WHAT’S UP BVI
KIMBERLY .A. HERBERT
STYLE BVI HAIR AND BEAUTY EXPO
SOIRE’E BVI JANETTE BRIN PURPOSE DRIVEN WOMAN RIIVA WILLIAMS MAKING A DIFFERENCE
NATURES LITTLE SECRET
SUMMER SIZZLE BVI
RELAX AT THE BATHS VIRGIN GORDA
Miss Kimberly .A. Herbert Miss British Virgin Islands 2013
Represented The British Virgin Islands In The Miss Earth Pageant
Soul’s Graphic Designs
Publisher Randolph Pope Director Randolph Pope Writers Various Writers Dear Readers,
Editor Joyce Alexander
Welcome to Hott BVI Magazine! It gives us great pleasure to present to you our first issue of Hott BVI Magazine. We hope you will find it informative, educational and entertaining. We sincerely thank everyone who has contributed in one way or another to make it a success. We look forward to your continuous support as we embark on this amazing journey.
Photographers various Photographers Advertising and Sales Randolph Pope Vincent Marshall Designer Soul’s Graphic Designs Hottmagazine River Sallee St. Patrick’s Grenada Telephone:1473 442 0795 1473 404 1001 1473 419 1575 Email: hottmagazinegrenada@gmail.com info@hottmagazinegrenada.com Website hottmagazinegrenada.com
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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Kimberly .A. Herbert
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Style BVI Hair and Beauty Show Overcoming The Odds
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Soire’e BVI
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Riiava Williams: Making a Difference 9 Summer Sizzle
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9 Simple Pleasures
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Natures Best Little Secrets Keep it Real: Teen corner
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Recipe Bazzaar
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Jannette Brin: Purpose Driven Woman 21 Skin Care At It Best
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This pageant is indeed an eye opener to all the environmental issues that individual countries face, and the world on a global scale, forcing us young ladies, advocates for the environment, to become more informed citizens and to lead in the promotion of safe environmental practices. Being crowned as Miss Earth, I immediately commenced working on my duties. The first of those duties, th was to travel to Guyana on August 17 2013 for the Miss Jamzone International Pageant, where I competed with eight other delegates for the title. It was definitely a fun, memorable and learning experience. This was only a warm up in preparation for my big trip. Who am I? I am born under the sign of Aries on April 10th, 1995 to my wonderful parents, Arletta Emmanuel and Kurtney Herbert. The beautiful Virgin Islands have been my home all my life!
My big trip refers to my most important duty which was to travel to Manila, Philippines to represent my country in the Miss Earth International Pageant. I departed from Tortola on
Living on the 24 square mile island of Tortola,
the 15 of November 2013, to arrive at my final
there is a lot you can discover about oneself. My name, Kimberly has been said to have royal meaning, and I do my best every day to live up to this standard. On July 14, 2013 I was crowned the first ever Miss Earth British Virgin Islands. It was the night I like to recall, when I officially became a Queen. There were tremendous obstacles encountered in preparation for the night, but I was able to overcome all those obstacles and I turned out on top! Winning was the most memorable experience of my life and I will treasure it forever. I am indeed honoured to hold the prestigious title of Miss Earth British Virgin Islands, because the Miss Earth Pageant is deemed the most relevant pageant in the world. Simply so, because it the only international pageant with an active platform, which is saving the environment.
destination on the 17 of November. It was indeed a very long trip, but was nevertheless exciting the closer and closer we got. Upon my arrival, we were warmly greeted by the organizers and taken to our official residence. I must say that the people of Filipino culture are very helpful, kind and friendly, which made my 3 week visit a very pleasing one. As you may know, the Philippines was hit by the biggest Typhoon in history just before we were scheduled to arrive, but Manila (the capital) was not affected by the Typhoon in anyway. With the Miss Earth Pageant being all about environmental issues, it was but second nature for us to reach out to the people affected by the Typhoon.
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Some of our recovery efforts included: the packing of food items for victims, toy donations for children, monetary donations from fund raising events and the preparation of snack boxes for the children with personal holiday messages, encouraging them to have faith through this rough time and asking them to not give up hope, which was most important. I am absolutely honoured that I was able to participate in a pageant of such a caliber. The lessons that I learnt are forever imprinted on me, and I will cherish those experiences for a lifetime! I have made friendships and connected with about 90 girls from all around the world! There was a lot to learn by simply conversing with some of them. A lot to learn about their many different cultures, religions, stories, music, dance and practices. Also through speaking with the girls and with others, I was able to overcome some of my shyness. It helped me to become more confident about myself, and I took great pride in being there to represent my beautiful islands. When it came to the talent segment, even though I did not advance to the next level, I was able to connect with the audience through my playing of the Steel Pan. The people had never heard, or seen an instrument as such and I am delighted that I was able to introduce them to a new instrument, the instrument of the Caribbean! I know they truly enjoyed my performance. It was seen as they all danced along and heard, as they even sang along to the songs that I played. Many approached me after to inquire and compliment me on my playing. This just shows how much of an impact one can have on someone else and how pageantry can open doors to new worlds of opportunities! In my spare time, I find pleasure in dancing, writing, travelling, listening to music and spending quality time with my friends and loved ones. I am
also a transferring member of the Interact Club of Road Town, to the Rotaract Club of Road Town, to which I am a part of because I essentially love participating in community service projects and it is wonderful to give back to my community. It is my dream to someday become a Social Worker so that I will be able to lend a hand where the youth are concerned. I am currently enrolled in the General Studies Program with a major in Humanities at H. Lavity Stout Community College after which I hope to attend the University of the Virgin Islands where I will work towards a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Work. So to any young woman who wants to pursue pageantry, I say do it! The experiences you may encounter will do nothing but help to better you personally and give you confidence on a whole other level. I like to say, what you gain from your experience, no one can ever take that away from you. As Eleanor Roosevelt once said, “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams!� No matter what your dream is, aim for it and do your best.
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The Style BVI Hair & Beauty Expo is an evening of hair celebration where fans, customers, hair, fashion and make up enthusiasts can come watch some of the hair salon industry's hottest talents, showcase their hairstyles on the stage at Paragon, located in Fish Bay. The hairstylists and their models are sure to amaze and inspire you all evening long. This year, the Style BVI Hair & Beauty Expo brings together special guests and international judges in the hair and beauty industry with extensive teaching experience in order to facilitate healthy and fair competition among local salons and individual hair stylists. Prizes for best braiding, best weaving, best outrageous hairstyle, best locking, best cut and color, and best bridal/wedding style will be awarded to the respective salon winners and featured stylists. There will be a door raffle entry for various prizes for guests as well, and the raffle entry comes FREE with your door ticket!
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Style BVI will provide a spectacular opportunity for Salon owners, stylists, beauty professionals, local models and fashion enthusiasts who attend, the opportunity to enhance their careers, gain experience and purchase products all in one evening. Everyone who participates will have the opportunity to gain new tips and tricks to better his/her passion and increase the profits and network with likeminded individuals that share a common love for beauty. The event is intended to help showcase the various hairstylists' and salons unique work, exhibiting their styles, skills and services to the local community in a fun and energetic, and most importantly positive competitive environment that anyone can enjoy. This is the main objective of the Style BVI Hair & Beauty Expo, and we intend to do this show regularly for the community and the hair salon and beauty industry in the Virgin Islands.
The show began, in the planning stages in the summer of 2013. Created by Aymen Husein, Nathan Wong & Latoya Cotton, all residing in the BVI. All of which are involved in the hair salon industry in the BVI. The first event took place on Sunday December 8, at Paragon - Conference & Entertainment Centre located in Fish Bay, Tortola, BVI, with attendance of nearly 400 people..
The next Style BVI show will take place in July 2014. With your participation, this event will be a great success for hair, fashion and beauty lovers throughout the region. For show exhibits, sponsorships, competition entry, applications or advanced tickets use one of the following contacts to become a part of the next big show in the BVI.
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She calls herself Lindy. That's not her real name, but that doesn't matter. She's 19 years old and the victim of incest. She says “I was sexually abused as a child from the time I was about 5 until I was about 13. The person who did it to me is my uncle. He is my mother's younger brother –younger by a lot –and for many years he lived with us. it started when he would babysit for my sister and me when mom and dad had to work double shifts at their job. He would come into my room. He would be real friendly and all, and then he would be too friendly. I didn't really know what was going on, but I sensed, even as a young kid, that it wasn't right. He told me never to tell anyone or I would be in trouble, and so I just kind of locked it all up inside.People say to me now, “well, why didn't you tell anyone? I guess I was too afraid, and maybe I thought I somehow deserved it, like there was something wrong with me or this wouldn't be happening. ”Then when my sister was about 23, she started to get some flashback of awful things happening to her when our uncle was around. So she joined some kind of group and started to talk about it. The night she told my mom was an awful night. My mother said my sister must be crazy. My sister yelled and cried and stormed out. I stood in the kitchen just shaking, but after that, my sister and I started to really talk, and more and more about my uncle started to come back-for both of us. when I left home two years ago, I had lousy self esteem, felt like I couldn't trust anyone, like maybe I was crazy or making it up or it wasn't that bad after all .
But with my sister's help and the help of an incest survivors group I've joined, I am coming to realize I didn't choose what happened to me as a child. Now I am working on a letter to my uncle who lives on the other side of the country to tell him how he hurt me, how he messed up my life, and that I hope he gets help before he does it to anyone else . I still have whole pockets of my childhood I can't remember,” Leah says.”I still have some shame and a tendency to think that when things go wrong it's my fault. There's anger at my mom for not having realized what was going on and I still have very bad days when I feel shaky about things. But I guess you'd have to say that knowing I'm not alone has helped. Knowing I’m not perverted or crazy helps too. Just being able to say the word molested was as a start and my sister's support has been the greatest.
No one knows for sure how many children is abuse in families. The article represents only report cases, but there are many unrepresented cases. Child abuse can be physical or emotional. The emotional abuse perhaps, is the most difficult to identify because they may be no physical evidences of mistreatment. A large amount of child abuse cases involves sexual abuse. Typically they are abuse by people they know, someone in his /her home, a mother , a father, stepfather ,uncle, aunty, or by someone they trust .sexual abuse can go on for years and may never be reported. The child maybe threatened with severe punishments, embarrassment, ridicule or ever death if he / she tell anyone. It is important that victims this situation knows that he/she is not at fault. They have done nothing wrong. Victims should talk to someone they trust, so that they can get help .if it does not come with the first try, it is important that the victims seek assistance from other appropriate source to get the help they need.
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Preston Stoutt (Co-founder) and Mrs. Shonia Palladino (Founder) who combined both passions (his for love of music and networking and hers for love of fashion and style) to create a dynamic and unique company promoting local businesses and individuals alike. They later acquired the professional services of Mr. David Thomas, director of RudeBwoy Photos who captivates amazing memoirs with his keen eye for capturing every moment he encompasses. To add to the talents of the team, Ms. Krista Frett director of Angelique Creations creates all the transformations necessary to make the model or individual shine with the magic makeup touch.
Founder/director (Mrs. Shonia Palladino)
THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS are known as nature's little secret, the Crown jewel of the Caribbean and the world's sailing capital. The epitome of luxury and portraying the most stunning turquoise waters, the BVI is known for exotic culinary delights, festive seasons, warm weather, amazing sites, charming residents and over 60 Islands, Islets, Rocks and Cays to make your experience unforgettable. Fashion plays a pivotal role in incorporating stylistic ideas for fun-filled parties, elegant functions, soiree's and colorful events. SOIRE'E BVI LIMITED is derived from the French word Soire'e which stands for “Social Event or Party held in the early evening� creating a facet of what we do in and around the British Virgin Islands. With this theme in mind, Soire'eBVI Limited was th incorporated on 30 March 2012 and is a licensed entity in the British Virgin Islands. Its aim is to bring products and services in relation to small businesses to life with fashion and style. From Fashion Expositions, Catered Parties, Excursions, Photography, Chaperone Services, Promotions, Marketing Concepts, Beauty and Health or the like we sit down with our customers and find means of making their product more unique with fashion and style. THE TEAM is comprised of 2 directors namely Mr.
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SERVICES, in addition to our marketing activities mentioned above, include Virtual Catalogues (a collogue of products and services with both still and live footage portraying each product and service in the form of a flip video) {these are on sale only by consultation and request}; Calendars (by order, these printable calendars are uniquely created so that they feature individuals, pictures or sites in and around the British Virgin Islands.
Co-founder/director (Mr. Preston Stoutt)
STOMP is a product of Soire'eBVI Limited which initiated in 2012. Its main focus is to create an avenue for individuals to portray their marketing
Above are the 5 final contenders from left to right Erica Creque, Alexis Wyatt (official winner), Kyia George, Laura Thomas and Helina Hewlett.
and fashionable talents in the form of a competition relating to photographic challenges. Incorporating many businesses featuring their products and/or services create a win-win result for this unique marketing product. It is not a pageant but a Marketing Challenge thus the contenders are of any age, size, height, culture or origin (selected by a panel of judges and based on the particular series being produced). If you can sell it, walk it, speak it and wear it, you need to bring it; simple! The most important element of the challenge is the spokes model challenge which allows for the individual to be portrayed and star in our official commercial. With the help of our many local supporter and sponsors, all the businesses featured are prominently displayed on our website. INFORMATION about our services, team, location, products, services, models, modeling agency, STOMP and our collogue of pictures can be found on our website www.soireebvi.com where you can email us or call us for more information our visit us on facebook/soireebvi. SOIRE'EBVI LIMITED, WE BRING YOUR PRODUCTS AND SERVICES TO LIFE WITH FASHION‌.AND STYLE‌..!
Alexis Lettsome Overall Winner of the 2013 STOMP Model Madness Marketing Challenge 2013
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protect our environment. Many people usually ask how the pageant does that. Well, it creates an avenue where these young women can work closely with the different Environmental Groups and learn of the issues facing the BVI environmentally. Currently, Miss Earth 2013 Ms. Kimberly is representing the British Virgin Islands as the Debuting Candidate for Miss Earth 2013 in Manila, Philippines. In my spare time I am also a writer. My writing is usually inspired through life lessons I have learnt and a very active imagination. To date, I have three books on Amazon. They are Stone Poetry, #GetReal and Cruel Intentions.
I was born on the island of St. Thomas, and then moved to Tortola, BVI where I grew up. I completed all three stages of schooling within the BVI, then went and finished my last 4 years between Johnson and Wales University and Kaplan University. My name is Riiva Williams. I am a 24 year old mother of one and I am also the Director for the Miss Earth British Virgin Islands Pageant. For those who know me I partake in many different aspects. I write, do a small amount of fashion designing and I do love to cook and bake. I started the bout for the cause in 2011 after I ran for Miss BVI but did not make the cut. I was infatuated with this pageant but at that time I was not able to compete. Instead of leaving the dream there I brought it to the BVI community and started the franchise in the BVI and in everything, we did have a rough time being that it was the first time that people were seeing a pageant like this and I can truly say that if it wasn't for my PRO and Cofounder Ms. Jasmine Perez I don't think we would have even made it this far. The Miss Earth Pageant is in a league of its own as the young women go out and help
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Stone Poetry is basically my works of poetry. Throughout the years, I have been writing which has been thirteen years. Most of the poems are news and more up to date with modern times (more of an urban take). When I lived in the United States of America, I got my break through writing when I joined a small poetry group called C.R.A.K. Poetry. In this group we wrote about anything and also performed in various places. I continued my writing after I left the group and throughout Basic Training for the military. After returning from the military, I decided to put all of my work into one place. ‘Cruel Intentions’ is my first novel. It was published on December 07, 2013 and will be launched via Twitter on January 18, 2014. Since this is my first novel, it took me about 3 years to write and I do hope the book is a success. ‘#GetReal’ is a harder hitting book that I wrote. I say this because it is the way I look at things and situations and how I do decipher them. This move was mainly geared toward the female crowd. This was published in December 2012. In lieu of my last book that was just published, I began working on three more books that will come on stream in the near future and I do look forward to getting feedback from the general public and interacting with readers that favor my work.
Riiava Williams
Conflict resolution Thirteen years old Corrine has a problem that she is considering talking to a friend at school about her stepdad sometimes makes comments on how good she looks and that makes the very uncomfortable. He touches her a lot, he says he is just being affectionate, but Corrine feels it is more than that. She is reluctant to tell her mother or another adult because she is afraid that she is reading too much into his words and actions Assume you are that friend how would you help her decide if her stepdad is “just being affectionate “or being sexually abuse. Please submit your solution to hottmagazine and it will be publish it the next issue of hottmagazine. Please submit to: hottmagazinegrenada@gmail.com or info@hottmagazinegrenada.com
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fabulous activities. The ‘Global Glamour’ fashion show which remains the highlight of Summer Sizzle BVI, serves as a platform for showcasing international and Caribbean trend-setting fashion designers and models from some of the world's top agencies including Ford, IMG, DNA, Major, Muse and RED. Sessilee Lopez, Arlenis Sosa, Georgie Badiel and Tara Gill are among the diverse selection of top models who strutted the runways. Originally created in 2007 by Terry Donovan of Signature by Terry Donovan Events, Summer Sizzle began as a fashion show with the purpose of promoting the Virgin Islands. Since then, Terry's vision has culminated into a four day fashion and lifestyle event attracting celebrities, designers, models, international media, industry executives, buyers and also a diverse audience of affluent professionals and influencers from around the globe.
Summer Sizzle BVI is the ultimate fashion & lifestyle weekend held in the British Virgin Islands. This spectacular weekend is an escape to the Caribbean, combining fashion, decadent parties, island tours, sailing excursion – just a few of the activities designed to create an unforgettable experience. The festivities kick off on Thursday, July 24, 2014 and run through Monday, July 28, 2014. Summer Sizzle events include the Culture and Style Welcome Party, the Sunset White Fashion Fete, a Sailing Excursion and the highly anticipated fashion gala and VIP After-Party, and other
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The ‘Global Glamour Runway Fashion Show’ has featured collections from designers such as: Andrew Harris, Barbados, Andrew Nowell, NYC, Baby Phat by Kimora Lee Simmons, Bayroc Clothing, BVI. Cesar Galindo, NYC, Claudia Pegus, Trinidad, Devon Scott, NYC, Edwing D'Angelo, NYC, Kevan Hall, Los Angeles, Korto Momolu, NYC, Kristian Loren, NYC, L.A.M.B.by Gwen Stefani, NYC, LaQuan Smith, NYC, Mode De Femme, Atlanta, BVI, Poetic Rhythm by Shannen Azuredee, USVI, Aqua Couture by Roger Gary, NYC, Rubin & Chapelle , NYC, Sandro Romans, NYC, Tracy Reese, NYC, Trefle Designs by Kristin Frazer, BVI, Uzuri International, Jamaica. Make your next island get away a fashionable escape to paradise, Summer Sizzle in the British Virgin Islands. For more information visit www.summersizzlebvi.com
YOUR DOG IS YOUR FRIEND
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hether taking their places as a protector, receiving a present or providing comfort and companionship around the clock, our dogs occupies a special place in our hearts and homes. As your dog owner, the responsibility falls on you to make decisions about his or her well being. By recognizing your dog's needs and arming yourselves with the right know how, your dog will thrive and be a loving companion for many years to com
BY: D. POPE We look to meet others who will “make” us happy and we work very hard to achieve what we think will bring us happiness. But we seem to be on a lifelong quest to find something that is elusive and undefined. We say, “If only it were this way, I would be happy” or,”If only I had that, I would be contented.” In the meantime, we overlook all the little opportunities for happiness that come to us each day. Have you ever noticed that it is often the small comforts, the simple pleasures that soothe us the most and make us feel that all is right in the world? Maybe it's a favorite food, listening to a favorite song or an unexpected kindness that makes our day. In the moment that we experience the simplest pleasures, we are not thinking about our quest for happiness or worrying that we may never find it. We are simply enjoying the moment and feeling alive.
We want to hear from you too! Hott Magazine wants to know about your perfect little pleasures. Tell us your story in 50 words or less and a photo to illustrate your experience. You may just inspire someone with your story. Hottmagazine River Sallee, St. Patrick's Grenada. Telephone: 1473 442 – 0795 / 1473 419 1575 1473 404 1001 Email: hottmagazinegrenada@gmail.com hottmagazine@ymail.com
Here are five ways I myself: 1. Take a break. Relax with family and friends. 2. Cuddle up with an inspirational book. It is a good way to relax. 3. Create my own at home spa. Choose some soft music, light some candles and get “carried away”. 4. Go for a run, it is a great way to relieve the stress of the day. 5. Spend some time with my your love one.
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ush green landscapes, clear blue seas and vibrant underwater sea life bring many visitors near and far to the exotic shorelines of the British Virgin Islands (BVI); an archipelago renowned for its beauty, pristine beaches and natural wonders. For decades, the destination has been home to visitors who relish sailing and island hopping throughout the 60 islands and cays dotting the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea. Seafarers, adventurers and families also travel to the BVI to cherish the unique array of tourism including sailing and hiking, snorkeling and diving, cultural festivals, culinary events and more. A Vibrant Destination to Explore Today's traveller is searching for an organic experience. They visit places that will afford them a chance to connect with nature and bond with local residents. They enjoy kicking off their shoes to get their feet wet in the culture. Oftentimes, they treasure these moments the most, returning for the pureness of the land, the freshness of the seas or authentic vibe from the community. Charming and quaint, the British Virgin Islands has developed into a destination that is becoming synonymous with all this and more. It's an escape into a world filled with exciting underwater adventures, island hopping, fine dining, whirlwind activities and diverse cultures. Of the British Virgin Islands most precious commodities is their natural resources and tranquil environment, a place where 21 national parks stay open for new footprints and discoveries year-round. 15
Odd names label the most magnificent locations: bays called Loblolly, Sea Cows, Brandywine and Fat Hogs and islands called Fallen Jerusalem, Deadman's Chest, and Salt are examples of this unique wonder.
Some are mountainous and trap passing clouds producing dense green vegetation and rain forests. Others are smaller and drier. There are protected anchorages in quiet palm-fringed coves with spiraling sheer rock-faces that plunge to the ocean; dramatic volcanicformed mountains stretch high into the sky while others are flat coral atolls. From island to island the vegetation can be dramatically different. Lush areas support palms and tropical fruit trees are an agricultural oasis with banana, mango, and sugar apple along with flowering hibiscus and bougainvillea bushes. While a hike up a hill may reveal varieties of cacti and wild tamarinds – even a hardy frangipani plant makes its way through a boulder.
Visit the British Virgin Islands and share the secret. For more information visit www.bvitourism.com
Tourism excursions and remarkable memories. Bird watching, nature trails, ruins, and coral reefs are amongst the most breathtaking experiences to be had around the four most popular islands of Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada and Jost Van Dyke. Many of the BVIs' resort islands are a blend of nature and luxury at your doorstep. There are also many famous landmarks and attractions to visit: The Baths, the Coppermine, Conch Shell Mounds, Old Government House Museum, Lower Estate Sugar Works Museum, Bomba Shack and Soggy Dollar bars, J.R. O'Neal Botanical Gardens, and the new Virgin Canopy, and Antilles Helicopter tours, which provide striking views of the islands from the sky. 16
Project Planning • Estimating • Building
Serving the BVI Since 1977
Tel: (284) 494-2882 • (284) 494-5635 Fax: (284) 494-6758 General Building Contractor Representative for Reid & Sons Steel Framed Buildings Residential• Commercial• Industrial Johnson Ghut. Box 106. Road Town
newtonconst@surfbvi.com
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KEEPING IT REAL: TEEN CORNER THE FIVE DANGEROUS LINES
SIX THINGS TO REMEMBER WHEN YOU DOWN
If you are a teen who are being pressured to have sex, one of the following lines may be used:
*Everyone has bad times feels depressed now and then. * Remember yourself that you are not alone. There are many others who feel just as you do.
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Everyone is doing it.
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I'll break up with you if you don't.
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If you really love, you'll do it.
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It will make you a real man or woman.
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You won't get pregnant or diseases it will be safe. Not everyone is having sex. Real love and caring mean getting to know someone and respecting that person's limits and rights. Even protected sex can result in pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases. Don't be one of the many statistics. Save yourself for that special person God has design for you.
* Be certain to take care of the basics when you feeling you're down. Get enough sleep, eat regularly and healthful meals, and get lots of exercise. Believe it or not, all these effort will improve your state of mind. *Avoid alcohol and other drugs, even caffeine. They will only add to the problem. *You more than anyone else control they way you feel. * It isn't what happens to you that counts as much as how you view what happens.
The memories you hold of yourself in the past can
TAKE A STROLL DOWN MEMORY LANE
affect your present feeling of self esteem. For a few minutes, close your eyes and remember times when you felt loved, cared for or valued by others. Think, too, of the times when you did something nice for someone else, helping them feel loved, cared for or valued. Experience the feeling that comes with these memories. open your eyes, think on someone you know who gives you positive feedbacks. Then think of someone in your life now to who you can give some positive feedbacks Reaching out to others is one way to boost your self-esteem. TRY IT! 18
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Marketing Guru, Magazine Publisher, Bold Entrepreneur, some might even call her a Fashionista, but Janette N. Brin, describes herself as a down to earth driven young career woman. Owner of J Marketing Group and Caribbean POSH Magazine, this driven career woman has managed to weave a distinct and inspiring path in the world of corporate marketing and entrepreneurship. Jan, as she is affectionately known, grew up in the Virgin Islands but has also lived in Baltimore, Maryland over a decade. There she attended Notre Dame of Maryland University where she completed a Bachelor's degree in Marketing. She obtained a MBA in Marketing at the University of Phoenix, Columbia, Maryland Campus. Her quest at entrepreneurship began in 2005 when she launched Caribbean POSH Magazine. With nothing more than a passion for creative work, culture, and of course fashion. At the time Jan was working full time for Maryland State Department of Business & Economic Development as a Marketing Manager. Coming from working on major industry campaigns -- she was perhaps an unlikely candidate for the world of publishing. However prior to her 8 years in State Government, Jan spent some time working at an independent record label. In addition to that she spent a considerable amount of time assisting her twin sister on her music career. She found herself emerged in the entertainment world gaining the opportunity to meet interesting people and learn about the ins and outs of it all. Coming from a small Caribbean island, Jan knew all so well that there would be artists of all sorts that needed a platform in which to be heard. This would also become some of her reasoning for perusing the task of a Caribbean magazine. It would be a launch event hosted by famed WBLS Radio Host Dahved Levy in Brooklyn, NYC that featured a number of well-established and influential names in the entertainment industry that would help to give her the push she needed. Since then Caribbean POSH has featured well known names such as Shaggy, Wyclef Jean, Lady Saw,
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Elephant Man, just to name a few. Gaining some accolades along the way, both the Association of Black Media Workers and the Caribbean Fashion Awards have recognized Caribbean POSH Magazine. Keeping Caribbean POSH going continues to be a challenging task, and it would be the constant positive feedback received that inspires and encourages Jan to keep the quarterly magazine on news stands. Eventually, both personal and career decisions combined to bring Jan back to her homeland in the Virgin Islands where she took up a position at LIME for several years as a Marketing Manager. She would eventually loose her position at LIME due to company downsizing. Refusing not to feel sorry for herself, Jan saw this as blessing in disguise. She immediately seized the opportunity to revamp the magazine, re-launching it with a fresh new look in 2014. Further encouraged by a close friend and motivated by her teenage son, Jan also started J Marketing Group as her umbrella of creativity. This additional entrepreneurial venture gave her the opportunity to work with other small businesses. Recognizing the need for more support of small businesses in a troubled economy. Jan drew not only on her eye for creativity but also her knowledge in business development. She would quickly make a name for herself as a go to person for marketing in her homeland of the Virgin Islands. Determined to think outside the box when it comes to career, Jan's unselfish mission is to inspire young women in particular to find their passion and to own it. This she sums up as being a #poshgirl. A support platform she plans to build for young women across the Caribbean. POSH Girls of course are currently being recognized in Caribbean POSH Magazine. ----------For more information on J Marketing Group visit www.jmktgroup.com For more on Caribbean POSH Magazine visit www.caribbeanposh.com
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