SHE Caribbean Issue 69

Kittisha DOYLE S H E C A R IB B E A N

GRENADA’S FLOWER GIRL IS THE WINNER OF CARIBBEAN’S NEXT TOP MODEL

The only magazine dedicated to the Caribbean Woman

V OLU ME 69, 2016

MARLEY LAUNCHES GANJA BRAND

THE ONLY MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO THE CAR IBBEAN WO MAN

A FASHIONABLE COLLECTION

FROM THE CLOTH

BOLD

ACCESSORIES ARE TRENDING

ULTIMATE POWER BAGS FROM BARBADOS

Intimate CRIMES

WWW.SHECARI BBEAN. CO M

ONE WOMAN SPEAKS OUT ABOUT THE LONG RECOVERY OF BEING

RAPED

REPORTAGE

MEET THE MILLENNIALS A GENERATION DOING IT THEIR WAY!

PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

MAE SABBAGH WAYNE EDITOR Dee Lundy-Charles CREATIVE DIRECTOR Linda Andrew JUNIOR EDITOR Christiane Beaubrun CONTRIBUTING WRITERS • Mark Wheeler • Kered Clement • Denise Lay • Allana Maximin • Angie Montoute • Kirsty Waters • Germaine Waters • Dr. Tanya Destang-Beaubrun • Howard Campbell • Hannah Fitz • Eliza Francis-Victor • Michele Hackshaw FASHION & BEAUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Mae Wayne • BEAUTY CONSULTANT: Mike M. Celestin • HAIR CONSULTANT: Emile Williams PHOTOGRAPHY (Cover) ORLANDO ROMAIN in Grenada • Sophie Bufton (Trinidad) • Jaryd Niles-Morris (Barbados) • Daniel Marcion (St Lucia) • Germaine Waters (St Lucia)

PRODUCTION COLOUR MANAGEMENT: Dalan James ADVERTISING & MARKETING MANAGER Vanessa Julien

vanessa.j@stluciastar.com

SUBSCRIPTIONS & DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Marcia Charles

marcia.c@stluciastar.com

BARBADOS OFFICE Averil Byer Mobile: 246-266-3641 • Office: 246-421-9035 • Skype: averilbyer • averil@aplomb360.com • www.aplomb360.com EDITOR’S DESK: PLEASE SEND SUBMISSIONS OR ENQUIRIES TO dee.l@stluciastar.com

editor@shecaribbean.com

PUBLISHER’S DESK publisher@stluciastar.com SHE Caribbean is printed & published by Star Publishing Co Ltd on the Caribbean island of Saint Lucia. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the prior consent of the publishers.

STAR Publishing Co Ltd, Rodney Bay Industrial Estate, Massade, Gros Islet. PO Box 1146, Castries, St Lucia, W. I. Tel: (758) 450-7827 Fax: (758) 450-8694 www.stluciastar.com www.shecaribbean.com

Contents Hair News pg 28

ISSUE 69, 2016

STARTING OUT 6 PUBLISHER’S LETTER Mae’s latest exploits and experiences.

16 COVER STORY: KITTISHA DOYLE She’s blooming gorgeous.

FASHION

36 REPORTAGE: FROM THE MOUTHS OF MILLENNIALS You’ve heard of them, now hear their story.

FASHION NOTEBOOK The latest industry news and views.

12 TRENDS: GO BIG OR GO HOME Accessories for the Summer.

13 TRENDS: WORKING WORK WEAR Change up your office style.

14 TRENDS: STYLES BOB MARLEY JAMMED BEFORE YOU Classic looks from the King of Reggae.

22 A FASHIONABLE PERFORMANCE The Cloth 48 BRAGGING POWERS Bags from the ‘I Am Rodney’ Collection.

HAIR AND BEAUTY 28 HAIR NEWS The latest tips for tresses.

30 INSIDE BEAUTY Make-up and skin care.

Trends pg 13

FEATURES

8 PEPPERPOT Caribbean art, culture and personalities.

10

Reportage pg 36

58 LIFE BULLETIN Buddha and Barre workouts.

HEALTH 32 BODY SHOP Health and fitness news.

44 SPOTLIGHT Shannon Kirton is kicking butt in a man’s sport.

RELATIONSHIPS 42 PLAYING THE DATING GAME AND LOSING It’s not as easy as you might think to find your soulmate online.

PROFILES 46 MAN CRUSH Cornelius ‘Emz’ George.

REGULARS

Fashion pg 22

60 SUN TEMPLE FOOD Healthy recipes for life.

52 EMPOWERMENT Psychology of Millennials.

62 BIZ TALK Do you need to build your brand?

54 MOM TO MOM Great parenting advice from one who knows.

66 VOICES Rape: An Intimate Crime.

56 ENTERTAINMENT Marley Natural launches ganja.

TRAVEL 64 SAINT LUCIA JAZZ Celebrating 25 years of the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival.

34 SEX BITES Three’s not a crowd in the bedroom.

Mom to Mom pg 54

on the cover

MODEL: KITTISHA DOYLE PHOTOGRAPHY: Orlando Romain at Hexive Creative Agency FASHION DIRECTOR: Kered Clement LIGHTING ASSISTANT: Dwain Thomas MAKE-UP-ARTIST: Divya Amarnarni Noel Trends pg 14

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Duty Free Caribbean – Where it’s always seriously fun shopping!

D U T Y F R E E P O I N T E S E R A P H I N E A N D L A P L A C E C A R E N A G E S T. L U C I A LA PLACE CARENAGE – 451-6994/452-2078 • POINTE SERAPHINE – 451-7840/458-1063

Publisher’s Page

ANOTHER

A

EXCITING YEAR

nother New Year and yes, I am tempted to say, same old same old — as so many have already said here, there and everywhere, albeit for different reasons.

But then I am reminded by fatigue that I have been busier than ever. For starters, at work I find myself surrounded by young people, quite a number of them friends of my son Christian from his schooldays in Saint Lucia. I love their ideas, their youthful enthusiasm and the way they force me to keep up with them mentally and otherwise. Of course, I sometimes have to rein them in . . . but we won’t go there. Anyway, no wonder I’m tired.

Today’s young people — Millennials, as they are called — are so different from those with whom I grew up. I suppose that’s what everyone says about the new generation, and not always for reasons positive! In my youth, I went to school, college and so on, but I suspect the pressures to perform were not nearly as intense in my time as they are now — good enough reason to dedicate this issue of SHE Caribbean to finding out more about what makes them tick.

Millennials are between 18-35, and by my own estimation, probably the most educated generation. As I say, I’ve found them good company and appreciate their points of view. I must also add, they tend to be unwilling to get their hands dirty. Many of my generation say outright that Millennials are for the most part lazy, but that’s not necessarily true. They are more demanding though, and have higher expectations of the market place — they don’t want to just settle.

According to respected research, 68% of recent graduates identified good opportunities for growth and development as one of their top professional goals. According to Adecco, most Millennials are “looking for companies offering advancement opportunities over taking high-paying jobs.” They are full expectations and concerns about the world.

Read the Reportage by Christiane Beaubrun, our SHE Caribbean Millennial, on page 36.

The research found they were “full of surprises” and not afraid to push the envelope — an observation that equally applies to many women of the Caribbean, exemplified by Shannon Kirton from Barbados. She made her motor racing debut at just seventeen years old and ever since has continued to push the envelope. Check “Dare To Be Different” in this issue on page 44.

This issue also features our first Grenadian model in a very long time! Eighteen-year-old Kittisha Doyle was the most recent winner of Caribbean’s Next Top Model Cycle 2, and by all the signs is determined to make her mark in the fashion industry. In fact this 18 year old is looking to conquer the modelling world following her ‘big break.’ She certainly comes fully equipped; beautiful, charming and a body that goes on forever.

And as I write I’m in Anguilla enjoying 50 shades of blue while working hard to discover new fashions and beauties for upcoming pages of your favourite magazine. Yes, my hard work never ends!

Happy Reading!

Mae Wayne Publisher

Kittisha Doyle, first Grenadian model to grace the SHE Caribbean cover.

mae.w@stluciastar.com

STOP PRESS! I'm delighted to share some very motivating news showing that SHE Caribbean's hard work does not go unnoticed. We have been nominated to receive the International Star for Leadership in Quality (Gold Category) at the BID International Convention for Quality, Innovation and Excellence in Paris, France, on April 30th and May 1st.

As a private organisation, BID began its program for quality awards and quality sharing culture in 1986, ahead of other internationally recognised business awards. The jury for the International Star for Leadership in Quality is made up of experienced professionals from the business world, specialised in quality, excellence and customer service, presided over by Jose E. Prieto, CEO of BID. Every year, companies from

Reportage

by Christiane Beaubrun, our SHE Caribbean Millennial, on Page 36

across the globe are represented at the convention at the Hyatt Regency Paris Etoile, a gathering where business leaders can present their companies before an international audience, share their achievements in quality culture and receive a prestigious award in the world of quality.

SHE Caribbean is very proud of the nomination and looks forward to sharing our experience with you in a future issue. WISH US LUCK!

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ALL BOOKS AVAILABLE AT THE YARD ST LUCIA

Pepperpot

disturbingly prophetic, as it delves into issues of identity, equity, ownership and relevance, against a background of irrevocable change in the physical and psychological landscape of St. Lucia and the wider Caribbean. For more than three decades, Augier’s work has been chronicling an evolving Caribbean culture, sometimes in jubilant celebration, sometimes with a deep sense of loss.

NAVEL STRINGS Resonating with the rich imagery of Caribbean life, politics, and social history, this latest collection of poetry from Adrian Augier is a poignant and faithful exploration of the human condition across several generations at home and abroad. Navel String is passionate, personal and

PETER TOSH MUSEUM

OPENS IN SUMMER

A

museum honoring the life and work of Peter Tosh, Jamaica’s global music legend and founding member of the critically acclaimed reggae group, The Wailers, will open its doors in Kingston, Jamaica this summer. The museum will be located at newly renamed Peter Tosh Square at the The Pulse Centre on Trafalgar Road. The project is a collaboration between the Peter Tosh Estate, Pulse Investments Ltd, and Andrea Marlene Brown, and it comes on the 40th anniversary of the commercial release of the classic hit single “Legalize It.” When the Peter Tosh Museum opens, Jamaicans and visitors from around the world will be able to see a collection of fascinating Tosh memorabilia and artifacts that have intrigued and mesmerised reggae lovers for decades, including Tosh’s famous M16 guitar and his beloved unicycle that became one of his PETER TOSH WAS favorite means of transportation.

POSTHUMOUSLY Some of the treasures will be AWARDED THE ORDER OF displayed to the public for the first MERIT, JAMAICA’S FOURTH time. Visitors will be able to relive HIGHEST NATIONAL aspects of the non-conformist, HONOUR IN 2012 futuristic and abundantly creative Tosh experience through sizzling audio and video recordings featuring the superstar. Exclusive merchandise will also be available for sale at the museum.

“This is an important turning point in the preservation and advancement of my father’s legacy, and the museum will allow my father’s message of equal rights and justice to be heard by generations, both young and old,” Niambe McIntosh, daughter of the Grammy winner and administrator of the Peter Tosh Estate said.

Peter Tosh was posthumously awarded the Order of Merit, Jamaica’s fourth highest national honour in 2012. For more information on Peter Tosh visit www.petertosh.com. For more information on The Peter Tosh Museum, please contact Kingsley Cooper; Pulse Investments: kc@pulsecaribbean.com.

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BIRTHRIGHT The Heinemann Book of Caribbean Poetry described Kendel Hippolyte as ‘perhaps the outstanding Caribbean poet of his generation’.

Until now his poetry has only been available in anthologies and slim collections which have been little seen outside St. Lucia. Birthright reveals him as a poet who combines acute intelligence and passion, a barbed wit and lyrical tenderness.

He writes with satirical anger from the perspective of an island marginalised by the international money markets in a prophetic voice whose ancestry is Blake, Whitman and Lawrence, married to the contemporary influences of reggae,

REVIEW “This latest collection is powerful, the voice unfettered, even provocative, signaling conviction and confidence over both medium and message.”

Peepal Tree Press

Rastafarian word-play and a dread cosmology. He writes, too, with an acute control of formal structures, of sound, rhythm and rhyme — there are sonnets and even a villanelle — but like ‘Bunny Wailer flailing Apollyon with a single song’, his poetry has ‘a deep down spiritual chanting rising upfull.’

Whilst acknowledging a debt of influence and admiration to his fellow St. Lucian, Derek Walcott, Kendel Hippolyte’s poetry has a direct force which is in the best sense a corrective to Walcott’s tendency to romanticise the St. Lucian landscape and people.

REVIEW “Perhaps the outstanding Caribbean poet of his generation.”

The Heinemann Book of Caribbean Poetry “… intense clarity of commitment, the rooted elegance… all his poems are subtle, lucid, highly readable.”

Mervyn Morris thin legs, it’s harder for a giraffe than you would think.

Gerald is finally able to dance to his own tune when he gets some encouraging words from an unlikely friend. With light-footed rhymes and highstepping illustrations, this tale is gentle inspiration for every child with dreams of greatness.

GIRAFFES CAN’T DANCE Giraffes Can’t Dance is a touching tale of Gerald the giraffe, who wants nothing more than to dance. With crooked knees and

REVIEW “Andreae’s rhyming text has a jaunty rhythm that’s likely to spark interest in the read-aloud crowd.”

Publishers Weekly

CLAUDIA EDWARD BRINGING HOME HER TALENT

SOAP OPERA SOUFRIERE SOAPWORKS ARE BRINGING BACK THE CRAFT OF HANDMADE SOAPS AND THE FASHIONISTAS OF SAINT LUCIA ARE FLOCKING TO THE YARD TO ENJOY THEIR AMAZING PRODUCTS. MADE FROM NATURAL INGREDIENTS WITH LOCAL FLORALS AND HERBS FOR AROMA. THERE ARE IRRESISTIBLE BARS LIKE CHOCOLATE, MADE FROM SAINT LUCIA’S FAMOUS COCOA, OR PAPAYA SCENTED WITH CLOVES; THERE’S A HIBISCUS AND MINT SHAMPOO BAR, BLACK SOAP WITH ACTIVATED CHARCOAL FOR EXFOLIATION AND HEALING, PLUS A RANGE OF SAILOR SOAPS WHICH DO THE UNTHINKABLE AND LATHER UP IN THE OCEAN! PERFECT FOR THOSE SAILING VACATIONS OR BEACH CLEAN UP EMERGENCIES. Available at The Yard, Massade, Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, or visit soapstlucia.com for more information about Soufriere Soapworks.

In the islands, we’re used to our reggae, soca and even jazz artistes, but it’s a rare thing to find a performer who veers from the Caribbean vibe into alternative rock. Saint Lucian songstress Claudia Edward, formally monikered ‘The Diva,’ is one such artiste, although over the course of her career she has dabbled in many musical genres, just to stretch her wings and find her strength. After a long stint in Thailand, where she has a devoted following, Claudia is back in Saint Lucia for the release of her fourth studio album, recorded and produced over the course of the last year at home and abroad.

Claudia’s first album was released way back in 1999, although she describes it as more an EP with five songs; her second was entitled ‘Dedication,’ recorded after the death of her father, and in 2010, her third album ‘My Check’ sealed her reputation as an alternative rock talent with her most recognised track ‘Broken Wings.’

“I see every album as better than the last, but earlier I was experimenting with reggae, R&B, ballads and all sorts. When I perform I want to feel energetic and alternative rock puts me there. When people responded to ‘Broken Wings’ so positively I realised it’s my genre.”

Her powerful voice and sexy rock-chic image has taken her around the globe to Asia, where Claudia has performed to appreciative audiences who can’t speak her language, but are right in tune with her sultry jazz/rock vibe. The Conrad in Bangkok calls this talented island girl “a glamorous diva with distinctive voice,” and she is happy to share stories of fans who travel from far afield to hear her perform.

‘On The Edge’ HER POWERFUL VOICE lines up a series of AND SEXY ROCK-CHIC producers such as Rawl IMAGE HAS TAKEN HER ‘Rossi’ Alcide and AROUND THE GLOBE TO Francis ‘Leebo’ De ASIA, WHERE CLAUDIA Lima in Saint Lucia, HAS PERFORMED TO and Christopher Neil APPRECIATIVE AUDIENCES in New Jersey, along WHO CAN’T SPEAK HER with collaborations LANGUAGE, BUT ARE with internationally RIGHT IN TUNE WITH HER renowned Saint Lucian SULTRY JAZZ/ROCK VIBE jazz guitarist Ronald ‘Boo’ Hinkson and local artistes Trish and The Mecca among others.

The album was released in early March, in time for the Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival 2016 in May, where Claudia has been a fringe fixture for several years. Look out for Claudia with her band Naked Chords, not only in Saint Lucia but also in upcoming Caribbean festivals and events.

Find out more about Claudia Edward’s music, events and concert dates on Social Media.

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FashionNotebook DESTINATION SHOPS CARIBBEAN STYLE

With more and more designers setting up their own stores, retail experiences are becoming sharper and more chic. The Caribbean is getting quite the reputation as a trendy haven for destination shopping.

EXHIBIT A

THE YARD GROS ISLET, SAINT LUCIA Moving up the islands, we come to the brainchild of our very own SHE Caribbean publisher, Mae Wayne and designer Oya Soysal, located at The Star Publishing Company in Saint Lucia. The theme of recycling is prevalent, as the buildings are made from old shipping containers, cleverly connected to create a

THE CLOTH

stylish, somewhat industrial space.

The Yard stocks an eclectic mix of designers from around the region,

PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO We’re totally crushing on the airy and organic feel of the space at Robert Young’s new retail emporium. The recycled driftwood and cleverly hung pieces makes for a pleasurable sensory overload and that’s before you even begin to browse his collection. You’ll be sure to find Robert’s practical, colourful and playful designs to suit even the most conservative fashionista. We can’t imagine that the Belmont in Trinidad has ever had a cooler store than The Cloth.

including Meiling and Anthony

www.theclothcaribbean.com

Instagram: @theyardstlucia

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Reid from T&T, Lily Deziles from Guadeloupe, and Silence of the Bees and Only Oya out of Turkey.

With a great range of Caribbean books on the shelves, don’t leave without picking up some reading material from the Book Yard and you can sit back and relax at the café while you enjoy The Yard’s cool and funky vibe.

ST. CLAIR, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO Located on the grounds of HOME Café, Exhibit A is a boutique showcasing the freshest Caribbean designers, curated by Project Runway winner Anya Ayoung Chee. Pop-up shops regularly feature the likes of MEILING, SHOP SHARI and Nor Black Nor White, a celebrity cult favourite worn by Machel Montano, Jhene Aiko and the uber-talented Major Lazer in their Lean On video. You can revamp your wardrobe with pieces by Anthony Reid, immortelle and Sew Lisa to name a few.

Exhibit A will be hosting a Mimosa Morning on Mothers’ Day, where you can shop for your mom while sipping on refreshing mimosas, then head over to HOME Café for brunch when your credit cards have been exhausted!

Email: exhibita@anyaayoungchee.com

THE TRUth HOLETOWN, BARBADOS Emilee Troulan, designer and founder of TRU Wear Designs Barbados, is a lady after our own heart. She launched TRU in August 2015, out of a love for soft tees and a desire to express her personal style whenever possible. She describes her look as minimalistic and although she mostly rocks her plain white tees with distressed denim, converse and funky accessories, she also transforms them with strappy heels and draped strings of Chanel pearls. Each TRU piece is specially designed and hand cut, using locally sourced soft jersey and cotton. TRU gives clients the opportunity to show individuality with each piece. “Nobody wears TRU the same way!� says Troulan. She is grateful for the opportunity to team with her friend Isabelle Baulu, the designer and founder of Sea Reinas Barbados, an escapist swimwear brand, to create a beautiful store in the Limegrove Lifestyle Canter in Barbados. The store not only stocks TRU and Sea Reinas but pieces by local artists, including Dolce Vita Photo Art, paintings by Sophie Warren, jewellery from Summer Gems and everything in-between. An online store which will afford regional and international shipping to a wider clientele is in the pipeline, along with new designs branching into everyday wear and activewear.

Facebook TRU Wear Designs Barbados, Instagram @trubarbados and website www.trubarbados.com

KENEEA LINTON BOUTIQUE KINGSTON, JAMAICA Fashion designer Keneea Linton-George opened doors to her new clothing boutique in December 2015, carrying designs

by Keneea Linton and a specially curated collection by fashion and accessory designers from across the Caribbean, including MEILING, Claudia Pegus, Julan, Renardo Lloyd, Reve Jewellery and Sidcile Bags.

The boutique aims to meet the growing demand for local designs and will service the modern, fashion-forward woman. Through the success of Mission Catwalk TV series, Keneea sees it fit to now open a retail space where women can access local designs. www.keneealinton.com

FASHION DATEBOOK ANGUILLA FASHION EXPO 2016 The Anguilla Fashion Expo is in its third year and on February 26th, 2016, Paradise Cove came alive with the island's biggest runway showcase yet. Anguilla Fashion Expo Regional Runway Show 2016 delivered designs from over a dozen fashion creative minds in the Caribbean. Male and female models came from all over the islands and were coached to runway perfection by Dominican beauty, Ruth Augustine, Executive Director of Supermodel Association. On 27th February, for those who preferred a more party atmosphere, the Island Vibes Beach Party at Rendezvous Bay was the ideal place to be. A 16 hour beach event, packed with musical entertainment from bands, solo artists and Djs. Designers also showcased their swimwear and resort collections. Look out for full coverage in the next issue of SHE Caribbean.

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Prada

Trends

BY KIRSTY WATERS

Channel

Dolce and Gabbana

Marc Jacobs

GO

BIG

Louis Vuitton

Saint Laurent

Fendi

OR GO HOME!

I always get excited by Spring/Summer trends and as far as accessories go, it’s no different. So what can we in the Caribbean look forward to in terms of appropriate styles for our climate this year?

I

feel like this year’s accessory trends definitely speak to our style and personality here in the Caribbean – big, bold, daring and confident. Suffice to say, gone are the recent days of minimalism and simplistic clean lines. We seem to have entered what the fashion business is calling a ‘post-minimalist world’ this summer, so if you’re someone who likes things simple or a little less daring, look away now.

Perhaps the most popular accessory to hit the S/S16 runways was the shoulder-duster earring. Adopted by many different designers, this trend reflected various takes, so it can be worn with a variety of wardrobes. Oscar de la Renta exposed us to the more elegant, glitzy shoulder-duster, perhaps more suited to a formal occasion, while Prada and Dolce & Gabbana showed more daring, fun designs that can be worn with casual clothing to spice things up.

If we’re talking about the wonderful jewellery that blessed the runways this Spring/Summer, we need to mention hair adornments and in particular, the tiara. This ultimate new accessory to add to your jewellery collection, is no longer restricted to royalty or childhood dreams of dressing up as princesses, as proven by Yves St Laurent’s classic take. However, more unconventional yet beautiful new looks were to be seen in Dolce & Gabbana’s floral crown and the more edgy tiaras by Chanel and Miu Miu. From our adorned heads straight to our toes, the daring and bold statements were not limited to jewellery this season, and an array of equally dazzling footwear stepped onto the runways.

12 S H E C A R I B B E A N . C OM / VOL 69

Fendi

Emilio Pucci

This season’s take on the essential sandal was chunkier, bolder and often chain-trimmed, as seen from Rick Owens, Louis Vuitton and Burberry. But if this look is too heavy-footed for you, check Emilio Pucci and Marc Jacobs with their more feminine designs, all sequin- and stone-encrusted for an “all-that-glitters” vibe.

Middle ground would be the lace-up detailing seen on flats and high heels by Oscar de la Renta, Fendi, Miu Miu and others. The fabric delicately wrapped around the ankle adds a little something extra to your look, combining a soft sweetness whilst keeping it simultaneously sexy.

And what is a Caribbean Spring/Summer without a bold or bright print in your wardrobe? If you are like me and stick to basic black, white and grey, a bold print handbag can add a pop of colour to your outfit without upsetting your neutrals. Fendi, Dolce and Gabbana, Louis Vuitton and Stella McCartney have all shown us the way with this trend, the latter two adding a chain-strap.

The accessories this Spring/Summer are in no way lackluster or safe. In fact they are the perfect pieces to embellish the ordinary, so be bold with your accessories, because this season there’s no reason to be mundane!

WORKING W YOUR WORK WEAR

Dior

Emilio Pucci

Ralph Lauren

Fendi

Givenchy

Depending on where you work, most women succumb to the conventional take on the office suit and there’s a feeling of limitation in what we can wear to work. What we wear outside office hours is often a representation of our true personality and style, which begs the question, why should we treat our work wardrobe any differently?

hile we have different careers and an individual take on what can be worn at work, common ground lies in the need for a professional and appropriate style for the work environment.

Although not all the Spring/Summer 2016 looks necessarily have a “professional” sensibility, there are some trends that can easily be adapted suit your work wardrobe.

One trend that’ll help you read between the lines of a tight dress code is the return of stripes. A true classic, we see it return in all different ways – thick or thin, horizontal or vertical, there’s no doubt stripes ran boldly across many S/S16 collections. From Dior’s black and red wide-striped dress to Prada’s multicolour PVC suit, there’s a stripe for everyone. If those feel too bold, then Tod’s pinstripe take on the trend is more on the classic side.

Bold patterns were also seen most unexpectedly in the resurrection of tie-dye. It seems this look has grown up a bit and taken on a more refined approach. Although it may sound ridiculous wearing a tie-dye shirt to work, Narciso Rodriguez and Emilio Pucci in particular have battled the odds and produced an incredibly chic result.

In contrast, a more feminine approach to the work wardrobe comes with the incorporation of frills and ruffles. Latin-inspired flounces and frills are seen embellishing hemlines and necklines of collections from J.W. Anderson, Jason Wu and Proenza Schouler among others. These exciting pieces will definitely add something extra to your work wear, while keeping it professional and office-appropriate.

If ruffles and frills aren’t a big enough statement, maybe puff sleeves will do the trick. As if someone had blown hot air into the sleeves of the blouses, this style seems to have been quite popular on the runways for this Spring/Summer, as seen in collections by Oscar de la Renta, Fendi and Lanvin. Lanvin’s take on this trend is seen on a classic white collared shirt – what says fashion forward work wear more than that?

So, working women, let’s agree that gone are the days when a pencil skirt or tailored pants and a boring shirt define a woman’s professionalism at work. Spring/Summer 2016 has offered us many styles that we can incorporate into our work wardrobe and these are just a few. I’m definitely adopting the pyjama trend this Spring/Summer to my work wardrobe – have a look at Ralph Lauren and Givenchy. Getting up for work and getting out the door has never been easier!

JW Anderson

Narcisco Rodriguez

Proenza Schouler

Prada

Lanvin

Oscar de la Renta

ABOUT KIRSTY : Kirsty is currently studying for a BA in Fashion Communication: Fashion History and Theory at Central Saint Martins in London. This allows her to study in detail western fashion from the Renaissance period to the present day and to look behind the curation of many exhibitions at the main museums in London.

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Trends

BY DENISE LAY

VINTAGE FOOTBALL JACKETS

STYLES

BOB MARLEY

JAMMED BEFORE YOU

An avid football fan and player, we’ve all seen Mr. Marley photographed wearing bomber-style sports jackets. Whether monochrome and monogrammed, or classic Adidas green, this is a style piece solidified in fashion history.

GET THE LOOK Marley Vintage Soccer Jacket reggaeking.com

With a musical repertoire that spans decades while managing to remain relevant, melodic and inspirational, Bob Marley is undoubtedly the undisputed King of Reggae. As legendary as his music, his style also transcends fashion fads and is still trendy in the 21st century. Here are some trends that the original Tuff Gong jammed long before some of us were born!

ADIDAS SAMBA First introduced in 1950 to enable footballers to train on hard icy grounds, Bob Marley wore these bad boys back in the 70s, way before Ashton Kutcher dreamed of wearing them on the That’s 70s Show.

GET THE LOOK footlocker.com

His trademark

DENIM SHIRTS were all tailored by a Jamaican craftsman and worn effortlessly. Denim is never going to become obsolete, but today’s trend of layering denim on denim is one that Bob has aced before we did.

GET THE LOOK Robert Young theclothcaribbean.com

UTILITY GREEN Though this look has buffalo soldier written all over it, Bob may have torn a page out of Che Guevara’s style catalogue for this look. However, the insouciance with which he carried it off was all his own.

GET THE LOOK wearmarley.com

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STRING VESTS As the trademark staple of many Rastafarians’ wardrobes, the string vest was not missing from his attire. With his own classy v-neck twist and not a hole in sight, Bob reasserts why he is a style icon for many generations to come. Tommy Hilfiger sent down a bevy of beauties, all clad in ice, green and gold for his 2016 Resort collection.

We’re positive that Mr. Marley would approve.

GET THE LOOK Tommy Hilfiger global.tommy.com

Escape and visit the Caribbean

SHE Caribbean available on iPad & iPhone Download THIS ISSUE and BACK ISSUES at the Apple Appstore or shecaribbean.com Fabulous Fashion & Beauty Tips, Health, Features, Travel, Relationship Advice and much more...

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CoverStory The winner of Caribbean’s Next Top Model Cycle 2, Kittisha Doyle is as now as ubiquitous and radiant as a cluster of bougainvillea, the national flower of Grenada.

Kered Clement experiences the blossoming of this new face, full of optimism following her recent victory.

Fashion Director: Kered Clement Photography: Orlando Romain at Hexive Creative Agency Lighting Assistant: Dwain Thomas Make-up Artist: Divya Amarnarni Noel Locations: Hexive Photographic Studio/River Antoine Rum Distillery

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Kaftan by Veronica’s Visions Shoes from Hot Chocolate Boutique, Grenada

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t’s Market Day in St. George’s, the capital city of Grenada where Kittisha spent some of her childhood before moving near the coastline in St. Patrick at the Northern end of the island.

Conductors with city bravado pile passengers onto buses, while vendors don gaping smiles to charm me with their goods. Amidst the bustle of town life, ripening papaya and roast corn, I spot a lean six foot figure adjusting the straps on her top, oblivious to the daily hustle. Her fidgeting draws attention to her slender physique and long legs, best described as a couture fashion illustration brought to life. It is clear that blending into the crowd is not an option for this rare beauty, who is right on par with the Afrocentric features of Alex Wek and towering limbs of Erin O’Connor.

An ice-breaking chuckled is brought on by an elderly man who shouts ‘Slim! How you tall so . . . you a model?’ Kittisha confidently responds with a proud ‘Yes!’ and bashfully informs me she gets that all the time wherever she roams.

‘I’m always out and about, I had a lot of freedom growing up in the countryside. I’d put on my shoes and go roaming for the whole day. There I was, this little girl in the bush, walking around fascinated by tall trees; I never knew I’d be this tall too. When I’d find my way home, the question always used to be, ‘Kittisha where you come out?’, and my reply was always ‘in the bush.’ I was a total tomboy,’ she laughs. She stares out to the boats sailing into the harbour as she speaks, I sense she’s somewhat of a dreamer, with high hopes, which leaves me curious about her aspirations.

We settle into the nautical surroundings of Sail’s restaurant, located on the picturesque Carenage. She’s chatty and confident and wears an approachable smile, which broadens when she’s recognised by her fellow Grenadians. Kittisha sports a low fade with a curved hairline that frames her petite face. While inspecting the menu, she tells me about her lack of emotional attachment to hair and willingness to try new things, which explains why she was a strong contender among the CNTM2 finalists from across the Caribbean.

‘The most unforgettable challenge on the show was when I took the photograph with the snake around my neck. In my mind I was screaming, but I decided to think of it as a scarf so I could ace the challenge. I set my mind like that for the rest of the show

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and told myself, there’s no room for fear. Do what you have to and if you can’t, somebody else will.’

It’s hard to believe she’s a nineteen year old from the rural countryside who’s never left the island until now. Growing up with thirteen brothers and sisters could explain why she has the right traits to deal with clashing personalities and the competitive nature of the industry. Being responsible for her brothers and sisters at a young age has certainly equipped her with a level of maturity that would usually come at a later stage in life.

‘To be honest, I didn’t really think about becoming a model,’ she confesses. ‘A friend in school convinced me to sign up for the Caribbean’s Next Top Model competition. I didn’t know where to turn at first, but when I thought about it more, it started to become something I became really determined to pursue.’

It was this determination and eagerness for self-improvement that CNTM Producer and Miss Universe 1998, Wendy Fitzwilliam, said was Kittisha’s ultimate weapon for success.

From time to time her dialogue would change from that of light hearted to thought-provoking. As she collects her thoughts, I envision a model entrepreneur in the making, perhaps a cosmetics pioneer like Iman or a devoted activist like Yasmin Warsame.

‘I would love to develop an organisation in Grenada that supports people and small business and helps them get on their feet. I find the capabilities of human beings fascinating and I want to be able to support skilled people. I’m also really passionate about setting up a modelling agency in Grenada,’ she reveals. ‘There’s a lot of potential here but I’ve noticed that aspiring models get mislead very easily.

Ultimately, I want to provide better opportunities for young people with talent that will allow them to invest in themselves and build their dreams without being taken advantage of. We have so many big beautiful ideas here in Grenada, but they need to be channelled in the right place and platform.’

Kittisha is compelling, she’s like an open book you can’t put down and her infectious ‘can do’ attitude draws you in. We toast her successes thus far with freshly made golden apple juice. The waves lash against the restaurant dock, while diners steal a glance at her as they pass. She starts to speak more passionately about her upbringing and the opportunities she fought hard to get. Having thirteen brothers and sisters meant that her family couldn’t afford to support her through further education after high school.

‘When I was growing up, I wanted to be a librarian and writer because I love books. My teachers recognised I had a talent in school and tried to push me further, but our family circumstances meant I couldn’t attend college or university.’

Her eloquence is the result of lots of reading and self teaching, which is admirable. We talked more about her eagerness to help and support the dreams of others and I wondered how she supported her own.

‘The CNTM team was very accommodating to my circumstances and allowed me to do an interview via Skype. Before I knew it, I was flying to Barbados and in a houseful of hopeful contestants. When I

The most unforgettable challenge on the show was when I took the photograph with the snake around my neck

Bandeau and Skirt by Always Leid

everything I can, then come back home and share it with aspiring models. I want to show the world what greatness Grenadians are capable of in the fashion industry.

It was reassuring to hear that Kittisha doesn’t plan on looking at the industry through rose tinted glasses. She is aware of the competition, dangers and hard work ahead and sees modelling as an opportunity to share her personality with people all over the world.

‘In everything that I do following this win, I would like to encourage and help others, because I know what it feels like to have very little. Everybody needs a little push at some point in their life and I’m grateful to CNTM for this opportunity.’

I decide to grab a photo opportunity with Ms. Doyle before she hits the industry by storm. Her astoundingly optimistic departing words were as follows…

‘If you’re one of those people who think nothing special is going to happen to you, be positive because you never know when you’ll get the surprise of a lifetime.'

got on the plane for the first time it really hit home. I was thinking to myself, is this really happening? I’m finally getting a little break.’

On December 22nd, proud Grenadians anxiously tuned into FLOW TV hoping they could uncross their fingers and start writing status updates decorated with patriotic hashtags.

‘When I found out I won, I was extremely shocked. When they said my name I wanted to scream and cry, but I could barely do either because I was so stunned. When it finally sunk in, I thought to myself: Here I am, a little girl with a huge family and I actually made it, I showed people that I could do something and be somebody. People used to say I was too skinny, that I don’t eat and lots of hurtful things, but I certainly showed that I was able to rise above all their negativity and teasing.’

Kittisha overcame her childhood taunts by ignoring them and focusing on loving and appreciating herself so she asked me to share a special message with anyone who is going through similar experiences.

‘If you’re getting bullied just remember that people who tease you are basically insecure. They see something in you that they can’t have and they can’t be, so they try to bring you down. Shake them off and remember that God made you that way and wouldn’t have put anything out of place.’

As winner of Caribbean’s Next Top Model Cycle 2, Kittisha was awarded US$25,000 in cash, an international modelling agency contract with Mint Model Management NY and many other prizes.

‘I’m looking forward to this experience and seeing what professional modelling in a large city is like. I want to learn

Knitted Dress

by Ana Granada

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Fashion

“I WAS INTRODUCED TO TRINIDAD BY CHRISTAL BROWN, A DANCER AND EDUCATOR WHO INVITED ME TO TRINIDAD WITH THE DANCE COMPANY OF MIDDLEBURY IN 2014.

ROBERT AND I MET THROUGH THE MAKEDA THOMAS INSTITUTE OF DANCE AND PERFORMANCE (NOW CALLED DANCE AND PERFORMANCE INSTITUTE OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO). ROBERT AND MAKEDA HAVE A HISTORY OF WORKING TOGETHER ON PERFORMANCES, LIKE FRESHWATER. WE COLLABORATED ON DESIGNING THIS SHOOT DURING MY ETHNOGRAPHIC FIELDWORK IN TRINIDAD.” ~ SOPHIE BUFTON

Concept & Photography by SOPHIE BUFTON Fashion by THE CLOTH (Robert Young)

A FASHIONABLE

PERFORMANCE

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Blue Jumper/romper 100% cotton satin voile can be styled ten different ways

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BUSTIER AND ATTENTION SKIRT Printed 100% cotton and handcrafted Applique with eight prints.

Each dress will be different.

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LOOK MEH I’M HOME Gown with hand-crafted applique collar and upper dress detail in a mix of ten prints.

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Printed 100% cotton with hand-crafted applique inserts and denim fisherman’s pants.

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THINGS ARE GROWING White 100% cotton voile gown with hand-crafted applique details using ten different prints and denim.

All dresses will be different.

STYLED BY MARK EASTMAN FEMALE MODEL CHEYNELLE DOLLAND MALE MODEL JOSEPH PETERS LOCATION LA FURIE TOCO NORTH EAST COAST TRINIDAD PHOTOS OF THE FINDING HOME COLLECTION THE CLOTH WWW.THECLOTHCARIBBEAN.COM FACEBOOK THE CLOTH CARIBBEAN INSTAGRAM THECLOTHCARIBBEAN AND INSIDEREADY

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HairNews PROTECT & STYLE

LET'S TWIST AGAIN! We bet you had the whole “new year, new me” thing going on as the clock struck midnight. You promised you’d get healthier, eat better and make an effort to look on point. Hopefully this included maintaining those beautiful strands of yours. If you’re like us, by now you might need some inspiration keeping those resolutions. Don’t worry –we’ve got your back. Right now we’re all about those gorgeous twists and braids that don’t damage your hair, and the styles you can achieve are endless.

BOX BRAIDS

SENEGALESE, MARLEY AND HAVANA TWISTS

CROCHET BRAIDS Crochet Braids have been around for a while, for good reason. Why is this style so popular? For one thing, it gives you that natural look that’s all the rage right now, and it’s super easy to do, and doesn’t take as much time to style as other protective hairstyles. Because the extensions aren’t straight, your corn-rowed hair doesn’t have to be pulled tight, creating less tension.

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These three styles are very similar. What differentiates them is the size of the twist and the type of hair used.

Marley and Havana twists use a coarser hair-type, creating a look that closely resembles dreadlocks. The difference between the two styles is Marley Twists are smaller than Havana Twists. Senegalese are slightly different from the other two, and are normally created using Kanekalon hair, resulting in a smoother look. If you really want to stand out, add some colour with the twists. Grey, lilac and blue are the hottest colours right now and will add some major edge.

Another versatile style, box braids are in and they’re not going anywhere.

Box braids are a three-strand braid applied to hair which is parted in ‘boxes.’ We love this look because of the different ways it can be styled – extra long, corn-rowed, buns, half-up half-down and the choices go on. Similar to the Twists, coloured strands can be added to seriously spice up your look.

BOX BRAIDS: A THREESTRAND BRAID APPLIED TO HAIR PARTED IN BOXES.

Beauty standards are changing, particularly with regards to black beauty. Last year several moments stood out, when black women took a stance on the diversity of beauty. Just in case you live under a rock, here’s a short recap.

HAIR WARRIORS Sanneta Myrie, she’s got the brains to back up the beauty! Ms. Myrie represented Jamaica at the Miss World pageant last year, and she did so as the first stunningly dreadlocked contestant! The 24 year old placed 3rd runner up at Miss World, and was crowned Miss Caribbean at the pageant held in China. Sanneta isn’t just a pretty face either; she’s an artist and a medical doctor.

Her look was so ground-breaking, she was featured in articles on the websites of Cosmopolitan Magazine, Essence Magazine, Buzzfeed and Jezebel to name a few.

While helping pave the way for women all over the world to embrace their natural hair in all forms, Sanneta is truly a Caribbean icon in every sense of the word.

THE MOMENT WE LOVED At the Victoria’s Secret Show last year, we were so excited to see model, Maria Borges, showing off her short, natural hair on the runway. And didn’t she completely own it! The 23 year-old Angolan was reported telling her agent that she requested to go out there without any weave or extensions, and we’re sure she doesn’t regret it. As one of the eight black models of the forty-four-woman show, we, as assuredly as others around the globe, salute Borges for daring to prove that beauty standards are changing and that natural hair is gorgeous too.

STRAIGHT HAIR ISN’T THE ONLY HAIR THAT’S BEAUTIFUL American actress Zendaya (who we’re really drooling over) showed up to the Academy Awards last year with faux locs. Later Giuliana Rancic, a host on talk show Fashion Police said that Zendaya looked like she smelled of patchouli oil or weed. Not cool, and Rancic received lots of backlash for her comments. The redeeming moment was when Barbie released a limited-edition Zendaya Barbie – with dreadlocks! Go Barbie!

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InsideBeauty Step 1 HYDRATION You always want to make sure your face is clean and moisturised before putting on makeup. Apply a hydrating moisturiser to a freshly washed face. If you’ve got acne prone or oily skin, we suggest an oil-free moisturiser.

Step 2

MAKEUP TRENDS

STROBING Have you joined the contouring trend?

That thing where you paint your face in a clown-like manner to achieve chiseled cheekbones like Kim Kardashian, Nicki Minaj and Jennifer Lopez. When done right, contouring can give you a glam look that previously, only celebs had access too. When done badly though – let’s just say it’s not pretty. The makeup gods have answered our prayers for a simpler method of emphasising your facial structure. It’s called strobing and it’s fantastic! The simplicity with strobing is that you only need a single illuminating product in a cream, liquid or powder. All you do is apply the product to the areas on your face that would be naturally brightened in proper lighting – the centre of the forehead, brow bones, cheekbones, length of the nose and middle of the chin. Now you can get that fresh, dewy look without the hours spent in front of the mirror.

Follow the step by step process to master this super easy look.

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FOUNDATION Follow your usual foundation routine to even out your skin tone and conceal any blemishes. It is important to set the base to obtain that flawless look.

Step 3 STROBE The main event!

Apply the highlighting product to the specified areas. Blend the product with your fingers, a makeup sponge or a fan brush to make it look more natural.

Step 4 FINISHING TOUCHES To complete this look, add a little blush on your cheeks, just underneath the area you’ve applied the highlighting product.

This will help further sharpen those cheekbones and make your look extra glamorous.

FINAL TIPS: DON’T apply the highlighter all over your face, unless you want to look like you’ve just come from a fight with a unicorn.

DO make sure you’re using the correct shade of highlighter; too dark will have the opposite effect and too light takes away the naturalness of it.

DO know your skin type – if you’ve got oily skin, too much of the highlighting product could produce an oily look instead of an illuminating one.

There you have it – a new method to get you red-carpet ready, without the red carpet expense of course.

TIPS & PRODUCTS

FOR ACNE Acne can invade any part of your body, but for many, regular bad breakouts on the face are the worst! Women put a lot of time, effort and money into looking beautiful, spending billions annually on creams, scrubs, concealers and other cosmetics that claim to keep skin looking clean, clear and more youthful. Ironically, the very same products we rely on to keep our skin looking its best could be doing our pores a big disservice.

Using the wrong makeup or cream could actually accentuate the pimples you’re trying so hard to hide.

H2o Face Oasis Hydrating Treatment H2o Face Oasis Hydrating Treatment is a water-based moisturiser that is lightweight, non-greasy and refreshing. It delivers deep hydration while minimising the appearance of fine lines, making skin perfect for application before your foundation. It also helps reduce the possibility of acne breakouts.

Neutrogena SkinClearing Oil-Free Makeup This liquid foundation is formulated with MicroClear technology to not only treat blemishes, but to also help prevent developing breakouts. It boosts through oil, unclogging pores for fast acne relief.

Caring for acne-prone skin requires some careful cosmetic sleuthing - reading labels to find products that won’t clog your pores and lead to more breakouts. There’s nothing worse than doing an acne treatment regime only to undo it with the wrong makeup. While there are lots of ways to cover up redness and blemishes, you never want to sacrifice your skin to do so.

Fortunately, there are plenty of great products that actually make acne-prone skin appear flawless without aggravating or irritating it further. It’s tough to cover up uneven skin without looking cakey or worse, breaking out even more. If you’ve ever been afraid to put on base makeup for fear it will make it all worse, try these out.

WHILE THERE ARE LOTS OF WAYS TO COVER UP REDNESS AND BLEMISHES, YOU NEVER WANT TO SACRIFICE YOUR SKIN TO DO SO.

Clinique Acne Solutions Powder Makeup Clinique Acne Solutions Powder Makeup builds beautifully to help cover blemishes with a gentle touch. It works to control oil and shine all day, leaving skin looking fresh and flawless.

This oil-free product is highly recommended for dry, combination and oily skin types. While there’s nothing in the formula that’s going to get rid of acne, it also isn’t likely to make matters worse, which can be said for most powder foundations.

Murad Acne Treatment Concealer Murad Acne Treatment Concealer’s two-in-one formula disguises blemishes while it treats them. Salicylic Acid clears active breakouts and helps prevent new ones. Vitamin A helps regulate oil production while an antioxidantrich blend featuring Green Tea Extract provides powerful protection against free-radicals.

Needless to say, this concealer is definitely a must have!

Now that you’ve been introduced to a few anti-acne makeup products, be very careful while selecting your makeup. Read labels for oil-free mentions, check the ingredients and ask about them or research before you buy.

Don’t forget to wash your brushes at least every other day, as dirty brushes can cause breakouts and also get a good cleanser or makeup remover to ensure all your makeup is removed at the end of the day.

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BodyShop

ED

CARIBBEAN MEN SUFFER IN SILENCE While advertisements for Viagra, Cialis and other medications that promise to cure Erectile Dysfunction may be common on our USA-provided cable channels, in the Caribbean we are a long way from talking openly about this global men’s health problem. The few men who are prepared to discuss their experiences with ED describe feelings of embarrassment, humiliation and

RACKING UP THE EVIDENCE:

BOOZE AND BREAST CANCER

T

hanks to the altruistic collaboration of 334,850 women between the ages of 35 and 70 from ten European countries, an international team of researchers has once again corroborated the link between alcohol consumption and an increased risk of suffering from breast cancer. The study, by Plataforma SINC, says that the link between alcohol and cancer is dangerous and is nothing new. Five Spanish universities and the army of female volunteers participated in a European investigation which confirms that alcohol intake increases the chances of developing breast cancer. This risk quadruples with the intake of each daily glass of wine or beer.

The results of the study confirm previous evidence concerning the relationship between alcohol intake and breast cancer. Of all of the females examined, 11,576 were diagnosed with breast cancer over the course of the eleven-year monitoring study.

María Dolores Chirlaque, one of the Spanish scientists who forms part of the EPIC team, explains that 'a woman’s average risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer increases by 4% with each additional 10 grams/day of alcohol.'

The number of years of exposure to alcohol intake also influences a woman’s risk of developing breast cancer. Thus, the longer a woman has been exposed 32 S H E C A R I B B E A N . C OM / VOL 69

to alcohol consumption, the greater a risk she has, especially if alcohol intake began before her first pregnancy. ‘’Alcohol intake is a breast cancer risk factor that can be changed by a personal decision to form healthy habits. Hence, women must be advised and forewarned of the possibility they have to control this factor,’’ states the researcher.

The European Code Against Cancer has established 12 tips for individuals to reduce their cancer risk.

One of these tips is that if you drink alcohol of any type, limit your intake.

Not drinking alcohol is beneficial for cancer prevention.

shame, to the extent that they don’t even consult a doctor when the condition develops.

However, it only takes a little research to see why ED could be a serious Caribbean public health problem, given that it affects men who are suffering from diabetes and hypertension, which are so prevalent in the region.

In a 2012 study carried out in Jamaica, the prevalence of ED was found to be higher among diabetic men with hypertension (76.3%) in comparison to men without hypertension (55.6%). The percentage of men who experienced ED also increased with the duration of their diabetes. There have been more recent attempts to provide qualitative information about men’s attitudes to ED. In 2014, a study in Barbadian found that age and diabetes are the leading determinants of ED among males over 40 years, while younger males are more psychologically affected.

Most males perceive ED as diminishing to masculinity and discussions on ED as an invasion of privacy. However, younger males are more open to discussion than older males.

But perhaps the worst twist in the rise of this increasingly common condition is the response from the women of the Caribbean.

According to Ayodele Harper’s report, “most females are unsupportive and attribute ED as the man’s problem. Most men do not discuss sexual problems with their partners or doctors because they fear embarrassment, and many

Guys, here’s a heads up. If you want to smoke in the bedroom, quit smoking! New research adds to the evidence that smoking may be a major cause of erectile dysfunction, along with diabetes and alcohol.

professionals do not ask or uncomfortable dealing with the subject. It was also found that men adapt ineffective ways of coping, which disrupts quality of life.”

BATHROOM SQUATS Every time you go to the bathroom try to do 20 squats.

You may not think it’s a lot at first, but trust us, it adds up, keeping those legs toned and that heart rate up. By the end of the day you may be close to 200 squats and not even realise. (Make sue you’re drinking plenty of water throughout the day).

THE STAIR CLIMBER

WORK ROUTINES Back to work after the weekend? Back to sitting at your desk for 8 hours then going home with no energy to hit the gym? We all know how important it is to keep active, but if you can’t find the time to spare 30 minutes after work, try to keep active while you are at work with these quick work style exercises from Emma Anius of FaceOfFitness246.com

CARICOM TACKLES ZIKA . . .

In the same week, Prime Minister of Belize and current chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Dean Barrow, announced a series of actions that member states will take to confront the zika virus that is affecting the region. The course of action includes continuous public education,

implementation of measures at ports of entry, health facilities, schools, private enterprises (such as hotels and tourism facilities), factories and other businesses.

He said entities would be encouraged to do whatever was necessary including fogging to render them free of Aedes aegypti mosquito breeding.

The chairman also outlined that governments were being asked to reduce import tax on essential public health supplies such as insecticidetreated bed nets and insect repellent for the duration of the epidemic in the region which they estimated would be approximately two years.

Barrow also announced that the second week of May will be designated as ‘Caribbean Mosquito Awareness Week’.

“We have asked CARPHA and the CARICOM Secretariat to report to the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) on health, which is an organ of the Community on the effectiveness of the course of action we’ve agreed so there will be continuous monitoring and reporting,” the chairman said. (Source: Caribbean News Now)

It’s the machine we all love to hate at the gym, but taking the stairs is a great way to sneak in some exercise while you’re at work. Instead of waiting on the elevator, the stairs will get you where you need to go while burning a few extra calories. Try aiming for 2 at a time to feel an extra burn.

THE CHAIR DIP Yes, we normally used a bench or a box at the gym, but dips are dips. Every half hour see if you can sneak in 10 tricep dips.

By the end of the day you would have gotten in a full arm workout and not even broken a sweat!

THE WALK AROUND Sitting down for too long isn’t good for anyone, get up every once in a while and go for a walk, even if it is just from one side of the room to the other. Every little helps, not to mention that walking around breaks up the boredom and monotony of sitting at your desk and staring at the computer all day long.

THE SEATED CRUNCH Sit-ups are usually done lying down, but there’s no law against altering an exercise for the greater good. While you are sitting on the chair, get a tight grip at the sides and raise both legs off the ground towards your stomach. After doing about 15 of these you will swear you feel the 6-pack starting to form.

Try sharing these quick and easy work exercises with your colleagues, and before you know it, everyone will be in on the fun. Become the face of fitness you’ve always wanted and don’t find the time to keep active, make the time.

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SexBites

BY DENISE LAY

the pun. However, you don’t want a scenario where you’ve had the most sexual fun of your life, but it’s all a foggy haze of self-loathing and regret!

NO LAST RESORT

THREE IS THE MAGIC NUMBER!

It seems like people are more adventurous in the bedroom these days and bringing another person into the fun is not as shocking or rare as it was for previous generations. There are many reasons why a couple considers having a threesome; perhaps it’s about expanding sexual boundaries, acting out a fantasy or simply having a bit of tipsy fun! Whatever the motivation, it’s wise to follow a few guidelines to ensure that your threesome is fun, safe and memorable – for all the right reasons.

THREESOME ETIQUETTE

101

TO KNOW OR NOT TO KNOW If in a relationship, it may be best to have the third party be someone neutral, say an escort. You’ll want to avoid any awkward situations arising afterwards, like having to deal with the person in regular day-to-day settings. Also, letting go of inhibitions is easier when performing in front of someone you may never see again. If nothing else, an 34 S H E C A R I B B E A N . C OM / VOL 69

escort will definitely know how to initiate and maneuver the situation.

SAFE SEX ONLY Obviously safe sex is a MUST, although the practicality of this leaves a lot of blurred lines and grey areas. I mean, how do you avoid double-dipping? Who’s going to change condoms when switching from one woman to the next, or does one partner stick to anal whilst the other focuses on the conventional?

Whatever the bedroom strategies, take no chances with your sexual health.

REIN IN THE RUM Drunken threesomes are never fun. Being tipsy is one thing, and some folks recommend stiff one to take the edge off – if you’ll pardon

Having a threesome when you’re in a relationship can be awesome, but make sure you do it as part of an already blossoming sex life, not as a life-saver to the sinking ship of lights-off-missionarymonotony. If you’re already in a sexual rut, chances are that introducing a desirable partner in your bedroom will simply highlight to your partner or yourself, why your sex life is rubbish in the first place!

CHECK YOUR EGO AT DOOR It’s called a threesome for a reason, so don’t hog the spotlight. Inclusion is key for a successful threesome. While it’s a given that all parties will not be the centre of attention throughout, no one wants to sit forgotten on the sidelines, watching the other two in throes of ecstasy. Explore different positions that will allow interaction with everyone at all times.

STEADY ON COWGIRL! If this is your first threesome, pace yourself and take one new experience at a time. This is not the time to decide to have a go at anal if you’ve not walked through the back-door before. Your threesome should leave you with memories that will have you riding on a sexual high, not a traumatic horror scene.

FINALLY . . .

Be absolutely, one hundred percent certain that having a threesome is something you want to do. Being pressured into taking part in a sexual act you aren’t committed to will leave you with undue regrets, and when the alcohol buzz wears off, you may be left thinking “Oh God! That’s my boyfriend banging another girl!” Like any other sexual act, a threesome should be fun, exciting and pleasurable. Although many sexual exploits are no longer taboo these days, we need to be responsible enough to make the right judgment calls, one orgasm at a time. Be confident, be daring, channel your inner porn star. This isn’t an act of love-making so grab a handful of boobs and just get it on!

TA K E L I BE RT I E S W I T H

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Help prevent irritation.

Freedom everyday!

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Reportage

FROM THE MOUTHS OF

MILLENNIALS

You’ve heard of them, right? The newest generational buzzword is all over media and marketing houses as those who were reaching adulthood around the turn of the last century become the most influential demographic powerhouse in the world. Depending on who you Google, Millennials are loosely described as young adults from mid-twenties to late-thirties; in any given scenario, there are billions of them on the planet, and at first assessment, their reputation is not all hearts and flowers. SHE Caribbean invited new team member and Guest Editor, Christiane Beaubrun, to give us the insider’s point of view about what it is to be a Millennial more than fifteen years after Y2K.

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MAPPING THE MILLENNIALS It happens with every generation coming into adulthood – “the problem with today’s youth is blah-blah-blah.” Millennials are no different.

We’re catching a lot of flack about being too involved in ourselves, too entitled, too narcissistic, too image-conscious, too everything really. It happened to the generations before – the Baby Boomers (born between 1946 and 1964) and Generation Xers (1965 to 1979) – and it will happen to those after us. What makes Millennials fascinating are the challenges we’ve had to face as we became adults. My generation isn’t only shaping the world we live in; the data gathered reveal patterns that indicate how the economy since the crash in 2008 has WE’RE THE LARGEST affected us in most aspects of our lives, POPULATION SINCE from education to job prospects, THE BABY BOOMERS marriage, political affiliations and AND HAVE GROWN religious beliefs.

UP IN AN ERA OF So who are Millennials and why are we creating so much buzz? The A TECHNOLOGICAL general consensus is that a Millennial is REVOLUTION . . . anyone born between 1980 and 1995, WE’VE LEARNED so currently aged 20 to 35. The term ORGANICALLY TO derives from ‘millennium,’ and refers BE TECH-SAVVY, to those who were of age in the year AND HAVE BEEN REFERRED TO AS THE 2000. We’re the largest population since the Baby Boomers and have ‘DIGITAL NATIVES.’ grown up in an era of a technological revolution. Starting with personal computers, through the advent of cellphones, Wi-Fi and now platforms such as smart phones, tablets, and social media, we’ve learned

organically to be tech-savvy, and have been referred to as the ‘digital natives’. Millennials are also the current generation of employees. It is no surprise that we are having a massive impact on global culture.

WE’RE NOT ALL THE SAME Most of the data gathered from Millennials is generated from the United States, Canada, parts of Asia and Europe – very little empirical data exists on the Caribbean as yet.

The information represented by these numbers is sensitive to factors such as culture, economy and the general development of originating countries. Here’s a perfect example: North American Millennials report having difficulties finding internships and entry-level jobs; in the Caribbean, we’re having a hard time finding jobs period.

WE’RE HUGE IN NUMBER Estimates are suggesting that by 2020 Millennials will be the most populous generation in the world and by 2030, seventy-five per cent of the North American workforce will comprise of Millennials.

WE’RE AMBITIOUS AND UNDERSTAND SUCCESS COMES FROM HARD WORK A study in the United States reported that most Millennials, males and females, wanted to move to the upper-levels of management and be more involved in policy-making within corporations.

WE’RE PLACING GREATER VALUE ON FAMILY LIFE While still very important, career choices are no longer dominating our sense of identity. Rich personal lives are more of a priority for us and we’re not willing to compromise for career advancement.

WE’RE REDEFINING SUCCESS Most Millennials consider success as finding a balance between their careers and personal lives, high job satisfaction, being paid well with the opportunity for promotion, achieving personal and work-related goals and developing new skills. We also want the option of nontraditional ways of gaining leadership roles and are attracted to companies that offer flexible timelines and routes to managerial positions.

WE’RE MINIMISING THE GENDER WAGE GAP AND REDEFINING GENDER ROLES Men still get paid more than women for the same work; however, the difference between salaries is getting smaller.

Men are taking on a more active role in raising children and are asking more time off from work for paternity leave.

They’re also getting more involved in their children’s school engagements and committees.

WE’RE LESS CONNECTED TO ORGANISED RELIGION AND POLITICS AROUND THE GLOBE Statistics indicate that Millennials are straying away from religious and political affiliations. The actual percentage

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THE GENERAL CONSENSUS IS THAT A MILLENNIAL IS ANYONE BORN BETWEEN 1980 AND 1995, SO CURRENTLY AGED 20 TO 35. THE TERM DERIVES FROM ‘MILLENNIUM,’ AND REFERS TO THOSE WHO WERE OF AGE IN THE YEAR 2000.

varies by region but the phenomenon exists. This is probably due to a shift in social views – we’re becoming more liberal – and the conservative teachings of certain parties no longer fit with our ideals.

MYTHS AND MISCONCEPTIONS Generally, when people hear the term Millennial an image of a lazy and entitled individual comes to mind.

We’ve got a bad reputation when it comes to work ethic and the ability to be a team player; we’re thought to be clueless, ignorant, often with diva attitudes. While that perception is probably not entirely undeserved – after all, we are the generation that coined the term ‘selfie’ – it would be bit of a stretch to apply these labels to all Millennials.

ENTITLEMENT: Where Did We Get That From?

We’re entitled, I won’t deny it, but this isn’t entirely our doing. Ever hear of nature versus nurture? The nurture side of this argument would be that we got it from our mommas. Really, it could be argued that this sense of entitlement manifested with the parenting style used to raise us. Helicopter parenting – where mothers and fathers become heavily involved in their children’s lives to the point of incessant hovering – has been linked to the differences in Millennials’ attitudes when compared to previous generations.

I’ve observed a greater sense of entitlement particularly in North American Millennials than those of us from the Caribbean. This could be because of cultural customs, economic status (the less wealthy having less reason to feel entitled), and a more traditional method of raising children. But Millennials are aware of this stereotype themselves, and polls have indicated that the majority of us believe our generation to be narcissistic and entitled.

POOR WORK ETHIC AND LAZINESS: Take Another Look Millennials may be the first generation that has fine-tuned the skill of

multi-tasking and finding alternate methods to complete tasks. While older generations may see us as being glued to our cellphones and iPads, generally looking unproductive – we’re probably working on several projects through instant messaging, emails and social media, and we often do this outside of work hours. We want a healthier lifestyle than that of our parents; we don’t want to be over-worked at the expense of time spent with family and friends. We’ve figured out the importance of having a family and social life outside of work. Therefore, it is probable that what older generations see as poor work ethic, or an unwillingness to work ten to twelve hour days is really a shift in priorities. This adjustment can be seen in how we’re searching for ways to work more efficiently and flexibly so these longer hours can be avoided.

NO RESPECT FOR AUTHORITY: Unless You Earn It We’ve seen how Millennials challenge pre-existing notions of work ethic and success. In addition, the parenting styles we grew up with contribute to how we treat people in authority. When parents talk to their children as equals, their kids go into the work place expecting to be treated as an equal, without demonstrating that they have earned it. Companies like Google and Apple that are attracting Millennials around the globe, have created a working environment that is exactly what we’re looking for – employee appreciation, flexible hours and none of that old fashioned, hierarchical management.

NO LOYALTY TO EMPLOYERS: We’re On The Move We’ve also been accused of having no loyalty to employers, and while statistics from the U.S. shows that our American counterparts do change jobs more often than previous generations, this could also be a reflection of the change in economic climate since the global crash in 2008.

Millennials all over the world have had the benefit of better education and a wider range of working opportunities, allowing us to be more mobile if we’re unhappy with their jobs. We in the Caribbean are more than likely to move to other islands for job opportunities. Better communications technology and easier ways to travels allows us to be able to move and still keep in contact with friends and family from home.

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EDUCATION: MILLENNIALS HAVE IT ALL

T

DID YOU KNOW THAT MILLENNIALS HAVE MORE BACHELORS, MASTERS AND PHD DEGREES THAN MOST OF OUR PREDECESSORS, AND ARE THE BEST EDUCATED GENERATION IN HISTORY? BUT HOW HAS THAT WORKED OUT IN THE REAL WORLD, OTHER THAN ADDING MORE LETTERS AT THE END OF OUR NAMES?

he link between education and economic success is no different for Millennials than any other generation; those with a tertiary education tend to be better off financially than those without. This is playing out in the Caribbean, where a large percentage of job vacancies now require applicants to have at least a first degree. But despite being the most educated generation, Millennials are not earning wages that reflect their academic qualifications. In fact, they are the most under-employed generation, which may well be the Millennials’ defining feature – overeducated and underemployed.

According to an article published last year by Forbes Magazine, an astounding 50% of Millennials surveyed around the world felt they were overeducated for their current job. The same respondents also believed the subjects to study for

university degree are better off in terms of job opportunities than those without, are degrees and their high costs are helping Millennials and future generations in the long run. In Australia and Canada, the relevance of universities has already come into question. When asked, Australian HR managers indicated they looked at a potential employee’s capabilities as well as qualifications. This may be due to the oversaturation of the employment market with educated job seekers – credentials no longer stand out to hiring departments, because everyone has one. Job seekers need to find and develop those skills that make them distinct from the pack.

Year

Engineering

Humanities & Education

2009/2010

5.2%

19.2%

10.4%

45.8%

17.2%

2010/2011

5.2%

18.9%

10.5%

45.8%

17.0%

2011/2012

5.2%

18.0%

11.0%

46.9%

17.2%

2012/2013

5.3%

17.5%

11.8%

45.6%

14.3%

2013/2014

5.1%

16.8%

12.9%

45.2%

14.0%

relevance in the work force were those related to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics – subjects that are the basis of growing industries, which need more qualified workers.

However, this isn’t entirely the case in the Caribbean, evidenced in a report released by the University of the West Indies in 2015, which showed the enrollment of students in engineering and social sciences has remained fairly stable. The number of students wanting to study medical sciences has increased, whereas the number interested in humanities and education, science technology and science agriculture has significantly declined.

DEGREE OR DIE: At What Cost?

The cost of being a well-educated Millennial in most parts of the world is staggeringly high student debt. Across the globe, tuition for tertiary education

Medical Sciences

Social Sciences

has increased disproportionately compared to the average family income, forcing students to take out loans to pay for school. According one set of US statistics, between the school years 1983-1984 and 2013-2014, the cost of a tertiary education increased by 125.7% for private schools and 129% for public schools. In 2001, the cost of education was 23% of the average annual earnings in the US; in 2010 it was 38%. The number of Americans who take out student loans has increased by 92% from 2004 to 2014.

These numbers show that for many people, investment in a university degree is potentially risky, especially when after graduation, there’s likely to be periods of unemployment and not enough earnings to repay loans.

So is a university education still crucial, or even relevant? Although data consistently shows that those with a

Science Technology/Science Agriculture

Personally, I don’t think the question is whether universities are relevant – of course there are many benefits to having a degree.

But are universities are doing enough for students? Are students leaving schools with skills that can be applied to the job market?

Are they able to think critically, analyse information quickly and solve problems thoughtfully? These, after all, are the major skills employers are seeking in today’s post-techie era of the imagination. The way in which business has moved forward has made it less important what you know; the emphasis is now on how quickly and efficiently you can find the information that is needed.

Unfortunately, not every education system prepares students for this reality. Here at home, the Caribbean’s outdated education systems and lack of financial resources have put our Millennials at a major disadvantage compared to other nations.

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EVERYBODY MUST WORK: In most countries, the unemployment rates of young people tend to be significantly higher than the rest of the working population and the Caribbean is no different.

In a recent conversation with employed Millennials from various countries, we observed the difficulties we all faced in getting promotions. By the time our parents were our age, they were of independent means, married and starting families. We can barely make ends meet and still live at home.

We also discussed the delay in having children; if we can barely support ourselves, we definitely wouldn’t support children.

A FOOT ON THE LADDER: The Caribbean Employment Picture In 2013, the World Bank released an article that revealed the serious problem Caribbean education systems are creating by continuing to churn out employees who lack critical skills for the changing workplace. Over the previous decade, regional governments were focused on increasing the number of students who were enrolled in school, instead of improving the quality of education that all students were receiving. This has resulted in a larger number of Millennials with a formal secondary or tertiary education, who still lack the essential skills needed to become productive and valuable employees. It is estimated that less than 15% of students from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) pursued tertiary education. The reality is that the majority of Caribbean families cannot afford to send their children to university - at home or abroad, scholarships are rare and financial aid almost non-existent.

SO, WHAT CAN BE DONE FOR CARIBBEAN MILLENNIALS? A representative from the Caribbean Telecommunications Union recommended that young people should be encouraged to pursue courses in ICTs (information and communication technologies), noting that young people were interested in this field but lacked the support needed from public and private sectors to achieve the right qualifications. Younger Millennials – those aged 20 to 25 – would benefit from the support of the public sector for training in ICT fields in a formal educational setting.

The private sector can aid Millennials who are already on the job and part of the work

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EMPLOYMENT AND MILLENNIALS

force, with training that will allow them to move up to managerial positions, offer opportunities to develop new skills and foster their ambitions of self-improvement.

Promotions are hard to come by in the Caribbean, especially in family-run companies if you aren’t a family member. A Jamaican friend works in an insurance company where the CEO’s four children work – he assumes those children will be given promotions over him because of the family connection. He said he would stay there a few more years to build up experience, but isn’t confident in his position within the company. This is where many Millennials are feeling the pinch. A poor economy means a lack of job stability and the first people to be made redundant will be those with less experience – us.

THAT BAD REPUTATION AGAIN! Do a quick search of “Millennials in the workplace” right now, and most of what you’ll find are employers complaining about how we’re hard to manage, hard to retain and hard to motivate, simply because we don’t conform to traditional workplace culture. But if you’re looking for something to blame for this shift, blame technology.

For many Millennials, it started as university students, when we were no longer forced to go to the library to sift through large tomes – that’s actual books, you know – for the quotes and information we needed. We simply plugged into the Internet and did a Google Scholar search.

It easier to get the information and could now be done from the comfort of home, on a phone or wherever free Wi-Fi is available – Millennials don’t pay, even to social network. This change in the access to academic information changed the way we get information in other spheres and we want a work environment to reflect this change. Those of us who have benefited from tertiary education want to put those skills we learned into use. And we want people to lead us, not manage us.

Jack Ma, founder of the Alibaba group of companies, gives some good advice: ‘Before you’re twenty, focus on your education and don’t be afraid to make mistakes, that’s how you learn. In your twenties, be part of a small company [where] you learn the passion, you learn the dreams, you learn how to do lots of things at one time.’

He also mentions the importance of a good boss, that allows you to nurture your talents; look at the leadership in that company. This may be idealistic in the Caribbean where unemployment rates are high, and people don’t have the opportunity of choosing their job, much less their boss, but there are always success stories for those with the right attitude.

FAMOUS CARIBBEAN MILLENNIALS

SHALA MONROQUE (Saint Lucia) Fashionista, editor and ‘It’ Girl, famous for being the muse of Miucca Prada.

ANYA AYOUNG CHEE (Trinidad & Tobago) Carnival maven, designer and winner of Project Runway.

KIRK-ANTHONY HAMILTON (Jamaica) Entrepreneur, businessman and GLOBAL shaper.

DWAYNE SMITH (Barbados) West Indies, Barbados & Sussex County cricketer known as a good all-rounder.

Relationships

PLAYING THE DATING GAME

AND LOSING

If you think it’s easy being a digital native, think again.

When it comes to internet dating, things aren’t always as rosy as they seem. A SHE Caribbean reader shares her story of not finding love online.

I

’m 28 and I’ve been single for a while – nine years to be exact. I’ve had a casual relationship here and there, but by no means with anyone I wanted to introduce to my family. I’ve created endless justifications for not getting into a relationship. First it was because I wasn’t over my last one and it felt unfair to be thinking of one guy when with another. Then it was a family crisis and I didn’t want anything distracting me. That morphed into the fact that I was moving to another country for the third time in two years and didn’t want to start something that wouldn’t last. I had already ruled out long distance.

The excuses were really just me terrified of getting hurt. My current rationalisation is that I haven’t met that one guy who would change my rather cynical opinion of men.

Now I’ve set the bar pretty high; each failed encounter was another brick stacking up on the wall protecting me, those excuses were the mortar. I feel sorry for my Mr. Right. I still have hope that he’s out there but he’ll have to break through a pretty thick defence.

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The older I get, especially now I’m in my late twenties, the more I’m asked some version of the question “why are you still single?”

Here’s the thing – it may have started out by choice, but singledom hasn’t been my conscious decision for a little while now.

Friends and family insist that I’m reasonably attractive and I’m pretty sure I’m a nice person, but I haven’t had a guy show interest in me that has turned remotely serious, so naturally, I question whether the problem isn’t men, but me.

I’ve tried dating apps and websites both free and paid with very little success. At least the paid ones usually weed out potential suitors only interested in a one-off wham bam, thank you ma’am. I have friends

who’ve met their significant others using these apps; one recently announced her engagement to her match and now bombards my Facebook timeline with her “first-time-doing-something-engaged” photos.

As for my results? Well one charmer told to pull my panties aside, he’d be there in 15 minutes. I said no pretty quickly and got a thumbs-down emoticon. Fun times.

My biggest challenge right now is trying to reach a place where I can be content with my life, so as not to appear a sad and pathetic cliché of the single woman, trying to remain optimistic that maybe there is someone for me, and putting that oh-so safe shell around me to repel the pain of going through another couple-oriented holiday alone. I have to watch my friends and siblings hold their significant others’ hands, cuddle on the couch and I smile because I’m genuinely happy they have that love, but I have to hide the pain and sometimes even envy that I don’t. I won’t have anyone call me bitter. I may not be able to control certain things but I can control the image of myself that I put out there – and I won’t have anyone feel sorry for me.

As a woman these days, you’re torn between wanting to be independent, to show you’re put together, wanting a partner and little humans. If you’re independent with no family, or have a family but are dependent on a man, you’re somehow lacking, as though these are the aspects of our lives that define us. Never mind the type of person you are: ambitious, hard working, empathetic, witty, sensitive. Those don’t seem to matter as much.

I often have to remind myself that being single should not define me. I can’t go looking for happiness in someone else, that has to come from me. Having a boyfriend or husband won’t make my life complete, nor will it make everything rosy.

I’m slowly finding a way of celebrating my life as it is, as the universe, God, or fate has seen fit to give to me. I have the cards in my hand and it’s all about how well I play them. If I happen to get the King of Hearts, great – hell, wonderful even. But until that time I’m going to play and enjoy this game as much as I can.

As a woman these days, you’re torn between wanting to be independent, to show you’re put together, wanting a partner and little humans.

BossLady DARE TO BE

DIFFERENT

Many sports in today’s world are still considered the domain of men only, and motor racing is arguably one of the most testosterone-driven. But across the globe, women are getting involved in activities traditionally dominated by men, and in Barbados, Shannon Kirton is blazing this particular trail. By Mark Wheeler in 2004, when she made her racing debut aged 17 at the island’s Vaucluse Raceway, the first woman to compete at the facility. She was not the first teenage Bajan girl to be bitten by the racing bug, however – two years earlier, Natasha Farnum had become the first local female to win a race at the Bushy Park racetrack. Both families already had history in the sport; Kirton’s brothers Sean and Tristan, and Farnum’s father, Monty, were already competing.

Even so, it was a big step for the girls to take.

Kirton subsequently raced at Bushy Park, but the discipline of rallying was what she yearned for. Three short races lasting six or seven minutes’ each are one thing, but the challenge of a two-day rally, working towards a common goal with your co-driver and service crew, is different. Simply finishing an event like Sol Rally

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PHOTOS ARE BY HIMAL REECE

W

hen former Martini Williams Formula 1 test driver Susie Wolff took to the stage in January at Autosport International, the UK’s biggest motor sport exhibition, to launch ‘Dare To Be Different,’ that inspirational phrase already meant something to Barbadian Shannon Kirton.

Established jointly with the Motor Sports Association (MSA) – governing body of UK motor sport – DTBD aims to encourage, connect and celebrate women who work in every aspect of motor sport, traditionally perceived as a maledominated industry. It is the latest development in a global thrust to increase female participation, not just in the driving seat, but in all aspects of the sport such as engineering, officialdom or team management.

The sport’s world governing body, the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), created a Women in Motorsport Commission (WiMC) in 2010, encouraging the national bodies in its 140 affiliated countries to establish their own WiM programmes. More than one-third of those countries have already done so, with Barbados aiming to launch its own WiM activities in 2016, which is where Shannon Kirton comes in.

Kirton did the “dare to be different” thing back

Barbados is a huge achievement, whatever the result . . . especially the first time.

And so, in 2011, Kirton and co-driver Lisa Roett became the first all-female team to start the Barbados Rally Club’s (BRC) premier event. Better than that, they finished it. And even better than that, they did so two years in a row . . . in 2012, they came 39th out of 51, beating a dozen more powerful cars, while 48 of the 99 starters fell by the wayside.

Like many competitors, Kirton has found the past two or three years tough. Without continued sponsorship, she sold her rally car and shifted to the co-driver’s seat to keep her hand in, while seeking the next best fit for her motor sport career, a search which enjoyed a huge confidence boost last September.

In the biggest programme yet run by the WiM Commission, FIA member clubs were asked to submit names to be considered for a rally training programme in Qatar, which would result in one two-woman crew winning a fully-funded entry into the 2016 Sealine Cross Country Rally, a week-long event covering around 1,500 kilometres of desert terrain. The BMF put Kirton’s name forward as a driver, the initial process based on written applications of experience. She was selected as number 10 (among 43 drivers from six continents), which made her second reserve, the confirmed list including world-class stars such as Kiwi Emma Gilmour, who had raced in Red Bull Global Rallycross at Bushy Park during Top Gear Festival 2014. Sadly, no-one dropped out so Kirton didn’t get to make the trip, but the negatives were out-weighed by the positives.

Kirton told SHE Caribbean: “I was absolutely thrilled to have made it to the top 10. Being a reserve for ladies of that calibre was truly amazing. It was bitter sweet to have been so close but to not make it. I was quietly hoping that someone would have backed out at the last minute, but I suppose they were just as excited about the desert training as I was. I plan to apply again this coming cycle. Fingers’ crossed!”

I WAS ABSOLUTELY THRILLED TO HAVE MADE IT TO THE TOP 10. BEING A RESERVE FOR LADIES OF THAT CALIBRE WAS TRULY AMAZING. With her own career currently ‘on hold’, Kirton is working alongside BMF Vice-President John Sealy on a plan to launch a Barbados WiM initiative in June this year to coincide with Sol RB16, which annually attracts approaching 20 female competitors.

A number of women already serve on the management committees of BMF-affiliated clubs, with many more involved as marshals and timekeepers at the 50 or so events on the BMF calendar . . . and active participation is also set to rise, particularly in circuit racing, encouraged by the redevelopment of Bushy Park Barbados into a world-class facility.

The Barbados Karting Association (BKA) has introduced the Easykart 60 Cadet class, providing more opportunities for regional newcomers to climb the same ladder of opportunity as World Champions Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher.

Youngsters can race Cadet karts from ages five to 12, the recent influx of first-timers including a handful of eager young girls.

In terms of car racing, the Suzuki Challenge Series, sponsored

by Sol, is a tightly-controlled one-make Championship, in which driver talent, not budget, is key. Third-generation Jamaican racer, teenager Samantha Summerbell, is already making her mark – she even beat father David in the opening round of 2016. And that surely comes under the ‘Dare To Be Different’ heading!

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ManCrush

THE

ASIDE FROM THE OBVIOUS – HE’S A CERTIFIED HUNK THERE IS ALSO A SEXY, ALLURING MYSTERY THAT MAKES CORNELIUS ‘EMZ’ GEORGE A CRUSH WE WON’T SOON GET OVER. AT ONLY 26, HE IS QUITE THE PHILOSOPHER OF ALL THINGS GENTLEMANLY AND CHIC. NEVER TO BE SEEN WITHOUT A PERFECTLY TAILORED PAIR OF TROUSERS AND THE MOST IMPRESSIVE OF PATTERNED SHIRTS, CORNELIUS IS WORLDS AWAY FROM BEING ON FLEEK, YET HE IS EVERY BIT THE ‘DAPPER GENTLEMAN’ OF HIS BURGEONING BRAND

BY DENISE LAY

DAPPER GENTLEMAN A

fter a long stint in the hospitality sector, Cornelius shed a shy persona and finally got his toes wet in the world of fashion modelling, after twice being scouted by international agents. With a humble beginning in hotel entertainment fashion shows, to being the Face of Saint Lucia Hot Couture 2015, ‘Emz’ as his friends call him, really finds common ground with one of his favourite rappers, Drake. Now that he’s ‘here’ he hasn’t lost sight of his climb, and appreciates his achievements even more because of the journey.

Although Saint Lucia Hot Couture was a pivotal moment in his career so far, the show also allowed him to push boundaries and test his comfort zones to the point where he actually questioned if modelling was something he was ready for, after the “lipstick-gate”

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controversy around the inaugural Hot Couture, where male models were sent down the catwalk wearing red lipstick and carrying women’s handbags. Like a true professional, he wore the lipstick and took the flack, but took some lessons from the experience.

Fast forward to 2016 and Cornelius has taken a big leap by launching his own business, aptly named, The Dapper Gentleman, a fashion brand and lifestyle movement featuring the most chic men’s accessories and clothing this side of the Atlantic. As part of the service, Cornelius also styles his clients for different occasions and is making a name as the go-to stylist for grooms and groomsmen.

We caught up with this dapper gentleman for an enlightening and belly-bursting chat. And ladies, guess what? He opens doors and pulls out chairs! Gentlemen STILL EXIST!

Q& A

SHE: WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO ESTABLISH A LIFESTYLE BRAND? I always wanted to be involved in fashion but never really narrowed in on an exact area.

However, in October 2014, I figured it all out! At the time I had done a few photoshoots and walked Saint Lucia Hot Couture. People kept telling me that I ‘dressed quite dapper.’ After a lot of thinking I had a eureka moment: “People love your style and look up to you as a model, why not make a business out of it?’’

SHE: WHAT DOES THE DAPPER GENTLEMAN MEAN TO YOU AND WHERE DO YOU SEE IT REACHING? The Dapper Gentleman means everything to me! We are one.

I see the brand being a household name or phrase, not only in Saint Lucia but also the Caribbean region.

SHE: WHAT ARE THE CHALLENGES AND BENEFITS OF CONDUCTING BUSINESS IN THIS HIGHLY SOCIAL, MEDIA-DRIVEN WORLD? Biggest challenge, you get more ‘engaged lurkers’ than ‘engaged interested patrons.’

On the flip side, social media sure has eliminated the high rent factor and exorbitant advertising fees!

SHE: DO YOU THINK SOCIAL MEDIA MARKETING IS SUSTAINABLE? It sure is! However, I know for sure that the time will come when I will have to get more crafty with what I post, when I post and where I post! The three WWWs of social media.

SHE: WHAT CHANGES HAVE YOU SEEN IN LOCAL FASHION SINCE LAUNCHING THE DAPPER GENTLEMAN? Guys are now much more into fitted clothing, their grooming and overall appearance.

SHE: HOW WILL THE DAPPER GENTLEMAN FARE IN AN ENVIRONMENT AS FAST MOVING AND DYNAMIC AS THE FASHION INDUSTRY? We will definitely survive and thrive. TDG does NOT do boring and we definitely are a brand that changes and evolves. Hence the extremely limited quantities and styles we stock. Dapper Gentleman wants to give our patrons a sense of uniqueness.

individual fields but I do just like to keep it simple.

If we are ignoring the surface details, I’d say Chanel. She’s a tough cookie and I could relate to he more.

SHE: CARNIVAL OR CLUBBING? CARNIVAL! This is the one time I can free up with my friends like we don’t care and have pure clean fun. Carnival always has super pure vibes. I love it!

SHE: YOU’RE MAKING DINNER FOR THE LADY OF

YOUR DREAMS. WHAT’S ON THE MENU? I’m definitely on the menu!

Appetiser, main course and dessert! Just playing! First I need to find out her likes, dislikes and infuse that with my own twist. I aim to please.

SHE: WHAT MAKES CORNELIUS TICK? May sound crazy but my greatest motivator comes from the people who told me I couldn’t. They have no idea how much they’ve helped me. I want to take this opportunity to say thank you!

SHE: WHAT OR WHO IS YOUR GREATEST INSPIRATION? Eric Thomas would be, by far, my greatest inspiration: “From nothing to something.”

SHE: DESCRIBE YOUR PERFECT WOMAN. I don’t have a perfect woman.

I think she will be one that will connect with me on an emotional and spiritual level.

Like when I’m in pain, she’ll know where it hurts. One who understands me, understands that there are busy and tough days. There is so much more that could be said, but even though I do not already have the perfect woman, I think I may have already met her.

SHE: BEYONCE OR CHANEL IMAN? Honestly, neither! I know.

Shocking! They are both stunning women who have made a great impact in their

I DON’T HAVE A PERFECT WOMAN. I THINK SHE WILL BE ONE THAT WILL CONNECT WITH ME ON AN EMOTIONAL AND SPIRITUAL LEVEL. VO L 6 9 / S H ECA RIBBEA N .COM 47

Fashion BRAGGING

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YenDor “I Am Rodney” Collection: Male two piece set made of camel skin and brown genuine leather using stylish hardware to create this book and laptop bag set which can be used for work, travel and personal.

Limited Edition $775 USD Only 15 sets available.

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YenDor “I am Rodney” Collection: Gold PU Leather bag with multiple pockets inside for make-up, cellphone and other personal items.

Limited Edition $283 USD. Only 50 pieces available.

VO L 6 9 / S H ECA RIBBEA N .COM 49

Fashion

YenDor “I Am Rodney” Collection: Zebra skin print with genuine leather.

Limited Edition $775 USD Only 15 sets available.

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YenDor “I Am Rodney” Collection: Envelope style fox fur bag with stylish gold hardware.

Limited Edition $280 USD Only 20 available.

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VO L 6 9 / S H ECA RIBBEA N .COM 51

Empowerment

BY ANGIE MONTOUTE

IS THERE PSYCHOLOGY TO

MILLENNIALS? Are Millennials a generation of deluded, self-obsessed, over-confident narcissists? Life Coach Angie Montoute gives her take on the latest generation to mould modern life.

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any parents are pulling being observed, analysed, labelled and told their hair out, unable to that they possess some of the most negative understand why their characteristics and behaviours. Sadly there is Millennial child has ‘not often little regard for the positives that this grown up’. Over-protective parenting has generation brings to the table. Millennials delayed development creating a new are actually the ones who are driving social demographic known as “emerging adults”. media by being constantly ‘glued’ to their A recent study of Millennials aged 18-25 devices posting much of their lives: they do found that they had daily contact with not fear rapid shifts in technology as other parents either by telephone, text or other generations did, because constant change is media. This is not healthy; technology, what they have experienced since birth. coupled with emotions, has Their mind-set is one of rapid enabled parents to speed and instant access. But Parents could do psychologically slow or what does this do to the mind well to note that hinder the maturation of Millennials thrive and what of the psychology of their children. But let’s not a Millennial? on encouraging lay everything at parents’ Well, despite the popular comments based on door, because aggressive perception, Millennials are their performance. technological advancement, They want parents not so much being rude, economic revolution and and managers who lacking focus and displaying societal change have had an are on their side and boredom, it’s that their immense impact on minds have to work quickly are supportive with in order to constantly cut Millennials’ psychology, and their best interests out what is meaningless. it impacts us all. at heart.

Just in case you are They take snapshots of life, wondering, a Millennial is a thinking and sharing stereotypical generational personality term information as a ‘herd.’ In terms of real attributed to a percentage of the populus life, human contact, Millennials are less (approx 80 million) who are constantly trusting. They believe that Google and

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YouTube can answer all questions, which has a huge influence on their perception, attitude, behaviour and interaction among themselves and with others.

Inter-generational dynamics can be interesting too, if the sociological theories can be believed. Apparently Generation Xers resent the newcomer Millennials for over-shadowing them. Baby Boomers, a generation of individuals used to adhering to established rules of behavior, can’t understand their relentless need for over-exposure, which really grates on them.

Let’s remember Boomers were ruled with a disciplining iron rod and in the Caribbean that meant you behaved or you got ‘licks.‘ For parents, managers and the media, Millennials are perceived as individuals obsessed with ‘me-me-me,’ reinforcing the notion that this is the most narcissistic generation of all time. But aren’t they just products of today’s society?

According to Dan Schawbel, founder of Workplace Trends.com & Millennial Branding, research has found that “every generation has a positive view of their elders, yet every generation has a negative view of the upcoming one.” You just have to sit and listen to a bunch of ‘older’ people hyperventilating about Millennials, forgetting similar was said about them.

ABOUT ANGIE: People scoffed when I am passionate about women’s Cassius Clay said ‘I am empowerment the greatest,’ but by and the personal the time his name was development of individuals. Here is Muhammed Ali, there a testimony of one were few who of my clients: disagreed. There is “Angie is an amazpower in believing in ing Life Coach and yourself and has changed my life for the better Millennials are a in more ways than generation that even she probably realises. Her multiembody and reflects faceted approach this. But without in coaching has regular family bonding, provided me with the tools to take technology will carve control of my their reality and we will happiness, make better choices and continue to misunderuse my strengths stand this most to my advantage. ingenious, talented, She is a wonderful supportive innovative, optimistic, and empowering entrepreneurial coach and I would recommend her in a generation which is heartbeat.” creating our future.

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Mom To Mom

BY ELIZA FRANCIS-VICTOR

“DO AS I DO NOT AS I SAY!”

Children learn far more from what they see you do than from what you tell them to do. Whoever discovered this gem of truth has hit the nail on the proverbial head when it comes to raising children and imparting sound values. And if you’ve never been told by your child ‘but I saw you do it?’ feel free read on for entertainment, because chances are you are already setting an awesome example.

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he rest of us – who still struggle with bad habits – live constantly on guard, with pint-sized prosecutors who watch like hawks and are quick to call us out without fear. Often we forget our actions are indeed more impactful than anything we ever say.

I was forced to analyse this concept after an incident at school left my six-year-old nursing a fractured tibia over the school holidays. The child whose actions had caused the injury was never brought to visit and I wondered how the

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parents could have missed such an awesome teaching moment to express compassion, to accept responsibility and the need for restitution when our actions have caused injury to another.

We cannot talk values into the lives of our children. They need to see us living those values until they become a way of life for them – a way of being. Want to teach compassion, love, understanding, respect? Some quick tips that have worked for me and are pretty obvious but sometimes we need a refresher: Walk the Talk Whenever opportunities

arise, I offer help to others. I recall my late father often giving assistance to people financially and otherwise on countless occasions even when this help was met with ingratitude. When my daughter asks why I’m doing something, I explain that it’s good to be kind and it’s important for us to help others whenever we can.

Be Compassionate With Your Children Even when my daughters have hurt themselves through their disobedience, my first reaction is to hug and comfort. Over time they will most likely follow your example and naturally express the same empathy to others.

Gossip Is A No-No I try not to speak negatively about people in my children’s presence, whether they know them or not.

Overheard and repeated, gossip can really sting you as a parent, when you know well that you are the source. Of course nobody’s perfect and I do sometimes falter on this one, but I try to avoid saying things like ‘I hate Richard. I think he is so and so…’ You get the point – kids have to know they are free to express themselves without being disrespectful.

Express Gratitude Whenever my children receive gifts from family members or friends, I make a point of having them call to say thank you. I also express gratitude to my kids whenever they have done something nice, and tell them I appreciate the effort they put into the action.

I don’t believe children are blank slates. They come with their character and personality already intact, and our job as parents is to mould and help tune them towards the positive development of their personalities.

There’s a reason why we are considered the primary role model in our kid’s lives, with the emphasis on being the ‘model’ for your offspring to emulate, Eliza is a freelance as opposed to just writer and reading the script. photographer. She enjoys the outdoors Everyone knows, and adventure, children may not which she loves to remember what you share with her two daughters aged 6 said yesterday, but and 4. She believes they will definitely in savouring life and making memories remember what you that last more than a did last week! lifetime.

Entertainment

GANJA LEGACY:

MARLEY BRAND MARIJUANA LAUNCHES Perhaps the most expected brand to emerge from the decriminalisation of marijuana in the Caribbean and USA carries the name of the man who made ganja a household name through his music. By Howard Campbell

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n addition to being one of pop music’s greatest songwriters, Bob Marley was an unapologetic smoker, and lover, of ganja. The reggae legend, who died in May, 1981 at age 36 from cancer, paid homage to the weed in songs like Easy Skanking and Kaya. Fitting then, that on February 5, one day before his 71st birthday, a company released ganja-based products bearing his name.

Marley Natural, based in New York City, released four brands of Marley weed: Black, Red, Green and Gold, which have varying forms of potency. A naturally-derived line of body-care products that blend the moisturising power of hemp seed oil with Jamaican botanicals; and a collection of smoking, storage and preparation

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accessories made from American Black Walnut wood and heat-resistant, hand-blown glass, were also released.

They were initially available in California where marijuana use has been legal for decades. Marley Natural had similar plans for Colorado, Oregon and Washington, other American states with liberal marijuana laws. They hope to release their products in Jamaica by 2017.

Tahira Rehmatullah, general manager of Marley Natural, is excited about the venture.

“When we think of brands we see Marley Natural as a one of its kind that brings about change. It’s an opportunity for us to educate people on the nuances of cannabis.”

Rehmatullah added that Marley’s family had hands-on involvement with the project.

His daughter, Cedella, said ganja was more than a feel-good stimulant for her father.

“Daddy wrote most of his music after enjoying his herb, and the music is a reflection of how deep he can go, whether he’s talking about love or he’s talking about the revolution. Herb for Daddy was a spiritual thing,” she said.

His son, Stephen, believes Marley would be overjoyed at the growing global acceptance of ganja, given the plant’s versatility.

“I grew up hearing my father speak of herb and wondering why it was being held in the way it was held when it has so many great properties. It serves such a good purpose. To be an advocate of the use and the legalisation of the plant – it’s alright for us to be a part of that,” he said.

When Bob Marley was an emerging act with the Wailers during the 1960s, there was widespread arrests in his native Jamaica of persons who smoked ganja, especially Rastafarians. In fact, one of his colleagues Bunny Wailer, was imprisoned for weed possession.

Today, marijuana is a multi-billion dollar industry. Legislation, driven by extensive research, has resulted in the rise of numerous commercial companies in California, Colorado, Oregon and Washington.

MIGHT OF THE MARLEY NAME The Marley brand transcends his militant music. There is a Marley fashion line called Catch A Fire, run by Cedella, who has also written children’s books based on some of her father’s songs.

There is a Marley organic coffee company run by his son Rohan. Robbie, another son, marketed a Marley shoe line which is no longer on the market.

In 2015, Forbes Magazine named Marley as its fourth highest earning Dead Celebrity with US$21 million in earnings for the year. He came in behind Michael Jackson ($115 million), Elvis Presley ($55 million) and Charles Schultz, creator of the Peanuts cartoon who pulled in $40 million.

Entering the multi-million dollar marijuana industry is bound to send Marley’s earnings to more dizzying heights.

LIFE AT THE WATER'S EDGE A unique real estate opportunity in Saint Lucia.

Imagine spacious luxury on the waterfront at Saint Lucia's world-renowned Rodney Bay Marina, with a 33 foot motor yacht tethered to your private dock. This unique villa can be found in one of the island's most sought after locations, offering the paradise lifestyle most people dream of, along with that yacht, which is included in the price!

The villa is over 4,000 square feet, with four air-conditioned bedrooms, including the elegant Master Suite which offers a generous 800 square feet of living space. Four designer bathrooms feature imported Italian marble, while the luxurious great room is a perfect sanctuary for living and dining, alongside the large gourmet kitchen designed by Saint Lucia's original Big Chef, the legendary Peter Kouly.

The property is 11,434 square feet of prime freehold waterfront, and the villa comes fully furnished, with a beautiful outdoor swimming pool which takes in the serene views of the marina and includes a large covered patio area designed for entertaining.

With the busy commercial and entertainment hub of Rodney Bay right on your doorstep, and the blue Caribbean sea at your private dock, this high end property is a dream come true for the discerning buyer.

And of course, don't forget the FREE 33ft Motor Yacht!

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Contact 1 758 484 6999 or email royalknight@candw.lc

LifeBulletin

BY DR. TANYA DESTANG-BEAUBRUN

BUDDHA MIND, BARRE BODY FOR AS LONG AS I CAN REMEMBER I’VE BEEN DRAWN TO ALL THINGS RELATED TO THE BUDDHA. HIS IMAGE HAS ALWAYS BROUGHT ME A SENSE OF COMFORT, PEACE AND JOY.

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fter many years of researching I was them. They were me. No boundaries. religions and spirituality, I’ve No reproach. come to realise that the basic Just simple and pure self love, tenet of enlightenment, peace, acceptance and compassion. love and compassion actually runs true for This was what I’d been searching for all religions. If only we would all all along. acknowledge this . . .

I persisted and with regular meditation, For many years I tried to make I felt calmer, more peaceful, more meditation a regular part of my life. I’d start compassionate, more tolerant and accepting and then ‘Life’ would intervene with of Life. Later that year, when I underwent a deadlines, critical diagnoses to be given to major life change, this practice helped me patients, deaths of patients and of friends navigate the twists and turns. A major and family members. relocation is not for the In an attempt to get fainthearted. I needed this Through all this, I tried to remain present into a new exercise mindfulness as I learned to and mindful. drive on the opposite side of routine, suited to And then, Life the road, to learn new routes my slightly older, intervened and smacked less flexible body, and a new Life routine. me silly. I had no choice In an attempt to get into a I stumbled into an but to surrender, to go Xtend Barre class. new exercise routine, suited to within for solace. I my slightly older, less flexible restarted my meditation practice, this time body, I stumbled into an Xtend Barre class. with the intention of being gentle and kind I was hooked within the first week. I was and forgiving of myself. new to the city, knew no one, so my daily I let go of the self-reproach, and the Barre class became my new home. At the ever-present voices reminding me that I’d Barre, I met new people, and slowly learned failed this before. another way of moving my body.

And then, there IT was – the Gap. That Everyday presented a new challenge as fleeting moment of no thought, of total I pliéd, and relevéd, lunged, squatted and disconnection. suspended. Having never done any formal I felt at one with all things, all people. ballet classes, this opened up me up to

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another world. I couldn’t wait for my daily workouts, as I learned what a proper first and second position looked and felt like.

Four weeks later as I glanced at my body in the mirror, I saw the not-so-subtle changes in my body. There they were – the beginnings of a six-pack, a longer and leaner torso, toned arms and a much tighter butt.

I liked what I saw.

I liked how I felt.

And then it hit me.

I’d stretched beyond my comfort zone and discovered my own strength, my inner Wonder Woman. I learned that I didn’t need to force Life to get my desired effects. For when I thought I’d been doing a gentler workout, I’d actually been getting stronger and more powerful. I learned to push through the pain, just one more pike, one more mountain climber.

My pliés became deeper, my relevés higher and more balanced. And that was perhaps the greatest lesson of all. As with meditation, as soon as I let go of my expectations, the desired effects simply came through almost effortlessly. There was no need to push so hard. I simply needed to be gentle, to allow myself to be stretched, to be suspended.

The lessons were the same: Surrender, let go and I would have my layers slowly peeled off to reveal my inner, authentic self.

Balance was key – on the Barre, on the meditation cushion and in Life. Balance between working and Tanya is a Family playing, between Physician, Integrated doing and being. Core Wellness Expert and Empowerment Coach strength of body and with over 20 years mind were vital to of experience. She has been called a living a full life.

Women’s Wellness Today, I’ve become Warrior by those she has inspired to calmer – most of the lead a healthier life. time – more mindful, Known as “Bubbles” mentally and physically since childhood, she is the owner and stronger, and much Medical Director of more open to the Rodney Bay Medical Centre, but considers lessons of Life. her greatest role to I’m growing to be that of wife and really love my Buddha mother of three.

Mind and Barre Body.

A collective of creative businesses whose mission is to enhance and encourage the arts in Saint Lucia and the Caribbean. Created from recycled shipping containers and materials from the Star Publishing Company printery, The Yard is the brainchild of SHE Caribbean publisher and fashion guru, Mae Sabbagh Wayne, who has brought to life a funky, eclectic island venue where writers, artists, designers, sculptors, wood-crafters and other creative souls can showcase their talents and sell their products. Looking forward, Mae hopes that The Yard will “offer a warm welcome and provide a place for thoughtful discussion, a meeting place for the artistic community. There is a growing thirst for a place with a soul, that will contribute to your quality of life.” She also plans to support the creative community by offering The Yard as a launch venue for new publications, music and fashion collections for new and established artists and artisans from Saint Lucia and the region. “The Yard is the new home for artists who want to make a splash with their latest novel, or CD, or clothing range. We want to continue spreading the news that Caribbean creativity is alive and thriving, despite our small stature and the competition from outside and online. Bringing writers and readers together, or musicians and music fans, or fashion and fashionistas, is the only way to make our mark, and we hope The Yard will be that place.”

THE YARD

BRINGS A NEW TWIST TO DESTINATION RETAIL IN SAINT LUCIA

‘THE CAFÉ’ is Big Chef Steak House owner Chef Rosie Joinville’s latest project, offering delicious coffees, teas, sweets and treats as well as selling

‘THE BOUTIQUE’

home-baked healthy gourmet breads like Banana & Passionfruit

‘THE BOOKSHOP’

offers beautiful high end fashions from

or Pumpkin & Raisin.

stocks Saint Lucian and Caribbean literature,

regional and international designers like Meiling (Trinidad), Lily Deziles (Guadeloupe), Silence of the Bees and OnlyOya (Turkey). Trendy handmade bags, jewellery and accessories, Saint Lucian-made body products and soaps as well as unique art pieces.

poetry, history, recipes and kids’ books, including a wide range of Nobel Laureate Derek Walcott’s plays and poems available nowhere else on the island. The Bookshop also offers self-publishing services, e-books and other printed stationery products via Star Publishing Company.

Watch out for special events such as book signings – SHE hears Saint Lucia’s Nobel Laureate Derek Walcott is on the schedule, as well as former Mr. Universe Rick Wayne. With so many beautiful things in such an attractive and unusual retail space, SHE Caribbean Magazine is sure that The Yard is going to be a big hit with discriminating shoppers looking for that singular outfit or unique gift for someone special.

VISIT THE YARD LOCATED AT MASSADE, GROS ISLET IN FRONT OF THE STAR PUBLISHING COMPANY.

SunTempleFood

BY GERMAINE WATERS

BEAN AND QUINOA SALAD Complimented with spinach, topped with a lemon & garlic yogurt dressing.

Many people ask how Sun Temple Food came about.

Simple. I experienced a renaissance. I wanted to finally invoke the desire I'd had for years to truly find a way to create food using the rich resources available in the Caribbean and to trust my own instincts and knowledge rather than someone else’s to feed my body and soul. The result is the harnessing and documenting of a growth process, which I feel honoured to share.

Serves 4 THE DRESSING 1 clove garlic pressed juice 1/2 lemon 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil 2 heaping tbsp natural yogurt salt and pepper

THE QUINOA SALAD 1 can borlotti beans (1 cup freshly cooked) 1 can canellini beans (1 cup freshly cooked) 115g baby spinach 6 or 8 pieces sun dried tomatoes few strips of carrot for garnish

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STEPS Cook the quinoa according to the instructions on the packet – don’t forget the salt as it is critical – and set aside to cool.

Mix all the dressing ingredients together.

Assemble the salad in a pleasing way. I started with the leaves and then artfully arranged everything else upon them. The carrot strips were literally achieved using my potato peeler.

Dribble on the dressing being a bit cautious as you don’t want to drown your salad.

STEPS Remove the lid of the cheese and any plastic

BAKED CAMEMBERT OR BRIE Serves 4 as a starter.

250g Camembert whole cheese 2 plump and sticky dates (Medjool) chopped 30g chopped walnuts 2 tbsp sweet liqueur (Kahlua, Cointreau etc)

wrapping, but leave it sitting in the base if it is made of wood or something natural. Puncture the surface a few times with a sharp knife and pile all ingredients onto the top.

Bake at 180°C (350°F) for 20 minutes or until the cheese is soft and starting to run. Enjoy with crusty bread or crackers.

BEST HOMEMADE GRANOLA YET! Makes lots of homemade granola goodness .

500g jumbo oats 1 cup fresh grated coconut 4 tbsp sesame seeds 2 tbsp flax seeds or flax seed meal 60g (1/2 cup) pumpkin seeds 80g (1/2 cup) sunflower seeds 90g (1/2 cup) roughly chopped almonds 75g (1/2 cup) shelled hemp hearts /hemp seeds 125 ml (1/2 cup) coconut oil 60ml (1/4 cup) honey 1 tsp salt 1 tsp cinnamon 1 tsp vanilla extract

Hemp seeds are the seeds of the cannabis plant and are mooted as the most nutritious seed on the planet. I find superlatives questionable in most circumstances, but the point is they are very good for you and taste great.

STEPS Heat the oven to 170ºC (340ºF).

Combine all the dry ingredients in a roomy bowl and mix thoroughly.

Add the oil, honey and vanilla extract and try your best to make sure every seed, nut and oat flake have at least a little of their blessing.

Spread evenly in a large roasting tray with low sides and cook for approximately 30 mins. stirring often as the edges turn brown quite quickly.

Once the granola has completely cooled it can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for ages.

We usually have ours with a chopped up banana and milk. Sometimes, during the day, I have a spoonful all by itself as it tastes that good.

For more healthy recipes visit SunTempleFood.com

VO L 6 9 / S H ECA RIBBEA N .COM 61

BizTalk

BY HANNA FITZ

BUILDING A BRAND

DO YOU REALLY NEED TO? Wendy Fitzwilliam, Anya Ayoung Chee and Dame Eugenia Charles are three Caribbean women whose names carry a story and give context to it. This is what branding is all about; when a name is mentioned, it triggers certain emotions and impressions in the mind of the customer or the general public about their encounter with that brand.

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ore than a logo or icon, taken together, account for a consumer’s your brand, whether it is a decision to choose one product or service personal or company over another. If the consumer (whether it’s brand, is what people think a business, co-worker, client, etc.) doesn’t of first when they hear the name. pay a premium, make a selection or spread A brand is something intangible, it the word, then no brand value exists for cannot be seen; it only exists in someone that consumer.” else’s mind. While we use fancy dresses When someone says your name, what and accessories like logos, comes to their mind? Who packaging and other do you want to be and When someone collateral material to add what do you want to be says your name, visual context and create a what comes to their known for? If you don’t certain perception of our mind? Who do you clearly define the story brand, these things alone want to be and what yourself, people will define are not a brand. So what is do you want to be it and tell it to you. You a brand and why does every have the power to shape known for? person and business need and reshape market one? Why are companies perception of your brand, spending thousands, even millions of the way you want the story to be told. dollars to create or recreate the desired Telling a good story and building a perception? Why should you care about strong relationship with desirable memories building your brand? will set your brand apart. But what I love One of my favourite definitions of a about this definition is its consideration of brand is by Seth Godin, author of, who says one of the most compelling reasons why that “a brand is the set of expectations, you need to focus on building a brand; memories, stories and relationships that, brands can charge premium prices, whether

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applied to a salary negotiation or products and services. If you are not a brand, then you are just a commodity, another “me too” in the race. Without a brand, your key defence is price, and there’s always someone willing to make a lower profit.

The expectation and story aspect of a brand plays a key role in the ability to charge premium prices. Let’s look at a movie example; if George Clooney is starring in a film, the producers expect that it will be a box office hit, and because George also understands his ability to drive up cinema sales, he can charge more than lesser-known actors – non-branded, so to speak. The lesson is, if you set high standards and deliver on them, people will have little hesitation in paying what you ask.

Another reason for focusing on building a brand, is that like-minded people, ideal customers and game-changing opportunities will find and gravitate to you more easily. Think about how certain personalities are attracted to people, products and services that match their ideals and lifestyle. Lady Gaga personifies the Versace ideal, Keira Knightly has the feminine, sexy, modern woman sensibility that is Chanel Mademoiselle. Women who identify with these two different ABOUT HANNA: personalities may be Hanna Fitz is the attracted to the brands founder of hannafitz.com, helping they represent. entrepreneurs build Finally, having a their brand and personal freedom. She brand will differentiate is a Brand Strategist you from a sea of “me and Business Coach too” products and who has worked with a number of services. It can award-winning transform an ordinary brands helping them find solutions person into someone to their number #1 extraordinary and that problem “Getting is powerful. These More Customers”.

Hanna is the author attributes play a key of I AM THE GATErole in increasing KEEPER: 101 Daily Keys To Unlock Your demand and driving up Happiness, Oversales and value. So, come Adversity and should you invest in Fulfill Your Purpose.

Visit her website building a brand?

THE BRAND ATELIER The answer is yes, at www.hannafitz. com, follow her on only if you desire to Facebook [https:// differentiate yourself, www.facebook. products and services, com/hannagfitz/] or instagram: @ earn a higher value and hannafitz build a loyal following.

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CELEBRATE WITH SUSHI

ushi might not be at the top of your wedding reception options, but as this fresh, healthy Japanese cuisine has become more popular in the Caribbean, it’s a great choice for any party. At Rituals Sushi in Saint Kitts and Saint Lucia, they’re up for the challenge, and creating visually stunning displays of delicious ebi, maguro and sake - that’s shrimp, tuna and salmon to the uninitiated.

Choosing a variety of styles and ingredients is key to achieving an edible masterpiece of colour and flavour; exquisitely decorated Rainbow Rolls, iridescent slices of sashimi, plump-filled Gyoza

dumplings and crispy tempura shrimp are just a few of the options you’ll be struggling with, but let the experts guide you.

By its very nature, sushi is made for sharing, and considering all the yummy low cal, low carb choices on Rituals Sushi menu, there’s something for absolutely every palette, budget and lifestyle.

Whether it’s canapes on the beach or a full blown dinner of mind-blowing platters, sushi is trending as the perfect way to accessorise your party, small or large, so visit rituals sushi and give your guests a delicious memory.

WITH SIMPLICITY COMES EXCELLENCE. OUR SUSHI IS SO ROCK’N’ROLL. Japanese cuisine at its finest, a perfect fit for lunch, dinner or any occasion.

RITUALS SUSHI IGY Rodney Bay Marina Gros Islet St. Lucia 1-758.458.4344 Closed Mondays Hours: Tuesday to Thursday & Sunday 12.00pm-10pm Friday & Saturday 12.00pm-11pm

RITUALS SUSHI Frigate Bay St. Kitts 1-869.466.7874 Hours: Closed Sundays Monday to Saturday 4pm-11:30pm

Travel Enjoying some creole jazz.

coolers to sit on the grass and enjoy the ambience and music, to the accompanying sound of the ocean in the background. Vendors sell local food, toys, t-shirts and hand-crafted souvenirs, etc. Children run around playing freely while their parents enjoy the music.

This year, Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival celebrates its 25th Anniversary or Silver Jubilee! The exciting line up features favourite acts from the past quarter of a century, and is assured to bring many fans, old and new, to the island. The international artistes returning to the festival include Marc Anthony, Shaggy, George Benson, Kool and the Gang, Kassav’, Air Supply, Donald Harrison, Jr., Joey Alexander, BWB, and Chris Standring. The outstanding local performers will include: Boo Hinkson, Irvin Loctar and Teddyson John.

Throughout the island, there will be an abundance of musical performances and art showcases, leading up to the grande finale – known as Main Stage – at Pigeon Island. An Arts Village will take place in the north of the island, which will focus on literary, visual and performing arts.

Saint Lucia Hot Couture will be in the limelight again on May 4th for its unique, cutting edge style, and there will be a tribute to Saint Lucia’s Nobel Laureate for Literature, the acclaimed poet and playwright, Derek Walcott, as his epic play, Omeros will be performed by London’s Shakespeare Globe Theatre on May 3rd.

The Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival runs from the opening on April 29 until May 8. For the schedule and all other information check out stluciajazz.org.

Marc Anthony

SAINT LUCIA JAZZ & ARTS FESTIVAL

AN UNFORGETTABLE 25 YEAR JOURNEY

Strains of music in the air and colourful fashions on the streets and beaches of the island. It must be time for another Saint Lucia Jazz Festival, and this one is very special. By Michele Hackshaw

T

he Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival (SLJAF) takes place annually and is well-known internationally. The event brings together local and international artistes to perform at venues across the island. The musical offerings are not only confined jazz but include zouk, soca, R&B among others. And SLJAF not only about the music; a diverse blend of fine

Boo Hinkson, Derede Williams, Barbara Cadet and Rob Zii Taylor among them.

During the festival there is a fashion show called Hot Couture, which showcases local and regional designers and fresh, young talent from Saint Lucia’s modeling industry.

The launch officially takes place at the end of April with an opening ceremony at Mindoo Phillip Park, Castries. The

FROM APRIL 29 UNTIL MAY 8, SAINT LUCIA SWINGS TO THE SOUNDS OF JAZZ, R&B, SOCA AND MUSIC FROM AROUND THE WORLD, COMBINED WITH THE BEST OF LOCAL ARTS. arts, spoken word, fashion and dance are involved in the festival.

The first Saint Lucia Jazz Festival was held in 1992. Over the years, the event has attracted very well known artistes such as Natalie Cole, The Jackson 5, Debby Ryan, Amy Winehouse, Mary J. Blige, Rihanna, Ciara, Diana Ross, John Legend, Ashanti and a host of others! Local performers have included Carl Gustave, 64 S H E C A R I B B E A N . C OM / VOL 69

festival lasts two weeks, with different performances throughout the island, including Monchy, Dennery, Vieux Fort, and Soufriere.

The culmination is the final weekend at Pigeon Island National Park, which is located on the northern coast of the island. It is a grand outing where friends and family gather with visitors from all over the world, with their mats and

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Voices

MY PERSONALITY SHIFTED FROM RESPECTFUL TO MEAN AND ANGRY. I WOULD THROW TANTRUMS AND RANT OVER THE SLIGHTEST THINGS

AN INTIMATE

CRIME

As a recovering rape victim for the past nine years, I’ve often felt the need to speak out about this horrible crime. I do so now, for the first time, while still undergoing counseling. I hope that my ‘coming out’ will create a greater awareness of what it is to be a victim of rape. I feel certain that Caribbean women will relate. It is my wish that more of us will bring into the open what so many are going through in selfdestructive silence. By Allana Maximin

66 S H E C A R I B B E A N . C OM / VOL 69

R

ape is a devastating crime with life-changing effects. Some women are badly injured.

Some become pregnant. Some contract HIV. But the emotional trauma is usually a lot worse than any physical injury. And this I say from personal experience.

Women who are raped suffer recurring nightmares, panic attacks, anxiety, depression, waves of self-doubt, an overwhelming sense of distrust. The lives of women who have been raped are forever changed. Some say they can never be the same, that it’s like dying. Recently,

APRIL 29 - MAY 08

2016 MUSIC 29 APRIL

7 MAY MAIN STAGE ISLAND NATIONAL LANDMARK, 4PM

PIGEON WWW.STLUCIAJAZZ.ORG | #STLUCIAJAZZFESTIVAL2 016

THE OFFICIAL OPENING OF SAINT LUCIA JAZZ & ARTS FESTIVAL MINDOO PHILIP PARK, 8PM 5 MAY JAZZ SHOWCASE NATIONAL CULTURAL CENTRE, 7:30PM Admission USD46.00/XCD115.00

JOEY ALEXANDER DONALD HARRISON FT. BRIAN LYNCH 6 MAY JAZZ ON THE BEACH WINDJAMMER LANDING VILLA BEACH RESORT, 7:30PM CHRIS STANDRING 6 MAY MAIN STAGE PIGEON ISLAND NATIONAL LANDMARK, 9PM Admission USD52.00/XCD130.00

TEDDYSON JOHN OMI SHAGGY

Admission USD80.00/XCD200.00

BWB FT NORMAN BROWN, RICK BRAUN & KIRK WHALUM IRVIN ‘ACE’ LOCTAR KASSAV’ MAY 8 MAIN STAGE PIGEON ISLAND NATIONAL LANDMARK, 2PM

3 MAY BLUE SESSION WORD IN ALTERED SCALE 3 MAY OMEROS FT. SHAKESPEARE GLOBE THEATRE NATIONAL CULTURAL CENTRE, 7:30PM 3 – 10 MAY VISUAL ARTS EXHIBITION 4 MAY

Admission USD80.00/XCD200.00

RONALD ‘BOO’ HINKSON GEORGE BENSON AIR SUPPLY KOOL & THE GANG MARC ANTHONY

ARTS

SAINT LUCIA HOT COUTURE

WWW.STLUCIAJAZZ.ORG | #SLJAF2016

2 MAY CULTURAL ICON SERIES NATIONAL CULTURAL CENTRE, 7:30PM TRIBUTE TO VIRGINIA ALEXANDER (DANCE), FT. MICOLE AUBERTIN AND TANIA ISAAC

SCAN ME SAINTLUCIA_JAZZ SAINTLUCIAJAZZFESTIVAL SAINTLUCIAJAZZANDARTSFESTIVAL #SLJAF2016

Voices

continued

a mentor of mine spoke to me on this issue and made me realise we actually die when we are raped. The person I was before my incident is forever gone. Or so I felt.

I was no longer kindhearted. I stopped being respectful to others. I was without an ounce of self-worth. The person I was died, and was replaced by someone I never knew before my experience. I believed that if my innocence could’ve been taken so easily, then it was never worth much. I spent years of my life upset at my family for not knowing, but afraid to tell anyone, since the only person I told blamed me for what had happened to me.

I don’t blame him for blaming me.

We live in a culture that has convinced us we have choices in life and that we’re responsible for what happens to us. If you get beaten, you’re said to have provoked it. If you’re raped, then you invited it.

From a very young age, you’re taught that you’re responsible for the things that happen in your life, positive and negative.

I questioned myself for many years, trying to find answers to excuse this man for what he had done. Maybe I instigated it; maybe I wasn’t supposed to be where I was; maybe I led him on.

It’s not only the victim who blames herself. Society is quick to blame her as well. We don’t know how to take responsibility as a society, therefore we continue to blame the victim.

Rape survivors often think: Why did I get in the car with him? Why did I go to that party? Why did I get drunk? Why did I dress so provocatively? Truth is, we can second-guess, but the bottom line is that we would not have been raped had our rapist chosen to respect us and not commit a crime against a decent human being.

Being a victim of rape kept me searching for something to fill the void, but I still felt empty. I found myself becoming unstable in jobs and relationships; I felt like everyone was trying to hurt me or abuse me in one way or another. I became what I consider promiscuous. No relationship was ever good enough. I was constantly on the look out for a better one.

I engaged in sexual activity in an attempt to feel wanted. I know it sounds pathetic but only if you’ve never walked in the shoes of a rape victim. Sex was anything but enjoyable; it was something I did to satisfy whoever I was with. I used to wonder why other people exaggerated 68 S H E C A R I B B E A N . C OM / VOL 69

their sexual activities.

My personality shifted from respectful to mean and angry. I would throw tantrums and rant over the slightest things. I partied excessively and would do precisely what my parents said I should not. I was constantly rebelling against everyone while trying to be good enough for everyone. Confused? Join the club.

When I wasn’t angry or drunk or with some no-good guy, I’d be in my room crying and wishing someone would understand what I was going through. I felt so alone and abandoned.

Having been raped once at age fifteen, imagine my condition after it happened a second time. I completely blamed myself on the basis that you blame the dog that

a friend and a mentor and eventually I opened up.

With the pastor’s help I gradually learned to forgive those who had hurt me so badly. When I encountered them in the street I no longer experienced fear. Slowly but surely I started to move on with my life. It took guts; it took a lot of work; determined effort. But I was able to see them in public and no longer fear them.

Years later, I am still piecing together my life, trying to figure out who I am. I have had some satisfying accomplishments, but what those sick men took from me can never be regained. I now spend a lot of my free time advising other young women, helping them follow their dreams.

My message to anyone out there who

I BELIEVED THAT IF MY INNOCENCE COULD’VE BEEN TAKEN SO EASILY, THEN IT WAS NEVER WORTH MUCH. I SPENT YEARS OF MY LIFE UPSET AT MY FAMILY FOR NOT KNOWING, BUT AFRAID TO TELL ANYONE. bites you first, but the second time, you blame yourself. It did not matter that the first dog that bit me was not the same dog that bit me the second time.

I was convinced I deserved it what had twice happened to me. I felt I was doing something to turn seemingly good men into monsters without conscience.

For years, I lived with hurt, trying to keep a brave face, seeing my abusers walking the streets – and smiling at me – secretly hating them and wishing they were dead. Finally help would come when it was least expected.

I reluctantly agreed to accompany someone to CITAC Pentecostal Church and after a while I had some sessions with Pastor Kendall. At first it was difficult to open up to a man about what his gender had done to me. The last thing I wanted was a preacher man. He spoke to me as

has been raped or otherwise sexually abused is to talk to someone; there are ways to deal with what you are going through. Whether or not you have the strength to forgive your abuser, you must move on with your life and not permit yourself to get stuck in the horrible past. You need to be strong for your own sake and for the sake of those who truly care about you.

My most important advice: Report your rape as soon as possible. There are services available to victims, however limited.

Reach out to a counsellor, someone trained to work with sexual assault victims.

Work at convincing yourself of the truth that in your own way you are beautiful, you are a person of worth. The process may be difficult, you may need the support of people you trust. But rest assured, you’ll get there if you try hard enough.

And remember, you are not alone.

The line is available at The Yard St Lucia, 6 Carlos & Exhibit A Trinidad & Keneea Linton Kingston Jamaica & Sabelle Tortolla

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