Look! Up There On The Ceiling

In passing on traditions to a child, it's always worth getting to April 1. "Look! Up there. Just in the corner of the ceiling. Do you see it?" She gazed and stared. "The ears. Look again! A rabbit coming through the ceiling." She looked again. "Yes. I see it!" I told her she was an April Fool and she smiled. Then I gave her a pinch and a punch for the first of the month, and said "No returns." She gave me her Grr face. Moments later, running around naked, she told me she had played a trick on her Mummy. I don't know what it was, but I suspect it was telling her that she was unable to zip up her (invisible) dress. She pinched and punched her mother, but did not say "No returns." So, I gave her a punch and a kick for being so quick. Got to love the start of a new month, and April too.

A Sudden Change

The Government of Barbados begins its financial year on April 1. However, for some time now, officials have been concerned that the calendar and financial years do not coincide. In an executive decision made today, the financial and calendar years will be brought together with immediate effect. As the calendar year is already under way the Government will make a transitional arrangement for the rest of 2009. To that effect, from today, April 1 will be regarded as January 1 for transactions with the Government, and this will be reflected in all official documents henceforth. This arrangement will last for nine months so that from January 1, 2010, the financial and calendar years can truly coincide.

The Government realises that this change is abrupt and may cause some disruptions. However, they are prepared to be understanding and deal with all queries. Those who feel that they need further help may call the Government Online Transition Year Authority Hot-line (G.O.T.Y.A.H.) on 426 264 3468 or (I-A-M-A-N-I-D-I-O-T on your keypad).

The world is an amazing place: flying penguins.

Of all the enthralling things to see today, April 1, my heart beat madly when I saw the following film footage of penguins flying, provided by the BBC. The film was made by ex-Month Python star, Terry Jones (see report). Try not to cry as you watch their amazing grace.

Voice-activated kites on sale! Only till noon.

A shipment of voice-activated kites has just arrived in Barbados. Unfortunately, the shipment had been delayed by a combination on unseasonably high waves, and were also caught up in "red tape" at the port as the importer tried to expedite their entry into the island to catch the usual feverish interest for kite flying during Easter. I hear that the kites, however, will be available free, on a first-come first-served basis, until noon at a kiosk on Broad Street bearing the name "Come and get it". After noon, any remaining kites will be sold for B$1.99: very affordable and well in keeping with new government plans to hold down the price of essential goods.

Although the kites were made in China--the country that invented kites--and have been a great hit there with the Mandarin-speaking population, they have been modified to understand commands in standard English. Bajans buying these kites will need to yell their kite commands clearly and in a voice that sounds more like that of a visiting tourist from Manchester than their usual version of Caribbean English. If this is not possible, I fear there will be some disappointment as the kite lies on the ground, limp, waiting for a draft of hot air to help it rise.