged a little after I told myself bout 5 times...I done for the night! So here I was eating and I remembered I wanted to vent about some things which affect me as well as other people who may find themselves in a similar situation. First lemme put in my disclaimer so those of you who think I'm being unfair know that these opinions are solely MINE...and have not been influenced or sponsored...thank you!

The first topic of the night is academics...why is it important ....and why it shouldn't be so important because a degree or diploma doesn't define who we are. I recently finished my Bsc in Sociology and Psychology and even though I love the learning process in its true form...I do feel like I have wasted 4 years of my life...since I don't want to do anything in this area. 

>>Tip # 1<<: Don't do a subject because you like it, or you believe you will do well....take it from me it's a waste of time if you are basing your choice on this premise. 

And I am speaking from a Caribbean national, specifically a Barbadian point of view...where the diversity of the corporate world is stuck in the 1950's...and the term "doctorlawyerbankmanager" is taken literally.

My advice...i.e. my humblest opinion is to do your research...if you are thinking about going to university to pursue your first degree...research is PERTINENT (important). Find out what job opportunities are available to persons with certain degrees, which areas lack persons with qualifications, and last but by no means least....something you will be happy doing because more than likely it will be your profession for the rest of your life...

Moving on smartly...the second topic is kinda following up the first but in a different light. I felt COMPELLED to speak on the transition from university to the world of work in Barbados....since that is the only situation I have experienced. It can however be summed up in two words "PISS POOR"...you may say that is harsh but I will justify my answer ... you have 1000+ graduates leaving UWI every year, with a wide scope of degrees...from Law to Microbiology. OK. 

I don't expect that a job will fall in to each and every lap of these graduates...however! I cannot deal with the LACKLUSTER approach taken by corporate Barbados both public and private sector in tapping into these resources while they are fresh. 

>>Case In Point<<: a young man aged 23 graduates and is on the job hunt.. honours degree in Management. Every job description  requires things the average 23 year old may not have....your own transportation, 4-5 years experience etc etc etc. C'mon people be realisitic.. at 23 you cannot be expecting to have 4-5 years work experience at a job which requires you to have a first degree,  and if you have the money to afford a car chances are you already have a job...it's just impossible. 

You know what the end result of this will be if it continues? A Geriatric workforce... because people migrate to other countries who are willing to accept persons with no experience and take the time and INITIATIVE to train their employees. *cough* USA *cough* Europe *cough*

I am beginning to rant so on that note...I will sign off but be prepared for more cheese cutter and a coke moments ... coming to a monitor near you!

xoxo 

Risse

Please...don't INSULT my intelligence

It seems that corporate Barbados and the Barbadian government are still on the "Ryan Brathwaite" high even after the golden boy has returned to his normal everyday routine at his overseas university.

Don't get me wrong I am not taking away anything from Ryan's success, I am just as proud as any other Bajan who knows what this young man has done for Barbados but there is no use in being stuck on the facts after so much acknowledgements have been given.

But somehow that has not occurred to the government and corporate Barbados in their recent statements regarding Ms. Barbados World 2009.

Before I start I want to say that Leah Marville deserved to win that title as she has worked tirelessly to promote and make her "Love Campaign" a success and it shows true to her dedication to the cause. However, I don't appreciate the way in which the government and corporate world have suddenly surfaced from nowhere to pledge their undying support for a Ms. Barbados World.

Where was the Barbados government in 2006-2008 when Latoya McDowald and Natalie Olivia Griffith had to pay from their pockets to represent their country in Poland and South Africa respectively. These two young ladies had to carry the majority of their expenses on the love and support of their parents, friends and family.

And this is not a case where they went and didn't achieve anything, these two Barbadian beauties were excellent in representing for Barbados and putting our name out there. Latoya placed 6th in the swim suit and in the top 10 for the gown and talent segments. In 2008, Natalie won the talent segment from a group of over a hundred contestants. I fail to see how these achievements could not warrant the attention of the powers that be.

It must be said that these young ladies, similarly to Ms. Marville seeked support from these same persons in Government and corporate Barbados and did not receive so much as response or call back to the numerous attempts made by them to involve these parties.

I sincerely hope that this message is being interpreted in the correct way....which is there is no pride in being bandwagonist and that its never too late to acknowledge those who have gone before and done Barbados proud.

To end my post...I leave you with a Maya Angelou quote which says "All great achievements require time"


Risse

Y.F.B... the P.R of the Future