Island Origins Magazine - Spring 2022 by islandsyndicate

Welcome

COCKTAIL CONNOISSEURS Come raise a glass and explore what’s new in Greater Fort Lauderdale. Treat yourself to amazing shopping, dining, nightlife, beaches and more. Plan your adventure at VisitLauderdale.com.

CONTENTS Spring | 2022

NEKI MOHAN: PIVOT

ISLAND CHIC TORONTO HOME DESIGN

HERE COMES THE HOTSTEPPER: RUDIE STYLE

BOMBA Y EL JÍBARO

CREDITS PUBLISHER Calibe Thompson BRAND STRATEGY David I. Muir BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT Tamara Phlippeaux EDITORS Monique McIntosh Jayme Fraser ASSOCIATE EDITOR Hannah Gulics ART DIRECTOR Vladan Dojcinovic

Calibe’s Prelude: Mind and Body

STYLE & DESIGN 6 The List: Classy and Boujee 8 Island Chic Toronto Home Design 32 Here Comes the Hotstepper: Rudie Style 38 Bomba y El Jíbaro TRAVEL 14 Jamaica: Heartbeat of the World INSPIRATION 20 Neki Mohan: PIVOT 24 Celebrating Women: 24 Alexandra P. Davis 25 Ana E. Calderon Randazzo 26 Jacquline Charles 27 Betty Bethel-Moss 28 Audrey Nelson: Work, Play, Shine, Slay CULTURE 44 A Dynasty of Artistry HEALTH & BEAUTY 48 Built to Perfection 52 Sweat Equity 54 The Pursuit of Pain Relief 56 How to Plan and Prep Your Meals INVEST 31 Advice from a Tax Professional 58 End-of-Life Financial Planning TASTE THE ISLANDS 60 Paleo Island Recipes 62 Restaurant Listing ENTERTAINMENT 64 Event Calendar

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Calibe Thompson Rebecca Hugh Hannah Gulics Jayme Fraser Lyndon Nicholas Rachelle J. Gray Jordan Unger CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS David I. Muir Janelle Gokule Anthony Voltsinis Emily Michot Lynda Wells Photography Dean Chalkley Uliana Afanasenko Wayne Lawrence Orville Spence Leagh Heflin Shane Dennis of eSdefinitions Razzaq Manley of Manleyphotography Israel Mojica ON THE COVER: Neki Mohan, Visit Lauderdale’s new vice president of multicultural business and community engagement, talks pursuing possibilities in an issue that celebrates some of South Florida’s most exceptional Caribbean women. Copyright © 2022 by Island Syndicate. All rights reserved. Island Origins Magazine is published by Island Syndicate. This magazine or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a review. For permission requests, write to the publisher, addressed “Attention: Permissions Coordinator,” at Island Syndicate, 1310 SW 2nd Ct #207, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312. Printed in the United States of America. Island Origins Magazine ℅ Island Syndicate 1310 SW 2nd Ct #207 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312 417-812-5663 | islandoriginsmag.com support@islandsyndicate.com

CALIBE’S PRELUDE // MIND AND BODY

CALIBE’S PRELUDE

Mind and Body WRITER CALIBE THOMPSON PHOTOGRAPHER DAVID I. MUIR

I remember this saying: “Men plan and God laughs.” Well, we started off with a detailed plan for this issue to go in one direction, and it ended up going completely sideways. It still turned out fabulous, so we all win.

recently read the book “Outliers” by Malcolm Gladwell. It opened my eyes to how phrases like those affect our sense of self. In the Western world, it seems that we often downplay the benefits of activities like planning, strategy, focus, purposefulness and so on because, for some reason, Judeo-Christian values have taught us that nothing is within our control and our fates are solely in God’s hands. In listening to that book, however, I learned about an Eastern culture that practices a different faith. They believe something to the effect of, “If I wake up early and work hard 350 days a year then God will make me wealthy.” I’m choosing to go the Eastern way. So — as far as we all have faith, we all have morals, we all believe in hard work — I’m learning more and more that belief in ourselves and our own power to create the lives we want is our divine right and blessing. Belief in themselves was a common theme among the exceptional women we spoke to in this issue. They have survived poverty, gender bias, language barriers, class issues and more. They all leaned heavily on faith and family, and each shared key observations they made on their journey to the top of their industries. Their greatest strengths were planning, preparedness and belief in self. I learned from them that, as a woman on the rise, I should expect nothing less than the best from myself, and I hope our readers of every gender will find enriching takeaways, too. Jayme developed an inspiring story from the interview I did with Neki Mohan (which you can see the full video for on our website). Lyndon gave us some thought-provoking stories on rudie culture and the extraordinary life of educator and cancer-survivor Audrey Nelson. David shared some of the images he shot for the Jamaica Tourist Board’s current visitor campaign ahead of the release of his “Pieces of Jamaica” photo book and product lines. Rachelle gave us a peek into the world of cosmetic surgery through the eyes of Caribbean women. As always, Rebecca shared some of the loveliest finds from Caribbean creatives as well as introducing us to some from creators of Asian ancestry. And Hannah explored Canadian home design, showed us how to eat and work out for our healthier selves, and introduced us to an amazing Puerto Rican fashion designer. As you read through this Mind and Body issue, I hope you find inspiration to travel, excel, make your home beautiful, honor the people in your life, take care of your bodytemple and be freaking fabulous! Walk good.

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Kaftan by Tanya Marie Design

#Islandorigins

Our best shot

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THE LIST CLASSY AND BOUJEE

Matisse Earrings  THE GIRL AND THE MAGPIE Handmade in Treasure Beach, Jamaica, the latest collection from the artisan jeweler Véronique Linard pays homage to French artist Henri Matisse’s iconic “cut-out” collages. You can see this artful inspiration in these dangling earrings, manipulated to resemble the artist’s organic shapes. thegirlandthemagpie.be $60

Matisse Cufflinks  THE GIRL AND THE MAGPIE Jasmine Headpiece  WE DREAM IN COLOUR Born in the United States and raised in Trinidad and Tobago, sisters Jade and Mika Gedeon craft dramatic, bold jewelry with a focus on sustainability. Their Jasmine headpiece oozes bohemian flair, featuring delicate brass flowers with a natural verdigris patina. wedreamincolour.com $395

Tropix Eyeshadow Palette  POSH CULTURE Coconut Craze, Blue Skies and Sunset Haze are just three of the nine playful colors in this vacation-ready eyeshadow palette. Created by sisters Arianna and Daniele Wheatley, this brand is all about celebrating the vibrancy of their home, the British Virgin Islands. poshcultureco.shop $8

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Jamaican handmade jewelry brand The Girl and the Magpie proudly focuses on creating wearable fine art as shown in these playful cufflinks from their latest collection. The botanical design is inspired by the work of French artist Henri Matisse. thegirlandthemagpie.be $70

Conscious Bling Bling Earrings  THE GIRL AND THE MAGPIE Sea glass gets a sophisticated spin with these handmade earrings by Jamaican jewelry brand, The Girl and the Magpie. Inspired by the swinging era of 1920s Paris, the chain fringe detail proves worthy of any aspiring modern-day flapper. thegirlandthemagpie.be $70

Four-strand Strand Choker CULTURED BY ZHANÉ

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Handcrafted in Barbados, Cultured by Zhané makes statement pieces incorporating African and Caribbean-inspired prints and colors. This four-strand choker is available in tropical hues, bright mixed prints and earth tones. You can even customize your own unique mix. Instagram: @culturedbyzhane $38

Sun Soaked Highlighter  ALAMAR COSMETICS Cuban-born Gabriela Trujillo, Founder and CEO of Alamar Cosmetics, created a liquidto-powder highlighter that is lightweight, non-comedogenic and gives a glossy veil of shimmer to your skin. The highlighter is available in three sun-kissed shades to suit every skin tone. alamarcosmetics.com $20

Black ICON Watch  MONUMENTAL WATCHES Founded by Darnel Greenidge, the accessible luxury brand reflects the founder’s love for his native Barbados. Sophisticated and sexy, the Icon watch features the broken trident, a symbol of the country’s independence, and a 43 mm brushed stainless steel black case with rose gold markers. monumentalwatches.com $140

Fish Scale Necklace and Bracelet  DESIGNS BY NADIA Guyana-born designer Nadia Jabour lends graceful elegance to whoever wears her delicate, organic pieces. This two-in-one necklace and bracelet is made from extremely lightweight, sustainably harvested fish scales, intertwined with bronze-and-gold sea glass beads. designsbynadia.co $40

Hammered Line Hoops  KOKO KARIBI DESIGNS Trinidadian jewelry designer Jacqueline Charles makes avant garde contemporary jewelry that plays with line and shape, complementing the wearer. This elegant hammered design offers a new twist on classic hoop earrings, while still being refined and elegant. shopcaribe.com $25

Multiwear Batik Scarf  BENE CARIBE Whether used as a glamorous head wrap or a handy shawl, these colorful handmade scarfs from Trinidadian-based brand Bene Caribe will add extra vibrancy to any outfit. The scarf features tropical batik patterns created by artist Don Sealy. benecaribe.com $45

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STYLE & DESIGN // ISLAND CHIC TORONTO HOME DESIGN

Island Chic Toronto

PHOTO: JANELLE GOKULE

Torontobased interior designer Iman Stewart doesn’t do generic.

WRITER HANNAH GULICS PHOTOGRAPHY VARIOUS

hether staging rooms for her real estate clients or customizing spaces for a family’s specific needs, Stewart strongly believes a home should always radiate a distinct personality. This has become the driving force behind her expansive design career filled with projects inflected with an eclectic, global style. Her approach

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feels particularly suited to Toronto’s diverse community. This is especially true for the city’s large Caribbean enclave, where the Jamaica-born designer finds endless inspiration. Stewart often taps into this rich cultural tapestry when reimagining spaces. “Canada is very multicultural, so I want to actually represent what Canada looks like versus what people think (it looks like),” says

PHOTO: ANTHONY VOLTSINIS

Home Design

Stewart. “Design more of what you feel because then it’s authentic to you. And whoever is attracted to that is going to appreciate it.” Her projects range from cozy bedrooms to eccentric home offices and even a restaurant or two, but one core theme remains: creating a space that is reflective of the person who will be using it while catering to their practical needs. “When you’re design-

Beyond Basic Stewart was asked to stage this apartment in Toronto’s West End for viewing by a realtor who is a dear friend and fellow Jamaican. Tired of the typical all-gray staging projects, they both agreed to take a chance and tapped into their shared Caribbean roots to design the space. The final result prods visitors to imagine the apartment as home to a glamorous island diva who has enjoyed her share of adventures. Thus, the project embodied a distinct personality rather than trying to appeal to everyone (and becoming blandly inoffensive as a result). The risk paid off. “This property was only on the market for just about a week,” laughs Stewart now. “The buyer was from Ethiopia and she was really inspired by the space.” She adds, “When you design intuitively and create intuitively, that connects with other people.” When conceptualizing the apartment’s show-stopping living room, Stewart first leaned into the cherry wood flooring that ran through the apartment, punctuating the strong hue with pops of vibrant colors like the emerald green velvet armchair. Metallic touches, like the brass-accented Jade Wine Cabinet by Sunpan, introduced notes of glamour. The golden coffee table finished to mimic the look of coral subtly nods to the design’s modern island inspiration. Artwork sourced from online decor store Renwil line the walls in the main living room, giving the overall space a sense of being curated over time.

ing, it has to have self expression,” notes Stewart. “So we have to be very aware and cognizant of those key spaces or pieces in the home that can properly display that.” Stewart breaks down the creative process behind three dramatic transformations that celebrate her cultural roots and reflect her individual flare.

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PHOTOS JANELLE GOKULE

STYLE & DESIGN // ISLAND CHIC TORONTO HOME DESIGN

PHOTOS: JANELLE GOKULE

Tropical Glamor

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Stewart was deeply touched when a longtime friend asked her to give his bedroom a major makeover. Their friendship grounded what became a hectic design process, navigating supply chain shortages and overall uncertainty in the midst of the pandemic. “For the client to watch my career for so long and say ‘Yes, I want to work with you,’ was an honor. And it was very special to me because I was able to overcome those challenges.” Hailing from Jamaica, the client was looking for a space to completely embody “home” in every sense of the word. So Stewart composed a glamorous spin on a tropical haven filled with rich organic hues and botanical motifs. First, she created a deep jewel-tone color palette that would conjure the tropics in a way that still felt contemporary and masculine. The designer chose “Isle of Pines” by Sherwin-Williams – a deep forest green – for the accent wall to suggest a lush canopy of palm trees. Meanwhile, blackout curtains in a deep blue shade added ocean tones. A velvet blue headboard that the client already owned supported the color story, but Stewart decorated it with little gold jewels for an extra bit of flare. “It’s about balance,” she says, explaining how she mixes old and new items. “You have to know how to make all of those items work.” Stewart also incorporated familiar natural motifs with accent pieces on the bedside tables, which include miniature giraffe sculptures and zebra-print picture frames Stewart sourced from beloved Canadian bigbox store, HomeSense – proof positive that fully fleshing out a design need not be prohibitively expensive. And on the walls, framed carnival masks allude to the client’s Jamaican roots.

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STYLE & DESIGN // ISLAND CHIC TORONTO HOME DESIGN

Work In Style

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PHOTO: ANTHONY VOLTSINIS

Like so many entrepreneurs during the height of the pandemic, Camille Dundas needed to inject some energy (and a little spice) into her home office in Toronto. As more people work from home than ever before, Stewart strongly believes these workspaces should blend practicality and personality. “You’re in the space by yourself, but you also invite people in on camera,” she explains. And because clients see it daily, it should reflect the true you. As a native of St. Lucia, Dundas wanted a space that celebrated her Caribbean, Afrocentric roots. This aesthetic also honored her professional focus as a racial equality consultant and powerhouse cofounder and editor-in-chief of ByBlacks. com, a celebrated online magazine serving the Black community in Canada. When conceiving the vibrant color palette for the space, Stewart drew inspiration from an art piece by Nigerian Toronto resident Benny Bing’s “Adelani” collection, titled “AYABA.” The artwork’s range of bright blues, yellows, greens and pinks spoke to Dundas’ personal style, particularly her colorful wardrobe. To bring these vivid hues into the space, Stewart used “Intense Teal” by Sherwin-Williams to accent the back wall where Bing’s artwork now enjoys pride of place. A bright pink “ANTIKA” area rug by Kalora Interiors injects an additional jolt of color. The designer also introduced some thoughtful decor that continued the Afrocentric theme, from a decorative elephant sculpture to a magnifying glass with a horn-like handle. Some lush greenery — a thriving fiddle leaf fig and bird of paradise flowers — helps to complete the space.

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TRAVEL // HEARTBEAT OF THE WORLD

Jamaica

HEARTBEAT OF THE WORLD PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID I. MUIR OF ISLAND SYNDICATE FOR VISIT JAMAICA.

Rafting on the Rio Grande This scenic excursion takes visitors along one of the island’s longest rivers. A skilled captain guides and educates you on these two to three hour bamboo raft tours.

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Dunn’s River Falls One of the Caribbean’s most visited tourist attractions, Dunn’s River Falls offers more than an hour of climbing fun. Visitors can scale the 180-foot-high falls before taking a dip in the ocean where it empties.

Reach Falls This hidden treasure is said to have been discovered by runaway enslaved Africans. Visitors can enjoy the cascading waterfall, natural pool and underwater cave.

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TRAVEL // HEARTBEAT OF THE WORLD

Devon House This regal estate in the heart of the Kingston and St. Andrew metro area sits on 11 acres, where families, couples and school kids enjoy the grounds daily. It is also the birthplace of the world famous Devon House ice cream, offering iconic flavors like grape nut, Devon stout, and rum and raisin.

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Rose Hall Great House According to legend, the spirit of “the White Witch” Annie Palmer — the brutal owner and purported dark arts practitioner of Rose Hall Plantation — still haunts the grounds today. The site now functions as a museum, telling the history of the plantation slavery and the “White Witch.”

Rockhouse Hotel Built on a seaside outcropping of limestone, Rockhouse is a 40-room luxury cliffside escape in Negril with an onsite spa, world-class cuisine and snorkeling and cliff diving excursions into the crystal blue surrounding waters.

TRAVEL // HEARTBEAT OF THE WORLD Strawberry Hill From lounge chairs on the pool deck at Strawberry Hill, you can look out over the island’s capital city, then head inside for a hot stone massage, gourmet cocktail or restful night’s sleep in an enchanting villa.

Folly Point Lighthouse Built in 1888, this now solar-powered and fireproof lighthouse flashes every 10 seconds, reaching a span of 13 miles across Port Antonio’s ocean waters.

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INSPIRATION // NEKI MOHAN: PIVOT

NEKI MOHAN

PIVOT WRITER JAYME FRASER PHOTOGRAPHY DAVID I. MUIR

“We weren’t people of means, but we were people of purpose.”

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e had no idea you were unhappy. Neki Mohan heard that often from viewers after she left Local 10, where she’d been a weekend anchor and reporter for 16 years, becoming a local celebrity and a beloved champion of South Florida’s Caribbean communities. They didn’t know, Mohan said, because she did love the job (mostly) and she didn’t want to burden the people she was serving. “I wasn’t going to show that to the viewer that was getting up that morning to go work on the toll plaza or in a security job, or who was going to work in the hospital,” she said. “But I knew that was not what I wanted for my life anymore.” Mohan wanted more out of her career and saw no opportunity for advancement at the Miami station. She wanted to double down on community-driven service. The suicide death of her on-air partner nudged her to seize the life she wanted. And, despite the turmoil of a global pandemic, she finally had the financial and family stability to take bold risks.

A New Station in Life Mohan left WPLG in August 2020. For the next year, she brought her skills as a communicator and people connector to a variety of jobs — media consulting, producing and hosting virtual events, among other gigs — as she explored the possibilities for her future. In late 2021, she accepted an offer to become Vice President of Multicultural Business and Community Engagement for Broward County’s tourism agency, Visit Lauderdale. “I knew Neki was the right person for the job from our very first meeting,” said Stacey Ritter, president and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. “She has deep roots in this community from her lengthy experience as a journalist, already has great relationships in place and understands that Visit Lauderdale must become relevant in the lives and businesses of Broward County’s residents.” In the new job, Mohan has found both freedom and renewed purpose for her skills as a communicator. “It’s extremely eerie when I walk in here,” she said of the office she now occupies. “But I definitely feel I’m where I need to be.” This work, promoting South Florida’s diverse riches and bringing more multicultural tourism to the region, started two decades ago with Albert Tucker, who held the job until his sudden passing in April 2020. “I actually met Al doing work in the community while I was a reporter and anchor,” she said. “It’s a weird, weird circumstance, you know, that Al passed and I left the news business all in the same year.”

She looks forward to expanding on Tucker’s work, appreciating that the focus is on bringing joy to diverse visitors by showing them the best destinations and experiences in South Florida, including those run by fellow Caribbeans. “I’m in a business where it’s about promoting positivity for everyone under the sun,” she said.

Lessons in the Value of Work Mohan’s decision to leave Local 10 was spurred by family wisdom and self awareness earned from a lifetime of experience. She was born in Brooklyn, New York, but went to live with her grandparents in Trinidad and Tobago when her mother, a housekeeper, and her dad divorced. As is true for many islanders, it was a difficult childhood on paper — living frugally with 10 people in a three-bedroom house — but one full of joy, tough love and warm memories. “We weren’t people of means, but we were people of purpose,” she said. Mohan came to value serving others, even in small ways, by watching her grandmother, a nurturing matriarch and ever-in-demand seamstress. From her athletic and competitive boy cousins, as well as her trackand-field Hall of Fame grandfather, Mohan learned to stand up for herself and the value of unglamorous work. ”He told me when I did find out my strength that I should go for it 110%.” An early hint at her future came when 11-year-old Mohan skipped catechism classes to audition for a TV talent show. Her grandparents found out while they were watching television when the performers were announced.

An Exemplary Career in Journalism Over her three-decade career in broadcast journalism, Mohan worked at 10 stations from Los Angeles to D.C. before landing in Miami. Her first live shot was reporting on Marion Barry’s re-election as D.C. mayor. She later covered the Michael Jackson trial and was the only TV journalist to report live from Jamaica during Hurricane Ivan. She also has acted on the side, made calls as a telemarketer, worked on Survivor, taught college courses in Miami as an adjunct professor, and is currently a board member at the Jack & Jill Children’s Center in Fort Lauderdale. Community service has always been a priority for the mother of one, so she has volunteered with her daughter’s Girl Scouts troop as well as mentored emerging

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INSPIRATION // NEKI MOHAN: PIVOT

“I always felt it was my privilege to make sure we were represented in the light that I see us.” 22

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reporters for the National Association of Black Journalists and the Asian American Journalists Association. She also mentors a high school class as part of the Women of Tomorrow Mentoring and Scholarship Program. Mohan said she strives for three things: Be known for excellence. Be known for hard work. Be known for being a good person. As a reporter, she proudly represented Black and Caribbean women on the screen. “I always felt it was my privilege to make sure we were represented in the light that I see us, which is in a variety of ways, right? And being that voice in the room, that voice of experience, that person on the streets that people thought they could talk to, that they could relate to,” she said, “It was an honor I held extremely proud. Quite frankly, it was fun. It was a lot of fun.” In addition to reporting, Mohan anchored the No. 1 rated morning show at Local 10 alongside Todd Tongen. “Who would have ever thought this white boy from Minnesota and this girl from Trinidad would get along?” she quipped. Yet, they did. Mohan and Tongen sat next to each other at the studio and talked for nine hours a week for 11 years. “We had both lost our mothers. We both dealt with, you know, the challenges of parenting and relationships working a weekend job.” Tongen’s death by suicide in 2019 was a devastating surprise. Although she had considered leaving Local 10, his passing left her thinking more seriously about what she wanted from life and when would be the right time.

Neki Mohan with Local 10 co-anchor Todd Tongen.

On to the Next Scene She was an award-winning newsroom veteran with a track record of successfully mentoring junior colleagues. Yet, she had been stuck as weekend anchor for years, watching people she trained get promotions ahead of her. Increasingly, she grew frustrated with news coverage where people of color only appeared on TV if they were “shot or in shackles.” Florida’s diverse communities appeared in breaking news stories more often in negative tones than they did in positive ones. And breaking news tends to get priority over everything else in television, regardless of how much it actually affects viewers. “This is a challenge for media now, and I think it’s something that they’re all addressing, not just my former employer,” said Mohan. She expressed gratitude for the generation of Black broadcasters who laid the foundation upon which she built her career, but much work remains to achieve equity in newsrooms and their coverage. Black people hold 13% of TV news jobs but just 4% of news director posts and an even smaller slice of general manager roles, according to an annual survey by the Radio Television Digital News Association. Women, in particular, are underrepresented in leadership jobs. Mohan, who is proudly 50 years old and like “an aged rum,” said her lightbulb moment came at a journalism convention in Detroit where Tyler Perry told the crowd, “While you are fighting for a seat at someone else’s table, I’m over here building my own.” “I’m a person about instinct and I said, girl, he’s so right.” Mohan left television on her own terms to start a new chapter of her choice. “I’ve moved on, you know,” she said. “People want to hear dirt, and they want to hear that everything has worked out in my life and is brilliant. But I am not afraid to hold up a microscope in any industry that I’m in and say, ‘This is what we can do better.’ Because I’m all about better.” After a year away from the news biz, Mohan chuckles as she goes back to her Trini roots for a reflection on the decision to change careers, “Massa day was done.” Or, put in succinct wisdom suitable for an inspirational meme: “I was done asking for permission for the things I knew I needed in my life.”

“I am not afraid to hold up a microscope in any industry that I’m in and say, ‘This is what we can do better.’ Because I’m all about better.”

You can reach Neki Mohan at visitlauderdale.com

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INSPIRATION // CELEBRATING WOMEN

Alexandra P. Davis JAMAICA

CITY OF MIRAMAR COMMISSIONER

“The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well.” RALPH WALDO EMERSON

Words of Wisdom Influence of upbringing: Having grown up in Jamaica after age 11, I came to appreciate that, as a Black child, I could be anything. I saw folks that look like me become dentists, doctors, politicians — you didn’t see that growing up in England. Moving to Jamaica really provided me with a lot more self-esteem. Navigating the male-dominated world: I was raised by a single parent who was in ministry where you had very few female pastors. That really helped me to know that I could go toe to toe in a male-dominated field. To navigate that, I accepted people saying, “You’re so aggressive.” I go after what I want. I support other women who are running for office and I try to mentor where I can. Pivotal moments: In 2003, I created a nonprofit called CaribFest, which started the first Caribbean festival managed by the nonprofit and funded by the City of Miramar. However, in 2009 after six successful years, the event was canceled due to political reasons. It was at a commission meeting where residents gathered to protest the commission’s action that I decided I would run for office if they didn’t listen to the will of the people. As luck would have it, a position became available within a year. I ran for office for the first time in 2010 and won the commission seat. The rest is history.

lexandra P. Davis was born in England and raised in Jamaica. She has spent most of her life in public service, including at the Ministry of Agriculture in Kingston, Jamaica, the Capital Taxes Office in London, England and MiamiDade County Government in Florida. In 2010, she became a Miramar city commissioner then became the vice mayor in 2013. She again won a Commission seat in 2019 and again became vice mayor for 2019-2020. She was able to implement a body worn camera program for Miramar Police Department among other initiatives to enhance the city. Her accolades include recognition as one of South Florida’s 100 Most Accomplished Caribbean Americans by ICABA; one of the 50 Most Powerful and Influential Business Leaders in South Florida by Legacy Magazine, and as the Jamaican Consul General’s Jamaica 50 Luminous Award recipient. Her community work includes hosting the annual Afro-Carib Festival, creating Miramar’s Youth Appreciation Program and founding the Caribbean Teachers Association of Florida.

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Overcoming barriers to female leadership: If where you are is not conducive, go somewhere else. You should not stick it out in a situation where you’re not given the opportunity to succeed and excel. Important causes: One is preventing domestic violence against women. I talked to the school board about starting early because there’s violence that starts within schools. We’ve got to start educating our boys about how to treat women and educating girls on how they should be treated. I really want to help women in that area. Lasting legacy: I want to make sure that I would have lived a purposeful life. I hope to continue being an example to people of color, immigrants, single parents, children of single parents and others who are marginalized. As my mother used to say, “Hard work never killed nobody.” Advice for younger women: Never doubt yourself. Too many times when women go after what they need, they’re considered to be aggressive. But if you don’t go after it, then you’re going to be passed over. We have to be proactive, do our research, look at what others are making in the same positions, go to your bosses, sit down and have that conversation. Always be creative, always try to be a little bit edgier than your counterparts.

Ana E. Calderon Randazzo CUBA EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF CHILDREN’S DIAGNOSTIC & TREATMENT CENTER

na E. Calderon Randazzo, Ph.D., is the Executive Director of Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center (CDTC) in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Born in Santiago de las Vegas, Cuba, her family came to the United States in 1969. “We were a family of refugees and share the same story as many other Cuban families,” Calderon Randazzo said. She was the first person in her family to earn a doctoral degree and was a proud recipient of the National Science Foundation Minority Fellowship. Affiliated with Broward Health, CDTC provides medical care, dental care, case management and early intervention services to over 10,000 medically fragile infants, children, adolescents and women with disabilities and chronic illnesses in Broward County. Calderon has risen through the ranks there, starting three decades ago as a data coordinator and assuming her current leadership role in 2014. Her awards and accolades include recognition as one of the 100 Outstanding Women of Broward County by the Boys & Girls Club and Susan B. Anthony Recovery Center, Healthcare Administrator of the Year by the American Business Women’s Association and one of 12 Hispanic Women of Distinction by Latina Magazine, among others.

“She believed she could, so she did.” R.S. GREY

Words of Wisdom Greatest accomplishment: The honor of leading Children’s Diagnostic & Treatment Center at Broward Health as Executive Director for the past nine years. This year, we plan to open our first satellite medical exam room, provide medical services to local foster care youth and expand our dental services to any child with special needs living in Broward County. Most influential women in her life: My mother had one rule: Be nice, because when you come with good intentions, the rest is easy. My mentor Dr. Susan M. Widmayer, founder and former executive director at CDTC, taught me to demonstrate kindness to our staff and clients by being a servant leader, to be laser focused on CDTC’s mission, and to demonstrate a relentless pursuit of excellence because our patients deserve nothing less.

Advice for her younger self: Never use self-limiting words. There is nothing that you can’t do because when you have passion for your work it transcends age. A pivotal moment: I recall being told that I could never improve on my GRE scores because English was my second language. That was all I needed to motivate me and prove that I could, which I did, resulting in many offers for full scholarships to the best graduate schools. In my life, when someone says it can’t be done, I ask “Why not?” Advice for younger women: Find your purpose because purpose breeds passion and confidence. Be a lifelong learner. Find your tribe of supportive women who will guide you and cheer you on as you accomplish your goals. Experience with gender power structures: Most of our senior leadership at CDTC is female led. In addition, all our program directors and physicians are women. Message to women: Never underestimate the effect you can have on others just being kind. Find your purpose and run with it. Intended legacy: I want my work to be known for creating health equity and access to care for the special needs population. Recommended reading: “The Four Agreements” by Don Miguel Ruiz and “Hardwiring Excellence” by Quint Studer.

INSPIRATION // CELEBRATING WOMEN

Jacqueline Charles HAITI

CARIBBEAN CORRESPONDENT FOR THE MIAMI HERALD

Today, she is the Haiti / Caribbean correspondent at the Herald. She is a 2022 inductee into the NC Media & Journalism Hall of Fame, a 2018 recipient of the prestigious Maria Moors Cabot Prize (the oldest award in international journalism), and National Association of Black Journalists 2011 Journalist of the Year for her Haiti earthquake coverage, among many other accomplishments. The Emmy-winning documentary she co-produced, “Nou Bouke” (“We’re Fed Up” in Haitian Creole), was broadcast nationwide on PBS. For her expertise on Haiti and the English-speaking Caribbean, she has been featured on PBS NewsHour, Nightline, MSNBC, CNN, BBC and Aljazeera, among other public platforms.

“Do not be afraid of success or failure. Each one prepares us for the next step.” JACQUELINE CHARLES

Words of Wisdom Thoughts on barriers to women in leadership: I think the barrier is people’s stereotype on “a woman’s place.” To overcome it, we need to instill in young girls that they don’t have to accept society’s definition of who they must be. They must be unapologetic about their pursuits. Influence of upbringing: I was born in the Turks and Caicos to a Haitian mother. I was raised by my Cuban-American stepfather. I have cousins and nieces and nephews who have at least one parent who hails from The Bahamas, Barbados, Cayman Islands, Dominican Republic, Jamaica as well as Haiti, Cuba and the Turks and Caicos. My best memories are of growing up on an island, surrounded by love of family. My mother regularly traveled with me to Haiti, introducing me to my culture and this rich history that continues to influence my strong sense of self and purpose. Advice to her younger self: Everything happens for a reason. The progress she has seen: I work at a newspaper where the top brass used to be all men. Recently, we had an all female leadership. Today, my executive editor is a Black female as well as the head of the Editorial Board. This is progress.

er bio begins, “Recognized as ‘Haiti’s Ambassador to the world,’ by former U.S. President Bill Clinton, Jacqueline Charles is the Miami Herald’s Pulitzer Prize Finalist and Emmy-Award winning multilingual Caribbean correspondent with responsibility for Haiti and the English-speaking Caribbean.” Charles has spent her entire professional career at the Miami Herald, where she started as a 14-year-old high school intern. The multilingual journalist covered beats from Miami’s Black and impoverished communities to the state legislature before joining the world desk as a foreign correspondent in 2006. Her first overseas assignment covered the post-exile return of Haitian President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.

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Message to women: Your limits are only what you set them to be and we should never apologize for wanting more for ourselves. Intended legacy: I view myself as a bridge for those of us from the islands who like to think of ourselves as “islands unto ourselves.” I strive to show that we have more in common than we think. Also in telling the modern story of Haiti, I hope to show that it’s a beautiful country with a lot to offer, to show its humanity and give voice to the voiceless. Recommended reading: If you’re an immigrant or child of one, I would recommend Edwidge Danticat’s “Breathe, Eyes, Memory” and anything by Toni Morrison.

Betty Bethel-Moss THE BAHAMAS

DIRECTOR, SALES AND MARKETING AT THE BAHAMAS TOURIST OFFICE, BAHAMAS MINISTRY OF TOURISM

rom a childhood on the pink sand beaches of the island of Eleuthera, Betty Bethel-Moss has evolved to the highest ranks in marketing for The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism in the United States. She has spent 42 years promoting her native Bahamas, primarily having been stationed in Texas and Florida. She received the Cacique Award for sales and marketing — the highest honor given in The Bahamas’ hospitality industry — for her work on the “Out Islands of The Bahamas” campaign.

“Leave empty. Do not go to your grave with knowledge and gifts locked away in you.” DR. MYLES MUNROE

Words of Wisdom Most significant accomplishment: Working in the marketplace for my country while being Bahamian has been my greatest joy and pleasure. To be able to influence people, through your own eyes, on where you grew up, the things that you experienced, the unique cultures and seeing people excited to travel to your country — that would be the kind of contribution that I think is most significant. Influence of upbringing: I grew up around strong, outspoken, get-it-done women. As a result, I don’t have a problem speaking my mind when necessary, or simply getting things done. Gender-based career challenges: For government, you find that most of the decision makers are male. You could have been made to feel that [a woman] could only be a clerk or a secretary. When I began my career, that was the thinking — that you could not aspire to anything beyond a certain level because of the heavy testosterone. To make it to a director! There was a time when I didn't think that I could get beyond the clerical. But I was never deterred, always determined and never ever felt that I couldn't rise to another level. Thoughts on barriers to women leadership: Unfortunately, I think sometimes we are our own worst enemy. I have seen insecurity that has allowed other women to not carry their female

counterparts along. I would like to see women be more mentoring and more embracing of other women. Don't be afraid to just be who you are and don't be afraid of your deficiency because you'll never have it all. Recommended steps to building confidence: You should be prepared with the knowledge of whatever it is you're taking on. I find that the confidence builder is preparation, but also knowing what you want and never allowing yourself to be diminished. You have to own whatever it is you want. Intended legacy: I wish to have imparted everything I have learned and experienced to my younger family members and to my mentees, leaving them armed with knowledge and information, and empowering and building character in these future leaders. I believe your character is your road to success and accomplishment. Advice for the next generation: Turn your disappointments into opportunities and stay in positive environments around positive and productive people. Never compromise. Whatever assignment you take on in life, approach it big with the highest standards and quality. Treat yourself like a Queen. Most importantly, trust God! Recommended reading: “The Power of Character in Leadership” by Dr. Myles Munroe and “Becoming” by Michelle Obama.

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INSPIRATION // WORK, PLAY, SHINE, SLAY

AUDREY NELSON

Work, Play, Shine, Slay

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On the Saturday morning of our interview, Audrey Nelson looks stunning. She wears a full face of makeup with rouge-red lipstick and slips on elegant gold earrings which dangle off the corners of the screen. WRITER LYNDON NICHOLAS PHOTOGRAPHY DAVID I. MUIR

Smiling Through the Worst of Times

he teeters on the edge of the camera’s lens, avoiding being in full view. It isn’t until she stands up that I see the full scope of her ensemble: a cobalt-blue dress which could fit as well on a runway as it does in For many, cancer is seen as one of the defining chalthe administrative office of Bethlehem Junior Acadlenges of their lives, but when Nelson details her expeemy where Audrey Nelson and her sister, Barbara rience with cancer, she does so with the nonchalance Nelson-Bennett, are fielding this interview. Audrey, of someone relaying the inconvenience of a common who began in the medical field, has found her cold. Audrey knew something was wrong after she greatest business success forging a path in the edusaw the worried look on her doctor’s face during a cation sector. After a bout with stage-three cancer, routine colonoscopy. “They came out and told me they Nelson has continued to show her strength, versasaw multiple polyps,” Audrey says, her eyes darting tility and perseverance with her continuing work away, hinting at discomfort. Others in her life were in education as well as a foray into the realm of shocked. “My knees went out on me,” remembered fashion and consulting. Through it all, she’s proven her sister, Barbara Nelson-Bennett. Nelson herself had herself a person of nuanced expertise and accoma different reaction. Even when the doctor told her the plishments, someone who exudes confidence, while cancer had metastasized, she calmly remarked, “Just shunning attention or praise. This is what makes tell me what to do so I can get it done quickly.” AuAudrey Nelson “a phenomenal woman,” says her drey is someone who chooses to forge a path forward friend Michelle Richards. instead of dwelling on her challenges. Nelson’s switch to education after a decade in the During the chemotherapy treatments, Nelson stayed medical field was not a career path she had planned with her sister. “I have never seen anyone handle sickfor herself. When her mother wanted to expand ness the way my sister did,” Nelson-Bennett admits. their at-home preschool, Nelson had her concerns. “I “She was taking care of me!” Nelson helped plan wasn’t sure I would like working with kids,” she adand schedule her sister’s wedding, as well as providmits. Curbing her trepidation, Nelson decided to go ing emotional support despite the often-excruciating back to school to learn more about childhood educatreatments she herself was undergoing. Nelson pays tion. And it worked: Nelson and her mother not only little mind to what many might consider the darkest of found a site for Bethlehem Preschool but went on to her challenges. Instead, she grins and remarks that to open Bethlehem Junior Academy, which serves kids her, cancer wasn’t something that she “looked at like from kindergarten through grade a negative.” She found a way to eight. Nelson downplays the spin her experience to help others. praise she often receives for her “It’s helped me to give strength accomplishments, instead toutto other women who have gone “[My experience ing her student’s academic sucthrough it.” has] helped me cess above her own, noting that Family has always been an anmany of her students are now chor for Nelson, especially durto give strength applying to and attending coling times of struggle. When she to other women leges with full-ride scholarships. and her husband divorced, it was To her, watching the students’ family in Florida that took her and who have gone success “made it very exciting, her two young sons in so that very rewarding.” she could get back on her feet. through it.”

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INSPIRATION // WORK, PLAY, SHINE, SLAY

During that time, she worked multiple jobs as a single mother, got her bachelor’s degree, and made sure that her sons were able to attend prestigious private schools. “At that point, I evolved,” Nelson relates, a tremor of pride in her voice. Nelson considers her and her sons, 27-year old Anthony Box Jr. and 32-year old Claude Box II, a tight family unit. They agree, and in their anecdotes emerges the picture of a woman willing to do anything for her own. “She’s one of the few people that I’ve seen that exemplifies unconditional love,” Anthony says. Claude likens her to a brown bear. “You know how you never cross paths between a bear and her cubs? That’s how strong she is, and how protective she has been for us.” Through family, she has both found strength and become an example of it for her children as they move forward in life.

Couture Was Her Armor Even the strongest individuals need tools to help themselves stay grounded during hard times. During her battle with cancer, Nelson leaned on fashion to keep her spirits up. She went to her hospital appointments fully made up. She said she “dressed up, so much so that they thought that I wasn’t a patient.” She remembers draping herself every day in her favorite self-curated outfits even when she wasn’t at her best. She’d conceal her chemo bag within designer handbags, hide her newly gaunt figure under the gallant contours of couture brands and the sparkle of accessories. The hallways of her doctor’s office would become the runways to her fashion show, as she pretended the fluorescent overhead lights were the glimmering flashes of paparazzi wielding cameras. She found power in this practice that others might deem superficial. “That was one of the only things that kept me going. It made me happy, and it kept me alive.” Donning her favorite outfits and accessories helped her exude a strength that extended from the external to the internal. From a young age, Nelson had always been interested in fashion. “My whole passion was being a fashion designer.” But she did not enter the fashion world in her youth because of the social climate. She found it hard to “break into the market,” especially as a young, black, immigrant woman. After winning her fight with cancer and gaining a new perspective on life, Nelson, now 60, shares that she is “excited for life” and still has many plans for the future. In addition to spending time with family and continuing her work with Bethlehem Junior Academy, Nelson plans to open an online store, consulting with women on how to use fashion as a form of empowerment. Educating people on how to dress is her way of teaching women “how to take pride in yourself.” In the end, she isn’t a phenomenal woman because of what she’s been through, but because of how she’s been able to carry herself through it all: as someone with poise and, as longtime friend Joan Quinland describes, as someone “full of grace.”

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“[Fashion] was one of the only things that kept me going. It made me happy, and it kept me alive.”

Advice From a Tax Professional

INVEST // ADVICE FROM A TAX PROFESSIONAL

WRITER JORDAN UNGER PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED

When it comes to taxes, seeking the help of a professional tax preparer and accountant usually yields the best results.

or Bernadette Demosthene-Filiasse, Founder and CEO of KonneXtion Tax and Financial Enterprise, it is difficult to overstate the importance of planning for tax season with a professional who studies the law and knows tricks of the trade. While tax software services are popular, they can ignore the nuance of your individual situation. CORPORATE VERSUS PERSONAL TAX Corporate tax is paid by businesses to the government on their earnings while income tax is based on an individual’s income. A benefit of owning a company or being self-employed is that you have more flexibility for write-offs and tax deductions than you do on personal income. “Individuals, typically W2 employees, are taxed at a lower bracket,” Demosthene-Filiasse said. THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FILING SELF-EMPLOYMENT, W-2 AND 1099 A W-2 worker is an employee of a business that withdraws payroll taxes, like Social Security and Medicare payments, from wages. 1099 workers are independent contractors, selfemployed workers, freelancers or gig workers. They must pay taxes quarterly or at the end of the year. Although they keep all of their money when paid, contractors are taxed at a higher rate. A tax professional can help navigate these systems for the best outcome. WHEN ARE YOUR TAXES REALLY SIMPLE ENOUGH TO USE A FREE FILING SYSTEM? When it comes to taxes, it is rarely as simple as it seems because there can be multiple external factors involved in filing, such as the healthcare marketplace and other credits that must be reported. If you have one job and an apartment, online filing might be fine. If you have a home, kids, a spouse, or an additional source of income, you could be leaving money on the table without guidance from a pro, who will know about the dozens of credits and deductions for which you might qualify.

SUPPLEMENTARY SERVICES A TAX ACCOUNTANT CAN OFFER It’s not just about filing taxes each spring. Tax accountants also can help with activities such as bookkeeping and payroll assistance. Ultimately, being proactive, preparing before the tax season arrives and seeking help from an expert can help companies and individuals save both time and money. “We, as tax preparers, play a vital role in people’s lives,” said Demosthene-Filiasse. “Whether they know it or not.”

CULTURE // HERE COMES THE HOTSTEPPER

PHOTO: DEAN CHALKLEY

Here Comes the Hotstepper Artist, Harris Elliott.

RUDIE STYLE

WRITER LYNDON NICHOLAS PHOTOGRAPHY VARIOUS

Sharp suits with cropped “flood” pants. Thin ties with Porkpie or Trilby hats. And Clarks boots, of course.

he enduring “rude boy” silhouette is instantly recognizable to any sharp sartorial eye. Remixing the sleek midcentury fits of American jazz musicians and gangster films, the style evolved into some-

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thing distinctly Caribbean. Over the years, music legends like Derrick Morgan, Desmond Dekker, The Specials and even Bob Marley in his early days made the look iconic, spreading its influence across the globe.

But the fashion figure represents much more than superficial fun. It has a deep-seated history in Caribbean culture. British artist and academic Harris Elliott dissected the rude boy’s cultural impact in his landmark 2014 exhibition “Return of the Rudeboy” with photographer Dean Chalkley. Displayed at the Somerset House in London, the exhibit featured Chalkley’s portraits of contemporary rudies in the city, alongside a chronicle of the style’s influences and evolution. The show aimed to spread awareness about this “identity and culture without compromise,” says Elliott. “The rude boy story was rarely shared in the same way that people would talk about punks, mods and skinheads. But it’s very clear that it influenced them. The truth of that story needs to be paramount. A cultural narrative is always integral or imperative to that.”

The rude boy became a subversive persona with which Black youths could proclaim their self-worth and value on their own terms.

PHOTO: DEAN CHALKLEY

Two photos from Harris Elliot and Dean Chalkley’s “Return of the Rudeboy” exhibition.

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CULTURE // HERE COMES THE HOTSTEPPER

The Birth of the Dapper According to Elliott, the rude boy ethos fully blossomed as Jamaica gained independence in 1962. Its image marked a sociopolitical reckoning for Black youth facing poverty and high unemployment rates in the newly minted nation. For them, the style was anti-establishment, a fashionable resistance to the criminal labels society placed on them. The sleek tailoring clearly harkened back to respectable English suiting, accepted as the gentlemanly standard across the former British Empire. But by twisting the proportions, and adding Caribbean flair in accessories and overall manner, the rude boy became a subversive persona with which Black youths could proclaim their self-worth and value on their own terms. “There was a sense of self sufficiency outside of what the government and those with power deemed you can be in society,” says Elliott. To this day, these harsh connotations associated with the rude boy endure as people may think

“Power comes from going against the grain, being different, being outcasts of the system.”

Actor, Sheldon Shepherd

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PHOTO: WAYNE LAWRENCE

PHOTO: ULIANA AFANASENKO

HARRIS ELLIOTT

Dancer and self-proclaimed fashionista, Naala Nesbeth.

RAZZAQ MANLEY OF MANLEYPHOTOGRAPHY

of drugs and violence when they imagine him. Jamaican actor, musician, and dub poet Sheldon Shepherd thinks differently. Shepherd gained global recognition for his critically acclaimed role as gangster King Fox in the Idris Elba-directed film “Yardie,” based on the novel of the same name by Jamaican writer Victor Headley. Shepherd drew inspiration in part from the rude boy culture friends and family members displayed while he was growing up in Jamaica. Shepherd sees the rude boy persona as an escape from the real-life societal ills that people face, affecting more than any one individual reaches. “It originated among the downtrodden, among the people who were fielding for their identity, finding space in a world that they couldn’t really recognize and where they never really had a voice.” In Shepherd’s opinion, the rude boy is someone seeking power in a society where they feel powerless. “Power comes from going against the grain,” he says. “Being different, being outcasts of the system.” He also argues that the rude boy’s rebellious heart has deep kinship with many of the cultural art forms that define Jamaica and the broader Caribbean. “Reggae music, dub poetry, dub music, dancehall, all express that rebelliousness,” says Shepherd. He, like others who are proponents of the culture, asserts that people often focus on the violent perception of the rude boy instead of the systematic violence that created the conditions in which the archetype would thrive.

PHOTO: ORVILLE SPENCE

Revolutionary Rudeness Shepherd, who is working on a dub poetry audiobook, sees a new generation of artists turning to rude boy style, reinterpreting its renegade legacy. We see this flame of rebelliousness in Grammy-nominated singer Koffee, who often opts for tailored suits and more gender neutral pieces at red carpet events, where many might expect her to wear a feminine dress. Her sleek outfits feel like a quiet dissent to the hypersexualization women artists often experience in the music industry. Inspired by rude boy fashions, Jamaican-British designer Bianca Saunders creates menswear that challenges the norms of gendered design, playing into the rude boy’s innate showmanship.

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PHOTO: SHANE DENNIS OF ESDEFINITIONS

CULTURE // HERE COMES THE HOTSTEPPER

“Why does masculinity have to be dominant, powerful, and femininity soft and light? It’s the power in each of them that I’m trying to put out there.” A certified dancer, teacher and gender-neutral fashionista, Naala Nesbeth is part of this new wave pushing the boundaries of the rudie aesthetic. She sees herself following in the footsteps of artists like Pauline Black of music duo The Selecter, one of the most prominent rude girls of the late 1970s and early 1980s who challenged gender expectations. A driving force in Nesbeth’s work is reimagining gender binaries in fashion, and by extension, the broader society. “In the Caribbean context, there needs to be more effort to educate people of difference. That’s why you have people like me that are here to start that conversation around sexuality and gender neutrality,” says Nesbeth. In particular, she resists the idea that this gender-bending fashion just means the exclusive adoption of male traits and clothing. “I’m not here to be a man, I’m not trying to take on a character,” she explains. “Fashion is masculine and feminine. I’m able to put those two elements together to create a balance. Why does masculinity have to be dominant, powerful, and femininity soft and light? It’s the power in each of them that I’m trying to put out there. This is me, how I am.” Jamaican culture and Caribbean culture in general are ever evolving. But where does that leave the rude boy? Although the answer may change like the seasons of fashion, to quote Derrick Morgan on his eponymously titled track, whatever it is “Rudies don’t fear.”

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PHOTO: RAZZAQ MANLEY OF MANLEYPHOTOGRAPHY

NAALA NESBETH

Bomba y el Jíbaro

STYLE & DESIGN // BOMBA Y EL JÍBARO

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WRITER HANNAH GULICS PHOTOGRAPHY ISRAEL MOJICA

“W

e always wanted to embrace our culture in the best way possible. Everything that involves being Puerto Rican is my inspiration,” says Herman Nadal, founder and lead fashion designer of his self-named brand. Nadal’s designs are filled with stripes, florals, flowy ruffles and crochet details that blend modern sensibilities with traditional folk styles. These looks take inspiration from Puerto Rico’s iconic bomba dancer and jíbaro farmer – both figures emblematic of “the story of Puerto Rico,” he explains. After receiving his degree in fashion and graphic design, Nadal started his brand at only 20 years old. With sustainability at the forefront, his custom creations use every millimeter of fabric to avoid waste. For his newest Spring 2022 lookbook, Nadal chose romantic colors and florals, giving each piece a bit of an edge with 1970s inspired cuts.

A modern wedding dress reflects Nadal’s signature blurring of gendered fashion boundaries. The ruffled skirt reflects the billowy romance of those worn by female bomba dancers, while the button-down top nods to menswear.

In an oversized trucker style jacket, the silhouettes feel masculine while the ornate ruffled details allude to la blusa y falda, the traditional two-piece bomba costume. R

Makeup: Zoe Glam Model: Valerie Hernández Location: Museo de Arte de Bayamón, Puerto Rico

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STYLE & DESIGN // BOMBA Y EL JÍBARO

In this skirt and bucket hat, the botanical print is underscored with a dainty ruffled crop top in a pink floral pattern.

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Inspired by the countryside workers known in Puerto Rico as the jíbaro, Nadal created a feminine take on the iconic denim-on-denim uniform — that practical, blue-collar style.

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STYLE & DESIGN // BOMBA Y EL JÍBARO

Nadal styled a denim cropped top with a floral blazer set, taking inspiration from Puerto Rican rapper, Bad Bunny. “People like him make it more normal for other people to see [genderless clothing] as something possible that they can wear.”

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PHOTO: COURTESY OF KATARINA WONG

CULTURE // A DYNASTY OF ARTISTRY

Tile work in Katarina Wong’s apartment in Old Havana, Cuba.

A Dynasty of Artistry These creatives, born and bred in North America and deeply inspired by their Chinese-Caribbean roots, are engaging with their heritage to create distinctive voices in art forms from food to film. WRITER REBECCA HUGH PHOTOGRAPHY VARIOUS

F 44

or first-generation kids from Chinese-Caribbean immigrant families, weeknight dinners and bedtime tales mean much more than spending time together.

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Precious moments sharing stories and traditions become a gateway to past generations. No matter where loved ones go, their culture travels with them, shaping a sense of belonging that transcends borders.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF KATARINA WONG

Ornate tile showroom.

Fingerprint Project: Murmuration Unfolding, 2017.

Katarina Wong, Mixed Media Artist New York x Cuba

PHOTO: COURTESY OF KATARINA WONG

Mixed media artist, Katarina Wong.

Art has always been a family affair for New York-based artist, writer and curator Katarina Wong. Wong remembers her creativity being encouraged as a small child. “My father would give me paint brushes and usually I would draw or paint as he worked at his drafting table,” she says. With a Chinese immigrant father and Cuban mother, Wong explores this legacy of migration throughout her mixed media practice. These dynamics are writ large in her series “Azulejos,” which was prompted by the renovation of her apartment in Havana, Cuba. She became enchanted by the beauty and history of the traditional cement tiles, made from techniques brought over by the Spanish that evolved into something authentically Caribbean. Learning how artisans created these colorful tiles inspired her to meld their patterns with the iconic Chinese takeout box – another object shaped by migration as immigrant Asian restaurateurs adopted an American innovation. She entangles these

cultural threads further, painting the tile patterns in Chinese imperial yellow and the classic blue-and-white palette of Ming Dynasty porcelain. With a master’s degree in theological studies, Wong, deeply informed by the Buddhist ideology of dependent origination, investigates cultural intersections. “We’re all co-creating reality together,” she explains. “There’s no objective reality.” She explores this interconnection in her installation series, “The Fingerprint Project.” Creating molds of friends’ fingertips, she assembles each individual fingerprint into soaring patterns that mimic animal migrations. It’s a poetic reminder of the complexity underlying humanity, a sentiment that also resonates for the artist when thinking about her island roots. “I think it’s very easy to think of Caribbean people as monolithic,” Wong says. “What I hope to show is that the Caribbean is a complex and wonderful confluence of cultures and history.”

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CULTURE // A DYNASTY OF ARTISTRY

Craig Wong, Culinary Artist As owner and chef of famed Toronto restaurant Patois, Craig Wong attracted major accolades for his spin on Chinese-Caribbean cuisine. Before branching out on his own, he honed his skills at Michelin-starred restaurants like Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée in Paris and The Fat Duck in England. But his love for food goes back to the family kitchen, learning dishes from his Chinese-Jamaican parents who came to Canada in the early 1970s. He credits his Chinese grandmother and his father, a Kingstonian, as the first to introduce him to his passion. Cooking alongside them, he learned how much Chinese culinary stylings actually helped shape Jamaican cuisine, “Even in just understanding how soy sauce has become an integral ingredient in jerk paste.” He remembers his grandmother fondly as the original creative improviser. “She was cooking Chinese food with Jamaican ingredients and she was

cooking Jamaican food with the Chinese ingredients,” he recalls. The chef brings this mindset to all his culinary ventures, launching his second Toronto restaurant, Bar Mignonette, and serving as executive chef for Dubai’s first Jamaican restaurant, Ting Irie. Wong likes to constantly experiment, exploring myriad techniques like American Southern smokers, churrasco rotisseries and high-powered woks. “I keep a little journal of all the different iterations of each dish,” he says. “I can have 34 different iterations of the same dish.” Grounded by this playful approach, he rejects pursuits of culinary purity. Because for the chef, Caribbean food evolved with so many different cultural influences. “That’s why I challenge anyone who says this is not authentic,” he said. “Food travels. Culture travels. And the more we say that food has to be this, the more we’re stopping ourselves from discovering new, delicious combinations.”

PHOTO: COURTESY OF CRAIG WONG

Canada x Kingston

Toronto chef, Craig Wong.

Trini Doubles

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PHOTO: COURTESY OF BIBD

PHOTO: COURTESY OF CRAIG WONG

Jerk Lobster

Inside Wong’s landmark Toronto restaurant, Patois.

Danielle Ayow, Filmmaker

Danielle Ayow was both the writer and director for “But You’re Not Black.”

Danielle Ayow at the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF DANIELLE AYOW

Danielle Ayow grew up in Toronto, Canada, but her childhood home felt like a world of its own. “The Chinese-Caribbean mix was a culture in itself,” laughed Ayow, an actor, comedian, writer and filmmaker. Her Chinese-Trinidadian parents instilled in her a deep love for her island roots, filling her early years with vibrant Caribbean festivals like Toronto’s iconic Caribana. Her most recent project involved writing and directing the deeply personal documentary “But You’re Not Black,” which explores the shared joys and challenges many face growing up as Chinese-Caribbean in North America. Ayow well remembers her university days where many people would challenge her cultural affiliation. They’d say, “But you’re not Black,” or ask, “Which parent is mixed?” Fed up, Ayow joked about “this nonsense,” but her frustration fueled what would become a powerful endeavor. She remembers saying, “I’m going to make a documentary that talks about the Chinese immigrants coming to the Caribbean, and that will just help educate the world.” The project took three years to complete as Ayow spoke with family and other Asian-Caribbean people about their collective experience. The film is touring the festival circuit in North America and the Caribbean, racking up awards along the way. So far, it has earned the Audience Award at the 2020 Boston Asian-American Film Festival and the Best Documentary Award at the 2020 CaribbeanTales International Film Festival. And as an actor, Ayow is already building an impressive resume with appearances on hit shows like “The Handmaid’s Tale,” “Nurses” and the upcoming, highly anticipated miniseries “Station Eleven.” Whether in front of or behind the camera, she hopes to broaden people’s understanding of complex identities. “Because,” Ayow says, “We have to recognize that there is a lot of diversity within the diverse.”

PHOTO: COURTESY OF DANIELLE AYOW

Canada x Trinidad

Promo ad for the “But You’re Not Black” film.

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BUILT TO PERFECTION

HEALTH // BUILT TO PERFECTION

Views are changing on engineered perfection in the age of affordable cosmetic surgery. WRITER RACHELLE J. GRAY PHOTOGRAPHY VARIOUS

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To Cut or Not to Cut For those choosing to redefine their beauty on their own terms, people now enjoy a host of new options to consider. There are an increasing number of non-invasive treatments, which require no incisions into the skin. Skin rejuvenating chemical peels, dermabrasion and face lifting options such as Polydioxanone (PDO) Thread Lift fall into this category. For folks unfazed by needles, Botox injections can help soften facial fine lines and wrinkles. Fillers reshape the face, volumizing drooping skin and plumping facial features like lips and cheeks. Laser applications have become another popular option, used for permanent body hair removal, scar revision, vein reduction, tattoo removal and laser liposuction. For those willing to go under the knife, more invasive surgical procedures can offer longer lasting and more dramatic change. Face lifts and nose reshaping can alter the face. Breast augmentation and breast implants can reform the figure while adding or removing volume. Liposuction can move body fat, whether to snatch a midsection with a tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) or sculpt a curvy derriere with the popular Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedure. BBLs are a double whammy, giving patients the removal of unwanted fat and repurposing it by strategically injecting it into the buttocks, augmenting the area without the need for implants.

PHOTO: DASH PRODUCTIONS

“H

ave you had work done?” The question, often thought but not asked, hangs in the air more frequently now that cosmetic procedures have dramatically advanced in effectiveness, safety and affordability. Once exclusive to the rich and famous, the power to create one’s desired image is now attainable for the everyday person. With modern innovation, one can counter the effects of aging or change their appearance in their quest to feel their best. Pursuing one’s ideal body through medical means, however, is still cloaked in social stigma among the Caribbean diaspora community, as many suffer body shaming and judgment for undergoing cosmetic enhancement procedures. This has led many to keep hushed about work they’ve had done. But a growing body-beautiful movement is proving that cosmetic body enhancement is nothing to be ashamed of. “Usually in the Caribbean, we don’t want any-

body to know that we do enhancements to our bodies, but I want it to be known that it is okay,” says Dr. Sandra Swaby, a Jamaican cosmetic surgeon and founder of Harmony Health Clinic and Medical Spa. With this goal in mind, Dr. Swaby has opened up her practice through social media. There she shares the possibilities of her treatments while educating her followers about their risks and limits, all in an atmosphere of pride and empowerment. “This is a journey towards openness and transparency in cosmetic surgery,” she explains. “This is a choice about holistically looking at what we would like to do for ourselves.”

“This is a journey towards openness and transparency in cosmetic surgery.” BEFORE

AFTER

Results following a 360 liposuction and Brazilian butt lift.

Cosmetic surgeon, Dr. Sandra Swaby

Hidden Costs Exploring body enhancements without shame, however, doesn’t mean not being realistic about potential drawbacks and side effects. Non-invasive methods may pose fewer risks, but they often require pricey touch-ups every few weeks, months or years. In contrast, the results of invasive surgeries are permanent but the healing process can be extensive, marked by swelling, pain, bruising and scarring. Honduran beauty Clelia Alcantara discovered this herself last year when she decided to get a 360 liposuction and BBL done. Feeling top heavy, but small everywhere else, “I wanted to change the shape of my body,” she explained. “I wanted to have hips. I wanted to have more of an hourglass shape. But I really wanted my buttocks to match my breasts, I wanted everything to be more proportioned.” The surgery went well, but two days into her recovery, her niece had a similar procedure done, and Alcantara, through all the post-op pain, wound up caring for both of them at the same time. When a friend called and said she was coming to Miami to have some cosmetic surgery done, she realized the need for an after-surgery recovery facility. She now helps others as a certified post-op care specialist with Couture Body Culture, an assisted living facility that offers post-op care for patients who need a place to recuperate after invasive procedures. Her advice to those considering body augmentation procedures is to “do your research, so that you are well prepared for the post-op expenses,” she notes. “Because there are a lot of them that we are not told about going into surgery.”

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HEALTH // BUILT TO PERFECTION

Choosing a Provider

Mental Readiness

Another factor you must carefully consider is where to have your procedure done, considering cost, recovery time and the skill and credentials of your medical provider. Miami is one of the plastic surgery hubs of America. Any medical care in the United States, however, attracts a hefty price tag. So many also travel to countries like Mexico, Brazil, Columbia, Venezuela and the Dominican Republic, which often offer more affordable prices but increase risk because they follow fewer regulations. In the United States for example, doctors can only extract four liters of fat during a single liposuction procedure as a safety precaution. Other countries allow more. Some also allow multiple simultaneous surgeries, which can prove very dangerous. “Even though my research revealed that it was probably cheaper to go to a South American country, the health risk and factors, in my opinion, were not going to be worth it,” shares Dee, a Barbadian mother of two living in Fort Lauderdale. After nursing her second child for two and a half years, Dee opted to have breast enhancement surgery. “And I knew you do need follow-up care. The hassle of flying back to that country to get follow-up care and the possibility of complications jus t was not worth it.” No matter where in the world you choose, Dr. Swaby advises patients to consider the following when choosing their physician: • Do your research. Be clear on exactly what is needed before and after the procedure. • Make sure that you have a good consultation with your operating surgeon. • Evaluate the customer services, such as the availability of front desk staff and nurses. Ensure that your surgeon is available to you, should you need them. • Assess the questions that are being asked of you and how your questions are being received. Do you feel comfortable, or are you being treated like a bother? • If opting to travel, make sure that you can stay for the time that has been recommended for your procedure, aftercare and follow up.

Before pursuing any cosmetic interventions, you should first address your overall physical health including consistent exercise, a well-rounded diet, adequate rest, and a positive mindset. This solid foundation will only amplify your glow-up, as holistic wellness is essential for optimal results. Ethical doctors often require these health standards be met before undertaking any invasive surgical procedures “because cosmetic surgery is not a walk in the park,” cautions Swaby. “It is not magic. It’s not about you living a life of smoking, drinking, and then at 40 years old, you want to change that. Know that the enhancement is the icing on the cake, not a miracle.” In addition to physical preparation, one should also be mentally prepared as well. Cosmetic enhancement can serve as a powerful tool to bolster your self-confidence, but it should never be the foundation of your self-worth. “Women do come to me from a place of insecurity and I say to them, ‘Listen, that’s not where we are going to start,’” says Swaby. “You have to love the body you’re in first, and then allow me to work on it. Because whatever comes after you have already loved your body is the icing on the cake.”

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“You have to love the body you’re in first. Whatever comes after is the icing on the cake.”

Fitness as a lifestyle, not just a trend, is on the rise. WRITER HANNAH GULICS PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED

n social media, both women and men proudly display before-and-after weightloss photos, at-home workout routines, “gym rat” selfies, “what I eat in a day” videos, and more. Particularly for women, the mentality of fitness in 2022 seems to be shifting away from losing weight to develop a skinny figure and instead moving toward building a strong body that celebrates visible muscular strength. Free weights, resistance exercise, mixed-modal workouts and high intensity training programs are becoming more commonplace. Even bodybuilding is becoming more popular, particularly for women over 40. The International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness reports that almost half of the 150 women who competed across the U.S. in 2019 were over 40 — an age that often signals career’s end in sports. “A lot of us have seen women that look just like us transform their bodies. We’re seeing more women that we can relate to getting stronger, doing resis-

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Kola Olaosebikan of Koboko Fitness.

tance-based exercises — not just cardio,” says Kola Olaosebikan, a fitness expert and certified personal trainer at Koboko Fitness. Olaosebikan advises a five-step method to get you started: 1. Set a goal. (Yes, ONE goal.) 2. Research what regimen of patience, self-love, resistance training, cardio and diet makes sense for your one goal. 3. Get on a solid training plan. 4. Stay on the training plan for at least four weeks. 5. Then start making changes to your diet.

If you’re looking to sculpt your ideal body naturally, combine a healthy diet, resistance training and some form of aerobic, heart-thumping exercise. If you’re not a regular gym junkie, this might seem intimidating. Olaosebikan shared some great tips for including these types of training into your routine.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF KOBOKOFITNESS.COM

SWEAT EQUITY

HEALTH // SWEAT EQUITY

RESISTANCE (WEIGHT) TRAINING As the name implies, resistance training, or weight training, consists of using weights, body weight or resistance bands to cause your muscles to contract. If weights are new to you, book a personal trainer or private gym session to learn the basics. Once you have a good framework, you’ll be able to add different movements or more weight with time as your muscles build strength. As a beginner, try a set of dumbbells, kettlebells or a barbell in a weight that challenges you but doesn’t feel overwhelming. As you get more comfortable, try out exercise machines that target particular muscle groups. Here are some easy, but effective, exercises to get you started:

Lateral Raise (Shoulders) Hold a dumbbell in each hand with your arms down by your side. Keeping your back and arms straight, lift the weights outward until your arms are parallel with the floor. Lower your arms back down to your starting position and repeat. Aim for 10-15 reps (completing one full movement for each rep) and two or three sets (take a short break between each set of reps). Aim for slow and controlled movements, focusing on feeling the muscles in your shoulders.

Bench Press (Chest, Biceps) Using dumbbells or a barbell, lie on your back on a flat bench holding the weights above your chest with arms fully extended. Bend your elbows until the weight reaches your chest, pause and lift the weight up again. Aim for three sets of 10 reps.

Deadlifts (Lower Back, Butt, Hamstrings) Choose a weighted barbell that is comfortable but challenging and start with it on the floor. Grasp the bar and, keeping your back straight, chest out and knees slightly bent, lift until you’re standing. Hold for a few seconds. Slowly lower the weight back to the floor without rounding the spine. Aim for 4 sets of 5-6 reps.

FOCUS ON DIFFERENT BODY PARTS EACH DAY

If you’re interested in building muscle mass all over your body, structure your workouts using a split method. Using this method, you work on different body parts each day. Your plan could include chest, shoulders, back, arms and legs mapped out over five days with two days of rest. “When we’re doing resistance training, the recovery [and] rest period is just as important as the actual exercise training time. It is during recovery [and] rest that the body repairs itself, builds that muscle and changes,” Olaosebikan explains.

PRO TIP

Start with bodyweight exercises. When you feel comfortable enough to add weights, start with a weight that you can do 8-12 repetitions with comfortably. Squats (Butt, Hamstrings) “A great exercise to start with mastering resistance training is squats. You’re hitting some of the largest muscle groups in your body, which makes the time spent exercising more efficient,” says Olaosebikan. Using your body weight or holding a dumbbell in front of your chest, stand with your legs shoulder width apart. Bend your knees without allowing them to protrude past your toes and keep your back straight as you lower your body to sit in an invisible chair. Hold for a second then raise yourself back up to the standing position.

DON’T SKIP CARDIO!

Although often overlooked, cardio like walking, running, swimming, biking and even dancing is great for uncovering the sculpted look you’re creating through strength training. It also helps improve blood circulation, breathing and bone density all while reducing stress and improving mental health. If you’re looking to burn fat and build muscle at the same time, incorporating high intensity interval training (HIIT), sprints, sled drags or even boxing will help tone your glutes, abs, core and legs. Aim for 30 minutes of cardio four or five days a week. Our thanks to Kola Olaosebikan of Kobokofitness.com for these tips.

PRO TIP

The heart is a muscle. We can’t see it, but it is just as important to strengthen as it is to strengthen the muscles we can see. islandoriginsmag.com

HEALTH // PAIN RELIEF

The Pursuit of Pain Relief One-in-five people worldwide live with chronic pain.

WRITER HANNAH GULICS PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED

his statistic from the U.S. National Institutes of Health means whether it’s in the back, neck and shoulders, or elsewhere, there are people constantly suffering and willing to try anything to alleviate it. Instead of being prescribed yet another medication, something as simple as going to your local chiropractor could relieve mild to moderate chronic pain for years to come. Davin Barbanell, a veteran chiropractor, whose main office is in North Miami but also operates in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, knows this need well. With more than 17 years experience, he and his team specialize in helping patients find relief after car accidents, slips, falls and personal injuries as well as for common pains, like those caused by poor posture at work. Chiropractic therapy is noninvasive. With the hands or specialized tools, the chiropractor manipulates the spine and other joints to reduce pain, realign the body and improve overall physical func-

tion. A gentle push here, a guided twist there, and you feel your bones and muscles slip into more comfortable situations. “It really helps the body in many ways,” Barbanell said. “Obviously with pain, but overall nerve function and health as well.”

What to Expect at Chiropractic Therapy Evaluations begin with comprehensive physical exams and state-of-the-art digital X-rays help to determine what type of therapy will benefit you most. At Barbanell’s practice, treatment might include adjustments, therapeutic ultrasound, electrical muscle stimulation, cold laser therapy, mechanical traction or in-depth manual therapy and stretching. A chiropractor will suggest a treatment plan based on your specific needs. For instance, neck and back pains are often caused by misaligned vertebrae impinging on nerves. Even whiplash strains and aching joints can be treated through

manual or instrument-assisted adjustments. “When you adjust the vertebrae, it restores function,” Barbanell said. And if you’re scared about the process, don’t be! A good chiropractor knows that certain forms of therapy aren’t for everyone. Recommended sessions might be more frequent for someone in severe acute pain from an accident, and less frequent for someone simply maintaining their spin al health. The bottom line is, before you turn to surgery or medications that can be addictive, “sometimes we can heal you,” he said.

Holistic Care One of the main benefits of chiropractic care is that it is holistic, meaning the body is cared for as an interconnected whole. Patients can avoid medication and surgery, naturally aligning their bodies and learning how to prevent pain with lifestyle adjustments at work and home. “It’s where you want to start,’’ Barbanell said.

To speak to Dr. Davin Barbanell, DC directly and schedule your appointment, call 305-934-8444.

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HEALTH // PLAN AND PREP YOUR MEALS

How to Plan and Prep Your Meals Spring often brings inspiration to live a healthier lifestyle, but sometimes sticking to a clean diet is just hard. WRITER HANNAH GULICS PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED

ost of us don’t have the bandwidth to make a healthy, hearty meal every night. The good news is you don’t have to! A proven strategy for losing weight or improving eating habits is meal planning and prep. This simple act of cooking in bulk for a few, or all, meals over the course of the week encourages eating healthy, yet tasty, food each day without the daily effort. KC Healthy Cooking Executive Chef Jerry Dominique shared advice on the best way to maintain clean eating habits year round.

FIRST, PLAN MEALS FOR YOUR DIETARY GOALS The optimal diet plan should be personalized to your needs and situation. Understanding your goals makes it easier to decide what to eat and what to avoid. To lose weight, aim for a calorie deficit and increase your fiber intake so you still feel full. To increase muscle mass, incorporate protein-rich foods and increase

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potassium to improve workout recovery. Consider your lifestyle. If you want to try out veganism, start slow and incorporate quinoa for a plant-based complete protein. If adjusting to a diabetic diet, add low-sugar fruits like kiwi, blueberries and grapefruit as well as veggies, nonfat dairy products and whole grains. And treat yourself every now and then. “We need to learn to eat in moderation versus depriving ourselves of the foods that we grow up with,” Dominique urges. Make sure to consult with a physician, dietitian or nutritionist before beginning a new diet to make sure it is right for you. “I suggest someone with a similar culture who understands the eating habits of islanders,” he says.

STREAMLINE YOUR SHOPPING LIST When meal planning, find adaptable recipes that incorporate many of the same ingredients to minimize waste and simplify shopping. Go for a versatile protein, like chicken or salmon, that can be seasoned

in endless ways and that pairs well with many grains and vegetables. “Vegetables need to constitute 50% of your plate,” guides Dominique. He suggests making salads and changing them up with different meats and vegetables each day.

BUILD PREPPING INTO YOUR SCHEDULE If you have a busy week coming up, reserve a weekend morning for grocery shopping and prepping. Factor in days you’re likely to eat out, like for a date or work meeting. Stashing healthy snacks in your desk or purse will help you avoid buying treats from the vending machine or a gas station if the day doesn’t go as expected. And if you don’t have time to shop and cook in bulk, or you’re just not sure how to get started, sign up for a meal plan service. Companies like KC Healthy Cooking make it easy to get started on your nutritional journey by sending meals straight to your door. All you have to do is toss them in the oven and enjoy.

INVEST // END-OF-LIFE FINANCIAL PLANNING

End-of-life Financial Planning T WRITER JORDAN UNGER

hough end-of-life financial planning is often an uncomfortable topic of conversation, it is an important issue to discuss with family, relatives and other loved ones. Proactively building an end-of-life financial plan can help prepare your money, property and other assets for a smooth transition after your death. “The same way people plan to purchase a home for the first time, plan their birthday parties

PHOTOGRAPHY SUPPLIED

or plan their weddings is the same way you should plan putting aside funds or sitting with a funeral director to discuss what those costs will be if one of your loved ones passes away or if you pass away,” said Evans St. Fort, funeral director and C.E.O. at St. Fort’s Funeral Home and Cremation in North Miami Beach. Proper financial planning now will keep your loved ones protected into the future and reduce the paperwork they must manage later.

Last Will and Testament A will is essential to end-of-life planning. It is essentially a legal document that outlines how a person’s money, property and other assets will be distributed upon their death, and who has the authority to take charge of that work. When planning your will, it is important to name an executor – the per-

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son you choose to carry out its terms. Your executor should be someone you trust enough to give access to your personal records and finances after you go. Creating a will ensures that family knows how to distribute your assets according to your wishes. Without a will, the state has the authority to make important decisions

that might not align with your desires and that could cost family members or business partners money for legal representation in probate court. It is worth noting that insurance plans can only distribute to people listed as beneficiaries, regardless of who is named in a will, so it is important to make sure those details match.

Life Insurance

Expenses

Life insurance is necessary for those whose passing would be a financial blow to others in their life. For example, most parents get life insurance coverage to replace income needed to support their children, elderly parents or other loved ones in case the worst happens. Life insurance also pays off outstanding debts that would otherwise become your family’s responsibility. “Within insurance, all of it goes to whoever the beneficiary is once you pass,” said St. Fort, “It is going to be one check that you get once the claim is sent.” For most people, term life insurance — one of the less expensive types — is sufficient. With this coverage, you pay low premiums for a period of time, usually between 10 and 30 years. If you pass during that time frame, a cash benefit is paid to whoever you name as a beneficiary. Permanent life insurance is a bit pricier but remains in force for your entire life as long as premiums are paid. This could be a better option for those who have a lifelong financial dependent, such as a child with a disability who requires aid for daily tasks.

Funerals are expensive. Although estimates vary, funerals can cost $7,000 to $12,000 or more in the state of Florida. It depends, in part, on whether a loved one is buried or cremated. Common expenses and add-ons include a coffin or urn, burial plot, memorial plaque, headstone, death notice and obituaries and payment for the people involved in a service memorial: mortician, officiant, musicians, caterer and more. One of the best ways to control these costs and limit the burden of decisions left for grieving families is to plan ahead. Most mortuaries offer assistance with advanced planning for funerals, walking you through common options and their costs. If paid in advance, some mortuaries can manage all the arrangements without relatives having to make any additional payments. Others make sure the costs are covered by a whole life insurance policy. It also is a good idea to make your last wishes known among your loved ones and to include one or two close relatives in your detailed planning.

St. Fort’s

FUNERAL HOME

Records In the process of planning one’s end-of-life arrangements, it is imperative to stay organized and keep track of all the critical details. Make sure loved ones know where to find your will, insurance documents, financial statements, social security card and other vital records, should you pass. These should also include bank account numbers, military discharge papers, tax records, debt statements, mortgage paperwork and other information about any ongoing obligations. A single, secure location, such as a safe or safety deposit box, is best. For St. Fort, end-of-life planning simply shows your family that you care. “Real love is saying although I might not want to do this [end-of-life planning], I’m going to, because I love my family and I want them to be in a good situation if I pass,” he said.

St. Fort Family

With over 20+ years in the business

We service families throughout the United States as well as overseas Our Miami Location

16480 N.E. 19th Avenue, North Miami Beach, FL 33162 Tel: 305-940-1428 Fax: 305-940-1534 Our Haiti Locations Chapelle Paradis 10 Rue La Croix, Leogane, Haiti Tell: 3626-1564 3626-1565

Chapelle Paradis Delmas 31 #9, Port-au-Prince, Haiti Tel: 839-2950 839-2946

Pavillion Entreprise 53 Rue St., Francois, Haiti Tel: 3600-8508

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TASTE THE ISLANDS // PALEO CARIBBEAN DISHES

Paleo Island Recipes

he paleolithic diet, often simply called paleo, is a dietary plan that favors foods eaten by early humans before agricultural development, like lean meats, fish, nuts, fruits and vege-

tables. That also means limiting dairy, beans, grains, highly processed foods and refined sugar. Anyone looking to lose weight or jumpstart a cleaner way of eating might enjoy this nutritional plan.

*Always consult with your primary care physician before starting a new diet.

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SALTFISH ACCRA

These delicious salted cod and herb fritters are paleo, Whole-30 and AIP (autoimmune protocol) diet friendly, using cassava flour, coconut oil and tapioca starch as substitutes for grains and dairy. WHAT YOU NEED • 1 pound frozen deboned salted cod • 1 small red onion, diced • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 3-4 scallions, chopped • ⅓ cup cilantro, finely chopped • 2 tablespoons thyme • ½ of a lime, juiced • ¼ cup cassava flour • 2 ½ tablespoons tapioca starch • ¼ cup coconut milk • Coconut oil for frying WHAT TO DO 1. Soak the cod in water for 15-20 minutes to rehydrate and desalinate before cooking. 2. Set a large pot of water to boil on high heat. Strain the cod and add to the boiling water. Boil for 8-9 minutes then change the water and boil again for another 10 minutes. 3. Once a majority of the saltiness has been removed, strain and add to a large bowl. 4. Shred the cod and add red onion, green onion, garlic, cilantro, thyme and lime juice. Mix until combined. 5. Add the coconut milk and stir. Adding one teaspoon at a time, fold in the tapioca starch and cassava flour until the mixture thickens into a loose dough-like consistency. Scoop out a tablespoon of the batter, roll into a ball with your hands and set aside. Continue until the batter is gone. 6. Heat 2 tablespoons of coconut oil on medium heat in a frying pan. Add a few of the balls into the oil and cook until crispy and golden (about 5 minutes). Continue this same process with the remaining balls, discarding the old oil and heating new oil each time a new batch goes in. If too many are cooked at a time, the oil will cool and soak into the balls rather than getting them crispy. 7. Place cooked balls onto a plate with a paper towel to soak up excess oil. Pat dry. Enjoy!

CREOLE SHRIMP AND ANDOUILLE

This one-pot meal featuring paleo and gluten-free ingredients is perfect for those looking for a dish with a spicy kick. WHAT YOU NEED: • 12 ounces of Andouille sausage • ½ pound of large shrimp, peeled and deveined • Olive oil for cooking • 1 onion, diced • 3 garlic cloves, minced • ½ red bell pepper • ½ green bell pepper

• 1 zucchini • ½ teaspoon dried basil • ½ teaspoon thyme, chopped • ¼ teaspoon oregano, chopped • ¼ teaspoon chili flakes or red pepper flakes • 2 ½ tablespoons tomato paste • ½ cup chicken broth

WHAT TO DO: 1. In a large skillet, heat about 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium high heat. Add in the shrimp and stir constantly until the shrimp is transparent in the center, about 2-3 minutes depending on size. Transfer cooked shrimp to a plate and set aside. 2. Add more olive oil to the skillet and sauté the onions, peppers, zucchini and garlic together. 3. Add the sausage and cook covered about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally until browned. 4. Stir in the tomato paste and chicken broth. 5. Add basil, thyme, oregano and pepper flakes, stirring between each addition. 6. Cook for another 5 minutes or until the sauce thickens. Add the shrimp and stir until the flavors are incorporated. 7. Eat alone or pour over natural rice.

PLANTAIN CASSEROLE

This flavorful Puerto Rican casserole is paleo, AIP and Whole30 friendly. WHAT YOU NEED: For the bottom layer and topping: • 2 ripe yellow plantains • ½ pound cassava or yucca • ¼ teaspoon salt • ¼ teaspoon pepper For the filling: • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1 onion, diced • 3-4 cloves of crushed garlic • 1 pound of ground beef

• ⅓ cup fresh cilantro, chopped • 2 teaspoons thyme, chopped • 2 tablespoons capers • 2 tablespoons green olives (Castelvetrano olives, if possible) • 2 tablespoons coconut aminos (soy sauce substitute) • 1 teaspoon salt • ½ teaspoon pepper

WHAT TO DO: 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. For the mash layer, boil the plantains and cassava or yucca in a large pot until tender. Remove the skins and blend with salt and pepper. Layer half the mash onto the bottom of a casserole dish and leave the other half in the pot. Set aside. 2. Add olive oil to a large skillet over medium high heat. Sauté the onions and garlic together until softened. Add in cilantro and thyme. Stir. 3. Add the ground beef with salt and pepper and cook until browned. 4. Reduce the heat to low. Add the capers, olives and coconut aminos to saute for about 5 minutes. 5. Add the beef mixture over the layer of the plantain mash in the casserole dish. Add the remaining mash for the final layer and top with sliced plantains. 6. Bake for 15 minutes.

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TASTE THE ISLANDS // RESTAURANT DIRECTORY

RESTAURANT

LISTING IN SOUTH FLORIDA 925 NUEVO’S CUBANO’S | $ Cuban Serving succulent roast pork and delicious sandwiches. 925 N. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale 925nuevoscubanos.com

ALBERTE’S RESTAURANT I $$ Haitian Unique and authentic Caribbean dishes with live music on Fridays and Saturdays. 1201 N.E. 38th St., Oakland Park albertesrestaurant.com

ALEXSANDRA’S CARIBBEAN CAFE | $ Caribbean, Jamaican Soak up some sun while enjoying their famous jerk chicken sandwich and patties. 235 E. Commercial Blvd., Lauderdale-by-the-Sea

ALI’S ROTI SHOP | $$ Caribbean, Indian, Vegetarian Trinidadian mom and pop shop serving favorites like doubles & aloo pie. 303 S. State Road 7, Plantation

LA BELLE JACMELIENNE CAFE | $$ Haitian Caribbean decor and friendly staff serving up a wide array of Haitian cuisine. 3328 S. University Drive, Miramar

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BAMBOO SHACK | $$ Bahamian Quick-service restaurant serving snacks and traditional Bahamian items. 18450 N.W. 2nd Ave., Miami Gardens bambooshack.us

BAHAMIAN REEF SEAFOOD RESTAURANT | $$ Seafood Low-key and casual with colorful interior. 7836 N.W. 44th St., Sunrise b ahamianreefseafoodrestaurant.weebly.com

BOHIO LATIN FLAVORS | $$ Dominican, Latin, Caribbean Family-style restaurant offering music, mofongo, shrimp and dancing. 2181 State Road 7, Margate b ohiomargate.com

BUTTERFLAKES BAKERY & GRILL | $ Jamaican Local spot for patties and hot food.

CHEF CREOLE | $$ Haitian Simply delicious signature Haitian seafood. 200 N.W. 54th St., Miami c hefcreole.com

CLIVE’S CAFE | $$ Jamaican Popular spot for jerk chicken and curry goat.

5890 N.W. 2nd Ave., Miami

clivescafe.com

COLADA CUBAN CAFE | $ Cuban Family-owned bakery serving savory and sweet Cuban treats and other Cuban cuisine. 525 N. Federal Highway,

CALYPSO RESTAURANT & RAW BAR | $$ Caribbean Try their Caribbean-style seafood, Jamaican jerk and curry dishes. 460 S. Cypress Road, Pompano Beach c alypsorestaurant.com

1198 S.W. 27th Ave., Fort Lauderdale d onarturorestaurant.com

DONNA’S CARIBBEAN RESTAURANT | $$ Jamaican Authentic Jamaican food all day, plus cocktails and Sunday brunch. Ten locations around South Florida. 5434 N. University Drive, Lauderhill d onnascaribbean.com

Fort Lauderdale coladacubancafe.com

DUKUNOO JAMAICAN KITCHEN | $$$ Jamaican Wynwood’s full-service, upscale, Caribbean dining experience.

CONCH HEAVEN | $$ Bahamian Lots of conch-based comfort foods with locations in Miami and Plantation in Florida as well as Atlanta and Riverdale in Georgia.

316 N.W. 24th St., Miami d ukunoojamaicankitchen. com

11275 N.W. 27th Ave., Miami

5100 W. Commercial Blvd. #3, Tamarac b utter-flakes-bakery-grill. business.site

DON ARTURO RESTAURANT | $$ Cuban Traditional Cuban food in a setting where kids are welcome.

CONCH KRAWL BAHAMIAN/ CARIBBEAN RESTAURANT | $ Bahamian, Seafood Enjoy traditional Bahamian and other Caribbean dishes. 2600 S. University, Miramar

DUNNS RIVER ISLAND CAFE | $$ Jamaican Authentic Jamaican cuisine with beautiful ambiance serving the Hallandale area. 908 W. Hallandale Beach Blvd., Hallandale Beach

THE DUTCH POT JAMAICAN RESTAURANT | $$ Jamaican Authentic Jamaican cuisine. 3120 W. Broward Blvd.,

Fort Lauderdale d utchpotrestaurants.com

FINLEY’S BAHAMIAN RESTAURANT | $$ Bahamian Try a breakfast dish served with Bahamian johnny cakes or grits or a daily lunch special 731 Hammondville Road,

Pompano Beach fi nleyspompano.com

HAVANA 1957 | $$$ Cuban Enjoy hearty cuisine and live music in a setting filled with relics of Cuba. 405 Española Way,

Miami Beach h avana1957.com

ISLAND FUSION GRILL | $$ Jamaican, Cuban, Vegan Jamaican, Cuban, Asian and Creole flavors with seafood and vegetarian options. 4811 S. State Road 7, Davie i slandfusiongrill.com

LC ROTI SHOP | $ Indian, Vegetarian Cash-only eatery, serving homemade roti with pepper sauce.

19505 N.W. 2nd Ave., Miami

AVERAGE COST PER PERSON BEFORE DRINKS, TAX AND TIP. $ Under $10 / person $$ Under $20 / person $$$ Under $40 / person $$$$ Over $40 / person

LITTLE HAVANA | $$ Cuban Authentic Cuban Cuisine 12727 Biscayne Blvd., North Miami l ittlehavanarestaurant.com

LOCALICIOUS OLD FASHIONED ICE CREAM | $$ Ice Cream Old-fashioned, handmade ice cream including Caribbean flavors. 4220 N.W. 12th St., Lauderhill l ocaliciouscaribbeanicecream. com

JAMAICA KITCHEN | $$ Jamaican Known for their extra spicy beef patties. 8736 S.W. 72nd St., Miami jamaicakitchen.com

JOY’S ROTI DELIGHT | $ Trinidadian, Indian Counter-service cafe with Indian-inspired Caribbean cuisine. 1205 N.W. 40th Ave., Lauderhill

JUANA LA CUBANA CAFE | $ Cuban Offering a simple, Cuban soul food menu. 3308 Griffin Road, Fort Lauderdale juanalacubana.com

JUANA’S LATIN SPORTS BAR & GRILL | $$ Latin Casual Dominican, Puerto Rican and American sports bar and grill. 11602 City Hall, Miramar juanalatinsportsbar.com

LAS OLAS CAFE | $ Cuban Freshly squeezed juices and Cuban sandwiches. 644 6th St., Miami Beach

LAS VEGAS CUBAN CUISINE | $$ Cuban, Latin American A dine-in hot spot with 12 South Florida locations offering Cuban meals and cocktails. 2807 E. Oakland Park Blvd.,

Fort Lauderdale l asvegascubancuisine.com

EL MAGO DE LAS FRITAS | $ Cuban Cozy spot for Cuban burgers. 5828 S.W. 8th St., Miami

MANGU CAFE RESTAURANT | $$ Dominican This Dominican dive offers dishes like pernil and goat stew.

2007 W. 62nd St., Hialeah

MANJAY RESTAURANT | $$ Haitian Modern take on traditional Caribbean dishes with creole-style cuisine. 8300 NE 2nd Ave., Miami

manjayrestaurant.com

MARIO’S CATALINA RESTAURANT | $$$ Cuban Dine in a relaxing ambiance with a menu featuring Cuban and Spanish cuisine. 1611 N. Federal Highway,

Fort Lauderdale catalinarestaurant.net

EL OTRO TIESTO CAFE | $$ Dominican Dominican-Japanese fusion with a twist. 3023 Biscayne Blvd., Miami e ltiestocafegroup.com

PADRINO’S CUBAN CUISINE | $$ Cuban Serving the best mariquitas, mojito and flan for the past 40 years. 1135 N. Federal Highway, Fort Lauderdale p adrinos.com

PANFIYAH | $$ Jamaican Try their popular jerk chicken and shrimp pasta. 7183 W. Oakland Park Blvd., Lauderhill p anfiyah.com

POLLO EL COJIDO | $$ Dominican Delicious mofongo, quesadilla and sancocho. 5843 N. University Drive, Tamarac

POLLO TIPICO | $ Dominican Traditional Dominican dishes in a laid-back atmosphere. 5011 FL-7, Davie

PUERTO SAGUA RESTAURANT | $$ Cuban Known for their soup and oxtail stews. 700 Collins Ave., Miami Beach

REED’S CATERING & CONCESSIONS | $$ Seafood, Caribbean Late night seafood truck, with a specialty of conch salad. 12203 N.W. 27th Ave.,

SHEIKS BAKERY & ROTI CAFE | $ Caribbean, Indian Caribbean and Indian offerings include halal meats, spices and bakery products. 184 University Drive,

Miami

Pembroke Pines s heiksbakery.com

REGGAE PON THE GRILLE | $ Jamaican, Caribbean Buffet-style dining offering tasty Jamaican dishes.

STEELPAN KITCHEN & BAR | $$$ Caribbean-inspired Beachside gourmet dining at the Sonest Fort Lauderdale Hotel.

8032 W. McNab Road, North Lauderdale r eggaeonthegrille.com

999 N. Fort Lauderdale Beach

ROCK STEADY JAMAICAN BISTRO | $$$ Jamaican, Caribbean Nicer than your average Jamaican eatery with menu items like jerk chicken, curries and crab fritters. 2399 N. Federal Highway

Blvd., Fort Lauderdale s teelpanftl.com

SWIRL WINE BISTRO | $$ Caribbean, Wine Bar With fresh, high-quality ingredients, their culinary team offers a variety of cuisines and wines. 1435 Lyons Road,

Coconut Creek s wirlbistro.com

Unit C, Boca Raton rocksteadyjamaicanbistro. com

SAZON CUBAN CUISINE | $$ Cuban Tasty Caribbean cuisine and live weekend entertainment. 7305 Collins Ave., Miami Beach s azoncubancuisine.com

SHALAMA’S HALAL ROTI SHOP | $ Caribbean, Indian Casual ethnic take-out spot with authentic roti, curries and pepper sauce. 1432 State Road 7, Margate

VERSAILLES | $$ Cuban, Latin American Serving tasty Cuban cuisine and culture since 1971, this spot is a hub of the Cuban community. 3555 S.W. 8th St., Miami v ersaillesrestaurant.com

YARUMBA RESTAURANT & LOUNGE | $$ Dominican Try their traditional stews or Churrasco with live music. 4740 N.W. 167th St.,

Miami Gardens y arumbarestaurant.com

islandoriginsmag.com

ENTERTAINMENT // EVENT CALENDAR

Event Calendar APRIL

Sat 04/02 to Sun 05/01

St. Thomas Carnival Where: St. Thomas, Virgins Island Admission: TBD Info: carnivaland.net A month long event that kicks off with pageants and calypso shows and includes hard-core partying at the Village, J’ouvert, Food Fair, two parades and fireworks. Tues 04/12

Rum & Bass at Coyo Taco Where: Coyo Taco, Miami Admission: Free Info: eventbrite.com Every Tuesday from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m., the Rum & Bass DJs play the best of Caribbean dancehall and reggae along with hip hop, latin and rap hits while guests sip on rumbased cocktails and shots. Sat 04/16 to Tues 05/03

St. Maarten Carnival Where: Philipsburg, St. Maarten Admission: $195 for a season pass

Info: facebook.com/sxmcarnival This nearly month-long Carnival celebration combines pageants, calypso and steelpan bands along with a Grand Parade headlined by Ashanti, Keyshia Cole and Ja Rule. Sat 04/23

Caribbean Latin Festival 2022 Where: Miramar Regional Park Amphitheater, Miramar Admission: $50 - $90 Info: ticketmaster.com Experience South Florida’s largest Latin Caribbean festival with music from artists Nengo Flow, Chimbala, King Fara, Misty Jean and more.

MAY

Sat 05/14

24th Annual Haitian Compas Festival Where: Mana Wynwood, Miami Admission: $70 Info: eventbrite.com Celebrating decades of music and showing appreciation to pioneers in the industry, this

festival features headliners Nu Look, Kai, Harmonik, Enposib and more. Sat 05/14

Miami Soca Wine Food & Music Festival Where: Lallo’s Outdoor Grounds, Lauderhill Admission: $25 - $30 Info: eventbrite.com Bring an appetite for food, wine and a great time at this festival featuring wine tastings, various food vendors and the sounds of soca. Must be 21+ to attend. Wed 05/25 to Mon 05/30

Soul Beach Music Festival Where: Harbor Arena, Aruba Admission: $80 - 1,500 Info: soulbeach.net Celebrate the 20th anniversary of this Caribbean music festival with five days of beach and club parties as well as three nights of concerts. Sun 05/29

Best of the Best Music Fest Where: Bayfront Park, Miami Admission: $34.99 - $125 Info: bestofthebestconcert.com

This annual music festival features top performers in pop, R&B, soca, reggae, hip-hop and Caribbean music.

JUNE

Tues 06/04

South Florida Smooth Jazz Festival Where: Miramar Regional Park Amphitheater, Miramar Admission: $55 - $125 Info: southfloridasmoothjazzfestival.com Celebrate the sounds of smooth jazz with performances from double Grammy and Oscar winner Peabo Bryson, saxophonist Kim Waters, urban-jazz pianist Kayla Waters and more. Tues 06/14 to Fri 06/17

Bonaire Rum Week Where: Harbour Village Beach Club, Bonaire Admission: TBA Info: bonairerumweek.com This week-long festival celebrates rum from the Caribbean and beyond while fundraising for Reef Renewal Foundation International.

Due to frequent COVID-19 related changes, please check with promoters before heading to these events

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