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October, 2024

There's been so much going on around efforts to restore homes and infrastructure after the Hurricane Beryl. We've happily been involved in efforts to repair homes on Bequia, delivering food aid, and the effort to rebuild on Canouan. We're delighted to hear that, thanks to efforts to get schoolchildren into spaces across the island, that the school year was relatively undisrupted. The work continues, and will for some time, and a heartfelt thank you to all the people who came forward with donations to support that effort.

The Learning Centre has been busy, too, helping students develop core skills in consort with what they're learning in school. We'd like to send a heartfelt thanks to the individuals and businesses that donated to the reading program. The donations were of toys and games that serve as reading incentives. The Atlantic this month has an article about how students are arriving at post-secondary school not having ever read a book, cover to cover. The reading program at the Learning Center works to establish that habit, one of taking the time to read. Learned early, it becomes a habit for life and contributes to the full range of academic outcomes.

We were saddened to hear of the recent passing of Tom Donoghue. Having been born in England, and spending most of his life in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, he was a citizen of the world. That of course included having a significant presence on Bequia for more than two decades. He founded the Friends of the Bequia Hospital to provide needed pharmaceuticals. He had a role in the development of the Sunshine School. Both were supported by the Bequia Mission and, as we grew and changed in time, are now supported in various ways by the Grenadines Initiative. He is survived by his wife Gail, their children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Our thoughts and condolences go out to Gail and their family.

Things are starting up as we enter the tourist season. You can see our ads in Bequia What's on, which is getting back to its weekly editions, the first of which went out this past week. You can read it online at www.begos.com or in the flip-reader version here. So many thanks to Nicola and Wilfred for all that they do, and for their support of what we do.

What artificial intelligence has to say about Solana Gooding

by Glen Herbert

I recently asked an artificial intelligence search engine—it was pi.ai—who I am. "Who is Glen Herbert?" It said that I’ve worked as a writer, which is true, and that “he has contributed to various publications.” It also said that I’ve had a successful career as a radio broadcaster with the CBC, which isn't true, though I wish it was. “Glen Herbert played a significant role in providing humanitarian relief to Belgium during World War I." Um, nope.

Not all AI search engines are a spotty as that one, but even with the errors, it can be interesting to see what the internet picks up on. I asked Perplexit (a far more reliable app than pi) questions about Bequia, just to see what it would say. It recommends Cheri’s Rooftop Terrace—love that—and that it takes 45 minutes to hike up Ma Peggy.

I also asked about people, just to see what it would say, which got me to this: “Who is Solana Gooding?” 

It starts by saying that “Solana Gooding is a notable figure from Bequia, part of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.” That’s true. If you were asked for notable people from Bequia, Son Mitchell would probably come first. But I love that Perplexity says that Solana is notable. Because she absolutely is.

It continued, “Notably, she launched a campaign to collect textbooks for students in need, demonstrating her commitment to enhancing educational opportunities within her community.”

Perplexity doesn’t comment on the food aid she distributes, or the wellness visits, or the houses she’s been helping get repaired after the hurricane. It doesn’t talk about the time she’s spent on the phone sourcing corrugated iron to repair roofs, something she's been doing with Zoe Cordice and Patrick Hutchins, who are also notable Bequians, along with other members of Rise up Bequia.

It goes on. “This initiative not only provided essential learning materials but also fostered a sense of collaboration among residents, showcasing her ability to mobilize support for important causes.”

So true, but mostly the part about her ability to mobilize support. She’s a quiet force most of the time, and a loud one when she has to be. (Remember the covid posts on Facebook?)

“In addition to her community work, Solana is the owner of Solana's, a shop located in Port Elizabeth.” It’s a little shop, but give it half a day and the whole world will pass through. “Her dual roles as a business owner and community advocate highlight her dedication to both economic development and social welfare in Bequia.” Yes, bang on.

Perplexity also has something to say about her mom. “Her mother, Carmette Gooding, is also a well-known figure on the island, further emphasizing the family's deep roots and influence in local affairs.”

If you doubt the power of artificial intelligence, this is what Perplexity ends with: “Through her efforts, Solana Gooding exemplifies how local leaders can effect change and support their communities through both business initiatives and charitable actions.”

Yes, yes, and yes. Bequia is a small island in a small country, but Solana is an example that we all have something to give, and can effect change, no matter where we’re from or how far we are from wherever else. And it’s great that the internet knows it.

We all leave behind an electronic trail. To see who the internet thinks you are, Perplexity is the most reliable. For fun, if not very reliable or accurate, try pi.ai.

Sincerely,