Dazzle Magazine Issue 5

www.facebook.com/dazzlethemag

How to Apply Eye Shadow like a Pro

Neil Joseph

Finding the Road map to Success

Issue 5

Just 4 Fun

Set to Scale Great Heights with Lance & Roston at the Helm

Hot Couture

The Stunning Showstoppers of St Lucia

Paula Theophilus

Serving Others and Discovering the Joy Within

“Wenhal Benjamin Gerald�

Alpha

Music is My Name

Prenatal or Antenatal Care pt2 Try me!

Behold, the Power of Twitter

limi t ed

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From the Publisher

Welcome to Dazzle Magazine I am proud to introduce issue number 5 of Dazzle Magazine.

It has been a phenomenal journey creating rich and inspiring content over the past few months for our readers.

Before writing this note, I reverted to the past issues and was amazed to see the number of young entrepreneurs and professionals Dazzle Magazine has featured thus far. It is very admirable seeing those individuals creating opportunities for themselves in these hard economic times. It shows that the new generation has a lot to offer to society. I would like to applaud all of those whom we have featured for the great job they have done so far in their careers.

As with every issue, Dazzle Magazine’s mission is to encourage and recognise young talent island-wide and give them the opportunity to share their story, vision, products and services.

On the front cover we feature the lovely Mrs. Paula Theophilus who speaks to Dazzle Magazine about her origin, passion and the remarkable service she has been providing to Saint Lucia’s Carnival Queen Committee; Lance Arnold and Roston Taylor address the challenges and pleasures Just 4 Fun face as a carnival band; Neil Joseph, the proud owner of The Computer Store who is finding the roadmap to success; Wenhal “Alpha” Gerald, an artist whose goal is to have his music extend beyond Saint Lucia; Vincent McDoom tells Dazzle Magazine why Hot Couture was so important to him.

There are other interesting write-ups in this issue and it’s a great read, so please venture inside and let Dazzle Magazine captivate and amaze you.

Please feel free to “Like” or leave feedback on our Facebook page (facebook.com/dazzlethemag) Rankin Morgan’s wardrobe has been provided by Studio MIA. Facebook.com/shopstudioMIA

Rankin Morgan Publisher/Managing Editor

Dazzle Magazine is a new and dynamic Saint Lucian bi-monthly publication that provides much-needed exposure to young professionals and entrepreneurs, and established businesses.

It covers an array of topics and categories key to starting and running a business. It also offers practical advice on everyday living, tips for a healthy lifestyle and interviews with popular and up-and-coming personalities.

Dazzle Magazine is designed to appeal to a diverse range of readers but is especially targeted at working professionals and business owners between the ages of 21-50 years. We provide our advertising clients with value for money by offering them a powerful medium to market their products, offer deals and build their brand. Best of all, we give them the opportunity to be a part of a nationwide and online marketplace of actively engaged consumers who are ready to buy, all at an affordable price.

To advertise in Dazzle Magazine, contact our sales agent via telephone (758) 460 4126 or email advertising@dazzlethemag.com for more information and terms and conditions.

table of

contents

Features

16. Paula Theophilus - Serving Others and Discovering the Joy Within 24. Neil Joseph - Finding the Roadmap to Success

Profiles

38. Wenhal Benjamin Gerald “Alpha” - Music is My Calling 42. Lance & Roston - Just 4 Fun Set to Scale Great Heights at the Helm

The 411

08. Saint Lucia Youth Business Trust - Educates and Empowers Young Entrepreneurs 28. The Stunning Showstoppers of St Lucia’s Hot Couture

Mastering Marketing

14. Behold, the Power of Twitter

Professional Progress

12. How to Survive and Thrive in Business

Fashion & Beauty

33. How to Apply Eye Shadow like a Pro

Health & Fitness

10. King of the Fruits - Mango!

30. Prenatal or Antenatal Care – Counselling pt2 36. Your Ript Workout - Office Stretch: Total Body 1

Publisher Rankin Morgan Editor Tony Williams Sales & Marketing Alana Williams Contributors Reginald Andrew Benica Bowers Michelle S. Charles Mindy Luquiana Chicot David E.M. DuBoulay Graphic Design Aldrin Henry Photography Aldrin Henry Cameron Brown Brandon Ramjeawan Asha Vigilante Pini Alexandre Bristol Daniel Marcion Accountants BDM Consulting Issue 5

www.facebook.com/dazzlethemag

How to Apply Eye Shadow like a Pro

Neil Joseph

Just 4 Fun

Set to Scale Great Heights with Lance & Roston at the Helm

Finding the Road map to Success

Eating In

37. Rock Buns

Gadgets & Gizmos

Hot Couture

The Stunning Showstoppers of St Lucia

Paula Theophilus

“Wenhal Benjamin Gerald”

Serving Others and Discovering the Joy Within

46. HP LaserJet Pro MFP - Printer

Out & About

48. Out & About

Instagram

50. Saint Lucia Pitons

Alpha

Music is My Name

Prenatal or Antenatal Care pt2 Try me!

Behold, the Power of Twitter

On the Cover Paula Theophilus

contact us

For more information visit us at www.dazzlethemag.com or call us at 758.460.4126

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Saint Lucia Youth Business Trust

Educates and Empowers Young Entrepreneurs “Our mission is to foster development, growth and innovation in our economy by enabling young entrepreneurs to realize their dreams, hopes and aspirations”. With this mission at the forefront of its efforts, The Saint Lucia Youth Business Trust (SLYBT) has continued to engage young entrepreneurs, potential young entrepreneurs and the general public through its activities.

As part of its activities for Youth Month 2013, the SLYBT held a financial management presentation, which had as the featured speaker, Mr. Ryan Mack, a financial advisor, youth mentor and motivator based in the USA. The presentation was held at the St. Lucia Chamber of Commerce conference room on April 25 and it was made to the SLYBT applicants for 2013. This event was geared at motivating and inspiring them throughout the application process. It was also aimed at instilling in them a sense of financial responsibility as it relates to their personal and professional development. RISE (St. Lucia) Inc. invited Mr Mack to St Lucia to address the youths. He also took part in various youth-related activities around the island.

In attendance at the presentation were five SLYBT loan applicants (two females and three males) along with Ms. Gemma Moses of RISE (St. Lucia) Inc, Mr. Rankin Morgan, editor of Dazzle Magazine, Mr. Sudhakaran Kulapura, financial comptroller for Northwest Ltd and SLYBT mentor. The event was hosted by the SLYBT Officer, Mr. Dyrud Lionel.

Initially it took the form of a panel discussion, giving the participants the opportunity to interact with Mr. Ryan Mack and all present. After an hour of discussions ranging from prioritizing financial 8

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resources to the society’s role in instilling financial responsibility, formal introductions were made.

Rankin Morgan, the “Idea of the Year” recipient at the 2013 St. Lucia Business Awards, gave the gathering an insight into the SLYBT program. He was well suited to the task, having developed his business proposal under the guidance and mentorship of the SLYBT. He urged the applicants to continue striving until they achieved their goals and stressed the importance of having a sound business plan in developing a business idea or concept.

Subsequently, Mr. Mack proceeded with his life’s calling – mentoring the young applicants. He told them about his background, including how he had worked as a Wall Street trader, and then went on to pursue his passion for financially motivating marginalized individuals. He urged the youths to “find their purpose, develop a vision, find the necessary resources, and put it all together.”

They were then given the opportunity to introduce their business ideas. They also took questions and the group discussed their ideas. Mr. Mack gave his input and urged them to continue pursuing their vision.

The SLYBT would like to thank Mr. Ryan Mack, Ms. Gemma Moses, Mr. Rankin Morgan and the SLYBT loan applicants for making the event a fun, informative and motivational endeavor.

numbers of individuals to add them to the Trust’s Facebook page in order to continue interacting with potential applicants and those not old enough to be eligible for the program.

Youth Explosion 2013 – SLYBT Celebrates with St Lucia’s Youths!

Ciceron Secondary Students Learn how to Succeed in Business During Youth Explosion 2013, SLYBT did some networking with a secondary school teacher and business owner, Mr. Dwayne Lubin, of the Ciceron Secondary School. Afterwards a presentation was scheduled for Wednesday 8th May at the school for the benefit of the form 4 business students.

The Derek Walcott Square in Castries came alive with Youth Explosion 2013 on April 27, as youths from around the island turned out to celebrate the occasion.

The event was the grand finale in the observance of April as Youth Month, It gave the youth the opportunity to enjoy a full day of activities during which they were informed, engaged and entertained.

It was hosted by Scady Dot P., a popular local radio personality. Addresses were delivered by Mr. Timothy Ferdinand, President of the National Youth Council, Minister for Youth Development and Sports, Mr Shawn Edward, Minister of Tourism, Heritage and Creative Industries, Mr. Lorne Theophillus and other officials from the respective ministries.

SLYBT was joined by several youth groups in the celebration, including Twisted, a local dance group comprising of secondary school children and some members of the St. Lucia Cadet Corps, and there were many other participants. SLYBT took the opportunity to sensitize the youth on its program and interact with them. It also arranged appointments with potential young entrepreneurs and did some networking with various individuals and groups for future outreach activities.

Additionally, SLYBT provided an “Outreach Sheet,” and took the names, e-mail addresses and contact

The students were briefed on the SLYBT program and the benefits it offers those wishing to become entrepreneurs. They then took part in an interactive session, during which they proffered three possible business ideas. A vote was taken to select one idea, which was then developed. The students voted on starting a construction company.

As the presentation continued, the students went through the various aspects of a business plan, including creating a mission statement and goals, analyzing competition, costing, developing a marketing strategy, human resources, functional implementations and much more. They also got the opportunity to provide input into the draft of their own business plan.

The presentation ended with an appeal to the students to follow their dreams, even in the face of perceived obstacles, and not to give up until their objectives were realized. The need for social responsibility was also impressed upon them.

Moreover, they were taught that being an entrepreneur ought not to be only about making money or working for yourself. Rather it should be more about giving back, whether through the employment of individuals, providing a service or product, or by giving back to their communities and our society.

The Saint Lucia Youth Business Trust will continue its efforts to engage potential and young entrepreneurs and the general public as it moves forward with its mandate. At this point the SLYBT would like to thank all its sponsors and partners for making this initiative possible.

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Mango King of the Fruits - Mango!

It’s the season of the delicious and succulent mango.

Get the most out of mango season before it ends.

We’ve all waited in line for our ‘mango-in-sauce’ with or without pepper, a famous St Lucian delicacy.

M

ango is rich in all vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, B6, and C), minerals, proteins, carbohydrates (including sugar) and fibre. It restores elasticity to the skin and is great for providing moisture to dry skin. It helps relieve clogged pores and the rich vitamin C content helps treat pimples and acne. Although it’s safe to use mango pulp on the skin, it is not advisable to use the mango peel, as it contains Urushiol which is toxic and may cause allergic reactions in sensitive skin. There are so many merits that go along with not only ingesting this delightful fruit, but also applying it to various parts of the body.

Mango and Honey face mask This is a very simple homemade mango face mask for glowing skin. Mash one mango and mix in one tablespoon of honey. Apply it to your face and neck and rinse it off with warm water after 30 minutes.

Mango-Coconut face mask Cut up one medium mango and mush it in a small bowl until it’s pulpy. Add one teaspoon of coconut oil and apply the mixture to your face. Leave it for 1-3 minutes and then wash it off using warm water. Your skin should feel refreshed and smooth.

Mango for your hair??

As weird as it sounds, mango is excellent for your

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hair as it promotes healthy hair growth. It improves elasticity of the strands and moisturizes dry or brittle hair. The commercial mango butter is quite costly and may be hard to find, so why not whip up your own mango hair concoction!

Mango Hair Moisturizer Peel a ripe banana and cut it up into large chunks.

Place the banana chunks in a blender or food processor. Wash and peel a ripe mango and remove the seed. Place the mango halves in the blender or food processor along with the banana. Puncture a vitamin E capsule and squeeze the oil and some olive oil (or any oil of your choice) onto the mango and banana. Blend it well. Shampoo your hair as usual and slather the mango hair moisturizer into your hair. Use a large-tooth comb to work the moisturizer evenly through to the ends of your hair. Cover your hair with plastic wrap or a shower cap and allow the mango moisturizer to remain in your hair for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse the moisturizer from your hair with warm water and shampoo it again (optional).

Mango has many other benefits such as improving eyesight as it contains vitamin A. It also contains fibre which reduces constipation and is rich in iron which is good for those suffering from anaemia.

Whether you’re making a creamy mango smoothy, a rejuvenating mango face mask or a moisturizing mango hair treatment, ensure that you make the most of this mango season and have fun along the way!

Read about Paula on page 16

How to Survive and Thrive in Business

T

hese are hard economic times we are in.

And while phrases like “belt tightening measures, fiscal cliff and austerity measures” are being bandied around, signs that say “Closing Down Sale, Store Closing and Everything Must Go” are popping up all over. These are especially trying times for start-up, small and medium size enterprises. Their ability to survive and thrive is being sorely tested and many of them are failing.

Many proprietors are closing their doors, waiting for better economic conditions. But is that the only option? NO! If anything, these challenging times call for well-developed plans and well-defined problem solving approaches.

The success of navigating your business through economic uncertainty lies in your ability to realign your business with current economic realities. And here I introduce the critical tool for success – STRATEGIC PLANNING! The strategic planning process will allow your organization to make better business decisions that minimize risks and seize opportunities.

Even in tough economic times, there are opportunities to be taken advantage of.

Strategic Planning, simply put, is envisioning where you would like to be and determining the steps required to get there. And so, to ensure that your doors are still open a year from now, you need to articulate where your organization is going and the actions needed to make progress. This may seem 12

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overwhelming but if broken down, the process can be easy to tackle. Where do you start?

• ANALYZE: Where are you now? Analyzing involves taking an objective look at your position. It takes into account what is internal to your organization and also the external factors that impact it. Get a clear picture of your strengths, weakness, opportunities and challenges. SWOT and PESTLE are good tools for sound environmental analyses.

• ARTICULATE YOUR MISSION, VISION/PURPOSE STATEMENT: Where would you like to be?

While problems, challenges and opportunities drive the need for strategic thinking, it is vision that drives the rest of the strategy process. It is this common focus that will provide direction for your business.

The clearer and more compelling your vision the more powerful and imaginative your strategy will be.

• THE ACTION PLAN: How do you get there? You now understand your current situation and have determined your desired outcome. At this point strategies, goals and objectives become critical. Goals target desired business outcomes, while objectives are established to support those goals. Your strategies will institute the policies and tactics necessary to achieve your goals and objectives. During this step, you take a look at your resources, add some imagination, and create the shortest path that will lead to your vision. This may seem complex; however once clearly

defined goals and objectives have been established, developing strategies for attaining them becomes less daunting. With the mission being articulated, the critical issues identified, and the goals and strategies agreed upon, your action plan should never remain in your head!! Formalize it into a proper business document. After all, the Action Plan is the catalyst that converts your strategic plan into results! PUT IT INTO ACTION! • MONITOR & MEASURE: Are we there yet?

Planning is future oriented, and as you cannot tell the future, it is imperative that you continue monitoring and measuring your business performance. This step will prevent you from locking into a particular strategy or tactic. The monitoring exercise incorporates the flexibility necessary for making adjustments that will keep you on the path towards achieving your vision. It ensures that you don’t repeat mistakes made.

Measure your results. Are you achieving the desired results? If yes, document them to record best practices and learning points. If no, revisit the strategy!!

Strategic Planning will not only help you survive these turbulent times but will enable you to thrive as well.

There are many benefits to be derived. Some include: • Clear future direction • Improved performance • Doing more with less • Recognition of company potential • Better allocation of resources • Greater profit margins • Healthy bottom lines You have much to gain from engaging in Strategic Planning. Losing your business is not an option.

“The one who adapts his policy to the times prospers, and likewise the one whose policy clashes with the demands of the times does not.” - Machiavelli.

RESOURCES: Legacy Associates, Inc. www.forbes.com www.speakmanconsulting.com www.strategicbusinessplanning.net

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Behold, the Power of Twitter

W

hat is all this “tweeting” about?

What are these social media websites that people seem to be so obsessed with? While social media sites are often viewed as “those things all the kids are fanatical about these days,” they are actually more powerful and effective than many people realise. Although the younger generations often use such platforms for fun activities like chatting with friends, posting pictures and videos and general horse-play, Twitter offers businesses and professionals virtually unrestricted access to an ever-increasing and almost limitless range of prospective clients. Famous company CEOs and celebrities who endorse products from all over the globe are frequent Twitter users.

users currently stands at over 500 million. This is free access to over half a billion people who are only one “Tweet” away from discovering any information which YOU, the user, choose to share with them.

In order to reach your target market or if you simply want to reach as many people as possible, use keywords in your tweets so that potential customers are able to find the information which you post.

Interaction with other users and daily (even hourly) posting of updates will quickly prove to you whether or not you’re reaching your target. If not, you will soon get adequate feedback from those whom you have been interacting with, giving you some ideas as to what keywords you should be using and who you should be following in order to get the most exposure.

Twitter allows you to post updates (called Tweets) as often as you like (but limited to 140 characters) similar to a text message. When you follow people on Twitter, you can see their tweets and vice versa.

Twitter keeps a public record of all updates in the event of misuse such as the posting of offensive material, in order to protect the integrity of the site.

Connecting with customers (and getting their feedback) If you have a customer who has something to say, whether good or bad, you may well hear (see) them on Twitter and this will help your company to receive invaluable feedback and assist disgruntled customers as early as possible.

Industry estimates show that each day 5 to 10 thousand new people join Twitter and the total number of

Sales, discounts, special offers, new products and future plans are all being discussed on Twitter right

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now by thousands of companies worldwide.

Twitter is Viral Within a few hours of using Twitter most users find that they can connect with people and access bits of information in an instant. You can even gain a certain amount of “popularity” by being mentioned in other users’ tweets. This can become a vital part of your marketing strategies; letting others spread the word for you for free.

Keeping Tabs on the Competition With Twitter, not only can you read what customers are saying about you, you can also read what customers are saying about your competitors. It can provide the perfect opportunity to intercept potential clientele who have had bad experiences with your closest competitors.

Gaining Brand Loyalty Once you have connected to your customers on

Twitter, even for what may seem to be the most insignificant level of interaction, a certain sense of familiarity subconsciously develops. Research has shown that this feeling of familiarity is a critical catalyst in the growth of brand loyalty.

The commercial benefits to be gained from using Twitter are numerous. Marketing via the Twitter platform is definitely a great way to boost your business online, gain added exposure, send traffic back to your website, track industry buzz and position your brand message in front of fans and potential customers … the list goes on.

Coming in the next issue of Dazzle Magazine: Tools to Help You Optimise your Twitter Experience. Don’t miss it!

Paula

Theophilus

Serving Others and Discovering the Joy Within The true testament of greatness is discovering one’s ability to empower others. To give to the lives of others is to emulate God’s gift of life. Dazzle would like to introduce you to Paula Theophilus, devoted mother, wife, student and an advocate and pioneer in the pageantry industry here in St. Lucia.

There is always more than what meets the eye, when you meet someone for the first time. This thirtyand-then-some woman is the personification of perseverance and a compassionate soul.

Born in the commun ity of Gros-Islet where she lived with her parents and three siblings, Paula recaps her childhood days for us: “I was somewhat of a tomboy growing up. I played cricket, football, and rode bikes. I got into swimming at a very young age since we lived next to the bay. I also got into fishing. Growing up for me was very carefree. Gros Islet at the time was a village and so everyone was really close knit.”

Being young and eager to see what the world had to offer, Paula took up her first job at Club St. Lucia Hotel at the tender age of nineteen, fresh out of Leon Hess

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Comprehensive School. Though she always wanted to be a lawyer, she quickly fell in love with her job in the hospitality sector. Paula tells Dazzle why: “Getting to meet people of various nationalities and cultures was very interesting. It was exciting because as a young person, getting into a job like that is fun.

At the same time these people coming here to St. Lucia pay so much money to stay at a hotel, their expectations need to be met. Essentially, my job was to make them happy and I was happy doing that!’

Paula worked at Club St. Lucia for fourteen years, assuming a number of different roles during her employment. Of these roles, her time in the entertainment department was the most memorable as it would give rise to a series of opportunities, including participation in the Miss Club St. Lucia pageant.

“I was first employed in the entertainment department. I got hooked on and developed a passion for fashion there. I participated in Miss Club St. Lucia in 1993 at which I was the first runner-up. From there I got to love pageantry. I helped a number of ladies who participated in the competition after me. I also got into modeling as we would host fashion shows.”

Paula’s love for pageantry and fashion continued to grow. As her job portfolio became broader and routinised, she would assume a role which she was destined for.

“During my time at Club St. Lucia I was first exposed to entertainment and from there I got promoted and became part of the hotel’s managerial team. I managed the Kids Club for seven years, and during that time I was responsible for children who visited the resort. As a result their parents did not have to worry about them whilst on vacation. I was subsequently appointed Duty Manager. My job became somewhat monotonous, as you repeat the same things all the time. I wanted to move on and do other things.

So when I was invited to a meeting of the Carnival Queen Committee by Teddy Francis, although my first thoughts were, ‘why me?’ I attended the meeting.

At that meeting I learned that they had called in chaperons to be assigned to the Carnival Queen contestants. Since I already had the experience, I figured I would give it a try and give back to my country.”

Paula tells Dazzle that this call to action would spark a desire in her to help others. Naturally, as a mother Paula has nurturing characteristics but it extends beyond that as she feels responsible for the contestants. She sees her role as one of empowering young women and helping them overcome their circumstances and realise their dreams. It is because of this irresistible desire to help these young ladies that Paula continues to give freely to the St. Lucia Carnival Queen Committee, as this is not a title that carries a salary. In her own words, Paula describes why pageantry is so important to her: “The first girl I chaperoned was Sannyu James, in 2006. She won the pageant that year in 2006. In 2007 I accompanied her to Antigua for the Miss Jaycees pageant. In 2007 I got another call from the committee and was offered the role of head chaperon.

The most rewarding thing about pageantry for me is seeing a young lady develop. It starts from auditions when you see these young ladies for the first time.

They then make it through auditions, and I have to work with them throughout that process before the show, prepare them for the show and get them to work with a chaperon. This is an amazing thing. It is through this process that a young lady can develop her skills; skills which she did not know existed. That, for me, is the drive and passion I get from this, to see a young lady grow into something she really wants to be. Pageantry is more than just a pretty face or getting on stage. When I get to work with a young lady, I get to prepare her in various areas such as grooming, etiquette and public speaking.”

With any job there are challenges but Paula does not give up easily. She would love to see an extension of the Carnival Queen Committee that looks after the contestants when they have completed the pageant.

This, she says, is because some of the ladies have issues and they require assistance. She will continue to pursue this goal and would like to see the young ladies have a better quality life. As head chaperon, Paula is responsible for arranging functions for them to attend. She oversees their wardrobe, hair and make-up, and organises photo-shoots. Michelle Monrose (chairperson) is the one person whom Paula enjoys working with and she admits she could not do it without her.

Paula gives her all in any endeavour she undertakes.

Dazzle was amazed at how much she currently does, from being a mother of three, a wife, head chaperon,

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DAZZLE 17

to ambassador and student currently pursuing a Bachelor’s in Hospitality Management with a minor in Human Resource Management at Monroe College.

Paula also tells Dazzle who her role models are.

“Though it seems like a lot, I pray a lot! Without God I would not be able to do what I am doing now. My mother is also my biggest source of support. She helps out with my kids. I also manage my time properly.

My mom is my role model because she came from humble beginnings and yet she was able to raise us; especially into the young lady I am today. My husband, he is a lawyer by profession. When we met I was in the hospitality industry. I worked at the hotel at the time and I never thought my husband would be the Minister of Tourism today. He has transformed into so much and learnt so much, he is determined to get the industry to another level. I see a whole different him assuming this new role.”

Dazzle Magazine, would like to wish Paula success in all her endeavours. You are using your talents to make a difference in the lives of so many others. Paula has some helpful advice for our readers: “Be self-motivated! Don’t give up on your dreams, we all have dreams, we all would like to be somewhere someday but it may not happen at once for us. Not all of us are gifted with a family to send you to school, however don’t give up. Don’t be afraid to try new things and never give up! Put God first and the rest will follow.”

Special Thanks to: Sharleen Lagon (Wardrobe) Jaeylu Designs Pamela Dolor (Hair) Stranz Hair Salon Rodney Bay

fun facts Favourite place in Saint Lucia?

Choiseul Carnival band?

Just4Fun

Malessa Louis (Nails) Tweet 6 Teen Nail & Hair Salon Bois D’Orange

Lambi or coff?

Coff

Shonita Glasgow (Make-Up) Professional Beautician Windjammer Gap

Favourite childhood toy?

I used to stuff my own dolls and sew them up.

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Favourite thing about your husband?

His sense of humour www.dazzlethemag.com

Wenhal Benjamin Gerald

Read about Alpha on page 38

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Finding the Roadmap to Success

W

hat are the ingredients for success?

This seems to be a question on the minds of so many young people.

For some, success is having a dream and working diligently towards it, while for others it is a need to fill the void in their lives. However, every now and then you may meet someone who rode the tide until they stumbled on their pot of gold. Neil Joseph, a young and budding entrepreneur and owner of The Computer Store shares his voyage with Dazzle Magazine.

Tell Dazzle Magazine a bit about your childhood years?

I am from an extended family of eight. My grandmother played the father-figure role in my life, instilling the discipline and values that I possess today alongside my mother who provided for my older sister and me. My family originates from the west coast town of Soufriere but I was born and raised in Lastic Hill, Leslie Land. My childhood was a struggle as I’m not one who was born with a golden spoon but nonetheless, I can’t say that I had any bad experiences. Everything that has happened in my younger days, I use as learning examples in life today.

Sports were an interest for me very early in my

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childhood and were an avenue that I wanted to explore and better myself in.

What schools did you attend and what activities were you involved in at school?

I attended what I would consider to be the best schools in that of the RC Boys Infant and Primary Schools and the Leon Hess Comprehensive Secondary School. At tertiary level, I attended the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College. At Leon Hess I participated in practically every sporting discipline, from basketball, football to volleyball. I even played some netball as well. I was able to take my basketball career to the national level representing St. Lucia for two successive years in the annual Windward Islands Schools Championships. Sports have been an integral part of my life, from school till now. Although I did not attain any records at Leon Hess, I graduated with the accolade of “Footballer of the Year” Class of 1996.

What do you currently do?

Currently I am the proud owner of The Computer Store. I have been in the IT business for the past

fifteen years. The decision to branch off and have my own business, related to my field, was not without much deliberation and thought. However, to date it has been a great decision and one that I have yet to regret. As with every new endeavor, there were some challenging times and sleepless nights, but through perseverance and determination I was able to overcome the early hurdles. The Computer Store has been established for the past six years. The store provides the latest in technological gadgets, technical support and IT consultancy. We continue to grow and strive to provide more options to our local IT market.

I am sort of a libero (player who is practically everywhere on the court in volleyball). Here in the business, I do everything from sales, advertising, managing and when necessary, get my hands dirty in doing repairs. We have a staff complement of four persons, which is well gelled together to meet our customers’ needs.

Tell Dazzle what pushed you in this direction?

After completing my computer maintenance programme at Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, I got my first employment opportunity at Microwest Limited, where I was employed for about a year before leaving to work at B.O.S.S (Business Office and School Supplies). I was employed there as a computer technician for three years and was then promoted to the head of the IT department for the next four of the seven years I was employed there. It was then I decided to do more. I saw there was quite a bit of scope and possibilities in IT at the time, as a lot of persons and businesses required more knowledge in the benefits of computers and technology for personal use and for their companies. It started with me operating alone, providing technical support and consultancy from my home to clients, until four years ago when I moved to the American Drywall Building in Vide Bouteille where The Computer Store is still located. We’re always trying to add other aspects to what we do at the store. With that in mind we recently added a new dimension to the store in that of the business service section where we provide copying, printing, laminating and binding services, just to name a few.

computers, laptops, the best tablets and more. Our technical support and IT Consultancy services are still the backbone of the business. We offer data backup options, data recovery, structured cabling, network installations and support services, to name a few. As mentioned earlier, we also do binding, laminating, printing, copying and scanning services. We also provide cell phone recharge services for both telecommunications giants, LIME and DIGICEL. Our aim is to provide an even wider variety of IT services to our valued customers. We are the recognized distributor for DELL products locally and their service/ retail partner.

Describe your typical day.

I always say that there are not enough hours in a day.

It is always hectic, being involved in everything that happens here. As the sole proprietor, my hands are always involved in practically everything, even when tasks are assigned to my employees. Some may say it’s an autocratic approach. However, I think this

What services does The Computer Store offer?

We retail computer-related items, which include ink cartridges, memory cards, flash drives, desktop

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DAZZLE 25

is a requirement for any business owner - to keep themselves continuously abreast with the day-to-day operations within their business.

How do you find balance between work and your personal life?

My wife is very supportive when it comes to, not just the business, but other aspects of my life as well. I have also voluntarily given my time to the St. Lucia Basketball Federation (SLBF) in the capacity of the public relations officer (PRO) and with that come quite a lot of tasks and responsibilities. It also demands quite a bit of time and dedication. I always tell people when they ask that I can still play on the court, but I have decided to give my time to assisting with the developing and organizing of the sport of basketball in Saint Lucia. Balancing work, the SLBF and maintaining my family (wife and two boys) is less challenging because my wife is very supportive and she understands everything where the business is concerned, as well as my sporting aspirations and she plays a part in them all. My wife has been the rock behind me. I could not do it without her.

What is your vision for The Computer Store?

We would like to continue to see the store grow.

Short term, we would like to branch off and have another store location on island to provide more options to our clients. Long term, our goal is to be the elite computer store in Saint Lucia and continue providing the reliable and professional service that we’ve been known for. Building on our public awareness and sensitization is critical to our growth and we’re focused in bettering that aspect as well.

What advice would you give to young persons pursuing their dreams?

Everything good starts with a dream. It starts with a passion; you need to be passionate about what you are doing. You need to have a love for what you are doing. If you are passionate about it, determined and you possess the foresight, GO FOR IT! Having your own business is incredibly beneficial. There will be down sides but if you are persistent and willing to put in the time, you will reap the benefits in the end.

What is the most difficult part about managing your own business?

I think it’s financing and getting the revenue in, both from the financial institutions with the lending power and the constant cash flow from clients. You may have all the big plans and aspirations but without financing it’s just not going to happen.

With the advent of all these technological advances, how are you able to meet the demands of your customers?

We are doing quite well at that. The retail side of our business caters to the ever changing technological field. We offer competitive prices and quality products, including the latest techie gadgets for home users and businesses, such as tablets and more. With the technical support we have grown a client base of several local businesses and we have been quite efficient in providing our support aspect. We have also built a great rapport with our clients, to the point where we are considered staff within their establishments (without the monthly salaries, of course). We are assured that our services don’t go unrecognized. We make it our duty to keep ourselves abreast with the changes in technology so that we can better meet our clients’ needs.

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Services Rendered: Building Construction (Commercial & Residential) Construction Management Architectual Drawings Architectual Concepts, 3D Rendering & Drafting Refurbishing of Homes Civil Works (Bridges, Drains, Walk-Ways etc) Land Surveying (Cadas Tral, Engineering & Topographic) General Maintenance Quantity Surveying Property Evaluation General Consultation

P.O Box GM 1096 Castries, Saint Lucia Tel. 758.572.3088 Cell. 758.484.3650/758.724.5328 Email. Junior@beyondlimitscont.com Web. www.beyondlimitscont.com

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involving the arts would be incorporated into the festival, including poetry and dance, and for the first time ever a fashion show of international standard featuring local, regional and international designers.

Shortly after, it was revealed that revered fashion icon and TV personality, Vincent McDoom had been solicited as creative director for the show.

Dazzle Magazine spoke with Vincent Mc Doom, Flavia St. Clair, a Hot Couture model and Sharleen Lagon, a designer to get an inside look into how Hot Couture materialised and their personal experience in being part of such a historic event.

Vincent tells Dazzle Magazine why Hot Couture was so important to him: “I went to Paris twenty-five years ago, because I won the first ever young Saint Lucian Fashion Designers contest which was put on by Junior Branford, Peter Marcellin and the Saint Lucia Government.”

The Stunning Showstoppers of St Lucia’s Hot Couture

T

he Stunning Showstoppers of St Lucia’s Hot Couture. It would be remiss of Dazzle Magazine if we didn’t dare to dazzle you with the images of sweltering ‘hot’ models on the runway of Hot Couture, a new feature of the newly rebranded St. Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival.

The event which took place May 7, 2013 at the Audi showroom was nothing short of amazing. The copious time and effort that must have gone into the show’s production was the catalyst for what can only be described as a burst of energy and colours as a host of 16 designers and 42 models fired up the runway.

When the Saint Lucia Tourist Board unveiled the Jazz and Arts Festival at a media conference on February 1, they announced that a number of new activities 28

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From then Vincent would enter straight into the fashion arena of Paris where he was employed at the Hot Couture House of Paco Rabanne. Vincent goes on to tell Dazzle Magazine that he saw “Hot Couture” as his calling, so he gave up his job on Russia’s Next Top Model and decided to come home to give six weeks of his time to assist the Saint Lucian models and designers. Vincent further elaborates, “I was given such a huge opportunity and I wanted to share my experience, expertise and professionalism with these young individuals. So when I was called upon by the Saint Lucian Government and the Saint Lucian Tourist Board, I answered present because I felt it was a calling and it was high time we redefined an industry which was dormant in Saint Lucia.”

Vincent’s vision for the show extended far beyond a Saint Lucian audience as he wanted to create a show that would be “on par with any other fashion week hosted in other countries around the world.” It was with this in mind that he sought to provide a platform for our local designers. This, Vincent believed, was paramount to hosting a fashion show that would be a true reflection of our local talent.

He was tasked with the challenge of casting and training the beautiful models who would later become known as the ‘Hot Couture Models’. Saint Lucian-born international supermodel, Denise Lay would work closely with Vincent to train the models, empower

them and teach them the appropriate techniques needed. Vincent would embark on a mission to “highlight Saint Lucian talent.”

On the night of Hot Couture, the Audi showroom quickly filled with patrons eager to see whether the show would live up to the hype and expectations. There had been so much press leading up to the event, not to mention the mini scandal which had been overblown for weeks. If the sold-out tickets was not enough to deem Hot Couture a success, when Mala Bryan opened the show wearing a piece from Sunblew Designs by Luciana Maxwell of Saint Lucia, the results were in. Hot Couture was nothing short of epic. It was truly amazing how professional and stunning each of the models looked. For Dazzle Magazine, it was difficult to tell the international models from the newly casted ‘Hot Couture’ models. For the duration of the show, the audience continued to be wowed by some of the jaw-dropping designs, the finesse and sheer beauty of the models. Sharleen Lagon particularly thrilled the audience with her new contemporary line. It featured black and white structured yet edgy pieces. It was pure brilliance.

Sharleen shares a little of her experience with Dazzle Magazine: Sharleen says she discovered her passion for fashion around age twenty to twenty-one. She participated in a competition dubbed “Aspiring Designer of the Year,” hosted by Joyce Medericks in which she won second place. Since then Sharleen has devoted all her time and energy to creating her designs. She says that working on Hot Couture has evoked in her a whirlwind of emotions. She saw the show as a chance to showcase her work to a larger, more appreciative audience. Additionally, she seized this opportunity to work with Vincent as she believed his wealth of experience and expertise would not only assist her in developing her craft but also open doors which were

once closed to her. The initial inspiration for Sharleen’s line was sparked by a competition she attended in Jamaica. She got to sit with Vincent who was very helpful in directing her creative process. Sharleen says she was happy with the end result and appreciated being given the opportunity to showcase her work.

In speaking with Vincent, he was very concerned about how the models had been treated locally. With 30 modeling agencies on island, Vincent believed none of them had equipped the girls with the right tools for the job. He wanted to empower the models, nurture them and help them to truly realize their talent and potential. What was even more important to him was helping them build their self-esteem and their value.

Dazzle Magazine spoke to Flavia St. Clair, one of the Hot Couture models: Flavia says at her first training session she was nervous, as she did not believe she could give off what was expected of her. She describes the experience as “great,” and further explains that she “learnt so much about modeling, the runway and the fashion industry.”

The training sessions impressed on her the importance of having a good knowledge of the fashion industry and helped to build her confidence. Flavia who admitted to feeling shy in front of cameras was pushed to overcome her fear. Now she says she is ready for anything, including another Hot Couture show!

We at Dazzle Magazine were blown off our seats at Hot Couture. Each clothing line displayed by the designers was mezmerising. The models were even more captivating, their exuberance rousing up the audience and sending them into a clamor of applause.

“I’m allergic to failure!” said Vincent Mc Doom; and, in truth, despite all the challenges experienced, Hot Couture was a success. Undeniably it was one of the best events on the calendar of the 2013 St. Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival.

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pt. 2 A rather alarming percentage of women of child-bearing age do not disclose their pregnancies or seek the necessary medical attention until after the first trimester (first 12 weeks of pregnancy) has passed - unless they have some type of complication.

Undoubtedly the first trimester is the most crucial part of the development of the unborn child as it is in this period there is complete differentiation of cells and formation of organs of the body as we know it.

It is during this period that abnormalities may occur due to the use of medications, drugs, alcohol and even smoking.

If you are pregnant or become pregnant, your health care provider should be informed at the earliest to guide you, ensuring that you have an optimal pregnancy and the desired outcome.

On your first visit you will be asked the date of the first day of your last period. This date is used to calculate your gestational age (GA), expected date of delivery (EDD) and it will also be used to estimate if the fundal height of your abdomen is adequate.

A normal pregnancy lasts about 40 weeks and is divided into 3 trimesters.

Appointment Schedule: This will depend on whether or not it is your first pregnancy and if there are any complications. A minimum of at least 10 appointments are necessary but if this is your second pregnancy and there are no complications, at least 7 appointments are recommended. The number of appointments will increase depending on if you suffer from a chronic illness or if there is a complication during pregnancy.

1st Visit Tests: • Haemoglobin (if less than 11.0 g/dl, the expecting mother may feel tired, lightheaded and experience 30

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palpitations. You will be given a supplement with iron and folic acid) • Blood Group • Antibody Screening • Rubella Immune Status • Hb Electrophoresis (sickle cell test) • Urine dipstick (protein, sugar) • Papsmear • Urine for urinalysis and culture (asymptomatic bacteriuria- urinary tract infection) • Serology Status : HIV, Hepatitis B and C, Syphilis test (VDRL,RPR), HTLV test • Ultrasound Scan - to assess the gestational age of the foetus 16 - 20 Weeks: AFP (alfa-fetoprotein) test (for fetal malformations) High Resolution Ultrasound – sex, malformations, adequate fetal growth and weight

28 weeks: Repeat Haemoglobin FBS (fasting blood sugar) Regular Visits after 20 weeks of gestation will include: • Blood pressure checks

• Urine test (for protein or sugar) • Abdominal Palpation (doctor will feel your tummy to determine the position of the baby) • Fundal height (to measure your uterus and determine if there is adequate growth of the baby) • Feotal heart rate assessment Common symptoms and signs in pregnancy Nausea and vomiting - Most women develop an aversion for certain foods or may have episodes of vomiting on mornings. This usually resolves spontaneously or with the use of an antiemetic drug such as Gravol. In the case of incontractible vomiting coupled with dehydration, hospitalization may be necessary for the safety of both the mother and child.

Vaginal Discharge - There is a physiologic increase in vaginal discharge during pregnancy. If this increase is accompanied by pain, offensive odor, itching or vaginal soreness, a vaginal swab should be done to assess the causative agent.

It should be noted that many women suffer from candidiasis vaginal (yeast infections) during pregnancy and this may be recurrent. Yeast infections consist of a white, thick, clumpy vaginal discharge accompanied by itching but it is odorless. Topical antifungal medication such as Clotrimazole (Canesten) is used as treatment.

Heartburn - This symptom may be due to your diet and the necessary dietary changes should be made or antacids can be used. As the gestational age of the foetus increases and the gravid abdomen develops, the pregnant mother may be subject to more frequent episodes of heartburn.

Constipation - Diet and physiologic changes can result in a sluggish gastrointestinal tract. Increased dietary fiber and adequate water intake and other liquids are necessary to relieve this condition.

Haemorrhoids – This results from lax veins in the rectum, increased pressure from the growing abdomen and poor diet. Increased dietary fiber, water and the use of hemorrhoid creams can relieve the discomfort.

Backache – This is usually caused by the increased bearing of weight from the gravid abdomen. Assuming a good posture when sitting and standing can bring some relief. A firm mattress and massage therapy may also help alleviate this problem. Pregnant women

should lie on their sides preferably during the later stages of pregnancy.

Complications arising during Pregnancy Some illnesses may occur during the pregnancy in a previously healthy individual. In such cases a medical specialist may be needed to provide specialised care and supervision. Hospitalisation and/or delivery of the baby may at times be necessary to save the lives of both mother and child. Proper care and adequate information should be provided if any of the following complications arise: Maternal • Gestational diabetes • Moderate to severe anemia • Pregnancy-induced hypertension • Pre-eclampsia and eclampsia • Renal disease in pregnancy • Thromboembolism (Deep Vein Thrombosis-DVT and Pulmonary Embolism-PE) • HELLP Syndrome Exercise in Pregnancy If you have been moderately active and there are no complications in your pregnancy it is advised that you continue exercising and also include Kegal exercises (pelvic floor exercises).

Sexual Intercourse during Pregnancy Sexual intercourse is not known to be associated with any adverse outcomes of a normal pregnancy. If you have a complete placenta previa (the internal cervical opening is completely covered by the placenta), cervical incompetence (the cervix starts to open efface and dilate prematurely) or vaginal bleeding occurs – sexual intercourse is prohibited. Your healthcare provider will advise you on sexual activity during pregnancy.

Air Travel Most women are working mothers. If your career requires constant air travel there may be an increased risk of venous thrombosis on long flights. This is a blood clot that forms within a vein. If you wear venous stockings and stand, walk or pace at least every hour during the flight, this may help prevent this problem.

Some airlines, especially on international flights of four hours duration or more, require a letter from your physician confirming that it is safe for you

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to travel after the 36th week of pregnancy. Most international airlines restrict air travel by pregnant women in the last 4 weeks of pregnancy.

Car Travel There is no restriction except in cases of long journeys. In such instances if you are pregnant, it is advised that you stop every hour to stretch and move around as this aids in blood circulation. All pregnant women should use a three-point seatbelt. Proper use of the seat belt should be enforced, that is ensuring it passes above and below the gravid abdomen and not across it.

Note: This is a basic overview of the topic and it’s meant to provide you with some helpful tips on antenatal care. It is important to note that antenatal care is provided on an individual basis and the care you receive is determined by the circumstances of your pregnancy. Adequate consultation with your healthcare provider is necessary during pregnancy, so ensure that you visit your doctor regularly.

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The Panorama Management Committee Presents

Pantastic Friday P A N O R A M A 2 0 1 3 Friday July 12th, 2013 From 8 PM

Beausejour Cricket Grounds Admission Adults - $40 Kids Under 16 - $20 T H E F E T E S TA RT N O W ! ! !

How to Apply Eye Shadow like a Pro

T

he Festive Season is approaching and most of us still wonder what’s the best way to follow through with a longwearing, wicked eyeshadow look. Here are a few tips.

Prime your eyelids: Use eyeshadow primer or a dab of liquid foundation, or concealer. This step will help keep your eyeshadow vibrant on your eyelids.

Apply eyeshadow: Start with a light colour that almost matches your lid. Sweep the colour across the lid and up to your brow bone. Follow with a medium colour across your lid only. Build on that with a darker colour in the crease. Blend the colours well.

Brighten your eyes with a highlighter: This step involves only the inside part of the eye. Putting a bit of your lightest eyeshadow in the inner corner of your eye will brighten it significantly (this is the makeup artist’s secret and the best trick of all the time).

Highlight your brow: Take the same light eyeshadow and dab it on your brow bone, concentrating on your mid-brow outward. Blend with your finger. You can even use a shade lighter in you concealer. That will do the trick!

Apply mascara: Place the wand of your mascara brush at the bottom of your eyelashes and wiggle back and forth. Follow with another few sweeps of the wand. Apply to the bottom lashes as well.

Once you have the right tools and you follow the tips above, you can master the art of applying eyeshadow like a professional. Always remember how often your eyes will be noticed! Make sure they always look their best.

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THE TWO YEAR BBA

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COMPLETE AN AUSTRALIAN BBA WITHOUT LEAVING HOME • Accelerated, achievable and affordable BBA • Awarded by the Australian Institute of Business (AIB) cially recognised by the Ministry of Education of St. Lucia and the Accreditation Council of Trinidad and Tobago (ACTT) • Sir Arthur Lewis Community College graduates with Associate degrees in Business Administration, Hospitality Studies, Travel and Tourism, and Food and Beverage Operations can get exemptions towards the BBA

Delivered in St. Lucia by The National Research and Development Foundation (NRDF) ADMISSIONS FOR THE NEXT INTAKE ARE OPEN. CONTACT NRDF NOW AS SPACES ARE LIMITED. Address: La Clery, Castries, Saint Lucia Phone: 724 7722 | Email: programmecoordinator@nrdf.org.lc NRDF Website: www.nrdf.org.lc | AIB Website: www.aib.edu.au NRDF Facebook: www.facebook.com/nrdf.leads

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The Computer Store (St. Lucia) American Drywall Bldg, Vide Bouteille Box 3094, Laclery, Castries,St. Lucia.

Tel: 758 450 4638 Fax: 758 450 4639 Email: tscssolutions@candw.lc Facebook: www.facebook.com/computerstorelc

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Your Ript Workout

Office Stretch: Total Body 1

Rodja Constantine Calves

Perform each stretch three times.

Gently ease into the stretch, slowly going as far as you can without causing discomfort or pain. Be careful not to go beyond without causing discomfort or pain. Be careful not to go beyond your limit and avoid bouncing up and down or jerky movements. Hold each stretch for up to 10 seconds. Be sure to breathe normally, do not hold your breath.

Quadriceps

• Stand upright, bracing yourself against a wall with your back leg straight and your front leg slightly bent at the knee.

1 - Stand upright with your arms by your sides.

1 - Keeping your back foot flat on the floor, lean your weight forward and push into your back heel.

• Keep your legs straight and do not bounce or use quick jerky movements.

Glutes

• Stand upright on one leg, bending the other knee and bringing your heel to your buttocks.

1 - Grasp your foot with one hand and gently pull it further towards your buttocks for a deeper stretch.

• Hold onto something stable to maintain your balance if necessary.

Back

Hamstrings

• Sit on the floor with one leg out in front, bent at the knee and the other leg straight out behind with your hands on the floor beside your front leg.

1 - Lean your upper body forward, gently pushing your hip into floor.

Shoulders

2 - Bend forward at the waist, lowering your hands toward the floor, or as far down as possible.

Glutes

1 - Sit upright with one ankle on the bent knee of the opposite leg and your hands on your hips.

2 - Gently lean your upper body forward, dropping your chest toward your knee.

Triceps

1 - Lie on your back with your feet up and your knees bent at 90 degrees holding behind your knees.

1 - Stand upright with one arm at shoulder height, bent across the front of your neck.

1 - Stand or sit upright with one arm behind your head, bent at the elbow and the other hand on this bent elbow.

2 - Gently pull your knees to your chest, allowing your lower back to round slightly.

2 - Place your other hand on the elbow of the bent arm and gently pull this arm straight across your body.

2 - Gently pull the arm across and down, lowering your hand to touch your upper back.

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ingredients

Rock Buns

8 oz/ 225g self-raising flour 1 tsp baking powder 4 oz/110g margarine (room temperature) 2 oz/ 55g granulated sugar 4 0z/110g *mixed dried fruit 2 oz/55g currants 1 medium egg 1 - 3 tbsp milk Demerara sugar for sprinkling 1tsp mixed spice 1tsp flavouring of choice Oil for greasing

method 1. Heat the oven to 400F/200C/ Gas 6

2. Sift the flour and baking powder

into a large baking bowl, add margarine and lightly rub together with fingertips until the mixture resembles fine breadcrumbs. You can also use a pastry cutter or a fork.

3. Add the sugar and the dried fruit and mix so all the ingredients are well incorporated.

4. Add the egg, 1tsp flavouring and

1 tbsp of the milk and mix to create a stiff dough. If the mixture is still dry, add milk a tbsp at a time until you get the required consistency.

5. Lightly grease two baking sheets.

Try this delicious family favourite that’s easy to prepare and lots of fun for the kids to join in too. It’s tasty enough to please any palate.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cook Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes

Using a tablespoon, divide the mixture into 12 mounds evenly spaced on the 2 baking sheets.

Sprinkle them with the Demerara sugar.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until golden brown and well risen. *Dried fruits can be substituted with cherries, chocolate chips, coconut or any other variation you prefer.

Wenhal Benjamin Gerald

As he walked into the room we couldn’t help noticing that he had the biggest smile on his face. His enthusiasm was infectious as he lit up the room and greeted us with the warmest hello. We sat down, casually shared some jokes, and then it was right down to business.

B

orn on May 2nd in the year that our beautiful island became an independent state, he is Mr. Wenhal Benjamin Gerald, known in the entertainment/calypso/soca arena as Alpha. Having won the Soca Monarch title three times here in Saint Lucia, as well as the Groovy Monarch title in 2009 and 2010, Alpha is well known for his terrific melody and rhythm. He relives his journey with Dazzle Magazine.

Alpha attended the St. Aloysius RC Boy’s School and later the Vide Boutielle Secondary School. The name ‘Alpha’ was given to him by veteran calypsonian, Struggler when Alpha competed for the first time at the Vide Boutielle Secondary School Calypso Competition. It was decided, after much thought, that he needed a stage name that is powerful and appealing, so Alpha was chosen. ‘Alpha’ which means “the beginning” has stuck with him since then.

Alpha has always had a great love for music. He remembers singing to literally 38

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every song he heard. He started signing calypso at the age of fifteen. After winning the Vide Boutielle Secondary School Calypso King title, Alpha would realize his true calling. This was enough to capture the attention of some leading persons in the calypso arena. Alpha would later join the Takeover Tent. Upon leaving school, he would nurture one of his other talents and become a specialised barber. This would serve as his main source of income for some time and Alpha developed a good reputation for himself.

Inasmuch as he loved barbering, music, which is his greater love, demanded more time and effort and so Alpha eventually devoted his full time and energy to his music.

For the past seventeen years Alpha has been actively involved in the calypso/soca arena. His first calypso was entitled “Fault of Man” and with it he won the Calypso King title at his school’s competition. In 2004, Alpha composed the soca hit “Down De Road” along with the band Fondacion and he won the Road March title. He subsequently went on to capture the prestigious Soca/Party Monarch titles in Saint Lucia three years in a row (2004 – 2006) with the songs “Down de Road” (2004), “In De Ark” (2005) and “Happy Birthday” (2006). In 2009 he won the Groovy Soca Monarch title with the song “Cyah Wait.”

For Alpha, the best part about being an artiste is being able to satisfy his fans. Sharing in their energy and feeling their love and appreciation, is another source of fulfillment for him. The worst part about being an artiste for him is when things don’t work according to plan and when he sees disrespect being meted out to artistes.

Being the easygoing person that he is makes him happy and this joy is Alpha’s greatest achievement in his career. Apart from winning competitions and titles, music has taken Alpha to countries like the UK, Trinidad, St. Vincent, the US, Canada, Costa Rica, Dominica and Maguerita. His most memorable performance was in 2004 with his hit tune “Down de Road.” He admitted to Dazzle Magazine that 2006 proved to be a very difficult year for him but he was able to persevere and retain his title. Many people may not remember, but Alpha was the first Saint Lucian artiste to be signed up by telecommunication company Cable & Wireless (now LIME) in 2006 along with Trinidadian Soca superstars Machel Montano, Bunji Garlin and Shurwayne Winchester, as well as Dancehall superstar Beenie Man of Jamaica.

One of Alpha’s goals is to have his music extend beyond Saint Lucia. With this mindset he would love to develop his talents further and produce a show which incorporates dancers and a live band, similar to RnB and Hip-Hop artistes Beyoncé and Usher. He would also love to win an international soca award, not to mention touring the world and performing in countries like Japan, Australia and France to name a few. Alpha would also like to mentor up-and-coming artistes and help nurture their talents and keep them focused.

It has been an interesting journey for Alpha filled with accolades and memorable experiences. Dazzle Magazine is most pleased to be able to share his journey with you, as this passion and love he has for music needs to be shared. For Alpha, music is not a job but a blessing that brings him tremendous joy and gratification. We wish him well in all his endeavours and may his passion for music never cease to inspire him to create even greater melodies!

fun facts Favourite past time?

Fishing If you were a dancehall artiste who would you be?

Sean Paul or Beenie Man Mangoes or plums?

Plums Favourite beach in Saint Lucia?

Smuggler’s Cove Tablet or seawette jam?

Seawette jam

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Just 4 Fun Set to Scale Great Heights with Lance & Roston at the Helm Every year Lucian Carnival explodes into a lively multifarious ‘Summertime Festival’ and the spectacle evokes lots of thrills that build up into more fun and excitement, high energy and greater splendor.

Roston reveals gleefully, “We got sucked back into carnival … and we decided that if we get into carnival it had to be something different. We did it not just for the competition aspect of it, hence the reason that you have Just 4Fun.”

Just 4 Fun carnival band has been an integral part of this cultural extravaganza which, over the years, has transitioned from a Lenten-season event to the current Caribbean-Mas street revelry. The band caters for 1,200 members and has been going strong for the past 12 years.

He reiterates that the band’s primary focus then and now is on satisfying its members and their corporate sponsors simultaneously. This is to ensure that the reveler gets the ultimate experience on the road,

Lance Arnold is a front-man for the group, holding down the purse strings and assisting with other functions while the band continues to grow and evolve into a highly-innovative entertainment phenomenon.

DAZZLE met up with Lance and Just 4 Fun co-founder Roston Taylor, who took some ‘time-out’ from their busy band-preparations schedule for a quick chit chat.

Taylor has been instrumental in helping to build up the group and passing on valuable organisational skills to younger members.

It is quite interesting how the band originated, Roston observes, as the group started off by staging events that included the first Soca Monarch show in Saint Lucia.

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and the band’s sponsors benefit financially from the partnership.

Dazzle: How do you identify a theme for the band’s portrayal?

Lance: There is no set procedure and I think that it just evolves through dialogue. We bounce ideas off each other and then something always resonates.

We have been playing with that central theme of the ‘Adventure’ since the band’s inception ... and every year we come up with something to see where this adventurer will go next. It depicts a ‘World Traveler’ an Indiana Jones kind of theme and the theme for this year is Immortals.

Dazzle: What has been the band’s biggest challenge in handling your operations?

Lance: I think it is constantly trying to surpass the revelers’ expectations. Every year we try to improvre on something. We take one aspect of the mas and try to improve on it. Ultimately it is about entertainment as we are into more than just carnival and involved in the entertainment industry. We have a core of loyal followers and these ‘guys and gals’ would do just about anything that the band requires. We also look for feedback on a regular basis and social media provides an ideal platform for that. Best of all, our members are very supportive and passionate about the band and believe in what we do. It is their loyalty and enthusiasm that energizes the band and enables us to achieve the success we do.

Dazzle: How is the band able to cope with the prevailing financial crunch and what about its relationship with sponsors?

Roston: Whilst everyone likes to use the term sponsorship, I think we have moved away from that and we treat it more as a partnership. We look to see how we can relate to a firm to achieve a dual objective - to increase the visibility of that firm, and for us it’s to get what we require. We have been working with the brewery (WLBL) from its inception and they seem to be happy with the product that we deliver. LlME also came on board in a big way and we always try to meet with them to see what role we can play in helping to achieve their needs.

Dazzle: What is the band’s major source for generating revenue?

Roston: Members fees are our main source of

revenue but generally those fees are not adequate to cover all our expenses and we normally end up in the red. So we try to organize fetes and parties to raise additional funds to help us cover the shortfall and hopefully break even. Contributions from sponsors also help.

Dazzle: What are the vibes like with obtaining your costumes, do you make them locally or are they imported?

Lance: When the band started, everything was done locally, but with the addition of 500 to 600 members it got a little bit overwhelming. There were challenges in purchasing material and securing venues. We had to cut costs and found it more economical to get our costumes done in Trinidad and bring them down to St Lucia, so we went down that route. We work with about three to four designers in any year. We tell them what the theme is and they submit designs to us. We cater for teenagers to grownups, up to the 60-year age range.

Dazzle: How relevant is it for you to have to compete and keep up with the modern trends in carnival?

Lance: I think you have to evolve and keep up with the times. We have to understand what it is the market requires and find a way of making that marriage. That is the challenge that we face every year. Make no mistake about it, for us it is a business and whatever the members want we try to deliver.

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