Generation Y Dominica

Beyond the Hype: Why Extreme Sexuality Isn’t True Individuality

Straight forward, witty and timeless. #TellItLikeItIs, is a blog for our generation

In today’s hypersexualized culture, extreme displays of sexuality are often marketed as a form of empowerment and individuality. Social media, entertainment, and online platforms constantly push the idea that being overtly sexual equates to confidence, self-expression, and even personal freedom. But is this really individuality, or is it just another way society has conditioned people—especially women—to conform to a different, yet equally restrictive, mold?

The Illusion of Empowerment

The notion that extreme sexuality is synonymous with empowerment is a modern narrative that thrives in pop culture and digital spaces. While embracing one’s sexuality can indeed be liberating, there is a fine line between self-expression and playing into a system that profits from hypersexualization. True empowerment should be about choice—without external pressure or societal expectations dictating that one must be overtly sexual to be seen as confident or unique.

Many who believe they are expressing their individuality through extreme sexuality may actually be conforming to a prepackaged identity that rewards hypersexual behavior with attention, validation, and financial incentives. Instead of breaking societal norms, this reinforces new expectations—ones that prioritize desirability over depth and superficial validation over authentic self-worth.

The Commercialization of Sexuality

With the rise of platforms like OnlyFans, Instagram, and TikTok, sexuality has become highly commodified. Many influencers, celebrities, and everyday individuals feel pressured to engage in extreme sexual self-presentation because it garners engagement, followers, and, in some cases, financial gain. But is this truly self-expression, or is it just another form of commercialized conformity?

When people feel compelled to sexualize themselves to remain relevant or financially stable, the line between personal choice and societal coercion becomes blurred. What starts as a personal decision can quickly turn into a never-ending cycle of needing to push boundaries further to maintain visibility in an oversaturated market.

The Erosion of True Individuality

Extreme sexuality often overshadows other aspects of a person’s character, interests, and values. Instead of being known for their intelligence, creativity, or talents, many individuals—especially women—find themselves reduced to their physical appeal. This distortion of identity can create a crisis of self-worth, where a person’s value becomes tied to how sexually appealing they appear rather than their unique qualities.

Furthermore, when sexuality is seen as the primary means of self-expression, it limits the spectrum of individuality. It creates a culture where deep personal growth, intellectual pursuits, and meaningful contributions to society are undervalued in favor of surface-level appeal.

Finding True Individuality

Individuality should be about self-discovery beyond societal conditioning. True self-expression comes from embracing all aspects of oneself—not just the parts that are socially rewarded. It means developing one’s intellect, creativity, and values in ways that go beyond external validation.

Being comfortable with one’s sexuality is important, but it should not be the sole defining trait of one’s identity. Individuality is about breaking free from societal molds, not just replacing one rigid expectation with another.

True individuality is about breaking free from all molds entirely. In a culture that often rewards the loudest displays, real self-expression comes from depth, not just exposure. Instead of letting extreme sexuality define identity, let intellect, passion, and authenticity be the forces that truly set you apart.

Written by Dilma Bastien

For: Generation Y Dominica

All images credited to: https://www.visionairestyling.com

Cannabis: A Plant with Promise

Straight forward, witty and timeless. #TellItLikeItIs, is a blog for our generation

Lately, conversations about cannabis have taken a new turn—one that moves beyond outdated stigma and misconceptions. For decades, cannabis has been labeled a dangerous drug, with global campaigns aimed at suppressing its use. Notable efforts include the infamous “Reefer Madness” Campaign (1930s, USA) and international restrictions imposed by the United Nations Drug Treaties (1961, 1971, 1988).

However, in 2025, the truth is becoming clearer: the criminalization of cannabis has been driven more by misinformation, racial bias, and political agendas than by scientific evidence. As research advances, we now have undeniable proof of cannabis’s medical benefits—as well as strong archaeological and historical evidence that ancient civilizations used the plant for healing, spirituality, and practical purposes.

For instance:

Emperor Shen Nong of China, known as the “Father of Chinese Medicine,” documented cannabis in his pharmacopeia (Pen Ts’ao Ching), listing it as a remedy for pain, gout, and other ailments.
In ancient India, cannabis was revered as a sacred plant and mentioned in the Vedas (holy Hindu texts), often used in religious ceremonies.
The Ebers Papyrus, an ancient Egyptian medical text, references cannabis as a treatment for inflammation and pain.

As scientific research expands and global attitudes shift, it’s becoming increasingly clear that cannabis is more than just a controversial substance—it’s a plant with immense promise. Beyond its medical applications, it also holds economic, environmental, and social benefits.

Here are 3 ways cannabis is being redefined as a plant with promise:

👉 Medical Breakthroughs – Cannabis is proving effective in treating chronic pain, epilepsy, anxiety, and even cancer-related symptoms.
👉 Economic Growth – The legal cannabis industry is creating jobs and generating billions in revenue.
👉 Sustainability & Industry – Hemp, a form of cannabis, is being used in textiles, bioplastics, and eco-friendly products.

For far too long, cannabis has been vilified based on myths, not facts. This was widely accepted due to lack of information – back then. In this present day, information is abundant for him who will dilligently search it out. History, science, and modern-day innovation tell a different story—one of healing, progress, and untapped potential.

As more countries decriminalize and legalize cannabis, we stand at a pivotal moment in history. We can choose to remain shackled by outdated fear, or we can embrace the truth: cannabis is not the enemy—it’s an opportunity. An opportunity for better health, economic empowerment, and a more sustainable future.

The question isn’t whether cannabis has promise. The question is—are we ready to unlock it?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Written by: Dilma Bastien

For: Generation Y Dominica

‘The Real Mas’: The Rich Origins of Dominica’s Carnival

Straight forward, witty and timeless. #TellItLikeItIs, is a blog for our generation

Dominica’s Carnival, known as “The Real Mas,” is not just a festival—it is an explosion of culture, history, and resilience. Unlike commercialized versions of Carnival seen in other parts of the Caribbean, Dominica’s celebration remains deeply rooted in tradition, pulsating with the raw energy of African heritage, French colonial influence, and indigenous Creole expression.

This festival is more than just music and revelry; it is a reflection of the island’s past, a testament to its people’s endurance, and a bold declaration of freedom. From the rhythmic beats of the drum to the elaborate masquerades that roam the streets, Carnival in Dominica is a living, breathing story of cultural pride.

The Origins of Carnival in Dominica

The roots of Dominica’s Carnival trace back to the 18th century, a time when the island was under French colonial rule. The French settlers, deeply Catholic, brought with them the tradition of pre-Lenten masquerade balls—lavish celebrations filled with music, dance, and extravagant costumes. However, these grand festivities were exclusively for the European elite, while the enslaved African population was forbidden from participating.

But the enslaved found ways to resist. In secret gatherings away from the plantations, they held their own celebrations, drawing on the rhythms and rituals of their African heritage. Drumming, call-and-response singing, and expressive dances became their means of preserving their identity and coping with oppression. These underground festivities served as acts of defiance, a spiritual escape from bondage, and the foundation of what would later evolve into Dominica’s unique Carnival tradition.

Stilt walkers or ‘ Bwa Bwa’

When slavery was abolished in 1834, formerly enslaved people reclaimed the streets in celebration, using Carnival as a bold expression of freedom. They took elements from the colonial masquerades and transformed them, adding their own powerful cultural symbols. One of the most striking examples is the sensay costume—a fearsome outfit made of shredded cloth, rope, and sometimes cow horns, meant to evoke African warrior spirits and ancestral strength.

As British rule took hold in Dominica, authorities attempted to suppress these celebrations, fearing their power as a form of resistance. But the people remained steadfast, keeping their traditions alive despite restrictions. Over time, what began as a small but defiant expression of liberation grew into the grand festival we now know as “The Real Mas.”

A traditional Sensay costume

Evolution of “The Real Mas”

Over the years, Dominica’s Carnival evolved into a unique expression of the island’s culture. Unlike some other Caribbean nations that adopted Trinidad’s style of Carnival, Dominica maintained its distinctive blend of African, French, and Creole influences.

By the mid-20th century, the festival became more structured, with the introduction of Calypso competitions, Queen Pageants, and organized street parades. The infectious sounds of Bouyon music, pioneered by bands like WCK in the late 1980s, further defined the island’s Carnival experience, adding a fast-paced, Dominican twist to the festivities.

Despite modern influences, Dominica’s Carnival remains deeply connected to its roots, earning its title as ‘The Real Mas’ —a raw, authentic, and unfiltered celebration of culture, history, and freedom. Save the date to visit Dominica on March 3 & 4 2025.

Are you ready to experience The Real Mas? Let us know in the comments!

Written by: Dilma Bastien

For: Generation Y Dominica

All Photos credited to: dominicafestivals.com

So, you’re famous. Now what?

Straight forward, witty and timeless. #TellItLikeItIs, is a blog for our generation

Becoming famous means being widely recognized and known by many, usually for something significant or exceptional. In the past, fame was largely reserved for actors, athletes, musicians, and the wealthy. However, in today’s world, fame can be achieved by almost anyone.

Social media has become a dominant path to fame. Platforms like TikTok and YouTube offer opportunities to gain a large following by creating engaging content. A viral video or meme can lead to immediate recognition. Entrepreneurship and innovation also pave the way for fame, especially when one launches a successful business or creates a groundbreaking idea. Activism and advocacy for important causes can bring both respect and recognition. And of course, excelling in a skill—whether it’s acting, sports, or music, still remains a common route to fame.

While it’s possible to become an overnight sensation, fame comes with its own set of challenges. Achieving fame through skill or talent can bring wealth, creating a comfortable lifestyle, but it can also bring immense pressure. Numerous real-life examples show how fame, if not managed properly, can be harmful.

The loss of privacy, constant pressure to stay relevant and mental health struggles such as loneliness, depression, and self-doubt are all potential dangers. The expectation to always perform at a high level, combined with public criticism, can take a toll. Fame also often leads to toxic relationships, where people may be motivated by personal gain rather than genuine connection, making it difficult to trust others.

Moreover, fame brings influence, and with that influence, comes a social responsibility. Neglecting this responsibility can lead to impacting others in a negative way, especially if the influence is used carelessly or irresponsibly.

Without strong support systems and healthy coping strategies, fame can quickly become destructive. It’s crucial to be prepared mentally and emotionally to handle it.

We believe that Generation Y is full of potential, so if you create a happy accident and become famous tomorrow, we’d like to offer some recommendations on how to navigate this new journey wisely.

Here are: 7 Essential Steps to Navigate Fame and Stay Grounded

Build a Strong Support System – Surround yourself with trustworthy friends, family, and advisors who have your best interests at heart.
Prioritize Mental Health – Seek therapy, practice mindfulness, and set boundaries to manage stress and public pressure.
Manage Finances Wisely – Hire a reliable financial advisor, invest carefully, and avoid reckless spending.
Stay Grounded & Humble – Remember your values, engage in everyday activities, and avoid getting caught up in fame’s illusions.
Take Breaks from the Spotlight – Protect your privacy by stepping away from public attention when needed to recharge and maintain balance.
Set Healthy Boundaries– Learn to say no when needed, prioritize personal time, and manage public expectations to maintain balance.
Embrace social responsibility– Once you become famous, social responsibility involves using your platform for good. This includes advocating for important causes, being a positive role model, supporting charitable efforts, promoting inclusivity, and maintaining ethical standards. Fame brings the power to influence, so it’s important to contribute positively to society.

You’re welcome!

Written by: Dilma Bastien

For: Generation Y Dominica

The Future (part 1)

Straight forward, witty and timeless. #TellItLikeItIs, is a blog for our generation

THE FUTURE– Has it crossed your mind lately? Thoughts of the future seem to be on the minds of many, shared in a whisper between friends and a major conversation piece at social gatherings, bars and dinner tables.

It’s pretty hard to avoid this topic of ‘the future’. With talks of bar tending robots serving drinks, Elon musk’s ambitions to colonize the planet Mars in a few years, the potential of xenotransplantation (transplantation of non- human organs into humans) reducing the world’s lengthy organ recipient waiting list, or even the use of A.I image generating apps and tools; it’s undeniable that the last few decades have ushered in a new era which could radically change life as we know it. The future seems to be closing in on us and – fast.

But what really is ‘the future’ and is it as close as we think?

According to the Oxford languages dictionary, the future is ‘a period of time following the moment of speaking or writing; time regarded as still to come.’ This definition sheds light on something we probably hadn’t fully recognized before. The intro, ‘A period of time following the moment of speaking or writing…’ reveals to us with such clarity, that the future has never been very distant. It is ‘any’ period of time after the recognized moment of ‘now’. Whether this is five minutes from now, ten minutes from now, tomorrow or next year etc., the future is always at our doorstep and continually unfolding before us. Not some very distant time that is to come.

The Jetsons were on to something..

Do you remember the The Jetsons ? This popular cartoon series created back in the 1960’s was one of the delightful animated sitcoms enjoyed by members of this generation. Flying cars and owning a housekeeping robot like the Jetsons’ maid ‘Rosie’ seemed unrealistic then – only entertainment. Now, many feel quite differently and that the Jetsons were certainly on to something.

_{Video calls & smart watches depicted in the Jetson’s series.}

Of course the show did not predict everything with complete accuracy. But quite a few futuristic gadgets portrayed in the narrative, are now being enjoyed by our generation today. Curious stuff right?

Thanks to the comfort of a television in almost every home by the 1960’s, these and other imaginations were the highlight of our childhood in the 80’s and 90’s. The future seemed all figured out.

Fast forward to 2024

At this time Gen Y, if we’ve learnt one thing, it’s that everything we thought we knew back then as a child and the thoughts we imagined about our own, then futuristic adulthood, were certainly not 100 % accurate.

In fact, many of these were simply programming; fantasies introduced to our minds and based on someone else’s ideas.

With our former blueprint now crushed into a paper ball, how do we then know what the future will bring to each one of us?

It’s all in the present.

The present is the golden key. Every decision and action we take in the present moment, is the blue print for our future. It’s time for us to build our own carefully constructed realities. It’s time to write our own script (well, as much as we can).

Or, will you sit by idly, allowing life to continue on, without your own creative input? The choice is yours. It takes a little step in every present moment to get you to where you envision yourself to be in the next 10 years or more.

To those who think that they’ve already achieved their own great future, that’s great. But, just to be clear – having successfully lived out your childhood dreams or your parents’ dreams for you, does not fully count as having achieved your desired future. That was a futuristic goal of the child you use to be. You’re now an experienced adult. Dare to upgrade the dream or actively design and pursue a new futuristic goal altogether. You can create your own future daily.

There’s still a great, big, world out there.

Needless to say, daily focus on creating your own future doesn’t imply ignoring the steady progress of the modern world. Trade, technology and communication are speedily evolving. Do not turn a blind eye on the futuristic creations of the day; especially those, which has the potential to radically change life as we know it within the next 2 decades.

Stay updated on all the latest happenings with A.I. technology, digital currencies and all these new revolutionary creations. Do not get left behind. Remain aware of the budding technologies and do your best to understand and educate yourself about them.

Contribute, Contribute, Contribute

““It’s always easier to be a critic than a creator.”
– Nathan Myhrvold

With all that’s been buzzing about, there’s bound to be a few futuristic initiatives that don’t find favour. For instance, some say that the advent of A.I assistant super bots have certainly declared war on the job markets, while promising profitable returns to the business tycoons who adopt them.

On the other hand, there are those who remain excited about what A.I technologies can do for our species. Anyone can become a critic on such matters. But how many are also interested in contributing to our great future?

I believe we have the ability to do just that, Gen Y. We can contribute our own ingenious creations to the ongoing future. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if someone from our generation created something so insightful that it changes the world as we know it!

I’m excited. Aren’t you?

Written by: Dilma Bastien

For: Generation Y Dominica

_{(Look out for part 2)}

The reason for the season

(A reflection on celebrating our Independence)

Straight forward, witty and timeless. #TellItLikeItIs, is a blog for our generation

Photo credit WIC NEWS

The older a nation gets, the more generations are added, the more faded the true significance of its Independence Day becomes. To be fair, this can be largely attributed to the fact that those who fought to break the chains of dependency from colonial masters are no longer with us and the conditions under which independence was gained no longer exist.

These two factors, combined with a new generation of people who didn’t have the same fight for freedom, leads some citizens to view the Independence Day, and season by extension, quite differently than the previous generations.

Dominica’s culture and heritage burst to life during the month of October in a lead up to 3^rd November, the day of poignant remembrance as the country severed colonial ties with Britain. For most, the peak of the independence season is the hype surrounding the World Creole Music Festival.

Nonetheless, the culture lives on and youth are made fully aware of the meaning of November 3^rd.The Cultural Division is staunch and relentless in ensuring the various competitions and activities are held, showcasing Dominica’s ancestral, African roots, through song, dance, and music. Other events display the mixed creole heritage through dress and food.

The Nature Isle boasts many emblems of nationhood which serve as reminders of the independent state of the country. The emblems also help to develop a sense of pride among Dominicans for the land on which they live. These emblems include, but are not limited to; the flag (designed by the late cultural icon, Dr. Alwin Bully), the national bird, the national anthem, national flower and national dish.

Dominica’s National Bird https://www.naturepl.com/stock-photo-imperial-amazon-amazona-imperialis-captive-endemic-to-dominica-nature-image01476459.html

Above all Gen Y, it is truly important for us to hold dear the meaning of our independence as a nation, because it serves as a reminder that we still have a nation to build. Dominica, as an independent state, is still considered very young- only forty-five years old in 2023. This means the country has a long way to go and citizens must put hearts and hands together to move the nation forward.

Citizens of an independent country have rights, duties and the power to elect their leaders. Attaining independence is national integrity and is paramount in order for a country to develop.

According to the moving words of the Dominican national anthem, as sons and daughters, we must, ‘toil with hearts and hand and voices, we must prosper sound the call’. In which everyone rejoices, “all for each and each for all”.’

Happy 45^th Independence anniversary everyone!

Written by: Andrea Louis for Generation Y Dominica

10 Life Hacks that could change your life

Straight forward, witty and timeless. #TellItLikeItIs, is a blog for our generation

At the beginning of the year (January) is usually the time of year where we apply turbo speed toward implementing our New Year resolutions to better our lives. Most times however, shortly thereafter we seem to lose sight of our goals (typically by March). Fortunately, it is never too late to engage in activities and projects to improve your life. Looking for some life hacks to keep you motivated?

We’ve rustled up a few suggestions on things you could do to change your life for the better in the remaining months of 2023 and beyond.

Here are 10 life hacks that could change your life

Exercise – Feeling sluggish? Try exercise. A healthy person can enjoy life better and make the necessary moves and decisions to improve himself or herself.

Smile – As simple as it sounds, this is so true. A smile can brighten your day and someone else’s day, having a positive influence on those around you which in turn can put you in a better mood and even create opportunities for you to advance in life.

Practice gratitude – Even if some of you may not be where you want to be in life, you still have to be grateful for what you have. This will help you to cherish life more and be grateful when things go your way.

Avoid Comparison – Be kind to yourself and stay focused on what you have going on for you. If you compare yourself to others, you may feel stuck in a rut, or dejected and unfulfilled and who wants that!

Be Optimistic – Don’t let negative situations and people drag you down. Mental health is key to living a better life. Be kind to your mind and look for the silver lining in all situations.

Stay Organized – For some, being messy is second nature. But for those who stay organized they are able to accomplish more in a day and eventually a year. Clear up the clutter and reach for a more productive you.

Enhance your sleep regimen – A well-rested person is ready to take on the day and all its challenges with a clear mind and sharp focus. Sleep is also important to your overall health so make sure you get lots of it (did you know that your body works to repair muscle, organs and other cells during sleep?).

Write Down Your Daily Tasks – Part of improving your life is managing your expectations. By writing down daily tasks you ensure you manage your time properly and engage in a healthy work-life balance.

Leverage your network – Speaking of work, we also have tips for business owners to improve their life, which can also apply to personal relationships. When you utilize people in your network with skills sets to improve your work (e.g marketing) this augurs well for you in the future & saves you a bit of time to do the things you love to do.

Focus time on what works for you – Again this works for both personal and professional development. Cut off any dead weight or anything that does not serve you. Focus instead on the things that bring you prosperity and happiness.

We hope these suggestions help you make the positive changes you want to see for the rest of 2023!

Written by: Andrea Louis

For Generation Y Dominica

Tips credited to

https://aldohappy.com/happiness-hacks & https://www.scoro.com/blog

https://www.cox.com/residential/articles/7-life-hacks-to-improve-your-life.html

15 DIY project ideas for 2023

Straight forward, witty and timeless. #TellItLikeItIs, is a blog for our generation

We’re just about to round up the first quarter of 2023, have you considered your DIY projects for this year yet?

Even if you have, there’s always room to add more activities or projects to keep yourself occupied, develop a new skill, or improve your overall standard of living.

Here are 15 DIY project ideas for 2023

If you are into sprucing up your home, here are some activities you can get busy with:

Painting: Pick up a brush and can of paint and get to work brightening up your walls and furniture. .
Update simple fixtures: Change out curtain rods and curtains, doorknobs, or even upgrade your lighting fixtures to give your home some refined finishing touches.
Restore hardwood floors; if you notice squeaking floorboards, save a bundle by restoring the floor instead.
Clean out the gutters/guttering: Grab a ladder or pick up a shovel and get to cleaning.
Tidy up your landscape: Take up the shears or mower and get your greenery in top shape.

If home improvement isn’t your thing and you are more creative, here are some handy DIY projects for you:

6. Woven or knotted home décor items. If you’re good at crochet or knitting, challenge yourself to creating mats, rugs, chair covers etc.

7. Candles. Invest in a candle making kit, experiment and develop your skill to have pleasant fragrances around your house.

8. Paper flowers. It’s a creative way to spruce up a room while saving the money you would spend on real flowers.

9. Tie-dyeing. If you want to add a splash of color to some fabric then this is an easy, hands on, way to go.

10. Jewelry making. Select your materials; beads, resins, pebbles etc., and start making beautiful handmade items to wear and share with others.

Are you a foodie who prefers to be creative in the kitchen? We’ve got you.

11. Homemade yoghurt. With minimal items you can create a healthier product to your specific taste.

12. Nixtamalized tortillas. For a healthier tastier tortilla, try cooking and soaking the kernels in slaked lime for characteristic taste

13. Icebox cheese cake. Use a different type of easy to spread cheese, coupled with crisp cookies to make a delicious dessert.

14. Chocolate chip cookies. This one comes with a twist as you are required to brown your butter and leave the dough overnight before continuing the process.

15. Bread. Simple, yes. But add your own secret recipes to improve the nutritional value or flavor for yourself and loved ones.

Do It Yourself projects come in all shapes and sizes and can be used to learn a skill, earn some extra cash and to challenge yourself beyond your every day capabilities. We hope this list, which you don’t have to follow to the t, inspires you to have an even more amazing 2023!

Written by: Andrea Louis

For: Generation Y Dominica

Making Your Salary Work For You In 2023

Straight forward, witty and timeless. #TellItLikeItIs, is a blog for our generation

It’s finally here – the first quarter of 2023; March. A lot’s happened since we last clinked our glasses at New Year’s Eve and wished for a better year filled with hope and more reasons to celebrate life.

New Year 2023 in hindsight so far has brought us a few surprises worth mentioning:

Famous rapper Kanye West remarried – The celebrity rapper reportedly tied the knot back in January 2023 with Bianca Censori, an architectural designer at his company ‘Yeezy.’

ChatGPT breaks records on the internet – A.l. (artificial intelligence) has become more than science fiction and is rapidly gaining acceptance as a potential key player in the near future, thanks to ChatGpt. For those who haven’t caught on yet, Chat GPT is an artificial intelligence bot developed by OpenAI. It is capable of understanding human speech and producing in-depth writing that is easily understood by humans. Uses of the online bot so far include answering questions, generating codes, writing stories, poems, assisting with research and research papers etc. According to statistics, ChatGPT had generated more than 57 million users in the first month after its first launch in November 2022 and had more than 100 million users as of January 2023, making it the fastest-growing consumer application in a short period of time.

Local artist Trilla G , 23 years old and first timer to the Calypso stage, surprised all of Dominica by capturing the 2023 calypso crown.

Nine time Grammy winner & Barbadian born international song star Rihanna gave a memorable performance at the 2023 Superbowl.

More countries and states are taking renewable energy seriously. The state of Texas for example, is leading the way in renewable energy – Wind and solar, in such a significant way that it puts the state on the grid as a true pioneer.

So far, there have definitely been some very entertaining highlights and a lot to think about for 2023. Everyone still has their eyes on the day-to-day matters of importance as well. Gas prices for instance, certainly continues to be heavily monitored.

But, apart from considering the purchase of an electric car, to avoid any future anxieties over the cost of fuel, many are brainstorming solutions to one ‘other’ little hurdle that has been a challenge over the past few years – making their salary work for them.

It’s no secret that the 15th and the 31st (pay day) conjure up mixed emotions. It’s sort of like the feeling you get when using a dating app to meet potential matches for the first time. You always start off excited, but at the same time anticipate disappointment at the end.

The reality is that even if pay day means a full wallet. The bill statements quickly follow, and the bills do not go away (as a matter of fact, some have increased since 2023). Your beloved salary hasn’t grown an inch either; no matter how hard you wished it would on New Year’s Eve.

Luckily Generation Y Dominica has got you covered.

Here’s how you can make your salary work for you in 2023.

Prioritize saving. It’s high time to toss out that worn out complaint – “I can’t save a dollar in this economy,” because it gets no one, nowhere. We do not add any ‘fluff’ when we say that times are challenging, and inflation is real. But do not repeat that mantra thinking that this excuse is valid enough to not ‘try’ to save – even a little. Be serious about it too and prioritize it at the end of every month, no matter what the amount. You recall that five loaves and two fish have fed five thousand; so too can a commitment to saving a small amount of money every month multiply your bank account over time. Saving even a dollar a day is putting your salary to good use before it disappears.

Intentionally set money aside for leisure activities. We may not be fully paying attention to this, but apart from mandatory expenses like rent, bills, etc. a lot of our overspending is emotional. Emotional spending is when you buy something you may not need, to ease your emotions. These emotions could range from stress and sadness to happiness and celebration. Emotional spending can also be categorized as impulse spending (from http://www.mint.intuit.com). These types of emotions are common, ‘every day’ emotions and it’s easy to find yourself in a cycle of spending past your limit without realizing it in efforts to ‘feel better’.

Spending on leisure after working is a great way to enjoy a hard-earned income, but doing so on a whim is the quickest way to lose it. The trick is to intentionally set money aside for leisure activities at a fixed budget per month. You work hard and you do deserve to spend on leisure; but be responsible. Have cash set aside to be used for the purpose of leisure only – but cap it at a desired limit and when it’s done it’s done; simply look forward to the next month.

Recognize your spending ‘problem areas.’ Not many of us do personal & home budgets, but we should. Budgeting is not a tiresome chore, it actually helps. Budgeting inspires financial discipline, although it may be uncomfortable at first. Set a monthly spending limit for all the ways you spend money (groceries, household expenses, leisure etc.) and record your expenses weekly. You’d be surprised to see week over week, not only how much you spend in these areas, but how quickly you may reach your limit. This can help you to identify your real spending problem areas, so that you can apply more discipline where needed and save a dollar or two.

Invest in something – anything. Believing that you can earn monetary rewards from someone else’s business idea is a wonderful thing. We speak here of investing in something – anything. Launching your own start up business to earn extra income takes dedicated time and effort, which many do not have. But there are lots of other startups looking for investors, or even existing businesses looking to expand. As long as you believe in the idea and its promise for profitability, why not invest or buy some shares? It’s an exciting way to employ a small piece of your earnings in a way that could benefit you directly by earning future monetary rewards.

Be thankful. What is your attitude toward your salary? Do you express gratitude every time you collect it? Or do you overwhelm your thoughts with pre budgeting every last dollar of it, days before receiving it, without a second thought of gratitude. Or worst – do you complain that it’s not enough and think completely negative thoughts.

Dear friends, adopting gratitude as the rule of thumb reaction toward receiving your salary can only bring benefits and contentment to its practitioners. Thanks to two years of lockdown, many of us have stumbled over one ‘Law of attraction’ YouTube video or another. And for those who haven’t, the Law of attraction is a universal principle that says you will attract into your life, whatever you focus on. Whatever you give your energy and attention to is what will come back to you. So, change that attitude to one of thankfulness. While you are working on improving your current situation, what will it hurt to focus on being thankful?

The above tips are helpful and practical if applied- for anyone who desires real change. They may not get you to your ‘first million’ by 2025, but you will see changes like – actual savings, financial growth and a happier and more successful you for 2023.

Written by: Dilma Bastien

For: Generation Y Dominica

Christmas Feels in ‘The Commonwealth’

Straight forward, witty and timeless. #TellItLikeItIs, is a blog for our generation

Flag of dominica. Merry Christmas and happy new year background design with glossy round Flag of dominica. vector illustration.

It’s the most wonderful time of the year!!

For those who are familiar with popular Christmas tunes, this is a line from the 1963 classic Christmas song, by Andy Williams, which to date, still receives a lot of airplay throughout the holiday season.

Here in Dominica, no one can deny it is the most wonderful time of the year. Though we don’t experience a white, or cold Christmas in the Caribbean like the countries closer to the north and south poles, there are still many wonderful feelings to be felt at this time of year.

It is said that ‘Christmas is for children‘. there is truth to this, as many young ones look forward to receiving gifts on Christmas day and many adults go the extra mile to purchase these gifts to put under the Christmas tree, or to deliver to the tiny tots.

But the spirit of giving trickles down further and isn’t only for the children. The less fortunate families, and charitable institutions – which care for vulnerable, look forward to the Christmas season to receive some much needed packages and donations of essential items each year. Thus, the anticipation of receiving these items also brings a feel-good mood among those in need.

Don’t get us started on the food. In the Caribbean the anticipation of a grand meal is not that different from anywhere else. Everyone looks forward to the food and drink specific to this time of year. Here we are talking about – the fruit cake (Caribbean style black cake), sorrel juice, ginger beer, eggnog, ham and turkey etc. Food brings a good feeling to all, especially when it is shared with family and loved ones. After all, Christmas time is family time.

Jamaican black cake (fruit cake) Photo credit:jamaicanfoodsandrecipes.com

And while this custom is not as popular as it used to be here in Dominica, the singing of carols, or sewenal is another aspect of the season which brings a joyous feeling both to those who deliver the songs and to those who receive the jubilant melodies.

A little bit on the flips side

Photo credit:aquestionable.faith

Despite the pervasive good feeling of Christmas in Dominica, there are pockets of people to whom the good feelings may not extend. Adults try their utmost to protect children from the harsh realities of life for as long as they can, which is commendable, but the fact is that a lot of people are going through some trying times; especially over the past 3 years.

We speak of those who have lost jobs thanks to the impacts of Covid and other relatable events, who thereby have no stable income for the season or the new year. We also consider the rise in inflation and the impact it has had on the affordability of goods and services. And, just recently there was a gas shortage (even up to Christmas eve) in Dominica which definitely dampened he holiday spirit and there are fears of other shortage looms in the not too distant future; among other things.

All in all the ‘Christmas feels’ in Dominica may vary from household to household. But, let’s all remember ‘The true reason for the season’, which is to be reminded of and be thankful for the birth of Jesus Christ and also to challenge ourselves to make the coming year better for our friends, families, coworkers, and most importantly, ourselves.

Written By: Andrea Louis

For: Generation Y Dominica