A Definition of Island Time
Jenni Lansberg

What exactly is the definition of "Island Time"? To most of you it probably goes something like this.. Taking life slow and finding that some things don't necessarily need to assume a schedule, right?

Well, the more time I spend in the Caribbean the term "Island Time" seems to take on a capacious direction, and to define it would be a task beyond what Merriam Webster offers, I'm certain.

One person told me that Island Time to them meant a time later than what the clock says. Another concluded that it meant "the unwillingness to conform to the norms and structure of a governed society".

I agree to some extent to both responses, but I feel "Island Time" more so encompasses a way of life in relation to the attitude you have about the world and the people around you.

Isn't it ironic that our fellow islanders have far less worldly possessions, and yet their love for life is more enriched simply by their enjoyment of a passing moment? They are living Island Time, because they are not concerned by yesterday nor consumed by tomorrow but fully involved in today.

Captain Rick would certainly be my first lesson. As I'm sure all of you know, Capt. Rick was not born in the islands but rather Canada.

Boy, is he living island time! His typical response to my questions involving anything that has something related to time commitments is as follows;

Me: Rick, how much longer do you think you'll be??

Rick: (5-10 second delay in response) ummmmmm..... not too much longer.

Me: Not much longer as in 5 minutes or an hour?

Rick: (scratches his head, leans back in his chair.. another 5 second pause ....grins slightly...another 2 second pause...) hmmmmmm soon, I suppose...



What I've learned: There is no changing someone whose watch is set to Island Time. Captain Rick's schedule consists of "soon, maybe, possibly, I suppose, that's fine," and my all time favorite "not much longer". I've learned to admire this about him because he has taught me that life shouldn't be based on constraints or excessive obligations.




So, this brings me to my second course in understanding "Island Time".
My classroom for this revelation was Clarke's Court Marina in Grenada.

It was a little different than my first lesson, but Icertainly feel that this experience further helped me to develop my own personal definition. After our 2 week holiday in Canada, Rick and I were welcomed by all of our fellow cruiser friends at Clarke's Court and were entertained with many stories about how "Lucky", our parrot, brought even more sunshine to their Caribbean day.

You see, the reason why this meant so much to us was not only their devoted involvement in the care of our beloved "Lucky", it was the simple fact that they truly enjoyed the laughter and company our parrot gave in return.

This exchange was as timeless as it was precious. Lucky wasn't a burden but rather an added joy, an extension of an Island Time gift.

What I've learned: A favor for someone doesn't have to be an inconvenience. It is what you make it as you give of your own time. May you find happiness in helping one another in a bind and realize that your generosity means so much.... that within time you and others reap a wholeness of spirit. When you are on Island Time, you are able to turn a task into an opportunity to be a friend and find some unexpected joy!



My third and final lesson takes place on Hog Island's "Roger's Beach BBQ".

It's a Sunday evening where great friends old and new come together as the sun sets with an array of beautiful oranges and yellows laced with turquoise water.

This is a time when the salty sailor tells a tale of sea voyage or exchanges ideas on how to fix a broken head.

Either way, it's a time when we all come together as a community to celebrate the closing of another week. On Hog Island a single moment seems to stand still, and the sunset always lasts a lifetime.

Make sure you bring the flashlight on your dinghy because there is no curfew. The party ends when the last sailor unties his line and motors into the night.



What I've learned: Those moments when time stands still and the sun sets into the night sky are those we remember forever when we share them with friends. The magic lies in the "Island Time". It's that place where forever meets a moment passing.