Now in its 28th Year! Dec 3 - 9, 2015 Vol. 28, No. 14
Your Free GuiDe
to our islands’ happenings
Harlem School of the Arts & YEP Present Soul Nativity at HLSCC Dec, 4th at 7pm & Dec, 5th at 1 and 5pm Also this week: Clash of the Carolers • Jr. williams Memorial Darts tournament • Christmas on DeCastro street • Christmas Camps
This Week’s Feature Story by Arlena Smith
YEP- Soul Nativity The Harlem School of the Arts is performing for the first time outside of New York City Soul Nativity live in the BVI this weekend. Soul Nativity is a Gospel extravaganza featuring song, dance and comedy that explores the story of the Nativity through a modern interpretation. The score is infused with Gospel, R&B, Pop and Rock in an altogether original conception of a timeless story. The show is being presentin ed collaboration with YEP, a privately funded youth center here in the Virgin Islands, which opened in May 2007. At YEP they provide opportunities and activities for young people in a safe environment. So, it is no surprise that they would be bringing this critically acclaimed production to the BVI’s shores on December 4th and 5th at the HLSCC. The Harlem School of the Arts is one of New York City’s pioneer arts institutions that strives to enrich the lives of young people and their families through world-class training in and exposure to the arts. It works across multiple disciplines in an environment that emphasizes rigorous training, stimulates creativ-
ity and builds self-confidence. The Harlem School of Arts achieves its mission at The Herb Alpert Center by offering high quality affordable arts training in dance, music, theatre, and visual arts to ethnically and socio-economically diverse young people between ages 2 -18. They provide financial aid and merit scholarships to those who need it most and by developing key partnerships with other cultural institutions, colleges, universities and conservatories to prepare aspiring students at the highest possible level. Stacy Mather Director of YEP said the group is, “very fortunate to have them come and to be able to work with them and encourages the public to come out and support this incredible event.” Show times are Friday, December 4th at 7pm and Saturday, December 5th at 1 and 5pm. There will also be a performance by the New Life Baptist Church Choir. Tickets are available at YEP $25 adults, $15 HLSCC students & youth age 12-18, $10 youth Ages 11-5 and age 4 and under free. Don’t miss it; it’s sure to get you in the Christmas Spirit!
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Vol. 28, No. 14 • Dec 3 - 9, 2015
By Arlena Smith
Everest Mount Everest, part of the Himalayas, is the highest point on Earth, and coming in at 8,848 meters above sea level, it is a place where humanity cannot thrive or survive. With it reaching roughly the same heights as a Boeing 747, humans can hack just a few moments at the pinnacle of the Earth’s crust before struggling for breath. Originally, this was something, which only professionals could do, until the idea of tourists climbing Everest included the whole world in the challenge. Successful mountaineers Rob Hall (Jason Clarke) quit doing small climbs and proposed the idea of a high-altitude guiding business in which people would pay his group, The Adventure Consultants, a whopping $65,000 to escort them safely and reliably to the top of the world. But such a feat will always be shrouded in fear and death, due to the sheer difficulty of such a climb. Everest is a tale enveloped in tragedy where groups of professional and tourist climbers were stranded high up the mountain during a torrential blizzard, an event now know as the 1996 Mount Everest disaster. The movie begins steadily, and has so many characters to introduce that it almost feels like a documentary of how to climb the mountain. Everest, goes through each stage of the climbers’ ascent so meticu-
Lime ... “to hang around idly” or “to go out on the town.” Source: The Dictionary of Virgin Islands English Creole by the late educator and historian Lito Valls. The Limin’ Times brings you all the news about when and where to “lime” in the British Virgin Islands. Limin’ Times Entertainment Guide
lously, it can be used as a guide to understand many parts of the mountain. Their walk to base camp is a mountain in itself and the ascent to each campsite is just as ferocious as the climb to the top. The second half of Everest satisfies our desire to see the power the mountain possesses as it reveals the tragic qualities of its story. The idea that no one can hear you at the top of the mountain, come to your aid, or save you from death is truly palpable. Altogether, Everest delves into the fabric of our imagination, showing us what it could be to conquer the world’s tallest peak and admire the beauty of such an accomplishment. Being based on a true story limits the suspenseful terror, but as an experience, Everest is well worth the tour.
While every effort is made to ensure that information is correct, we cannot accept responsibility for any errors, changes in schedules, ads or other information in this magazine, which is intended as a guide only. If you have an entertainment event coming up that you would like published, give us a call at 494-2413. Special Notice: Purchase of advertising space in this publication does not guarantee editorial coverage of any event.
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Published weekly by Island Publishing Services. Caribbean Printing Company Limited, Pasea Estate, P.O. Box 133, Road Town, Tortola, B.V.I. arlena@bviwelcome.com, © 2015 www.limin-times.com Publisher & Editor: Claudia Colli Writer & Associate Editor: Arlena Smith Writer & Editorial Assistant: Jan Critchley Tel: 494-2413; Fax: 494-4413
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Vol. 28, No. 14 • Dec 3 - 9, 2015
Limin’ Times Entertainment Guide
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By Jan Critchley
Christmas Road Town Style A sure way to get in the Christmas spirit is to visit Christmas on DeCastro Street, which has been organized for the 17th year by the Christmas on Main Street Committee. The new location gives more space for activities and the event is now in its second year on DeCastro Street. This year’s event promises to be bigger and better than ever, with youth activities taking center stage during the two days with 15 schools participating in carol singing and other festive activities. Santa is rumored to be arriving on Friday evening and there will also be plenty of bands to entertain you into the night including, The Lashing Dogs, Razor Blades, Relentless, Splash, Serenaders and four steel bands. The event has also created a huge market place for all of your Christmas shopping ranging from arts & crafts, home décor and household items, bath and body productions, costume jewelry, fashion attire, fragrances and of course, the hand sewn dolls & toys – to name just a few. This year, there are an incredible 60 booths, which include the food court with tasty Christmas pies, tarts, potato pudding, doved pork, seafood dishes and mutton stew, and specially prepared drinks including sorrel and the famous guavaberry, the official drink of the season. So come one, come all and get into the festive spirit this weekend.
Arbor Day & Free Trees The National Parks Trust of the Virgin Islands (NPT) is inviting everyone to its annual Arbor Day ceremony on Friday, December 4th to be held at the Francis Lettsome Primary School at 10am. The theme for 2015 is, “Celebrating our Native Plants in a Changing Global Climate” and highlights the NPT’s efforts to protect the Territory’s endangered and
endemic plant species. Also, head over to the J.R. O’Neal Botanic Gardens, on the same day and pick up a free tree between 9am and 3:30pm for your garden in celebration of Arbor Day.
Clash of the Carolers If you enjoy singing Christmas carols then make sure you attend the fourth annual Clash of the Carolers on Sunday, December 6th at 3pm at the Noel Lloyd Positive Action Park. Performances will include the Mount Carmel Baptist Church Caroling Group, Long Trench Sisters, M.A.L.E. Mentoring Group, Junior Heritage Dancers, Foggy Mountain Boys, Happy Family Band and a number of pre-schools and primary schools will also be taking part.
It’s Ah Poizon VIBE Don’t miss this great night out, It’s Ah Poizon VIBE on Friday, December 4th at The Rock Café featuring Venomous Poizon out of St Thomas, TeeJay & Jougo from VIBE and Fire Blaze. Doors open at 10pm and early bird tickets are $25, more on the door. For Tortola’s party people Speedy’s will be running a 11:15pm ferry from Beef Island that returns to Tortola after the event. For more information or tickets call 496-9333.
Talent Showcase “Mixing the Old with the New,” is the theme for the Elmore Stoutt High School’s talent showcase to be held at 6pm on Wednesday, 9th December at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex. Students and teach7
Vol. 28, No. 14 • Dec 3 - 9, 2015
live music • events • concerts •
THURSDAY - DEC 3
CANE GARDEN BAY
ROAD TOWN
MYETT’S — Serving International & Caribbean
PUSSERS — Daily Happy Hour from 5pm - 7pm
breakfast/brunch/lunch & dinner daily. Sunset Happier Hour w/ DJ Myett 4-7.
D’BEST CUP — Open daily from 7am till 5pm for great coffee and delicious breakfasts till 2pm. BEACH CLUB TERRACE — Serving lunch & dinner from 11am Mon to Sat. Happy Hour specials 5pm 7pm with 2 for 1 drinks, free appetizer and DJ enter-
ELM’S — Lunch daily 11am-4pm. Happy Hour 3:30-6pm. Beach BBQ w/ Live Music. Serving Caribbean Fusion Dinner 6-9pm VG & OUTER ISLAND THE ROCK CAFÉ — It’s Ah Poizon VIBE feat.
tainment.
Venomous Poizon, Teejay & Jougo from VIBE & Fire
CANE GARDEN BAY MYETT’S — Serving International & Caribbean breakfast/brunch/lunch & Thanksgiving dinner. Sunset Happier Hour w/live music by Candyman 4-7. ELM’S — Lunch daily 11am-4pm. Happy Hour 3:30-6pm. Serving Caribbean Fusion Dinner 6-9pm
Blaze from 10pm SATURDAY - DEC 5 ROAD TOWN PUSSERS — Daily Happy Hour from 5pm - 7pm DECASTRO STREET — Christmas on DeCastro Street: Food, shopping, music, carolers & more
FRIDAY - DEC 4 ROAD TOWN
BRIERCLIFFE HALL — ESHS Annual Christmas
PUSSERS — Daily Happy Hour from 5pm - 7pm
Concert 7:30pm
DECASTRO STREET — Christmas on DeCastro
TORTOLA SPORTS CLUB — Junior Williams
Street: Food, shopping, music, carolers & more
Memorial Darts Tournament from 7pm
FRANCIS LETTSOME PRIMARY — Arbor Day
PARAQUITA BAY HLSCC — Soul Nativity at 1pm & 5pm
Ceremony from 10am
CANE GARDEN BAY BOTANIC GARDENS — Arbor Day free tree pick up between 9am and 3:30pm
breakfast/brunch/lunch & dinner daily. Sunset Happier
PARAQUITA BAY
Hour with live music 4-7. Evolution Band play live at
HLSCC — Soul Nativity at 7pm
Limin’ Times Entertainment Guide
MYETT’S — Serving International & Caribbean
7pm. Limbo and Dance Contest.
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ts • parties • sports • movies and more
ELM’S — Lunch daily 11am-4pm. Happy Hour 3:30-
TUESDAY - DEC 8
6pm. Serving Caribbean Fusion Dinner 6-9pm
ROAD TOWN
UPCOMING HAPPENINGS
SUNDAY - DEC 6 PUSSERS — Daily Happy Hour from 5pm - 7pm ROAD TOWN PUSSERS — Daily Happy Hour from 5pm - 7pm NOEL LLYOD PARK — 4th Annual Clash of the
CANE GARDEN BAY MYETT’S — Serving International & Caribbean
Caroler at 3pm
breakfast/brunch/lunch & dinner daily. Sunset
CANE GARDEN BAY
Happier Hour with live music 4-7
MYETT’S — Serving International & Caribbean break-
ELM’S — Lunch daily 11am-4pm. Happy Hour
fast/brunch/lunch & dinner daily. Volleyball, Boche Ball
3:30-6pm. Serving Caribbean Fusion Dinner 6-9pm
& Corn Hole on the beach. Sunset happier hour 4-7
WEDNESDAY - DEC 9
with Vishall on the beach bar. Live music with Oren Hodge on stage 7pm
ROAD TOWN
ELM’S — Lunch daily 11am-4pm. Happy Hour 3:30-
PUSSERS — Daily Happy Hour from 5pm - 7pm
6pm. Beach BBQ w/ Live Music. Serving Caribbean
MULTI SPORTS COMPLEX — ESHS “ Mix the
Fusion Dinner 6-9pm
Old with the New” Talent Showcase at 6pm
MONDAY - DEC 7
CANE GARDEN BAY
ROAD TOWN
MYETT’S — Serving International & Caribbean
PUSSERS — Daily Happy Hour from 5pm - 7pm CANE GARDEN BAY MYETT’S — Serving International & Caribbean break-
breakfast/brunch/lunch & dinner daily. Sunset Happier Hour with DJ Myett 4-7. Live music by 3D Band 7pm. Limbo & Dance Contest.
HLSCC Christmas Concert Dec 12
Cinderella Pantomime at Killi Killi — Dec 10-13 Baby Santa Dance Show by Tortola Dance Project @ Myett’s — Dec 12 Mi Amor Customer Appreciation Party — Dec 18 Tortola Pier Park Grand Opening — Dec 22
fast/brunch/lunch & dinner daily. Sunset Happier Hour with live music 4-7. Mexican Monday with 2 for 1 speciality Margaritas & Munchies. Live entertainment w/ “Al The Singing Chef” at 7pm
ELM’S — Lunch daily 11am-4pm. Happy Hour
Christmas Day — Dec 25
3:30-6pm. Serving Caribbean Fusion Dinner 6-9pm. Carib Day 2 for $5 Carib 11am-6pm
Foxy’s Taboo Full Moon Masquerade — Dec 24 NTL Behind the Beautiful Forevers — Jan 30
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Vol. 28, No. 14 • Dec 3 - 9, 2015
Celebration of Life Concert Thursday, 10th December is International Human Rights Day so join in the March Against Violence and the Celebration of Life concert. The march begins at 9:30am from the Governor’s parking lot to the Central Admin Complex’s breezeway, and is followed by the concert from 10am till 11:30am. Everyone is asked to wear orange as a sign of solidarity on this important day, for more information call the Office of Gender Affairs on 468-2236/2234.
(contd. from page 7)
ers will be participating in the showcase, which will also include surprise performances by guest artists. Refreshments will be on sale. Tickets are $20 VIP, $10 adults and $5 for children and are available from the high school or Infinite Solutions.
Memorial Darts Tournament 180!! If you enjoy a good darts match, then head to
Christmas Camps
Junior Williams Memorial Darts Tournament at the
The Royal BVI Yacht Club is hosting a Christmas Watersports Camp at Nanny Cay Sailing Centre from December 21st to 24th and from December 29th to 31st from 8:30am till 12:30pm (half day) or till 4:30pm (full day). Prices are $300 for the full camp or $50 per day or $25 for half day. But if you book before December 11th you get the entire camp for only $260! Contact Katelyn at instructor@royalbviyc.org for more information.
Tortola Sports Club on December 5th from 7pm for a great night of darts, and to share the fun moments and memories of a great friend and warrior of the game, Junior Williams. There will be lots of prizes to be won, as well as food and drink specials, plus some of the great teams Junior played against, including VISAR and the Purefins – see you there!
Limin’ Times Entertainment Guide
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Ask Koren
Your personal E-therapist, is in the house!
Loving Someone with a Mood Disorder
Ask Koren
One minute you are making a joke and laughing together hysterically and in the next minute your partner is sullen and unresponsive. You forget the person’s birthday and get a tirade about how you never ever cared about him or her. Sometimes it seems that you are trying your best, but no matter what you do, you are not doing enough; you are either not there enough, or accused of smothering them and the see saw of moods leaves you exhausted. However because you love him or her, you stick around, hoping that things will get better. Some of the most common disorders that affect the mood are depression, bi-polar disorder and other forms of these two. In depression, the person typically loses interest in things that previously brought them joy, they may be constantly sad, fatigued, experience changes in appetite or sleep habits and in some cases have suicidal thoughts. With bi-polar disorder, the person fluctuates between feeling really down and feeling really manic and energetic. How do you love, cope with and help a partner suffering from a mood disorder? Here are seven tips: 1. Learn as much as possible about their condition. When you have the information, it is so much easier to understand why the person behaves the way they do and you can even learn how to help. You experience “a ahhh” moment when it finally makes sense why you get that reaction from them. 2. Encourage them to get help, take their medication or attend their therapy sessions. It is important that they follow the recommendations of their doctor or counselor to stay healthy. Encourage them to eat properly, not by criticizing their choices, but by offering to join them for a healthy lunch or dinner or helping with creative, healthy recipes. 3. Stop trying to fix them. Do not take responsibility for trying to heal the person; you are there for support and not as a solution. When they are down, its not because you are not making them happy and if they are in a high mood and start binging, its not because you are not stimulating enough for them. Do not blame yourself and do not try to be a therapist if you are not qualified to do so.
4. Be as supportive as you can. This means assuring them that you love them no matter what, accompanying them for walks and even helping with housework. When someone is depressed, sometimes they feel fatigued and something as simple as washing the dishes is a major chore. 5. Remember it is not about you. The person is not out to attack you. He or she is frustrated and until the condition is being managed, they are likely to be unpredictable or seem moody. Do not take it personally. If their behavior is abusive, remove yourself and come back when they are calmer. 6. Listen to them. Ask them how they are feeling and let them explain what they are going through at that given moment. It also helps them to be able to verbalize their feelings and get it outside of themselves, rather than internalizing it as though that is just what or who they are. 7. Have fun together. It is important that you engage in pleasant activities that you both enjoy. When down, offer to do something that you know can boost their mood and if they are in the manic stage, suggest calming activities. A person with a mood disorder cannot just “snap out of it” at your command or their desire. However, with love and gentle support, you can still enjoy a wonderful relationship. Yes, you might have to challenge their thinking when they feel worthless and unlovable and sometimes when they will just need you when they feel empty, but there are moments when they will be able to give back to you in the most loving and compassionate of ways. They are also reasonable enough to know that you are there for them and trying to help them and with their sensitive nature, they will try to make it up to you. Love truly can make a difference. Send your questions to askkoren@live.com or follow us on twitter @korennorton and a response will be provided 11
Vol. 28, No. 14 • Dec 3 - 9, 2015
By Claudia Colli
Funintun’s Christmas own photographs of indigenous holiday decorations like the “flycatcher tree.” The story takes place in the 1950s and relates the experience of Christmas in this era through the eyes of a young girl, Funintun. The pre-Christmas chores, the preparation of the food (slaughtering a goat, baking guavaberry and coconut tarts), the carolers, the church service and the relatives that come from near and far – all of this made the holiday special for Funintun. On the book’s back cover, Medita Wheatley, Senior Lecturer at HLSCC says, “At a time when the older Virgin Islander is struggling to hold onto values and traditions of yesteryear, the coming of Funintun’s Christmas is timely. It brings to life the thoughts and actions which shaped the Virgin Island character. . .” A traditional Virgin Islands Christmas is in some ways very different from the North American one that I experienced when growing up. But on the other hand, many of the family values, comradeship and sense of giving are the same. People come together to celebrate a religious event, but also to affirm their own experiences and traditions. Funintun’s Christmas is a reminder of the true meaning of Christmas whether you celebrate it in the Virgin Islands or elsewhere in the world. Funintun’s Christmas can be found at stores at National Educational Book Store, JR O’Neal Botanic Gardens Gift Shop, 1780 Lower Estate Sugar Works Museum, Serendipity Book Shop and the Old Government House Museum.
It’s just the beginning of December, and if you are like me, you are already thinking about Christmas. My kids grew up in the BVI and although they are now grownup, I remember the challenge of buying presents for them. Yes, I could always find a bike or sundry gifts for them here, but other toys that they had heard about from their friends or seen on television were more challenging. So mainly we made do with what we could find on island. Without big box stores and the Internet, Christmas seemed less commercial at the time. The kids more appreciative of what they got. I now have a grandson to buy presents for. He lives in Florida with his parents, but I like to buy him something that is indicative of the BVI: a Tortola tee shirt, a plush iguana, a boogie board. It must be a holdover from raising my own kids here, and anyway everyone else will be going to Toys R Us. This year one of my gifts will be Funintun’s Christmas, written by Verna Penn Moll. About a young girl growing up in Tortola in the 1950s, it really struck a chord with me. This is the way Christmas should be: a time of family and togetherness, a day of old fashioned values rather than a commercial extravaganza. Verna has written several books on the BVI experience including poetry and a compilation of her articles and essays over the years, This Land: A Trust from God, the Environment and Related Topics, but this is her first children’s book. The illustrations include charming paintings by local artists Cedric Turnbull and Joseph Hodge and her Limin’ Times Entertainment Guide
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Category: Zoo Animals
african lion
chimpanzee
hippopotamus
polar bear
antelope
elephant
kangaroo
red fox
arctic wolf
giant panda
mandrill
rhinoceros
bengal tiger
giraffe
meerkat
snow leopard
orangutan
wildebeest
bighorn sheep gorilla
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Vol. 28, No. 14 • Dec 3 - 9, 2015
By Dean “The Sportsman” Greenaway
Half Marathon ‘Battle on the Roads’ Saturday’s 10th annual Deloite-Ogier BVI Sunrise Half Marathon presented by the BVI Tourist Board and the BVI Athletics Association promises to be the fastest race run since the fifth edition in 2010, when the course record of 1 hour 07 minutes and 38 seconds was established. The race is the first event of the BVI Athletics Association’s 45th anniversary activities that continues with association’s 7th Awards Gala on Dec 29. Events run through July with the hosting of the OECS Track and Field Championships. For the last three years, St. Thomas’ Shane DeGannes has dominated the event. This year he will have a bevy of challengers led by St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Pamenos Ballentyne, who was third in the fastest race run here during the 5th edition when he ran 1:09.50. Ballentyne, DeGannes, Reuben Stoby and Vincent Fouriner are expected to be the leading protagonists seeking to bag the $1000 top prize, offered by the BVI Tourist Board. Another $500 is on offer if they dare eclipse the 1:07.38 mark, while the top woman will also bag $1000 and could take home another $250 for getting under the 1:34.09 course record. “I’m looking to win the BVI Sunrise Half Marathon, that’s my main goal,” Ballentyne said. “I’m training for the Trinidad and Tobago Marathon on January 17, so BVI is really part of my preparation program. My main goal is to win and run a good time.” He’s coming off a second place finish in the NACAC 10K on home soil behind a Kenyan. “It was a good race,” he noted. “St. Vincent has a lot of hills. Right now I’m running good—not in my best shape—but I’m in enough shape to win the BVI Sunrise Half Marathon.” Limin’ Times Entertainment Guide
Runners to compete for the BVI Tourist Board prize
DeGannes who tuned up for his title defense at the Foot Locker Nationals in North Carolina on Saturday with a second place finish in the 5K in 16:19, said he has been preparing for the BVI race. Stoby who has dominated the local scene said he has been putting in the work. “I expect the competition to be stiff,” he said. “I’m aiming for around an hour and 20 minutes. First time I did it, I did 1:35. I think I’ve improved tremendously over the last couple of years and have put in a lot of hard work without a doubt and I feel confident I can run a fast time.” Fourier is looking to get under 1:25. “1:20, that’s fast,” he said of Stoby’s goal. “But, every race we do, we do our best and we’ll see what happens.” BVI’s Katrina Crumpler will seek to defend her run against St. Thomas’ Ruth Ann David, who has won the event two successive year’s before Crumpler and came within 10 seconds of the 1:34.09 fastest women’s time. Then there’s Rosmond Johnson and Melissa Brunner among others who will be seeking to place in the top five finishers, as the women too will have their battle on the road. The race begins at 6 a.m. at the A. O. Shirley Grounds on Saturday and will also finish there. 14