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Today, February 26th 2018, I got the opportunity to execute my civil duty and head to the voting polls to cast my vote for the first time ever. Everyone except me was excited that I finally had a chance to make an important decision on who will run our country. The reason why I wasn't excited was simple. I was just conflicted. Conflicted as to who was worthy of my vote, conflicted that I would accidentally vote for the wrong person, conflicted that I might panic and fill in the ballot incorrectly.  Arriving at my polling station, My father, mother and I took our spots in the line, which was pretty long for 8 am. The characteristics that were portrayed in the line showed the spirit of a true "Seh Maahtener"; funny, friendly and caring. Conversation starters ranged from "How are you doing, long time no see." to "Boy, I gah go work nuh, they taking long." to "Buh neighbour, how you throw us away so." Chuckling at the various discussions, my mind was racing. I still did not know who I was going to vote for? In the words of my friend Astra, "Impossible." As the police officer motioned for me to enter the building, I stood in line debating, whether I should start singing campaign jingles and vote for the one that pops up in my head in booth. I quickly scratched off that idea, knowing I would end up singing a jingle for a candidate that's on a party I would never support. I handed my voting card to the first lady, she read out all of my government information and I was handed my voting ballot. I quickly scurried to the voting booth, struggling to unfold the document. Finally finding my party, I picked up the red colouring pencil and chose a candidate. It was that simple. The action reminded me of doing my multiple choice exams for CSEC, which I struggled with more than actually voting. I was panicking for no reason. However, it was a good thing to take this election very seriously. This election will actually show the true decision of the people of Sint Maarten. It can end extremely bad, or extremely well. We will just have to wait and see. Let us talk about why voting is extremely important.  The right to vote is a right that has been fought for. Our people fought, shed blood and tears to be able to dictate their destiny and the future of generations to come. We are that generation. Now you might be fed up with the persons that are in charge, but how can you change that if you don't vote them out? Your vote can make or break the results of the elections. Your vote can change the destiny of the future generations. We should all be happy that we have the opportunity to vote. Now I know persons might say that they could care less about the politics of the nation, but one must remember this. Whatever is decided in the legislature will effect you, your family and everyone else. Even if it isn't a direct threat to you, don't you think it would be nice to be the voice for the people that can't vote. Be a voice for the immigrants, the youth, the elderly, the poor? So this is my advice to you today, if you live in a country where you have to register to vote, make sure you register now , like today. Also be sure to have all the necessary documents, such as photo IDs ready for when it is time to vote. I am Kamilah Gumbs, an official voter, and I approve this message.  Don't forget about our #IslandTingFlavah campaign, which will be featured in our appreciation post for the month of March. Make sure to follow us on instagram and twitter @islandgalting for all future IslandGalTing updates. Feel free to email us at i[email protected] with any feedback, questions or business inquires.
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Pardon me as I go on this campaign trail. Screaming, singing, crying for my candidate. This candidate is someone different and it is closer to home than you think. Who am I voting for the upcoming elections? Well I am voting for myself. Myself you may ask? Do you really have to vote me? My lovely people of this island, the answer is no. This campaign is about voting for you. When you choose to vote your self on this sporadic election, you are voting for knowledge, wisdom, strength and good health. When you vote for yourself, you are pushing yourself to be the best you can be, overcoming the tragedy. You don’t need no one else to open your eyes and tell yourself it is time to change. When I’m starting with the man in the mirror, I am looking at my self. How can I better myself? How can I better my household? How can I better my community, the region, the world? What steps do I need to take to reach to the next level. For me to run the legislation of my life. Make the right decision for me to prosper in the future. To turn the grey hairs of stress to signs of wisdom and knowledge. To warm the hearts of the people around me with a simple smile. What are you going to preach on the campaign trail. For when it is the time to vote, you vote right. So this election, I Kamilah Gumbs, choose to vote for myself and hope you vote for you.  WE ARE OFFICIALLY LAUNCHING OUR #ISLANDTINGFLAVAH CAMPAIGN FOR MARCH 2018. BE APART OF OUR CARIBBEAN PEOPLE APPRECIATION POST AND SHARE THE WORD.  HAPPY BUHDAY TO WE HAPPY BUHDAY TO WE HAPPY BUHDAY TO ISLANDGALTING HAPPY BUHDAY TO WE  Today is our first birthday and we would love to celebrate our first year on the World Wide Web with you guys. Firstly would like to thank our supporters who have been with us from the jump. Appreciate your comments and contributions to this blog. IslandGalting would not be where it is without you guys. We love you.  Year two we are doing things bigger and better. Our goal is to inspire you the public and as well as motivate and promote our young Caribbean people This year I want you guys to look out for Caribbean Innovators (look out for that), Analytical and Inspiring Posts Poetry and Short Stories Adventures; and a new section which we will be launching this month called Talk for the Two, where we will discuss different topics for two minutes and open a debate platform for the public to share their opinions.  If you’re an island boy or island gal, post your best picture of yourself on Instagram and/twitter showing your island flare and add the hashtag #IslandTingFlavah and we will feature you on our next appreciation post. Check out our instagram and twitter @islandgalting for more information  |
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