August reconnects us with our roots and invites us to acknowledge the path and struggles of our ancestors, who hoped and prayed for a better dawn almost two centuries ago. 

The entire Caribbean remembers their liberation, an event that brought a new beginning to hundreds who were stripped from their motherland to work unwillingly. 

Black Heritage Month is a reminder of our African ancestry, the history, food, music, rituals, and features, all that resemble who we are and our link to those before us. 

As we acknowledge our past, let us look towards a better tomorrow, and thrive with a sense of pride, knowing who we are and where we want to be. 

Happy Black Heritage Month!

I am the son of a land where the sea shimmers like gold at dawn and dusk,

born of young love.

I am a brother, an uncle, a grandchild,

a nephew, and a friend to many, or perhaps just a few.

I am the smiles I provoke on others’ faces,

the comfort and warmth my presence brings,

or the bitterness of my soul on scorching days.

I am the one who smiles through rainy days

and has navigated his journey without slipping,

despite the thunderstorms and lightning along the way.

I am the fellow in shorts and slippers,

with a cap and a backpack,

who loves to contemplate nature,

explore new places, and learn new things.

I am the time I share with those around me,

the little or many things I give,

the advice I offer,

and the love I have for my own and others.

I am a daydreamer once told by the darkness

that no light lay ahead, yet I still see

a pathway leading to the stars.

I am just like you, probably loved by some,

despised by others, but both make me stronger.

I am the reflection of my roots:

resilient and hopeful, impatient but confident,

creative and enduring, cheerful and strong.

I am the forever son of June,

and with each passing season, I become

a better version of myself,

destined for greatness and ready to lend a hand.

I am who I am, and there will never be another quite like me—

whether good or bad depends on what you choose to see.

According to experts, plastic (bags, plates, bottles…) can take up to 500 years to decompose—depending on its structure and size. Around the world, plastic pollution is a big problem, for now, in some places more than others, but it will eventually affect everyone. 

Plastic waste in seas and oceans threatens marine life, it produces chemical contamination and creates microplastic that eventually will end up in potable water. 

On this World Environmental Day, let's reflect on our abusive use of non-recyclable plastic and commit ourselves to implement more sustainable and eco-friendly practices for Mother Earth's and future generations' welfare.

Los días 15 y 16 de mayo, se realizó presentación del proyecto comunitario The Corn Islands Virtual Library a estudiantes y docentes del Colegio Bautista Ebenezer y Universidad BICU.

Estudiantes de la modalidad secundaria del Colegio Bautista Ebenezer conocieron sobre la biblioteca virtual, los contenidos disponibles y como navegar por la plataforma. También pudieron conocer sobre el objetivo de la plataforma y las personas involucradas en recopilar la información disponible.

En la Bluefields Indian & Caribbean University, BICU, núcleo Corn Island, estudiantes de las carreras de inglés, contabilidad y turismo conocieron de cerca el proyecto, cómo navegar en la página web y contenidos disponibles. Con los presentes, se habló también sobre la importancia de conservar y promover la identidad local a través de investigaciones científicas.

Aparte de las presentaciones, también se entregó calcomanías con la dirección web, redes sociales y código QR de la biblioteca virtual a las escuelas públicas y privadas y se colocaron en edificios públicos como la alcaldía y aeropuerto, para que, locales y visitantes, puedan conocer de la página y visitarla.

El día 16 de mayo, STS Initiative hizo entrega de materiales artísticos al movimiento comunitario Experience, que promueve clases de dibujo y pintura gratuito para niños, niñas y adolescentes de Great Corn Island y Little Corn Island.

Entre los materiales donados se encontraban pinturas acrílicas y de acuarelas, lienzos o canvas, diferentes tamaños de brochas, blocs y cuadernos para hacer dibujos, lápices de grafito, entre otras.

 

The love that I have for my origin, my people, and my community and the desire to help preserve our ancestral roots and identity led me in August of 2021 to create The Corn Islands Virtual Library Project—which today, 1st of May 2023, is officially available to everyone. 

The Corn Islands Virtual Library (TCISVL) is a website that stores and holds a compilation of research about Great Corn Island and Little Corn Island, old photographs, videos, maps, tales, myths, legends, and oral accounts that are part of the identity and culture of the Corn Islands and its people and that is precisely necessary to conserve for present and future generations. 

The information stored on the website and that will futurely be available is thanks to the collaboration of local historians and our elders, those here with us and who have passed on to better life, who value and know the importance of conserving and knowing our identity and history.

The Virtual Library will also be dedicated to promoting the culture, original traditions, beliefs, and history of the islands and also a series of research to document fully the island's past and present. 

This project, which is executed through STS Initiative, is for everyone who wishes to learn about the Corn Islands beyond its natural and tourist attractions, but it's especially for us islanders who wish to share, preserve or learn about our origin. 

I invite you to collaborate with this project by sharing any piece of information that you have that may be valuable to freeze in time and to take part in the compilation of historical and academic information about the islands that will be useful for everyone.