Barbados Opens Region’s First HIV/AIDS Food Bank

 

“Barbados has become the first country in the region to have a dedicated HIV/AIDS Food Bank and Personal Development Centre.

Health Minister Donville Inniss, in officially opening the Vashti Inniss Empowerment Centre last week, said the new facility signaled government’s commitment to meet the 2006 United Nations’ General Assembly goal of Universal Access to comprehensive HIV prevention, programmes, treatment, care and support by 2010.

Inniss said the facility will improve accessibility to essential prevention and care services, and that government recognised that cost should not be a barrier to accessing essentials such as medicines, diagnostics and services and meaningful information.

The facility houses the food bank and a personal development centre – named after an early pioneer in empowering person infected and living with HIV, retired health educator Vashti Inniss – that provides comprehensive HIV prevention and psychosocial support and care services to all those in need.

Minister Inniss said the combined facility would ensure that prevention, treatment, care and impact mitigation services are delivered with the full inclusion of people living with HIV, civil society, faith-based organisations, private sector, international partners and government.

The HIV/AIDS Food Bank is managed by a Community Nutrition Officer, with specialist training in HIV nutrition, assisted by a cadre of dedicated volunteers.

Psychology services will be provided by a clinical psychologist; while HIV testing and counseling, and community health education will be the responsibility of the Ministry of Health.

The unit also houses the Sex Worker’s Project and three non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that cater to the needs of persons living with HIV (PLHIV).” 

Love & Blessings

Hey ‘Life With Nikki Readers’, So I’ve been working really hard on the re-launch of the blog and I thought bringing something new to the table would be a great way to accomplish that…. A while aback I was interviewed by one of my bffs who is taking over the blogosphere day by day. She posted the interview on her blog and dubbed it “Conversations” an avenue to showcase people that have a talent, or a story to share. The idea for ‘IN THE SPOTLIGHT’ of course stemmed from that… and is going to be a feature of people that have some sort of talent, ambition or story to share… the twist being they’re going to be Grenadian.. or have some sort of close link to Grenada!!  so who better to put in the spotlight first that the Lady herself Ms. Zindzi?

So this is the first ever IN THE SPOTLIGHT and my feature today is Ms. Zindzi Henry! An ambitious, affable, mature young woman with so much to offer the world.

Ms. Zindzi Raisa Henry

Hi Ms. Zindzi… I hope you’re as excited as I am about this feature… Let my readers know a bit about who Ms. Zindzi is…

I find it so hard to answer that question, not cause I have too much to say but because I hate talking about myself. Lol! Well…I’m a exciting, intelligent, open-minded, stubborn, and not your typical 20 year old. I am ambitious, I’m a traveller, I’m never settled. I have a lot of dreams, and even more potential. I’m affable, and zero tolerance. But above all I’m ME!

lol I think most humble people dislike talking about themselves!! but wow.. short, to the point but very clear picture of who you are!! I love people that are confident in who they are!! you said you’re a traveller, tell us some of the places you’ve seen thus far.. and those you’re looking to explore in the near future…

Well I’ve travelled around the Caribbean a bit ; St. Lucia, Antigua, BVI, ABC Islands & St. Vincent. I have been to NY a few times, I went there this summer actually. And I also was very fortunate to have spent some time in Florida. The family and I also went to Disney World while I we were out there. Earlier this year I had the time of my life in LA. *Woooo Chile* It is quite the place to be! Well, I live in the England now, and I was born in Dominica & raised in Grenada, so that about covers everywhere I have seen. As to where I would like to travel to – Fiji and St. Tropez are at the top of my To Go list. I heard its nice there.

Well well well.. we can dub you a worldly woman can’t we?? lol… you’ve definitely travelled.. family time this summer huh?? that’s always great.. Fiji & St. Tropez are on my list as well… now let’s backtrack a bit… you said you’re not the typical 20 year old.. what is it that sets you apart from your peers? and while you’re at it.. I know you’re in your last couple months of Undergrad.. what did you study and what’s your next move?

To answer the first part of your question, a lot of the people I meet on a daily basis who are my age or even older sometimes, think on a different level to me. I think and see things for the much bigger picture. For instance I am in the process of decided on my Post Grad degree, not very many of my peers can say the same. Sad, but true. I’m currently doing my Undergrad degree in Marketing, a BA in Marketing. I see myself working for a major fashion house, a Cosmetic/Make-up brand or a successful marketing firm that boasts upscale clientele – somewhere along those lines. I need a job that will allow me to travel as well.

Okay okay.. well so you’re an old woman in the body of a 20 year old!!  Ms. Zindzi is doing big things… congrats on your accomplishments thus far… I know what you mean with the degree.. I myself haven’t even started my BA as yet.. talk about way behind lol… Looking forward to seeing you achieve your goals hun.. now as you mentioned fashion.. I know you have a passion for fashion.. do you consider yourself a fashionista?? and do you follow the trends (what’s in this season etc) or make the clothing etc your own?

FASHIONISTA?! Naaaahhhh. Never. Well, at least not yet! I’m too broke to be a Fashionista. I consider myself an Average Jane when it come to fashion, some days I create trends and other days I follow them. I remember when I was 13 or 14 I used to wear a stud on one ear and a hoop on the other, that’s probably as FASHIONISTA as Ms.Zindzi has ever been! Lol. 

Alright… well let the passion drive you for now until your degree(s) allow you to afford it. I’m going to switch it up now… for a couple years (correct me if I’m wrong) you’ve been a committed blogger.. even inspiring others (myself included) to start blogging… inquiring minds want to know.. what drew you to the blogosphere?

Awwh thanks chica! I got fed up of writing in my Hi-5 journal to be honest. I knew there had to be something greater, more mainstream that I could use to channel my positivity. And I think I stumbled upon wordpress and the concept of blogging one day. my motivation came mainly from within. And as the saying goes, the rest was history. Lol. But I absolutely think that blogging is the best thing since sliced bread.

Agreed… I was one of those faithful Hi5 journal writers lol.. well I must say you’re quite an inspiration Lady.. MsZindzi.com has come a long way.. from Beauty the Journey to where it is now.. what plans do you have for the blog.. and is it something you would encourage young people to get involved in?

Oh yes! Definitely, I think its an excellent way for them to display their creativity and passion. As far as where I wanna take MsZindzi.com, I’m in many minds about that at the moment. My mother and I are still trying to figure some things out. I’m also in the process of working with a web designer and a graphics designer, we’re tryna work something out. All I know is, that when things do change you can expect a bang and a buzz. Lol.

Great words of encouragement there from Ms. Zindzi kids … start blogging!! we’re all looking forward to the changes… and of course given its’ present state.. I’m confident that we’ll be more than pleased.. Ms. Zindzi never disappoints!! let’s get into some personal stuff… as you mentioned your mom let’s start with that… I know you and your mom have an extremely close relationship… tell us about that? I also know that your mom is a single parent.. now a lot of people tend to have this attitude that because they’ve had 2 parents they’re better than kids of single parents…  what’s your view??

I am so glad you asked. I really do not buy that crap! Society has the concept of the single-parent family largely misconstrued. I see nothing dysfunctional about our family. My mother raised/is raising 3 lovely kids (2 girls and a boy) very well. She is a really wonderful woman. She is a mother worth having. I can’t imagine life without her. I can be such a forgetful person, a bit unorganized too but she ALWAYS keeps me in check, even from halfway across the globe. It takes an exceptional woman to raise three kids on her own and managing a full time career. I love her without limits, unconditionally, for everything she’s done for my sister, my brother, and myself. She is the epitome of strength. I strive to be everything she is! 

Passionate words there Ms. lady… but very well said.. I think you just adequately represented for all the people who grew or are growing up with a single parent!!!! getting a whole lot more personal.. is your Father a part of your life?? we hear and read so much about your mom.. Amazing woman of Strength.. what about your dad?

He and I speak very briefly and our conversations are few and far between. We hardly ever see each other or spend time together. We do not have a father-daughter relationship as such. But I don’t hate him, in fact I can only be thankful because without him there would be no me. I must admit he felt more like a dad when I lived in the Caribbean, and he in the UK. Now that we both live in the UK, things ain’t what it could be. And truth is Nikki, I wouldn’t have it any other way. I can’t say that I feel like I’m missing anything, to be totally honest.

I’m confident that many of us out there can relate!! Now before I get into the nitty gritty with you lol.. let’s switch things up again.. you and I have been friends for quite a number of years… and despite the distance our friendship remains one to be cherished.. tell Life With Nikki readers what friendship means to Ms. Zindzi…

You know what, I used to be a people pleaser and I really didn’t know how to say NO. I suppose that was just part of being affable. But those days are long gone honey! Lol. I am not afraid to say NO anymore. I have womaned up quite a bit over this past year. But I select my friends very wisely. I think there is no worst feeling than being back stabbed by someone you considered as a friend. I don’t have many friends. I am very much aware that there are associates, there are acquaintances and then there are friends. And I am just as picky about my friends as I am with my guys. I hold my friendships high up on a pedestal. So when I do find a genuine friend I keep them very close. My grand-mother had this saying about pseudo friends “they’ll bring you go and they won’t bring you back” – I live by that quote!

 Spoken like a woman that has been through some things!! but you took the words right out my mouth girl… great reminder of why we’re friends!! (my Grandma and Mom say that all the time too).. now… what is the craziest thing a guy has done to you?? and vice versa??

OMG!… Defo wasn’t expecting that question. Well I’m not really that adventurous or crazy and I haven’t dated much and I’ve only had one boyfriend. This was when I was secondary school. Buuuut, I was dating a guy one time and he flipped. I mean, one day he was cool and the next day he went sour. He was really angry, he said mean things. I never knew why. That to me was pretty crazy! Crazy as hell.

 lol I know you weren’t!! crazy indeed… but wow… one boyfriend huh?? why is that?? and what does Ms. Zindzi look for in a guy.. what makes him date worthy or boyfriend worthy??

I’m ULTRA-picky with my guys. I’m about to be 21, so I’m not into puppy love and secrecy and games. I would like a serious guy who knows how to make me smile and laugh but who also knows how to have a serious conversations with. Who I can make life decisions with. I would love a confident guy, a successful and hard working guy, an honest person. I love dates – dinner dates, long walks, quiet days in, DVD nights. I love those things. I love love. I love to feel specially warm and cuddly inside! But it goes beyond all that I’ve listed. What he says and how he says it can also be a deciding factor.

 Sounds good!! guys take careful note if you’re interested!! lol wait before I say that..I should ask. .what’s up with your love life now?? are you dating? any potentials… come on talk to Nikki

Lool. I’m single but I’m at that point in my life where even if I found the right person, it’ll be wrong timing because I’m a rolling stone and I’m not quite settled yet. So unless he’s ready to pack up and leave with me, not sure things will work. Buuut who knows?!

 Hmmm fair enough… good luck.. when Mr. Right does come along I’m sure I’ll know lol.. sticking on the boy talk for a bit… what’s your biggest turn off.. or some of you turn offs in guys.. or a date??

Biggest turn off? *Hmmm* I dislike when people talk about themselves or talk too much in general so if he’s one of those people then NO NO. I like an impressive dresser. I like a man in linen, or cotton, denim and a T, smart shoes or simple sneakers, fresh hair cuts. As long as he can have a smart conversation on our first date, he’s safe.

My kind of guy (love a guy in linen)!! well there you have it.. straight from the horses’ mouth so to speak!! Now.. Does Ms. Z have any dating/break up/drama advice for the ladies??

GIRRRRL! I do…Break-ups can be such a mess sometimes. My one advice to everyone is make all your personal/intimate decisions with your partner and not anyone else. At the end of the day its you 2 that are in the relationship not everyone else. So make the decisions between yourselves.

Sound advice!! very sound advice… leaving that at that… Give us Ms. Zindzi’s top 5 books, songs and movies?

Ohhhh! Books – I’m a huge Zane and E.J. Dickey fan so I would recommend any 5 of their books. 5 Songs, totally random: Boyz II Men ‘Just Fine’, Leona Lewis ‘Yesterday’ and ‘Best You Never Had’, Keri Hilson ‘Tell Him The Truth’ and Beyonce ‘Hello’…oooh Movies! This is my favourite thing! My all time fav’s are THE COLOUR PURPLE, THE DA VINCI CODE, THE PURSUIT OF HAPPYNESS, SCARFACE and THE SECRET LIVES OF BEES…they say you can tell a lot about someone based on their favourite things. I wonder what you readers are thinking now…

Interesting fav’s there hun… well I know what I’m thinking.. maybe I’ll get some feedback as to what they think!! as we come to the end of our session… where do you see yourself in say 10 years??

Hmmm 10 years I’ll be 31 – hopefully have a successful job/business, a strong family and a kid or kids of my own. I want to be happy always, in everything I do. So I’d like to have HAPPINESS and PEACE in every and anything I’ll be doing in 10 years. 

Great!! well Ms. Zindzi… it’s been quite a pleasure!! I know you’re usually the one asking the questions.. how did it feel being on the opposite end this time??

Lol…really different! I’m not much of an interviewee, my life always seems so boring in interviews. But I especially liked this one. Thanks, I love you girl! That’s great.. you’re most welcome hun.. thank YOU for allowing me the opportunity to get the first interview!!! and for allowing my readers to learn a whole lot about Ms. Zindzi the woman!! love you too girl!!

I’m so happy you got the first….keep me posted giiiirl!!

World Ms. Zindzi is well on her way… remember you read it here first…

Do check out Zindzi’s blog www.mszindzi.com and follow her on twitter www.twitter.com/MsZindzi

An unknown source is also quoted as saying “There are things that we never want to let go of, people we never want to leave behind. But keep in mind that letting go isn’t the end of the world, it’s the beginning of a new life.”

Sometimes in life we grow attached to people, we form bonds and we use the word friends/friendship loosely. At some point something happens that tests or challenges these bonds and that in my opinion is when and how we are able to determine who our friends are… or as my mom would say “separate the sheep from the goat”. So once the distinction is made the next step is getting rid of those that are not friends right? or at least keeping them at arms’ length? It sounds so easy when it’s said, seems so easy when it’s read but for people with a conscience, people with a heart, kind-hearted people that just look for the best in people it’s the hardest thing in the world to do. But does that mean that one should settle?

It must be unhealthy to keep people that are negative… leeches that feed off negativity and try so hard to put others down, make others miserable or unhappy.. people that find joy in others’ misfortunes – in one’s life. So as hard as it may be, in the end it’s much better for more reasons than one to let these people go. At least once it is realised what or who they really are. What we must realise is that this is all a part of life.

From the time we begin to socialise as children, we begin forming bonds… forming friendships! And we continue to do so for much of our lives…. but at some point we begin to grow and see that some of those people we were friends – and I’m using that word loosely – with cannot make it in our present or future lives… for some reason or the other and we must let them go. Often times these are the ones we know we have to let go but we hold on.. finding every reason to try and salvage the bond, to fix what went wrong. We struggle to hold on to something that really wasn’t there to begin with.. we try to fight for something that really isn’t worth fighting for. Because we don’t WANT to lose a friend. But were these people friends there would be no need for letting go!

Let’s face it, we can’t have it all… try as we may there are going to be people that disappoint and or hurt us, there are going to be people we get close to only to realise that these are not people we want to be associated with, there are people we are going to trust… only to be back-stabbed in the end but instead of trying to hold on to these people, we must let go… do the healthy thing and let them go. Forgive them, forgive ourselves but let go. We must accept that in life “You win some, You lose some” but those you lose are seldom ones you deserve or vice versa so see it as some sort of spring cleaning.. Let them go, Breathe and begin your life with positive people… with friends… and if or when it’s time to do yet another round of cleaning, so be it. At the end of the day it’s about us… personally…. and our quality of life whether we choose to see it or not is partially defined by the company we keep… the type of friends we have.

I am of the opinion that some people come into our lives for some higher purpose… to teach us a lesson, to learn something from us.. and the list goes on… but once that purpose is served, it’s time for them to leave either willingly or by us letting them go. Mind you there are those that come into your life and “Come high, come low” they are there.. these are friendships you cherish… these are the ones you hold on to.

Remember, You win some, you lose some.. but it’s not the end of the world… or your life.. it’s actually the beginning of a new phase in your life… a growing!!

A: Love… what can I say, hopeless romantic? lol

Q: High Salary or Job Satisfaction?

A: Both! I really don’t see myself doing a job that doesn’t bring me great satisfaction & a great salary is important.

Q: Describe yourself. What do you think about yourself and do you think people perceive you in the same way?

A: I think I’m friendly, very kind hearted & open, fun loving, down-to-earth, goal oriented/determined and very forgiving (I really don’t hold grudges well lol)…. yeah I think most people perceive me in the same way.

Q: What is your most favourite book ever?

A: wow, for someone who lovesss to read that’s a difficult question but John Grisham is by far my favourite author so all of his books are my favourites… it’s hard to pick just one.

Q: Which one television character do you simply adore?

A: wow lol ummm probably Miranda Bailey from Greys anatomy, Betty from Ugly Betty & Whitney from The Hills… they all are very focused, determined, goal oriented and great at working through whatever is thrown at them.

Q: What is your musical preference?

A: I’m a music lover so I looovee all genres of music (yes ALL). And I listen to music based on how I feel.

Q: What is your favourite genre of movies? (Comedy, Romance, Suspense/Action/Horror)

A: I love comedy I  think I watch a lot of that genre.. however I love a good Horror film. Action films most defnitely and honestly everybody enjoys a good romantic movie… (even the macho guys who pretend they dont want to watch it lol).

Q: What do you do when you are feeling very sad or depressed?

A: I talk to one of my besties and or write in my journal and listen to some good music.

Q: What makes you angry? Do you get angry very soon? How do you overcome your anger?

A: What makes me angry.. Disrespect toward me, my family, my close friends or things I’m passionate about, people that constantly feed off negativity, people that can’t be real (backstabbers), people that go around spreading their own little/big rumors about others. I dont get angry quickly (the vast majority of the time) and I overcome my anger by either listening to good music, writing, or talking about it (confrontations sometimes but not nasty immature ones).

Q: What is the best vacation you’ve ever had in your life?

A: anytime spent away from work or school and having fun is vacation to me… and I’d have to say I’ve had a lottt of vacations the best of which involve spending my time with my Mom and little sister.

Q: If you could have lunch with any three people (real/fictitious, dead/alive) who would you choose and why?

A:  There are so many people I’d love to have the opportunity to meet… & have lunch with to choose three is quite a challenge. Alice Paul because she was at the forefront of the fight for womens rights and she put herself through quite a lot for something she believed in and i admire that and would looove to have the opportunity to sit down with her. Secondly Maya Angelou, I love her poems and other literary works as well as her passion for life and everything she does… she’s an all round phenomenal woman. Finally, Nelson Mandela because of his immense inner strength and endurance… his commitment to his causes, the passion he puts into his beliefs and endeavours and the fact that throughout his fight for freedom and rights in Africa and throughout his life he’s continuously & fervently promoted peaceful tactics.

Q: What is your most cherished childhood memory? How were you as a kid?

A: Every single one of my childhood memories are dear to me and were great in one way or the other so I honestly cannot single out a lone memory as my most cherished. As a kid I was always mature for my age, loved to read, sing & dance and was in quite a number of groups and activities in and out of school.

Q: If given the complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why?

A: I’ll say this there are six areas I’m interested in and passionate about Law, History, Literature, Politics, Photography & Culinary Arts. These are the areas I’m presently persuing my career in (particularly law & politics at the moment) and if given the freedom to start afresh I’d do the same things I’m doing now because that’s what I’m passionate about.

Q: What is your idea of fun? If given the chance to skip work/school for a day, how would you spend the entire day?

A: Fun for me is doing any of the things I’m passionate about (see previous answer), spending time with my mom & lil sis, other family members and close friends. If given the chance to skip work or school for a day I’d probably relax, take photographs, listen to some good music or take in a good book or movie and spend some time with my mom and lil sis.

Q: Are you a morning person or a night person?

A: I think it’s 30/70 respectively… sometimes I wake up perky and ready to tackle the day… other times I’m a night person.

Q: What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done?

A: I’m not too sure, nothing pops into my head right now.

Q: Name one person you love the most and one person you hate the most.

A: Honestly, there isn’t anyone in the world I hate. Frankly, I don’t have the will or energy to hate anyone. The person I love most is my Mother… she is my world, my role model, my friend and the best mother anyone could ask for. I know people will read this and say yeah right but regardless of our inevitable disagreements she is.

Q: If given a choice, which animal would you want to be? Why?

A: I’ve never really thought about it you know.. and everytime I come across this question I skip it… but off the top of my head I’d say a lioness for her strenth, leadership attributes and their general presence.

Q: Who was your first crush? did you ever tell him about your feelings?

A: My first crush was when I was at SJC (Secondary School) and it was a guy I knew from Church, youth groups, alter serving and other activities. I didn’t tell him right off the bat but eventually we both talked about it… we’re still really close funny enough we’re sorta have a brother/sister relationship now.

Q: Where is your favourite place?

A: I have 2 answers to this question, the first is wherever my mom and lil sis are… I love them to bits… the second is anywhere I have peace & quiet (my own space).

Q: If you were stranded on a lonely beach, what are five things that you would want to survive?

A: Five things? that’s all I get? lol… besides food? let’s see… water, books to read, writing material, a camera and music. lol