OCEAN Style Magazine

www.oceanstylemagazine.com

GREAT 1 0 CARIBBEAN

GOLF COURSES

HALLE BERRY

+

CRICKET, LOVELY CRICKET

picture perfect woman

World Cup Cricket 2007 in the Caribbean

BEENIE MAN The “Gyal Dem Sugar” on Music, Marriage & Life

DAVID RUDDER Speaks on Cricket & the Future of Soca

CARNIVAL! The Greatest Show on Earth US$4.99 / UK£3.00

C O N TE NT S

Volume 3, Issue 2

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Go glam in light colors and soft fabrics, and achieve that eye catching sexiness.

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FEATURES Cricket, Lovely Cricket

Ocean Style reports on the anticipated long term benefits to the Caribbean from hosting the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup, otherwise known as the third largest sporting event in the world.

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David8s Lyric

Caribbean music legend, David Rudder, shares his insight on the impact of cricket in the Caribbean and the future of Soca music.

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Picture Perfect: Halle Berry

Halle Berry is absolutely picture perfect, but this Oscar-winning screen goddess has proved herself to be way more than just a pretty face.

FASHION + STYLE

26 Bare Glam Where sexy glam meets understated ease.

51 Howzat! With Lots of Style

So youLre off to a day of cricket ‌ well smarten yourself up and take a moment to dress the part! Ocean StyleLs fashion maven par excellence, Novia Whyte, tells you how.

60 She Landed at Buccoo Bay

Living in the concrete jungle can make you forget raw nature still exists.

Get back to basics and join Dagmara on a high-fashion odyssey through the beauty of TobagoLs Buccoo Bay.

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BEAUTY, HEALTH + FITNESS Revitalize Sun-Sapped Hair

Sun steal your shine? Get it back with these moisture-packed miracles.

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Sun Goddess Come Out to Play!

Give yourself a rejuvenating sun-kiss -- without the risk.

35 Hidden Killers

Gynecological cancers affect millions of women around the world, but thereLs no self-test to determine your status. Learn the facts and take control of your health.

37 When New Mothers Hurt

A new baby is supposed to be a bouncing bundle of joy. But for some women, the pain of postpartum depression clouds the early days of motherhood.

Nikisha Jackson reports.

41 Bring Beach Yoga Inside Yoga expert Sharon McConnell expounds on the ins and outs of yoga and how to bring the beneficial sun and sea setting for your practice inside your home.

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Take a peek at ten golf courses that have changed the landscape of Caribbean recreation.

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ESCAPE

Nature8s Beasts and Yummy Treats, Tobago Style

Ocean StyleLs resident food adventurer, Rosemary Parkinson, takes a tour with David Rooks to explore authentic Tobago.

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Caribbean to the Tee: 10 Great Golf Courses in the Caribbean

Deciding where to seal your next deal? Before you make up your mind, check out these 10 Great Golf Courses in the Caribbean.

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Carnival! A PhotoJournal

If you have yet to make it to Trinidad to experience Carnival, let Colin Williams take you on a virtual tour of the colors, bodies, costumes and smiles that make Carnival in T&T JThe Greatest Show on Earth.K

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Racing Beauty

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Cricket Party 101

OCEAN LIVING

Race car driving is surprisingly one of the most popular spectator sports in Barbados. Alicia Johnson chats with Natasha Farnum, the islandLs first female race car driver.

Catching the Cricket World Cup spirit? Event planner Anika Repole schools us on throwing a fun and fabulous cricket party.

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Sip Lean

The occasional cocktail just got better. Kinisha OLNeill dishes on how to whip up a tasty concoction and keep the calories down at the same time.

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Edible Vibes

Find yourself too busy to cook? Vibes Cuisine host, Michelle Jones, shares some quick and tasty recipes sure to satisfy the most discerning palate.

The greatest show on Earth, as told to us, one photo at a time.

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Dancehall king Beenie Man finally has his queen and discusses life, love, Carnival and cricket.

PULSE

79 Music: Beenie Man 84 Music: Sounds with Meaning 85 Books: Reality Reads and Writes 87 Shopping: Cabana Jamaica 88 Eats: Cannonball Cafe´ 90 Ocean Cocktail: Carnival in Trinidad & Tobago ON SPOT

23 Sugar Cane Ball : Jamaica 24 ICC Cricket World Cup : Jamaica 105 International Soca Monarch Finals : Trinidad & Tobago ON THE REGULAR

CONTENTS

12 Masthead 14 19 Contributors 20

Editor8s Note

16

Letters to the Editor

Advertiser8s Contact Page

40 Horoscope

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

DOUGLAS K. GORDON MANAGING EDITOR ANNA-LISA MILLER

COLIN WILLIAMS

N SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER

FASHION + LIFESTYLE

JASMINE DOTIWALA N SENIOR CONTRIBUTOR

NOVIA MCDONALD-WHYTE

TEXT + PHOTOS

N SENIOR CONTRIBUTOR

ELINA FURMAN

N SENIOR CONTRIBUTOR

DAGMARA, ISABELLE TIN-AUNG, ROSEMARY PARKINSON, NIKISHA JACKSON, ANIKA REPOLE, ALICIA JOHNSON, KINISHA OLNEILL, SACHA PHILLIP, SHARON MCCONNELL, PHOTOS.COM, GETTY IMAGES, CORBIS

ART DIRECTOR

N FRANK RENEAU

CREATIVE CONSULTANT

USA:

ART + DESIGN + LAYOUT N QUINCY ROSS WEBMASTER N ANDREW MANSWELL

WEBSITE EDITOR

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305.921.9052/FAX 305.395.5195

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DIVE IN AT oceanstylemagazine.com

FROM THE MANAGING EDITOR

G

reetings loyal Ocean Style readers! It is my distinct pleasure to join the team of talented people who have made Ocean Style the wonderful publication it is to date. I bring you an issue that celebrates two wonderfully exciting events hosted throughout the islands of the Caribbean: ICC Cricket World Cup West Indies 2007 and Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival, World Cup Cricket has certainly taken the Caribbean by storm. The islands have feverishly prepared for what is arguably the biggest international event hosted by the region. This issue looks at the event’s impact upon the West Indies and offers our readers some tidbits on the lighter side of cricket. We tell the ladies what to wear and, of course, give the ever-important heads up on how to throw a great cricket party.

Zeroing in on one island in particular, this issue also visits fun-filled Trinidad to experience “The Greatest Show on Earth” – Carnival in T&T. The London MTV Base Crew takes us on a dizzying tour of their carnival experience, while photographer Colin Williams showcases the true beauty and creativity that makes Carnival in Trinidad among the best in the world.

And of course, we are absolutely delighted to have Halle Berry grace our cover.

The stunningly beautiful and talented actress shines on and off screen not just for her picture perfect looks, but also for her inner strength.

Enjoy!

Anna-Lisa Miller Managing Editor

LETTERSTO T HE EDITOR

THE LIBERATION OF MYA Mya looks hot! I just love her! She is so talented and I just don’t think she ever really got the credit her talent deserves. I was worried when she dropped off the scene for a little while that she had burnt out, but she seems to be back and moving at her own speed. The photos were awesome – she looked gorgeous. I hope she will do another collaboration with Beenie Man or another Caribbean singer - maybe a soca singer. Imagine a collaboration between Mya and Machel Montano!?!? That would be incredible and I’m sure it would be a major hit. (by the way, Machel was awesome at Madison Square Garden!)

Jeremy Stephens via email

Mya photographed exclusively for Ocean Style by Robert Manella

THE LEIBA TOUCH My first comment was “Freddie Who?” I have been working in fashion and beauty for many years and had never heard of Freddie Leiba. After I read his story in Ocean Style, I made some enquiries only to find that this man who hails from “little ole’ Trini” really is an influential power-hitter in the fashion industry. He is genuinely a big deal. I am embarrassed to think that having worked in the fashion industry for the past 8 years and lived in New York for the past 2 that I would have to pick up your publication to read about this man.

I am originally from Jamaica and reading about Freddie’s accomplishments was truly uplifting. I hope you continue to seek and uncover other people from the Caribbean achieving at the highest levels because it inspires those of us working through the daily grind and mixing it up in the rat race to realize that there are no boundaries - success is there for the taking.

You can come to America from the Caribbean and get to the top. Freddie congratulations - you might be from Trinidad but you’re representing for Caribbean people!

Annabelle Victor New York, NY

AIR JAMAICA – MORE THAN JUST AN AIRLINE I congratulate you on your balanced article on the value of Air Jamaica to the Jamaican economy. Whether or not Jamaicans can afford their government providing significant support to the national airline is a topic that generates much passionate debate on the island and your article has managed to encapsulate many of the points. You are correct, there is no easy answer. What is clear, though, is that Air Jamaica has become part of our brand…almost part of our heritage and it will take far greater losses than we are now experiencing for us to agree to have it vanish from our skies.

E. Vernon Brooklyn, New York I read your article on Air Jamaica and I wondered how much longer Jamaica can afford to pay for sentimentality. I love Air Jamaica as much as every Jamaican, but we simply cannot afford it. We need infrastructure to grow ourselves out of this long economic stagnation. We need roads, technology, small business support.

We need better equipped hospitals and schools.

A contribution of 16 percent to GDP is not sufficient reason to give the airline greater priority over other far more pressing needs that are sure to have much more significant long term impacts to our economy. A little less shortsightedness, please.

T. Milton Jamaica

Freddie Leiba photographed

by Robert Manella

CONTRIBUTORS Rosemary Parkinson

Caribbean author and food critic, Barbados-born Rosemary Parkinson is the daughter of celebrated artist, the late Gordon Parkinson and national bridge player, Dickie Parkinson. A food lover like no other Parkinson travels the islands, camera in hand, nose in every pot in search of a good food story. Author of Shake Dat Cocktail, Culinaria: The Caribbean, she is also the food critic for The Daily Gleaner. A regular contributor to Jamaica Eats, Altitude, Skywritings, Health Home & Gardens Parkinson resides in Montego Bay Jamaica, where in her spare time she dabbles in photography and paints. In 2007, Parkinson will release three new titles - Nyam Jamaica, Cocktails & Hors d’oeuvres with Norma Shirley and Jerking Around Jamaica.

Colin Williams

Colin Williams is infamous for setting a stage for eye candy and lots of drama. The former model found himself studying under the direction of Albert Watson while juggling the world of film, music video and TV commercials. When he is not creating beautiful images, he is spending time with his two daughters traveling and throwing one of the hippest underground parties in NYC under his alter ego handle The Last Soul Boy.

Kinisha OLNeill

Kinisha O’Neill has written for the two largest newspapers in Jamaica and has had articles published and edited for magazines and e-zines throughout the Caribbean region and beyond. She is currently doing her Masters in Communications for Social & Behavior Change at the University of the West Indies. The program melds her passion for writing and doing other creative work with her quest to be involved in social development, particularly within the Caribbean region. Besides writing, Kinisha is working on a Jamaican tourism website that will have an artsy twist and an unconventional look at a Jamaica’s tourism product.

To Advertise in Ocean Style Magazine Please contact us at: (E-MAIL)

douglas@oceanstylemagazine.com or (TEL)

305.921.9052

DESTINATIONS Tobago House of Assembly - Tobago, 868.639.4636, contact@visittobago.gov.tt, visittobago.gov.tt Tourism Development Company – T&T, 868.675.7034, tourism-inf@tdc.co.tt, visitTNT.com

AIR, HOTELS & SPAS Air Jamaica, 1.800.LOVEBIRD, airjamaica.com Cascadia Hotel, 868.623.3511, marketing@cascadiahotel.com cascadiahotel.com Night Hotel, 212.835.9600, nighthotelny.com Sandals Resorts, 1.800.SANDALS, sandals.com Jamaica Pegasus, 876.226.3690, jamaicapegasus.com Tradewinds Hotel, 868.652.WIND, tradewindshotel.com Half Moon, 876.953.2615, halfmoon.com

BANKING, FINANCE & INSURANCE CLICO, 868.625.4444, clico.com First Citizens Bank, 868.62.FIRST, simplyfirst.net Unit Trust Corporation (UTC) , 868.625.UNIT, ttutc.com

AUTOMOTIVE & RENTAL CARS Jaguar (Classic Motors), 868-625-7775, classicmotors@tstt.net.tt

MEDIA CNMG Tempo – an MTV Network, gottempo.com CIN TV, 876.978.8383, cin@mail.infochan.com, cintvjamaica.com

OTHER PRODUCTS & SERVICES Motorola, motorola.com VISA, visa.com Supreme Ventures Limited, 876.754.6526, communications@svlotteries.com supremeventures.com San Marco, 407.597.1544, info@sanmarcoresort.comsanmarcoresort.com Millennium Lakes Golf & Country Club, hcltt.com Westshore Medical, 868.622.9878, westshoremarketing@tstt.net.tt Jamaican Cancer Society, 876.927.4265, mail@jamaicacancersociety.org, jamaicacancersociety.org Trinidad and Tobago Cancer Society, 868.800.TTCS Sounds of Shoes & Sandals, 868.622.9095

e-mail us at ads@oceanstylemagazine.com

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SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

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ON SPOT

Josef Forstmayr with Katrin Schafelner Casserly Mr. and Mrs. Gerald Pasternak

US Ambassador Brenda La Grange Johnson, her daugther Heather Sargent and Shanaz Klotz

His Excellencies, Professor Kenneth Hall, Governor General of Jamaica and Mrs. Kenneth Hall with Round Hill guest Vanessa Noel with a RH guest

Sugar Cane Ball Q KINGSTON, JAMAICA R Sugar Cane Ball at Round Hill Hotels and Villas

Sunday, March 11, 2007

Kumar Samtani with Mr. Radford and Shanaz Klotz

photography by Gayle Alleyne

Round Hill bartenders

Mr. and Mrs. Robert and Noa Jensch Oleft and rightP with Josef Forstmayr OcenterP

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Dr. Wayne Reid and JamaicaLs Minister of National Security, the Hon. Dr. Peter Phillips.

OCEAN STYLE

ON SPOT Chris Dehring and Jennifer Nero

Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Most Hon. Portia Simpson-Miller and her husband, the Most Hon. Errald Miller, with Kerlyn Brown.

Dr. Claude Denbow, Ken Hewitt and Dr. Jean Holder

Cricketing icon, the Right Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers

ICC Cricket World Cup

Nigel Rushman and Campbell Jamieson

Q KINGSTON, JAMAICA R

Ken Boyea, Ian Frykberg and Malcolm Speed

PresidentLs Suite at the Opening Ceremony of ICC Cricket World Cup 2007 at Trelawny Multi-Purpose Stadium

Sunday, March 11, 2007 photography by Gayle Alleyne

Kenneth Gordon and Chris Dehring

Val Banks and Gregory Shillingford

David Richardson and Deryck Murray

Chris Dehring, Enoch Lewis and The Hon. Winston Baldwin Spencer

Malcolm Speed and Jonathan Ticehurst

BARE GLAM Dagmara

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he female form doesn't need much to shine. Go glam by draping yourself in light colors and soft fabrics, and achieve that eye catching sexiness that's so often overdone.

LEAD PAGE still life THIS PAGE halter dress with sequined detail by Jean Paul Gautier, cape Agnes B.

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OCEAN STYLE eggplant silk dress with belting

by Philosophy de Alberta Ferretti

long taupe goddess dress by Philosophy de Alberta Ferretti

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OCEAN STYLE OPPOSITE PAGE top by Jean Paul Gautier, pants by Mara Hoffman THIS PAGE taupe goddess dress and eggplant silk dress with belting

by Philosophy di Alberta Ferretti

Photography by Dagmara Styling by Carlton Jones Make-up by Sonja

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REVITALIZE SUN-SAPPED HAIR

I beAuTY I

OCEAN STYLE

NEW Terracotta Bronzing Gel SPF8 A new version of an oldie but goodie, now in a gel. Protect your skin from the sun and create a simple, fresh glow. guerlain.com, $41

Benefi fitt Glamazon The rose gold glow of the best suntans has been harnessed! This magic-in-a-bottle liquid bronzer absolutely dazzles on light-tomedium complexions. benefitcosmetics.com, $26

Sacha Philip

A

healthy head of hair is truly a woman’s crown of glory. But like an empire, gorgeous hair cannot be built in a day – especially with the sun’s megawatts beaming down on you day after day. It takes months to repair damage and a lifelong commitment to a hair care regimen to maintain lustrous locks. Your allies in the quest for repeated “good hair days?” … the best products.

Ocean Style and Simone Johnson of Hairstyling by Joseph in New York City help you find your way to the best of the best.

Kérastase Nutritive Oléo-Relax Kérastase may be pricy, but this line of conditioners works wonders on brittle, damaged hair. Even if your locks aren’t in need of 911 rescue, the occasional Kérastase conditioning treatment will fortify your strands, to keep them healthy. kerastase.com, $35

Terax Hydrate Botanica Terax Hydrate is a clean smelling leavein treatment that strengthens wet strands. Hydrate works wonders not only when you’re freshly out of the shower, but seaside or pool side as well. Rub a dollop through your hair to counteract the drying effects of saltwater and chlorine, until you can get home to shampoo your hair. Favor a sleek look? Mix it with your favorite styling product before slicking it back, for a hairstyle that works overtime – looking smart, while repairing your hair. teraxhaircare.com, $20

Ojon Ultra Hydrating Shampoo + Ultra Hydrating Conditioner Thanks to “The People of Beautiful Hair,” you don’t have to travel far to reap the benefits of Central America’s hair miracle – the Ojon tree of the Tawira Indians. Difficult hair is no match for this dynamic hydrating duo. When hair feels soft and begins to detangle before you use conditioner, you know you’re onto something good! ojonhaircare.com, $18 - $22

Paul Mitchell Tea Tree Special Shampoo Has the sun sapped you dry?

Tea tree gets right to the root of the cause to rid your locks of embarrassing flakes caused by dry scalp. paulmitchell.com, $25

Lancome Star Bronzer – Magic Bronzing Brush - Automatic Powder Brush for Face and Body Shimmer and shine in two seconds flat!

What could be more convenient for the woman on the go than a two-in-one bronzing powder and brush? It’s quick and works like a charm for those touchups out on the town. lancome-usa.com, $32

Nars Body Glow Add a molten glow to fairer skin tones and a golden twinkle to deeper complexions. Use sparingly to highlight clavicles and décolletage or apply from neck to toe for a full-body 24karat glow. narscosmetics.com, $59

SUN GODDESS

Red Earth Face-Bronzing Potion Stay moisturized all day or all night with this delicate foundation. Works magic on décolletage in that sexy revealing summer dress. redearth.com, $26

Give Yourself a Sun Kiss!

Nars Velvet Matte Lip Pencil in Café Con Leche Bring out the child in you!

Create a matte look with this crayon look-a-like lipstick. Your lips will stay moist and have a newly applied appearance all day long. narscosmetics.com, $23

Isabelle Tin-Aung + Sacha Phillip

PhytoSpecifi ficc Phytoplage After-Sun Repair Mask Beach girls have no fear! PhytoSpecific brings you a blend of rush nut oil, shea butter, keratin and vitamin B5, all jam-packed into one divine conditioning mask that wages a fierce battle against sun damage. phytospecific.com, $22

Paul Mitchell The Conditioner Speaking of favorite styling products … Get ahead and tame that mane with The Conditioner.

Paul Mitchell’s hydrating but lightweight leave-in conditioner smoothes and controls your hair, without leaving behind any not so nice residue or stickiness.

Hair stays soft but defined … who would’ve thought? paulmitchell.com, $9

T Stila Convertible Color in Fuchsia This little goodie may appear neon-bold in its packaging, but when applied sparingly to cheekbones, the result is a subtle flush that seems to come from within.

Don’t be surprised if strangers stop you to ask if you’re in love! stilacosmetics.com, $20

Ole Henriksen On The Go Cleanser Indulge and quench thirsty skin with Ole’s popular cleanser remedy.

Apply before or after stepping out to give that sun-drenched face more radiance. olehenriksen.com, $30

he sun offers us a number of health benefits, providing us with a natural source of the ever-important vitamin D and even improving our mood. It’s no wonder then that sun-kissed skin often radiates a healthy glow. But we all know that too much sun can damage our skin’s quality and appearance. Fortunately, these products give us the best of both worlds – a glowing appearance without the risk.

So go ahead – give yourself a sun kiss and let your inner goddess come out to play!

Jo Malone Bath Oil For fragrant, silky skin that glimmers subtly, try using this bath oil instead of lotion when you get out of the shower. Whether you favor fruity, floral, musky or green, Ms. Malone’s offerings provide a scent for every taste and a sheen that just won’t quit. jomalone.com, $60

Kiehl’s Vital Sun Protection La creme de la creme! Not only does it provide fierce sun protection, it’s gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin. Better yet, because it lacks titanium dioxide, there’s no pesky white film left on the skin. kiehls.com, $18.50

Bliss Super Slough Scrub Slough it up and off! This exfoliator from one of New York’s top spas really does a body good. By getting rid of dry, dead skin, your natural radiance will be revealed. And as an added bonus, your skin will be four-ply cashmere-soft to the touch. blissworld.com, $32

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HIDDEN KILLERS

The Risk and Prevention of Gynecological Cancers Alicia Johnson

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ypically, it's a small lump that raises a breast cancer red flag or an unusual spot on the body that brings about thoughts of skin cancer. But what happens when the problem is below the belt, or worse yet, inside the body?

Millions of women around the world are affected by cervical, uterine and ovarian cancers. According to the World Health Organization, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in women worldwide, with about 500,000 new cases and 250,000 deaths each year. Almost 80 percent of cases occur in low-income countries, where cervical cancer is the most common cancer among women. For the Caribbean, CANCERMondial, an international organization that compiles upto-date estimates of cancer incidence, reports 6,369 cases of cervical cancer (resulting in 3,113 deaths) and 838 cases of ovarian cancer (496 deaths) in 2002 alone.

But ladies all hope is not lost. Although gynecological cancers can in general be complex and difficult to treat, cancer prevention and early detection is possible through regular visits, usually once a year, to your gynecologist.

Cervi cal Canc er. A major tool for detecting precancerous changes in the cervix is a relatively simple procedure done by gynecologists – the Pap test – in which small cell samples are taken from the cervix and tested for various conditions. If found early enough through a Pap test, precancerous conditions can be prevented from developing into cancer. In addition, a major breakthrough in the prevention of cervical cancer is now available. In 2006, the first vaccine against the two types of the human papillomavirus (HPV) that cause 70 percent of cervical cancers was approved by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). The vaccine (Gardasil®) consists of three shots given over a six-month period and can be offered to girls as young as nine, though ACIP recommends it for females between the ages of 11-26. Because each shot costs US $120, some insurers may not cover the total cost of treatment ($360). As a consequence, poorer women, who are usually uninsured, often cannot afford the relatively high cost of Gardasil®.

Ovarian Cancer. No miracle shot exists when it comes to ovarian cancer, but there are ways to reduce your risks: Birth control pills: According to the American Cancer Society, the regular use of birth control pills over several years can reduce the risk of ovarian cancer.

Diet: Women with diets high in vegetables have lower rates of ovarian cancer.

Pregnancy and breast feeding: According to a few studies, women with more than one child and breast feed for a year or longer decrease their chances of ovarian cancer. Again, having tons of children is no way to prevent ovarian cancer.

Uterine Cancer. Doctors have not identified a cause of uterine cancer or any specific means of early detection when there are no symptoms present (although the Pap test may detect some early uterine sarcomas). However, studies have identified several risk factors of uterine cancer, and although they do not result in uterine cancer in most women, the National Cancer Institute recommends that women with these risk factors check with their doctors about the symptoms of cervical cancer and how often they should visit the doctor.

The risk factors associated with uterine cancer include age (uterine cancer most often affects women over 50); a history of hormone replacement therapy, endometrial hyperplasia or colorectal cancer; obesity; diabetes; high blood pressure; race (white women have a higher risk of uterine cancer than women of African origin); and use of the drug tamoxifen (used to prevent or treat breast cancer).

In the war against cancer, prevention is your strongest weapon. Education, visiting a doctor (including a gynecologist) regularly, eating healthily and working up a sweat can work wonders in a woman's personal fight against gynecological cancers. www.oceanstylemagazine.com

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WHEN NEW MOTHERS HURT Beyond the Baby Blues Nikisha Jackson

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o the wait is over. You have just given birth to a wonderful, beautiful baby and it seems like everything is falling into place - right? - except for the irritability, sleeplessness, and continuous crying. And, no, we are not talking about the baby. For some reason, what is supposed to be the most joyous time in your life just isn’t sinking in. Many days you feel like you’re treading water, just trying to keep your head above the waves. If this sounds familiar, you could be experiencing the baby blues or its more serious counterpart, Postpartum Depression (otherwise known as Postnatal Depression). And you wouldn’t be alone. Together, the baby blues and postpartum depression consume millions of women around the world every year.

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The baby blues are extremely common, affecting 4580 percent of new mothers. Its symptoms, which include tearfulness, irritability, sleeplessness, impairment of concentration, isolation and headaches, are usually shortlived, lasting anywhere from a few hours to a couple weeks. Postpartum depression, on the other hand, is much less prevalent than the baby blues but far more serious. The duration can last much longer and the harmful effects upon new mothers, their newborns and the rest of their family can be far more serious.

Postpartum depression shares the same diagnostic criteria as the various forms of major depression. However, unlike major depression, which has been diagnosed by doctors and mental health professionals for centuries, postpartum depression has only been widely publicized within the past 50 years or so. The illness largely remains shrouded in mystery and shame, which leaves thousands of women undiagnosed and left to fend for themselves.

When you also consider that depression in the Caribbean is often a “dirty little secret” known by many but discussed by few, the situation for women in the region can only be worse. If the statistics are to be believed, these conditions afflict many thousands in the Caribbean, and a lack of awareness and understanding only exacerbates the problem.

There are two facts that should be stated about Postpartum (which occurs during pregnancy), or a family history of depression Depression. First, medical science has established that it is a very or bipolar disorder. There are also certain socioeconomic risk factors, which include being low income and having a poor support real and legitimate affliction, which can cause acute physical and psychological pain, and in some cases, even lead to death. Second, system at home.

So Wha t Treat me nt is the re for Pos tpa rtu m D epr ess ion? it affects not only women, but also – to a lesser degree – men. Since Typically, a combination of talk therapy (involving talking to a the majority of its victims are women, we focus on how the conditherapist, psychologist, or psychiatrist) and medication can help to tion manifests in the mother and what can be done to help her.

P ost part um Oc cu rre nce reduce symptoms. Ideally, the treatment plan for postpartum deIt is estimated that postpartum mood disorders (including de- pression should include medical evaluation (to rule out physiologpression) affect 10-15 percent of new mothers and can begin at any ical problems such as thyroid problems), psychiatric evaluation, time after delivery, from the first few hours to up to a year after. psychotherapy, possible medication, support groups, healthy diet The symptoms include sadness, mood swings, lack of energy, loss and healthy sleep patterns. For some, alternative therapies, such as of interest, change in appetite, fatigue, guilt, self-loathing, suicidal meditation and yoga, may also be beneficial. thoughts and poor concentration and memory. Though some of Depression can be difficult to understand or accept, but all these symptoms are similar to those experienced with the baby mothers experiencing postpartum depression should be encourblues, it should be noted that postpartum symptoms are not a nat- aged to get help, as the quicker the mother is treated, the better the ural progression from the baby blues. prognosis for the entire family. Although almost all mothers sufYou may also think that these symptoms will disappear or can fering from postpartum depression will never harm their children, be managed alone, but women suffering from postpartum depres- they are simply unable to give their infants the level care and atsion without professional help often find themselves worsening tention that is needed, nor are they able to take care of themselves, with time, no matter how hard they fight it. when consumed with pain, shame or guilt.

Postpartum mood disorders, though generically referred to as Many women, even if able to identify their symptoms, don’t postpartum depression, may not necessarily take the traditional tell anyone what they are going through because they feel guilty form of a depressed state. Rather, new about feeling depressed at a time mothers can demonstrate one or a comwhen they think they should be P os tpartu m Checkli st bination of up to five different postparmost joyous, or simply because If two weeks after giving birth, you or a mother you tum mood disorders, including they feel that it means that they know experiences a depressed mood, a lack of interest in postpartum depression and/or anxiety, are unfit mothers. or pleasure from usual activities, as well as several of the postpartum obsessive-compulsive disIn the Caribbean in particusymptoms below for several days straight, it may be a order, postpartum panic disorder, postlar, cases of postpartum depressign of postpartum depression and you or she should partum posttraumatic stress disorder, sion are for the most part visit a mental health professional: and postpartum psychosis. Postpartum unreported, owing to a host of psychosis is quite rare, affecting only 1 personal and socio-cultural atti- Feeling restless or irritable out of every 1000 mothers, and is at the tudes. Findings suggest that the - Feeling sad, hopeless, and overwhelmed extreme end of the postpartum mood general societal attitude towards - Crying a lot disorder spectrum, with symptoms inmental illness is a significant bar- Having no energy or motivation cluding delusions, eating or sleeping rier to Caribbean women admit- Eating too little or too much disorders, hallucinations, mania, alting the need for, or seeking, - Sleeping too little or too much tered moods, extreme confusion, paraprofessional help. Far from post- Trouble focusing, remembering, or making decisions noia and disorganized thinking. partum depression being a non- Feeling worthless and guilty Although psychosis grabs the most atissue in the Caribbean simply - Loss of interest or pleasure in activities tention and newspaper headlines, because it is not a part of the so- Withdrawal from friends and family owing to its often-tragic consequences, cietal discourse, it is perhaps - Having headaches, chest pains, heart palpitations (the each of these disorders are serious and more critical because women heart beating fast and feeling like it is skipping beats), or require proper care and treatment. who are suffering are not being hyperventilation (fast and shallow breathing) W h a t C a u s e s Po s t p a r t u m D e p r e s s i o n ? given the care that they need.

- Being afraid of hurting the baby or oneself or, conP re ve nti on While not all causes of postpartum versely, not having any interest in the baby.

The good news is that many depression are known, several key factors have been identified. First, hordoctors agree that in a lot of monal changes during and after cases, postpartum depression is preventable through screening, early detection, along with monipregnancy are thought to affect neurotransmitters (chemicals in the brain). During pregnancy, the levels of two female hormones, es- tored nutrition, exercise and diet, especially if risk factors have altrogen and progesterone, in a woman’s body increase significantly. ready been identified.

Immediately after giving birth, the levels of these hormones rapMost medical experts agree that pregnant women that have a idly drop back to the previous (non-pregnant) state. Research sug- diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids experience fewer depressive sympgests that this rapid change in hormone levels precipitates toms during and after preganacy. It is recommended that pregnant depression, just as smaller changes in hormones can affect a women ingest at least 1,000 mg (1 gram) of omega-3 oils every day, woman’s pre-menstrual mood. which can be obtained through walnut or flaxseed oil or through In addition to these hormonal changes, there are many extercooked salmon. Pregnant woman choosing to eat fish as a way obnal stressors and stark changes after birth that can negatively im- tain the necessary amount of omega-3’s should limit their intake to pact a new mother’s mental state. These circumstances can include 12 oz a week due to the high levels of mercury levels that are found post-delivery exhaustion; broken sleep patterns; feeling overin fish. whelmed with a new, or another, baby to care for; doubting one’s Protein has also been found to be beneficial in the prevention ability to be a good mother; experiencing stress from changes in of postpartum depression. When the body breaks down protein it work and home routines; feeling the need to be “super mom;” ex- allows the brain to produce the neurotransmitter serotonin, which periencing feelings of loss — loss of identity, control, your prehelps to relieve anxiety. pregnancy figure, your attractiveness; having less free time and Hopefully, with continued medical research and media expoless control over your time; and an actual or perceived lack of sup- sure to this affliction, society as a whole will gain a better underport from one’s partner. standing of the unique pressures faced by new mothers, and the Further, there are certain factors unique to the individual mothers themselves will be able to view postpartum depression in mother that may predispose her to postpartum depression. These the same way they view a broken arm or leg – as an ailment for include psychological factors, such as a low self-esteem, a personal which it is okay to seek help, nothing more, nothing less. It is only history of depression, bipolar disorder or prenatal depression then that healing can take place. www.oceanstylemagazine.com

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TAURUS April 20-May 20 The first two weeks of June will bring your professional and personal life into conflict with each other as both now require much more of your time. Though your Taurean inclinations initially keep you from addressing the situation, it will all come to a head in early August and you may have to make a choice of one over the other. Be careful not to make any rash decisions, as what may seem an obvious choice at first may not be the best decision upon closer examination.

GEMINI

ARIES March 21-April 19

After all the romantic and professional ups and downs of last year, 2007 has you yearning for nothing more than a good time. Just fun fun fun! And what better way to kick it off than by revisiting your passions of youth? Just think back to all of the things you enjoyed as a child, or even in your carefree days fresh out of high school and relive them all one by one. Discover your inner child and learn for once to live in the moment.

By mid year you will find yourself feeling recharged and full of life again.

May 21-June 21 For you, 2007 is the year to tame your inner wild child Gemini and enter a new phase of life, one that will bring you much happiness, and finally peace. The coming months will find you making unimaginably mature (for you!) commitments, from getting married or engaged, to buying real estate. To compensate for the calming of one twin, you will need to find activities for the other. Look for creative outlets, physical activities and travel to restore balance. If not, look for a rebellious uprising the likes of which have never before been seen.

CANCER June 22-July 22 This year is a time of big new steps for you on the personal front, and a trip in July will be the impetus for everything to come. Although not impulsive by nature, single Cancers will find themselves rushing to the altar soon after this trip, as Cupid’s arrow finds its true mark.

Though married Cancers, on the other hand, will find their love renewed and may even be excited to add to their family brood.

LEO July 23-August 22 The year so far has been very hectic for you Leo, what with significant changes to both the professional and personal aspects of your life. And the next few months are not going to be much better, as the whirlwind that is now your life goes straight into overdrive. But it’s

all good, as the rewards you reap will multiply in the coming months. Better think of ways to invest that cash! In the meantime, lots of exercise should help you regain some much needed balance in your life – a little yoga won’t hurt either!

VIRGO August 23-September 22 Your secret wish to explore the world may be answered in part this year by a very lucrative offer to work in a distant land. Ignore those nagging doubts that are your trademark and just go for it!

You literally have nothing to lose, and this really may be the opportunity that you have been waiting for. Look for exciting developments financially and romantically immediately after making the leap.

LIBRA September 23-October 22 What can I say Libra? Things just keep looking more skyward for you. Now that it seems you have your personal life stabilized and under wraps, you can really focus your efforts on your professional and intellectual growth. And by the looks of things, both seem set to reach epic proportions. With everything lining up for you professionally, look for increased responsibility and recognition in the coming weeks and concrete competing offers toward the middle of the year. Intellectually, this is also a great year for you, as you creative talents soar and your inner perfectionist is actually happy with the results. Incidentally, this is a great time for you to receive highly positive feedback, you deserve, on your creative projects from the right sources.

So get on it!

SAGITTARIUS November 22-December 21 Even though your year started off with a bang, this past month has seen a decided shift in gears for you Sagittarius. Some people may call it running out of steam; we see it as a shift in perspective, don’t we? And your new perspective is all about narrowing the field to that one special person.

Be on the lookout - the coming weeks will see that special person standing out from your many other admirers. From then on, it’s all in your capable hands, and you should dictate both the timing and direction of this budding romance.

BRING BEACH YOGA INSIDE A true yoga expert shares the benefits of the exercise and gives tips on bringing the ever so beneficial sea setting inside one1s home.

Sharon McConnell

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here’s no coincidence that the Caribbean is now the hottest destination for yoga retreats.

Nothing can compare to practicing yoga in a natural setting, breathing in fresh air, allowing sunshine to warm your muscles, letting the soothing Caribbean breeze be your background music and the salty scent of the sea, your aromatherapy. The body responds to this organic environment and is able to open up more easily, to move more deeply and to let go more completely when practicing. After a while, the rhythmic action of Prana (life-energy) flowing in and out of your body seems to match the ebb and flow of the tides. It’s no wonder then that there is a growing amount of fabulous retreat centers in the Caribbean.

With a little creativity, you can make your home a retreat and bring the warm sun and sea inside. Before we explain how, let’s talk about what yoga is and how it can benefit your life.

CAPRICORN December 22-January 19 An unexpected windfall is set to come your way in July or August in the form of either an inheritance or competition winnings of some sort. Count your blessings, and your cash, as this will allow you to fulfil that daydream at the back of your head, whether it be sailing the world or taking time off to study a foreign language in another country.

AQUARIUS January 20-February 18 Your Aquarian sex appeal is at its strongest EVER in the first half of 2007, and you find yourself turning heads and dropping jaws wherever you go. Take advantage of this wonderful new adventure and enjoy it for all its worth – only be careful to not mistake lust for love and get yourself in over your head. If you are already in a relationship, this goes double for you as all this attention from the opposite sex might just lead to troubling temptation.

SCORPIO

PISCES

October 23-November 21 Your big heart and passion to help others will be brought to the forefront this year, particularly in June as you get involved in charity work that will change your life. Never one to shy away from taking charge, or the spotlight!, you will find your natural fit here as you strive to make your mark on the world. And with your charisma and leadership skills, it will soon become clear that a star is born.

February 19-March 20 This is your year of luck Pisces, as it seems everything you touch seems to go your way. From professional decisions, all the way to love matches, lady luck is smiling on you. Use this opportunity to take risks you would not normally take – they are sure to payoff. Be on the lookout in the latter part of June for interesting business opportunities that may come your way. One of them is your doorway to fame and fortune.

What is Yoga?

Yoga is an ancient art and science open to men, women and children, regardless of age, race or creed, and designed to bring a total state of well-being, and improved health, to the mind, body and spirit.

This is accomplished through practicing movements and sustained postures (asanas), breathing exercises (Pranayama) and mental focus (meditation). The word “yoga,” once translated, means “union” or “joining.” Practicing yoga is meant to bring about a union of mind, body and spirit – to allow one to delve within oneself and, with determination and persistence, embark upon a life-long journey to self-realization and self-discovery.

Many students new to yoga often think of yoga and meditation as two separate practices. However, the purpose of hatha yoga (the physical practice) is to prepare the body and mind for meditation. In fact, some yogis will tell you that yoga asana sequences are the same as meditation in motion. Yoga and meditation work together to co-create unity within the practitioner.

The Benefi fitts of Yoga There are a myriad of benefits associated with a persistent yoga practice. Yoga boosts and balances the immune, endocrine and nervous systems, develops strength and flexibility, releases physical tension, helps in alleviating symptoms associated with obesity, high blood pressure, heart disease, asthma, diabetes and migraines.

When practiced regularly, yoga can provide tools needed to cope with the stressors of modern day life, as well as an ability to unlock one’s potential for leading a full and fruitful life. Embarking upon the journey is meant, in part, to lead to greater control over one’s mind

and more positive thoughts, allowing a life filled with more peace, greater health and the ability to give and receive love freely.

How to Bring the Sun + Sea Inside We know that natural settings can enhance one’s yoga practice, but for those without the time to get back to nature on a regular basis, how can you recreate the magical setting of the warm sun and calming sea for your yoga and mediation practice at home?

First of all, think warm. There is nothing like practicing with warm muscles, so for those in the dead of winter, buy yourself a space heater or snuggle up close to that vent! Second, think bright. Get plenty of natural light into the room, or if you are practicing at night or in the early morning, light some delicious aromatherapy candles that remind you of the sea. Third, use gentle music. There are several places on the internet where you can buy audio CDs with soundtracks of waves crashing upon the shore. Finally, put your mind at ease. It does not matter where you practice; yoga is how you live your life.

Breathe, relax, let go and allow the body and your breath to move you to a place deep within. Do it as often as you can.

Yoga is a multifaceted, challenging and ever-unfolding personal journey that can bring transformation into every area of one’s life – not just on retreat, but everyday. So take a moment from your world to create a getaway in your home – a refuge from the judgments, comparisons and criticisms of the world, to a kinder, quieter place where you can learn to see and feel your own inner landscape.

Sharon McConnell is the founder and owner of the Shakti Mind Body Fitness Center in Kingston, Jamaica. A certified yoga teacher for over 15 years, Sharon has worked tirelessly to spread the message of yoga to the Caribbean. Check out shaktimindbodyfitness.com.

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On The Track With Barbados1 First Female Race Car Driver

Alicia Johnson

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atasha Farnum has been around racing cars all her life, since the day her parents brought her home from the hospital strapped tight in the backseat. But as she waited for the green light to start her first-ever official race, the Bajan speedster was nervous. Weeks of hype from local newspapers about Farnum's historic run at Bushy Park in Barbados had her foot tapping lightly but uncontrollably on the gas pedal seconds before the race.

“Once the green light went, that was it,” says Farnum, who started racing in 2002 at the age if 19. “I was hooked for the rest of my life. I never looked back. When that adrenaline hits, it's the most amazing feeling in the world.”

It's been five years since Farnum became the first female driver in Barbados, but it has taken even less time for her to gain the respect of her counterparts. In just her second race of her career, the 24-year-old Christ Church native placed first. It came during a nightcap event where cars from every category battle for the top spot. Typically, firstplace goes to the bigger, faster cars, but on that night, Farnum and her Mini Cooper beat them all.

“That was huge … car racing is generally considered a man's sport (and) when I first started guys were like ‘Oh she is a girl, I won't rough her up too much.’ They figured (I) couldn't really drive, but after the first race (and the second) they saw I could handle myself and that I wasn't intimidated, they realized that I was serious and that I can actually compete … It feels good to know that they accept me as a driver. Now I'm considered one of the boys.”

Though Farnum admits that her presence may have put a few extra people in the stands (especially some inspired young girls), car racing is a huge draw in Barbados.

In fact, it is one of the biggest spectator sports in the island.

According to Farnum, 5,000 to 7,000 people attend the Barbados Auto Racing League (BARL) events every season, where drivers compete in suped-up cars and the bigger cars can reach approximately 125 miles per hour around the curvy course. BARL, which averages around six races a year, hopes to tap into an even larger crowd when the country shares hosting duties for the 2007 Cricket World Cup in April. The league pushed back its usual February season start to April to draw larger crowds to the racing circuit.

As for the Rally Barbados League, home of off-the-track international rally car events, Farnum says 12,000 to 18,000 people attend per season, and although you won't find her behind the wheel of a rally car event, she is usually in the passenger seat navigating the course for a fellow driver.

Despite their widespread appeal, Farnum and the rest of the drivers don't receive monetary rewards for winning races. At the end of the season a trophy is given to the top racer. Farnum says she and the drivers race because they love it. “You have to be in the car to understand the thrill,” Farnum says. “I can't explain it.

Going around and hitting those speeds, the adrenaline rush is out of this world.” Farnum says the fastest she's gone is 100 miles per hour in a race.

To offset the high costs of racing cars, Farnum, like most

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Once the green light went, that was it. I was hooked for the rest of my life. When that adrenaline hits, it1s the most amazing feeling in the world.

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drivers depend on sponsors – companies that provide money to a racer for advertising space on the car (think a really fast commercial).

For the upcoming season, Farnum has two sponsors, Structural Systems and Lord Willoughby's Tavern. In fact, her Austin Mini will be painted in yellow, maroon and black, Lord Willoughby's Tavern colors.

Switching paint won't be the only change coming Farnum’s direction for the upcoming season. She and her team intend to go up a group from 1b, one of the lower categories in BARL, to the 2a or 2b category. No matter where she ends up this season, one thing is for certain, Farnum will be speeding. “Every race day when I get to drive is a great day … The thrill of getting behind the wheel is the best feeling in the world. I've nearly rolled my car, someone drove up on my car and their wheel was on my window, I've gone airborne, I've landed on top of barrels. I've had some harrowing experiences, but it's never stopped me. I just keep going.”

CRICKET, LOVELY CRICKET World Cup Cricket Takes the Caribbean by Storm But How Will the Region Weather It?

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fter the final six is signaled, the last no ball called and the penultimate lbw decision … what will be left? When all the cameras have packed up and gone; when the cricket stars return to their respective corners of the globe; the question remains what next?

That question is beyond interesting.

In fact, it forms the basis on which Caribbean governments ponied up taxpayer money to fulfill the dream of hosting the 2007 International Cricket Council (ICC) Cricket World Cup in the Caribbean.

So after all the planning and the investment what will be the legacy of Cricket World Cup in the Caribbean?

For additional information about car racing in Barbados visit: www.barl.com.bb

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The people of the Caribbean possess an enthusiasm, a passion, a joie de vivre that is truly unique. Just an hour listening to a local radio call-in program will illustrate this quality. When it comes to cricket and all things cricket related, that spirit is magnified 10-fold. More passion, more vigor and no shortage of opinions – from how to pick the team, to who should be the physio – these opinions are proffered generously.

Fittingly then, the question of the Caribbean hosting the 2007 ICC Cricket World Cup (CWC) sparked inspired debate from all segments of society. Never having hosted an event of this magnitude and scope, there would be tremendous logistical challenges to overcome. After all, with a viewing audience for the final estimated in excess of 2 billion, the CWC is the third largest sporting event in the world, after only the IOC Olympics and FIFA World Cup. The challenge of hosting any global sporting event of this magnitude is immense by any measure. For the 2007 CWC, that challenge involved hosting 16 teams playing cricket over 47 days in nine islands.

As Don Lockerbie, ICC event development director, noted, “instead of one country with nine cities, we are one region with nine host countries. Instead of dealing with one prime minister, we have nine; instead of one attorney general, we have nine.”

In addition to the logistics, there is, of course, the ultimate consideration of whether the event would be an effective use of limited regional financial resources. It is an indisputable fact that tourism is the biggest economic driver in the region, from providing foreign currency and jobs to the multiplier impact tourism has upon other industries in the economy. It is also an indisputable fact that the region as a whole ranges from developing to “less developed.” Therefore, the use of limited resources has many vested interests. From education to health care to crime prevention, there is no shortage of demands on the resources of the individual nations that comprise the region. Thus, the massive investment necessary to host an event like CWC invariably comes under intense scrutiny.

In light of these considerations, we turn our attention away from the action on the field (and the unprecedented drama off the field) to the question of the CWC’s long-term impact upon the Caribbean region.

Naysayers may feel legitimate in pointing out the many social ills that afflict the region and the need for resources to address those issues. They would not be incorrect. Stephen Vascianne, a law professor at the University of the West Indies (UWI), uses the economic theory of the “production possibility frontier” to explain that “if you spend a lot of money on cricket, then you will have to spend less on, say, education. Given that there are limits to your economy, then expenditure in one area represents an opportunity cost with respect to other areas.”

The expenditure on the CWC by regional governments is estimated at 400 million US dollars. For a region on the low end of the global per capita earning spectrum, that number is substantial.

As with any investment, however, the amount of capital invested must be considered in light of the return. The majority of the funds expended by regional governments to prepare for the CWC have been towards improving the islands’ infrastructure – constructing or refurbishing stadiums and improving roads, hospitals, airports etc. Thus, the CWC expenditures must be considered relative to the costs saved over years to come.

But rather than merely looking at replacing tomorrow’s costs today, we suspect the real questions are: What are the longer term benefits to the region? And how will those benefits justify the decision to invest in the CWC? From the outset, the CWC recognized the importance of building a legacy return into the event. Towards that end, the organization has dedicated a number of initiatives focused on this objective, not the least of which was the appointment of a high-powered committee led by entrepreneur Ken Boyea, from St. Vincent and the Grenadines, with a specific mandate to develop a plan for the use of the infrastructure developed, with special focus on the stadiums.

That report will be submitted to each regional government, along with a set of recommendations that, if followed, will see each of the stadiums become self-financing. “The implications were carefully considered all the way down the line, and these will be revenue-generating. We have no white elephants. The stadiums will be temples to entertainment, used for concerts, trade shows, massive social events,

festivals, and the like,” says Lockerbie.

There are numerous other ways in which the CWC is thought to benefit the region and its economy in particular. First, there’s the positive impact caused by the increase in available jobs. The construction worker engaged for a CWC-related initiative is able to inject her earnings back into the economy by spending money on food, education for her children, housing and transportation. There is also the increased private sector investment in constructing and renovating hotels, restaurants, bars, and other tourism-related business entities.

Moreover, there is the viable prospect of increasing tourism in the long-term due to the islands’ unprecedented exposure to the global travel market. “Some investments cannot be measured only in dollars. Tourism is the biggest common economic activity in the Caribbean. Our benefits from favorable exposure to more than 2 billion people cannot be quantified,” says Ken Gordon, President of West Indies Cricket and Chairman of the CWC 2007. Regional governments are also demonstrating a new enthusiasm for sports-tourism. It is believed that CWC, the experience gained by so many individuals involved in planning the event, and the improved infrastructure throughout the islands make the development of sustainable sportstourism a distinct possibility.

One of the most direct benefits from CWC will come in the form of much needed financial support for West Indies cricket.

According to Chris Dehring, CWC CEO, “ … the longer-term outcome would be an investment made into cricket. The revenues from the tournament will be directed into the growth and development of

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There has been a real sense of collective focus across the region and I think that the longest-lasting legacy for us all will be the knowledge that together we can achieve great things.

Chris Dehring

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CWC Chief Executive Officer

regional cricket. The aim is to bring a new generation of outstanding cricketers through the ranks so that in years to come the West Indies team dominates on the world stage as we did 30 years ago. … The Cricket World Cup has the potential to safeguard the financial future of West Indies cricket. The top teams in world cricket have the benefit of a wide range of facilities, some with advanced biomechanical and other technology, to keep them ahead of their rivals. The financial gains from this Event will provide our cricketing infrastructure with the funds to have facilities, hopefully some with similar technology, readily available.”

The Caribbean will get the opportunity to put its lessons of this CWC into practice almost immediately. In 2010, the region will host the ICC Champions Trophy. The close scheduling of these two events means that the region will have a new and functional infrastructure in place, as well as an experienced and knowledgeable workforce to administer the event. Indeed, according to Dehring, “We (the Caribbean)

now have in the region an entire cadre of staff who are fully versed in cherished dream of the Caribbean functioning as one entity.”

As Ocean Style goes to press, the CWC continues apace. the intricacies of planning and delivering an international games event The opening night was a triumph for regional unity and the spirit to world-class standards. That puts us in an exceptional position of knowledge for the future. Already we are reaping the rewards as the of collaboration – bringing together thousands of performers in a grand spectacle, which was passionately received by an even larger West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) has won the right to host another audience; certainly a victory for choreographers, costume designers, major cricket tournament in three years: the ICC Champions Trophy.” musicians, singers, schoolchildren, veteran artists, light and sounds What’s more, with so many new and updated facilities already engineers, logistic directors and so many others. Moreover, with two in place due to the CWC, any additional investment required for the of the favorite teams (India and Pakistan) being surprisingly ousted in ICC Champions Trophy will likely be offset by the additional benefits, the first round, the global attention to the region has been unprecefinancial and otherwise, to be generated by that event.

As the Caribbean looks to the future to assess benefits from dented.

The tragic murder of the Pakistan coach, Bob Wolmer, has CWC, it cannot ignore some of the victories that have been achieved brought the event under more international scrutiny, quite possibly along the way. Indeed, as Gordon sees it, some gains have already more than any other sporting event been attained, including “The powerful Islands of the CWC 2007 since the 1976 Munich Olympics. Meannew facilities for cricket. The unprecewhile the fortunes of the West Indies dented collaboration of Caribbean governAntigua Barbados Grenada Guyana Jamaica team after three straight defeats, proments. The pride which is being generated St. Kitts & Nevis St. Lucia gressing to the semi-finals hang in the in the event.”

St. Vincent and the Grenadines Trinidad and Tobago balance, now based on mathematical For Dehring, “The exciting part has scenarios. been constantly defying the odds, breakDespite the Caribbean’s impressive ing down barriers and achieving things execution of the CWC to date, the vast which some people never believed possimonetary investment in the event and ble; first and foremost being able to bring nine sovereign countries together in a single venture, and not only the increased international focus on the region, the long-term benefits doing it, but exceeding the standards set before us. Take Sunset Leg- of hosting the 2007 CWC will be the true barometer of its value and islation, for example. – that is a significant achievement: the estab- will only be revealed in time.

Nonetheless, Dehring reminds us all of one of the most important lishment of a set of standardized laws in nine self-governing territories. Also, the creation of a Single Domestic Space among ten victories of CWC 2007: “There has been a real sense of collective focus countries – Dominica plus the nine Host Venues – for three-and-a- across the region and I think that the longest-lasting legacy for us all half months surrounding the Event is a huge step towards that long- will be the knowledge that together we can achieve great things.” www.oceanstylemagazine.com

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DAVID’S LYRIC Soca Star David Rudder sits with Ocean Style Publisher Douglas Gordon Douglas Gordon

avid Rudder is undeniably a Caribbean music legend.

For decades, his socially-conscious and rhythmicallyinfectious tunes have resonated across the Caribbean, seeping into the hearts and minds of the people. With insights into politics, culture, and basic human relationships, Rudder’s lyrics demonstrate a wisdom that his fans have grown to respect and long for. In the midst of World Cup Cricket, Rudder sits with Ocean Style Publisher, Douglas Gordon, at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in Kingston to share his outlook on the impact of cricket and the future of his lifelong passion, Calypso and Soca music.

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What is the signifi ficcance of cricket to the Caribbean?

Cricket is one of (the region’s) major unifying forces, and music the other. Beyond that, the Caribbean is still fragmented. It’s a chain in a sense, like a charm bracelet, but we haven’t quite completed the bracelet. (Cricket) is the closest we’ve come to completing that bracelet.

Share your thoughts on World Cup Cric ket itself. What does the event mean to the Caribbean?

Well, it will give us a chance to see what we can do (and) show what we can do. I’m happy to see that so many people are focused on our part of the world and will probably get a chance to see more of us than just the partying and so on. The other thing is that for the West Indies team … if we can maintain the consistency of the opening ceremony, of the first game, keep that consistency there’s no reason why we can’t keep the Cup here.

Did the Opening Ceremony of World Cup Cricket showcase a good cross section of Caribbean culture in your opinion?

I think we were able to display our Caribbean energy and the power of what we have produced and what we can produce, and that was evident on opening day.

Everyone assumed you would have sung your classic cricket anthem, Rally Round the West Indies, at the opening ceremony. Why didn’t you?

Rally is (a song) … for the West Indies Cricket team and for the West Indian people. So it would have been a bit ungracious to do our song at the World Cup event. I think High Mas was a fitting song.

And it was. It really brought everything together on the evening.

Yeah, and it was amazing there were a lot of people, even people in the Jamaican Government who came over and thanked me for doing that (song) because to them the vibe was very unifying. And that is the word I went away with, unifying, because that is what it’s all about. I’m glad to be a part of this experience.

Would you explain for our readers the difference between Soca and Calypso music?

Basically Soca music is just a change of the beat of Calypso music. Calypso was very polyrhythmic. African music is very polyrhythm. After the 1970s, Calypso music became more streamlined and delivery of the song became a little more like AfricanAmerican music. So you’d hear the song contain more like that – a mixture of that soul music, disco and Calypso. That’s what So-Ca music is - Soul and Calypso.

Is Soca music the more viable genre in terms of reaching an international market?

Yes. When I first signed with a major label, the majority of people that worked with me, they knew Calypso. Calypso was the big music in the 50s. Harry Bellafonte’s was the first million (copies) selling record ever. As a matter of fact, I remember seeing a poster saying ‘Can Elvis Presley topple the king of pop, Harry Bellefonte?’. The label felt that people identified Calypso music with an era – a time when it kind of dominated American culture. Everyone was singing calypso ... Maya Angelou, Nat King Cole … Everyone had to be signing Calypso to be hip. So the label wanted to have a new definition of Calypso music, which was Soca. They wanted to stay clear of the word Calypso for marketing reasons.

So for them, Calyps o was an era, while Soc a c ou ld be more of a genre? That’s interesting. Can Soca ever become com parable with reggae in terms of an international force? What would that take?

Reggae music is basically Jamaican pop music, with its own style and rhythm. Soca is still storytelling of the issues of the day …

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I remember doing a lot of tours and because they didn1t know what Soca was, I was the opening act for established artists and when we finished, the show was done. That was the end of the show. Because of the energy of Soca, there1s no other form that has that kind of energy.

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even a party song. I’ll give you an example. When Machel Montano did “Hold onto the Big Truck”, everybody who (knows) Soca music and Caribbean culture understood what he was saying. I heard American youth saying, ‘Why would somebody hold on to a big truck?’ So even though the music has the pulse and the energy that no other music has, it’s a story and the way we relate the story is still very much us. On the other hand, if you do too much of the “hands in the air” type of songs, it’s boring. I remember a British journalist saying ‘Soca music used to be good but now it’s ‘in the party, out the party, behind the party, from the party, to the party, from the party, up in the air, down on the ground’. So what he was saying is that I’m tired of the same thing.

Do you see Soca music being accepted on a global scale in a meaningful manner?

It can. It can once those who control music, the record companies and what have you, major labels, once they start (supporting the music). It could be global in a split second. I remember doing a lot of tours and … I was the opening act for established artists and when we (were) finished the show was done … because of the energy of Soca. There’s no other form that has that kind of energy.

What’s next for David Rudder? What are you working on these days?

I just released a new album in January called The Cricket Chronicles … with all the songs I’ve written about Cricket over the years documenting the history of West Indies Cricket plus … five new ones.

I’m also touring quite a lot.

You recently played Madison Square Garden in New York City.

I played Madison Square Garden with Machel Montano and …

I have shows in Jamaica, Guyana, St. Lucia and Barbados. I’m just busy busy busy. I enjoy that.

The Cricket Chronicles is a 14-track album now available. For more on David Rudder, visit davidrudder.co.tt

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HOWZAT! WITH LOTS OF STYLE Get in line ladies! Our in-house fashion Queen teaches us how to dress the part for cricket

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Novia Whyte

t’s a truth universally acknowledged: somebody famous and no doubt fabulously styled once decreed ever so long ago that Caribbean women love to dress up. Some take it to the extreme and dress even to go to the bathroom. Now before you all start laughing at the crease and bowl over in laughter, check your stumps and consider dining at Mac’s Chophouse in Kingston, Jamaica or Prime in Port of Spain, Trinidad without being suitably styled. The restrooms, you see, are so fabulous that your dessert order could easily be taken in there. So naturally when cricket’s on the scoreboard, serious dress decisions must be taken.

Clothes make the man and naked people have little or no influence in society (Mark Twain certainly wasn’t joking).

The Socialite The Socialite makes absolutely no pretense that she’s at cricket to be seen and so she placed her personal trainer on speed dial the second the awards were announced. Crisp, cool, white or champagne is her daily credo, and yes, Meiling has already been alerted. The right shades are a must and aviator ones are so in right now.

The perfect bag means one that’s suitably oversized but will still look chic alongside her Puma-studded clogs as she makes her way to the box. The key here is her ability to make the transition from box to mound seem as effortless as possible. Regular facials are always popular but become obsessive behavior when cricket comes to the region. Why? It’s called hot sun and sweat-soaked foundation.

Not a lovely sight. So go light on the make-up. Hide imperfections under humongous shades and draw attention instead to fabulous lips, nails and toes. And let’s not forget the body and the Ipod.

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OCEAN STYLE The Executive The exec tends to stick out like a sore thumb. Why? The casual look is so bloody rehearsed (Ann Taylor or Jones of New York) it’s painful. Too pressed, too starched, too MBA. Lighten up ladies! The shorts need to look worn or rather a tad distressed – the t-shirt too. The feet look so much better in sandals (closed or open, it doesn’t really matter). Only style girls can possibly wear heels to a cricket match without an appeal or a third umpire. Final note, or perhaps that ought to be final ball, there’s no need to go to the hairdresser before every new ball.

The cricket intellect … Need we say more?

CRICKET PARTY

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Have you caught the World Cup Cricket spirit? If so, take some tips from and experienced event planner, and learn the who, what, when, where and how of hosting a great cricket party.

Anika Repole

F The True Fan Even the most naive ‘It’ girl understands that the true cricket fan swears by that thing they call Wisden, have facts, figures, dates and every other cricket detail at their fingertip. They, however, need you to know that they are purists so little or no thought went into an of-the-moment style wardrobe.

We’d absolutely love her to do a Kate Moss with the floppy hat (including a few telltale signs of Australia and Pakistan). Chanel or Gucci frames are so much more stylish than those awful binoculars and where did she dig up that ubiquitous transistor radio? Is that rain?

If only we understood the Duckworth-Lewis method.

olks, its Cricket season! Some of you may be elated and glued to your television screens, or even making travel plans to the Caribbean (host region for the ICC Cricket World Cup 2007) to witness the action in person. Others may just want to get in the spirit of things or have little to no choice in the matter because their “better halves” are die-hard cricket fans. Regardless the reason, cricket is a perfect excuse to have a great time with friends by throwing a party at your home.

Whether it’s a small gathering of friends or a larger and more elaborate shindig, Ocean Style has a few suggestions for hosting a sport-specific event that even the least athletically inclined will enjoy.

The Who, What, When, Where + How! The sacred “Five W’s” are the first things to consider when throwing any event. They make planning so much simpler by helping you determine the type of event you want to have, and more importantly, your budget.

Who. First step, decide who you want to invite. Business colleagues, friends, family … can your guests bring their children? Will you have cricket fans only, or do you want to entice others into enjoying the sport?

What + When. What kind of Cricket party are you throwing? Cricket www.oceanstylemagazine.com

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Of course, always remember to have good music lined up for breaks in the game and cool lighting that makes your guests feel like they1re really at an event.

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matches can last on average 8 hours (10am-6pm). Will you be having an all-day gathering or a post-game party? Will it be a casual gathering of friends and family for the day or an opportunity to seal the deal with cricket-loving, potential business partners? What about a postgame soiree, fundraiser, party or get-together? Lots to choose from – just ensure your budget can take it!

Where. Depending on your answers to the prior “W’s” this one should be easy. A small gathering of friends in your home around your TV may be ideal. Or you could consider using outdoor space or a sports bar. The venue greatly depends on the scale of your event, and yes, once again, your budget.

HoW. Now that the basics have been covered, we can finally get into Cricket Party 101. Here are some ideas on how to create the mood, select a menu and more.

Cricket Party 101 Creating the Mood. Cricket can easily be regarded as a globally regal sport. Originally played by royalty across Europe, the sport’s popularity has increased for hundreds of years, spreading through-

out Europe to countries formerly and presently part of the Commonwealth. Whether you choose to host your event in celebration of the sport itself or a specific team, here are some concepts to play with.

Go Cricket Wild! Ask your guests to wear their team’s jersey or to dress in their team’s colors. Keep up your team spirit by purchasing color coordinating decorations and disposable plates, cups, napkins etc… (plus there won’t be any pesky dishes to wash up!). Along with your team’s colors, place cricket paraphernalia in high traffic areas around your home or venue (and don’t forget the bathroom).

Colonial Sheik. With its roots primarily in England, Cricket has two major and quite unique breaks – Lunch and Tea. As for the dress, players were originally only permitted to wear white. Go colonial sheik and ask your guests to dress in cool, crisp whites. Have a selection of teas on hand for your friends to indulge in, along with some tasty tea snacks, including scones, tarts, crumpets, jams and marmalades.

Patriots Put up your Flags! If there’s ever a time to fly your flag, it’s World Cup Cricket. Think out of the box with this one – drape flags over furniture or lamps (but make sure they’re off!) or use them as curtains. You could even be more creative and hang them from your ceiling with a few tacks.

Of course, always remember to have good music lined up for breaks in the game and cool lighting that makes your guests feel like they’re really at an event.

Appealing to Non-Cricket Fans. Most often, non cricket-lovers don’t enjoy the game because they don’t understand what’s going on.

There are a few ways around this dilemma.

Post it. Make posters with the game’s basic rules and place them around your venue. Print copies of the players in action. The most attractive ones will always be a hit with the ladies!

Cricket Kit. No matter how old we get, everyone still loves goodie bags. Put a kit together, with small cards that explain the rules of the game, in addition to souvenirs and keepsakes relating to the team of choice, and never forget that chocolate has universal appeal.

Finally, if you’re having kids at your event, set up a mini pitch in the backyard. Or, if cricket isn’t their sport of choice, keep them happy with activities they like. Also ensure that there is a designated napping area, especially if you are having an all day event.

Selecting a Menu. We asked some of our Cricket loving readers about the essentials of a great cricket party. Folks, the results are in, and it was a landslide. Most everyone said food and drink! Little can go wrong with these elements if you remember one basic rule – always have enough on hand and make sure it’s all delicious. You know Caribbean folks love to eat and drink and you will catch a bad rep if you fail to deliver! So if you’re having an all-day event, be prepared to provide not only snacks and finger foods, but also brunch and dinner options.

Here are a few “bites” for your menu: Team Eats. Have a menu oriented around your Team’s appetite by sourcing online menu choices from your Team’s country (but make sure your guests will enjoy foods from around the world).

Caribbean Delight. This year’s ICC World Cup is being hosted by the Caribbean, so have some fun and select your menu options from the various islands. Go online and check out dishes for which you can either source the ingredients easily and cook up yourself, or locate a caterer that has skills with island spices. You can also try these easy and quick recipes: Plantain Fritters. Crush ripe plantains (the riper the better) with a little milk, sugar, flour, cinnamon and nutmeg (a dash of lime juice is optional) mix batter well, and fry tablespoon portions until golden brown. Serve hot!

Stuffed Avocado Citrus Salad. Select and toss you favorite salad ingredients. Squeeze a ripe orange over your healthy medley for a great fat-free dressing. Cut avocados in half (lengthwise), remove the seeds, and skin if desired. Gently place salad in each hollowed avocado half, and garnish with orange slices.

All American Plus. Prepare your favorite All American party food, but put a spin on your selections by naming them after your favorite players. For example if you are rooting for the West Indies Team, rename regular hot dogs, “Hot Bradshaws!”

Perhaps the idea of enjoying the game with a few good friends huddled around the TV is perfect for you, but just in case you feel adventurous, we hope you got some ideas to play with. Just remember, have fun with it!

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PICTURE PERFECT and so much more

Halle Berry is an undeniable beauty 3 picture perfect, in fact. But that1s not what makes her so irresistible. She has encountered difficulties comparable to some of her most complex characters, and she1s overcome them all with grace and humility. We know along with that perfect face and smile, there1s a strong, smart woman inside shining through.

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uring her fast-paced travels across the globe (including a stop in Trinidad and Tobago for Carnival), Halle Berry is constantly caught on film – whether it’s photo shoots, TV cameras, film crews or the paparazzi. Somehow she always manages to look beautiful. Picture perfect, in fact. With flawless skin, elegant attire, and a million dollar smile, Halle consistently manages to look better in candid shots than most could hope to look in our most planned and retouched picture.

So stunning is her beauty, it is perhaps the aspect of her that is most often commented on and discussed. But this gorgeous screen goddess is not afraid to get rough, tough, dirty and, well, real. Though her movie roles have certainly included a touch of indulgent Hollywood glamour (a lá Catwoman), Halle’s career will be remembered for her award-winning portrayals of real life women leading real life lives – single mothers (Monster’s Ball), loyal friends (Perfect Stranger), heartbroken widows (Things We Lost in the Fire), drug addicts (Los-

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Benet harmed Halle physically, no one could deny the private and public pain of his inability to remain faithful.

Through all of this, Halle has remained above the fray, winning a history-making Oscar for her role in Monster’s Ball; becoming the first African-American woman to play an iconic Bond Girl in Die Another Day; and solidifying her position as one of Hollywood’s key female action stars with her role as Storm in the X-Men trilogy (in 2007, she won the People’s Choice Award for Favorite Female Action Star). How did she do it? “I’ve had to learn about optimism,” Halle commented in a recent InStyle interview. “At times, I thought things were going to break me. But somehow, through those experiences, this optimistic person evolved. Now I know nothing will break me.”

Not only will nothing break her, but nothing has slowed her down. 2007 has already begun to see two Blockbuster hits starring Halle alongside Hollywood heavy-hitters, Bruce Willis and Benicio del Toro. In Perfect Stranger, Halle plays Rowena Price, a journalist determined to reveal the man who murdered her best friend. Assuming another identity, Halle initiates an online hunt designed to trap the

ing Isaiah and Jungle Fever) and more. And perhaps that’s why despite being well known for something as outward as her looks, she is most loved by fans for the real woman that she is.

Most of us know about Halle’s at times tough reality. In fact, few women with the fame, beauty and fortune that Halle possesses could simultaneously be known as no stranger to hardship. Though she bears her difficulties with an undeniable grace (especially when compared with the present public deterioration of some of today’s celebrities), Halle’s relationship problems are known to most.

Her first marriage to pro baseball player David Justice dissolved in a very public divorce in 1996, during which talk of physical abuse was rampant. Recently, Halle admitted to attempting suicide after her first marriage. “I was sitting in my car, and I knew the gas was coming when I had an image of my mother finding me,” she tells Parade magazine. And while there are no claims that second husband Eric

successful businessman (played by Willis) who she suspects of the murder. In Things We Lost in the Fire, Halle plays a widow who allows her husband’s troubled best friend to move in with her and her two children following her husband’s sudden death. Together, they rebuild their lives and cope with their incredible loss.

As a child, Halle herself was no stranger to family troubles. Born to an interracial couple during the sixties in Cleveland, Ohio, Halle’s father, Jerome Berry, was a hospital attendant and her mother, Judith Berry, was a psychiatric nurse from Liverpool, England. At the age of four, Halle’s father left his family, leaving her mother to care for her and her sister. The impact upon Halle was lasting. “My whole life I've had the fear that I was going to be abandoned,” Halle confided in a 2002 interview with Ebony. “It goes back to my childhood and not having my father.”

Despite her vulnerabilities, Halle has made it not only as an ac-

At times, I thought things were going to break me.

But somehow, through those experiences, this optimistic person evolved.

ulation in Tulia, Texas, and resulted in harsh sentences based on the uncorroborated testimony of the single police officer responsible for the arrests.

Elaine Jones, head of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, led the successful initiative to exonerate the accused Tulia men. The case has served as a modern example of the very real presence of racism in America and in the execution of the “War on Drugs.” Halle should be applauded for telling it.

Halle is also working with Alicia Keys on the film, Composition in Black and White, the true story of Philippa Schuyler. Born August 2, 1931, Schuyler was a pianist and child prodigy pianist who, like Halle and Alicia Keys, was of mixed race heritage. Her mother was Josephine Cogdell, a white journalist from Texas, and her father was African American author and journalist, George Schuyler. “ … (The film is) about her struggle with her amazing gift and her struggle with her culture and her heritage and how she fit in at that time. There’s so much of a struggle of Dorothy Dandridge in some ways, but it’s a really touching and poignant story of an amazingly brilliant young

tress, but also as a producer. The movie industry has always been a man’s world, so when a woman comes along to take the helm of production, they have some serious odds stacked against them. Not to be deterred by the lack of serious roles for African-American women, Halle set out to create one for herself. As a long-time admirer of Dorothy Dandridge, Halle was fierce in her determination to bring to life the biopic, Introducing Dorothy Dandridge. As both the producer and the lead, Halle’s extraordinary performance earned many critical accolades, including an Emmy, a Golden Globe, a SAG and NAACP Image award.

Halle has gone on to produce several movies, including the HBO original movie, Lackawanna Blues, and the feature film, Tulia.

Scheduled for a 2008 release, Tulia tells the true story of a group of black men wrongfully arrested in 1999 for their alleged involvement in a drug ring. The arrests accounted for 13 percent of the black pop-

woman,” said Halle of her new project in an interview with Blackfilm.com. With Alicia Keys’ musical talent and Halle’s wealth of experience, the movie is sure to capture the essence of a woman who’s legacy lives on today through the renowned Philippa Schuyler Middle School for the Gifted and Talented in Brooklyn, New York, one of the best middle schools in New York City.

With Halle Berry’s impressive body of work and her limitless vision, it’s clear that this superstar is not going away anytime soon.

On the contrary, every year Halle seems to push herself to new heights of success and personal growth, all the while remaining humble and keeping life in perspective. “I want my kids to realize it's only through hard work that any success or real joy comes,” she tells InStyle.

It's not about money; it's the intangible rewards – having integrity and doing what you say you're going to do.”

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SHE LANDED AT BUCCOO BAY A Fashion Odyssey Dagmara

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ou thought a land so untouched was a thing of the past.

Lucky for you, this is the present and Tobago’s Buccoo Bay is only a plane ride away.

Buccoo Bay is long white coral sand beach with pristine waters buckling against a backdrop of dense mangrove.

On her visit to the quaint fishing village,

Photographer Dagmara cuts through the vines and takes us on a fashion odyssey from the old world to the new.

Next time you find your mind wandering to a simpler place and time, draw some inspiration and explore your natural side.

LEAD PAGE still life THIS PAGE halter dress with sequined detail by Jean Paul Gautier, cape Agnes B.

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OCEAN STYLE LEAD PAGE still life THIS PAGE halter dress with sequined detail by Jean Paul Gautier, cape Agnes B.

LEAD PAGE still life THIS PAGE halter dress with sequined detail by Jean Paul Gautier, cape Agnes B.

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THIS PAGE still life NEXT PAGE halter dress with sequined detail by Jean Paul Gautier, cape Agnes B.

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LEAD PAGE still life THIS PAGE halter dress with sequined detail by Jean Paul Gautier, cape Agnes B.

THIS PAGE halter dress with sequined detail by Jean Paul Gautier, cape Agnes B.

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BOTH PAGES red and gold head piece by Parrish

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NATURE’S BEASTS & YUMMY EATS, TOBAGO STYLE

best. I’ve dined at Pigeon Point Beach; imbibed a beer (or three) at Maurice Murray’s Brown Betty; scarfed down the amazing “blue food” at Miss Esme’s and Miss Trim’s Store Bay; benefited from what I swear is the most exceptional wine cellar in the Caribbean at the exquisite Italian restaurant, La Tartaruga; indulged in the crispiest late night fried chicken at Block 22 on Bon Accord; and frequented Colours Restaurant, owned by retired BWIA pilot, Steve Dolly, who still captains his crew with a stiff eye, sturdy smile and good nosh.

After all this, I decided to go for something totally different during my last visit to Tobago. I opted for a nature and food tour with David Rooks, a Trinidadian/Tobagonian ornithologist, author, international lecturer, avid environmentalist and walking Encyclopedia Botanical if there ever was one.

Our tour began at Speyside, which sits at the edge of one of the oldest examples of eco-consciousness in the western hemisphere, Tobago’s main forest ridge (protected since 1776). From Speyside, we climbed aboard David’s “Fear Not” boat and headed towards Little Tobago. Once home to the Greater Bird of Paradise, Little Tobago has been protected as a sanctuary since 1926 and is now inhabited by some 45 different species of birds. David pointed out the amazing Mot Mot, with its “Zorro” masked eyes, and a nesting baby Red Tropic Bird, whose mother was totally undisturbed by my camera and peering eyes. He then directed me over to watch a hilarious little spotted lizard that stops every few seconds to scratch his ears with his front paws while moving left to right. “Harpers and Queen,” said David.

Harpers and Queen said that when spending a day with David “you can learn more in a morning in his company than is possible through any other source.” It is true.

Hungry and with every bone and muscle aching, I was ready to return to the concrete jungle to partake in the food part of our tour.

Our first stop was Jemma’s, and concrete this restaurant was not. Set on the seaside and almost totally enveloped by trees, Jemma’s is where good clean traditional Tobago food is cooked with love and flair, all under the watchful eyes of Jemma Sealy and her daughters. The

Rosemary Parkinson

Our resident food adventurer was last seen trampling through the forest, speaking furry animals and dining on the best authentic eats in Tobago. Now she takes you beyond your grocery1s organic section to learn what nature has to offer.

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erhaps best known for its Buccoo Bay, Tobago is surrounded by many magnificent scuba diving sites where manta rays and fish of all hues allow you into their worlds without a wink. Scarborough, the quaint capital overlooking the sea, is all hustle and bustle, while small coves and picturesque fishing villages still offer a serene life where fishermen unload everything from shark to king fish from their pirogues (boats). Small guest-

houses, international hotels and honorable golf courses stand hand in hand with old sugar and cocoa plantations, one of which one is being revived for agri-tourism by Duane Dove, a Tobagonian Sommelier and Chocolatier who splits his time between Sweden and Tobago.

To top it all off, Tobago is also home to an array of delicious dining opportunities, of which I’ve experienced the best of the

restaurant started small in 1984 with only two tables. “Bad management” in the hotel where Jemma worked forced her to go out on her own. She was so bothered by the fact that visitors eager for local food would leave the hotel restaurant dissatisfied that she quit her job and opened her own spot.

Today, Jemma’s can accommodate over a hundred starving souls.

With fresh fish and lobster caught daily by her special fishermen and local vegetables, beef and goat, it’s no wonder Jemma’s is now the island’s the main stopping point for tour buses filled with ‘foodies’ from all over the world. We had a deliciously seasoned large king fish steak (creole style - covered in a sauce of tomatoes and onions), a delightful breadfruit pie, yummy rice and peas, steamed vegetables, a tossed salad and a freshly squeezed glass of orange juice.

With bellies full, we headed through the winding roads leading back to Speyside. Not to rush past the magnificent views of cliffs and coves, we took our time returning to ‘town.’ At one point, we stopped to look at a typical old estate home, which had a covered corridor leading outside to the kitchen. In those days, it was the standard to keep the kitchen separate from the main house because of cooking smells and fear of fires. Is it not funny that today the aroma coming from the kitchen is what makes a real home?

Rounding off our wonderful road trip was our final stop, Elizabeth. Open Thursday’s and Friday’s, Elizabeth sits “side-ah-road” at Penny Savers on Bon Accord and serves up uber-authentic cow skin, chicken foot and pig foot souse accompanied by the most scrumptious spicy black pudding (obviously Elizabeth’s secret recipe, although I detected within a touch of chadon beni, a wild coriander). Though I barely had space to pack it in, the souse was perfect, with just the right amount of lime. Totally delish.

For more information, contact David Rooks at rookstobago.com, rookstobago@yahoo.com; Mobile: 868.352.1222, 756.8594; Business: 868.631.1630

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EDIBLE VIBES

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Michelle Jones

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usy homemakers and professionals have Vibes Cuisine, the 5-minute cooking show on Jamaican TV, to thank for helping us make the most of our time in the kitchen. On the twice-weekly show, Michelle Jones, the vivacious and effervescent host, serves up tasty, delicious “One-Pot Wonders,” aptly named for the number of pots usually involved in the preparation.

A youthful, energetic mother of three, Michelle developed her culinary skills from her Jamaican grandmother. To share her skills en masse, Michelle recently teamed up with producer/director Michele Geister and Steven MacDonald of Visual Concepts to create a cooking series that reflects the vitality of Caribbean life and indulges her love of “cooking, talking and entertaining.” The show is so successful that in less than three months on the air, Michelle has become a household name.

Michelle continues her busy schedule balancing family with her career teaching neophyte foodies that there's no need to be intimidated by the kitchen. Lucky for us, she takes a moment to share some quick and delicious recipes with Ocean Style.

Most of us indulge in the occasional spirit, so why not make sure you don1t ruin your diet while doing so?

Take a peek at the latest trend in spiked beverages that will keep you fit and fine.

Kinisha O)Neill

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t hasn’t been too long since you’ve promised yourself you’d live a healthier life this year. You also swore you’d pursue true happiness and do all you ever wanted. Well, living healthier doesn’t mean you have to spend every waking hour pining over your weight or downing rabbit food. A lean life can be a happy one, where you and your friends watch your waists while occasionally indulging in some lean mean cocktails.

Believe it or not, the newest craze in alcoholic beverages is the low-calorie, low-carb drink without the guilt of weight gain attached. Nowadays, carbohydrates are being scrutinized and done away with, labeled as fat padding bandits. People are either cutting carbs totally or monitoring their intake, opting for complex instead of simple carbohydrates. For the latter, whole grains, ground provisions and brown sugar are winners over white sugar, flour and rice.

It’s too bad then that alcohol isn’t made with whole grains and are most often laden with simple sugars.

Of course, savvy alcohol companies have caught onto the low calorie, low carb trend, manufacturing spirits that are either low in or without sugar. But the truth is, your guests may not always want these unfamiliar options. To make the task easier, hone in on the basics, like vodka, rum, gin, brandy and tequila – each has zero carbohydrates, are low in calories (about 96 per serving) and you probably already have some of them at home.

Now all you need to know is what to mix your low-calorie options with.

The typical soda or juice are big no-no’s.

Instead, choose lighter versions like tonic, low-carb juices and sugar-free lemonade and limejuice.

Just for good measure, here are a few recipes guaranteed to please your palate and your waistline.

Catch Michelle “cooking, talking and entertaining” on CVM Television (Jamaica) on Wednesdays at 7:55 p.m. and Sundays at 6:55 p.m., with repeats on Mondays and Thursdays at 9:00 p.m.

PARMESAN CRUSTED FILLET OF TILAPIA INGREDIENTS 1 pack best dressed fish fillets 1 onion chopped 2 sweet potatoes 1 cup sweet peas 2 cups breadcrumbs 2 cups parmesan cheese, shredded 2 eggs, beaten salt and pepper parsley 1 tomato 2 tbsp. olive oil 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar 11/2 cup cream

Zombie barttv.com

Annapolis Frizz barttv.com

1 1/2 parts Bacardi Dark rum 3/4 part Jamaican rum 3/4 part Bacardi Superior rum 3/4 part pineapple juice 3/4 part papaya juice 1 part lime juice

1 1/2 parts Bombay Sapphire gin 1/2 part lemon juice 1 dash raspberry syrup 1/3 part raspberry schnapps

Shake with crushed ice. Strain into glass.

There are only 59 calories in a single serving of Bombay Sapphire Gin and 72 calories in Raspberry Schnapps. Low-carb, sucralose raspberry syrup carries zero calories.

Natural lemon juice has a miniscule amount of calories and is good for you!

Bacardi and Jamaican rum each have about 69 calories per serving. Make sure to use low-sugar or diluted juices.

Shake with crushed ice. Strain into glass

METHOD Season fish with salt and pepper. Dip fish in beaten eggs. Coat in mixture of half bread crumbs and half parmesan cheese. Place in heated oil. Fry until golden brown, about 2 minutes on each side. Remove from heat and keep warm.

Sauté onion, tomato, parsley. Add balsamic vinegar.

Reduce for 2 minutes, Serve with Fish.

Boil Sweet Potatoes in salted water and mash with a touch of cream and butter.

To make green pea sauce -- Sauté chopped onion. Cook and drain green peas. Add onion, green peas and cream in blender. Blend to a smooth paste.

Spoon green pea sauce onto plate. Swirl. Add mashed sweet potato. Place fish on top.Add sautéed tomato, onion and parsley. Garnish and enjoy!

GRILLED JERK CHICKEN AND PINEAPPLE SALAD INGREDIENTS 1 tray best dressed chicken breasts, deboned and pounded 1 scotch bonnet pineapple slices 1 tin mandarin oranges, drained 1 tomato, thinly sliced 1 cucumber, thinly sliced 1 head of lettuce, washed and torn into bite size pieces 3 tablespoons Jerk seasoning salt and pepper METHOD Season flattened chicken breast with salt, pepper, and jerk seasoning. Place chicken in heated grill pan. Add pineapple slices to pan. Grill 3 minutes on each side. Place on cutting board and slice. On a serving plate or platter, layer lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, and mandarin oranges. Place grilled chicken on top.

Add grilled pineapple slices. www.oceanstylemagazine.com

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GREAT CARIBBEAN GOLF COURSES

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The 18th Hole at Half Moon Club in Jamaica

Millennium Lakes Golf & Country Club – Trincity, Trinidad and Tobago Tel: 868.640.8337, hcltt.com; 6,500 yards, Par 71 Situated a mere 5 minutes from Piarco International Airport, the course at Millennium Lakes is a PGA-designed 18-hole par 71 championship inland links course, boasting a number of lakes and a deep fairway. The course is broken up into 11 par 4 holes, 4 par 3 holes and 3 par 5 holes. With a constant, and stiff easterly breeze, the course makes for some challenging golf. Not all of the longer holes will allow the use of drivers off the tee, and a successful round requires astute course management and intelligent shot selection or prepare for trouble– especially for wayward tee shots!

Tobago Plantations, Lowlands, Tobago, Trinidad and Tobago Tel: 868.631.0875, golftobagoplantations.com; 7,005 yards, Par 72 Located in the heart of a 750-acre Lowlands Estate, which includes the Hilton Tobago and the upscale Tobago Plantations Villas and luxury condominiums, the PGA Championship course has been designed to work with its stunning Caribbean backdrop. The beautiful natural habitat is marked by lakes and beautiful waterways, vibrant with marine and bird life. Wetlands and lakes are being nurtured around the course to encourage wildlife to add to this unique golfing experience which offers views of Tobago’s capital in one direction and the Atlantic Ocean in the other. The towering trees and mangrove swamp make for a serious challenge on the front nine for wayward shots. Enjoy the beautiful 14th hole, which requires a short iron shot into the wind along the shoreline.

Sandy Lane, St. James, Barbados Tel: 246.444.2500, sandylane.com/golf Country Club Course: 18 holes 7060 yards Par 74 Green Monkey Course: 18 holes 6800 yards Par 72 The focal point of golf at Sandy Lane is the magnificent clubhouse, overlooking the 18th hole of The Country Club Course and The Green

Monkey, with a pro shop, luxurious locker rooms and restaurant and bar. In addition there is a professionally trained PGA caddy service and Par View GPS system is available. The GPS system shows your location to the green and hazards such as bunkers, and will also point out carts ahead of you. You can even use the system to order refreshments.

The Green Monkey course, although not officially open, is now open at specific times to guests resident at Sandy Lane. Many have taken the opportunity to be amongst the first to try out one of the most exciting new courses in the golfing world. Designed by world-renowned Tom Fazio, the Green Monkey is set to be one of his most spectacular and exciting designs yet. It will offer a whole new challenge to golfers at Sandy Lane, and will prove a magnificent addition to the resort. The championship-style course has been carved out of a former quarry with dramatic elevation changes and spectacular views of the Caribbean Sea. The course is named after the famous Bajan green monkeys common on the island and even features a bunker with a grass island carved in the shape of a monkey.

Sandy Lane's existing two courses already appeal to golfers of all levels. You can test your skills on the 18-hole “Country Club” course (also designed by Tom Fazio), which is 7060 yards long and features lush greens, five lakes and fabulous open fairways with angled slopes.

Alternatively you can enjoy a more relaxing game on the charming “Old Nine” course, constructed in 1961. With tree-lined fairways, it still winds its way magically through the old estate. The challenging course features lush greens, five lakes and lovely open fairways with angled slopes. Most holes offer spectacular Caribbean Sea views.

Royal Westmoreland, St. James, Barbados Tel: 246.422.4653, royal-westmoreland.com/golf.aspx; 6,870 yards, Par 72 Designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. the 18 hole championship Royal Westmoreland golf course is carved through breathtaking natural gullies framed by colourful scrubs and wild flowers. The colonial-style clubhouse commands an imposing presence overlooking the 9th green and every evening witnesses some spectacular sunsets on the West Coast of Barbados. US Masters Champion Ian Woosnam, a homeowner at Royal Westmoreland, says the par 3s are some of the best he's played anywhere in the world.

Experiencing this fabulous course won’t be easy as The Royal Westmoreland golf course is for members, members' guests, and Royal Westmoreland residents, with a small number of tee-times between 10:20-11:00am available for visitors, subject to availability.

White Witch – Ritz Carlton, Jamaica Tel: 876.953.2800, ritzcarlton.com; 6,859 yards, Par 71 Winding through the mountains of Jamaica's historic 5,000-acre Rose Hall Plantation, the White Witch Golf Course is carved out of 600 acres of lush greenery and rolling countryside in the mountains of Jamaica’s historic 5,000-acre Rose Hall Plantation.

Considered one of the finest golf courses in the Caribbean, White Witch was named by its creators, golf course architects Robert von Hagge and Rick Baril, after the 19th century beauty, Annee Palmer, who owned the sugar plantation. Characterized by mountainous terrain, cool trade winds and spectacular panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea , White Witch is the showpiece of the Ritz Carlton Rose Hall in

The Green Monkey course at Sandy Lane in Barbados

The lush White Witch golf course at the Ritz Carlton in Jamaica

Montego Bay, Jamaica’s only AAA Five Diamond Resort – offering guests a 1500 foot beach and 428 guestrooms with balconies.

Half Moon Club – Jamaica Tel: 876.953.2211, halfmoongolf.com; 6,585 yards, Par 72 Located in the 400-acre Half Moon resort complex, the course is reminiscent of a true British-links style course, with trade winds and water hazards adding to the challenging of undulating greens sculpted from the foothills of the island’s western coastline. Demanding holes, challenging drives and breathtaking vistas, are all part of the newly renovated, award-winning, par 72 championship course designed by renowned course architect Robert Trent Jones, Sr. in 1964.

Named the Best Caribbean Golf Resort by Caribbean World Magazine, the Half Moon Golf Course with a reputation for being both challenging and beautiful, now boasts improved features for both the avid and casual golfer. Recently renovated by Roger Rulewich, renowned golf course architect, the course features newly-aligned, multiple tee complexes as well as repositioned fairway and greenside bunkers.

Tryall Resort – Jamaica Tel: 800.238.5290, tryallclub.com; 6,772 yards, Par 72 With holes that kiss the shoreline and flirt with the edges of jungle ravines, Tryall Club features the most celebrated golf course in the Caribbean. Tryall's championship course was designed by Ralph Plummer and takes you from the shoreline to the edge of jungle ravines hidden within the hills. Tryall has played host to such prestigious international events as the Johnnie Walker World Championship, last won here by Fred Couples in 1995. The signature par-three 4th hole incorporates the natural challenges of the Caribbean Sea and the Flint River, while the memorable par-four 7th hole provides a dramatic tee-shot through the stone pillars of the historic aqueduct that feeds the adjacent waterwheel.

The Abaco Club on Winding Bay - Bahamas Tel: 888.303.2765, info@theabacoclub.com; 7,183 yards, Par 72 The Bahamas’ newest crown jewel, created by the British Entrepreneur Peter de Savary, features the utmost privacy and is a golfing haven for its guests. Located just 30 minutes from Nassau and 45 minutes from Miami, The Abaco Club on Winding Bay is an exclusive 520 acre members’ golf club and sporting estate that features the world’s first Scottish style tropical links championship golf course.

“It’s a phenomenal golf course, a sensational beach and a great concept with privacy for family, kids and serious golfers. It’s honestly one of the best beaches I’ve ever seen; the water is just beautiful.” Ernie Els, PGA Tour Professional Trump International Golf Club at Raffl fle es Resort - Canouan, St. Vincent & the Grenadines Tel: 784.482.2148, rafflescanouan.com; 6,500 yards, Par 72 Located on the Grenadine island of Canoun (population less than 1,500) the Trump International Golf Club opened in 2004 as Donald Trump’s first real estate venture in the Caribbean combining a world-

class golf course with a luxury resort. This challenging championship golf course is operated by Raffles Resort and is marked by narrow wooded valleys demanding accurate tee shots with some challenging carries to even reach the fairways; some of the elevated tees have spectacular views of the beach and to St. Vincent and the beautiful Grenadines.

This Jim Fazio-designed course offers views of the Caribbean Sea from every hole and already has been called one of the most challenging and unique courses in the Caribbean. The Robb Report recently named it one of its “Best of the Best.”

JASON BENJAMIN LOPEZ A golfer since age of six, Jason Lopez has represented Jamaica at a national level from 12 - 22 years old. With international experience that includes successful campaigns in Latin American and the US, Jason has both tremendous talent and brains. At Florida State, where he attended university he was awarded the Golden Torch Award for having the highest grades on the golf team.

Jason’s passion for golf has evolved from a competitive player to that of professional instructor, acquiring his degree as a Master Teaching Professional from the Professional golf teachers association of America in 2003 after which he began a career as a professional instructor in Jamaica. In 2006 his involvement with golf became a business with the opening of the Jason Lopez School of Golf. Jason currently teaches at the Caymans Golf Club, Constant Spring Golf Club and the Cable & Wireless Golf Academy, all in Kingston, Jamaica. In addition to individualized training, his company operates the largest junior golf program in Jamaica, including a school golf program and provides golf clinics to corporate entities, counting such firms as National Commercial Bank, Citigroup and Jamaica National Group of Companies as some of his clients.

From junior golfer to professional instructor and young entrepreneur, Jason Lopez has taken his passion and is made it into his business. Want to cure that hook or slice? Give this young fellow a call – he’s got just the right grip to help you out!

www.oceanstylemagazine.com

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OF THE DANCEHALL Jasmine Dotiwala chats with Beenie Man at Cascadia Hotel in Cascade, Trinidad on life, love, Carnival and cricket!

Jasmine Dotiwala

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n the midst of a frantic carnival week in Trinidad, the legend that is Beenie Man sat down exclusively with Ocean Style just before his performance at Soca Monarch to talk about love, life, carnival and cricket amongst other things. Poolside at the Cascade Hotel Beenie Man had the Ocean Style crew laughing at his laid back, witty conversation.

www.oceanstylemagazine.com

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OCEAN STYLE nival mean to Beenie Man. Carnival means freedom, it means a time to celebrate and remember how far we’re coming from, remember the days of slavery, remember the days when black people and Indian people never used to come together to have one party, the Indians used to keep their own party and the black people used to have their own. Now Carnival is a thing that brings people together regardless of which race and creed and colour you are. It’s all about people coming together and enjoying themselves. It means sex, sexy, have fun love up yourself.

So everyone’s been telling us that Trinidad Carnival is the best in the world – do you agree with that?

Trinidad people, I could say they create Carnivals. In Jamaica we have festivals, Trinidad create Carnival – it’s a Caribbean thing, it’s a slavery thing. And I think Trinidad is free before us as a Jamaican. So they’re the one’s that create this thing and it means it’s time for no slavery it’s time for no work, it’s time for totally full enjoyment of the mind, freedom of the spirit. Because when Carnival finishes you have work, you have school and then the problem comes on. Carnival gives you the chance to relieve all these stresses.

Do you make an effort to get to Carnival every year and how many different countries do you get to?

I make an effort for Carnival because January is kind of my rest month through the middle of (February). Then I just totally (take) off – I didn’t really do nothing, I didn’t do no shows I just fully enjoyed the whole month.

Well it’s actually my fi firrst time in the Trinidad Carnival; describe to me what i can expect.

Jasmine, let me tell you this, you’re on a journey of a lifetime.

Trust me, there’s no party in Africa, in England, America, Europe, over all the world which is nice like a Caribbean party when it comes to Carnival time. So you are in for a treat, you are in for sexiness; You are in for the best music, could it be pan, brass or natural singing. This what you are about to experience is the experience of all experience(s).

In the midst of a frantic carnival week in Trinidad, the legend that is Beenie Man sat down exclusively with Ocean Style magazine just before his performance at Soca Monarch to talk about love, life, carnival and cricket amongst other things. Poolside at the Cascade Hotel Beenie Man had the Ocean Style crew laughing at his laid back, witty conversation.

I wanted to start off by congratulating you; 2006 was a hectic year for you in terms of music, a new wife and a new baby. How’s married life?

Tell us about that.

Thank you thank you - you’re right! Married life treating me right.

I’m more comfortable within the whole concept of my small son, giving the most inspiration to write the most songs. My wife is an artist so it’s kind of easier. She doesn’t really worry about a next woman.

You mentioned your wife’s an artist. I don’t think that’s public knowledge.

Well my wife is D’angel. She’s one of the top female artists in the country. Me and her, we sang the song together ‘One Man’ (sings).

That’s me and my wife, she’s on the song saying ‘I’m just a downtown girl living an uptown life, mi independent and mi a one man wife’.

Last year you had a new album, a new wedding, a baby – are you taking it in stride? Thinking about a new album?

2006 was my best year, not musically but physically and spiritually and mentally it was my best year. Then I have resigned from ‘ Shocking Vibes’ production and I have started my own production.

So last year was really, really interesting, it set me up and gave me the whole strength and courage to take on this year.

And you’re starting off 2007 here at Trinidad Carnival. What does Car-

Explain the difference between Soca and Calypso.

Calypso is like RnB and Soca is like Hip Hop, Soca is the more faster generation, the more younger generation. Calypso just like Reggae and Dancehall, it’s very easy to understand. Calypso ‘Salt fish, nothing sweeter than salt fish’ that is Calypso, Soca music is ‘wave your hand in the air’ more crazy, more exciting. So it’s like the third generation music of the Caribbean people.

Tell us what you’re doing here this evening. Is it any different for you when you’re performing at Carnival as opposed to a normal gig?

It’s very different to perform at Carnival because number one – I am here with KMC to perform a song I did with him for this year. The other one who invite me to this Soca Monarch because I was on it last year, I’ve always been there to know who win, who have the best Carnival song,. But from last year I noticed they were booking me to perform at the show, and I really appreciate it to be honest. As a Jamaican being in one of the top show(s) wid [sic] all Trinidadian, I really, really appreciate and love it.

Soca Monarch is the biggest and the greatest show ever for Carnival, everybody recognise and realise that this is what we work for, so you know for me to be invited here, is really a great honour…. to know that we are invited as Jamaicans to share the love that the Caribbean has, to share with us, it’s really a great honour. in this world cup here.

And of course in the next few weeks is the cricket world cup – are you a big cricket fan?

Well I am a West Indian fully, football and cricket, running, jumping, anything to do with sports, West Indies team is my team. Trust me when it comes (to) this world cup cricket, we are going to win. We are going to beat England, we are going to beat Australia, we’re going to beat India, these are the teams that we are supposed to worry about you know.

So Africa is no threat to us, we are the Caribbean and this is where the world cup is keeping.When South Africa has world cup over there, they make England go over there and strap them. Don’t come here and try to strap us, we will beat and whitewash you know

So what does it mean to Trinidad and the West Indies for the Cricket World Cup to be coming here? It’s like a huge deal right?

It’s not like it’s a huge deal; what you saying it’s ‘like’ a huge deal.

It is the deal of all deals! Cricket World Cup in the Caribbean. Let me tell you something, for something like this to happen to us, it’s very important trust me, (emphasises ‘very’) important for us …..to really put out there what we are doing out there for people to understand.

Because if media coverage – we only see it on TV, now we’re going to have it in our region.

What you talking about man, what you saying to me? You are here from MTV and Ocean Style Magazine, interviewing me about

cricket, these things don’t naturally happen, trust me. Everybody that interviews me, they interview me about music and records and ‘when your next album coming out and who you going to sign the next contract with?’ you know.

But cricket, no one asks about that. Cricket is a passionable sport.

You have a thing named 20/20 cricket which is a nicer thing than test cricket, trust me. But world cup cricket is just like 20/20, lick off the score, run down the runs, win the day. Tomorrow is a next day, that’s what cricket is all about.

Let’s talk about the music, new album? Are we going to see any more singles released from this last album?

Well from this album which is out now I have a new single called

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It+s time for no slavery, it+s time for no work. It+s time for totally full enjoyment of the mind, freedom of the spirit.

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‘Beenie Man’ featuring my wife ‘D’ Angel’ which we have just finished shooting the video for it in Jamaica, not too long ago we had ‘Girls’ with Akon. Now this one ‘Beenie Man’ is the third single off the album.

Virgin don’t work this album proper, I work it myself. Everything about this album is all about me. So right now I have to pick it up more forward and put it out there because me next album is next year not this year, so I have to work with this one for this year.

Talk about how the Akon collaboration came about.

Well Akon is my friend for 5, 6 years, he’s my friend he’s my African breadrin, we go to Africa together. We don’t do much music together but it’s not all about me being your friend so that we can do songs. It’s all about me being a friend to be a friend. Akon I brought him to Jamaica last year at my concert, one of the biggest concerts in Jamaica. He did a great marvellous performance.

Hulk Hogan was there too, take off him shirt on stage…. My grandmother was there to see that because Hulk Hogan is a wrestler and my grandmother is a good, good Christian woman. She see Hulk Hogan on the poster and she said ‘me have to go, me want you to come pick me up’ and me go pick her up and she meet Hulk Hogan and shake him up and all different type of things.

Alright Brilliant is a brilliant kid, trust me, to be honest we went on a star search thing in Jamaica. When Brilliant came in he was the last one and I was so tired and everybody said ‘give him a chance because he was here for hours. Vybz Carte, he’s one of the baddest (sic) lyricists out of Jamaica for the past five years, we find the next Vybz Cartel in Brilliant, trust me.

So is Brilliant someone you’d be prepared to hand down your title as ‘king of dancehall’ to?

No my title is hand down to my son, Brilliant is not my son. If Brilliant wants to be the next king of dancehall he have to work for that. The heir of the throne is already there, my only heir is already three months and him start DJ already.

Finally what’s life like for Beenie Man right now? You seem on top of the world. How happy are you?

I am a very happy man, very, very, extremely happy. I am not a sad person, I don’t deal with sadness I don’t do sad, I don’t do problems, I get rid of problems. I like to live life happy.

How did the collaboration with Foxy Brown come about?

Well you see all these people that I’ve worked with are friends of mine.

Foxy Brown is family!

It seems recently that a lot of people from that R&B, Hip Hop road want to come in to Reggae and Dancehall - like Alicia Keys was on the Cham track – what do you think about that? You’re saying that your hook ups are just with your friends – do you think a lot of people are trying to jump on that bandwagon?

I tell a lot of Dancehall artists this and I’m going to say that again, be careful of all these industries and companies coming in to our music. Now Hip Hop music and R&B music is now American bread and sugar and milk and cheese, it’s their life, it’s their livelihood. Now Dancehall music is going to create a threat for Hip Hop and R&B music, because I feel that Dancehall music is going to be the pop music of the future. Hip Hop and R&B music is the pop music right now today.

Now you have to be careful of the contract that you’re signing because everybody comes up and they gather up all their artists and they shelf you. Now I’ve been there done that, Virgin signed me, you understand, and I am one of the top Jamaican artists all over the world. You have Sean Paul, you have Shaggy who sell a lot and be on MTV a lot, get a lot of number one songs on the Billboard Charts.

That’s not what makes a dancehall artist.

The roots and the roots after dancehall is keeping the dancehall alive in the Caribbean, so when they keep dancehall alive in the Caribbean everything that you release here, go out there, you don’t go over there and try to say, ok we are trying to do music from here, they will kill you.

Because of the way you’re feeling about Virgin Records right now, will your next album still be with them?

No, my next album is going to be Mafia House Production.

Your own label? Tell us about that.

My own label I’m going to sign it on to a international major because it’s not even, it don’t make no sense, profitable for you to try and do it yourself. Trust me, because there’s nobody you can have with you in the Caribbean where you can send to MTV and say ‘go get that video I shoot’. So it’s not for me to come out and be naïve, and say … like an idiot. You need a white man or you need a China man, you need a man who’s up there, that’s people are going to look on and say ‘yes we known this man for 40 years’. Where they know you from? It’s not who you know it’s who knows you.

Talk about your new artist Brilliant.

Trust me, just give him two more months and you won’t ask me who is Brilliant.

He’s already made a dent on the Billboard Charts, so tell us about him, how you found him. www.oceanstylemagazine.com

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REALITY READS & WRITES

OCEAN STYLE

Kinisha O0Neill

Maybe it’s a reflection of the current state of our world that has led many of us to long for more depth in all art forms - especially music. In the Caribbean, politically mindful and conscious reggae is making a comeback, while soca music is embracing lyrics designed to uplift our collective conscience. We invite you to get on the wagon and indulge your senses with these new music releases by artists who represent meaning in their work and are, in a way, revolutionary in whetting the world’s appetite for deeper, more eclectic musical creations.

Compilation (Uganda) Singing for Life: Songs of Hope, Healing, and HIV/AIDS, Music in Uganda (Smithsonian Folkways)

Norah Jones Feels Like Home (Blue Note) It was only three years ago that Norah Jones flew into the Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival in Montego Bay and was amiably surprised by the audience’s hearty reaction to her performance. The reception was reminiscent of her global success.

Jones’ first album, Come Away with Me, featured an old-soul sound that the world seemed to long for – the album sold 18 million copies and won eight Grammy Awards. Now her highly anticipated second album, Feels Like Home, is creating its own hum on the international music scene. Although Jones has stepped up the bohemian harmonies that shone in her first album, her soothing voice continues to hypnotize us.

For the socially-minded music lover, Singing for Life: Songs of Hope, Healing, and HIV/AIDS, Music in Uganda, is an addition to your collection that will please your ears and your conscience.

As part of a public education campaign to combat the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Uganda, local musicians crafted a compilation of conventional harmonies that send the modern message of safe sex. The result, Singing for Life, has helped facilitate a record-breaking decline in Uganda’s rate of HIV/AIDS by raising money from album sales and by increasing public awareness via local performers who bring the album’s message to life across the Ugandan countryside.

On top of its profound social impact, Singing for Life also displays to the world the excellence of Ugandan cultural custom through beats and sounds. Take a listen, if not for delighting in an authentic music, then for supporting a commendable cause.

A 36-page booklet is included.

Kinisha O0Neill

In skimming through recent book releases, one can’t help but wonder if the reality television phenomenon hasn’t spilled over to the world of publishing. Right now, fiction isn’t such a wonder in the marketplace. Whether it’s the ever-popular self-help kind, the soaring “how to” book or just people who seem compelled to tell their life stories, it’s the era of reality for sure, even in the world of books.

Amy Winehouse Back to Black (Universal Republic)

K-Os Atlantis: Hymns for a Disco (EMI) He’s K-Os – Knowledge of Self – and he marches seamlessly to the beat of his own socially-conscious drum. This part-Canadian, part-Trinidadian musician blends inspiring lyrics and conscious reggae undertones with soul, R&B, hip-hop and eclectic world beats. While he has yet to enter the mainstream, he has garnered significant record sales in his home country of Canada and high commendation from attuned fans throughout the world. His latest album, Atlantis: Hymns for a Disco, dropped in the U.S. market on February 20, 2007 and is slowing but steadily rising to the top.

Following on the heels of a successful pop-jazz debut album, English songstress and sometimes-tabloid queen, Amy Winehouse, demonstrates her flexible musical talent, this time opting for a Motown feel – strictly R&B – in her latest album, Back to Black. Though tabloid accusations of eating disorders, alcoholism and manic depression have cause quite a stir, Winehouse’s legendary voice hasn’t faltered in her sophomore effort released late 2006 in Europe and March 2007 in the U.S. In interviews, Winehouse unapologetically relays the switch as a need for change and her desire to sound more like the Motown girl groups of the fifties and sixties.

The second single off the album, “You know I’m No Good,” features a verse from Ghostface Killa of the Wu-Tang Clan, who itched to collaborate with Winehouse once he heard the song.

The two got together and not long after the collaboration launched to number eighteen on the UK charts.

The Secret Rhonda Byrne (Atria Books) Wanna know the secret? If you’re a fan of Oprah, you already know it. Rhonda Byrne’s The Secret unravels the mystery of obtaining a prosperous and fulfilling life so effectively that Oprah featured the book for a full episode, only to revisit it once again the following week due to the enormous response from her super-large audience.

Said to reveal the thread of truth in all philosophies, religions and cultures, The Secret seeks to teach readers about how to live a better life. “In this book, you'll learn how to use The Secret in every aspect of your life – money, health, relationships, happiness, and in every interaction you have in the world. You'll begin to understand the hidden, untapped power that's within you, and this revelation can bring joy to every aspect of your life.” (Oprah.com). Who wants to be left out of any secret?

The Measure of a Man Sidney Poitier (Harper Collins) The reality of Sidney Poitier is one truly worth knowing. Born in Miami, Florida and raised in the Bahamas, Sidney Poitier has received not one, but four doctoral degrees, been knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, starred in over 40 films, won three Golden Globes and was the first African-American to win an Academy Award. Of this and more he recounts in his new “Spiritual Autobiography,” The Measure of a Man. “I have no wish to play the pontificating fool, pretending that I've suddenly come up with the answers to all life's questions. Quite the contrary, I began this book as an exploration, an exercise in self-questioning. In other words, I wanted to find out, as I looked back at a long and complicated life, with many twists and turns, how well I've done at measuring up to the values I myself have set." The Measure of a Man inspires strength and action, offering a glimpse into a life of challenges and accomplishments truly beyond measure. www.oceanstylemagazine.com

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OCEAN STYLE Modern Caribbean Cuisine Wendy Rahamut (Interlink Books) Liven up your dining table with recipes that reflect the melting pot of cultures ingrained in the Caribbean. Wendy Rahamut’s Modern Caribbean Cuisine merges traditional ingredients indigenous to the Caribbean with a modern flair to showcase the current mainstay in Caribbean fare. Rahamut, a food wonder hailing from Trinidad and Tobago, is a bona fide food expert, serving as Editor-In-Chief of Caribbean Gourmet magazine, writing for Trinidad’s Guardian newspaper, and hosting Trinidad’s Caribbean Flavors television show.

Filled with photography that reflects the colorful beauty of the Caribbean, Modern Caribbean Cuisine is where your good ol’ home cooking morphs into gourmet dining.

RETAIL THERAPY AT CABANA JAMAICA Novia Whyte

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Man in the Middle John Amaechi (ESPN Books)

Get Your Crochet On! Hip Hats and Cool Caps Afya Ibomu (Taunton) Tradition is trickling its way back into the lives of the young. Afya Ibomu’s Get Your Crochet On! Hip Hats and Cool Caps puts an artistic edge on an old-time craft, crocheting. The book outlines some of Ibomu’s most popular crochet creations, with detailed instructions on how to make highly fashionable crochet hats, caps and tams.

With the good fortune to boast Erykah Badu, Common, Musiq Soulchild, Talib Kweli and her husband, Stic Man of the politically-charged rap group Dead Prez, as avid wearers of her crochet head huggers, Ibomu’s book is surely a treasure to those looking to learn the craft. The author, who is also a natural health consultant, vegan chef and entrepreneur, credits living in Brooklyn, New York for her inspiration. With over 9,000 books sold in the first few months, her second edition later this year is likely to be equally successful.

In February 2007, former NBA star turned author, John Amaechi, graced HBO’s Real Time with Bill Maher to talk about his new book, Man in the Middle. The tall, well-educated athlete’s most amusing moment on the show was his comment on the vanity of NBA locker rooms. “Sometimes you can be in a locker room, a professional locker room, and it's like watching a flock of peacocks preening themselves and looking at each other. And I would sit there sometimes while a teammate might be painting his toenails seasonally and another teammate might be tweezing eyebrows or something and I'd just sit there and think, “And I'm the gay one?” In Man in the Middle, the ex-player for the Utah Jazz, the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Orlando Magic writes not about his stint in the NBA, but of his difficult journey to the NBA, his experiences protecting his identity as a homosexual basketball player, his strained relations with teammates and superiors and his experience coming out of the closet.

“The guys I played with just didn't like “fags” – or so they insisted over and over again. But they didn't understand fags enough to truly loathe them. Most were convinced, even as they sat next to me on the plane or threw me the ball in the post, that they had never met one.” (ESPN.com) Man in the Middle tells the story of a courageous man who journeyed through life’s difficulties only to emerge a stronger and truly inspiring person.

ew boutiques warrant having the number on speed dial.

Cabana Jamaica, however, is most certainly the exception.

With a formidable fashion line and an array of Caribbean tidbits, this indulgent boutique is one place where you can add that special something to your closet and, when you’re feeling generous, secure gifts that solicit glee from even the most jaded friend - you know, the ones who have it all …

It’s little wonder then that those perusing Cabana Jamaica are amazed by not only what’s on offer, but also by the fact that everything is made either in Jamaica or in the Caribbean region. Owner Gail Bell has scoured the Caribbean for truly stylish threads and trends that always make for a satisfying shopping experience. Bell practically spoils her customers, presenting only the best of Caribbean fashion. There are the superlative designs of Trinidad & Tobago’s Meiling Esau, St. Martin’s Samson and Jamaica’s Heather Laine, Bill Edwards and SIIM (Michelle Simone Clarke). And how could we not mention the exquisite handmade and hand-painted silk caftans of Claudette Lopez (daughter of legendary Jamaican designer, Annie Lopez). With earrings, bangles and sharp handbags to accessorize, entire ensembles are put together in record time.

Bell, a graduate of the Florida Institute of Technology, sees it all as “coming full circle.”

“It’s something I’ve always wanted to do from my days in the mid-80s as a student.” To most, she has certainly fulfilled her desire, previously owning another boutique, Carillon, and more recently serving as gift shops director for the ultra-exclusive Sandals chain. But to the ever-expanding Bell, “I’m not there yet,” she muses while adding some trendy Rock Steady t-shirts to the shelves.

There may be more in store for Bell, but in the interim, Cabana Jamaica offers its customers more than they can hope for, including Caribbean bed wear, cushions, CDs, books, masks, condiments and some of Jamaica’s best coffee. And, of course, there’s the location - the cashmere chic Round Hill Hotel & Villas, with its breathtaking vista and afternoon teas. It’s truly the perfect spot to enjoy retail therapy. We want to share this boutique with all of our readers but as we step out with … SHHH … three bags in hand, we want to keep it all to ourselves! Would you want to share a fashion orgasm? contact Gail Bell at Round Hill Resort & Villas 876 956 74 86 or 956 7487 or email cabanaja@yahoo.com

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CANNONBALL CAFÉ OCEAN STYLE

Dive in for Good Eats and Fine Treats

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eliably good food without the fuss can be hard to come by. Fortunately, Tara Clivio, Wendy Facey and Gloria Palomino made our lives that much easier when they conceived of and brought to life Cannonball Café. The vision of these three entrepreneurs, carried on by Clivio and Facey, has materialized into three of the best cafés in Kingston, Jamaica, each with their own roster of regulars that swear by their second culinary homes.

Tara Clivio’s memories of Cannonball’s customers evoke images of a quaint sidewalk café where you can relax for hours, eat delicious food, drink great coffee and make wonderful conversation. There’s the Croatian man who would bring in his drawings of Jamaican flowers and tell tales of love and war. There’s his French buddy who would complain bitterly about Jamaica and constantly suggest how the Cannonball women could improve their “little café.” There’s their favorite man who breakfasts with them almost everyday, of whom the Cannonball women have grown very protective. Pregnant mothers come in and take breaks, and the Cannonball women watch them grow and celebrate when they walk in with baby in tow. Many a baby has breast fed in their café, many a romance has sparked (yes, they notice) and many a friend has gathered, laughed, chatted and bonded over many a morning coffee.

Cannonball does simply delicious food and they simply do it well. Each of the cafés have excellent menus filled with delicious quick bites – fresh salads, sandwiches, quiche and lasagna, as well as of lots of great coffee and tasty deserts. Best of all, there’s a home for

everyone. As Clivio and Facey expanded, they created a distinct vibe and setting for each of their cafés. The Manor Park location is a cozy spot (seating 20+), where people are often found quietly reading books while overlooking a pond filled with brilliant lilies and a rustic bridge leading up to an old mill. The New Kingston location, designed with professionals in mind, is bright, modern, very cosmopolitan and always filled with people holding meetings and taking advantage of the wireless internet connection offered. Although located off the busy Knutsford Blvd, the café is nestled in a courtyard just far enough away to provide a break from the hectic business district. Finally, for those seeking a relaxing evening bite, there’s always the Barbican location, which offers a subtle, sophisticated edge.

The Cannonball women’s business plan was simple – they started small, built slowly, valued quality, paid attention to every detail, cherished their customers and most, of all, had fun. They visit all three of their cafés at some point during the day and have managed to assemble an unfailingly warm and welcoming staff that they consider their good friends. Each year, the staff, management and owners, or, the “team,” go out together and have a blast. This strong team spirit combined with excellent training have resulted in low staff turnover and a high level of customer service that does not go unnoticed.

Now that’s a recipe for success.

Each café is open every day from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM.

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OCEAN COCKTAIL: TRINIDAD CARNIVAL MTV Base has a blast at )The Greatest Show on Earth* Jasmine Dotiwala

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ife’s been pretty peachy for me thus far, but if I had to make it better, I’d be a bona fide Trini for 2 weeks annually to coincide with “The Greatest Show on Earth” – Trinidad Carnival. On Valentines Day, Ocean Style invited myself and the MTV BASE CREW from London out to Trinidad to join in the biggest annual event on the island’s calendar. After the usual airport kafuffle, we arrived in the dead of the night at the beautiful marina side Crews Inn hotel in Port of Spain, Trinidad.

Day 1. Parties, parties, parties On day one, we had the best welcome party we could’ve imagined. We were escorted to Michael Headly’s all-inclusive fete, full of beautiful, cosmopolitan, sophisticated folk. Set on multi-tiered terraces overlooking the stunning ocean front, there were steel and soca bands, an array of cocktail stands serving delectable beverages and a multitude of food stalls serving up mouth watering Shark and Bake and roti. We marveled at the wealth of people dancing, eating, drinking (or “liming” as the Trini’s call it) and the party’s cool vibe, which had us mingling in a flirtatious olde world style and dancing ’til sunset to performers like “Queen of Soca” Alison Hinds (who taught us the “reverse the tractor” dance).

Two hours later we showered, redressed and were chauffeured to Trini Posse’s all inclusive fete, Tribe & Splash, where soca legend Machel Montano and Patrice, amongst others, headlined a crazy festival vibe gig where the artists threw out hundreds of glow sticks for the crowd to wave and fling up. Once again, the party was bursting with beautiful people and here I noticed 2 things: 1) Trini gals are stunningly gorgeous but have some kind of super human feet because they all wear the highest heels to every outdoor event and still manage to skip around doing their winy winy dances all night without wincing like us Brits do at 4 AM; and 2) the soca wines in Trinidad are ever so much more frantic and energetic than in the UK. Stuff I think is overly sexual in London was normal in Trinidad, and stuff that was overly sexual in Trinidad was like watching the adult channel! But I was assured by locals that it was all “just dancing.”

In addition to the near perfect organization and the endless of food and drink, the staging (smoke, dry ice, pyrotechnics, and fireworks) at every party was beyond impressive. The first 500 people at the front of the stage always waved flags representing nations throughout the Caribbean and the rest of the world (Trinidad / Barbados / Dominican/ St Lucia / St Vincent / USA / UK), which was a sight that had to be seen to be believed as a sea of folks frantically jumped and swung their flags in the air. The sheer spectacle of events in Trinidad put the ones in the UK to shame. Effects that in London are only saved for hugely wealthy acts were par for the course in Trinidad every night! You guys know how to impress big time!

Day 2. Soca Monarch On day two, Trevor Nelson (from MTV and the UK’s national radio station, Radio One), Kat (from MTV Base and the UK’s biggest urban radio station, ChoiceFM) and a big group of others all swam in the ocean, went snorkeling and did a little fishing, where we caught nothing so we instead posed for silly photos (the boat captain thought we were like his 12 year old kids.

Shame!).

That evening I interviewed Beenie Man before he went onstage at the live televised “Soca Monarch.” He was in great spirits and gave us a nice juicy interview explaining the true meaning of “bacchanal” (which you can read elsewhere in this issue!).

The family orientated Soca Monarch saw thousands of people dancing along to Machel Montano HD, Shurwayne Winchester and a Japanese soca band accompanied by fire balls, explosions, confetti, and stilt walkers who were far more impressive than the ones over in the UK – they were jumpin’ and whining and jamming madly! At one point we spotted a

real sad fellow jumping up and down in front of the live TV cameras dressed like Flava Flav. Oh how we laughed at him, calling him a wannabe and impostor before dying with embarrassment at being told he really was Flava Flav! The VVIP saw the most affluent types mingling, but come 4 AM we were completed mashed up and couldn’t keep our eyes open. We couldn’t handle the Trini party schedule and it was only day 2!

Day 3. Insomnia By day 3, we were all well-versed in the top 10 soca tracks of carnival 2007 and the repetitive tunes kept jumping into our heads and springing off our tongues all day long … “hands up, hands up,” “jump and wine,” “I get so wet,” “jambe.” (I’ve brought back the “jambe dance” to London and will introduce it to the hip-hop scene on my next outing!) That night we went to Insomnia, which was on a par with any Ibiza water party, but better. We watched the sun rise against a backdrop of the sea and boats twinkling in the morning of a new day. Here we consumed yet more of Trinidad’s specialties. The old diva mantra, “a second on the lips a lifetime pon the hips,” was echoing in my subconscious. But even though I knew I was piling on the weight, I knew I was wining it off just as fast!

At one point we climbed onto the top of a truck to get a better view of the performers, fully aware that our insurance didn’t cover such frivolous actions. But at that point, courtesy of our rum punch, we didn’t quite care. We soon leapt off when we spotted 4 strategically placed men with huge water hoses in hand. They proceeded to not just sprinkle a few drops of water on the jumping ravers, but instead unleashed a full on hurricane for over an hour that drenched us all! I was ducking and diving behind pillars as if a shoot out was occurring, much to the mirth of my mate Monique. But I didn’t care – as usual, my full bag of nonsense pon my shoulder was going to be protected as if it were my own child!

Jouvay Jouvay morning was a crazy euphoric experience I’ll never forget. Jouvay is a night street party that marks the beginning of Trinidad Carnival.

As bands march through the streets of Port of Spain, mud is flung about freely, a practice originally meant to symbolize a celebration of oneself before getting into costume to pay mas. As the years have gone by, paint and oil have joined the list of substances flailing through the air. Fully prepared to lose ourselves in the experience, we dressed ourselves in old clothes and sneakers we wouldn’t mind throwing away, wrapped our hair up tightly in scarves and caps, and www.oceanstylemagazine.com

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threw ourselves with wild abandon into the frenzied spirit! We played mas with the yellow devil, but the antics were more than devilish! I won’t lie. At first, I was shook. But then that “Sex and the City” stushness slipped off my body right after the first lick of paint caught me.

The men all seemed to be on a marathon “wicked wining session,” as they sprinted from lady to lady circling their hips for as long as they could before the ladies looked at them with one disapproving expression. By the end of the event, everyone resembled extras from a very sexy version of a walking zombies flick!

Carnival Monday & Tuesday After a couple of hours rest, we began our two days of jamming along the streets of Port of Spain. The parade of mas bands were an exhilarating whirl of spectacularly colored costumes, each feathered, beaded, and sequined. You name it, it was there. Men, women, young, old, of all colors, classes, ethnicities and races played mas in the thousands. It was a delightful carnival fraternity. Unbelievable! We even spotted cricketer Brian Lara and Machel Montano chipping down the street. At one point it became so wild that the ladies were leaping up to gyrate with our cameraman Yemi. But ever the professional, he withheld their advances.

Without costumes, we felt a bit like onlookers at a party, although I did for a brief moment persuade a carnival queen to let me slip into her gigantic carnival contraption so I could feel what it’s like to wear one of those beautiful costumes. I was so envious of the girls in their outfits that next year I’m ordering my costume early!

The parade lasted well into the early hours of Ash Wednesday morning. We were asked to come out and play again on Wednesday, but by this stage I was so out of my mind on no sleep and high on the good times, I told them “Sorry – I gave up partying for Lent!”

Tobago Recovery To recover from the Trini experience, we flew into Tobago’s Crown Point airport to chill out and lime at the lovely Villa Araliya. The Hon. Neil E. Wilson, Secretary of Tourism Division for the Tobago House of Assembly, made us feel very welcome and we attended a few more street parties, where I experienced curried crab in its shell and had a lesson on how one must eat it. Then followed more beach parties at Pigeon Point and nightclubs where we spotted Crazy, who sings, “when you wine on me I get so wet,” and grappled with him to take a photo.

Tobago was a little more chilled out than Trinidad. It had a clean, green and serene feeling, with huge expanses of grass covered in palm trees. We ate the most delicious home cooked food at Jemmas Sea Food Kitchen, which was actually a huge tree house! The next day we visited the Argyle Waterfalls near Roxborough, where we climbed up the 3 tiered 54 meter waterfall, admiring its colorful paths that have turned red and orange by the falling flowers from the surrounding trees. Our MTV VJ Kat was topless and ready to leap off the 2nd tier after watching the locals doing it. Fortunately, we were able to talk him down, as we didn’t want to carry home a crippled man. We did however strip to our bikinis to let the powerful torrents of the water

cean Style presents …

O

A splendid spectacle of color, design bodies in motion,

to soca they wine.

Feet chipping on beat, down Frederick Street

as they jump, move,

massage our backs as we sat in the path of the water surge.

On our final day, we took a glass bottomed boat out to snorkel in Tobago’s beautiful nylon pool and bronzed ourselves in the ocean at Buccoo Bay, where too many antics including see through bikinis, boys playing sharks, eating Kentucky fried chicken on the ocean and men biting bikini clad bottoms had us joking all day long ’til the sun set.

I confess – every muscle in my body is still aching from the T&T experience, but I’m counting down the months before I can do it again in 2008! BACCHANAL!

dance

and sway.

On days first meant to give thanks and pray, and though most say it has changed today, it melds cultures and worlds better seen than told.

So come,

sink in an occasion known first

as the best,

the grandest

The Greatest Show on Earth.

CARNIVAL! Colin Williams

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Neil 1Iwer2 George

ON SPOT Machel Montano

Dawg 1E2 Slaughter Fayeann Lyons

KMC and Beenie Man

International Soca Monarch finals 4 TRINIDAD & TOBAGO 5 Hasely Crawford Stadium Promoter William Munro and Caribbean Prestige Foundation for Performing Arts

Patrice Roberts Young Marcel

Friday, March 16, 2007 photography by Colin Williams

Minmi

KMC

Denise 1Saucy Wow2 Belfon

Kes Dieffenthaller and Nadia Batson

Shurwayne Winchester Minmi and her dancers

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