With a New Year comes renewed purposes, hopes, and dreams. As we begin 2026, I wish nothing but the best for everyone, especially those who are struggling, alone, or feeling lost.

In the stillness of time we feel at this point of the year, before reality kicks back in for many after these days of pause, I hope you can look back with gratitude at all that you’ve done and learned over the last 12 months—and, in fact, years.

Perhaps things have been a bit difficult lately. You may be grieving, you may have lost someone, or you may be anxiously waiting for important news, or for recovery from whatever is bothering you. It is at times like these that we must remember that hope is not only a noun, but also a verb—one that pushes us forward, keeps us moving, and helps us believe in ourselves and in our surroundings.

For this year, may you find peace within yourself and clarity in the truth. May you get that job, promotion, or scholarship, be accepted into the major you so deeply desire, or finally start the project you have in mind. May you find love, or free yourself from toxic patterns. May you or your loved ones overcome sickness or financial difficulties. May you find yourself, and have the courage to keep moving forward and to feel at home within yourself.

Be kind, be hopeful, and be there for others. In a world marked by selfishness and hatred, these things make a difference—not just for others, but for ourselves as well.

Whatever you may believe in, wherever you may be from, whatever your ethnicity may be, whoever you may love, or whatever your ideologies may be, remember this: we are all one. The things that make us different should be reasons to unite us and to strengthen our shared humanity.

Wishing you a happy New Year.

There were times this year when I looked back at 2015, not because of similar events, but because I realised how many years had passed. It made me reflect on the many things that have happened over the last decade, not only on a personal level, but also around the world.

Ten years ago, the world was quite different. Life seemed a bit simpler in some ways, and many of us were a different version of ourselves than we are now.

Back then, many who are no longer with us were still around, blessing us with their presence, their smiles, and years of accumulated knowledge and wisdom. At the time, some people and moments felt eternal, but looking back now, I realise that as endless as time may feel, it is not.

The past is a reminder of what was and what became of it—of who we were, how we arrived here, and why. Without the past, there is no way of being who we are today. Our experiences, as sweet or bitter as they may be, are where we all come from. They are part of us. They are what shaped us and the world we live in.

As time goes by, we should remember to embrace the present—every moment and every experience—and to love and be kind. In this evolving and complex world we live in, these things truly make a difference.

I hope that during this 2025 you were able to look back at your old self and smile at how far you have come, and that you remembered the lessons and the people who helped you or were part of the process.

For the coming year, I wish you and yours continued growth and good health, and that you continue to find joy in the people and the simple things around you.

Happy holidays!

A few weeks ago, I was invited to speak on Dis a Fi Mi History, a Jamaican- and Canadian-based podcast that explores the heritage and history of the greater Caribbean, its communities, and its diaspora.

During the episode, I shared the story behind the creation of the Corn Islands Virtual Library, a project born out of my commitment to cultural conservation and the preservation of community memory. I also reflected on my personal experiences working in heritage and cultural preservation, and on the importance of creating accessible digital spaces where history, identity, and lived experiences can be safeguarded and shared.

The conversation explored the resilient history of the Creole community and Indigenous peoples of the Corn Islands, highlighting how culture, identity, and tradition have been sustained across generations despite ongoing challenges. We discussed the role of storytelling, oral history, and digital archives in ensuring that Caribbean heritage remains visible, respected, and passed on to future generations.

I am grateful for the invitation and for the opportunity to speak not only about my work, but also about my identity and the broader responsibility we share in preserving our collective heritage. Platforms like Dis a Fi Mi History are essential spaces for amplifying Caribbean voices and fostering meaningful dialogue within the region and across the diaspora.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/24JrmlFENpCyLandxIDIws?si=98528c0616734dbc

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/ni/podcast/saving-corn-island-reviving-caribbean-heritage-through/id1575454501?i=1000742161725&l=en-GB

YouTube: https://youtu.be/_oa7OOxX-34?si=uqTJGmlGMbAQCnJ-

Podbean: https://disafimihisthttporypodcast.podbean.com/e/saving-corn-island-the-virtual-library-reviving-a-caribbean-legacy/?token=2d0a092cf4981e6159c0d6401693d9ec

In alphabetical order, my favourite and most listened to songs of 2025. Some oldies and others recently discovered.

1. 12 to 12 - Sombr
2. 2022 – Anne-Marie
3. 5 Years Time – Noah and The Whale
4. Bloodline – Alex Warren, Jelly Roll
5. Blote Voeten – MAKSIM
6. DAISIES – Justin Bieber
7. Dance With Me – Tones and I
8. Die Young – Kesha
9. DtMF – Bad Bunny
10. Empty Bench – David Kushner
11. End of the World – Miley Cyrus
12. Favorite T-shirt – Jake Scott
13. Follow (I will never let you go) – Zimmer90
14. Following the Sun – SUPER-HI, NEEKA
15. Glide – NEIKED, Portugal. The Man
16. Goal – Myles Smith
17. Good Feelings – Coldplay, Ayra Starr
18. Heart of Gold – Shawn Mendes
19. Heaven Without You – Alex Warren
20. Heaven – Hozier
21. I Always Wanted a Brother – Braelyn Rankins, Theo Somolu (…)
22. I Can Die Now – Ruel
23. Love Me to Heaven – Jonas Brothers
24. Makes me Wanna Dance – Zimmer90
25. Man I Need – Olivia Dean
26. May I Have This Dance – Francis and the Lights
27. My Soul – BOY LOCO
28. Mystical Magical – Benson Boone
29. Punkrocker (feat. Iggy Pop) – Teddybears, Iggy Pop
30. Show Me Love – WizTheMc, bees & honey
31. Starry Eyed – Good Neighbours
32. Summer Rain – Zimmer90
33. The Hardest Part – Olivia Dean
34. These Words – Natasha Bedingfield
35. Time After Time – Sam Smith
36. Vacation Eyes – Jonas Brothers 
37. Viajando Por El Mundo – KAROL G, Manu Chao
38. Walking in the Wind – One Direction
39. When I Die – Kyle Hume
40. Without You – Avicii

We often underestimate the impact that mental health has on our lives and on the lives of those around us. Sometimes, inherited patterns, transgenerational experiences, certain environments, habits, or even people can negatively affect our mental wellbeing. 

Everyone out there is going through something, whether we know it or not. Let’s be kind to others; we never truly know their struggles. Let’s support them when we can, but above all, let’s also prioritise our own mental wellbeing: say no when we need to, walk away if it brings us peace, and bravely seek help when we need it. 

In a complex world, our minds will always be challenged. But that does not mean we are weak, it simply means we are human, and we all need support from time to time. 

On this World Mental Health Day, let us remember the importance of caring for ourselves and our mental wellbeing, for this is the first step towards being there for others too. 

Let’s take care of ourselves — and one another.

As I learned of the death of Ms Georgina Brack, affectionately known as Miss Betsy, I reflected on the calm, optimistic, and charismatic person she was.

Miss Betsy was one of those people whom life turns into family through bonds. As a child, I remember visiting her and my great-granduncle at Jokeman Bank on Little Corn Island. She would always welcome you with a smile and offer ginger beer or sorrel drink, corn or cassava cake, or whatever she had in the kitchen at the time.

During my teenage years, when hosting programmes at La Isleña radio station, she became one of my faithful listeners. Whenever I saw her, she would say, “I heard you on the air. I always listen to your programme. I’m a faithful listener….” Even in recent years, as part of the archiving work for The Corn Islands Virtual Library, I had the opportunity to sit down with her twice to discuss the history of Little Corn Island and its people, where she generously shared her ancestral knowledge.

Just a few months ago, I had the chance to visit her. During our conversation, I asked her how, despite her age, she still looked so young and strong. She smiled and replied, “Though the knee is a bit weak, I am still going hard. The key is to eat good, not worry about what doesn’t concern you, and live one day at a time.”

Her words always came with a smile, and she always had some conversation to share while sitting, making doormats, or gazing out at the Caribbean Sea, which she called the best view.

For many of us, she was family and someone we had known since a very early age. I truly cherish the conversations and the advice I always received from her.

My condolences to the Sjogreen Brack family on the loss of their beloved mother and grandmother.

Rest in peace, Miss Betsy.