FREE
ISSUE
05
SEP 2013
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We talk about the cosmopolitan Caribbean, our myriad of cultures, different activities… but do we take advantage of it? So many people seem to be stuck in their lil scene. Well islandME is branching out. Lime “jumping”. We’re comfortable at a dancehall concert, at a drag queen show, at a posh brunch, at a university lecture or a river lime. We’re not about to leave out cool stuff because some of our audience won’t get it. Maybe they’ll take an introduction. That’s why in this issue specifically we’re at some of the most bougie spots for our fabulous photo spreads, Maracas to investigate bake and shark booths, an experimental dance show, boat level for the Carib Great race and at the Glastonbury festival all the way in the UK. Confused by our identity? Maybe you should open up yours.
Editor Sophie Wight Production Manager Kristen Camacho Layout & Design Jamil De Freitas Contributors Afiya Bishop Nicholas Bhajan Damian Gill Jennerlee Ramnarine Richard Mark Rawlins Photographer Kerron Riley Event Photographers Keyon Mitchell Bruce Pena Stylist P.Noire.Vou Ltd
Sophie
IslandMe Events Irwin Hackshaw Taran Kissoon Shane Creteau To Advertise, Contact IslandMe islandmetrinidad@gmail.com
Cover credits Make up by Samantha Seebalack Styling by P.Noire.Vou Ltd Clothes & accessories by Zadora Boutique
The island scene
Photography by Damian Gill
5 DAYS 5 LOOKS
Brooklyn Bar. 4.45pm
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Organizing photo shoots for the week and studying. After intense brain work, a cold beer helps Andy unwind in his graphic printed vest and chinos.
Welcome to the closet of Anderson Pierre, professional fashion stylist, model scout and event coordinator. Andy is a super fly social guy that lets his mood take the lead and dresses to suit. Comfort is of utmost importance but don’t let this laid back attitude fool you, he is very serious when it comes to business and an exceptionally hard worker.
by Afiya Bishop
Leaving home, 11.05am
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Mondays are very casual for me with classes and chilling with friends, so a relaxed laid-back attire is perfect, shorts and tee.
Ad Agency Lobby. 2.20pm
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Day of business. Wednesdays are usually filled with meetings. Whether it’s with existing or potential clients, fashion-forward casual business attire is definitely required. 8 | islandmemag.com
Woodbrook. 3.30pm
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Meetings with magazines, going to photo shoots and scouting for models. Activities like these require easy going clothing, and I can’t get more comfy than chinos and a light weight cardigan.
Aria Lounge. 11pm
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After a week of studying and hard work, some quality club time is certainly due. I’m keeping it GQ in this all black ensemble, and adding a blazer gives a classic finish.
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HOW TO IMPRESS
A TRINI
T
rinis are not easily impressed, we steups when Lara cuts the doubles line, “who he feel he is?” and we dismiss the very educated among us as “ah brains”. It’s weird because money is always impressive, even if we suspect it was ill gotten. How to leave a good impression on people if you’re not making bank just yet? 1. Wake up early. Jack Warner has at least one positive legacy to leave and that is the 4am meeting. 2. Answer every email and message. Never leave someone hanging, ever, even it’s to say, “I apologise but I don’t have time to really get into this right now, please contact me again at blah blah date”. 3. Remember names, figure out your tricks to be able to do that now. If that’s not gonna happen then at least remember faces, trinis cannot stand being “passed straight”. Yes, that might mean that now and then you end up hailing out whoever’s sister but say what. 4. Reach when you say you’re gonna reach. Punctuality is almost like a disease to most trinis, gain immunity asap. 5. Parallel park like a savant, especially if you’re a girl. 6. Know what the hell happened to CLICO. Guaranteed, 78% of us know it got messed up, but aren’t really sure why.
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7. Have a sweet han’, especially if you’re a guy. Take-out culture grows daily in our twin republic, if you’re adept at more than boiling water, making toast and/or ice, you might as well be Harry Potter. 8. Consistently donate your time to some social program. Everyone talks about giving, but the most that most of us accomplish is signing up for a charity sports day or donating toys at Christmas. Do more and bring on the Mother Teresa comparisons (and potentially a political career someday). 9. Have abs. This one is unfair, we know, but it’s still true. Those who find the time and enthusiasm for fitness are held in high regard in this neck of the woods. 10. Hold your liquor… even more unfair! Sad even, but true. Trinis hand out stupid respect to people who can downs the whole bottle themselves and still sing all the right words to ‘Differentology’.
Time For
JUS NOW
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You’ve probably never heard of the people taking our music internationally these days. Did you really know Jillionaire before Major Lazer went BOOM? Jillionaire or Chris? Be real. Same thing with Keshav aka LAZAbeam, and Jus Now. LAZAbeam, who is a percussionist and producer, has been doing great work for years in T&T but you couldn’t call him mainstream. Then, two years ago in Bristol he happened to bounce up Interface (Sam, who is a DJ and producer) and it led to a jam session in studio. After Interface visited for a Carnival season they formed the duo, Jus Now. IslandME noted them as the production team behind Bunji Garlin’s 2K13 hit “Savage”
in our issue 2 and now their first single off their debut EP on Gutterfunk Records, Tun Up, features his vocals again. Smart Bunji. Online video of that song bussing at the Glastonbury festival (BIG deal) is epic. Jus Now asked the audience to crouch down and bounce for the intro, which meant everyone spontaneously leapt into the air when the beat dropped. We dare you to keep your pores down when you see it. IME: How did they get all the way to The game is wide open for carnival one of the most popular festivals on music to permeate dance music. earth? IME: Tell us about Glastonbury. LZA: We’ve been getting a lot of love from BBC Radio 1 and 1xtra, from the LZA: We Played on a new stage (Blues likes of Toddla T, B-Traits, Mistajam, Stage in the Dance Village) to an Zane Lowe and David Rodigan. unbelievable crowd response. People know all of the dance moves and IME: Others don’t get all that radio everything now! I’m really very proud play. Did y’all know someone? and humbled by our experience so far. I can’t even describe the feeling LZA: The tastemakers in the bass music of random people approaching me, scene have been taking notice because saying that they have our music on we’ve brought something different their ipod, and that they love us, and to the game. Jamaica has had a lot that they love Trinidad and Tobago, and of the shine for years, but we’re like Soca music. Whew… dancehall’s faster, more athletic cousin.
Vanna Vee & Kerwin Prescott from Trinidad, and UK Veteran MC Serocee joined them on stage for Glastonbury.
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3
Alternatives to the Mall
San Antonio Green Market
Located: Santa Cruz, near the junction with the fire station Open: Saturdays from 6am Hipster meets wholesome. There’s a mix of fresh produce, specialty foods (cocoa powder, goat’s milk) and artisanal items (wooden bowls, handmade soaps). Plus the space is totally gorgeous, and is NOT trying to look foreign!
Pop Up Thrift
Located: Different places, recently at Studio W Open: Stay glued to their Facebook group to find out Fashionistas have huge closets, with lots of stuff they’ve only worn twice. Some of ‘em came together to create mobile thrift shopping, featuring their interesting, previously-loved pieces. Be prepared for a crush of fashion fielding females. If you can hang, GO!
Upmarket
Located: Woodbrook Youth Facility/Oasis Garden Terrace Open: First Saturday of every month, randomly on a Sunday, randomly in South Jewelers and other artisans, bakers and folks with chutneys and sauces. Then there’s just random stuff, but it’s all pretty much… cool! Many local stylists swear by it. Prepare for heat, and to spend more than you planned. You won’t be able to help it. 14 | islandmemag.com
Achsah HENRY Make up by Samantha Seebalack Styling by P.Noire.Vou Ltd Assisted by Jennerlee Ramnarine Clothes & accessories by Zadora Boutique
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y now Achsah has left for university. She’s been so nervous about it, but also totally psyched. While her major will be journalism, she let us know that her school was selected partially on its strong dance program. She would have majored in dance but for painful circumstances, emotionally and physically. Right when she needed to videotape her skills to qualify for the program, she got injured. Her whole plan had to change, which was pretty much devastating. She’s learned to stay open and positive, even to having a roommate who’s a total stranger. Look out for her at Carnival, and probably several university friends, because playing Mas’ is an Achsah MUST.
Make up by Samantha Seebalack Styling by P.Noire.Vou Ltd Assisted by Jennerlee Ramnarine Clothes & accessories by Bang bang
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Komedy at K Casa August 13th 2013.
This is a country full of jokers, we should have a comedy club culture. Rachel Price is doing it big, but the small club scene is nonexistent. K Casa kicked off an underground stand-up night to a packed crowd, with 15-20 minute sets by Jarrod Best Mitchell and Kareem Rockwell. Organisers say they are adding more comics to the cast, and amateur sets in coming weeks. One day we will look back and say it all started here.
WHAT WENT ON
Bake and... B
ake and shark has been called the world’s greatest fish sandwich. It’s a strong contender for T&T national dish, along with doubles, roti, and pelau. We’re not going to tell you not to eat it, but we do want you to be aware of a couple things. Some sharks are becoming endangered. They don’t reproduce like rodents, they’re more like us with long gestation periods, so worldwide harvesting has resulted in a 90 per cent decrease of some species. It’s a big deal. If sharks are removed it messes all kinds of stuff up. For example, there’d be an abundance of stingrays, who can then kill too many of the shellfish that regulate the ecosystem. Not good. So none of that, “ha ha, we should kill sharks because they would kill us.” You’re probably thinking of a guy in a pirogue, battling for his catch, and why are we fussing at him? Step back. T&T exported 732,808 lbs of just shark FIN in 2011. Over 14 million lbs of shark would have to be killed to get that. That’s not due to pirogue men. That’s the Asian long liners who work the Atlantic high seas without any rules. They use us to land their catch,
because they’re not welcome just anywhere. Yet the T&T government has given them carte blanche to export from here, and pay no duties. None. Now you’re thinking, “All this talk of export, what does that have to do with what’s on Maracas?” Well, we asked all 18 sellers there where they got their shark. Six of them went to the local fishing depot first, only one bought there exclusively, everyone else went to an importer. The sellers aren’t evil people, they will provide what we demand. So let them know that you are concerned. Ask them where they got the shark that you’re about to eat. If you aren’t satisfied with the answer, we’re not saying to walk away, just order something else. Above that, our government should get involved. We’re known for being extremely progressive in turtle conservation, let’s do it for sharks too. Thanks to Marc de Verteuil of Papa Bois Conservation who sourced the statistical information out of the Census and Statistics Department of Hong Kong, because, of course, there is zero data on it in T&T. islandmemag.com | 19
DAPHNE’S
ROXIE’S
Most exclusive items: cooked food, soup, sada, pastries, cakes, tea & coffee.
MONA’S
Best seasoned shark, no need for sauces.
OLIVE’S
Primarily phoulorie, no bake and shark .
KRISHNA & BABY’S
Exclusive item, wrap roti.
ANNETTE’S NONAME
Exclusive item, punch.
VILMA’S SNOWCONE
NATALIE’S
Reputation for the best sauces.
PATSY’S
Exclusive item, accra.
BAKE AND SHARK BAKE AND CHEESE KING FISH PIES FRIES WINGS SHRIMP BURGERS HOT DOGS 20 | islandmemag.com
MAIN BATHROOM
UNCLE SAM & SONS
Best ammenities, real seats and a big fan. Exclusive item, butterfish.
Maracas Beach Food Map Lots of us know that Maracas is the place for a bake and shark, some of us know you can often also get shrimp, or kingfish, but very few of us seem to know that you can get salmon... or macaroni pie... or a wedding cake (check Roxie). Here's your guide to everything on offer, including that signature dish of the North Coast. MYRTLE’S TANTY RITA’S
Exclusive items, geera neck & cup of channa. Exclusive on beach, salmon & popcorn chicken.
JENNY’S
LIFE GUARD BOOTH
Shark is always locally caught.
RICHARD’S
Most popular, longest line.
MOM’S
Exclusive item in parking lot, popcorn chicken.
SUPERVILLE & VALERIE’S
Cerole food that all the other food vendors buy for themselves.
ASHA’S
Most extensive menu, plus ice cream.
While our research was extensive, it is not definitive. There are even more sellers than the ones listed above who only come out on high traffic days, like public holidays. Menus at each booth are subject to change at anytime. islandmemag.com | 21
WATCH ME Y by Afiya Bishop
our watch doesn’t have to be so blinged out that it blinds everyone that within 1000ft of you. It should sync with your way of life, whether you’re a businessman or chilled type of dude. Everything in your closet should be able to pair up with other things, so should your watches. • You’re always safe matching the colour of a leather strap to the colour of your shoes. • A watch with a plain black or white face and a leather strap or a steel bracelet, will go with everything. • For a formal event, leave the dual-compass waterproof hiking watch at home. Instead, try a slim, unembellished timepiece with a black leather band. • Strap on watches are great for keeping it casual or when you want to feel cool in the island heat. • There’s a difference between a sporty watch and a sport watch. It is ok to wear a canvas-strap timepiece with a blazer, but do not wear a rubber, wrist-contoured watch that tracks your time by the half mile with your business suit. • If you want a little swagger and shimmer, there’s no replacement for gold. And you’ve got options! Gold plated, 18-karat gold, rose gold and white gold. • A sleek way of adding colour to your wrist without making it look CHEAP OR CHILDLIKE is a coloured dial.
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FLIRT
August 10th 2013. Harbour Master
Some groups are known for feel good parties, but when the promoters are not hard-core businessmen and instead are mostly looking to have fun with friends, you get the kind of vibe this one had. Plus some of their friends have serious style. Smile and style, that sums it up nicely.
WHAT WENT ON
Nissa Hanooman
F
our things about Nissa: she’s tiny, ambitious, creative, and loves Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s”. That movie has been part inspiration behind not one, but two of her businesses. Her couture cupcake boutique (AH-mazing stuff) is actually called “Breakfast at Tiffany’s Bakery”, while her clothing store is called “Little Black Dress & Co. by J’adore” after Hepburn’s signature style in the film. Nissa says the little black dress is timeless, elegant and versatile. It can be dressed up or down, a staple in every woman’s closet. You can find her clothing store in the Carlton Centre, San Fernando with a second branch coming to West Mall in September. She’s planning on placing couture cakes on display at the store alongside clothing, dresses, accessories and shoes. She’ll even give cupcakes to paying customers. Yum. See (and order) her gorgeous cakes, including cupcake bouquets, at www.facebook. com/Breakfastattiffanysbakery
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Make up by Samantha Seebalack Styling by P.Noire.Vou Ltd Assisted by Jennerlee Ramnarine
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Politics in de Dance I by Richard Mark Rawlins
f you’ve ever seen a Dave Williams production, you undoubtedly know that you are in for a treat. Trinidadian dancer/choreographer/performer and six time Cacique winner Williams, has performed in Trinidad, the Caribbean , Internationally and has even taught in the USA. Williams brings this considerable experience to bear on his latest production “Press Play” which closed on the final weekend of July 2013 at Night Gallery/ Bohemia,
and Company, featuring established dancers Williams, Loaunna Martin, Kwasi Romero, Charlene Harris, Kevin Jack and up and coming Shermarke Thomas and Mariamma Dever.
“Press Play was all drama from the get go with a paper HAZMAT suit clad chant well cast “ a “choreodramedy” about the state of There is something a little different our political affairs as mirrored through about everything Williams does, and this show is no different. The showtime man and woman interaction. was listed as 8.57pm and the admission That interaction being Dave Williams was $78.50 , (of course prompting
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patrons to ask for change). Williams loves these little clever things, and it’s certainly not the first time he’s done it. Some years ago Williams held PM Theatre where the audience was asked to pay by the minute for the performance as it went along. Needless to say no one left his or her seat and everybody paid for the full fifty minutes. While we could very well delve more into Williams’ examinations of the economics of the theatre going audience in Trinidad, let’s not forget the show itself. Press Play was all drama from the get go with a paper HAZMAT suit clad chant well cast being projected
upon by the daily news. This was followed by a stellar performance by Shermarke Thomas in “Phvck the bedroom bully shit”, where the dancer questioned the lack of love in the Pum Pum and Daggering dance hall tunes. Not to be outdone was the beautiful Mariamma Dever who lent not only her body but also her voice to the piece “Stop dragging my ass around” (a piece that had shades of Jesus Christ Superstar written all over it) set to the music of Stevie Knicks’ “Stop dragging my heart around”. This piece was so well delivered vocally by an admittedly tone deaf cast led by Dever that the audience actually started wondering if those were the actual words to the song. The show stopper was undoubtedly Williams, Romero and Harris in Dream, a piece that saw Williams pull what has to be the sexiest couple in theatre, (well we think so anyway) Kwasi Romero and Charlene Harris across the stage on a big sheet while the two cavort and… let’s just leave it at cavort. Williams, also undoubtedly an excellent writer, has penned a seven-act show that’s just under an hour long around his company that is seamless, thoughtful, and unabashedly raw yet so well considered that you just want to jump onto the stage and beg for an opportunity to just dance.
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Divaspa Kids Salon
J
ust in case you were thinking “Toddlers and Tiaras”, this kidcentric salon is more about mommy and me dates, birthday parties and ways to convince your son to get his hair cut. Ladies, remember what it was like to be nine years old? What if your mom had taken you and your four best friends to a salon for the day where you got cool patterned nailpolish complete with glitter, zany make-up and colouful wigs and then danced around? Oh, plus cupcakes! It’s not so much about making young girls “maintain” themselves or grow up too soon, it’s about special occasions and having fun. The attitude of the staff is the biggest indicator that this is a positive place, there’s no poshness, and definitely no indicators that girls will leave the salon looking “sexy”. The unique idea came partly from realizing that some of the more popular hairdress32 | islandmemag.com
ers don’t really appreciate doing kids. Here, they are all about it, so they’re even prepared for little clients who think a haircut is about as bad as a tooth filling. The utensils, brushes, spray bottles, everything is meant to be over-the-top awesome, down to seats that look like toys, especially the ‘car’ for the boys.
We especially like the packages where mom and daughter get to do it together. There’s a facial combo where daughter applies stuff on mom and mom applies on daughter. Totally hilarious! It takes the snootiness right out of it, and that interaction can make it a bonding experience too. Two weeks into opening and DivaSpa is getting booked up, so check them out on facebook and make an appointment for your little one, and you. Located at #52 Ana Street, Woodbrook.
WHAT YOUR NAILS SAY ABOUT YOU Squoval, neutrals/French tips:
Classy lady, not very adventurous, in wedding mode, all the time. Maybe you’re bound by your corporate job, or terrified of your judgmental motherin-law, or really are just… safe.
Squoval, colour:
Fun, with limits. You want to be trendy, but never stray too far. Possibly you’ve got a nice income, since you’re likely to be changing that colour pretty often.
Stiletto:
Trendy lady, willing to go there. But it’s attention drawing so if your hands reveal your age, or just how dehydrated you are, avoid it. Make sure it’s done right too, if the pattern/finish is even slightly sloppy you dip right into gaza territory.
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Rounded:
Right now… Grandma. Let us put it this way, Lisa Turtle is the youngest person we can remember whose nails were rounded. But next month… the elongating effect this shape has, especially when painted in a neutral colour, is tipped to be the next shape de rigeur.
Short, colour:
Rocker, colours that could go Barbie retain a masculine edge. Besides super bright/dark colours, and out-there patterns can be a little overwhelming on a larger canvas.
Short, natural:
We’d have to get to know you a little... You could be super busy and not about to waste time at a salon, you could be super earthy and not into the look of polished nails, or you could be in-between appointments. It happens.
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De Fabulous Hair Care Tips by Essenese Sambury
Over Processed to Healthy & Beautiful
A
s we try to maintain a hairstyle, or ‘change it up’ every so often, we may over process and end up with hair that is dry, frizzy, fragile, lacking luster and even difficult to control (style resistant). It may even look coarse as though it is under processed. compact cuticle layer and is naturally resistant to penetration. Unhealthy, over processed hair has a porous and raised cuticle layer, which easily absorbs moisture and is vulnerable.
Over processed hair is actually damaged hair caused by chemical servicing which was either too harsh or left in too long, or the application of extreme heat. Relaxers, straighteners, peroxide based colours, blow drying, curling and flat ironing at extremely high heat or too frequently are common culprits. The key to protecting your hair is understanding porosity (hair’s ability to absorb moisture). The level of porosity is directly related to the condition of the cuticle layer. Healthy hair has a 36 | islandmemag.com
Less alkaline treatments, including your shampoo and conditioner. Read the labels, use only those with a low pH. Protein treatment every six weeks.
Reconstructive moisturizing conditioner every two weeks. Advice from your hair professional on how to deal with your specific issues, and how to look your best in the meantime.
Hair for Diva’s owner, Essenese Sambury is a renowned hair professional in Trincity (868) 489-9688. These tips are sponsored by De Fabulous Hair Care products for people who want De Fabulous hair.
ONE *
This is not a review of the whole place, this is just one cool thing.*
COOL THING
Your mom/girlfriend/boss/housekeeper/whoever will be way impressed. Worth keeping an eye out.
I
f you’re driving down Patna St (you know… Long Circular Mall is on it. Okay fine, now you know the name) you’ll pass a flower shop called La Tropicale. If you’ve never taken a closer look you may have missed out. They’ve got a chalkboard out front, and every day they put a different random first name on it. If that name is on your ID, then you get a free bouquet. Simple. There are mid-sized bouquets to choose from already put together inside.
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Amaliah and Hamede will help you out
Make up by Samantha Seebalack Styling by P.Noire.Vou Ltd Clothes & Accessories by Tres-Chic, on the Ave.
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Make up by Samantha Seebalack Styling by P.Noire.Vou Ltd Clothes & Accessories by Bang Bang
K
rista is quite a presence in the uptown social scene. She’s hard not to notice, tall, svelte, and impeccably dressed. Even her job has to do with being social; she’s an event manager at Ultimate Events Ltd. She described UEL as “the company usually responsible for your awesome
party/social/corporate event life”. It’s not all glamour though. She’s behind the scene managing a team of event coordinators, whether it’s lights, stages, labour, supplies, décor, oh and budgets… We think she’s pulling it off with style to spare.
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Make up by Samantha Seebalack Styling by P.Noire.Vou Ltd Clothes & Accessories by Zadora Boutique
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Make up by Samantha Seebalack Styling by P.Noire.Vou Ltd Clothes & Accessories by Zadora Boutique
WHO WENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Water Wars August 18th 2013. Pier1
We love a party with a purpose. This one encouraged everyone to bring a super soaker and donate it to charity afterwards. Super soaker? The whole idea was to wet down everyone else with them, or with water balloons, or with cups, or a with a dang bucket (we’re looking at you Jeremy).
WHAT WENT ON
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Carib Great Race by Nicholas Bhajan
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Though most people watch from the road, or the beach by the finish line, the boat option has become more and more popular. This year, hundreds of spectator boats, with thousands of people were lining the first boca and north coast from early o’clock on an extremely rough day. You could hear “oohs” and “aahs” even before spotting the high flying machines. From our view at boat level some of the competitors got such massive air that they could have been mistaken for aircrafts. See you on the water next year.
What you tweeted
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The 2013 running of the annual Carib Great Race, the longest motorboat event in the world, was one for the records. Team “Monster” (Joey Sabeeny, Alfred Bell, Daniel Peake, Peter Peake and Marcel Carrington) was first to reach Scarborough on what most said was the toughest and roughest event for quite some time. The 46-foot catamaran tackled the giant swells of the north coast to take home the top spot in a time of 1 hour and 20 minutes. Coming in second was 2012 winner “Fire One”, followed by the famous “Mr. Solo”.
Other first place winners: “Boom Shaka Laka” B class “Global Warmer” C class “Stinging Metal” D class “Heat Wave” E class “Energiza” F class “Pum Pum Conqueror” G class (if only there was a competition for best name).
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Mauricia De Peza Make up by Samantha Seebalack Styling by P.Noire.Vou Ltd Clothes & Accessories by Pose, West Mall
T
his 22 yr-old says, “will it and it will be”, which might sound a little pageant-y, but appropriately so because she’s been dreaming of representing T&T at Miss Universe since she was a child. In 2012 she 50| islandmemag.com
came really close when she was named runner up in the Miss T&T Universe Pageant. She’s even willing to try it again. Mauricia spoke with us quite a lot about her hometown, Belmont. She’s come up against
Make up by Samantha Seebalack Styling by P.Noire.Vou Ltd
several challenges from being associated with a crime ‘hot-spot’ but she has set goals and wants to break past the stereotypes. One of those will be achieved soon as she’s pursuing a BSC in psychology. islandmemag.com | 51
Make up by Samantha Seebalack Styling by P.Noire.Vou Ltd Clothes & Accessories by Pose, West Mall
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The Colour Run August 18th 2013. Chaguaramas
The ‘It’s for the Kids Foundation’ was formed by young professionals, so it’s no wonder their fundraisers are so cool. IT Could have been a simple race but participants had to deal with colored water being pelted on them throughout the run. The foundation was thrilled with all the support, and are always looking for people willing to give up one day a week to spend with a child. They recently were able to match every child in the St. Dominic’s home with a “mentor” and want to do the same for other orphanages.
WHAT WENT ON
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Parliament Is In Session Our resident DJ crew has the info on the party/music scene Ever notice that randomly during a party the music will cut and a mic man will start to talk? The more observant of you will at least have noticed that there’s a new DJ taking over. The pause is partly necessary for the new guy (or girl) to exchange equipment, usually a laptop, and it’s longer sometimes if there’s a technical issue. A good mic man makes or breaks this moment. In order to maintain the atmosphere and set an identifiable tone, his introduction must captivate the audience and assert the DJ’s presence in an entertaining manner... Proper execution of this procedure is known as “flattening de dance”. #djbible #micmanswag
Parliament Gang Rules 1. Jack Warner has made green a very popular colour these days, but please, DJs… no bush 2. Get your skill level up, we’re pretty sure even Papa Rockie can scratch 3. MCs who can’t DJ are a thing of the past 4. Everyone knows to dress properly, but is your studio dressed properly as well? 5. Make sure you have signage to throw up on the big screens at events (because your logo is in order right?) islandmemag.com | 55
A
B
ASH WEDNESDAY TAN LINEs 56 | islandmemag.com
C
D
T
E
F
G
here’s always a trend (or a couple) that permeates pretty much all the uptown Carnival bands from year to year. There was the year of appliqués, the year of wings and the year that the monokini arrived. This year it’s all about straps. And while we applaud the creativity, ya gotta wonder about those tan lines. Here’s our renditions of what some of the costumes we saw on various launch stages will yield for those who sweat through/wine off their sunblock… have fun guessing which costume is which. There is one costume (pretty much all frontline) from the following bands: Bliss, Tribe, Fantasy, Passion, Yuma, Paparazzi, Harts. islandmemag.com | 57
A - Fantasy, B - Paparazzi, C - Harts, D - Yuma, E - Passion, F - Bliss, G - Tribe
ANTHONY BASDEO
A
nthony is 25 years old and in his final year in civil engineering at UWI. He promises he doesn’t ALWAYS walk around with his shirt off, but he is extremely active, way into football, cricket and even boxing. You’ll also find him taking advantage of T&T’s terrain, hiking and snorkeling. Like most trinis his age, he still lives at
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home (mom, dad, two brothers and a sister) and counts himself as a family guy. But if that isn’t enough for you ladies, he also plays the guitar.
WHO WENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60| islandmemag.com
Mizz Jinnay Unleashed! August 15th. Chaconia Hotel
A good drag queen show dazzles you, makes you laugh, and makes you fairly insecure (if you’re a woman) because she’s infinitely better looking than you are. Her “glamourizer” is quite a genius, so is her choreographer. 3 Canal opened before she runway-ed in, flanked by 2 Beyonce-style back up dancers. Then there were 3 costume changes and a mix of lip-sync, stand-up and audience participation. Various sexualities were out in full force, including a fair number of straights, making T&T feel unusually progressive.
WHAT WENT ON
We asked 100 of you... Which came first, the bake or the shark? Only 3% say it both ways.
7 out of 10
of those who said, “Shark and Bake”
95%
say, “Bake and Shark”
were from North T&T
2% 3% 8%
We’re mostly loyal
74%
99%
always buy from the same booth
buy from booths in the parking lot
66% only buy Bake and Shark
Most popular non-shark: Pies Shrimp Fries Cheese Chicken
Species of shark named by sellers: Mako –Vulnerable Blacktip - Vulnerable Hammerhead - Endangered Blue – Near Threatened * according to The IUCN Red List
25%
14%
Richard’s Natalie’s Patsy’s
Asha’s Other
Number of bake and shark sellers on the beach: 16
13 buy imported shark Gestation periods (on average) Shark Cow Pig
(12 months) (9 months) (4 months)
Chicken (22 days)
One of the ads in this magazine was fake‌
Did you notice? Yeah, go back and look.
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