Bajan Sun Magazine October 2014 Edition

CARIBBEAN ENTREPRENEURS

2014:10:01

DONVILLE INNISS MINISTER OF INDUSTRY, INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS,COMMERCE AND SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

Breathing Life into Small Businesses THE SEX FOCUSED MAN Traits Entrepreneurs and Einstein

M E E T

CARIBBEAN YOUTH HAVE SPOKEN M AN AG E Y O U R B U S I N E S S

A y a n a

Tips for Keeping Your Company’s Culture Alive Manufacturing in Barbados A Thriving Sector

J o h n

BCSI and Digicel Launch Industry Genius Contest

BAJAN SUN ONLINE MAGAZINE

T

he spirit and initiative of entrepreneurial people will be the key to overcoming the current crisis; thereby paving the way for the Caribbean to become a dynamic and competitive economy. This view is taken by the Bajan Sun Team, which has included fostering entrepreneurial spirit in its strategy to boost the region's economic competitive capacity.

Entrepreneurial people generate and

promote innovation; and they also contribute with greater flexibility and capacity of adjustment to the economy as a whole. This makes the entrepreneurial spirit an irreplaceable part of the growth engine, and driver of job creation.

Without it, the objectives of competitiveness and prosperity are simply unattainable any given society.

www.bajansunonline.com/MAGAZINE/ | info@bajansunonline.com | @BajanSunOnline

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

F

OCT 2014

or us, local is always first and foremost, and our specialty is promoting local products, places, foods, traditions, talent & businesses.

Bajan Sun is a company founded to provide education, resources and the support which is needed to understand and implement the core business marketing strategies that will help you succeed in whatever business you may manage. The business marketing strategies we teach and promote are designed to help you succeed by showing you how to do the things that make customers love you and become your greatest assets.

If you are dedicated to building a business that thrives on establishing strong relationships with your customers and employees, we are here to help and support you as you make this journey.

Raeann Beckles

We are committed to helping the Globe, providing top quality service and growing your businesses through referrals. We are dedicated towards helping entrepreneurs, the creative arts & tourism everywhere succeed.

“Bajan Sun Magazine� is a publication geared towards the advancement of The Entrepreneur through affordable Marketing.

Contact Us Give us a call for more information about our services and products BajanSun

P.O. Boc 1151 Bridgetown St. Michael 246-844-7008 info@bajansunonline.com Visit us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ BaJansun Visit us on Youtube: BajanSun Follow us on Twitter: @BajanSunOnline

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

VOLUME 2 | ISSUE 8 | OCTOBER 2014

CONTENTS

B

U E 6

S

B G

T

36 - 39

12 - 19

H c p

D I a p

C S

84 - 87

28 The Authenticity of Hope pg 8 Yellow Bird Hotel pg 10 Ayana John pgs 12 -19 Karina pgs 20 - 21

40 - 43 Who’s The Boss - Don’t Let Your Business Manage You pgs 34 - 35 A Life Dedicated To Fitness - Hugh Williams pgs 36 - 39

Deneko pgs 22 - 23

Let’s talk FITNESS with Tamesha Lewis pgs 40 43

Alexander Mills pgs 24 - 27

Workout Tips For The Beginner pgs 46 - 52

Caribbean Youth Has Spoken pg 28

How To Manipulate Carbs & Protein To Get Max Results pg 55

Armstrong Agencies Company Profile pg 30 My Signature Claytons Kola Tonic Cocktail Competition pgs 32 - 33

Disability and Sports pg 57 The Special Olympics Football Tournament pgs 58 - 59

www.bajansunonline.com/MAGAZINE/ | info@bajansunonline.com | @BajanSunOnline

T C

T 9

T T

T 1

T C

M S

T p

Beauty Intricacies pg 60

Up Close and Personal with Entrepreneur Deborah Ramdin pgs 61 - 63

VOLUME 2 | ISSUE 8 | OCTT 2014

Skin Guru - Scalp Psoriasis pg 64

BCSI and Digicel Launch Industry Genius Contest pgs 68 - 70

46 - 52

Publisher The BIM A r t & Cr e a t i v e Di r e c t or : F r a n k l y n P ar ri s

Tech Tip: Passwords pg 75

E d i to r :

How do you think Technology will change the Global Economy Next? pgs 76 - 77

Donville Inniss, Minister of Industry, International Business, Commerce and Small Business Development pgs 84 - 87

R a ean n B e ck l es A s s t. E d i to r : C h er y l C o r b in D es ig n & La y o u t :

60 - 63

F r an kl y n P a rr i s G r aph ic D es i gn e r: F r an kl y n P a rr i s A d v e rt i s in g Sa l es :

Cruz 2 Fitness - Social Outreach Spotlight pg 92

Q ua n ta no P ar r i s T a sh a nna Pa r ri s

Trinidad and Tobago Investment Conference For New York City pg 94

C o n tr i bu t i ng W r i te r s:

Top Chefs Le Crouton Superieur pgs 98 - 101

D r. An i ta D av i s D e Fo e

D r. And r ew Fo rd e No rm a T Ho l l is

66 - 67

The story behind Debbie’s Sweets N Treats pgs 103 - 104

D en i se J C h a r l es C h a rm a i ne J F o r d e R a ean n B e ck l es

D e bo rah Ram d i n

The Sex Focused Man pgs 106 & 108

F r an kl y n P a rr i s P h o to g ra ph er s :

Tips for Keeping Your Company’s Culture Alive pgs 110 - 111

Manufacturing in Barbados A Thriving Sector pgs 113 - 114

Today’s Spotlight pg115

- George Jones

Z i co M i l l e r C ly d e B ar n e tt e

79 - 80

C o n tac t u s P .O . B o x 1 15 1 B r id g et ow n Ba r bad o s 1 - 2 46- 8 44- 7 00 8

i n fo @b aja ns uno n l in e. com b aj an su non l i ne@ gm ai l . co m www.bajansunonline.com/magazine/

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

VOLUME 2 | ISSUE 8 | OCTOBER 2014

CONTENTS 101

103 - 104

84 - 87

106 & 108

98 - 101

113 - 114

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

Small Business Association Company Profile and Week of Activities pgs 117 - 119 Are You Addicted To Your Story - Are You Present? pgs 120 - 121 The Bartender - Nikos Arvanitis pgs 122 123 Pugs Bar and Restaurant pgs 124 - 125 Barbadian Village Shops pg 126

115

Rum Shop Talk pg 127 Barbados and Rum pg 130 Caribbean Fine Art Fair Barbados pgs 138 140 DJ Simmons pgs 142 - 145 DoJangles Publishing pg 147

117 - 119

Poets and Poetry pgs 148 - 149

Spoken Word Artist - Idrees Saleem pgs 150 - 151 Photography - Bajan Hype pg s 152 - 153 Photography - KrynK Arts pg 154 10 Traits Entrepreneurs and Einstein pgs158 - 161

122 - 123

138 - 140

142 - 145

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OCT 2014

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

The Authenticity OF

By Norma T. Hollis HOPE I hope I can, I hope I can, I hope I can.

I

’ve said this many times in my life. It’s been a driving force and frequently all that I could cling to.

Hope has been the authentic expression of my feelings and a projection of my expectation for the future. Whenever I did not feel hopeful I did not feel alive. Without hope my life had no purpose. Without hope I felt no passion. Without hope I felt no progress.

Without hope I felt I would perish.

I remember the great hope that I felt when I graduated from college. I was armed with a degree in early childhood education and ready to change the way we do education in this society. Many times I repeated the thought that I hope I can make this change. As time went on I moved from briefly teaching in the classroom to directing large urban head start programs. In my last early childhood encounter I was responsible for 1500 children and a staff of 250. My hopeful love of children and change the world attitude turned into a constant struggle to resolve personnel problems and work to change the mind set of low income parents, many of whom never had a connection with hope. My “I hope I can” mantra turned to a fight or flight perspective as the reality of the challenge of hope loomed heavy in my mind. Rather than being hopeful for change I wondered “how soon can I get out of this”. And I wondered how the parents of these children lost the hope that enables one to rise above their circumstances. No wonder so many of them felt that their life had no purpose. How sad that they would share this hopeless attitude with their children. How important it was for me to return to the authenticity of my “I hope I can” attitude.

After leaving the early childhood education environment I moved my non-profit background into the for-profit world. My thought was” I hope I can” make a success as an entrepreneur. Changing two decades of non-profit mindset to the mindset of a hopeful entrepreneur was quite a challenge. The transition from writing an annual grant and receiving a paycheck to the effort to seek daily income took years for me to embrace. Even though I really didn’t know what I was doing I kept the feeling of hope and the belief that I could overcome the challenge. The hope was authentic and was the driving force. Difficult – yes, extremely. Possible – yes, with hope.

Norma T. Hollis America’s Leading Authentic Voice Doctor® Mentor, Transformational Artist ~ Visionary Advocate of the Human Spirit Authenticity of Hope. I’m still hopeful that I impact parts of the educational system through my understanding and sharing of authenticity concepts. And I have expanded the authenticity of my hope to help others impact society in ways that reflect their hopeful passions. Hope is a passion, one of the critical passions for life success. It is an authentic feeling and need – just like eating, sleeping and being in relationship with others.

I hope you too embrace the passionate authenticity of hope. It is the driving force of change and the driving force of happiness. I hope I can, I hope you can and I hope we continue to create authentic hope in the minds and hearts of those we encounter.

Norma T. Hollis is America’s Leading Authentic Voice Doctor®. Her Authenticity Audits provide prescriptions to help people find, live and share their authentic voice.

Her programs focus on numerous aspects of authenticity – stress reduction, time management, leadership, parenting, communication and overall personal development. She also has in-depth workbooks and audios on each of the nine dimensions.

Take her free Authenticity Assessment by going to www.NormaHollis.com and clicking #3. Be sure to sign up for her free Authentic Tuesday teleseminars. Contact Norma for speaking engagements, coaching programs and an Authenticity Audit at Info@NormaHollis.com.

Now as a professional speaker I share with people the www.bajansunonline.com/MAGAZINE/ | info@bajansunonline.com | @BajanSunOnline

Hincks Street, Bridgetow n, St Michael

Opening Hours - Mon - Sat: 9:00am - 5:00pm Delivery Island Wide

L

ocated right on the beachfront in St Lawrence Gap, Yellow Bird Hotel features an outdoor pool, a terrace and a Greek

ticket assistance, and dry cleaning/laundry services. Self parking is complimentary.

restaurant. Each spacious air-conditioned studio has a balcony with

Guestrooms.

ocean views.

Rooms open to furnished balconies. The 22 air-conditioned

Studios at the Yellow Bird Hotel feature bright, functional dĂŠcor and include free Wi-Fi and cable TV. They all have a well-equipped kitchenette and a bathroom with a hairdryer and free toiletries.

guestrooms at Yellow Bird Hotel include laptop-compatible safes

and

coffee/tea

makers.

Guests

can

use

the

in-

room complimentary wireless and wired high-speed Internet access.

Televisions are equipped with cable channels. All accommodations

The staff at the Yellow Bird can arrange diving and watersports

provide desks and phones; free local calls are offered (restrictions

sessions, boat trips and golf tee times upon request. Free parking is

may apply). Bathrooms offer shower/tub combinations with deep

available on site.

soaking bathtubs, hair dryers and complimentary toiletries. All units

You can find grocery stores, lively bars and a wide range of international restaurants within a 5-minute walk of the hotel. Several beautiful white sand beaches are also within walking distance.

Grantley Adams International Airport is 4 miles away, while is

6

miles

refrigerators/freezers, microwaves, and cookware/dishes/utensils.

Additional amenities include irons/ironing boards andceiling

fans. Housekeeping is offered daily.

The fishing village of Oistins is a 5-minute drive from the hotel.

Bridgetown

at this 3-star hotel have kitchenettes withstovetops, full-sized

away.

Visit us at www.yellowbirdbarbados.comfor more info.

Phone (246) 418-8444 Email

info@yellowbirdbarbados.com

Yellow Bird Hotel is close to St. Lawrence Bay, Dover Beach, and Worthing Beach. Additional attractions near this hotel include Graeme Hall Nature Sanctuary and Rockley Beach.

Hotel

Features.

Dining options at this beach hotel include a restaurant and a bar/

lounge. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in 10

public areas. Additional amenities include an outdoor pool, tour/ www.bajansunonline.com/MAGAZINE/ | info@bajansunonline.com | @BajanSunOnline

11

PHOTO BY ZICO MILLER

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

Ayana John

PHOTO BY ZICO MILLER

I

magine that you could enter a time capsule and quantum leap to the year 1998. The album, ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’ has just dropped and is causing a stir in the United States and the world over.

The infectious vibes have spread all the way to the Caribbean; Barbados, to be exact, becoming a catalyst for the 2005 emergence of one of Barbados’ most prolific singer/ songwriters, ‘Ayana John’.

Now imagine that you have blended the pulsating rhythms and bass lines of reggae and fused them with the hypnotic melodies of soulful vocals paired with a fierce live act. You would have defined the first steps in the evolution of this magnetic entertainer, emerging with a massively successful self-titled debut LP in 2009 which spawned a series of national hits, ‘Guns n’ Roses’, ‘Paper Chase’, ‘Caught Ya!’ and ‘Pose’ featuring Bad Boy Recording Artiste, Elephant Man, out-of-Jamaica! A record haul of Barbados Music Award Nominations followed, making for the most nominations acquired by a solo female for the year, 2009 and subsequently 2010: Soul Female Entertainer of the Year Best Collaboration (Paper Chase) Song of the Year Female Entertainer of the Year After the release of two EPs entitled ‘Royal Blue’ in 2010 and ‘Ignite’ in 2011 which featured successful singles, ‘Can’t Keep Up’ and ‘Baby’ (2010) and ‘Iron Heart’ and ‘It Ends Tonight’ (2011), respectively, a desire to qualify in Performance Arts and Music resulted in a Distinction in Popular Music Practice from Tech

Music School in London with certification from the London College of Music in June, 2012. In a career highlight, this energetic live performer was also chosen as the headline act of the Graduation line-up held at the Legendary Shepherd’s Bush Empire (Grace Jones, The Police, U2, other acts featured at the venue, to name a few). Just visualize being the recipient of a Bachelor’s degree in Mathematics alongside having a Diploma in Music. Crazy, some say ... but that’s just the paradox that is Ms. John.

Known affectionately as ‘A.J.’, this former Ms. Barbados Bikini and 1st runner-up Ms. Barbados has a slew of surprises in store for loyal and potential fans who can expect a fresh, exhilarating and soul-bearing album for 2014. Armed with her blend of R&B/Reggae, the new effort promises to be a reflection of all that has been lived and learned. The 2014 EP, S-Curve 1.0, the first part of a two part album series will feature brand new music for fans to listen to and download. The album is available for digital download on August 15, 2014 on Bandcamp.com and August, 21, 2014 on iTunes.com For under a decade, Ayana John has been a fixture on the Barbadian Music scene as an 'individual' artiste bringing a unique style of Soul-Pop/Reggae.

With two (2) LPs and two (2) EPs on resume: Ayana John LP(2009) Royal Blue EP (2010) Ignite LP (2011) S-Curve 1.0 EP (2014) Available on Band Camp: 15-08-2014 See: www.ayanajohn.bandcamp.com/releases Available on iTunes: 21-08-2014 See: https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/ayana-john/ id300478441 A multiple award winner and revered lyricist, notable works include: Guns 'n Roses, Paper Chase, Pose feat. Elephant Man, Baby and Iron Heart, to name a few.

The 2014 EP, S-Curve 1.0, the first part of a two part album series will feature brand new music for fans to listen to and download from the featured sites above.

Contact Info Email management.aj@gmail.com Website http://www.reverbnation.com/AyanaJohnVOX

www.bajansunonline.com/MAGAZINE/ | info@bajansunonline.com | @BajanSunOnline

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE Let’s chat with

Ayana John

A Barbadian born R&B/Reggae performer who has been performing from the tender age of nine.

The Bajan Sun Online Magazine Team had the opportunity to interview Ayana who was most willing to let us into her world.

See Interview Below

W

hat is your real name and stage name (if different)?

My birth name is Feloshade Ife Ayana John, however, I use the name Ayana John as my stage moniker. My mother did some research and recently found out that in the Swahili language, ‘Felo’ means ‘Successful’ and ‘Shade’ means ‘Singing’. So in a way she believes that I was destined to be a singer and entertainer. The name ‘Ayana’ means ‘Eternal Bloom’ in the Navaho language. I love that name as well, because to me it means that I can choose to never stop evolving into a stronger and happier version of myself. I adore both names but everyone that I’ve known since childhood has called me, ‘Ayana’, so I’ve used Ayana John from the beginning of my career in music.

OCT 2014 wanted to be a world-renowned dancer before I embarked on a career in singing.

Which performances/songs you see as a crowd favorite?

The songs, ‘Bajan Story’ with Buggy Nhakente, ‘Guns ‘N Roses’ and ‘Paper Chase’ are very popular in Barbados.

However, the songs ‘Pose’ featuring Elephant Man and ‘Baby’ are very popular when I perform in Europe. Those songs are from my older catalogue. I will mention that my recently released EP, ‘S-Curve1.0’ has been so well received in Barbados and Europe, alike. The tracks which were released as singles are ‘Light Me Up’, ‘Can’t Get Enough of Your Love’, ‘One Life 2 Live’ and ‘Save the Night’. These tracks have crossed over and have bridged the gap between audiences. Everyone I perform for no matter what nationality enjoys hearing me sing these songs.

I enjoyed my experience performing at the O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire. The energy was incredible and it was great to have performed on the same stage as some of the world’s biggest legends in music such as Sting and The Police, Grace Jones and Pearl Jam, to name a few.

How long have you been performing?

I’ve been performing on stage from the age of 9 years old in popular primary school productions. In terms of singing, I took a shot at it when I entered the Kolij-Queens pageant at my alma mater, Harrison College. It was a risk that didn’t pay off then, the performance was AWFUL… nonetheless, I forced myself to continue until I found my flow. It’s funny because the deejay for the night was ‘Big Red the Deejay’, of ‘I Feel So Good’ by Bashment Menz fame (2nd place Road March 2005) who also attended Harrison College.

What got you into performing?

I’ve always been a show girl! From the time I was very young I was always getting involved in some artistic endeavour whether it be a dance troupe or a choral ensemble. I was writing plays for my class and assigning roles for my fellow classmates, in primary school. In secondary school, I headed a dance troupe called, ‘Liberated Steps’, a name given to us by the father of my friend, Anamita Gall. We did a mixture of Modern dance and Indian dance and we used to get paid to perform at school events, we were that good! I learned the style of Indian Dance called Khatak and with the ‘Nadira ShahUllyett Dance Troupe’ won a bevy of awards at NIFCA. I PHOTO BY ZICO MILLER

www.bajansunonline.com/MAGAZINE/ | info@bajansunonline.com | @BajanSunOnline

Where have you performed (around the world)?

I have performed across Europe, America and The Caribbean. Some immediate examples are London, France, Virginia, Atlanta, New York, St. Vincent, Jamaica, to name a few.

Where are you based?

I am based between London and Barbados. My bookings are seasonal and depend on where the majority of my work is at any given time.

What is the response like to your performances?

The first response is, ‘How does a person so tiny have such a big voice!’ People always comment on the high energy that comes from the stage. Once someone described it as RAGING ENERGY! What was the largest crowd you performed in front of?

The Nottingham Caribbean Carnival in Nottingham, UK, The O2 Islington, UK, The O2 Shepherd’s Bush, UK and Reggae on the Hill (Barbados) are some of the biggest crowds I’ve performed for thus far. The biggest being 15,000+ people.

How is it performing outside of Barbados and how does it compare to performing in Barbados?

In my opinion, there is no difference, geographically; every crowd wants to be entertained at the highest level. I’ve performed in a range of settings from intimate affairs to huge arenas, enough to know that the mood of the audience inspires the performance. It’s best to have some knowledge about the nature of the event and the demographic, so that you can tailor your act to ensure a great performance. A younger crowd generally craves a wildly, energetic set and an older crowd tends to appreciate a quieter set; that is dependent on musical style.

I’ve had trouble in the beginning of my career trying to find the natural energy wherever I was performing so I currently make an effort to go into the crowd and talk to the audience before any performance; this helps me determine the mood at the event so that I can deliver the best performance that I can.

PHOTO BY ZICO MILLER

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE What do you think about performing in Barbados?

Barbados is an important place to develop your skill for performing because the Barbadian audience is very truthful and will critique you openly, as in (to your face) about your performance and how it can be improved. I’ve become more open when it comes to criticism because I really want to do better. At first I was always defensive because I thought that the person giving the critique was always attacking me, however, in most cases that couldn’t be further from the truth. People who take the time to give you advice genuinely care about your product and desire to see it grow and when I discovered that, I became more relaxed and accepting of critique.

Who has influenced your style of music (artists/ friends/family)?

I grew up listening to all genres of music. My mother is a great singer, however, she chose a career in accounts over that of singing and performing and I am more than sure that I’ve inherited my talent from her; she’s actually a better singer than I. I am a big fan of the Fugees and Lauryn Hill especially influenced my desire to have a career as a recording artist who can perform live. She is so effective on-stage as well as off-stage. The album, ‘The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill’, which was gifted to me by my mother when I was 12 years old, fueled my desire to mix R&B and Reggae as a signature style. My favourite cuts from that album are ‘Turn Your Lights Down Low’, ‘Lost Ones’ and ‘That Thing’, which are a mixture of the two genres.

What was your greatest achievement in music?

My greatest achievement in music is affecting people and being able to play a part in effecting change and providing awareness.

When people come up to me on the street and in stores and tell me that they love what I do and to continue doing it; that assures me of my purpose on earth and that is to bring enlightenment through music. This year, I began volunteering at the Barbados RSPCA. This organization is amazing and I wanted to give back in a more extensive way so I decided to donate a portion of the proceeds from the promotion of my album EP, ‘S-Curve1.0’. Part of the merchandizing aspect of the promotion of my album EP involves the sale of wristbands which have the artwork, ‘Ayana John 1 Life 2 Live’ embedded on them - ‘One Life 2 Live’ is the name of one of the songs on the album.

The sale of a wristband comes with a free download of the single, ‘Light Me Up’, which is available on the EP, as well. Excluding the expenses that my team and I have had to incur to get these items produced, the expected profit from wristband sales will be given to the Barbados RSPCA. The flier for the wristband drive also features

OCT 2014

animals that are awaiting adoption at this institution. This venture has allowed me to use my music as an avenue to promote a cause that I believe in and that is powerful to me. For more information and details about the drive, see www.facebook.com/AyanaJohnVOX. What was your greatest challenges and how you overcame it?

Balancing my education with my music career has been very difficult and almost broke my spirit because I had to constantly choose between missing a class to do a gig or vice versa. Eventually, through hard work, I was able to complete my Bsc. Pure Mathematics. I then wanted to increase my musical knowledge to be a more educated entertainer who could compose music. This was in an effort to bring my creative ideas to life. I went to Tech Music School in London, UK and underwent an intense program to gain my Diploma in Popular Music Practice from the London College of Music (Distinction). Living abroad helped me to solely focus on my growth as a musician and expanded my awareness regarding what I needed to do to evolve into a better entertainer. It was the longest time I’ve spent away from my family and that was terribly hard, spiritually and emotionally because I draw my strength from my family.

What would you say to young persons interested in getting into music and performing?

Know when criticism is character building as opposed to character demeaning. I think that taking advice and embracing constructive criticism is very important when you are making a way in the business of entertainment.

However, I believe that negative forces can blind side you and throw you off track. If you get a gut-feeling that the message is being delivered in manner that is not positive then do not allow the message or the messenger to break your spirit.

Take an interest in all aspects of your trade and work hard to master your craft.

Part of loving something is learning to embrace every aspect of that something. Being an entertainer is being an ambassador, having a talent, having influence and using that influence to effect change. Getting involved in new ventures helps you to grow as an artist and can make you a driving force to be reckoned with.

Success comes with great sacrifice but can yield great rewards.

At times, your career can take you away from the comfort of family for the sake of work but the end result can be amazing if you can use the time away, constructively, because you never want to waste any opportunity which can be an important step in turning your dream into reality.

Bajan Sun Magazine

OCTOBER 2014

4

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

AYANA JOHN LUANCHES ALBUM EP ‘S-CURVE1.0’ (2014)

T

he album EP, ‘S-Curve1.0’ is the fourth

Album news and updates are available on the sites

recording effort from Barbadian R&B/Reggae

listed below:

artist, Ayana John. It is the first chapter of a (2) twopart album series and will be followed-up by the release of the album EP, ‘S-Curve2.0’ in the year 2015.

Featured on the album,‘S-Curve1.0’ are six (6) brand new songs for 2014, first of which is the single, ‘Light Me Up’ which features a synth-infused beat with musical arrangement by musician, Farakhan Stephens.

The song has already received a 100% fan approval rating on the music website, Musicxray.com and has

been put on the shortlist to be featured in a blockbuster Hollywood movie; undisclosed at this time. Another popular single off the album is the song, ‘Save the Night’ featuring musical arrangement by Ken ‘Big Star’ Pile,

who

has

worked

alongside

distinguished

Hollywood producer, Ryan Leslie and produced for U.S. acclaimed hip/hop artiste, Yo Gotti. The song had already reached The Top (10) ten within (1) one week

https://twitter.com/AYANAJOHN https://www.facebook.com/AyanaJohnVOX http://www.reverbnation.com/AyanaJohnVOX https://soundcloud.com/ayanajohnscurve1 Subscribe to www.youtube.com/AyanaJohnSCurve1 , today!

As of 2014, Ayana John has served as a volunteer at Barbados RSPCA and has partnered with them for the ‘Ayana John/1 Life 2 Live’ fundraising drive.

effort serves to donate $1BDS from every sale of a

wristband embedded with the slogan, *1 Life 2 Live*, to the Barbados RSPCA. The proceeds will go to assist with animal care and housing at this dedicated nonprofit organization. Every purchase also includes a free download of the single, ‘Light Me Up’. See https:// www.facebook.com/AyanaJohnVOX for more details and updates.

of release on Indabamusic.com which is a web-based

music collaborative environment for musicians. Alicia Keys, John Legend and Mariah Carey are some of the A -List acts that have used this website to broker licensing/publishing agreements with artists worldwide.

Other tracks off the album include ‘F.L.O.W.’, ‘Can’t Get Enough of Your Love’, ‘One Life 2 Live’ and ‘F.L.OW. Remix’. The album is available for digital download on https://ayanajohn.bandcamp.com/album/scurve-10-the-album

and

This

https://itunes.apple.com/us/

album/s-curve-1.0-ep/id910793765 . www.bajansunonline.com/MAGAZINE/ | info@bajansunonline.com | @BajanSunOnline

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

K

OCT 2014

arina. was born on July 4th 1987.

and Tourism at the Barbados community

She is 26 years of age and resides

college and graduated in 2011 from the

in Barbados, where she sings and song

University of the West Indies Cave Hill

writes her own music. Her first talent show

Campus with a major in Sociology and

was the Richard Stoute Teen talent show

law. Karina has had her foot in banking

where she was a finalist in 2006. She was a

since 2008 as she continues to do

part of the Honey Jam Barbados 2013

entertainment. Her most recent electrified

showcase and she has also performed at

and hard hitting pop songs which are

Pond Bottom Restaurant, Beat Search and

played on radio (98.1FM) can also be

a number of church concerts. Her first

found on Youtube and Soundcloud; Erase,

recorded R &B|pop song which is found on

Brand New and Machine Gun. Another fan

you tube is entitled close to your heart.

favorite is her song Higher High. She is

From then her fan base began to grow.

managed and has a PR and her dream is to

People became attached to her unique

take her music as far as it can go

model look and husky voice. By no means,

internationally. She has a fan base on face

she can multi task, apart from doing

book, twitter and YouTube. and since then

recordings

her musical journey continues.

she

achieved

her

college

diploma in Law and French for Business www.bajansunonline.com/MAGAZINE/ | info@bajansunonline.com | @BajanSunOnline

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

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OCT 2014

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

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OCT 2014

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

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hen Deneko’s parents became born again Christians, his life changed. At 18 years old, he now reflects fondly on how the music of the church nurtured his own love for music and the way he would sometimes find himself humming melodies in his head to relax himself. After he enrolled at the prestigious "Combermere School" in Barbados, he made friends with other children that shared his love for music. Soon, Deneko’s penchant for keeping friends and teachers entertained would earn him the nickname, "Bushman" by students and teacher alike. At 13 however, the “Bushman” would write his first song and so, the transformation into “Deneko” would begin.

Deneko was 15 when he and his friends were given the opportunity to visit other schools where they performed their original musical pieces. Deneko fell in love with the stage and craved more opportunities to share and perform his music. This quest was admired by his co-workers and this lead to him unknowingly being lowered into a live acapella performance for a shopping customer who actually unknowing to Deneko would turn out to be "Chris Allman" outstanding and award winning studio producer at Slam City Records.

OCT 2014

Deneko had earned his formal invitation to visit “SLAM CITY STUDIOS” where he recorded his first single, “Heaven” with outstanding vocalist, 14 year old Jakela .

Now finishing his second single in less than four months, Deneko is on a quest to become an internationally acclaimed Hip-Hop/ Pop Artiste. His performances has brought audiences across the island to their feet and left them calling for more. As he releases his second solo single "Phresh," inspired by the attitudes and attire of today’s’ youth, he is on a quest to exemplify "Phreshness" as he wears his shades, shirt, pants, Converse shoes and his signature Flag (Hi-top hair style with the colors of the Barbados Flag).

Influenced by his favorite artiste "Tyga", Deneko aspires to perform one day with his musical heroes such as Rihanna, Cover Drive, Usher and Nicki Minaj just to name a few.

Inspired by life itself and looking forward to every chance to create more captivating music with every new day, Deneko continues to work with his team at “Slam City Records” to be consistent in producing quality songs for his fans to enjoy and share.

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BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

Meet Alexander Mills

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Barbadian born Acoustic Alternative Indie performer for the past six years

The Bajan Sun Online Magazine Team had the distinct pleasure of chatting with and catching up with Alex as he advances in his passion and career.

See Interview Below What got you into performing?

When I was in sixth form at The Lodge School I used to make parodies of other songs to the amusement of my classmates; however, I never really took it seriously until I was given a short solo in our graduation song. Following that, my mom got me a guitar and I later hijacked my father’s too and started teaching myself basic chord shapes online to accompany my singing.

Not too long after that, I learnt a couple of covers and started learning songs with my friend Jermaine. Around the same time I also started writing original music with some friends I played guitar with, but it was when I got my first solo gig at the Lighthouse bar in St. Lawrence Gap that I really started to get my chops better and learn how to perform and not just sing. At this time I met Barry Knight, my local manager, and Peter Headley who is an international music business manager and consultant. With their guidance and mentoring I was able to grow to a level where I was asked to perform at the Barbados Jazz Festival in 2010 and I have been continuing to grow as a musician, performer and songwriter since.

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BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

Which performances/songs you see as a crowd favorite?

How is it, performing outside of Barbados and how does it compare to performing in Barbados?

Recently I get a really good response from my cover of a song called “Counting Stars” by One Republic and “Pompeii” by Bastille. In terms of original material “Don’t Leave Us Stranded” is well received and is played heavily on Y103.3 along with “Pyrite Mountain” which is a song about a race horse who ran in the Queen’s Plate and was bred by horse breeder and former Barbadian jockey, Sean Hall. “Daydreamer”, a song about a homeless person I frequently saw in St. Lawrence Gap, is also among fan favorites.

Performing outside of Barbados is always a thrill and very encouraging. In general, I think the genre of music I perform is more readily accepted overseas; people tend to have a greater understanding of where you’re coming from when you deliver a song. We have quite a lot of people here who are into alternative, pop rock and acoustic music but the level of love and appreciation shown is not the same as it is in Los Angeles, Nashville or any of the other places I’ve been to.

What do you think about performing in Barbados?

Where have you performed (locally, regionally, internationally)?

Some of the places I’ve performed have been here at the Barbados Jazz Festival, the Virgin Festival and I also did some performances in Ontario, Canada. I’ve been travelling to Los Angeles for the past four years to attend and perform at ASCAP (The Association of Songwriters Composers Authors and Publishers) where my song “I Won’t Let Her” was featured for the feedback panel hosted by elite music producers and songwriters. Most recently I travelled to San Diego to attend the Urban Network Summit where I performed twice and was asked to perform again on the final day. This June, I attended The Songwriters and Music Business conference where I received the top award of a free AAA recording package at the 515 Studio for my songwriting and performances.

You can catch me live at Limegrove Mall in the water food court every Friday between the hours of 7:30pm and 9:30pm. I also busk and sell CD’s of my original music at Holders Farmers Market every Sunday from 10:00am until 1:00pm.

What is the response like to your performances?

People are usually very pleased, especially with the original material.

What was the largest crowd you performed in front of?

That would have to be The Barbados Jazz Festival where there was upwards of 4000 people.

I think Barbados is a hard market to break for any artist of any genre because there are so many talented musicians out there doing similar things; unless you find a way to stand out, it is difficult to penetrate the market.

Fortunately, with the help of my management team at Odyssey Entertainment, we’ve created our own niche in the market which has enabled me to perform almost anywhere. I’ve been able to perform to a wide demographic of people from busking in Sheraton mall, performing on CBC TV 8, performing on the West Coast at private residences, performing at festivals, galas, hotels, corporate events and even on a yacht! Some of the places I’ve been are extremely beautiful and and I’ve learnt a lot while meeting many lovely people who continue to show appreciation for my music—for this I am thankful. I feel at home performing here.

Who have influenced your style of music (artists/ friends/family)?

My first musical influence, when it came to family, was my mom who sent me to classical piano lessons at an early age. My dad also showed me a few basic chords when I started playing the guitar. When I was very little he used to play “The Joshua Tree”, an album by U2 from the eighties, and I used to sing all the words to the songs and sometimes pretend my cricket bat was a guitar and rock out. Dave Matthews, Coldplay and Kings of Leon are some of the other bands that molded me sonically as a young adult. I’m currently really into Ben Howard and Ed Sheeran as well and constantly go back in time to draw inspiration from some of the older classic bands and artists like BB King, Ray Charles, The Beatles, Elton John, The Chambers Brothers and The Rolling Stones.

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What was your greatest achievement in music?

My greatest achievement thus far is winning the top prize for my songwriting in Nashville and hearing my song “Don’t Leave Us Stranded” playing on Y103.3 and being appreciated by the people here in my hometown of Barbados. It is very encouraging and reassuring to know that you are accepted by your own, especially when you’re doing something that’s different. I thank my fans for that.

What was your greatest challenges and how you overcame it?

I would say my shyness. When I first started, I wouldn’t even open my eyes on stage and I barely spoke - I would just sing every song with my eyes shut. Once I met up with Mr. Headley through my manager, Barry Knight, we worked on some techniques to develop my performance craft and awareness. I feel I have improved a lot since I first started performing in 2009. I regularly watch performance DVD’s and read books with live methods for performing, but it is always a work in progress. Recently, Corey Applewhaite, who was the drummer for the duo Alex & Corey, decided to quit so it has been quite a task restructuring the show to compensate for the lack of drums and still be impactful. The response to the new show seems to be very good so far though.

What would you say to young persons interested in getting into music and performing?

The music industry is very demanding but it can also be a fun and fulfilling adventure. If you want to take it seriously, you have to go at it hard and with the right motives. You need to dedicate all of your passion, enthusiasm and time to it and ensure your energy is focused in the right direction. Build a team of people who are committed to your vision and success and who understand the changing trends and are not afraid to take risks to get you noticed. Be true to who you are, determine what separates you from other artists and capitalize on it. Listen to advice and remained open to criticism. Most importantly, have fun and love what you do!

For more information on Alex and to keep up to date with his progress, please visit YouTube and Soundcloud, to view his videos. See links: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=cdXd-l3gjc http://m.soundcloud.com/alexander_millz1/alex-corey -pyrite-mountain as well as Facebook.com/ alexmillz99 and Twitter: @mills_alexander

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

Caribbean Youth Has Spoken

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hat in your opinion should be a key area of focus for the Caribbean at present?

I believe there’s a great need to zero in on boosting the employment sector.

By G’nel K La Belle

generation exercises, meet one-on-one with relevant business owners.

Career guidance – ensure students are sensitive to tertiary education and career choice issues. They must learn how to choose the right mix so that they are better positioned to create the job they desire in the event finding a match in the job market proves difficult.

What in your opinion are our challenges within the Caribbean to achieving this relevant area?

Why do you see this area as relevant to the Caribbean presently?

Many factors, but perhaps a key one is fear. The fear to invest all you have (and go broke) to see your dreams fulfilled later.

There’s an ever-evolving issue where job search is concerned, especially for the younger demographic. It is no dispute that we are nearing saturation particularly on the supply side and I believe there are many untapped solutions we can dig deeper into. We need to pay closer attention to this critical area not only to lower unemployment figures but to improve general standard of living for now and for future generations, like myself.

Who do you think needs to get on board to ensure this area is developed adequately?

What do you think can be done to enhance/develop/ market etc. this particular area?

Encourage innovative thinking and entrepreneurial development among youth. Too often graduates leave school without a creative game plan to achieve their professional goals. Instead they tend to spend a bit too much time stressing over the slow traditional job hunting path. In the midst of this, I believe talents/skills used, coupled with formal education training should automatically come into play. A few creative short-term ways that may help to develop an entrepreneurial spirit are:

I’d say the educational system and its players with some support from the private sector. At the end of the day, each graduate - regardless of age - should understand that the aim is to be employable and not merely employed.

And, to be employable one must know how to create employment.

What role do you see yourself playing in aiding the achievement of this particular area?

I have a zillion business ideas! One of which I have already started on. With a bit more groundwork, I hope I can assist and encourage other young persons to create avenues to pursue their passions and ways to sustain themselves.

Promote positive business attitudes in early childhood education e.g. make and sell a healthy snack at school.

Incorporate practical small business development components in school curricula e,g, business idea www.bajansunonline.com/MAGAZINE/ | info@bajansunonline.com | @BajanSunOnline

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

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rmstrong Manufacturing Ltd. (AML) is a Barbadian owned and operated manufacturing company that originally started production in 1970. In the 1970’s and the 1980’s AML had manufacturing contracts for Lucozade and Ribena, which were exported throughout the CARICOM region. With trade liberalisation in the 1990’s these contracts went to China and AML was left with only Claytons Kola Tonic (CKT), a brand that they purchased from Beecham in UK (the then owners) in 1993. AML continued to produce CKT and launched an early version of Kick in 1999 but without the other lines, there were not enough sales to justify maintaining the costly infrastructure for a production facility. An arrangement was made in early 2001 with West Indies Rum Distillery (WIRD) to acquire the bottling line and to contract manufacture CKT and Kick for AML. WIRD’s equipment was unsuited to producing Kick and a decision was made to discontinue production of this item in late 2001. WIRD continues to manufacture CKT under AML’s supervision. Kick was relaunched in a new format in 2007 being contract manufactured by the Barbados Bottling Company. In 2012 Kick was switched into a can and

OCT 2014

with the introduction of Banks new canning plant, it is currently produced by Banks Breweries Barbados Ltd. It is now called Claytons Kola Kick to emphasis the Kola Nut of West Africa which is at the heart of this natural energy drink. AML works closely with the bartenders and mixologists of Barbados to bring the Claytons family of products to the attention of locals and tourists alike. Most rum shops of Barbados will carry the 375ml version of Claytons as both CKT and Kola Kick are very popular as a chasers with any alcohol, and also popular as a mixer for those not drinking alcohol.

Armstrong Agencies Limited (AAL), a Barbadian Distribution Company formed in 1993 and is owned and operated by Barbadians. AAL is an importer, wholesaler, distributor and marketing company that serves Barbados and some of the Caribbean islands.

Its best known brands are Cadbury chocolates, Ritz and Oreo cookies, the Swiss range of condiments and pasta from Trinidad, Sunshine cereals also from Trinidad, Lasco products from Jamaica. AAL and B&B wholesale co-distribute Claytons Kola Kick.

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My Signature Claytons Kola Tonic Cocktail Competition

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y Signature Claytons Kola Tonic Cocktail Competition was a Facebook competition open to the general public. The concept behind the competition was to encourage the general public to be creative with Claytons Kola Tonic and to remember how versatile it can be as a refreshing addition to an everyday drink. Although Claytons Kola tonic has been around since the 1880’s, there are always new ways to mix it and new users to learn to love it. The heart of the beverage is the Kola Nut of West Afr ica, widely used in Africa for its general effect on good health and as a mild stimulant. In the Western World it is mixed with glucose as kola nut on its own is very bitter to our western palate.

Claytons Kola Tonic is used equally in 3 ways: 1. Straight over ice, 2. Mixed with favorite alcohol, or 3. Mixed with soda/juices to make a refreshing non-alcoholic beverage.

Claytons Kola Tonic has featured recently in several competitions with professional bartenders in the restaurant, bars and hotels.

However, this competition was aimed at the non -professionals who enjoy mixing and experimenting in their home. Several exciting entries were received and top Barbadian Mixologis , Jamaal Bowen , was asked to judge the entries. Blakey’s Bar and Restaurant kindly allowed the prize giving and demonstration to be hosted at this lovely location overlooking Hasting Rocks.

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BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE Their resident bartenders/mixologists Gina and Roger hosted over the event to ensure a special time was had by all who attended. Phillip Antoine (now off crutches) was on hand to add some fun and expertise to the scene as Jamaal worked with participants. Participants were allowed to mix their cocktail while receiving feedback from these highly trained professionals.

Dameain Williams, mixologist, was part of the team, offering tips on how to hold the strainer and the proper way to muddle ingredients. Also on hand were Raeann Beckles and Franklyn Parris of B.A.R.S. Inc. and several representatives from the Armstrong Agencies Ltd.

Dario Goddard with Girls Night Out took Top Prize with his delicious Claytons and gin based creation. Dario left Jamaal a little speechless (hard to believe) but the drink was so wonderfully balanced that Jamaal could add little in the way of advice so he settled for asking for another sample! Nakita Carter surprised all with her Claytons and sago pearls cocktail called, Hidden Pearls; a delightful surprise with a very interesting texture. Shakera Drakes won People’s Choice (most likes on face book page) with Claytons and Grand Marnier mixture called East Coast Breeze. Carol –Ann Carter then let the crowd sample her lovely refreshing Pirates’ Sunset Sail , combining Claytons , rum and

OCT 2014

golden apple juice in her drink. The evening ended with the professionals taking stage and coming up with their own creations for the crowd to sample. The non-alcoholic mixture of Claytons and guava juice also was a crowd favorite. Several U.K. tourists joined the gathering , enjoying their first taste of Claytons and learning that they could order it online in UK at www.thewhiskyexchange.com (note no ‘e’ in whisky) and www.shopbarbados.co.uk.

Many thanks to the entrants, the bartenders/ mixologists, BARS, Krystle Clarke for running the competition on facebook, and of course, King of the Night, Claytons Kola Tonic! www.claytonskolatonic.com

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What you need to know but do not know

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eing a truly effective leader means being in the know about everything that is going on, in and around your company. But being in the know about “everything” is impossible and would probably cause your head to explode. Yet, every day there are forces at work that could impede growth, hinder productivity, drain cash flow, degrade your brand or cause you to miss a major opportunity. By forces, I’m referring to the people side of your company where decisions are made and where thinking and behavior deviates from the company’s vision and core values.

This is where personal or collective compromise can throw a wrench in what should be your well-oiled machine.

In business, believing in the old adage, “What you don’t know can’t hurt you,” is like avoiding reality by sticking your head in the sand. If you’re having cashflow problems and you’re not paying attention to – or can’t read – your financial reports, and you don’t have a cash-flow plan/budget … then you don’t know what you need to know. If you’re having productivity issues and pushback on much needed changes, but do little to change your “I don’t like structure” leadership style … then what you don’t know – you need to know. If you’ve ever discovered a major problem and uttered the words, “How was this

happening right under my nose?” … then you don’t know what you need to know. Got it?

Since it’s impossible for any leader to know and do everything, here are some no-compromise strategies to keep you in the know more effectively than ever before: “Myopia” isn’t a Greek island: In business, the term myopia refers to that very narrow field of sight we fondly call “tunnel vision”. A leader may see what’s directly in front of him, but be oblivious to hazards and threats coming at him from the sides or behind.

So often, what leaders need to know is readily available, but they’re “too busy” or preoccupied to really see or even be aware of it. Even with the best intentions, some leaders shut themselves off from what they don’t want or care to know – or believe that others are paying attention for them.

Strategy: Schedule time to come up for air so you can pay attention to and check in on what’s going on in your company. All it takes is asking a few questions and setting aside the time to really listen to the answers. The intent is not to catch people doing something wrong – it’s to ensure that they’re doing their jobs right … and to coach them where needed.

Avoiding myopia is the best strategy to avoid problems before they occur.

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BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE Upgrade: You can stick to the business and leadership skills you have and are comfortable with, but it is unlikely that your current skill set will keep pace with the growing complexity of your company.

The problem is that a leader’s pre-ordained obsolescence creeps up almost unnoticeably until time and circumstance takes the leader to task. Yes, you have unique skills and talents that got you to this point … but that’s no guarantee that those skills can or will take you any further.

Strategy: Make a plan to upgrade your skill set at least once a year. Challenge yourself to get better.

And guess what? It will actually feel good and broaden your leadership horizons.

OK, stop avoiding it: We each have natural skills and interests that we build our careers on. But when leading a business, there are skills you need to know that are beyond your interests, abilities, and comfort zone. Nevertheless, there are specific skills that your leadership position requires you to learn and know – but not necessarily master. For example, the need to know and understand your financials and practice financial discipline is a nonnegotiable for all leaders. You can delegate the bookkeeping and accounting – but you cannot delegate the knowledge of what your financials are telling you. You may have a low tolerance for confrontation, but knowing how to navigate tough conversations that must take place is non-negotiable.

OCT 2014

Every company has ick: It’s that festering, toxic stuff that lurks in dark places with names like “resistance”, “resentment”, “attitude problems”, “egos”, “entitlement”, “laziness” and “indifference”, to name a few. No one aspires to be a leader because they want to deal with ick … but it’s part of the job.

What’s interesting and remarkably clear is that as ick accumulates over time, it does so right under the very noses of the leaders that build the company structures, layers and levels that feed the ick. Ick feeds on stagnation, lack of information flow, lack of opportunity – and lack of appreciation. The point here is that what you need to know is all around you.

Strategy: The best way to know and prevent ick is by involving all employees in the process of business growth. Contrary to popular belief, people want to be a part of something that’s worthy of their effort. People want to contribute. That’s why I believe in open companies with open leadership and cultures. That’s why I believe in transparency and open-book management. What you need to know resides in the hearts and minds of those you lead. Tap into the knowledge of your people and you will know more than you could ever imagine..

Strategy: I bet you have a couple of non-negotiable skills that you’ve been avoiding like the plague. Well, it’s time to make peace with these imaginary monsters because in this case, you know exactly what you don’t know and it’s time to do 35 about it. something www.bajansunonline.com/MAGAZINE/ | info@bajansunonline.com | @BajanSunOnline

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

A LIFE DEDICATED TO FITNESS HUGH WILLIAMS

Hugh through Aswan Fitness is dedicated to promoting “HEALTH THROUGH ADVERSITY, PERSEVERANCE AND INTEGRITY”. Even more, Hugh being an innovator focuses on providing a service and standard that is ‘bar none’. Hugh’s passion for fitness has not only secured him local clients, but has also opened doors to some international clients who he works with seasonally. As in most fields, word of mouth and referrals has its place; as such due to Hugh’s reputation as a Personal Trainer most if not all of his clients are referral based, be it private or medically.

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ersonal Trainer and Managing Director of Aswan Fitness Hugh Singh-Williams has been involved in fitness for most of his life.

Though a personal passion of his, through his business Aswan Fitness; Hugh has committed himself to the training and development of others.

Though his training methods vary according to his client’s requirements and conditions, his training focuses mainly on rehabilitation exercises. At any point, his training can involve one of more of these methods (gym, pool, track and field, using methods available from body resistance, gym equipment, rehabilitation and pool aids).

More interestingly, being so driven by his passion for fitness, Hugh identified the lack of hours in a day and days in the week to accomplish the goals he has set for himself, as his greatest challenge.

As it relates to his clients, he stated that getting his clients motivated or involved is not a challenge as he made it a point to work with those who really need, want and are prepared to commit to training, though they may lack the self -motivation and confidence. When asked: what is your diet like, Hugh stated quite candidly - “I do not diet! I eat according to what my body requires, in accordance to what I am training for.

I do not deny my body but, will do so in moderation, especially when it comes to 'rich' food groups.”

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PERSONAL TRAINING Even more, Hugh’s personal fitness regime centers on running - 5k, 10k, ½ marathons and full marathons. He usually take part in International Marathons when his schedule allows him, as his training can be somewhat intense and time/ energy consuming. Earlier this year in March, Hugh ran the Rome, Italy marathon where there were over 22,000 participants. Later this month (October 2014), Hugh will be running in the ½ marathon in Amsterdam, The Netherlands where there will be over 40,000 participants. Hugh also hopes to take part in Run Barbados later this year (December 2014) in the 1/2 marathon.

For Hugh his greatest achievements are many.

But, one that stands out for him is when a client says “I can't” and later down the line says “I did it; I can; I want to do more!” The field of Fitness Training is not a 9am to 5pm job for Hugh, rather his love and passion for his field goes beyond those hours. Hugh always says with conviction: "Not many of us know our purpose in life; or why we are here; I DO and this is it. I AM A HEALTH AND FITNESS FACILITATOR here to make a positive difference in people’s lives.”

For more on Hugh Singh-Williams visit his Facebook page under Aswan Fitness: Linked-in under Hugh Singh-Williams: E-mail: aswanfitness@gmail.com: 1-246-232-0820.

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BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

A LIFE DEDICATED TO FITNESS

HUGH WILLIAMS

www.bajansunonline.com/MAGAZINE/ | info@bajansunonline.com | @BajanSunOnline

OCT 2014

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

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he Barbados Amateur Bodybuilding and Fitness Federation's team begins its journey today to the 42nd IFBB Central American and Caribbean Amateur Bodybuilding & Fitness Championships in St. Marten.

The team comprises, Bodybuilding - Shaquille

OCT 2014

Lavine (Junior), Dorrell Coulthrust, Mike Worrell, Hoskyn Worrell, Kirtis Kirby, Stevenson Belle, Laron Gibson and Joseph Bourne. Ladies Physique - Deidre Archer.

Ladies Fitness -Tanisha Cross. Ladies Bikini Domini Alleyne, Melissa Burrowes, Natalie Webb, Lana Richards and Shakira Douglin.

Ladies Body Fitness - Ramona Morgan, Kathy -Anne Greenidge and Janelle Butcher. Men's Physique - Marlon Dottin, Jamil Jones, and Ramon Dodson.

The officials are - Chief Delegate, Richardson Boyce; Manager of the team is BABBFF President, Dr. Andrew Forde; Walter Sobers (Judge). Coaches are Carl Moore and Matthew Pilgrim.

https://www.facebook.com/BarbadosBABBFF

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

Let’s talk FITNESS with

TA MESH A LEWIS

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body fitness specialist who has been training for the past 10 years

The Bajan Sun Online Magazine Team had the opportunity to interview Tamesha who was most willing to FIT us into her schedule.

See Interview Below What are your methods of training/ exercises?

I usually use four methods when training: Training to failure: during most workouts with moderate to heavy weight the set is completed before failure is reached, muscles feeling taxed, sweating and burning has begun. A few sets and you move on to the next exercise.

This is a great way to become stronger, but taking the set to failure is even a better way. When training to failure - lifting until the body can't do a single last rep- recruits more muscle and triggers the body to release more STRENGTH- BUILDING HORMONES. In this process it’s best to be safe by using a spotter because sets to failure also increase the possibility of overtraining and injury.

Superset: Push muscle groups by coupling exercises that focuses on other body parts; for example back and chest, bi's and tri's. Also research shows that lifting in supersets can be just as effective as normal sets at building strength while adding an additional cardio component.

Circuit training: some gyms are set up to move people from machine to machine or exercise to exercise with little rest. This keeps the heart pumping and the muscles working. Work at each station for 30-45 seconds or for a certain amount of reps; keep the rest period short just enough time to walk from one station to another. Just like with supersets this method combines the benefits of strength training and a bit of cardio at the same time. It’s also easy to do a simple circuit at home too: lunges from wall to wall, jump squats on the steps or if there are no steps in the backyard or the hall way, incline pushups on the coffee table, sit ups in front of the TV and the list can go on and on.

Drop sets: This can be performed of course with any exercise and involves moving weight around. For example you did 10 squats and couldn't possibly do eleven, you rerack and take off ten pounds or so and do as many as possible with the new weight. It's much easier when using dumbbells so you can move to smaller and smaller bells, set to set. Three total drop sets is the norm, do this to infinity and beyond and you maybe way to sore the next day.

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BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

TAMESHA LEWIS www.bajansunonline.com/MAGAZINE/ | info@bajansunonline.com | @BajanSunOnline

OCT 2014

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

As a female bodybuilder, what would you say are your greatest challenges?

As a female body fitness competitor when you say challenges if you mean how others see me: I’d say people like to see when other people take their health seriously; others don't like it, they would comment on the fact that women shouldn't be that muscular. If you mean from another point of view as in what are my challenges where training or a body part is concerned, I would say for me getting my legs in shape is usually my greatest challenge.

What are your greatest achievements in terms of your physique and competitions?

My greatest achievements where my physique and competitions are concerned are improvements. The job is never completed; there is always more work to be done.

What is your diet like?

I'm not on a strict diet right now as competition is not part of my regimen at the moment. But, I try to keep it clean

and at the same time fulfilling my cravings (smiles).

How often do you work out?

Usually, I would work out four to five days a week. But, in recent times I’ve only managed to make it two days sometimes one day and if I’m lucky I’ll get there three days a week .

What competitions have entered you and what titles do you hold?

2nd at the Miss Barbados Fitness 2005

1st at the Miss Barbados Fitness, 2006 and 2008 1st at the Miss Bridgetown Fitness, 2006 and 2008 Winner of the Eastern Caribbean Body Fitness Championships in Anguilla 2006 2nd at the Central American Championships in Jamaica 2006 2nd at the Central American Championships in Bermuda 2007 Winner of the Central American Championships in the Bahamas 2008 Winner of the Darcey Beckles Invitational Fitness, 2008 and 2009 2nd at the Miss Barbados Fitness 2012

What motivated you to get into Bodybuilding & Fitness?

I started working out at Fitness Solutions at the time (previously called COB) and it seemed to be a quite popular gym. There were a lot of competitors so it was only natural for a young lady to be encouraged to do a competition. I guess, this is where it started for me. I fell in love with working out and competing even more.

What are the benefits for you?

Besides the fact that training is part of a healthy lifestyle, it also makes you look and feel better, gives you more energy, helps prevent heart diseases and even helps you live longer. Benefits of competing for me include increased confidence and higher self esteem. It personally helps me to love and take care of my body even more.

TAMESHA LEWIS www.bajansunonline.com/MAGAZINE/ | info@bajansunonline.com | @BajanSunOnline

Ultimate Muscle Protein and Its Importance U

ltimate Muscle Protein is a drink mix in powder form. It is made from the best protein sources in the world. You can mix it with cold water or milk. It can be taken prior to starting your exercise routine and afterwards as well. If you are a competitor in fitness sports or are into martial arts, bodybuilding or just want to get in shape and do some cardio exercises, then this product is right for you. This product helps increase your myofibrillar protein. This protein is what makes your muscles grow in size and also gives them extra strength. It also helps the size and shape of your muscles.

The main ingredients in Ultimate Muscle Protein are a blend of milk, calcium and whey proteins, egg whites, sunflower oil and soy fiber.

This product is made to support and enhance muscles, strength and mental performance. By using this supplement, you will see that your moods will change and you will be less prone to stress in

your life.

As with any supplement used for bodybuilding, Ultimate Muscle Protein works but you also have to be putting a lot of effort and hard work into wanting to achieve those results that you are looking for. You have to want to build up your muscles. Eating properly is also part of the secret to getting your muscles to where you want them.

Another important factor is to make sure that you are drinking enough water. Keeping your body hydrated is one of the most important things that you need to make sure you are doing. Drinking water will help you stay focused. If you are not drinking enough water, it could cause you to feel lightheaded and sluggish. If you are feeling sluggish even after taking a supplement than try drinking more water and see if that helps you.

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Tastes great, mixes well and no bloated feeling. By far my favorite protein powder." "

Beverly International:

UMP

Super Premium Protein Powder for Building Muscle* Supports Both the Building of Muscle and Trimming of Body Fat*

Barbados contact 1 246 8303893

Supported Goal: Build Muscle Main Ingredient: Whey Protein Isolate

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BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

Workout Tips For The Beginner G

etting off the couch and into the gym can be an intimidating process, especially when everyone seems to know a lot more than you do.

To be successful in your fitness goals, it's important to start on the right track. Far too many beginners get started on the wrong foot, develop bad habits, and then struggle to achieve their goals of building muscle and burning fat.

I don't want you to struggle with more challenges than you already have to—many are avoidable! If you can make your first steps positive ones, you'll make excellent progress right away and avoid feeling lost at the start of your fitness journey.

Take the first step with these 10 must-read beginner training tips. Apply them to your burgeoning health and fitness regimen for early success!

1 Make Fitness a Habit Going to the gym once is definitely a great start, but you won't see positive changes in your mind and body unless you make hitting the gym a habit. I know it might sound like an impossible task, especially if you feel you have a full day already, but working out 3-4 times each week for at least three weeks is absolutely essential to your budding success.

Building lifelong habits takes time, but once you've built those habits into your daily schedule you'll notice that missing them is irritating.

"Experts say it takes 21 days to create (or break) a habit," says Barbara Bolotte, BPI athlete. "This means it won't be until after 21 days of consistent work at the gym that it'll bother you to miss a workout."

When skipping the gym is more of an annoyance than a relief, you know you're on the way to success.

Give yourself time to make the habit stick. One week is not enough. Be consistent in your plan and you'll move forward very quickly toward your goals.

2 Control Your Lifts

Beginners often learn by watching. That's not necessarily a bad thing, but if you copy somebody doing a lift improperly, it means you're not doing it right, either. Most often, bad form comes from trying to lift too much weight too soon. When that happens, most people turn to momentum rather than muscle contraction to move the weight.

"Your efforts need to be focused and controlled," says Orlando Blennman owner of Sundown Gym. "The key is to isolate muscle groups and strategically work them through various exercises, angles, and techniques." The better you can actually contract each muscle group correctly during a lift, the more your muscles will grow.

More weight can wait. In the grand scheme of things, how much you can biceps curl matters very little. What's important is learning how to squeeze your muscles to move the weight rather than using your hips to thrust the weight up.

For a step-by-step guide on how to perform each lift correctly, ask Orlando to show you the movement.

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BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

PHOTO BY: CLYDE BARNETT www.bajansunonline.com/MAGAZINE/ | info@bajansunonline.com | @BajanSunOnline

PHOTO BY: CLYDE BARNETT

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

Workout Tips For The Beginner 3 Do Compound Movements Beginners interested in fitness can be easily distracted by complex training techniques found in magazines and online articles. If you've never stepped foot in a gym or haven't been in one for a long time, going right to isolation moves that work just one muscle group at a time won't bring you the best results.

"The key is to isolate muscle groups and strategically work them through various exercises, angles, and techniques."

To get the best results for muscle growth and fat loss, it's best to start with compound lifts like the squat, bench press, shoulder press, bent-over row, deadlift, pull-up, and lunge. These lifts require you to use multiple muscle groups at the same time. Doing them will allow you to lift more weight, hit more muscles, and increase your metabolic rate much better than you could doing dropsets of isolation movements like triceps extensions.

To start, select lifts that require you to use at least half your body to do them. You can add isolation work as you get going, but start with the moves that will give you the most bang for your buck.

4 Posture Perfect How your spine is set during your lifts can have a huge impact on your body and the amount of weight you're able to lift. Unless you're a pro powerlifter or are being coached in a specific way, it's best to keep your lower back slightly arched, your chest up, and your head and neck in a neutral position, no matter which lift you're doing.

Orlando says that a pronounced arch in the back during lifts can be dangerous.

"I see people arching their back in the shoulder press, bench press, and biceps curls. This may help you get through the exercise, but it's not efficiently working your muscles, and it'll ultimately lead to the biggest enemy of gains: an injury."

A healthy spine usually stems from a strong core. If your core is weak, then your spine doesn't have any support. When you're lifting—even during movements as simple as a biceps curl—engage your core.

You might feel like you're just flexing your abs, but you're also engaging those deep, inner core muscles that protect your spine.

5 Diet Like You Mean It Just because you hit the gym doesn't mean you get to spend the day eating pizza and doughnuts. What you do in your workout is just a small piece of the fitness puzzle. What you do with the other 23 hours you're not in the gym is much more important. "A clean diet is key for both your mental and physical well-being," says Bolotte. "Get your diet straight first before worrying about anything else."

The word "diet" can be a little scary, but I'm not telling you to have celery and water for every meal. Nutrition doesn't have to be difficult. To start, get rid of all the processed crap in your diet and eat protein and vegetables at every meal.

You can still enjoy good food, but make smarter choices. Instead of having pizza one night, try making chicken with quinoa and green beans. You can still make food that tastes good—it just takes a little more thought and preparation.

"Even if you're too busy to make it to the gym, eat healthy meals and you'll still see results," adds Bolotte

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BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

Workout Tips For The Beginner 6 Squeeze Going to the gym and getting through a workout is a huge part of building your best self. However, it's just as important to make sure you get the most out of your workouts. An often-missed principle of lifting is a strong contraction—or squeeze—at the top of every movement. "This isometric element makes a big difference," explains Orlando.

Whether you're doing biceps curls, triceps pressdowns, glute bridges, or leg extensions, squeezing as hard as you can at the top of the lift will help you build muscle. You don't need to squeeze for more than a second or two, but challenging those muscle groups to work that much harder will pay big dividends.

7 Learn From Your Mistakes Nobody started out as an expert. You're just beginning, so remember that you are going to make mistakes. That's the way it is with all things. The trick is to pay attention to these mistakes and learn from them.

Think about your body and how it responds to your lifts, your diet, and even your attitude. No two people are entirely alike. The better you understand yourself, the more you can tailor your workout program to your own needs. This means better results in your future.

A great way to keep track of what you do in the gym and the kitchen—and how your body responds—is to keep a journal or blog .

That way, you can look back and figure out what made you feel great, what made you feel sore, and what made you feel like you wanted to quit. Use this information to get better!

8 Finish Every Rep

Many beginners focus too much on the first part of the lift (the concentric or lifting portion) and forget all

about the lowering (eccentric) part. I know it's fun to watch your muscles flex, but letting the weight drop quickly and without control can be disastrous.

"During the eccentric phase of any lift, the muscle is acting like a brake, slowing the weight down against gravity," explains Orlando. "This is just as important as the contraction, or concentric phase, because your muscle is still engaged." You want your muscles to be strong all the way through their entire range of motion, not just the first half of the lift.

Orlando says that if you cannot control the weight during the lowering phase, you're probably lifting too much weight. Lighten the load until you can control it on the way down again.

9 Ask Questions "The gym can often be an intimidating place for any beginner," says Barbara. "Don't be afraid to ask someone about how to do an exercise or what muscle group it works."

As a beginner, you'll likely have questions. There's nothing wrong with that! The worst thing you can do is keep yourself ignorant. Failing to ask questions can lead you to develop bad habits, lift improperly, and find yourself working hard without seeing results. If you're too shy to speak up, consider booking a session with a trainer. It's their job to answer your questions.

"The gym can often be an intimidating place for any beginner," says Barbara. "Don't be afraid to ask someone about how to do an exercise or what muscle group it works. There are usually trainers and coaches who can assist you with machines and equipment.

Knowing how to use the equipment correctly can go a long way toward increasing your confidence in the gym. Being confident will make you more likely to come back."

If you have questions about fitness, ask us

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PHOTO BY: CLYDE BARNETT

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

Workout Tips For The Beginner 10 Think About Your Muscles I know this might sound silly, but it's important to actually focus your mind on the muscle you're training. "Learn to really feel your muscles," advises Orlando. "You can practice without even picking up a weight.

While you're at home, flex your arm and feel your biceps contracting."

Being able to focus your mind on what your muscles are doing is often called the "mindmuscle connection." Consciously telling your muscles to move in a certain way will help you visualize and develop the target muscle group.

The mind-muscle connection is the way to maximize a workout, according to Orlando.

"You aren't just there to count reps. You're there to really feel the muscle through each and every segment of the movement pattern."

PHOTO BY: CLYDE BARNETT

1-246-237-1105

RATES

OPENING HOURS

Membership

$55.00

Mon - Fri

4am - 9pm

Monthly

$80.00

Sat

4am - 3pm

Weekly

$25.00

Sun

4am - 1pm

Daily (walk -ins)

$10.00

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BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

Physique Pro Fitness

by Jerome "The Trainer" Greenidge

P

hysique Pro Fitness Consultancy (PPFC) is a per sonal training business which was established in the year 1999 and caters to everyone from the professional person to the average housewife. Since the demand for this type of business is high Trainer - Jerome Greenidge sought to differentiate himself from all the other trainers plying their trade. As such, Jerome committed himself to studying the most popular training concepts and testing them on his clients to determine which ones worked most effectively.

After a couple years of combining concepts and experimenting, Jerome created his own training style which can be modified to fit any body type. Most of his clients see him on average two or three times a week at their home or office, as his business goes where ever the client is interested in being trained. Needless to say, most of Jerome’s clients train at home. Given his passion to share knowledge, Jerome educates his clients on not only proper nutrition but how to train on their own with minimum equipment, which is always a hit as his clients wouldn't have to further expense themselves.

Over the years Jerome have found that consistency is the main reason people stop training. In response to this, Jerome has devised a strategy which works and works well. The workouts in this strategy take no longer than 5 to 8 minutes, with minimum equipment requirement. What is more is that, the results from this method have been nothing short of outstanding and Jerome’s clients love it.

Short intense workouts work great especially when combined with adequate nutrition. More importantly, this method has been such a hit that his clients have encouraged him to do a fitness app which is called the ‘8 Min Burn’, carded to be released August 2014.

All in all Jerome ensures that his clients are happy and see results quickly. In his words “it doesn't matter if my clients are vacationing in France or staying in a beach house on the east coast. If they or the general population want a workout or tips on everything from how to acquire muscle, lose weight or get stronger, they can do so by visiting this facebook link: http://www.facebook.com/ provenphysique.”

Jerome is looking forward to hearing from you soon so that he can help you achieve your best ‘bod’ ever!

The service Jerome and by extension PPCF offers covers everything from when to train, target setting and constant assessments to see what works and what is not working.

Bajan Sun Magazine

JULY 2014

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

HOW

TO

OCT 2014

MANIPULATE

CARBS

&

PROTEIN TO GET MAX RESULTS

by Jerome Greenidge cause you to put on weight. It is virtually impossible for you to lose weight with insulin in your bloodstream.

IMPOSSIBLE..So if you are doing nothing on Sunday regarding moving your muscles in a vigorous way then you can see why you are so sleepy after that massive Sundaylunch which is mostly carb based.

W

hen I look at the diet plans online I can see why so many people are confused and most of the time does not understand the hard work and discipline required to transform the human body. You simply cannot lose weight and consistently keep it off using what you simply see online or what someone might tell you in the gym.

Anyone can lose weight just by eating lettuce and chicken breast for 6 weeks but a lot of the body weight lost unfortunately is muscle which is the shortcut to weight loss in my opinion. When you deprive your body of food you will get smaller, tired, depressed, fragile looking as you appear flabby and in some cases you might look ill. In this article I will attempt to clarify a few things regarding carbs and protein and how simple it is if you have the right mindset to lose weight and keep it off.

There are two techniques I use on my clients with great success and one of them is carb timing. Let me explain, carb timing is basically using carbs based on your activity levels. For example, if you are on the quest to lose weight and you know that today you are going to stay home and relax all day then that is the day you watch the kind of carbs you consume. You will try to stick close to foods such as vegetables and protein sources such as chicken, beef, lean cuts of pork and lamb etc. When you eat like this when you are more dormant you simply wouldn't be causing your insulin to spike and cause more fat gain. One motto I try to instill in my clients is that fat loss is basically your ability to manipulate insulin which is one hormone which can

Now If you are more active then foods like yams, sweet potatoes, eddoe and even with moderation a slice of cake or food that you like could be eaten on a day where you are more active. Active meaning, doing intense exercises and really pushing yourself. There are lots of ways that you can do this in the comfort of your own home and in a few weeks you will see my app launched on my facebook page provenphysique. The other technique I am also using is the fasting concept which is causing quite a stir as results of 7 to sometimes 14 lbs in one week have been experienced. This strategy is basically based on fasting for around 12 to 14 hours a day but during that time you supplement with either amino acids or low sugar protein powder which I sell to ensure max results. When you fast like this every other day and do intense cardio based workouts you are using more fat than carbs as most of the carbs would have been used up for bodily functions so the access to fat stores is much easier. The other days are carb loading days and these days you train intensely with weights. The reason for the carb loading on that day is so that you can give your muscles just enough carbs to recover from your hard weight workouts. There is a lot more detail to this program but you can either got to the page and like it so that you will automatically get the post or you can send me an email at jeromegreenidge@hotmail.com for more info. I really do hope that you see now that there are clear cut ways to shed fat. I have other techniques which also work but didn't want to confuse you in this article. The key is to train intensely and it doesn't have to be an hour, simply 10 min would suffice in most cases, eat with a better understanding of how carbs and insulin work as it responds to certain foods, portion size and access to educational material such as my page provenphysique. The likes have skyrocketed and that encourages me to continue to post more up to date info so you can have a better looking, healthier body.

Facebook : provenphysique Email : jeromegreenidge@hotmail.com

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BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

Disability and Sports

T

he term "disability" summarizes a great number of different functional limitations, be it physical, intellectual or sensory impairment, medical conditions or mental illness. Such conditions or illnesses may be permanent or transitory in naJudy Beckles ture. “Disability” includes any restriction or lack of ability to perform an activity in the manner or within the range considered normal for a human being.

Acquiring a disability or impairment is often thought of as a random misfortune. Many persons believe that since they were not born disabled, they could never become disabled.

The reality is however that every time we step out onto the streets, go to work, shop in the mall, or engage in other day to day practices, there is the possibility of becoming disabled.

This reality also sets the tone for persons with disabilities, engaging in activities at which the ‘normal’ person participates, e.g. sports, which boost their social life as well as their confidence. Opportunities are afforded via Sporting Organisations such as Special Olympics or the Paralympics.

By Judy Beckles

Special Olympics believes deeply in the power of sports to help all who participate to fulfill their potential and does not exclude any athlete based upon qualifying scores, but rather divides the athletes based on those scores for fair competition against others of like ability. For Special Olympics athletes’ excellence is personal achievement, a reflection of reaching one's maximum potential - a goal to which everyone can aspire.

Paralympics welcomes athletes from six main disability categories: amputee, cerebral palsy, intellectual disability, visually impaired, spinal injuries and Les Autres (French for "the others", a category that includes conditions that do not fall into the categories mentioned before). To participate in the Paralympic Games, athletes have to fulfill certain criteria and meet certain qualifying standards in order to be eligible.

These criteria and standards are sports-specific and are determined by the IPC Sports Chairpersons, the Sports Technical Delegates and the relevant International sports organizations. The Paralympics are about elite performance sport, where athletes go through a stringent qualification process so that the best, or highest qualified based on performance, can compete at the Games.

Special Olympics welcomes all athletes with intellectual disabilities, (ages 8 and older) of all ability levels, to train and compete in 30 Olympic-type sports. To be eligible to participate in Special Olympics, athletes must have an intellectual disability; a cognitive delay, or a development disability, that is, functional limitations in both general learning and adaptive skills.

(They may also have a physical disability.)

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BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

The Special Olympics Football Tournament Kicks Off Friday, October 3 The excitement of seven-a-side football comes to

bolster the confidence of the local athletes. The

the Police Sports Club Grounds in Weymouth next

Special

Friday in the Special Olympics Barbados National

Football Tournament, as all other Special Olympics

Games Football Tournament. The Learning Centre

sports events, is free of charge.

Olympics

Barbados

National

Games

and the All Saints Primary Special Unit will be out to defend their 2013 senior and junior titles, but it

Special Olympics Barbados athletes are currently

won’t be an easy task. Last year, teams from the

training for the 2015 World Games. Local athletes

Alma Parris Memorial Secondary School, the Ann

are scheduled to compete in football, aquatics, track

Hill School and the Challenor Creative Arts

and field, bocce and golf. All of Barbados can

Training Centre presented strong competition for

become a part of that effort. Digicel, in its

the Senior Division Championship, while young

continuing support of Special Olympics, has

athletes from the Alma Parris Memorial School, the

established the “Digicel Road to the World Games

Erdiston Special School, the Eagle Hall Primary

Fund” to help make their dreams come true.

Annex and the St. Matthews Primary Annex put

Collection tins have been place in Digicel locations

forth a spirited battle for the Junior Division

and

Championship. There will be more of the same this

nationwide. Direct donations can also be made to

year.

the Digicel Road to the World Games Fund at

many

other

participating

businesses

CIBC First Caribbean International Bank, account The 2014 Special Olympics Barbados National

number 1001111009.

Games Football Tournament promises another great day of sport, with an added feature. Some of the intellectually challenged athletes who will be in action will also travel to Los Angeles, California next year for the 2015 Special Olympics World

Event: Special Olympics Barbados National Games Football Tournament Venue: Police Sports Club Grounds, Weymouth

Summer Games, where Barbados athletes will

Time and date: Friday, October 3, 2014; 9:00 am

compete against teams from more than 170

– 4:00 pm

countries.

Admission: Free

The public is invited to come out, cheer and help www.bajansunonline.com/MAGAZINE/ | info@bajansunonline.com | @BajanSunOnline

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

Special Olympics athlete Ancil Powlett evades defenders with some nifty footwork.

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BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

Beauty Intricacies

By Deborah Ramdin

The Makeover…

Winning smile!

M

any people have their preferences with makeup, not all prefer to do full coverage makeup, some people prefer thin brows rather than thick brows or we all have that favorite lip colour or eye shadow. Meet Ms. Heather Ramdin, She has been my inspiration for pursuing makeup. At 46 she is very committed to her makeup routine. She prefers thin Brown brows, black eyeliner on the water line, bright coloured shadow and lip colour and does not wear foundation or powder and according to her “she likes what she likes”. She was the inspiration for this series of columns of before and after’s.

The makeover transformed her into a bohemian goddess. I darkened her grays and pulled the hair higher and back off at the sides adding length to her round face structure. I did a light foundation and powder to even out her complexion, and added contours along her cheeks, chin and nose bridge. I used a lighter foundation under the eyes to reduce the puffy look and to eliminate the darkness under the eyes. I darkened the brows with a black brow pencil, made them a little fuller and arched a little higher. An arched brow can lift the eyes and make them look a little more youthful and it also adds some dimension and character to the face. Next I gave her blended eye shadow, keeping her orange and green but adding a nice brown to contour her eyes and a highlight underneath the brows. Finally, I lined the lips and toned it down to make it a little classier and added a little blush. I also gave her lashes to add a little more drama to her eyes.

Beauty is...

For her beauty is a neat appearance and a glowing personality, “attitude is everything”. She went into detail that men should have low haircuts and cleanly shaven, while women a nice hair-do and neat nails. To her these things bring out the beauty in a person. She believes her favorite asset to be her smile.

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BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

Up Close and Personal with Entrepreneur Deborah Ramdin

I

am Deborah Ramdin, a self taught, free lance Makeup Artist Entrepreneur. I have been working in the industry well into three years; kicking off my career during the crop over season of 2011. I offer a wide range of makeup services in: bridal, film, fashion, editorial, special effects, and face painting. I also conduct classes on behalf of Get Glamorous and I offer my own personal course called Full Coverage Make Up.

My greatest challenge as an entrepreneur is staying competitive in the ever expanding industry. At the moment there are a lot of persons claiming the title but are not up to industry standards, who manage to get jobs that you would think the more seasoned artist would be getting. But because of pricing differences and the ease of accessibility to industry secrets everyone can be a "makeup artist" in Barbados.

Therefore, this decreases the demand for services which in turn leads to problems with consistency in income. Hence, like most other artists I have a steady job otherwise.

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BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

Up Close and Personal with Entrepreneur Deborah Ramdin continued helps me in a sense to increase my clientele. I have also started assisting a makeup company Barbados Beauty with the sale of their products which also helps fill in the gaps. My plan is to hit advertising aggressively and instead of operating only in the local market to expand my services regionally and even further internationally.

The service is mobile; as such, I move around to my clients. For more information please contact me at the following: Telephone (246) 834-7779, Email address: debramdin@gmail.com or Facebook page: www.fb.com/deborahramdinmua.

My greatest achievement I would say would be my reputation thus far. I have been able to establish and maintain a good reputation; as such, it has helped to increase my business even in my off season.

Additionally, I was able to form and maintain important relationships which have helped me to keep up with, if not, surpass much of the competition. I would also say that being a Makeup artist on an international set for Britain and Ireland's next top model was one of my glory moments as well. It was a great experience and an opportunity to see my work on an international stage.

How have you dealt with your business challenges or how do you propose to deal with those challenges?

I face the obstacles head on by diversifying my marketing strategies for my list of services. I've started offering make up parties where people can come, learn a bit, and play a bit which consequently

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

Distributed by:

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BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

SKIN GURU SCALP PSORIASIS

By Dr. Andrew Forde

S

calp psoriasis is one of the causes of severe dandruff. It is a common condition, which occurs by itself or with other forms of psoriasis. Individuals with this condition build up surface skin cells faster than normal and this results in intermittent scaly itchy areas on the body.

The back of the head is the most common site but multiple discrete areas can be involved or the entire scalp. In severe cases the hairline can also be involved.

Affected areas are characterised by thick silvery or white scaling, which can bleed when picked off. Temporary hair loss can occur due to rubbing and scratching.

used. Scalp applications containing corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues and dithranol are helpful.

Other treatments include light or phototherapy and oral treatments like methotrexate and biologic agents. Your Dermatologist can effectively control this condition.

It is best to physically soften areas with oil soaks or keratolytics (salicylic acid, urea, phenol and lactic acid) followed by gentle messaging, combing or brushing of the scalp. Medicated shampoos containing coal tar, salicylic acid, and antifungals followed by conditioners should then be www.bajansunonline.com/MAGAZINE/ | info@bajansunonline.com | @BajanSunOnline

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

Photography: Acesion Photography Swimwear: by Daresque www.bajansunonline.com/MAGAZINE/ | info@bajansunonline.com | @BajanSunOnline

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

L

atoya Daniel, once a popular Promotional

Model, now Entrepreneur has launched her own line of ladies swimwear line called Daresque, which has taken Barbados by a storm.

Latoya launched her first collection

of

designer

swimwear in April 2014 As a former s model she was perfectly placed to hone and refine a timeless range of designer swimwear and beachwear

styles

that

made women look and feel

their best.

The

destination

gorgeous

for

her

designer

swimwear including bikinis and

one piece swimsuits

are for those who dare to risque Her

swimwear

found

on

can

be

Daresque’s

facebook page and soon on her website.

Contact

Email:

daresque@gmail.com

www.bajansunonline.com/MAGAZINE/ | info@bajansunonline.com | @BajanSunOnline

OCT 2014

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

BCSI and Digicel Launch Industry Genius Contest

B

y the end of November one local aspiring app developer will be well on their way to producing a mobile application that could change the way a company, set of companies or an industry conducts their day to day business, thanks to the launch of Barbados’ first app development contest.

Entitled “Industry Genius”, the contest is being run by the Barbados Coalition of Services Industries, in partnership with Digicel, inviting practicing and aspiring app developers to showcase their creativity and business acumen in the development of mobile

applications to meet the specific need or needs of a Barbadian business or sector.

The contest will take the form of an initial invitation asking interested persons to submit their application, which will be screened to determine suitable applicants. Following this a session will be conducted where the successful candidates will interact with companies who have come on board in support of the contest.

During this session, the former will have the chance to assess the needs of the companies and subsequently design a mobile application to address a problem, enhance an area or assist in the growth of the business.

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These concepts will be judged and voted upon by an expert panel to determine the finalists who will go forward to produce their concepts, which would then be subject to a final evaluation before the selection of a winner in November of this year. The winning team will win a trip to Germany at CeBit, one of the most prestigious ICT tradeshows in the world.

Lisa Cummins, Executive Director of the BCSI stated that The “App economy� can no longer be seen as a passing fad. It now plays a central role in generating value in the post PC era and has grown into a $20US billion dollar industry within the past five years and created almost 500,000 jobs in the US alone. At BCSI we have been heavily invested in the past year in creating new industries in non traditional areas where we are seeing growth globally and upgrading our skills pool. What we are seeing trending in the US and other markets suggests that

there is potential for Barbados to utilize the growing pool of computer and technology oriented technicians and pair them with industry partners to create a tremendous opportunity for innovation and economic growth. We are aiming to create a vibrant mobile app industry and in so doing create that overall economic eco system that supports industry development, entrepreneurial growth, employment generation and foreign exchange generation as we integrate further into the global value chain.

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Director of Corporate Affairs with Digicel (Barbados) Limited, Alex Tasker, spoke to the importance of such a contest to Barbados’ continued commercial development: “As a telecommunications company which is fully engaged with its customers we are completely aware of their desire, particularly that of our business customers, to utilize technology to enhance the efficiency of their operations, as well as their commercial activity. We are also fully aware that there are a great number of savvy and technologically minded persons here in Barbados eager to showcase their skills, all while contributing to the growth of the local economy.”

“Digicel saw this partnership with the BCSI as a perfect opportunity to jumpstart the interaction between these two groups, with a view to propelling the country further into the new age where mobile accessibility is now more than just a concept, but a reality which businesses need to face”, Tasker added.

The Industry Genius is one of the major events being held during National Services Week in November 814th and the BCSI is pleased to partner with Digicel on what it believes is a unique platform for the creation of an integrated mobile app industry that has both local demand and export potential from its inception.

ABOUT THE BCSI The Barbados Coalition of Services Industries is the leading business support organization in Barbados which is dedicated to the development of service sector development and an enabling policy environment for the Barbados service sector through domestic

OCT 2014

development initiatives, sectoral development programs, trade negotiations support, lobbying and advocacy and education. The BCSI is a membership organization and serves as the umbrella body for 50 professionals associations, which aggregates, to approximately 5000 service providers.

Our vision is to develop, diversify and foster the international competitiveness of Barbados service sector and it service providers by promoting service sector development, enhancing competitiveness, identifying and nurturing new service sectors Visit www.bcsi.org.bb for more information.

ABOUT DIGICEL GROUP Digicel Group Limited is a leading global telecommunications provider with operations in 31 markets in the Caribbean, Central America and Asia Pacific. After almost 13 years of operation, total investment to date stands at over US$4.5 billion worldwide. The company is renowned for delivering best value, best service and best network. Digicel runs a host of community-based initiatives across its markets and has set up Digicel Foundations in Jamaica, Haiti, Papua New Guinea and Trinidad and Tobago which focus on educational, cultural and social development programmes. Digicel is the lead sponsor of Caribbean, Central American and Pacific sports teams and individuals including the world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt and Special Olympics teams throughout these regions. Digicel also sponsors the West Indies cricket team.

Visit www.digicelgroup.com for more information.

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SEPT 2014

OCTOBER 2014

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OCT 2014

Nerd Tech For PC Support W

e offer a wide range of Computers: Laptop, Notebook & Desktop Repair/ Upgrades & Virus removal Services in Barbados.

The best choice for on-site Computer repair, PC service, and Virus removal. Our experienced technicians are available 7 days a week to resolve issues as complex as setting up a business network, or as simple as helping you get the most out of your PC or laptop, all within 24 hours of scheduling your appointment.

Nerd Tech is a computer service company in Barbados.

Whether you're looking for help fixing your PC, Virus removal or computer upgrades Nerd Tech can help.

We are specialist in providing on site computer repair services and network support for all sized business, on site computer and network services that are convenient and reliable, Why hassle with disassembling your PC from your home and bring it to a repair shop every time when it has the problems ? When virus and spyware issues surface or other computer headaches arise. Let Nerd Tech come to you.

Computer Repair From email trouble to complete system restoration, Friendly Computers is your one-stop shop for computer repair. Why wait weeks or longer for your computer to get fixed? Friendly Computers offers same-day, on-site computer repair for any computer need!

Computer Upgrades Want to upgrade to Windows 7? Running out of hard drive space? Need a better video card to play that new video game? Friendly Computers is your source for quality, name brand computer parts. Our Friendly representatives can help you choose the parts you need to get your computer up to speed.

Data Recovery At Friendly Computers, we know how important your data is to you. Whether you’ve mistakenly deleted an important

document, or your hard drive has failed, our skilled technicians can assist you in getting your data back. From hard drives to flash drives, Friendly Computers can recover data from almost any media. Multiple recovery options are available, ranging from software utilities for corrupted operating systems and virus/spyware attacks, to clean-room recovery for mechanical failures. Friendly Computers can help you determine which recovery option is right for your situation.

Virus & Spyware Removal Has your computer been plagued with viruses or spyware?

Are you getting pop-ups while surfing the net? Does your internet browser take you to web pages you don’t know?

Friendly Computers can help. Using the most up-to-date antivirus and anti-spyware utilities, our technicians can scan your system, identify the problems, and remove them from your computer. We can also help you choose the best protection for your system based on your individual needs, and offer suggestions to minimize the risks while online.

From home users to business networks, Friendly Computers can help keep your systems secure.

Networking Friendly Computers is your network specialist. Whether you have 2 computers or 200, Friendly Computers has a network solution for you. Wired or wireless, our technicians can help you choose the right equipment for your needs, then develop a strategic implementation plan to minimize costly down time.

Tel: Email: pcmaintenence@gmail.com

1-246-830-3893

Follow us on Twitter: @NerdTechBim Like us on Face Book: www.facebook.com/NerdTechBim

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pcmaintenence@gmail.com

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OCT 2014

PASSWORDS

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ith the electronic world requiring so many passwords, many users repeatedly use the same password and username. Scammers understand this and send out official-looking messages requesting a reply and asking for usernames, passwords, location, and date of birth.

With this information they could easily hijack bank accounts, email, and social media accounts. Beware of any unsolicited email or text and rather than hit reply, locate the official contact information and ask the company directly if you have any questions. Companies don't ask for passwords to your accounts.

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OCT 2014

How do you think Technology will change the Global Economy Next?

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ncouraging matured generation to be efficient and motivating young generation for a bright future. Yet, there are some limitations to be covered. To make sure new invention of technology is on the right track, utilization of current tech, and it's implications are on a good way, what should be addressed and covered? Suggestions are required both for short term and long term.

created a number of challenges for companies and governments. Companies are grappling with the speed of change, new competitors, changing business models, and data security, particularly after the recent high-profile security breach of Apple’s iCloud service. Governments, too, have been slow to embrace change because of concerns about privacy.

The Digital Advantage

The panelists were unanimous that rapid technological development will continue, and businesses need to embrace the trend. “If a company doesn’t embrace digitization, it is finished,” said Austin Okere, Chief Executive Officer, Computer Warehouse Group Plc, Nigeria.

The rise of Uber, for example, threatened the traditional taxi business almost overnight, and the same is playing out in multiple industries around the world.

How is technological readiness reshaping global competitiveness?

Dimensions to be addressed: - Impact of supply chain digitization - Role of STEM education and skills - Drivers of business sophistication The Issue The rapid advancement of digital technology is touching every business in every sector, lowering barriers to competition, upending traditional business models, and changing consumers’ expectations. How can companies – and governments – embrace these changes and stay competitive while ensuring data security?

Synopsis The rapid progress in digital technologies has

Disruption is taking many forms, from individuals who are learning new skills to companies leveraging the benefits brought by the internet. For instance, the availability of high-powered, enterprise-grade cloud computing for small businesses is one driver of disruption. Because of the subscription model, small companies are able to erase the inherent advantages traditionally enjoyed by larger enterprises. The ubiquitousness of mobile phones and applications has also prompted many people – some as young as 13 – to learn how to code, develop apps and distribute them globally via online app stores.

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The speed at which these changes are happening is forcing traditional companies to rethink their cultures and workflows. Rich Lesser, Global Chief Executive Officer and President of the Boston Consulting Group, says the key to resilience will be adaptability.

He said companies need to be sensitive to their competitive environments, respond quickly to change, and have a culture of constant learning. Otherwise,

OCT 2014

they could be threatened by “two kids creating something,” said Maurice Lévy, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Publicist Groupe. “The beauty in this world is that everyone can change it. It’s not something the old established companies will change, it is the youngsters who will come up with new ideas and be disruptive,” he added.

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

TECHNOLOGY Governments, too, need to adapt. While they have traditionally focused on protecting citizens from malicious digital attacks, Lesser argued there are also tremendous opportunities for governments to empower their citizens. He mentioned one example in Saudi Arabia, where the government utilized the internet to launch an unemployment programme for its citizens in only nine months.

Normally, he said, this would take three to four years. He urged governments to follow Saudi Arabia’s lead and “get away from the western model of paper shuffling”.

Changing education to adapt to the digital revolution is also important. Lesser said we have lived in a world for decades where an employee’s knowledge was the source of his or her value in the workplace, but that knowledge is becoming less and less important. “Now, everybody has data,” he said. “Now it’s how can you create insight? These are foundational skills, but our educational systems aren’t geared that way.” He argues for advanced problem solving in the classroom, as well as more work in teams.

The rise in digitized data is also prompting concerns over data security among CEOs and individuals. Mitchell Baker, the Executive Chairwoman of the Mozilla Foundation, said we are all aware of best practices to keep ourselves safe in the physical world, but we are still finding our way in the digital one. She said the process of learning about personal digital security is under way now. Companies, however, need to guard themselves against substantial hacking or cyber attacks.

Lesser said the consumer attitude toward data collection and usage is still evolving, noting consumers tend to react negatively to questions about data collection but positively towards better and more customized services.

OCT 2014

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

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OCT 2014

Bajan Web Design

ajan Web Design Specializes in quality web design, web programming, flash design, Wordpress customization, SEO services and many more at a competitive rate.

Here at Bajan Web Designs we are all about making your life as easy as possible. We don’t like how other agencies will baffle you with technical jargon to make them sound worth more than they are. This is why we have a new way of doing things. You the client get a specialist design and development team, working on your website for a simple clear cut price.

Every website will be custom designed, developed and tested to the highest standards – except we won’t

change our quote every other day. We have packages set up already so that you can decide what you want and how much you want to pay for it.

Some of the goals that can be achieved by launching a website include the following:

with businesses such as event co-coordinators, electronic equipment rental companies, etc.

1. Far Cheaper and Much More Flexible Than Print Advertising

4. 24 7 365No more turning customers away when its time to close shop, putting up a note saying closed for public holiday , or leaving an irritating message on your answering service specifying your trading hours tell them to visit your website for information they are looking for.

The Internet is extremely different from print advertising in that space is cheap, your advertisement is accessible for a longer period of time, the content can be changed without having to ask someone to do it for you (if you use a content management system) and you can potentially reach a wider audience.

This is not to say that you should not use other forms of advertising at all You can use it to entice people to visit your website and find out about your company and potentially open two-way communication between the potential customer and a sales person.

2. Market ExpansionThe Inter net has allowed businesses to break through the geographical barriers and become accessible, virtually, from any country in the world by a potential customer that has Internet access.

3. Diversify Revenue Streams A website is not just a medium for representation of your company, it is a form of media from which everybody can acquire information. You can use this media to sell advertising space to other businesses.

A recent trend has risen where businesses feature their very own directory of complimentary services, where the visitor can search for information on a business that will enhance the use of your service. The business sells complimentary businesses a listing in their directory.

5. Offer Convenience It is far more convenient for a person to research a product on the Internet than it is to get in a car, drive somewhere and look for or ask someone for information on a product. Also, a potential customer won t have to judge a call centre agent to determine whether he/she has their best interests in mind, or just wants to make a sale.

The potential customer can visit your website whenever they like in their own privacy and comfort, without the stresses and distractions that exist in the real world .Your website is a self-service medium for example, instead of having to wait in a long cue to pay your TV License, you can now do it electronically through the TV License website.

6. Add Value and Satisfaction By offering convenience, a point of reference and that touch of individualized customer service, you ultimately add value to your offering and your customers experience a higher level of satisfaction.

Your website can add value in other ways too, by featuring tips, advice and general interest content you can entertain your customers. This will also help them remember you better.

A good example is a catering company featuring a directory www.bajansunonline.com/MAGAZINE/ | info@bajansunonline.com | @BajanSunOnline

7. Standardize Sales Performance

11. Two-Way Communicative Marketing

By looking at which approached / pitches have worked in the past and those which have not, you can produce the ultimate pitch and use it with your website, so that you use it on every customer. No more training of sales people and waiting for them to get a feel for your line of trade.

Customers can quickly and easily give feedback on your product and/or marketing approach.

8. Improve credibility A website gives you the opportunity to tell potential customers what you are about and why you deserve their trust and confidence. In fact, many people use the internet for prepurchase research so that they can determine for themselves whether a particular supplier or brand is worthy of their patronage, and won t take them for a ride.The Internet also allows for Viral Marketing where your website visitors spread positive word-of-mouth about your business - your customers do your marketing!

12. Cheap Market Research You can use features on your website such as visitor polls, online surveys and your website statistics to find out what your customers like more and how they feel about certain aspects of your business to determine how you can improve your product and the way you do business.

Website statistics show you how much traffic your website receives, how the visitor got to your website and where, geographically, the visitor is from.

Check us out: https://www.facebook.com/BajanWebDesigns Give us a call at 1 246 - 245-6629

9. Promote your Brick n Mortar Presence

Web Design

Getting lost trying to find a place can be frustrating for a potential customer. You can publish what they call a dummy map on your website, which shows directions and landmarks graphically, and the potential customer can print it out when looking for your Brick n Mortar premises.

You might advertise a promotion on your website encouraging the visitor to visit your Brick n Mortar premises (e.g.. At a branch near you! ).Also, if you recently moved to a new location, you will have to wait for the next 'phone directory to come out before people figure out where you currently are.

Because a website is flexible you can change the content as you like you can change you contact details instantly and lower the risk of losing customers when moving to a new location.

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Domain Name

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Email Accounts

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Web Development

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Graphic Design

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Social Media

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Web Support

10. Growth Opportunity A website serves as a great place to refer potential investors to, to show them what your company is about, what it has achieved and what it can achieve in future.

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OCT 2014

Barbados beaches, calm waters and lovely white sand attract visitors. Here you will find cr ystal clear waters that are perfect for swimming and snorkeling www.bajansunonline.com/MAGAZINE/ | info@bajansunonline.com | @BajanSunOnline

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…advertise with us…

www.BajanSunOnlinecom/Magazine Email: info@bajansunonline.com Twitter:@BajanSunOnline Facebook: Bajan Sun Magazine "Bajan Sun Online Magazine” is a publication geared towards the advancement of Small Businesses through affordable Marketing.

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OCT 2014

DONVILLE INNISS: MINISTER OF INDUSTRY, INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS, COMMERCE AND SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

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OCT 2014

Imani The People's Monarch 2014 Minister Donville Inniss Offers Major Support For The Small Business Sector

B

orn on January 01, 1966 in St. Philip, Inniss currently

Office of Public Counsel.

serves as Minister of Industry, International Business,

Commerce and Small Business Development (MIICS), a post

The global, regional and domestic economic landscape over

he has held since March 2013. Prior to that he served as

the past six years have resulted in unprecedented challenges to

Minister of Health from October 2008 til February 2013 and as

many of our local companies and as a result Minister Inniss

Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign

and his team is constantly being challenged to find innovative

Trade and International Business from January – October

ways to foster a better enabling environment for the commerce

2008. He has been the MP for St. James South since January

sector whilst protecting the interest of consumers and helping

2008.

the restructure our economy. We have seen layoffs in public and private sectors, contraction in consumer spending,

In his current Ministerial portfolio, Inniss, takes responsibility

challenges with foreign exchange earnings and slow march

for matters related to commerce whether it relates to small,

towards innovation.

medium or large businesses and as such covers issues pertinent to domestic, regional and international trade; he also is

As a nation we are a resilient people who have the ability to

responsible for policies related to international business and

work together in a peaceful manner to turn this economy

financial services sector, the second largest earner in our

around. Minister Inniss has been steadfastly helping to pull our

economy. His portfolio also has him managing Government’s

resources together to make this happen.

industrial sector as he seeks to consolidate the gains in this vital area whilst expanding new opportunities.

One sector that is particularly of interest to him is the small business community. He is of the view that this sector forms

Some of the key agencies/departments under Minister Inniss

the bedrock of our economic and social fabric. Many jobs and

include

families are supported by this cadre of business people who are

the

Barbados

Investment

and

Development

Corporation, The Fair Trading Commission, Fund Access,

often not given the level of support and respect needed.

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OCT 2014

One such sub-sector is the rum shop group, who whilst being frowned upon by some Bajans, does capture the essence of Barbadian culture, entrepreneurial spirit and strong community life. According to Minister Inniss, the Bajan rum shop is an indelible part of our history and culture.

It is here that many families started their movement up the social ladder; where many of our communities were fed; where community groups were formed; where economic power houses had their origins; where political leaders emerged and were alas also submerged; where some fought and some fell in love; where children learnt the fundamentals of business and where larger companies had an outlet for their goods and services. These fundamentals will not change and the rum shop must remain part of our physical and economic landscape.

As we strive to further develop our rum industry, the rum shop remains the main outlet for the sale of this fine and unique Barbadian product.

Minister Inniss passion in this area is based in large measure on his experience growing up in Bayfield, St. Philip where rum shops were the main meeting points for communities in St. Philip. Today he remains true to the principles instilled in him from then.

He is one Minister who has earned a reputation of being a regular fella – liming at shops, partying and just hanging

around. This has been his lifestyle prior to politics and according to him – shall remain til he dies. Whilst Inniss is viewed by many as a serious, no-nonsense hardworking Minister, he surely knows how to mix business with pleasure and seems the rumshops and the rum industry as a good mix for his Ministry and himself. However, he has always urged citizens to act responsibly. As he constantly reminds us – not all patrons in rumshops are rum drinkers and not all rum drinkers are to be found in rumshops.

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SEPT 2014

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STRICTLY BAJAN RUM SHOP TOURS S

trictly Bajan Rum Shop Tours - a very special Morning tour of The Rum Shop Culture & Barbadian Heritage.

As the name suggests this tour is strictly local and seeks to provide visitors with a truly Authentic Barbados Experience. As such, this tour exposes our guests to Traditional Rum Shops, Traditional Bajan (people), Traditional Food and Local Beverages. But even more, our 'visiting friends' have the opportunity to be part of our Culture, and Heritage. The tour incorporates on bus fun activities, games and competitions. While the tour is fun it is also educational and informative, allowing for a fun learning environment.

This being said, our tour begins with a visit to the facilities of the world's oldest Rum and pioneer of fine liquor: Mount Gay Visitors Centre. Following this, our tour proceeds to visit three (3) Rum Shops: where our guests can indulge in Traditional Dishes and Beverages and be delighted by local craft and entertainers.

On route to the first Rum Shop stop visitors are provided with a sample of Claytons Kola Tonic (Sponsor)

Buljol and one (1) Banks Beer (Sponsor): part of the All Inclusive Package.

On route to the third Rum Shop stop visitors are provided with a sample of Claytons Kola Tonic with Mount Gay Rum (Sponsors) Third Stop: Rum Shop and Traditional Dish: Visitors interact with shop owner/s who provides our guests with a brief history of their establishment as well as Local Lunch and a glass of Claytons Kola Tonic mixed with Mount Gay Rum (Sponsors): part of the All Inclusive Package. At this final stop guests are also entertained by local artists and are delighted by local arts and crafts.

Please note, the Rum Shops are alternated on a per week basis.

Tour Days: Tuesday/Thursday/Saturday Tour Time: 10:00am to 2:00pm Tour Guide: Knowledgeable about our Barbadian Culture/Friendly and Personable Tour Driver: Experienced and Safe

First Stop: Rum Shop and Traditional Dish: Visitors interact with shop owner/s who provides our guests with a brief history of their establishment as well as Mini Cutters: Ham/Egg/Cheese and a glass of Claytons Kola Tonic (Sponsor): part of the All Inclusive Package.

On route to the second Rum Shop stop visitors are provided with a can of Claytons Kola Kick (Sponsor) Second Stop: Local Bar and Traditional Dish: Visitors interact with shop owner/s who provides our guests with a brief history of 91 their establishment as well as a Local Pickle Dish: Chicken Foot/Pudding and Souse/

Tour Transport: Fully Air Conditioned 40 Seater Coach Tour Security/Safety: First Aid Kit on board with trained First Responder Tour Cost: Tourist: $65.00 USD/ $130.00 BDS - All Inclusive Package.

Locals: $ 50.00 USD/ $100.00 BDS Visit our website and view our other tour packages.

Contact Tel: 1 246 844-7008 Email: strictlybajanrumshops@gmail.com Follow us on twitter: @RumShopsTours Visit us online: www.bajanislandtours.com

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OCT 2014

Social Outreach Spotlight

elcome again to another Cruz Wellness Society Outreach Spotlight. This segment’s focus is on an exciting new Cruz Wellness Society Service: Cruz2Fitness.

The Cruz2Fitness service is a total fitness program providing free and discounted fitness and nutrition services to the wider community. The program is a joint venture between Cruz Wellness Society and the trainers of Renegade Alliance Fight Club, specifically legendary boxer Christopher ‘Shaka’ Henry, Stefano Lynch and Kamal Lewis-Gopie.

The main goal of Cruz2Fitness is to promote physical self-development to complement the emotional, mental and spiritual self-developmental services already offered by Cruz Wellness Society.

To this end the Cruz2Fitness provides free fitness and nutritional consultations via its Whatsapp and Facebook forums, provides for personal training, fully customized meal plans and free/discounted group sessions throughout the year. From hardgainers to hard-losers and every stage in between, we offer the best tailored services to help you meet your body goals.

One current program of interest is Wilderness Training: The Ultimate Outdoor Fitness Experience. This program is held every Tuesday and Thursday at 5:30pm, and every Saturday at 4:00pm. The sessions start at the gate of the Sewage Project Plant in Graeme hall, and the program includes yoga, nature trails, samples from the Box2Fitness program, Callisthenic drills, and other drills unique to the training program. Best of all, this program is free till the start of October and only $10 per session afterwards.

If you wish to participate in this program contact the trainers at cruz2fitness@gmail.com , through the website www.cruzwellnesssociety.com or join the Whatsapp group by messaging at either 246 239-2017 or 246-257-2795.

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I

Making Money Made Easy

f you’re like me you’ve heard this a million times and it turns you off . You’ve probably checked out dozens of so-called opportunities and maybe even tried a few you thought made sense only to find out it wasn’t worth your time.

I’ve come to the conclusion that there are 100 scams for every 1 that’s legitimate. I’ve also found the 1 in a 100 that’s legitimate. I’ve been involved with it before it launched a few years ago and I’m as thrilled as I was the day I got started. I’ve seen absolutely no downside for anyone, tremendous growth, real value for everyone at absolutely no cost.

The main reason Karatbars International Gold is becoming so successful is it was unique from the very start. They knew they could stand on their own two feet without any nickel and dime crap or fees of any kind; it’s all so unique there is no real competition and this is a biggie. The primary objective was to be the gold company for the masses worldwide and this is what has happened.

Why has making money here become so easy?

There is no selling or buying, people simply exchange paper money into physical gold they still have their money but in another currency – gold currency. They can acquire their currency in affordable 1 gram units and over a convenient period of time. This is one of the wisest most prudent investments that can be done today.

At Karatbars International we are in the business of educating people in this alternative form of investment and how your newly found knowledge can be shared with family and friends to everyone’s benefit.

At Karatbars International we offer a safe and secure operating system that is constantly being updated to safeguard your investment. It has been proven that persons turn to gold as the safe haven when economies are in a downward movement.

This precious commodity has stood over time as its built in insurance characteristics can attest.

The time is right for everyone to look into the value of acquiring such a gold account at Karatbars International. It is now more prudent than ever to create your own money making business that is revolutionary and can be customized to suit the degree of involvement that you as the client are comfortable with. There are no losers, everyone wins.

The time is perfect for gold. It’s all about sharing with family, friends, getting established as a Karatbars partner and growing a business from there.

Click on the links below to register and get more info.. http://www.karatbars.com/landing/?s=bajanman http://www.karatbars.com/?s=bajanman Call Jerome 1-246-239-7184 or 1-246-427-7996

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BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

Trinidad and Tobago Investment Conference For

New York City

Trinidad & Tobago Prime Minister, Mrs. Kamla Persad-Bissessar.

W

hy do multinational companies choose Trinidad and Tobago?; What is Trinidad and Tobago doing to attract FDI outside of a thriving energy sector?; What is the future of US / Trinidad and Tobago relations?

These questions are set to be answered on September 25, 2014 in New York at the premier Trinidad and Tobago Investment Conference which will feature the country’s Prime Minister, Mrs. Kamla Persad-Bissessar at the headquarters of the Council on Foreign Relations, 58 E 68th Street in New York City.

Other government officials already confirmed will include Senator the Honourable Vasant Bharath – Minister of Trade, Industry, Investment and Communications; Senator Dr. the Honourable Bhoendradatt Tewarie – Minister of Planning and Sustainable Development and Senator the Honourable Kevin Ramnarine – Minister of Energy and Energy Affairs.

The conference will focus on Trinidad & Tobago’s competitive advantages as a business location. It will include panels of experts and business leaders from Trinidad & Tobago and the United States to discuss the country’s advancements in economic diversification,

foreign investment, foreign policy, energy, competitiveness and innovation.

Trinidad and Tobago is ranked #1 for cost effectiveness in the Caribbean and Central America according to the fDi Intelligence report of 2013 and boasts of a strategic location below the hurricane belt, which augers well for bulk trans-shipment, fewer business disruptions and uninterrupted power. Strong trade relations with USA, Canada, Costa Rica, Venezuela, CARICOM, Colombia and Europe provide local businesses with easy market access to over 1 billion consumers globally.

InvesTT Trinidad and Tobago is an integral part of the government’s diversification strategy and serves as the first point of contact for investors seeking opportunities in all of the country’s targeted sectors. The company provides full service facilitation for all incoming investment projects. InvesTT representatives Mrs. Racquel Moses, President and Mr. Shyamal Chandradathsingh – Vice President, Investor Sourcing will be on hand to meet with interested parties.

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BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

TOP RANKING Dress

Casual

Boots

Ladies

The products are made from Top Grain Leather (100% pure leather – higher quality than genuine leather) 100% Natural Rubber soles.

The soles are water and oil resistant

products are designed to suit our climate and rugged conditions.

B AR B AD O S C O N TAC T : 1 - 2 4 6 - 2 4 5 6 6 2 9 www.bajansunonline.com/MAGAZINE/ | info@bajansunonline.com | @BajanSunOnline

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OCT 2014

Lets talk salads to start your day:

M

aintaining a healthy meal?

Try this ground vegetables with boiled plantain, served with a bay leaf and red herring sauce

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OCT 2014

Top CHEFS Le Crouton Superieur Small is the Managing Director and Head Chef of J amell Le Crouton Superieur (The Upper Crust). Despite being in operation for approximately four years, this sole proprietorship specializes in breakfast delivery, catering and private chef work with clients ranging from private individuals and corporate entities to visitors.

Le Crouton Superieur breakfast delivery service provides various types of pastries such as patties, sausage rolls, rotis and banana bread, just to name a few.

In their catering service line Le Crouton Superieur offer menus for all occasions with the chef's special dishes.

Q&A with Jamell Small What would you say are some of your greatest challenges as an entrepreneur?

With the tough economic times we try to create items that are affordable, while bridging the gap between fine dining and normal, everyday food. We aim to provide fine dining concepts at an affordable price - it's challenging but allows us to be creative; so it’s fulfilling.

What are some of your achievements within your business?

Some of my greatest achievements are making the decision to register my business; catering for over 850 persons for the first time; catering for my first wedding; reaching the point where I was able to hire staff; and purchasing my first set of catering equipment. It brought tears to my eyes when I looked back at how far I've come.

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

How have you dealt with your business challenges or how do you propose to deal with those challenges?

Challenges will always come along; ‘How’ I deal with them is pray, have faith, bake with my heart, keep smiling and let nothing keep me from achieving success.

For more information and to make bookings contact Jamell Small, Managing Director/ Head Chef at 1-246-425-3127 or 1-246-258-2815 or via email at Jamellsmall@gmail.com. Visit also: www.facebook.com/theindependentchef. Location: Lot 63# Apt 3# Warrens terrace east St Thomas www.bajansunonline.com/MAGAZINE/ | info@bajansunonline.com | @BajanSunOnline

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OUR GOURMET MENU ITEMS Chicken/ Veg Patties Oven fresh made from a flaky short crust pastry Gourmet salads (Chicken /Fruit & cheese) Le Crouton’s Original Butter Milk Coconut Scones infused with raisins and cinnamon Le Crouton’s Vanilla Muffins filled with various types of the berry and cherry family

Double Chocolate Chip Brownies (by order; approximately 15 blocks) Homemade Old fashioned Sweet Bread (plain/whole wheat)

OCT 2014

COST $3.50 $5.50/ $5.00 each $3.75 each

$3.50 each $3.75 each $10.00 each

Le Crouton’s banana bread (large loaves) Le Crouton’s carrot cake loaves

$30.00 $30.00 each

100

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BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

T

OCT 2014

Bajan Black Cake/Great Cake/Rum Cake

his delicacy in Barbados is mostly seen around the Christmas season. The black cake was once referred to as the British Plum Pudding or Christmas Figgy Pudding but with the inclusion of Barbados' rum and the substitution of some ingredients to a more Caribbean nature, it has now been transformed to a truly memorable product known as a Bajan Black Cake.

This cake is made for special occasions such as birthdays, weddings and anniversaries. The cake comprises of fruits especially cherries, raisins, prunes, orange rind and as the name suggest rum.

Differences with the original recipe are the use of Barbados' rum replacing the brandy. Preparations for this local delicacy are done 2 - 3 weeks in advance, where as the British Plum Pudding was done 24 hours in advance.

Ingredients:

5 lbs mixed dried fruit (raisins, currants, prunes, cherries) 1/4 lb nuts, chopped (almonds, pecans, walnuts) 1/2 lb mixed citrus peel, chopped (lemon, lime, orange) 1/4 lb pineapple jam 2 lbs brown sugar, divided 2 tablespoons mixed spice (cinnamon, clove, nutmeg, allspice) 1 tablespoon vanilla essence 1 tablespoon almond essence 1 cup dark rum (Barbados) 10 eggs 12 ounces flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 lb butter or 1 lb margarine 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup port wine 1 cup dark rum (Barbados) 101 1 cup water browning sauce (Kitchen Bouquet is preferred)

The ingredients are mixed, left to soak in good ole Bajan Rum for this lengthy duration to give the cake a nice strong but unforgettable flavor. Along with soaking the ingredients, the finished product is usually showered with blessings of a nice Falernum, (an alcoholic syrup used in the Caribbean) Brandy or Barbados' rum to give it a nice moist exterior. As you may have guessed, the level of duration for soaking and the quantity of alcohol used should change depending on the consumer.

Fine wine enthusiasts or social drinkers would use a complimenting amount of any liquor of their choice to satisfy their friends, family or guests. Done correctly these cakes can make for a great gift or lovely dessert. Two advantages of this cake are that it can be stored for as long as 2 months in a cool place and this cake is well known for creating a very nonchalant ambience among those partaking in its "unique" flavor. Happy Baking!

Directions: 1) Mince the fruit and soak in 1 cup of rum with spices, essences, nuts, jam and 1/4 lb sugar. Mix ingredients well and put in a jar, cover and allow mixture to steep for 3 weeks or more.

2) When ready to bake, cook fruit over a low heat with 1 cup of water for 15 minutes. Cream the butter/margarine and remaining sugar well and add eggs beating in one at a time. Add this to the fruit mixture. Stir in enough browning to make the mixture dark brown in color. Add the flour and baking powder last.

3) Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Place mixture into 2 baking pans that are greased and lined with 2 sheets of waxed paper. Fill the pans 3/4 full.

4) Bake for 2 1/2 to 3 hours. Test with skewer before removing from oven.

5) As soon as cakes are removed from oven, prick all over with skewer and pour slowly over them a mixture of rum and wine which the cakes will absorb.

6) Allow to remain in baking pans for 2 to 3 days to fully absorb liquor before serving.

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BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

The story behind Debbie’s Sweets N Treats

H

ey Friends:

To let you understand how I got to where I am now I need to tell you my story. From the age of seven years old I was in the kitchen with my grandmother and mother on separate occasions baking a wide variety of cakes and other baked goods for family gatherings and family friends. Having been in the kitchen with my Gran I found out that she, not only made delicious cakes but she also covered them with a sugar dough "dyed, played with the sugar mass then piped it onto the cake using a small metal tube" to make pretty things like flowers. Soon after discovering this very fascinating art named "Royal Icing Design or Sugar Craft", I made it my business to be present in her kitchen to take in all her techniques and tricks about sugar craft. From then with the help of my grandmother of course, I started baking and icing my sibling’s birthday cakes and hosting my own birthday parties between the ages of 8-9 years old.

As I got older I had the unforgettable task of helping out another neighborhood Cake Decorator to only ice an anniversary cake for the Chief of Police in Trinidad and Tobago. I was extremely elated because I had the opportunity to work alone with my gran only popping in to check on the progress. From that job, which lasted almost 8 hours, after I got finger bruises from using the small metal icing tubes, I earned $50. My eyes opened wide knowing that I not only made art but I got paid for it too, I got excited and started to charge for my work. At 13 years old I started baking sweet breads on weekends and selling them to church members, baking and icing celebration cakes off and on until I reached my late teens. I decided then my art needed a name of some sort. Most people called me Debbie and not by my first name, which is Deborah and occasionally called me Nicole, which is my middle name. So sitting on my bed with pen and paper in hand I mixed and matched the Nicknames and came up with "Debbie's Sweets N Treats", which means Debbie's sweets Nicole's treats.

In September 2008 I was working and at the time the job wasn't paying me much.

I sat down and was praying one night and just like that my long term goals started popping into my head. One of them was becoming the owner of a bakery/ restaurant by 30 years old. From that very night, the day afterwards I spoke with my son's father about my goals. We traveled to town and bought a few baking pans and a hand mixer and to this day I am still working towards my dream. With the long nights into mornings in the kitchen working on orders, experimenting with new recipes, seeing smiles on satisfied customers faces and Debbie's Sweets N Treats name being mentioned as a reference I am not going to give up until I reach where I want to be and Debbie's Sweets N Treats is a household name. www.bajansunonline.com/MAGAZINE/ | info@bajansunonline.com | @BajanSunOnline

OCT 2014

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

Q&A with Debbie What type of business is it (sole trader, partnership)?

Currently Debbie's Sweets N Treats is a sole trader with the hopes of partnering with another entrepreneur like myself and expand to do greater things.

What line of business are you in?

Debbie's Sweets N Treats is mainly into the production and sales of cakes and pastries.

What types of products or services do you provide?

Debbie’s Sweets N Treats offers a wide range of specialty cakes, cheesecakes, light fruit cakes and the traditional great cake also known as rum cake, gourmet flavored cakes, cupcakes and macarons. Homemade chocolates, chocolate-coated treats, miniature short crust pastries and puff pastries.

With the interesting healthy eating trends of today along with special diets, Debbie’s Sweets N Treats offer cakes and treats which are sugar-free, gluten-free, dairy and egg free and also for the growing number of vegans and vegetarians. Debbie's Sweets N Treats also offer catering services for small parties and functions and also produces custom-made baskets.

What would you say are some of your greatest challenges as an entrepreneur?

Some challenges I faced as an entrepreneur starting out was not really having a business plan. Like a house you need to know where each brick, each piece of metal needs to be from the foundation going up to the roof. If it is not stable it will collapse. If you really want to start a business and make it a profitable business you have to invest, invest not only money but whatever it takes to keep your goals in check - just do it. If it means getting rid of negative people, get rid of them. If it means some sleepless nights, work during the night and sleep another hour during the day. You can't want something bad and don't get up and work towards it can you? Another challenge some entrepreneurs face is being a "follow pattern". If you’re fresh off the press, come with something new and exciting. Try to stand out and keep standing out.

What are some of your achievements within your business?

Some of my achievements in business include being proud of myself for still pushing onward to better my products and myself as an entrepreneur. Secondly, having satisfied returning customers, which is a plus for any entrepreneur and thirdly, having a wide variety of products and services to offer my customers.

How have you dealt with your business challenges or how do you propose to deal with those challenges?

Some challenges I have had in the business included having to purchase costly ingredients to experiment with or to fill an order. I have overcome this challenge by substituting some of the highly priced ingredients where I could, to get the same result and in some cases a better result using something cheaper or locally produced. Another challenge I have encountered was spending double to purchase cake decorating tools and equipment to enhance the look of some custom-made cakes. Some cake decorating supply stores are competing and their prices are very high but once you shop around you can find an out-the-way store that has what you need for a very surprisingly lower price.

Location: Link Road Lower Car lton St. J ames and Clarkes Road, Delamere Land St. Michael.

Contact Numbers: Debor ah/Debbie 246-422-0242. 246834-1340 Email Address: debbie_246@hotmail.com Facebook Page Address: https://www.facebook.com/ pages/Debbies-Sweets-N-Treats/147433682108645

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BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

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OCT 2014

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

THE

MAN

By Denise J Charles

T

his discussion may seem like a moot point since it may be argued that all men are focussed on sex. Without making the term “sex-focussed” seem like some errant disease, it is important to note that sexual difference between men and women continues to plague relationships.

While this article is not meant to suggest that women are disinterested in sex, research does suggest that we tend to have a far more holistic view of our intimate relationships. As natural nurturers, we want to take care of, protect, and improve our relationships and of course this includes the sex. For us, sex is important but it is an aspect of the relationship; not the sum total by which it is defined.

Our men, on the other hand, often want to improve the frequency and quality of sex, while paying scant attention to other aspects of the relationship. This can be quite a problem when there are relationship issues like a lack of verbal communication or the need to apologise. Men can sometimes attempt, in these instances, to use sex as a substitute for discussion. Because, as women we are wired differently, we often will have none of this. No matter how good our man is in the sack, nothing beats actually saying “I love you” or “I’m sorry”.

Since women and men seem so much at crosspurposes on the issue of sex, how then do we navigate our relationships? How can we each be fulfilled in marriage when we’re coming from entirely different points of reference? Very often we reach a stalemate because we expect our partner to love as we do and experience our

relationship as we do. This is not exactly fair since our hormonal wiring is different. Barring incidents where sex is used to manipulate, control or humiliate, as women, we perhaps need to come to terms with our partner’s relationship pulse; namely sex. Men by the same token must accept that their women are interested in a whole lot more than the latest sexual position, technique or the number of times they have sex in a week.

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BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

A SEX FOCUSED MAN CONTINUED Adapting and demonstrating a willingness to walk the relationship through our partner’s shoes is perhaps the first step towards finding a resolution. This literally means understanding that sex is a male priority while love and relational health is a woman’s. While a husband may choose to relate or demonstrate love through sex, he must ask himself, does my wife feel loved or validated in each instance? Yes, being sexually desired and pleased is a vital part of an intimate relationship and as women we do value this but the tendency to use sex as a substitute for dialogue or as a short cut for deep relationship change can also be counterproductive. By the same token, as women, we must question how loved or appreciated our man can feel if we’re deliberately withholding sex or have adopted a casual attitude towards its place in our relationship.

Ultimately, men should not allow their focus on sex to cause them to emotionally disengage from their wives nor should women disconnect sexually because their emotional needs are unmet. The solution to the core difference in priority between men and women, rests in both individual’s willingness to meet the needs of the other and by so doing, demonstrate the essence of true love; selflessness.

This relationship challenge is also compounded by the fact that while men do focus on sex as critical, many are uncomfortable talking about its importance to them. Because this is seldom discussed, the result of inadequate sex from a man’s perspective is often bitterness, resentment, sulking and emotional withdrawal. Men are energized by sex in a way that we as women will perhaps never understand. As a result, its absence in the relationship can leave them feeling depleted, unloved, and less than manly. It is important that this critical need is communicated in marriage.

While failure to do so exposes the relationship to being undermined, inadequate sex should never be readily used as an excuse for infidelity.

By the same token, inadequate emotional stimulation in a relationship and a disregard for the importance of communication, also contributes to a woman’s pervasive unhappiness. Women are energized by words and demonstrative love and would also appreciate their man’s “sacrifice” in this area. Most women don’t want to be simply viewed as an object for their man’s sexual release; we want to be appreciated as the multi-faceted creatures that we really are. When a woman is emotionally satisfied, the issue of sexual regularity and quality really becomes a non-issue. www.bajansunonline.com/MAGAZINE/ | info@bajansunonline.com | @BajanSunOnline

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

Tips For Keeping Your Company's Culture Alive:

C

hange is never easy but it is essential for your business to grow, despite the many challenges that you may face. New customers, new spaces, and new employees: amongst the flurry of change, it can be too easy to lose hold of what made your business, your business.

No two companies are exactly alike, and a company that was founded with a particular mission, ethos, or mindset should try and preserve what made it different: that cultural inspiration is likely responsible for at least a portion of your success. In my experience, I’ve been able to cling onto the magical spark that makes my business special by following these tips.

1. Allow the environment to determine rules Businesses have to evolve organically—there is no way around that. Unfortunately, I’ve noticed some serious issues with business owners who try to adopt weird techniques or tricks that they read from a book, or heard from a seminar.

Don’t get me wrong: a lot of that advice is useful, as long as you don’t just take someone else’s model and try to shoehorn your business into it—there is no one -size-fits-all solution to running a company. If your office has a relaxed atmosphere, and is doing really well, there’s no reason to turn that on its head. The same goes for more formal workplaces. Really, it’s all about what feels right to you, and your style of management. After all, it is your business. Figure out what fits right early on in the business’s life, and set your policies accordingly. That way, whatever culture you develop is comfortable and functional.

2. Foster cooperation Nothing will kill a company’s culture faster that disunity. I’ve seen far too many good businesses go down the tubes because the management thought that strong competition would weed out the weak, and let the strong rise to the top. That whole mentality has

been roundly disproved—your top people will leave if they don’t like how the business is being run.

Your staff should buy-in to your company’s culture, and should feel supported and happy within it.

Everyone is different, and some people will gravitate to more rigid or loosely designed work environments. Find people who mesh well with your management style, and who feel they can flourish in your business’s culture. Then foster cooperation—as your employees work together, they’ll strengthen and fortify that culture.

3. Protect your mission

Never forget why you started this business in the first place. Very few people start a company to simply make money. Trust me—there are much easier ways to earn a living. Rather, people begin businesses to pursue a passion or goal. It doesn’t matter if that goal is something as simple as providing good customer service, or as lofty as making an impact on society. Your company’s culture should spring from that mission, and from your passion. Forgetting why you started could kill the very soul of your business. So never lose sight of that mission, and do all that you can to fulfill it.

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BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE Always include a “call to action” telling prospects what you’d like them to do. Your marketing pieces should also include a compact version of your “elevator speech” for consistency and branding.

4. Working the numbers.

When your business requires expanded facilities, new equipment and increased staff, how will you pay for it all? If you’re “growing slowly”, can you “selffinance” these requirements through profits? In most instances you cannot therefore it becomes necessary to consider loans or mortgages for the financial injection. A good place to start is the Small Business Association website for information on loans and grants. While you’re there, surf around. There’s a wealth of free information on a broad range of topics like writing a business plan, business law and regulations and finding local resources.

5. How many people does it take to create success?

As your business grows, the workload necessitates distribution and hence requires more employees.

Controlled growth means adding these employees slowly and deliberately. If you’re not sure you’ll have sustained revenue to support direct hire employees, consider temporary contract workers.

It’s a great way to harness a skill you may only need temporarily. And “test driving” an employee is a great way to find if you have a good fit for longer term employment.

6. You’re the engine.

The personnel in your business impact its sustainability and growth. Ensure your employees understand this concept and aggressively implement all standard operation procedures. Keep to your organizing principles, focus on your customers and engage help when you need it. Good luck!

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OCT 2014

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SEPT 2014

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

MANUFACTURING IN BARBADOS… A THRIVING SECTOR

By Bobbi MaCay

Some also require financing to help them to source raw materials to fill an order outside of their regular capacity. What often happens is that a buyer is keen about a product, but requires a certain quantity to make the deal financially viable. All too often the manufacturer does not have the necessary resources to keep the level of stock on hand and this is where financing becomes critical.

L

ike any other sector, manufacturing has had its share of successes and challenges over the years. From buses to bacon to cleaning products, one thing for sure, the industry is vital to our national economic health and its stakeholders are doing everything possible to remain relevant and to promote strong local brands. Just take a look around the globe and you will note that the economies which have fared well during the recession all have strong industrial sectors. Those that don’t are quickly restoring theirs by repatriating jobs that had been outsourced to the Far East during times of plenty.

Manufacturing over the years has changed tremendously as has the way that we do business.

Consequently, many of our members have found it necessary to retool their businesses in order to position themselves for future success. One of the major challenges that a number of them continue to experience is access to financing. In some cases the financing required is for plant and equipment; in others it is for training and human resource development to improve operational efficiency; while for many it is a matter of cash flow management.

Unfortunately, and in most instances, the timeframe between the delivery of an order and collection of payment can be quite protracted and can jeopardize the operation of a manufacturer.

To address this need, we have been working with a group of select financial partners who understand the challenges and are willing to open doors of opportunity to manufacturers. We are pleased to report that with the backing of the Association, several members have been able to access much needed financial assistance.

As everyone knows, one of the keys to any successful product is the ability to market and promote it well. We at the BMA are of the view that for too long businesses have been looking to government to help drive this aspect of their enterprise and believe that it is time for our companies to at least try to stand on their own and take greater responsibility for their marketing efforts.

One of the things that we have also been doing is providing the knowledge and demonstrating ways that the various sub-sectors can effectively market their businesses on ‘a shoe string budget’. We have collaborated with strategic partners such as the InterAmerican Investment Corporation (IIC a member of the IDB Group); the Barbados Investment and Development Corporation (BIDC); Scotia Bank, the Barbados Private Sector Trade Team and the Cave Hill School of Business to host seminars and workshops that assist manufacturers to efficiently market and manage their businesses.

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BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

Training is high on our agenda and, to this end, we are constantly responding to member needs. From seminars on Family Business Governance and Continuity Planning to a recently hosted symposium to discuss The Realities of Conducting Business within the Manufacturing Community. In the latter case, the panel were the manufacturers and the audience the technocrats. We will be collaborating with the IIC in October to offer a workshop that will look to develop Project Management skills. Other workshops planned include Dealing with Difficult Employees and we will be repeating the workshops on costing as this is an area where we continue to see major weakness.

One of our primary roles at the BMA is lobbying and this is usually directed at matters that plague our members. These range from issues where we lobby port agencies for cleaner processes to clear containers in an effort to increase operational efficiency; to inter-regional transportation where we formed recent partnerships with two shipping companies which will provide consolidation facilities to help smaller manufactures meet their shipping needs.

Exposure of local products is also a big challenge and we have responded with a variety of initiatives.

We conduct in-store promotions and have a dedicated merchandiser who works within the supermarket arena to ensure that local products receive maximum exposure. We provide inward

OCT 2014

missions which bring a number of regional and international buyers to Barbados to be exposed to local manufacturers and their products. And of course the biggest local Expo BMEX creates a platform for ultimate exposure. Hand in hand with these efforts we also recently completed, and are in the process of circulating, a Barbadian Manufacturer’s Directory so that the public can have easy access to manufacturers. We also recently released our 2014 Christmas Gift Guide… All of these help us create an adequate amount of exposure and brand building opportunities for the sector There is much happening, the sector is vibrant, there is growth and development and we are delivering a substantial contribution to the national economic bottom-line. So we continue to appeal to the public to support local and help our sector to continue to grow.

The Barbados Manufacturers’ Association is dedicated to furthering the interest of local manufacturers and its membership on a collective basis. It seeks to promote and encourage the development of manufacturing operations in Barbados and to ensure a meaningful contribution to the economic welfare and development of the island.

Bobbi Makay is the director of The Barbados Manufacturing Association. To learn more about The BMA visit their website: http://bma.bb/

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BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

TODAY’S SPOTLIGHT George Jones

G

eorge Jones is well known to many Bajans, especially to those in the music industry in Barbados. This forty-six year old professional musician, grew up in St. Philip, Barbados, and became interested in music at a very early age, probably around the age of seven or eight, but he never pursued his passion until he was twelve or thirteen years of age, and did so while attending The Lodge High School.

Several of Barbados’ current local musicians have also attended this institution of higher learning, artists such as Biggie Irie, John King, Ras Iley, Gorg, Andy 'Blood' Armstrong, Terry 'Mexican' Arthur, and Mac Fingall, just to name a few.

As a young lad, some of George’s early musical influences were The Mighty Gabby, The Mighty Sparrow and Bob Marley, his love for the keyboard grew after viewing a performance by the late Billy Preston, he was so enthralled by Mr. Preston’s performance that he decided he wanted to try it.

I was curious about the wristbands that George and a few of his celebrity friends in Barbados were wearing and this is what George had to say:

By Charmaine J Forde

“The W.O.W wristbands which stands for (Words Of Wisdom, Works Of Wonder), was created as a monument of my cancer survival, and for sale to assist with the high cost of my medical treatment and care. A few of my friends such as Gabby, Terry Arthur, Mikey Hulsmier, Ian Alleyne and Red Plastic Bag wore one for a while. Even though sales were not as publicly supported as we would have hoped, the simple gesture for them as local music stars and colleagues to wear the band as a tribute to me did a lot for my confidence and morale which made me feel loved and appreciated.

When asked where he got his inspiration from? This was his reply,” I am inspired by simple persons, who has defied the odds and rose to great heights. Persons, whose circumstances did not deter them from becoming successful, I am inspired by the love of my family, a few loyal friends and the successes of my children, who continue to soar and thrive academically while dealing with my many health challenges.

Since he has been unemployed for the past four years, he has been spending time supporting a few charities; however his main focus is on the local kidney foundation, where he is trying to help raise funds for a new dialysis machine, which will not only provide adequate care for him, but for other dialysis patients. Out of the thirty thousand dollars needed, five thousand has been raised thus far. Donations are always welcomed. Despite George’s setbacks, he stills find time to help others other than himself. His dream growing up was to make an impact on the world, and he chose music as that vehicle and through that medium, he was able to make his dream come to fruition. This former Square One band member has brought joy and happiness to millions of fans across the globe and the band has definitely written their names on history’s page. Although George’s world may have been rocked by a shocking cancer diagnosis, he was able to survive through the power of faith, dogged determination, lots of love and excellent care. Through this experience, He took that test and turned it into a testimony which hopefully will serve as an inspiration for others who might one day find themselves in a similar situation.

George has been blessed with a beautiful, faithful and supportive wife and his beautiful intelligent daughters for whom he is eternally grateful.

George W. Jones, I salute you!

Charmaine J Forde is a Liberal Arts Major at Community College of Philadelphia, and a Soldiers Angel volunteer.

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BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

T

he Barbados Small Business Association (BSBA) is the island's nongovernmental, nonprofit representative body for micro, small and medium enterprises.

The organisation was registered as company no. 3508, and incorporated on March 31, 1982. The company was re-established in 1993 following a dormant period during the mid-1980s, and officially opened its Secretariat in December 1995. The BSBA seeks to expand business opportunities for its members, provide education & development services and lobby to ensure an enabling environment for the growth and sustainability of the SME sector. The BSBA also explores business financing possibilities for its members. The board of directors is headed by the president, Ms Lynette Holder.

The guiding principle of the BSBA lies in its core philosophy, which holds that working together provides the best opportunities for businesses to grow. The organisation seeks to establish honest, committed relationships in a spirit of aggressive endeavour and mutual support, pooling its resources - skills, time, and finances - to create a more powerful financial future for the SME sector. Over the years, this intrinsic philosophy has seen the BSBA reap immeasurable success in its efforts to lobby Government for the creation of an environment in which the SME sector could continue to grow and develop. One of the major outcomes of these efforts has been the provision of micro-business financing and increased access to equity funding for micro, small and medium enterprises.

In order to facilitate the implementation of its broad mandate, while contributing to its own sustainability, two wholly owned subsidiary companies have been incorporated by the BSBA. The Small Business Venture Capital Inc. (SBVCI) was incorporated in 1997 and is registered as company #11740 under the laws of Barbados. The company was capitalized using US $1 million

OCT 2014

dollars donated to the BSBA by the Government of Barbados.

The SBVCI makes equity finance available to qualifying businesses.

The SBA Enterprise Inc. (SBAEI) was incorporated in 1998 and is registered as company #15750. The company was established to assist BSBA members to develop commercial opportunities and to increase their revenue streams. SBAEI facilitates joint tendering on contracts, the development of marketing & promotion programmes for the BSBA's sectoral groups, and the generation of commercial projects to be outsourced to BSBA members.

A division of BIDC, the Barbados Small Business Centre (BSBC) is located on the outskirts of Bridgetown in the Fontabelle area, and is staffed by a Director, a team of Business Development Officers and support staff dedicated to achieving greater efficiency, innovation, expansion and global competitiveness within the local small business sector. The BSBC's primary client group includes local entrepreneurs and businesses employing up to 25 persons.

The Centre regularly schedules workshops and seminars on a wide range of topics for its clients, involving presenters from key Government Departments or experienced consultants.

In fulfilling its mandate, staff of the Centre have forged close working relationships with a number of other organisations, government departments, and agencies in Barbados dedicated to the strengthening of the small business sector. They are actively involved in the Networking Forum of Local Agencies, a special body established to share information relevant to entities supporting the Barbados small business sector, and to promote the coordination of services offered by the various agencies.

News from the Centre is included in the BIDC quarterly magazine, The Barbados Business Catalyst.

A series of ongoing outreach programmes for the sector also targets schools, community groups, cooperatives and other business associations.

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S

mall Business Week is an initiative of The Small Business Association held to celebrate the achievements of members, award those who have contributed to the SME sector and raise the consciousness of the public about the importance of small businesses to the economic and social landscape of Barbados.

The Small Business Association held its Week of Activities from September 21 to 27, 2014.

The following events took place during the Week.

Sunday, September 21, 2014 - Church Service at the Sanctuary Empowerment Centre. The service started at 10.00 a.m.

Monday, September 22, 2014 - Pan American International Insurance Co. VI Annual Leo Leacock Memorial Lecture held at the Errol Barrow Centre for Creative Imagination. Sir Dwight Venner, Governor of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank was the featured speaker. The lecture started at 7.00 p.m.

Wednesday, September 24, 2014 - The Youth Forum held at the Savannah Hotel starting at 10.00 a.m. 150 Students from thirteen (13) schools were invited and many small organizations showcased their businesses.

Dwane Antonio and Kirk Brown entertained the children, while Kellie Cadogan-Price and Steven Fung engaged the children in workshops.

Thursday, Septmebr 25, 2014 - Promotional Bus tour was held. The tour visited Holetown to Speightstown, Six Roads with a lunch stop in Oistins at Crystal's Bar. Friday, September 26, 2014 - 20/20 Cricket Match under lights at the Lumber Co. Ground.

The SBA Team was the winner after four years.

The SBa team was captained by Mr. Ian Holligan while the Strategic Alliance team was captained by Mr. Carlisle Best.

Saturday, September 27, 2014 - SBA Awards Ceremony & Dinner held at the Hilton Barbados Resort. Prof. Avinash Persaud was the featured speaker and many businesses won awards on the night. 150 persons were present at the event.

Address: 1 Pelican Industrial Park Bridgetown, Barbados Fax: +1 (246) 228-0613 Phone: +1 (246) 228-0162 Email: theoffice@sba.bb Website: http://sba.org.bb/

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Church Service at Sanctuary Empowerment Church. Left to right SBA CEO Lynette Holder, Bishop Marlon Husbands, President Dalton Medford

Leo Leacock Lecturer, left, right is Algie Leacock, Sir Dwight Vennor, David Leacock

SBA Promotional Bus tour in Speighstown

SBA Youth Forum seated front center SBA Lynette Holder and Business Operations Manager, Andrea Taylor

Celebrity 20/20 Cricket Team

SBA Awardees

Ian Holligan SBA 20/20 Captain & SBA President Dalton Medford

Kellie Codugan recipient of the Cultural Industries Award

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

ARE YOU ADDICTED TO YOUR STORY? ARE YOU PRESENT?

F

By Dr. Anita Davis-DeFoe

or six weeks, Oprah Winfrey is taking her Life Class on the road, kicking it off in St. Louis, Missouri and of course on the internet’s super highway. The aim of this Life Class is to provide us all with insights and tools so that we can make our lives more fulfilling, so that we can unleash our divine greatness.

The first thought leader to take the teaching stage was Iyanla Vanzant, author and spiritual thought teacher. If you’ve missed the classes, they are posted on Winfrey’s website. The pair discussed that before you can move forward you must deal with your pain. This led to two compelling questions, “Are you living and masking pain in your life?” and “Are you addicted to your story?”

Dr. Anita Davis-DeFoe Author. Thought Leader. Social Entrepreneur, Organization and Leadership Development Solutionist The Chieftaincy Ceremony. Dr. Anita, second from the left, being named the first woman Chief in Akwa Ibom State Nigeria because of her global human development and humanitarian work with women in the village. She was named Adiaha Unwana Itam 1, (Daughter of Light In Itam Clan)

stifling patterns in our lives that we no longer realize that we are literally hovering out of bounds. Some of us have one or both feet in the past; one foot in the past and another in the future, or some of us have our feet rooted Vanzant, through interactions with the audience and in somewhere in the future just waiting for a new day to direct conversation with attendees who were brave enough dawn. How many of us can honestly say that we are fully to share their personal struggles on the stage, pointed out living in the present? that far too many of us replace our addictions to drugs, sex, When you sit quietly thinking, do you spend all of your food, shopping, gambling, whatever, to our story…our past time wondering how events or relationships would have mistakes, failures, our past pain. The spiritual thought turned out if you had made different choices? Do you still teacher pointed out that for some of us our conversation is grapple with anger, guilt or past hurts? Do you still find it a daily replay of all the pain and problems that have difficult to forgive people who have hurt or wronged you? occurred in our lives. Quite compelling as you think about Or do you obsess about past situations trying to uncover it, as many of us cannot recognize, harness and unleash our ways to have those same experiences again and again? opportunities in life, work or business because we are truly stuck in the past, addicted to learned hopelessness.

Don’t get me wrong learning from the past is a good thing, as is planning for the future. But if all of your time is Where are you? When your name is called are you spent focused on the past and the future, what are you staring into the past or gazing into the future? Are you doing to enjoy life and pursue your goals right now, this reliving your past on a daily basis, or are you dreaming present moment. about and banking on what the future may bring? I challenge you to take a look at your life and ask yourself It is so easy to allow past hurts, disappointment and the the question, “Are You Present?” wrongs that people have done to us control our lives and our actions. The person can be long gone, the event long Learning to live “in the present” is far more difficult past and still we have not let it go and moved on with our than one may realize. Learning to enjoy the life that you lives. Carrying baggage from relationships and love gone have today, learning to be grateful for what you have, and bad plagues far too many present-day relationships learning to enjoy the gift of life one day at a time are things eventually causing them to crash and burn. that escape most of us. Some of us have gotten into such www.bajansunonline.com/MAGAZINE/ | info@bajansunonline.com | @BajanSunOnline

Often the wounds from our childhood and youthful days have not been cleansed. We have not sought spiritual healing and instead these remaining scars fester seeping into the present and on into the future.

When we refuse to live life in the present, we are not allowing change to enter into our lives. When we do not live in the present, it is difficult for us to appreciate all of the goodness that is being bestowed upon us, and it is even more difficult for us to embrace the opportunities that are knocking at our door, beckoning us to develop our gifts and talents in service to others and for our own personal fulfillment.

The past is gone and you cannot change it. The only thing that the past can do for you is provide you with life lessons that can help you to live better in the present and even more joyfully in the future.

When we dwell in the past we almost become like a programmed robot, repeating the same actions, choices and behaviors over and over again. We have in fact become addicted to our stories. Why? We have not left our past and shifted into the present. When we feel guilt, it is because we are focused on the past; when we feel fear, it is because we are focused on the future. Both of these mental situations do nothing but drain us and cause us a tremendous amount of unneeded stress. This way of thinking is truly a waste of our energy because in the final analysis all we have right now is this present moment.

When you live in the present you are fully aware of all of the things you are thinking, feeling and doing. By being present you are seeing things and people as they are and you are not allowing your present to be dominated by your past or how someone use to be. Being present means that fear, anger, disappointment, hurt or even past success are not clouding your view of things today. Two people can experience the same event but have totally different perceptions. This is due in part to the amount of emotional and spiritual baggage that the person is still carrying around with them.

Strive to live “in the present” and enjoy your life today. Bring closure to past events, old hurts and negative relationships that do nothing but assault your spirit and your personal well-being. When you find yourself dwelling in the past, gently nudge yourself; then ask the questions, “Am I addicted to my story? Am I living in the?” Quickly get in touch with what you are really feeling and then ease on back into the present.

Remember situations and circumstances do not define us, they reveal us. We all have a story, just make certain you are creating one filled with possibility!

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BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

THE BARTENDER Nikos Arvanitis D

ear My Beautiful Barbados, I am Nikos Arvanitis of Patra, Greece. I am currently a Bartender at Abbey’s Bar, but have been working behind bars for approximately nine years. Very quickly I understood that the bar is not just a hobby, and it is not just a job. It's something bigger. It's a passion. It's a love.

Being committed to my passion, I attended two private schools to study the bar and the culture of the classic drinks and cocktails. I worked six to seven times a week behind a bar. I tried to be better, progressive and most of all polite to the customers. I took part in some cocktail competitions and I traveled a lot. I visited many bars in my country to speak with other bartenders and observed their techniques, and of course, read books, books and more books. A lot of our reading was about drinks and bartending. My biggest love is rum. I love rum, I respect rum, I love to drink it, and I love to work with it in my cocktails. But, most of all the history of this drink is something that changed my life - a past with pain, blood, deaths, a past to remind us that rum is directly connected with the dark face of humanity. The Caribbean Sea and islands is my second home.

My dream is to visit all the islands, from the biggest to the smallest.

Some time back, a friend, who worked in the navy, sent me a bottle of Mount Gay Extra Old rum from Barbados for my birthday. This rum was new to me and I didn't know it.

However, I read everything about it, and of course I read everything about Barbados, the history of the island and how important rum was to the history of Barbados. I believe that if you want to learn everything about something you love, you must travel to the place where it was born. So, I organized a two week trip to Barbados carded for January 2015 with the Bajan Association of Rum Shops (B.A.R.S. Inc.); where I will be able to experience the rum heritage and culture while in Barbados and visit local rum distilleries, your bars, rum shops and the beaches of course.

I will have the opportunity to work in one of your local bars to make cocktails and showcase my skills as a bartender representing Greece. I am also excited for you to witness first hand, very professional bartenders from my country, who love your culture, your products and most of all respect your history and nation.

Greek bartending is very strong and we love our job. I want to extend special thanks to Franklyn Parris and the Bajan Association of Rum Shops (B.A.R.S. Inc.).

See you Love, Nikos Arvanitis

soon

in

Barbados!

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BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

This is one my signature cocktails with Mount Gay Rum from Barbados. "Old Time Barbados" It contains: Mount Gay Black Barrel, vanilla liquor, homemade honey syrup, molasses, chocolate and grapefruit. It is a twist of a classic old fashion cocktail which brings out the flavours of Mount Gay rum.

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BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

Casablanca Pool Hall & Bar

Sit in the open and take in the Caribbean sun while sipping on one of our local brews

L

ocated not too far from the Grantley Adams International Airport (GAIA), you will find one of Barbados’ most popular Rum Shops - PUG’s Bar & Restaurant, branded in Banks - the Beer of Barbados.

Visit PUG’s Bar & Restaurant where you will find delicious pork chops, and great mid day lunches; heavily supported and patronized by patrons within the neighborhood, visitors and returning nationals alike.

PUG’s Bar & Restaurant was one of the first bars to have the Rums of Barbados Seal erected on the front of the building, by Minister Donville Inniss, during the Strictly Bajan Rum Shop Tour - Rums of Barbados Edition!

PUG’s Bar & Restaurant is one the members of the Bajan Association of Rum Shops (B.A.R.S. Inc.). Other member shops will have the seal erected on their rum shops over the next year.

Opening Hours: 9:00 am to 12:00 am: Mondays to Saturdays

Visit PUG’s Bar & Restaurant today!

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Minister Donville Inniss, after erecting the first seal on PUG’s Bar & Restaurant during the Strictly Bajan Rum Shop Tour - Rums of Barbados Edition!

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BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

Minister Donville Inniss, relaxing and drinking local rum while conversing with participants of the Strictly Bajan Rum Shop Tour - Rums of Barbados Edition!

Franklyn Parris - President of the Bajan Association of Rum Shops (B.A.R.S. Inc.), Minister Donville Inniss, and Ivan, Owner of PUG’s Bar & Restaurant chatting about the Rums of Barbados.

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BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

Barbadian Village Shops

T

he Barbados Rum Shop is an integral part of bajan history and culture surviving over 300 years. Its origins date back to the beginning of the 17th century.

The village shop is a unique and ancient Barbadian institution, as ancient as the Church. It is said that for every church in Barbados you will find a rum shop, sometimes close at hand. And churches abound, with every possible denomination to be found scattered across the 21 by 14 miles of this beautiful island. There are over 6,000 rum shops dotted all over the island with at least three in every village and that is still evident today.

B.A.R.S. Inc. Promoting and working to Save Our Shops 126

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BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

RUM SHOP TALK

I

t is only in recent times that our island’s rum shops are dressed in the colours and insignia of the bigger beverage brands like Mount Gay Rum, Cockspur, Malibu, Old Brigand, Banks, Heineken, Piton, Hairoun, to name a few. The marketing specialists most likely realized the opportunities that the local rum shops provided - prime real estate that could translate into vibrant billboard advertising.

other.

Heineken is bringing in a close second and the rum companies are coming in a distant third.

This phenomenon on the surface is quite odd considering that we are talking about establishments that have been named for the liquor they traditionally sell the most, that is Rum. But now with the branding marketing concept (who ever thought of it was brilliant, we have to give kudos) a huge opportunity for the beer companies to sway opinion and influence rum drinkers to try a beer had arisen.

With this turn of events, we would ask – Do patrons still drink rum? The answer, much to the relief of the rum distilleries, is yes: they purchase their liquid of choice in small flasks (mini bottles of about 12 ounces) and drink it straight-up, on the rocks, with water or coca cola mostly.

The first conversation could well have been, “Hey Mr. Rum Shop Owner, how would you like us to paint your entire shop for you, with graphics and colors that will attract people like flies to your doors. And we’ll do it for free, just for being a great customer of our brand”.

So, as we continue to watch this game, this war of sorts where the old guard is being beaten back by the aggressive new comers, we wonder whether the change of face will also cause a change of name: “What is a rum shop if people are drinking more of everything but rum?”. We wait with bated breath.

It would not have taken anytime at all for Mr. Rum Shop Owner to see the advantages of this offer, being an ardent entrepreneur and knowing to not let the dollar pass them by. This inevitably would lead to a bidding war with the best deal getting the privilege of painting their logos on any rum store.

As predicted, the Branding Wars are on and Banks Beer is seemingly on their way to victory. However, the tide can still turn.

Our unofficial tally of the shops that have succumbed to this advertising has revealed that the red, brown and black of Banks Beer are on more rum shops than any 127

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Mondays: Club Marina - Cavans Bridgetown, St. Michael

Lane,

Wednesdays: Juice Spot - Ruby Main Road, St Philip Coconut Island - Villages of Coverly, Christ Church Thursdays: Jamba’s Bar - Banks Hall, St. Michael Waves Bar - Spring Garden Highway, St Michael.

South Coast Daiquiri & Grill - St. Lawrence Gap, Christ Church.

Fridays: Sonita’s Crib - Birds Hill Haggatt Hall, St. Michael Moore & Chef Tull Bar- - Buckingham Road, Bank Hall, St. Michael Saturdays: Thirsty or Not bar - Maxwell Main Road, Christ Church Codgie’s Bar - Queen Mary Road, Bank Hall, St Michael. Package.

Juice Spot - Ruby Main Road, St Philip

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Pudding & Souse Locations Fridays:

Tony’s Snack Bar & Restaurant Lot 18 Clapham Park St. Michael Saturdays: Moore & Chef Tull Bar- - Buckingham Road, Bank Hall, St. Michael Renee’s Hide A Way, #19 Midway Lane, Pine St Michael Waves Bar - Spring Garden Highway, St Michael.

Tony’s Snack Bar & Restaurant Lot 18 Clapham Park St. Michael Star Girl Cosy Bar, 2nd Ave. Greens St. George Croton Inn, Maxwell Main Rd, Christ Church Weisers On The Bay, Brandon’s Beach, St. Michael

A Taylors Bar, Redman’s Village, St. Thomas OD’s Variety, Cave Land, St. Philip La Keemie’s West Indian Cusine, #47 Sugar Cane Mall, Roebuck St. Bridgetown St. Michael Ardella’s Lodge Road Christ Church

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BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

BARBADOS AND RUM T

hree well-known international rum brands originate here in Barbados: Mount Gay, Cockspur and Doorly's. The coconut-flavored, rumbased liqueur 'Malibu' is also produced on the island.

Barbados played a major part in the British West Indies' sugar production, which had reached 25,000 tons by the turn of the 18th Century – more than all of the Dutch-owned and French-owned Caribbean islands combined. With such vast quantities of sugar cane being grown in a small space, rum naturally evolved as a valuable by-product. It remains an important part of the island’s culture and economy today.

Most rum is made from molasses, a thick, black, sweet syrup whose name comes from the Latin mel, meaning 'honey' (via Portuguese melaco). Molasses is made by repeatedly boiling cane juice in order to extract sugar crystals - it is a primary by-product of sugar production. As Barbados' sugar industry grew, so did its rum production capacity. Most Barbadian rums are golden rather than clear ('white'), indicating that they have been aged in wooden barrels to add aromatic complexity.

Mount Gay was one of Barbados's first commercial rums, and is the world's oldest rum brand, as evidenced by company deeds that date back to 1703.

The name Mount Gay was created in 1801 as a combination of Mount Gilboa (the company's first plantation) and John Gay Alleyne (its long-standing manager, who died that year).

Cockspur joined the Barbadian rum market in 1884 and remains a popular brand today. It is made at the West Indies Rum Distillery, which draws its water from a coral-filtered aquifer. Malibu is also produced here.

The quality of Barbados's rum was recognized not only in Britain but also in the United States. The

nation's first President, George Washington, ordered a barrel for his inauguration ceremony in 1789.

Many rums are aged in oak barrels, which deepen their aromatic profile and color. The longer a rum spends in barrel, the darker it gets. Dark rum (which includes brown, black and red rums) has the deepest color and is generally aged in barrels which have undergone heavy charring. At the opposite end of the scale, white rum (also known as silver or light rum) is sometimes filtered after aging, to ensure its clarity and lack of colour. Don Fecundo Bacardi is widely credited with developing this technique. Terms such as viejo (old) and añejo (aged) are used to distinguish those rums that have been aged for an extended period.

Some rums are flavored after production, most often with coconut (as in the case of Malibu), lime, orange and banana. Spices such as cinnamon, ginger and pepper are also commonly used, and spiced rum is now recognized as a category in its own right. Chili peppers have also been used to spice up rum, although this is rarely done on any significant commercial scale.

Rum, particularly in its lighter forms, is a classic cocktail ingredient. It is used in a number of the world's most famous and most exotic cocktails, such as the Daiquiri, the Cuba Libre, the Mojito and the Pina Colada. Dark rum is used less often than light rum in cocktails, but has proved popular when mixed with cola drinks.

Rum cocktails: Mojito – with lime and mint Daquiri – with lime and sugar (often flavored with ingredients such as strawberries) Cuba libre – with cola and lime

Pina Colada – with pineapple and coconut

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BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

B U S I N E S S

OCT 2014

C L A S S I F I D S

Roses, Gift Baskets & More

Sundown Gym - Total Fitness Centre

OPENING HOURS Mon - Fri: 4:30 am - 9:00 pm Sat: 8:30 am - 9:00 pm Sun: 8:00 am - 1:00 pm

Lsj-Stylez caters to both natural and chemical clients providing services such as braiding, salon locking, weaving, relaxers, etc. I also offer services of eyelash extension and personalize styling.

I'm a stylist with 10+ years in the industry and I am currently operating in Bridgetown. Contact information - 232-8611 / 256-5076

Receiving a gift of fresh flowers is always a thrill and T’Amor Florist makes sending that excitement to your loved ones easier than ever before! We send flowers to any location island wide.

Visit us online at: www.tamorflorist.webs.com or call: 4297784

Tudor Street Bridgetown, Barbados Tel: (246) 236-1105 Visit Sundown Gym on Facebook The inspiration behind the Daresqué

View Swimwear on Daresque’s facebook page, twitter and Instagram.

Boyceterous Cruises is one of the newest recreational vessels cruising the coastal waters of Barbados. Boyceterous Catamaran Cruises offers tours consisting of swimming with the turtles in the crystal clear waters of Barbados.

Contact Email: daresque@gmail.com

www.boyceterouscruises.com/

swimwear conceptualizes confidence in you as a woman and a personality that dares to stand to out. Dare to be risqué

At Debbie's Sweets N Treats we cater for everyone with our freshly baked cakes and pastries. We also produce vegetarian and gluten free sweet treats by order. If you have a small party or function we can cater for you. Remember you name it, we bake it!

Find us on Facebook: Debbie’s Sweets N Treats

To book a reservation call us at 246.429.2228 or 246.256.7979.

Email Us at boyceterous@gmail.com

The Shoe Palace- Where Your Feet Are Treated Like Royalty!!

Our mission is to empower women. To give them a safe environment to learn about sexual health and to give them permission to know their bodies, strengthen their romantic relationships, and to encourage open communication with their healthcare providers.

134 Visit Our Website: www.reapleasureproducts.com

http://

Clyde Barnett PortFolios. Portraits · Food · Weddings · Landscapes · Personal Projects. Options.

Children and Family · Maternity · Newborn - Events

Looking for the latest trends, styles, colors? The Shoe Palace is the perfect location if you are a unique person looking to create that edge when it comes to your look and personality. We also offer a wide range of shoes for our very diverse customer base. Why waste your time going anywhere else?

Call (246) 244-8308

Find us on Facebook: Shoe Palace

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BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

Look out for N a d i a ’s Feature in next edition

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BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

PRIVATE TUTORING English and Math Tutoring Course

I

f your aim is to improve your aptitude and knowledge base in a particular field, all education pertaining to this subject will be useful. If this statement is assumed true, then the benefits afforded by private tuition are enormous.

You will have the advantage of a whole teacher to yourself, with their lesson plans and strategies of teaching designed just for you! It seems impossible to doubt the enormous benefits this will offer. In a classroom, one teacher may be faced with approximately thirty pupils, each with different abilities, different rates of learning, and individual strengths and weaknesses.

Yet despite this, for the majority of the lesson the teacher will be forced to treat his class as if it contained just one student. He or she will orate from one end of the classroom, unable to gauge how effectively each pupil is assimilating the lesson. The lesson plans will be designed to fit the needs of the average pupil; and the teacher will proceed at a rate suitable for the average pupil.

In this environment it is all to easy for a bright child or adolescent to fail to grasp one particular point, as the swathe of teacher talk washes over them like the unrelenting tides. It is unlikely even the best of teachers would spot the particular point of misunderstanding cast on the countenance on one pupil, hidden amongst so many other faces. To draw attention to their lack of understanding can be intimidating for the pupil: everyone else is silent, so they must have understood.

Do I want to draw attention to myself? All too often the misunderstanding goes unexpressed and unaided. The obvious benefit of one to one tuition is that the tutor can tailor their teaching style to the abilities of their student.

They will be able to gauge the level of the pupils understanding, and, more importantly, track down the sources of misunderstanding, and deal with them effectively. Away from the bustle of the classroom, the student will feel more able to voice their difficulties; and having just one pupil to deal with, the teacher will be more capable of resolving them.

Other subjects available: POA and POB Subject: English/Mathematics/POA/POB Days: Tuesdays/Thursdays/Saturdays

Package: Hours: 4-5pm and 5-6pm each day (Tue/Thur) Saturdays: 1-2pm, 2-3pm, 3-4pm, 4-5pm Cost per hour: $25 Cost per two hours: $40 If you, your child or anyone you know, require personal assistance in any of the above areas, then you've come to the right place/person. This course caters to children and adults alike. It's all about you or someone you know understanding, learning and moving forward to achieve their academic goals.

Parents see below: 1. Parents are free to select the time/day best for their child.

2. This package is ideal for kids who need that additional push and help with understanding concepts etc. Creative tools (music/games/challenges/ other creative activities) will be used to ensure the child benefits/learns.

3. As we approach exams, the course is expected to intensify, focusing on pass papers, practice tests using exam conditions. Mentoring is also provided at this stage to ensure that the child is well prepared all-round for exam.

4. Should you (parent) require a copy of my CV, please feel free to request such. Upon reviewing my CV, you may see an area that you think your child can also benefit from. Please feel free to inform me of that area which will allow your child to gain even further knowledge/ skills.

Contact Information: Raeann Beckles at 1-246-844-7008 or raeann_beckles@yahoo.com

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A

nderson M. Pilgrim -

Executive

1990’s he was also director of the exhibition program at Harlem’s Afriworks Gallery.

Director, CaFA Fair (currently

As US representative for Barbados Investment & Development

entering its 5th Annual

Corp.’s US Market Development Program from 1999-2008, Mr.

Edition)

Pilgrim has been instrumental in developing and propelling the

Barbados

careers of many of the country’s creative talents in the areas of Anderson M. Pilgrim is a

art, fine craft, and fashion. His booth designs and presentations

curator and artist representative with over 30 years experience

have won several awards over the years including Best In Show,

in the performing and visual arts. Mr. Pilgrim grew up on the

Manchester Art Show, CT; and The Kuumba Award for Booth

island of Barbados where he attended Harrison College, and

Design-First & Second Prizes, International Black Buyers &

began his career in the arts. During summer 1981 he was part of

Manufacturers Expo, Washington DC.

the stage management of (CARIFESTA) Caribbean Festival of Creative Arts, the preeminent regional arts festival, which was

About Art In Barbados: What I’m seeing in Barbados in very

held in Barbados on that occasion. He later attended Baruch

positive. There are more art programs for students to develop

College of the City University of New York, graduating with

their education and skills in the arts and the talent is definitely

honors in Marketing and Business Management.

there. However, we must all remember that an artist in whatever genre cannot survive without support and we have to support

Since 1993, as President and founder of Diaspora Now Inc. he

our artists wherever they may be…on the island or in an

has produced dozens of art exhibitions and several other cultural

overseas market. Encouragement and support is vital. What

events, showcasing artists from Africa, the Caribbean, Latin

would really propel the industry in Barbados is having its own

America, and the USA. A noted independent curator, Mr.

National Fine Art Museum. There is a quite powerful National

Pilgrim partnered in 1997 with Prof. Thomasenia Myers, SUNY

Art Collection with no home to display it, and there is no real

Purchase, as the curatorial team for the Jamaica Art Center of

institution in place to develop and market the talent we have in

NY’s 25th Anniversary Exhibition. During the mid to late

abundance.

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BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

Caribbean Fine Art (CaFA) Fair celebrates the important contribution of Caribbean visual artists and the increasingly important role that Caribbean art is playing in the international art arena. CaFA Fair is a curated exposition showcasing paintings, photography, sculpture, and drawings by art galleries, institutions and individual artists who will be represented. Not only will there be works produced in the Islands and parts of Central and South America, but also by artists of Caribbean ancestry living and working in Europe and North America. This event was inspired by the pioneering work of Gloria Gordon and the Caribbean Visions exhibit, which travelled the US in the mid 1990’s, as well as the success of Art Off The Main Art Fair in New York City and its Executive Director, Jamaican gallerist Loris Crawford.

The call from artists and cultural entrepreneurs for a definitive art fair based in the Caribbean was also undeniable. The initial venue, Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Conference Center, Barbados, is a proven facility of international quality which is undergoing extensive renovations. Since 2013 CaFA Fair has been held at the refurbished Spirit Bond building, in the heart of historic Bridgetown.

While the Caribbean region is known for its pulsating reggae and calypso rhythms, its white sand beaches and spicy cuisine, much remains unknown about the richness of the region’s cultural assets such as its writers, performing and visual artists. This, in spite of

the fact that Caribbean Americans constitute a significant and growing component of America’s population and people of Caribbean ancestry have made significant contributions to the American and European cultural landscape. The vision of Caribbean Fine Art Fair - Barbados is to become the premier exposition for the appreciation of Caribbean Visual Art and a show that captures the diversity, creativity and the integrity of Caribbean art. While the visual arts provide that central focus, Caribbean Fine Art Fair - Barbados will be combined with educational programs and stirring cultural events including music, film, theatre and fashion. www.bajansunonline.com/MAGAZINE/ | info@bajansunonline.com | @BajanSunOnline

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

Caribbean Fine Art Fair - Barbados is planned and produced by a team with extensive experience in marketing fine art; planning and participating in exhibitions and trade shows; creating and executing advertising, sales and public relations campaigns. The Expo will be marketed through a

OCT 2014

highly targeted media and direct mail campaign and through strategic alliances with community based organizations and opinion leaders.

Please visit information

www.cafafair.com

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for

more

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

DJ’S BOOK O’ RHYMZ DJ SIMMONS "Feelin A Way

O

ver fifty poems selected from the raw, real work of Dempstu

Simmons, Jr. banded together for your eyes' listening pleasure. Affectionately known to all as D.J, this young Barbadian male takes his adventures over the past couple of years and expresses them in a way only he can. Combining

natural brilliance with his culture's sense of humour this variety of poetry spans seven separate sections, leaving you with

D

a song for every season. A God given

empstu Simmons, Jr also known as D.J. I self-published my first book of poetry and developed a passion and drive for helping others to produce their writings as well and evolve from writers to authors.

142

talent easily explained within these pages, finally matured for the whole

world to explore.

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143

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BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

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OCT 2014

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BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

A

modern day love story that surely challenges the perception of adult relationships – two people from completely different walks of life connect.

Rosalie A single mother, Rosalie was recently laid-off from her job and needed to find some source of income. Her first love, writing, quickly became a focal point for her and on the advice of her thirteen year old daughter she joined the Artista Network and entered the Poets’ Rendezvous.

OCT 2014

had been advised, by his students no less, to troll the social media, especially Artista Network and get a feel for the many poetry groups and their activities. He signed into the first poetry group he came upon – The Poets’ Rendezvous, what he found there would prove to send him off kilter for quite some time.

Virtuālis is a journey of two souls, a cry for solace and love; a conversation of the heart which is freely expressed and interestingly painted with the poetic words of two artists.

With much hesitation, she posted a poem and waited.

What she found in her inbox was totally unexpected.

DeCarlo A professor of Black American Literature had recently lost his only son in a tragic biking accident. He buried himself in his work and his research for his new book. He

“And what would the world say when they see it?”

“What could they say but – Romeo and Juliet.”

“But you do know that they both died in the end?”

©Cher Corbin 2014

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

D

empstu Simmons, Jr also known as D.J. I founded my business is Dojangles Publishing in 2006 after I self-published my first book of poetry and developed a passion and drive for helping others to produce their writings as well and evolve from writers to authors. Between the years 2006 to 2009 I published the works of three writers including four books of poetry and short stories. I also collaborated with several others in the publication of their books as well.

After 2009 the business was dormant for a while where I switched my focus into more live performances and event planning, which took up most of my time. This year however, 2014, Dojangles Publishing has been reestablished to offer services to all those in Barbados, the region and where else the network spreads. At Dojangles we publish full length novels and novellas, as well as anthologies of poetry, short stories and music. We also format the layout for magazines (physical and digital) and eBooks. We have also recently added poster, flyer and menu design to or list of services as well. Guidelines on how to produce and promote your Book Launch are also included in the publishing package.

OCT 2014

respect your business. Also sometimes when clients recognize you are a local small business, payment can be tardy at times.

All of the books published by Dojangles Publishing have been featured at various Crop Over and NIFCA book fairs in Barbados and some of them purchased for overseas libraries and universities ranging as far as Belgium.

Plans are in place to make sure Dojangles Publishing is constantly in the public’s eye via social media and mass marketing. Also the content being produced by year end will increase presence among local and regional clientele. Hardware will also be procured to extend the services offered to include multiple forms of printing as well.Address: Apartment #2 , Golden Castle Apartments, Rendezvous, Christ Church.

Contact Numbers:

246-837-2136 (cell) 246-624-2882

(Land

Line) Email: Facebook.

dojangles@gmail.com Facebook.com/Dojangles

Some of my greatest challenges being an entrepreneur is having other business professionals www.bajansunonline.com/MAGAZINE/ | info@bajansunonline.com | @BajanSunOnline

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

POETS

Blake Broomes Blake Broomes has been a spoken word artiste for four years; having performed at Love, Poetry and Song; Mahalia’s Corner,

Ainsley Carter Bajan Poet

the Arts Lime and Talent Uncapped.

Though

he

has

performed

most

I left Barbados behind along with my family and a few

passionately; pieces such as the intriguing

friends to further my career in the United Kingdom in

‘A Blues For Nina’, from the movie Love

September 2000. It was here I found my passion and love

Jones; Blake also writes and performs his

for poetry and writing short stories.

own pieces. Two of his most popular pieces

Many days I would write and jot things down, whenever I felt lonely, sad, or missing my family and friends. The

are: ‘My Beliefs’ and ‘Avatar’. As Blake

words I etched on paper soon became my story as they

would have us know, it took him six

detailed my life in someway. Over the years I made

months to write his first piece and another

friends while living in the UK and would allow a few to

six months to build up the courage to

peak at my work, most would praise my writing skills

actually perform it. He believes that he

and encourage me to have them published. I eventually

thinks and expresses himself in a way that

took their advice and published my first book in September 2010, my masterpiece titled “Poetry A Way

is different from most people, which allows

Of Life”. I eventually published my second book titled “

him the opportunity to share his views on

A Journey Into The Abyss Of The Mind”

many things, whether it’s in line with what

Visit my website www.ainsleymcarter.co.uk to read my

people expect or not.

poetry, stores and view my books.

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BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

POETRY H aving Hope…

I am that beacon of light that guides you that twinkle in your eyes I am that which assist you when you are lost to get you out of your darkest despair I am that little voice in your head To turn you away from danger when you think all hope is gone I am the one that beats you up I am your inner self

OCT 2014

C

ommitment

She tied a noose of past lovers And placed it around her current lovers’ neck Each knot she tied was full of their mistakes And her old regrets Too much for any man to bear on their shoulders So he chose to bear it around his neck She built their relationship like a table on which he stands If this table moves, he hangs Its legs were made of mistrust and lies Broken promises and past lovers ties The fourth leg was broken from the beginning It was to be made of honesty, fidelity and the rest of their lives.

I am you

and you are me Together we will never give up nor give in For we are destined for great things We are HOPE HOLD ONTO PRESERVING ENERGY (HOPE) Happiness Overcomes Persistent Encouragement (HOPE)

Written and copyrighted by Ainsley Carter ™ 2014

Leg three was unorthodox As he tried loving her outside the box But that only got his back boxed in So he’s back in the love box Back boxing love Only getting his love boxed in.

The second leg was never strong Based on her sense of right and wrong And not knowing what made herself happy So nothing he did was ever enough But he kept on believing in love The first leg was him never knowing what to do To the point of her saying “It’s not you, it’s me. I don’t like you” She saw him as the competition He needed her to be his completion.

Written by Blake Broomes

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BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

SPOKEN WORD ARTIST Idrees Saleem

I

drees Saleem hails from the beautiful twin island Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. Though a Poet, Actor and Director, for the past nine years, Idrees’s passion lies in Spoken Word. An all time lover of writing, Idrees deemed himself the class clown from his many class performances at school. Later, when he entered sixth form at the St Augustine Senior Secondary Comprehensive School aka The Green machine; Idrees joined the Drama Club where his talent and passion further developed. When asked: What inspires you to write? - Idrees stated “I'm not inspired by one thing in particular. Sometimes emotion moves me to write. I'm moved by the plight of the voiceless. But, I also write topic based pieces and do jobs for institutions.”

Having performed throughout Trinidad and Tobago over the past years in front of crowds reaching up to 600 persons in one sitting, Idrees is looking forward to performing at the Regional and International levels very soon. Only last year, Idrees and his drama group completed a secondary school tour where they visited 30 schools along the twin island. Idrees’s talent has also opened doors for him to perform at Government Ministries, and at theatre productions directed by him and others. As he would have us know, his performances are

usually well received; despite the times he forgot his pieces half way through a performance - doesn’t happen often though!

However, his performance of ‘My Midnight Robber’ (a Trinidad folk character) is seen as a crowd favourite. What’s more intriguing is the responses to his nostalgic piece on ‘The Mango’ which tends to be highly entertaining and equally well received.

Idrees is also part of “The 2 Cents Movement”, which is a youth run, Non-Profit Organisation using the arts and cultural expression for youth advocacy to address issues. The 2 Cents Movement delves primarily into the art form of spoken word and aims to take this art form to the next level.

More interestingly, this movement is about creating opportunities of self sustainability as an artist through planning and development of the artiste. It is also about ridding artistes of the stigma of disorganization associated with the arts.

In his own words: What do you think about performing in Trinidad and Tobago?

Trinidad has recently redeveloped its appreciation for Spoken Word Poetry and therefore it’s refreshing seeing the walls being broken down. I'm always satisfied after a theatre performance. But, the arts in Trinidad on a whole have been a struggle where appreciation and support by the Government is concerned. Nonetheless, due to the upsurge by those who are doing it on their own; the Government is now seeing its importance and therefore I believe more resources would be pumped into the industry.

Who are your mentors?

My mentors are many but a few of them are Muhammad Muwakil (poet), Amir Sulaiman (poet), Lupe Fiasco (rapper), Denzel Washington (actor), Tom Hanks (actor), Meryl Streep (actress), Andre Dillon (director). Many of my performing colleagues who are in my very age group serve as mentors by the gigantic strides they are making.

www.bajansunonline.com/MAGAZINE/ | info@bajansunonline.com | @BajanSunOnline

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE What was your greatest achievement in terms of your performances?

My greatest achievement in acting was assuming the role of Jacko in "An Echo In The Bone" by Dennis Scott. It was my first large production with the Trinidad Theatre Workshop and I acted alongside people I considered local acting legends when I was a mere virgin.

My greatest achievement in poetry was gaining the title, VERSES 2014 Champion. I copped the title beating poets that I see as seasoned performers. It was a process and a moment that i'll never forget.

My greatest achievement in Directing is seeing a script that I penned and directed being performed on stage.

"Black Into The Grey" a script I wrote for the UWI Afrikan Society was successfully staged last year where I played the lead role. It was highly stressful but we pulled it off.

What was your greatest challenges and how you overcame it?

The most stressful situation I have been through where performing was concerned was in my preparation for the VERSES 2014 competition. A few weeks before the finals I was robbed at gun point in a taxi and taken away. I thought I was on my way to certain death. They eventually they let me out the car. But, not before taking all my be-

OCT 2014

longings which included the poem I was writing for the finals located on my phone. I had to start over my finals piece from scratch and see what I could have salvaged from memory. Thank God I still won!!!

What would you say to young persons interested in getting into spoken word/ and the performing arts?

To the younger ones interested in getting into spoken word, theatre etc.; we have a way of putting up mental blocks when we see people we admire. We say to ourselves "I can't be that good". That's because we focus on the person's result and not their process. You should know that you both were at the same stage once, and that person is also working at a goal. No individual who we consider great has actually reached where they want to be as yet. So stop planning and start. You'd be giving this bit of advice to someone else sooner or later.

For more information on Idrees, you can visit his Facebook page: "Idrees Saleem" or contact him via his email address idrees1804@gmail.com or cell phone number 1868-371-7946. Also to see more of his work, visit and join other Facebook pages and groups: "UWI Afrikan Society" and "DMAD Company" or email: The 2 Cents Movement at: thetwocentsmovement@gmail.com, and DMAD Company at: dmadco@gmail.com.

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BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

PHOTOGRAPHY

C

lyde Albert Barnett has been a photographer for over 15 years. A lover of the craft, Clyde has seen photography as another medium for capturing the beauty of our world. Though Clyde usually covers most major events and promotion work for sponsors locally, Clyde aspires to secure many international contracts over the next five years. As Clyde would have us know, he especially likes capturing those special moments; Weddings, Graduations, Award Ceremonies and Birthdays.

When asked: what gives you the edge over other photographers, Clyde indicated that he is also an artist (oil pastel), so he can spot and capture beauty (the good side) quicker; thereby giving him an edge.

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Q&A with Clyde: What do you look for when setting up a frame or about to take a photo?

I check the light source, subject foreground and background, facial expression and eyes.

What would you photographers?

say

to

young

aspiring

Practice, do lots of research and be creative because the modern equipment is awesome. Most people value beautiful pictures of them self so also see value in your work. Prepare your equipment well and always have back up. Focus outside of the box remembering that unusual images usually have more value. Develop your speed for those split second fantastic shots.

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BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

PHOTOGRAPHY

OCT 2014

D

anny Haynes has been interested in photography for most of his life. When asked, “why photography?” he simply stated that photography and video-graphy was inspired by his love for art and the fun he has when being forced to be creative with every new project. For Danny he has always loved art and working with multimedia, therefore the combination of the two made for a great mix.

Danny’s love and passion for his craft quickly developed into a career and business which he has called: Krynk Arts. Inspired by the phenomena similar to a chain reaction; Krynk Arts was birthed.

As he would have us know, Krynk or "Krink" as it is pronounced is the first sound that is heard when glass begins to crack before the obvious end result of a huge crack or multiple cracks. This represents the first idea which many other ideas branch off of to create outstanding media, events, and networks which in turn always produce outstanding art in many forms.

What’s more is Krynk Arts vision which is clear, simple and achievable: ‘To continue to capture the arts, people, places, events, and scenery from this beautiful island Barbados and present it in new and more creative ways.’

For more information on Krynk Arts please visit: Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/krynkartsTV, YouTube at (KrynKarts) or email at krynkarts@gmail.com.

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Tracy DeOlivere Greenidge is the owner of DeOLIVERE ORIGINALS PHOTOGRAPHY. An award winning

artist

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BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

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OCT 2014

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OCT 2014

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

"You're no Einstein." How many times have you heard that in your life? When people have compared you to the great thinker, has it been in the spirit of sarcasm--Nice one, Einstein.

Albert Einstein has become the benchmark by which everyone measures intellect, though few understand what made the man tick. (For more on that see Unleash Your Inner Einstein.

Throughout his long life, the creator of E=mc2 (and one of a handful of people to know what it really means) indicated what he saw as the path to success through his words and actions. Entrepreneurs have more in common with Einstein than they think. Many of the traits that led him to be named Time magazine's Person of the Century--kind of an elite club --drive people to create businesses. Do you see a little of Einstein in you.

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BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

wondered, be better? If Einstein had stopped questioning, we would have been left with his thoughts on relativity instead of an entire theory.

Old problems, new ways of thinking. "We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking we used when we created them." In the 1940s and

'50s, book publishers printed paperback books based solely on hardback titles that had lost momentum; Ian Ballantine created Bantam Books Inc. to do just that. He soon realized he was limiting his

Imagination.

profit potential by sticking to the old way of thinking.

Einstein said, "Imagination is more important than knowledge." The fellas over at Google had all the computer skills and knowledge they needed to have

successful careers in some firm's IT department--along with tens of thousands of other techies. What makes

He decided--much to other publishers' and bookstores' chagrin--to produce original paperback titles for massmarket sales. Sixty years later, both models still exist.

And Ballantine likely would have jumped at the chance to offer books electronically.

Larry Page and Sergey Brin household names is the fact they imagined there was a better way to search the web,

Intuition.

and then they created it.

"The only real valuable thing is intuition." Einstein Always questioning.

worked in theoretical physics; he had to trust his intuition to move forward on anything. Entrepreneurs do

"The important thing is not to stop questioning." One of the most important questions an entrepreneur can ask is How can I make it better? Whether you offer a product or a service, improving it is the only way to attract new clients and retain existing ones. While Phil Knight was marketing Nike to the top of the athletic-shoe sales heap, Bill Bowerman tinkered with the shoes' designs and made sure Nike footwear was on the cutting edge of

the same thing every day. Intuition told Richard Branson the Sex Pistols were worth signing to a fledgling Virgin Records. Intuition told Hugh Hefner men would pay for a magazine filled with high-quality articles and fiction writing that was interspersed with photos of nude women. (Or was it the other way around?) Trusting one's gut led to many of the 20th century's greatest advances.

innovation. How can the new model, Bowerman www.bajansunonline.com/MAGAZINE/ | info@bajansunonline.com | @BajanSunOnline

BAJAN SUN MAGAZINE

OCT 2014

Strong positive attitude.

Willingness to try new things--and fail.

"Weakness of attitude becomes weakness of character."

In the early 20th century, greeting cards were given for Christmas and Valentine's Day. In 1915, a few weeks before Cupid's favorite holiday, a warehouse fire destroyed J.C. and Rollie Hall's entire inventory of Valentine's Day cards and left them $17,000 in debt.

They borrowed money, purchased an engraving firm, designed two new cards and printed them in time for Christmas. Nearly a century and countless new ideas later, Hallmark Cards sets the industry standard.

"Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new." Just ask the people at Coca-Cola circa 1985. The Coke folks realized the error of their ways and reinstated the traditional formula, but many of their other forays into new flavors--cherry and vanilla to name two--have proved to be huge successes.

Naps.

Einstein was supposed to be a big believer in midday siestas to recharge the brain. Some companies--Google and Nike, to name two--have created nap-friendly guidelines for their employees. There may be a lesson there for up-and-coming entrepreneurs. Other entrepreneurs have utilized naps in a different way: bringing napping equipment to the workplace. No lie.

MetroNaps installs sleep pods in companies' buildings for employee use.

Rise above the mundane details. The stories of Einstein having a closet full of the same suits are exaggerated, but the point of the story is made: He didn't want to spend intellectual and chronological capital wrestling with one of life's mundanities. The definition of mundane details will vary from person to person--you say spreadsheets, I say boring--but know what you consider mundane and hire someone to take care of those tasks before they get neglected and drag the company down. Howard Hughes--before he lost the keys to his sanity vault--didn't like the administrative day-today duties of the company he inherited from his father. He hired someone to handle it, and that person turned Hughes' $1 million company into a $75 million empire. The other lesson there is "hire well."

Maintaining balance.

"If A is a success in life, then A equals x plus y plus z.

Work is x, y is play and z is keeping your mouth shut."

Notice Einstein didn't put absolute amounts on each of his variables. I doubt that was accidental. He knew--and now so do you--the ingredients to success; he also knew the formula was going to change from day to day.

Whatever the ratio of x to y to z, entrepreneurs cannot forget Y. Stay on top of tech.

Early in his career at the Swiss Patent Office, Einstein was passed over for a promotion until he mastered the technology of his day: machines. The entrepreneurs who are remembered at the end of this century will be the people who maximize the use of technology. What is the next internet? Where will communications be in 25 years? How will information be delivered, and on what devices? The people who figure out the answers to those questions will be entrepreneurs at the forefront of their industries.

So you don't know relativity from a relative. That doesn't mean you don't have something in common with Albert Einstein. After reading this, you may have all kinds of retorts for the next person who tells you you're no Einstein.

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