A Woman for Governor of the US Virgin Islands?

In the past, I did not get involved in politics. But last year I registered to vote because I'm ready for a change. Now the challenge is, who do I vote for? So many candidates with so many high goals, it all boils down to who will persuade us the most.   

 

So far a few candidates has "come out",  officially announcing their intentions to run for a particular office. So I decided to conduct an impromptu interview with one of the gubernatorial candidates for the 2014 election. And yes it is a woman! Her name is Julia Lanclos Jean-Baptiste. I asked a few people in the community for some questions they would like answered by candidates and I randomly selected 6 questions. Below you will read Mrs. Julia Lanclos-Jean-Baptiste's (JLB) responses.

 

 

Me: Why would the people of the US Virgin Islands be making the right decision to vote for you?

 

JLB: "The people would be making the right decision, because along with my leadership skills, I am a woman of integrity, I understand what the people are going through economically, and I come with a new mind set, as a younger person, to offer a voice that has not been heard from the younger generation. The understanding of civics is needed in our islands and policies that lend itself to that...  in order for anything to change, you have to be the one to change it. By placing me in office, I will be the voice that the people need, and my ears are open to hear all the needs of the people to offer solutions."

 

Me: How will you put an end to the ongoing corruption in the government?

 

JLB: "Integrity is needed in all leadership positions. Although I understand that integrity can be something that is easily swayed, but because of my belief in God, I know that when the righteous is in authority the people will rejoice. Therefore I believe the time is coming for all the people of the US Virgin Islands to rejoice."

 

Me: What role should the government play in the family life?

 

JLB: "The government should offer it's services and resources, whether it be human services and all other departments as much as possible to ensure that all the needs of the families are met. Also I believe that the community needs to see that those who are in leadership positions believe in family, and through their examples it will show the entire community the value of the family. The government can do a better job to help bring closure to families who have lost a loved one through crime, and be more considerate to people filing reports."

 

Me: What is your main goal once elected?

 

JLB: "My main goal would be education. I want to make our children 22nd Century, globally marketable children, who can not only work in the US Virgin Islands, as we do need them here, but offer their skills worldwide. I would also like to help the elderly by acknowledging the important role they played in our community, and help them to live comfortably during their retirement."

 Me: What have you contributed to the community?

 

JLB: "I've contributed 15 years of services as an educator in the community. I have taught children at the elementary-high school grade levels. I have been an example to my students along with their parents showing them my leadership qualities, which will help them to be men and women that our community needed and will need in the future."

 

Me: Why did you decide to run for the office of Governor of the U.S. Virgin Islands?

 

JLB: "I decided to run  for the office of Governor because for the pass few years as an educator, I have seen no growth in terms of where our children were and where they are now. I want our children to know their true purpose for living and give them all the opportunity to progress."

 Me: What will you do differently from previous Governors?

 

JLB: "I will be honest with the people and collectively forming solutions to make the US Virgin Islands prosperous for future generations."

 Me: Is there anything else that you would like the people of the Virgin Islands to know?

 

JLB: "I would like the people of the Virgin Islands to know that although experience is good , based on our history of electing officials with experience, it has not served as the best for our community. We, as a community, are lacking economically, spiritually, and  financially. It is time for a change. I have the people's  best interest in mind, and my heart is in it for the right reason. Everyone started somewhere; and if I'm given the opportunity, I will continue to seek God to not disappoint my people. Ask yourself, has all your experienced elected officials made the community a better place today?"

 

"Many people have approached me and asked why didn't I run for Senate first. My answer is simple. Although Senators are essential, I know that everything starts from the head. The leaders/Governors are the head of the community and their decisions impact the entire community. And I aspire to  positively impact the entire community. No, I am not a politician, but life has taught me the value of good values and living life positively."

 

Well there it is people! Mrs. Jean Baptiste's responses. Please share and subscribe. Leave a comment below. Let me know what you think about her responses and what other questions you would like answered. Have a blessed day!

Tired of Meat?

I love meat, but  lately I feel I have been eating too much meat. So I decided to lay off the meat for a few days. Here's a yummy meat substitute, Lentil patties.

You will need:
(Makes 12 patties)
1 can of lentils
11/2 cup left over brown rice (or white)
1 egg
1/2 cup wheat flour
1/2 cup bread crumbs
1/2 of 1 onion
1/2 of 1 bell pepper
1 tbsp. chives,
1 tbsp. parsley
2 minced garlic
1tsp of each: oregano, onion powder, garlic powder
5 tbsp. Olive oil for frying
Salt and pepper to taste

Drain and rinse with water the can of lentils. In a large bowl place the rinsed lentils. Using a fork smash the lentils for 1 minute. Then mix all other ingredients together. If the mixture is too wet you can add even amounts of bread crumbs and flour until it's not too wet but moist enough to form patties.

  

 



After you have formed your patties, it's time to fry!!! Heat oil on medium heat in a frying pan. Fry 4 patties at a time, 3-4 minutes on each side, or until brown. FYI, you can bake these instead of frying, simply drizzle pan and patties with a little olive oil and bake until brown.

 

 

 

Remove from frying pan and place on a paper towel to absorb the excess oil. 

 

 

 

Serve with your favorite sides and sauce and you're done!! Below is a yummy spinach and rice casserole I made to get rid of some leftover brown rice I cooked the night before.

 

You will need:

1 1/2 cup cooked brown rice

1/2 a  can of milk

1 tsp. cornstarch 

3-4 cubes of cheddar cheese and shredded cheese

1 tsp. bread crumbs

1 tbsp. chopped onions and bell peppers

1 1/2 cup cooked spinach

Salt and pepper to taste

 

In a small pot bring the 1/2 can of milk to boil. Salt and pepper to taste. Then add the cornstarch and the cubes of cheese. Stir occasionally to avoid the mixture from burning or sticking to the bottom of the pot. Remove from heat before the cheese completely melts.

 

In separate bowl mix the brown rice, spinach, peppers and onions together. Combine your hot milk mixture to it. Then place in a small baking pan. Add shredded cheese and bread crumbs to the top.

 

In 400°F, bake for 10 minutes, then "broil" for 5mins. That's it! Super tasty side dish. Try it and let me know how it came out.

 

Subscribe, comment, and share. Have a blessed day.

 

 

My Perfectly Imperfect Life 2014

 

 



This year I have a lot of plans for my life and my blog. All of which I plan to share with you in due time. But first, I want to thank you for visiting my blog, and taking your precious time to actually read this stuff! :)

Last year was a pretty awesome year! My first son Will made two years of age, I celebrated my 3 years of marriage, and the birth of my second son Nate was an absolute blessing. My reason for starting this blog was because I needed a place to vent, and I figured why not vent publicly. I was pretty certain many others shared my feelings and experiences. Last year, I shared mostly my journey through attempting to have a baby and my journey through pregnancy. This year I plan to share with you  in depth about my perfectly imperfect life. In hopes that it will comfort some, give hopes to others, inspire a few, or simply keep you entertained.

This year will be as bright as the color I chose to use around the house. Orange!! I know ...I've never been a fan of the color, but it's starting to grow on me.

As I said before  I will try my best to have a new post every Fridays and in between if I can.Please share, comment, and subscribe. You can also follow me on twitter and facebook at "heartmamavi". What topics would you like to read about? Let me know. Have a blessed day.

Peace and Love,

HeartMama