stephaniefchase

[stephaniefchase]

Even in the Hallucination, she sas never alone. Tyler Perry’s "Straw"

In Straw, the weight of loss is layered under the illusion of normal—yet even in that illusion, the power of Black women’s solidarity blazes through like gospel light in a dark chapel.

Janiyah, a grieving mother, clutches the day as if it’s real, her daughter laughing, breathing, walking beside her. But deep down, in that sacred part of the soul where denial and truth collide, she knows. Her baby is gone. Her body carries the ache like a second heartbeat. And still, she goes on, mothering in the midst of mourning.

What makes Straw deeply moving is not just the hallucination, it’s who steps into the silence with her. The bank manager and the detective woman. Two strangers, professional, powerful, in their own lanes. And still, when they saw Janiyah unraveling, they did not look away.

The bank manager, well dressed, middle of her day, probably with meetings and deadlines, pauses. She doesn’t belittle Janiyah's confusion or dismiss her grief as hysteria. She leans in. She holds space.

The detective woman, law enforcement, the embodiment of control and procedure, sees Janiyah's pain not as a case to close, but a wound to honour. She speaks to her gently. She gives her truth, but with compassion. She doesn’t drag Janiyah out of her hallucination, she walks with her through it.

And in that gut-wrenching moment, the bank manager's promise to her about a child she knows is already gone. “I’ll take care of her.” Not because she believes she can change reality, but because Black mothers love beyond death. Because sometimes we promise the impossible, not out of denial, but out of devotion.

That day wasn’t real. But what was real? The care. The sisterhood. The way Black women, no matter their role or rank, form a circle when one of us is falling. And they don’t ask for credit. They just catch you.

Tyler Perry didn’t just write a story of grief. He wrote a testimony to the silent ways Black women save each other. In bank lobbies. In interrogation rooms. In the middle of breakdowns that look like normal days to the rest of the world.

The hallucination wasn’t just Janiyah's mind breaking, it was her soul trying to remember how it felt to hold love again, even for a day. And it was other Black women, strangers, who honored that illusion, not to keep her trapped, but to hold her hand while she let go.

[stephaniefchase]

Thank you to all who donated to our single mom of 2!! Through your donations we wee able to purchase enough food to tie her over for the next month or two. We were also able to pay her an electricity bill. I found out that her Flow account was in arrears and disconnected which was probably why she wasn’t receiving any call backs from the job applications she sent out. We were not able to pay that in full but hopefully I paid for her service to be reconnected. I just want to say thanks from the bottom of my heart because it’s people like you who understand that by being your brother or sister’s keeper you make the world a better place. May God bless and keep you so that we can continue to make a difference!! ✌🏾🙋🏾‍♀️❤️ #thechasefiles #eachonereachone #singlemomlife #beyourbrotherskeeper#blessingsinabundance

[stephaniefchase]

Highlights from Barbados Reggae Festival Part 1

[stephaniefchase]

I was having a chat with a childhood friend and it inspired me to write ✍️ this post.

I am really proud of growing up in Parish Land. I remember families using the community bath and stand pipe. Our parents went from Pit-toilets to indoor plumbing. Every month if the wood on the side of or on the floor of your house was rotting you would change a few! Leaking galvanize on the roof was patched with a black tar like material during the year and at christmas replacement sheets were bought.

Homes were kept clean and in order. The smallest shanty had the sweetest smell! In and out of our friends home we would play. When the pot was on you’d be invited to stay. No one went hungry because you could always run by a neighbour for lil rice, a pack of macaroni or two potatoes.

The “meeting turn” or “su-su” money was used to get a lil loan from the credit union cause even back then the banks used to give poor people hell. There were no “rich politicians” to demand help from. If you were lucky enough to get a government job you held your head down, did the work and didn’t unpick your teeth.

The men in the community wore multiple hats. You knew where to find the mechanics, carpenters, masons and electricians. You knew the needle workers and hair dressers! You knew the teachers who gave free lessons at their homes. Eventually a one bedroom turned to a 2 then a 3 or a four. Wood structures were rebuilt into wall homes.

Children were sent to sunday school and were run off the blocks. You’d never see a child mixing up or acting like a force rip adult or you’d be reprimanded. Respect for elders was a must even if your parents and them were not on speaking terms! Free Education was a privilege and was viewed as a way to escape poverty. To disrespect a teacher would bring shame and disgrace on your parents. Your backside would get roast from school straight home. We were encouraged to go to school, learn and make something of our lives. It is what we aspired to do and exactly what many of us did.

I am from the era where we were told to cut and contrive, make do with what you have & never be caught begging. If your dinner is mackerel and breadfruit eat it with a good heart and thank the Lord.

I am from the era of drinking “swank water” on a hot summer day and taking pumpkin fritters or bakes to school for lunch.

I am from the era where we were ENTITLED to NOTHING! Read that again!!

I am from the era where many traumas went unaddressed BUT…… I AM FROM THE ERA that evoked CHANGE & produced STRENGTH!

Looking back I acknowledge the hardships many of them faced but they never buckled under pressure. Many suffered in silence while praying for a brighter tomorrow.

My childhood friends - Crystal, Carrie, Dwane, Kirk, Antonio, Jason, Omar, Leroy, Amanda, Janelle, Tasha, Sophie, Kim, Ryan, Mark, Rodney, Sabrina, Kevin, Adrian, Laron, Chris, Sherryann, Gailann, Gailene, Nadine, Lana, Karen, Renee, Nicole - I have a found memory each of you! Look how all uh we mek man & woman!!!

To the Yardes, Coxes, Bests, Bradshaws, Bournes, Dottins, Ashbys, Chases, Brathwaites, Maloney’s, Carters, Clarkes, Campbells, Daniels, Lovells, Puckerins, Laynes, Mallets, Merrits, Barnetts, Baileys, Goddards, Stoutes, Waithes, Mayers, Paynes, - TAKE A BOW!! If I left out anyone it wasn’t intentional and I thank you too!! Many of us wouldn’t be where we are without you or the sacrifices you made.

To those who remain or those who have left NEVER forget where you came from.

To those struggling and asking “why me” if not you then who? God gives his greatest battles to his strongest soldiers!! Chin Up! Press On! Be Positive! Have faith! Take it one day at a time!! Better days come when you work towards them!!!

Stephanie F. Chase J.P.

Straight Outta Parish Land

BE INSPIRED!! Love & Light

16th May 2025

#FlashbackFriday #growingup #breakingthecycle #povertyisamindset #hardwork #TheStruggleContinues #prosperity #educationmatters

[stephaniefchase]

Imaging blocking this Collis woman & she still finds time to post about this Blog without much traction I might add. Someone sent me some screenshots that I will address. On her page she is trying to insinuate that I created the viral post which said the police had the youngster who robbed and beat Mr. Barrow let me state publicly and emphatically I DID NOT CREATE IT. I have a duty to inform YOU my faithful followers of the TRUTH.

Like hundreds maybe even thousands of people who follow other blogs I saw the post in numerous whatsapp blog channels and & via their social media forums. Credit went to Mr. White 2.1 Many thought it to be true. Many wanted it to be true. I was one of them and I was happy that the police caught him so fast. The police issued a statement that the post was false. The same platforms (including mine) that posted it - took it down and rightfully shared the police statement.

Mistakes occur. Do I think Mr. White 2.1 intentionally shared misinformation to mislead the public? - NO I Don’t. Where did it originate? You’d have to ask him. There are people who sit down watching and waiting for those they hate to slip up so they can pounce. She is one of those types sad to say and that’s alright. It takes all kinds to make up the world.

Now with that out of the way I won’t bother to “Bajan Code” de Collis woman or tell her to “dig up her dead ancestors”. Instead I thank each of you for always keeping me updated and holding me accountable.

Love & Light

The Chase Files

#accountability #thechasefiles #collis #gochaseyuhdeadancestors

[stephaniefchase]

Good night Ms. Chase, I would like to remain anonymous. I went to the Rubis Gas Station in Kendall Hill Christ Church to buy gas for my van.

I always pay before the attendant puts the gas in. This time I was buying $50 in gas. The female attendant who served me was very polite, she asked me about 3 times if that was the amount I wanted. I said yes.

She said she asked me 3 times because not too long a guy came to buy gas for his vehicle and she asked him how much and he said $15 but it sounded like $50 the way he said it.

Long story short she asked him if it's $50 and he said yes. She ran $50.00 worth of gas in his vehicle. When she went to collect the money he placed $15 dollars in her hand. She told him she thought he said $50 he said no he said $15 and he drove off. She had to put in the balance.

I saw the tears in her eyes. She said it's so unfair. She just came back from maternity leave and to have this happen to her was too much. The guy knows himself. He should go back and pay the balance.

XYyyy Zzz

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I have heard of these stories and thought this dishonest practice had stopped. I now understand why the attendants ask “CASH” or “CARD” because some people have become extremely dishonest. There should be a way to review the camera footage, get his license number and report him to the police. What we must never do is take advantage or disrespect people who work in the service industries. These people already don’t work for much and when these “errors” occur it comes out of their weekly wages which is not must to begin with. $35 may not be much to many but it is a lot for her to replace.

Young lady of you are reading this message - reach out to me and I will give you the $35. Sigh….. Why don’t people realize ALL OF US ARE STRUGGLING IN SOME WAY & fighting to survive! Don’t go out of your way to make someone’s life harder cause that make be the straw that breaks the camels back. Be honest in your daily interactions with others. You may not believe in KARMA but it does exist. #thechasefiles #honesty #respect #integrity #rubisgasstation #cash #card #gasmoney

[stephaniefchase]

Master Dream & Lady Happi have been informed by their human servant that they will be attending @cartersbarbados Canine Expo on Saturday April 6th at Carter’s Warrens Industrial Park Lawn. However, there is a problem. Lady Happi has stated that they have nothing to wear. Meanwhile Master Dream does not want to go anywhere but surrounded by females he has no choice. Their human servant is instructed to hand over the credit card and take Master Dream & Lady Happi shopping at Carter’s Wildey. After being dressed by their human servant they were escorted to their car. It was a pleasant drive but they reached their destination they were issued with unreasonable directives. Of course they had no intention of peeing or pooing in the store but everything else was fair game!! There were so many colourful leaches, harness’s and toys. The human was doing good by not having a meltdown! Before they reached the cashier a cute human named Nikita informed our human servant that these same items are 15% off at Saturday’s Canine Expo and true to form our human servant had a melt down and put everything back on the shelf! We can’t really blame her cause in this economy who doesn’t like to sale? With intentions of entering the Novlety Show you know these two have to be decked out in their finest. We guess you will just have to wait until Saturday to see what Master Dream & Lady Happi wears to the Canine Expo! See you there!! #carters #canineexpo #islanddogs #purebreedcanines #jackrussellterriers #JtMixedwithcorgie #noveltyshow #petinsurance #15percentoff #dogtraining #lifewithpets #neveradullmoment

[stephaniefchase]

Thank you for your kind compliments! I’ve received lots of comments about my hair & this dress!! The dress I purchased from V S & T Fashions on Golf Club Road for $45! You don’t have to go broke to look nice. For me whaf really pulls a look together is your personality and how you feel when you wear what you wear!!

[stephaniefchase]

Energy Ministry: No truth to claims petrol prices adjusted

The Ministry of Energy and Business (MEB) has described as “fake news” information circulating on social media claiming that there has been a price adjustment for petroleum products, dated February 17, 2024.

The ministry has advised that the last price adjustment for petroleum products was September 3, 2023, while liquid petroleum gas (LPG) products were changed on October 15, 2023.

The current prices for petroleum products are gasoline – $4.22 per litre; diesel – $3.47 per litre; and kerosene – $1.99 per litre. The current prices for LPG products are $153.70 for the 100-lb cylinder; $43.52 for the 25-lb cylinder; $38.47 for the 22-lb cylinder; and $34.97 for the 20-lb cylinder.

Members of the public are encouraged to be vigilant and to verify any information they receive from official sources, before sharing it with others.

The ministry stressed that it will continue to update the public on any developments regarding the pricing of petroleum products through the Barbados Government Information Service (BGIS) and other official media channels.

(BGIS)

[stephaniefchase]

Social media has a lot of people in a chokehold! People with 1 like with 10 friends meanwhile people with 1000 likes with zero friends that they can depend on. Couples posing #couplegoals but behind close doors are living in hell cause their spouse is cheating, lying or being abusive. Some people flex in their designer wear or fancy car but have nothing to eat in their homes. Their lavish lifestyle is all an illusion. Women being body shamed because their natural physique is not the same as the BBL Blueprint or society’s beauty standards. The moral is social media is based on perception but perception is relative. In a virtual reality any thing goes. It’s the one place that allows people to create any ideal or appearance that suits their desires. Please don’t judge your happiness or success based on what you see online. If you do you are setting yourself up for total disappointment. #TheChaseFiles Stay Woke!

[stephaniefchase]

Him: Hey

Her: Hey

Him: Can I come over?

Her: Come over where?

Him: By you!

Her: Why?

Him: To Chill!

Her: Can I come over by you to chill?

Him: You know my situation.

Her: And you know my situation.

Him: So why I can’t come by you?

Her: Look you call to upset me?

Him: No but….

Her: but nothing I can’t come by you and you can’t come by me.

Him: I horny

Her: Sort out the situation you suffering from then we can talk.

Him: So what I suffering from?

Her: Homelesssexuality

Him; What is that?

Her: A horny person who doesn’t have a house to have sex in!

P.S scripted be me 😘🤣 enjoy your nighttime chuckle! #saturdaynighthumor #bajancomedy #thechasefiles #clementinawouldprayfuhhe #homelesssexuality #wutlessmen #aintgotnothingtooffer #netflixandchill #whosehouse #boundaries

[stephaniefchase]

All sorts of things stern so I have to make sure my team is protected! I have encouraged them to revert to sanitizing after each class. I’m doing my part to ensure they boost their immune system & stay hydrated!!! On that note we are wishing Mr. Hurdle a speedy recovery. #WellnessWednesday #teamwork #squad #visualandperformingarts #departmentalcomraderie #Haliborange #goodtimesnacks #vitaminc #immunityboost #electrolyte #muscle #balance

[stephaniefchase]

Death at Browne’s Beach

Police are investigating the death of 39-year-old Alec Bourne of Sealy Land, Bank Hall, St. Michael whose body was found at Browne’s Beach St. Michael.

Police say they received a call about 5:47a.m reporting a naked lifeless body of an adult male at the water’s edge along Browne’s beach in the area of the Bay Street Esplanade.

It is being treated as an unnatural death.

Article Source: Starcom Network News #thechasefiles #unnaturaldeath #nakedman #brownsbeach #alecbourne #sealyland #beach #starcomnetworknews

[stephaniefchase]

Barbados Records First Homicide for the Year

Barbados has recorded its first homicide for the year.

31-year-old Shane Parris of Mangrove, St. Philip, is the country’s latest shooting victim.

Barbados Police Service Communications and Public Affairs Officer, Inspector Rodney Inniss confirmed that Parris died at the scene of the shooting at Nursery #2, Four Roads, St. Philip.

He said police received a call about the incident around 11:05 a.m.

Article Source: Starcom Network News #thechasefiles #murder1 #shaneparris #31 #nurserydrive #mangrove #stphilip #murder #barbadoscrimescene

[stephaniefchase]

To be taught by the best you aspire to be the best. Anyone who had the privilege of being your student left enlightened and empowered. Some of my best BCC memories were in your class preparing for our theatre arts portfolio. Barbados has lost a great educator, but your legacy will continue to live on through the wisdom you imparted to your students. Your unwavering patience, compassion and dedication towards teaching inspired us to be better.

Rest In Peace

Sonia Suzette Williams

[stephaniefchase]

The Battle of the Ham Bone! 🤦🏾‍♀️🤦🏾‍♀️ and before you all start I tried to break the ham bone in two and I couldn’t get it done!! @dreamchaserhappinyx #lifeofpets #dreamisasweetheart #happifromthegully #happiisabully #theyfightbad #hambone #battleofthehambone #mytwoloves #furballs #dreamie #happi

[stephaniefchase]

As we begin to navigate the waters we would have to tread in 2024 I pray peace, love, happiness, prosperity, good health and blessings in abundance for each of you. I pray that God would order your steps and protect you wherever you go! Speak life into yourself! Celebrate your wins! No victory is too small. Pat yourself on the back! Pat attention to those who are silent when you are winning. Stand firm in your faith! Know we can’t survive alone! Let’s be there for each other. Thank you to those who have been with me from the inception and those who joined along the way, I appreciate your continuous support. God bless you!! Love & Light

#thechasefiles