OCEAN Style Magazine

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www.oceanstylemagazine.com

TIPS TO LAND THAT HOT BACHELOR

CARIBBEAN FASHION WEEK Haute Couture to Swimwear

POWER! From Mia Mottley to Lady Saw, Alison Hinds to Thalia Lyn, Caribbean women make their presence felt TOBAGO JAZZ FESTIVAL Sir Elton John headlines a cast of stars and brings down the house in this island paradise

FACEBOOK From old to young, ‘Facebook Fever’is contagious

HALF MOON New York High Fashion meets refined excellence at this magnificent Luxury Resort

US$4.99 / UK£3.00

A N N A RI H ROCKS PRAG UE!

C O N T E N TS

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Volume 3, Issue 3

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FASHION + STYLE + BEAUTY Go Green!

Send them Green with Envy in these sultry shades and products selected

by Isabelle Tin-Aung

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Accessories

With her irreverent flair, Tracey Ferguson gives us her picks for the SeasonHs Hottest Accessories J from bags to sneakers, shoes and perfume we share the secrets to hip!

Forget about “fixing” what’s on the outside and focus on self love.

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Singular Moments

A Fashion Story captured at Half Moon Resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica Fashion photographer extraordinaire Dagmara captures high fashion in this exclusive resort known for its elegance and high standards.

64 Caribbean Fashion Week 2007

Kingsley CooperHs Pulse Caribbean produces its best fashion week to date with designers from across the seas. Haute couture to swimwear was on show from Guyana to Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago to Barbados. The CaribbeanHs best stood toe to toe with designers from New York, London, Nigeria and Romania.

73 The New Caribbean Woman

FEATURES

The last 20 years have seen a tremendous rise in power and influence for Caribbean women from different walks of life. Acclaimed journalist Dr. Sheila Rampersad takes a look at the evolving role of women from family backbone and support to her dominant male counterpart to leader and visionary in her own right across fields as far flung as music, politics, religion and high finance.

77 Meiling

She made the singular name brand chic in the Caribbean while Madison Avenue was still researching the effectiveness across the fashion capitals of the world. Meiling has achieved a level of brand awareness across the Caribbean that few can match, bringing her an unprecedented level of couture and commercial success in the regional fashion industry.

83 When will Air Jamaica become self-sustaining?

With a business plan anchored around strategic rationalization focusing the airlineHs core operations, Air Jamaica Sr. VP Sales and Marketing Paul Pennicook sits with Ocean Style to outline why this plan holds the promise of that elusive Caribbean aviation goal….profitability.

88 Lee Chin8s Crystal Effect

Billionaire investor Michael Lee Chin, founder of AIC Financial and Chairman of the rejuvenated financial powerhouse NCB, makes a record contribution to the Royal Ontario Museum. Feature Writer Barbara Ellington in her maiden contribution to Ocean Style was on hand to witness the gala opening of the aptly named Michael Lee Chin Crystal.

102 Shut Up and Rock!

Ocean Style Feature writer Jasmine Dotiwala joins Barbadian songstress Rihanna on a Making the Video rollercoaster in the streets of Prague.

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The Facebook Movement

Quincy Ross tackles the subject of this vexing and addictive Web 2.0 application that has captured the attention of man, woman and child across the globe.

After rebuffing YahooHs reported $1 Billion offer, we explore what makes 23-year-old CEO of Facebook Mark ZuckenbergHs brain child so alluring.

69 Simply Claudia!

Synonymous with Caribbean high fashion for over twenty years, Claudia Pegus took centre stage at CFW 2007 with a fabulous collection and a tight presentation J confirming why the cream always rises to the top!

70 KAJ: Tobago On The Fashion Landscape

With his roots in the unspoilt beauty of Tobago, KAJ is putting the island paradise better known for its lush fauna, and beaches, on the fashion radar with a collection reflecting his growth as a designer.

71 Didi Beck

The fifteen year old EdarlingF designer of CWF 2007 puts her passion for fashion on display.

91 Model Behaviour

This post-Caribbean Fashion Week story from the streets of Kingston teams acclaimed photographer Robert Manella and Trinidadian stylist Rick Davy.

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Capture these singular moments with an amazing resort providing the setting

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HEALTH + FITNESS

Hair Care Maintenance

Want the secret to healthy hair? The most important ingredient - A Healthy Scalp!

Hair expert Kathleen Johnson shares some tips.

30 More Love, Less Modification

Annika Repole leads the charge for saying GNo to Plastic SurgeryH with her shout for women to keep it real.

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Ready. Aim. Fire!

Ladies follow the steps as we show you how to snag that Most Eligible Bachelor on your radar!

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Know Thy Breasts!

How an intimate knowledge of your anatomy can play an important role in detecting breast cancer and represents the first line of offense in leading a healthy life.

24 The AFJ8s Peacock Ball

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ON SPOT

The annual black tie soire´e was held at the Ritz-Carlton in Coral Gables celebrating 2007 International Humanitarian Award honourees Anthony Keith Edmund Hart and Food for the Poor.

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Caribbean Fashion Week 2007

Where the beautiful people meet on and off the runway!

Elton John, among the superstars and legends who rocked the Plymouth Jazz Fest in Tobago

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Three friends escape the makeup and cameras of Jamaica’s Fashion Week and take a tour of Kingston.

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ESCAPE

An Epicurean Delight

A divine evening of elegance, service and delightful cuisine as only Sandals Resorts could host. We visit Sandals Whitehouse and European Village for an exquisite seven course meal at one of the luxury chainHs most enchanting properties.

107 Welcome To St. Lucia

Rosemary Parkinson takes us on a wonder tour sure to make you salivate.

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OCEAN LIVING

Lunch At Deliworks

When youHre looking to balance value and speed but not prepared to compromise on taste, then lunch is at Deliworks! The deli serves a tasty range of hot foods, soups and cold cuts to satisfy the heartiest appetite.

60 Edible Vibes

Our resident expert in the art of tasty food efficiently prepared, Chef Michelle Jones, shares her talents helping us stir up those 5 minute wonder meals.

114 Mix & Stir

Ocean Spray delights with a refreshing drink recipe thatHs easy to replicate.

99 Tobago Jazz Festival

PULSE

Connoisseur of all things entertainment in the Caribbean, Michael Mondezie gives us his top 10 moments at the annual music festival. This yearHs iteration saw huge crowds jetting into Tobago for a show that boasted a top international cast including Sir Elton John, Diana Ross, Mary J. Blige, Earth Wind and Fire, LL Cool J, Machel Montano, Sean Paul and Beres Hammond, and….yes itHs still only 3 nights!

104 Digicel Reggae on the Hill

Reggae was the music of choice in Barbados, showcasing some of the regionHs most talented and prolific artisans.

ON THE REGULAR

CONTENTS

12 Masthead 14 Editor8s Note 16 Letters to the Editor 18 Advertiser8s Contact Page 21 Conributors 36 Horoscope

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

DOUGLAS K. GORDON MANAGING EDITOR ANNA-LISA MILLER

COLIN WILLIAMS

– SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER

+ LIFESTYLE – SENIOR CONTRIBUTOR

FASHION

JASMINE DOTIWALA

TEX T

+ PHOTOS

NOVIA MCDONALD -WHYTE

– SENIOR CONTRIBUTOR

DAGMARA, ISABELLE TIN-AUNG, ROSEMARY PARKINSON, NIKISHA JACKSON, ANIKA REPOLE, MICHAEL MONDEZIE, SHARON MCCONNELL, MARCIA ERSKINE, ANDREW MANSWELL, DR. SHIELA RAMPERSAD, DEBBIE KENGO ART + DESIGN + LAYOUT – FRANK RENEAU ARTISTIC CONSULTANT – DONNIE SUPERVILLE QUINCY ROSS WEBMASTER – ANDREW MANSWELL WEBSITE EDITOR – KELLY PARRIS

ART DIRECTOR

USA:

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BLUE WOLF MEDIA, INC.

PRESIDENT

– DEIKA MORRISON

NO PART OF OCEAN STYLE MAGAZINE MAY BE REPRODUCED IN ANY FORM OR BY ANY MEANS WITHOUT PRIOR WRITTEN CONSENT FROM BLUE WOLF MEDIA, INC. FOR ADDITIONAL REPRINT INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT US AT INFO@OCEANSTYLEMAGAZINE.COM OR FAX US AT 305.395.5195.

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DIVE IN AT oceanstylemagazine.com

FROM THE EDITOR

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hen the opportunity to shoot at Half Moon presented itself we had the smallest of windows within which to mobilize our team of artisans – photographer, model, stylist, makeup, hair, assistants. But the opportunity to shoot at one of the Caribbean’s top resorts was one that simply had to be seized – and like true professionals the response was immediate and comprehensive. In Singular Moments, photographer Dagmara and her talented team combine for this spectacular photo shoot.

The evolving role of women in shaping the direction of the Caribbean is an essential element of Dr. Sheila Rampersad’s insightful piece, The New Caribbean Woman. Today women operate from a powerful base across various disciplines from politics with Jamaican Prime Minister Portia Simpson-Miller to religion with Trinidadian Indrani Rampersad, the first female Hindu pundit. This article speaks to the accomplishments of women in the relatively short period of the last twenty years and gives some insight into the future leadership of the region as it matures and evolves.

High Fashion was very much the order of the day when we jetted into Kingston as guests of Kingsley Cooper to cover this year’s Caribbean Fashion Week.

The biggest and best Fashion Week in its eight year history, showcased designers from all over the region.

In this issue we feature two young up and coming designers - fifteen year old Jamaican, Didi Beck and KAJ from Tobago. Fashion remains the hot topic as feature writer Laura Dowrich brings us a piece on one of the Caribbean’s most successful designers, the iconic Meiling.

There is tremendous pride in this issue and for that we are especially grateful to Stacy-Ann and Marcia at Half Moon, Angie at Air Jamaica and the people of downtown Kingston for allowing us to shoot in the streets – that was quite an awesome experience.

At Ocean Style we remain committed to constant improvement and welcome all comments, feedback and suggestions to help us produce a better publication – so please feel free to drop me an email!

Douglas K. Gordon Editor-In-Chief

LETTERSTO T HE EDITOR

TRINIDAD CARNIVAL! What a tasteful and high quality portrayal of Trinidad Carnival? I fell in love with the pictures – the beauty of the people and the costumes – it all looked so good!

Those shots were amazing and I am definitely heading to Trinidad Carnival next year.

F. Nunez Toronto, Ontario

Trinidad Carnival photographed exclusively for Ocean Style by Colin Williams

PICTURE PERFECT WOMAN I think Halle Berry’s story is an inspiration to women everywhere. I didn’t realize all the trials and tribulations she has overcome but it goes to show that even those who supposedly “have it all” have to go through life’s ups and down like the rest of us. She has endured some really terrible relationships and still managed to maintain her classic beauty, poise and elegance. I have a newfound respect for her as a person.

M. Bernard San Fernando, Trinidad and Tobago

WHEN MOTHER’S HURT Your article on post-pardum depression struck a nerve with me and I am sure many other women.

There are so many that believe this is some disease of the hypochondriac or the ungrateful new mother.

The phenomenon is real and very much an issue that exists for women from rich to poor and I was happy to see it addressed in your publication – I hope this spurs more to cover this very real issue and helps those who don’t understand to empathize.

S. Shaw Kingston, Jamaica

WORLD CUP CRICKET Well I hope you will do a follow up to that World Cup Cricket piece showing the COST to the region. Your article was encouraging but off base. I don’t believe we will see a net benefit to this region in fact far from. The way the whole thing ended was a real disappointment to cricket fans across the world and while that is no fault of the organizers, it doesn’t change the fact that all the money that was invested in stadiums and infrastructure for the event (a once in a lifetime event) would still have been put to better use helping the region’s poor and suffering. To be fair the arguments were sound but at the end of the day I am confident that the result will show that the decision to host this event, despite all the publicity, was not the right choice.

T. Rose Barbados

Well I don’t know whether it was a boom or bane for the region so as your article suggests we will have to wait and see the long term benefits. And while the team disappointed I salute the great job that Chris Dehring and his people did in organizing the World Cup – I had a great time and it was very well organized.

M. Camacho New York, USA

DESTINATIONS Tobago House of Assembly – Tobago, visittobago.gov.tt Tourism Development Company – T&T, visitTNT.com

AIR, HOTELS & SPAS Air Jamaica, airjamaica.com British Airways, ba.com Sandals Resorts, sandals.com Jamaica Pegasus, jamaicapegasus.com Tradewinds Hotel, tradewindshotel.net Half Moon, halfmoon.com

BANKING, FINANCE & INSURANCE CLICO, clico.com First Citizens Bank, simplyfirst.net NCB Capital Markets, ncbcapitalmarkets.com VISA, visa.com

AUTOMOTIVE & RENTAL CARS Jaguar (Classic Motors) Kalloo’s Auto Rentals, kalloos.com Mercedes Benz (Sterling Motors), sterlingservicett.com Mitsubishi Toyota

FASHION & PERSONAL CARE Sunsilk Movado, theroyalshop.com Pulse Caribbean, pulsemodels.com Dior, dior.com Hublot, theroyalshop.com Revlon, revlon.com HCL Premier Malls, hcltt.com BK Fashion Weekend, bkfashionweekend.com

MEDIA Jamaica Observer, jamaicaobserver.com MTV Tempo – an MTV Network, gottempo.com WIN TV. wintvworld.com

OTHER PRODUCTS & SERVICES Supreme Ventures Limited, supremeventures.com ARTECH Digicel Keyland Real Estate PAS Cargo USA Prime Restaurant, trentrestaurants.com/prime Vibes Cuisine Ocean Spray To advertise: e-mail ads@oceanstylemagazine.com or call 868-622-1844 or 305-921-9052

US$25 for 6 ISSUES

SUBSCRIBE TODAY! call 868.622.1844

www.oceanstylemagazine.com

ADVERTISTER’s CONTACT PAGE

CONTRIBUTORS

Dagmara

For more than 10 years, Dagm ara's images have filled the pages of fine magazines internationally, appeared in successful advertising campaigns, been exhibited in top art galleries, auctioned and richly awarded. Her extraordinary imagination and brilliant insight into her subjects' characters has made her a premier photographer.

She began snapping as a young woman in her native Poland, made a stop in Paris, set up a shop in NYC and now has the privilege to travel the world and to exotic locations shooting all the while. Opportunities became more abundant as fashion, advertising and editorial clients saw her talent to bring out the side of her subjects that others could not. Distant and fussy subjects warmed to her, rigid ones relaxed, unique looking ones became swans and the images were always intimate, captivating and sometimes from another world entirely.

Her work spans from edgy, spontaneous images to perfectly lit beauty shots to warm, loving lifestyle images. It's her joie de vivre and love for music and cinema that keep her passionate and inspired. She's graced the pages of Italian, German, and French Elle; Spanish, British and German Glamour; American and Spanish Cosmopolitan, British and Italian Marie Claire, Italian Vanity Fair, Oyster, Spoon and Soma, her advertising clients include Puma, Liz Claiborne, Armani Exchange, Alberta Feretti and others; and the group of celebrities she's photographed includes: Marvin Gaye, Corinne Bailey Rae, Vivica A. Fox, Macy Gray and others.

Barbara Naedene Ellington

When she is not pursuing her pastimes of travelling, reading or beading, the multi-talented, Barbara Naedene Ellington, who also happens to serve as the chief judge of an international Jamaican Jerk Festival, works as the Lifestyle Editor for The Jamaica Gleaner newspaper.

After a 17 year career teaching in Jamaica, The Bahamas and the United States, this English Major graduate from Temple University made the switch to journalism and has, over 14 years, established a credible reputation in print media throughout the Caribbean. As Lifestyle Editor at The Gleaner, she handles the Social, Something Extra, Food and Lifestyle sections as well as Flair Magazine and Monday Interviews. She as covered assignments in Zimbabwe, Cuba, Spain, Canada, Thailand, several parts of the United States, London and many Caribbean islands.

Quentin Hardy aka EQF

Hair stylist and personal groomer extraordiQ,� has worked with a range of print naire, “Q publications, including Ebony, Elle, Gotham, Hamptons, Heart & Soul, Playboy, Rolling Stone and Vibe. Some of the advertising clients who have utilized his acclaimed talents include, Alvin Ailey Dance Company, Apple Bottoms, Baby Phat, Head & Shoulders, McDonalds, Oil of Olay, Pro-Line, Sean John, and Sears.

He has worked with a long list of celebrities including Anita Baker, Cedella Marley, Floetry, Holly Robinson-Pete, Iman, Kim Porter, Kimora Lee, Lady Saw, Naomi Campbell, Nicky Hilton, Nina Sky, Venus Williams, Victoria Gotti, Beenie Man, Boris Kodjoe, Busta Rhymes, Carl Thomas, Isiah Thomas, Jay-Z, John Legend, Kayne West, Omar Epps, O.D.B., P. Diddy and Sean Paul.

With a style all his own, Q brings his tremendous talent and lively personality - sure to leave all who he engages with great respect for his ability, professionalism sense of humour.

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

douglas@oceanstylemagazine.com or (TEL)

305.921.9052

Ambassador and Mrs. Glen Holden

ON SPOT Marc Goodman and Kathryn Pinto-May

Sonny Columbo, Jennifer Burns and Roy Corso

Donnie Dawson, Cammie Gregg, Tom Jaronski and Rocco Riggio

Debra Lopez and Kathryn Pinto-May

Peter Bunting, Ambassador Brenda LaGrange Johnson, J. Howard Johnson, Candice and Mark Hart

The American Friends of Jamaica’s Peacock Ball K COCONUT GROVE, FLORIDA L

Honoree Tony Hart, Consul-General Ricardo Allicock and Honoree Robin Mahfood

The American Friends of Jamaica held its annual black tie gala and charity auction, which honored Anthony Keith Edmund Hart and Food For The Poor with its International Humanitarian Award.

Marc Goodman and Keisha Phipps Summer Lopez, Julie Seaga and Natalie Feanny

May 2007 photography by Teekay Photography Steve Heath and Becky Stockhausen

Major Noel and Karel Dawes

Butch Stewart, Keisha Phipps and David Black

Mark and Betty McKenzie, Ambassador and Mrs. Glen Holden

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GO GREEN!

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OCEAN STYLE

Show your eyes off with these sultry and irresistible picks all in delectable shades of green Isabelle Tin-Aung

Make Up Forever Aqua Eyes in Green No more smears or tears. This waterproof eye shadow and eye liner pencil will work in the most difficult weather conditions.

Try aqua eyes in green to add a little brightness to your evening eye palette. Cocktail in one hand with the sun setting in the background - you’re a head turner! makeupforever.com, $16

Bourjois Multi Shimmer Loose Eye Shadow Mess-free eye shadow in Rayon Vert comes with an easy one-two-three application brush. Use it during the day for a sheer look and reapply for a shimmery evening glamour.

This loose powder in its modern and sleek container never looked better in your make up bag. sephora.com, $16

Givenchy Prisme Again! Eye Shadow Quartet in Green Envy Four different shades of green from bright pistachio to army khaki all in a chic compact with a separate compartment for three brushes.

Slip in your pocket or purse. Let yourself play with the different colors to achieve a chameleon of looks or try them all together for that smoky, sexy appearance. A must have! givenchy.com, $49.50

New Pressed Eyeshadow by Shu Umeura The Japanese make up line revered by all make up artists – pressed powder in metallic shades giving you a soft look on the eye. Try IR Green 550 for a catwalk finish. shuumeura.com, $20

Mystic Jade Five-Colour Eye Shadow by Dior Whatever your mood, Dior’s five-colour in mystic jade gives you enough versatility to simmer in sexiness or dazzle with sophistication. Apply the different shades on different parts of the eye to create your desired effect.

Metallic green, soft aloe or soothing peach applied separately or all combined will surprisingly work magic on your eyes. dior.com, $52

Tend Skin When it comes to dealing with razor bumps along that bikini line, or anywhere else for that matter, look no further than Tend Skin. Razor bumps and ingrowns are a thing of the past with a modest daily application. It also works well for men so no reason your date has to sport razor bumps of shave with a “cream.” tendskin.com, $20

HAIR CARE MAINTENANCE A Healthy Scalp: the Secret to Healthy, Beautiful Hair Kathleen Johnson

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he scalp is the base of our hair’s health. Growth, strength, shine and elasticity define healthy hair and the scalp is where the hair root receives all the nourishment to grow beautiful, strong hair. A healthy scalp is achieved as a by product of a healthy lifestyle which includes a balanced diet including protein, (a central building block of hair), and being physically active which strengthens the heart for proper blood circulation.

Our scalp is covered with a thin layer of muscle. Due to stress and tension the fine capillaries that supply nourishment to the hair’s root may be constricted, resulting in undernourished hair growth. Massaging the scalp will stimulate the circulation of the blood to the root and promote hair growth. The condition of the hair can be greatly improved through regular scalp massage.

Use the pads of your fingers to make small circles all over the scalp. Work from the front temple areas and focus on the base of the skull at the back of the head. Try to move the whole scalp around to release the tension in the underlying muscles.

Some tips to keeping your hair and scalp healthy:

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1. Water and hair health: Hair achieves a lot of its shine and elasticity because of the water and oils supplied from the hair root. Dry, brittle, rough looking hair may be due to lack of sufficient water. Drink at least half your weight in ounces of water. If you weigh 150 lbs, drink at least 75 ounces a day, (approximately 7 tall glasses). Water cannot be substituted with coffee, soda, tea, alcohol or juice. If the water supply is insufficient then your blood volume is decreased. Blood is then thicker and harder to pump around the body. Less will reach those fine capillaries at the base of the hair root.

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2. How often to massage your scalp: That is up to you. Everyday would be great as it can act as a great tension reliever.

3. Hair washing and massage: Hair washing is the simplest, most well known form of scalp massage that we have. Hair growth can be inhibited by the build up of dead skin cells, oils and styling products at the root of the hair. Washing allows the root to receive the stimulation and oxygen it needs by removing that build up. Plants even need air around the roots in order for good growth.

Ultimately we are responsible for the overall health of our bodies. It is up to us to take the time to care for the health and beauty of our hair by using products that enhance and promote our hair’s growth, strength and shine. By drinking water, eating a varied diet rich in protein, complex carbohydrates and fresh fruits and vegetables as well as maintaining an active lifestyle our entire bodies as well as our hair will reflect beauty, vibrancy, energy and strength.

4. Recomm ended products for massage: The Dr. Miracle’s hair care line of products was designed with the scalp in mind. All the products include an exclusive Thermalceutical complex formulation designed to stimulate the blood circulation to the scalp to promote strong, shiny, healthy, growing hair.

Begin by massaging the 2 in 1 Tingling Shampoo and Conditioner into the scalp while washing. Then, continue with the Damaged Hair Medicated Treatment or Gro Oil used as deep conditioners and moisturizers especially for hair that has been relaxed, colored, highlighted or heat styled.

For daily conditioning or before blow drying use the Anti-Breakage Strengthening Crème to protect the scalp and hair from the heat.

Lastly, massage the Hot Gro, or Temple and Nape Balm into the scalp for daily maintenance. The Braid Relief Spray will relieve itching after braiding and weaving as well as supplying the root with the Themalceutical complex formula to stimulate the flow of blood at the root of the hair. Braided and weaved hair greatly need to be stimulated to keep the hair growing.

Dr. Miracle’s Hair Meds Collection includes an Intensive Spot Serum and Intensive Healing Oil specifically designed to be massaged into areas where scalp and growth problems are the most severe.

It is important to put time aside to relax and help relieve stress from the body. I like to put my legs on the couch and lie on the floor to allow all the blood to drain from my feet to my heart and head for about 15 minutes after a really busy day. Scalp massage is a wonderful stress reliever as well; you can do it yourself or take turns with someone doing each other’s heads.

Show your hair some love by taking an active role in maintaining it on a daily basis. www.oceanstylemagazine.com

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THE BOYCOTT OF PLASTIC SURGERY OCEAN STYLE

Self-love is lasting, true and fundamental. This proposed boycott is about more love and less modification.

Anika Repole illustration by Rorie Atkinson

e have become obsessed with outward appearances.

What ever happened to the expression, “beauty is only skin deep”?

The plastic surgery revolution has taken the world by full force. It’s no surprise that in Los Angeles, plastic surgeons, outnumber paediatricians 2 to 1 and over 8 billion dollars (US) was spent on cosmetic procedures last year alone.

Theorists state that the desire for, and at times the addiction to Plastic Surgery is caused by a “condition” called Body Dysmorphia, in which one feels or believes that their appearance is actually worse than it really is. Though the Caribbean has not seen that many well rounded bosoms walking about, the picture is in fact much bigger than Double Ds, and our Dysmorphia is at times literally written on our faces.

Whether it be a homemade concoction or store bought, facial lighting crèmes have become an essential in too many of our Caribbean beauty regimes. To bleach or not to bleach, that is the question, and despite the obvious repercussions of diurnal skin peeling, the public continues to ignore it, for the sake of “beauty”.

The quest for eternal beauty has been fixated on for ages. To be forever young, is no longer a hope, but now instead a possibility. No one wants to age “gracefully”, and until the location of that darn Fountain of Youth is found, of course, if there is a way to fix a problem, why not go ahead and fix it.

Quite frankly, if someone can afford to get their tummy tucked, jaws implanted, lips plumped, rear end lifted, toes shortened (yes I said “toes shortened” …. oh you didn’t know?!) not to mention their vagina rejuvenated (yup they have that too), then who is to stop them? With the lack of control we have over our daily lives, why not hold on to the one thing we have control of…..our appearance?

As most women, if not all, my appearance is usually an issue. I can recall being completely confident on a few occasions – either when I am not hormonal (which is rare) or when I had my monthly prescription of chocolate in one sitting. We are completely bom-

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barded with the concept of “ideal” beauty, and the pressure can be so overwhelming that sweat pants at times will not suffice.

And for the men, who have continued to read this article, I know you have your own pressures to “look good” and us women, tend to forget that we are not the only ones being gradually brainwashed into thinking we are not slim enough. The problem is, we have all swallowed the pill of self -dissatisfaction. How can anyone be happy with the way they look, when the standard has been set at a size 2?

Plastic surgery has been around for a lot longer that we all may think. Its inception was brought on by World War II, as a means to improve the appearance of horrifically scared soldiers. Soon it became available to the celebrities of the time, who wished to keep it quiet, even though the public could see that the stars such as; Cary Grant never seemed to age. Shortly, the public became aware of their secrets to beauty, and the plastic surgery obsession has been present ever since. To squeeze oneself into a girdle is now virtually a sin, because now we have liposuction. The problem is when something is done out of moderation, the result is less alluring and more resembling Michael Jackson (Sorry Michael, but take a look at the “man in the mirror”).

I appreciate the new advertising campaigns which embrace “real beauty” and “finding your own slim” as well as the handful of actresses who truly love their own curves. But please do not misunderstand me because, I would never suggest to any chest challenged woman to burn their wonder bra, all I am simply requesting is that we start loving ourselves a little more.

No one can ever disregard the benefits plastic surgery has had, whether for burn victims, or persons with congenital deformities.

It is just simply sad, that no one knows how to love themselves anymore, and that, Dysmorphic Disorders such as Anorexia and Bulimia Nervosa are more present than we wish to admit, particularly in the Caribbean.

This is not a request to boycott plastic surgery, this is an acknowledgement for everyday you felt, less attractive, ten pounds heavier or wished your behind was less your mother’s and more Beyonce’s.

Its time to, embrace the hips that have been bestowed upon us, and to eat more chocolate. It is time for us all to rise up and say, “No” to over doing it at the gym and fat free chips, and “Yes” to Maya Angelou’s poetic and true description of the “Phenomenal Woman.”

It is time for us to give ourselves more credit for what we have rather than what we don’t. It is time for us to finally begin to regard our own beauty, rather than what everyone says beauty should be. After all, who wants be a conformist?!

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OCEAN STYLE

HOW TO HEADHUNT A HOT BACHELOR 10 Tips to Land Your Guy Onika Nkrumah

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ake a lesson from the corporate world when a company goes headhunting for an executive they simply offer a better deal.

So, guess what…offer your bachelor a better package!

Play down your sexual history – So you’re not a virgin and can’t get away with pretending to be one and hymen reconstructive surgery is not an option - be thrifty with the truth. Your true number of sexual partners is between you and God alone.

Every smart woman should divide her number of sexual partners.

Me, Tarzan, You, Jane – Men are often insecure in the company of a woman of superior intellect; surely it’s not our fault we develop at twice their rate in adolescence. But if you intend to snap up a hot bachelor, even a hot, accomplished executive like yourself - you may have to conveniently play the helpless female.

This should be easy – they are very simple. Let your intelligence take a back seat and let your man take the lead even if he hasn’t the foggiest idea of where he’s going.

High minds, low behinds – In her book ‘Confessions of A Video Vixen’ Karrine ‘Superhead’ Steffans, readily admits that she bedded most of Hip Hop’s heavyweights.

If you’re the kind of woman that thinks nothing of using your umm…talents to bag a hot guy, then do it sensibly. Don’t become the booty call! Sex is the age old feminine weapon; used wisely it’s power is limitless. History is filled with high society courtesans whose tongues produced for them great titles. Anne Boleyn withheld sex from Henry VIII until he divorced his first wife, Katherine of Aragon.

Never tell him the real cost of your purchases – Men are full of double standards.

They would think nothing of dropping dime on a new gadget (think iPhone, Blackberry, upgrade to first class) but will accuse us of waste for that ‘to die for’ pair of Manolos or that ‘designed to perfection’ Christian LaCroix. Solution – get creative with the truth!

Do your research - Study your prey. Get into his head, figure out what he needs in a woman. Then morph!

Make haste while the sun shines – The number of smart, sexy, shag-alicious and wealthy men is limited. Stop postponing your future, the gene pool of hot bachelors, like the Ozone, is steadily depleting, a wise woman has to act fast.

Location, location, location – is not just a real estate mantra. It’s highly unlikely that you will meet your own Mr. Big down at the local Mickey D’s. Hang at the best spots - choosing the best watering holes is a surefire way to crash the orbit of a supernova.

Indifference can make the di fference - There’s nothing less attractive than a desperate or easy woman. Don’t wear your heart on your sleeves too early in the game. Curb your enthusiasm and channel the ‘ice queen’. This tactic never fails to pique their interest, men are primordially programmed to want what they can’t have, it’s the cave man instinct at work here, so embrace it! Men enjoy a reasonable challenge, but be careful, the distinction is very fine; act like a diva and you may risk alienating your prey.

Once Inside, lock the Door – Finally, when you’ve accomplished your goal of becoming the wife of a hot CEO, entrepreneur, entertainer or footballer, don’t get complacent….because the fight has only just begun. There are home-wreckers and gold-diggers willing to snatch your man away from you.

When English footballer, David Beckham reportedly cheated with his personal assistant, Rebecca Loos his wife, Victoria ‘Posh Spice’ Beckham, didn’t blink a (fake) eyelash, at least in public. Victoria wasn’t about to let a ‘little’ indiscretion with a servant girl, rob her of her trophy man.

Her royal poshness, stood firm and Rebecca, and the indiscretion, were soon forgotten.

So there we have it ladies, ten tips. Happy hunting!

And if it all goes askew…..don’t get mad, get even! - Ivana Trump made these words famous after her 1992 divorce from billionaire hubby, ‘The Donald’. When ‘The’ Donald dumped her for a younger, blonder trophy wife, Ivana didn’t throw a fit, she’d probably had enough of his comb-over anyway, instead, she hired the ‘big guns’ and got herself a huge alimony settlement. Now independently wealthy, Ivana got her groove back with a boy-toy of her own - nothing quite as sweet as good old fashioned revenge!

A couture fragrance with unfettered elegance and modern sophistication that’s positively provocative to the core. A blend of floral, amber and woodsy pulsations combine to completely redefine luxry.

Everything about Narcisco Rodriguez is completely indulgent, completely divine, completely addictive. If it were a food, it’d be chocolate. It’s that good! Narcisco Rodriguez For Her, $95, Saks Fifth Avenue

Houston based jewelry designer, Candace Viola set out to cause a stir when she pumped her new collection full of wild-child personality. Bold, eclectic and fearless herself, Viola says her inspiration behind the collection was simply to design unbridled wearable art that reflected her own vibrant personality. I think of it as art that grows more interesting with every piece you layer on. So do! ContrAversy Jewelry, $50-$350, contraversy.net

With her first jewelry collection, self taught European designer Mesi Jilly offers a range of unique luxurious handcrafted shell-based rings that combine semi-precious stones, motherof-pearl and coral with gold or silver. Each ring is one-of-a-kind and a veritable work of art.

The collection offers simple and elegant spiral shells to oversized stone-encrusted shells. Designed by Mesi Jilly and handmade in Italy by artist/jeweler Stefano Zuolo, the line of luxurious rings they created can be as easily worn on the beach as at a beautiful cocktail party.

The rings reflect Mesi’s personal style which combines a casual-chic look accessorized by one strong piece of jewelry. Her love for the ocean inspired her to create these shell rings for her first collection.

“I absolutely love the ocean and to spend time at the beach. I’m fascinated by seashells and making jewelry has always been my dream. That’s why I wanted to combine these interests and create something unique, something very special, something that will be a beautiful reminder of warm and fun-filled summer days and nights.” Shell Rings, $600-$800, mesijilly.net

LOVING OUR O O Tracey Ferguson

Mention Brazil, and people think of Rio, Carnaval, the Amazon, gauchos, flame-grilled churrascos, flaky empanadas, the Portuguese language, and (dare we forget)…Pele’. Now take note of a new name on the scene that will conjure up thoughts of South America’s largest country – that of Patricia Candido.

Candido has caught the eyes of American celebrities in a big way. Halle Berry was so impressed with this Brazilian-influenced jewelry collection that at one store, she bought every Candido-created item and showered them on the cast and crew of her ABC telefilm, Their Eyes Were Watching God. Other celebrities such as Kelsey Grammer, Linda Hamilton, Rosanna Arquette, Alyssa Milano, and supermodels Cindy Crawford and Brooke Burke have also decorated themselves in Candido’s distinct designs. And if your eyes were drawn to a certain choker worn by Barbra Streisand in the finale wedding scene of the movie, Meet the Fockers, it was a “Candido.”

Each Patricia Candido creation incorporates natural elements and vibrant colors reminiscent of her native Brazil.

Beginning with the world's finest precious stones, gold and silver, she combines them with such organic materials as feathers, bamboo, and lambskin. Unlike others who set gemstones in leather, she uses braided cotton cord denim. Her creations, from a signature collection of 10-20 pieces to custom-made designs, can fetch anywhere between $55 and $750 retail. In less than two years, Patricia Candido jewelry has been featured on the covers and in the pages of Elle, Marie Claire, InStyle, Lucky, Variety, Fitness and the Los Angeles Times, and other publications. No surprise there. When you’ve got it, you’ve got it. Patricia Candido jewelry, Patriciacandido.com

Fashion designer Cecilia Debucourt started her career at an age when the rest of us were still exploring Chia Pets. With a fashion model mother and having won Ford’s Supermodel of the World contest in her native Argentina when she was just 15 years old, exceptional fashion sense and striking beauty was a gimme’. Things really took off for our leggy friend when a certain Texas blonde Newlywed wore Cecilia’s handcrafted luxurious crochet shawls on her popular reality show and concert tour. Within weeks Cecilia was inundated with orders for the “Jessica Simpson Shawl” and just like that - an “it” accessory was born! Cecilia Debucourt silk shawls, $185, ceciliadebucourt.com

ACCESSORIES! O Yikes! I can’t remember the last time I’ve wrapped something more glamorous around my waist. Elusive luxury bag designer Malini Murjani has launched her much anticipated, agate-inspired accessories collection, sending us (once again) straight over the moon! Malini Murjani Agate Belt, price upon request, malinim.com

Behind the somewhat odd name Bracher Emden - stands a bespoke company flogged with publicity over the past two years. Each of their uniquely shaped and explosively textured bags are handmade, hence no 2 leave the craftsman’s table, alike!

Handbag mavens Eva Longoria and Beyonce have been spotted dangling these lively layered bags from Rome to Melrose. Just look at ‘em! Now that’s what I call “arm candy.”

Bracher Emden Handbags, $800$5,000, Beaucoupamor.com

MAD FOR METALICS

So-what that they were hot last season and the one before that. Major design houses continue to crank out gleaming hot handbags that speak to the rock star in all of us!

The BB Bag by Meli Melo, $640, Melimelo.it

Three hot bags I’m dying to carry this Fall!

Specialty is as specialty does, and few people do specialty as well as Zufi Alexander. Her plucky but elegant, gold python clutch is all I need to rev up the standard little black dress. Zufi Alexander, price upon request, beaucoupamor.com

Be & D Quilted Platinum Deanna, $1,280, Nordstrom

Crayola meets lightning-colored gym shoes! I spoted these zingers from about a mile away. So bright you just can’t miss ‘em!...But then, why would you want to? G-Series Footwear, $150-$200, Nordstrom

I don’t always feel like assembling the whole garb to walk out the house fully “done,” and shoes as cute as these make it easy. A white or black fitted tee, a pair of cigarette-legged jeans and funky heels—my recipe for hip and easy! Patrick Cox Blunt Wrap Toe Heels, $200; Jean Michel Cazabat Snow Leopard, $240, Beaucopamor.com

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SAGITTARIUS November 22-December 21 Movement in your ruling planet prompts you to expand your horizons through travel between July and August. Keep your eyes and mind open to encounters that will get your creative juices flowing.

Upon your return in late August, two weeks set aside to fully explore your many new ideas and schemes will do much to bring them to fruition. With hard work and perseverance, who knows, this just may be that NEXT BIG THING you have been looking for!

VIRGO

LEO July 23-August 22 Boy has 2007 been good to you Leo! And now that you have sealed the deal and taken your winnings home it might be time to start looking at investments for your big bucks. Though you may be tempted to play it safe on the fiscal scene, after all you DID work very hard for what you have, with the kind of year you have been having, the better move is to let it ride. After all Leo, you won’t win big, unless you BET BIG. And the same goes for the cautious game you have been playing in matters of the heart.

August 23-September 22 Its all business business business for you in the coming months, and rest assured, now is the perfect time for you to put your nose to the grindstone. The higher-ups who have had their eyes on you are sure to be impressed by your renewed vigour and dedication.

And you know what that means – Ka-ching! September will see you cashing in on your efforts. But be sure not to get too caught up in all work and no play – if you are not careful your loved ones will begin to feel neglected by your frenzied pace.

LIBRA September 23-October 22 You must have stumbled upon a pot of gold in 2007 Libra, because things just continue to go your way on all fronts. Your creativity is in high gear right now so be sure to take full advantage of it in the next few months. Careerwise, be sure to strap yourself in securely because you are about to take off. The groundwork you have laid is paying off as everyone around you continues to be impressed and vies for your presence. And what a presence it is – for your loved ones and acquaintances cant help but admire you no matter what you do. Romantically, your love life is in perfect bloom and even the greatest cynic would become a convert had they your affections.

SCORPIO October 23-November 21 You will find your very sexy Scorpio self emitting sparks wherever you go in August, and you are sure to get very clear responses –

even from the most unlikely sources! Go with the flow. Do not be afraid to succumb to the allure of the seduction – a scintillating escapade is on the horizon.

many questions being asked and fingers pointed and meticulous record keeping could be your best defence. Above all beware of the sexy or innocent charmer who may have another agenda.

CAPRICORN December 22-January 19 Though things seem perfectly fine financially, with house, car and investment savings falling into place, emotionally things don’t seem that sure. Late August will give rise to family or other personal tensions and see you confronting deeply buried issues.

A complete time-out in September will go a long way in helping you to sort through your feelings and find your balance once more.

Certain forms of exercise like running and swimming will be particularly helpful at this time in relieving stress and anxiety.

TAURUS April 20-May20 August and September are fixerupper months for you Taurus, with a broad range of projects from your house to, oh yes, your body, occupying your time and energy. It’s a great time to throw yourself into home improvement endeavours and even sprucing up the house a little will improve your mood immensely. It’s also a fantastic time for fitness and getting yourself in the best shape you possibly can. And with a new strong svelte you, who knows what sexy adventure is waiting around the corner in September!

KNOW THY BREASTS! How familiarity with your breasts can spare you unnecessary anxiety.

Nikki Jackson

AQUARIUS January 20-February 18 You have been thinking about climbing the ladder of success for quite some time now Aquarius, and the month of August may be the time to do it. Looking into courses of study which will boost your knowledge is sure to get you noticed, and in turn accelerate your ascent. Now is also the time to change your traditional approach to work and success.

Speak up and make yourself heard! There are quite a lot of ideas in your head that are sure to impress.

PISCES February 19-March 20 Love is certainly in the air for Pisces. While Pisces don’t usually like to be tied to one relationship for too long, after several months of near bliss, it certainly looks like this may be the real thing – a summer wedding or engagement may definitely be in the works.

For the single Pisces, do not despair; your true love is also around the corner.

ARIES March 21-April 19 There is no better time than the present for meticulous record keeping – both at work and in your personal life. July and August are perfect months for a paper trail project, just be sure to have it in place by September 1.

The weeks following may see

GEMINI May 21-June 21 A new wind’s a-blowing Gemini, and change is certainly in the air, and keenly attuned twins can tell that exciting times are upon them. While romantically all is scrumptious and perfectly well, it is on all other fronts that great and exciting things are about to take place. Never ones to shy away from newness or adventure, Gemini is well placed in August to take advantage of remarkable career offers and opportunities.

But don’t be quick to accept the first great offer that’s put on the table; if you hold out and play the coy mistress the offers will go up and up and up. As always, the sky is the limit with you.

CANCER June 22-July 22 An abrupt shift in direction is at hand for Cancer, as all plans for settling down are unceremoniously flung out of the window in July. Much of August sees you shedding your relationship status and getting back to the basics of flirting and being single. Lets face it Cancer, this is where you belong – at least for now, and everything else was just wishful thinking. So relieved are you, in fact, to be back to your old self, that the rest of the year sees you living the single life with ever increasing vigour and not one single regret. Go Cancer!

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n the midst of the recent maelstrom of controversy surrounding the efficacy of mammograms and breast self-examination, guess what folks – I felt a lump. Not an imaginary hypochondriac-type lump but a semi-solid oh-my-God-am-I-goingto-die lump. And so, after the unavoidable histrionics and funeral plans, I regained my composure and got down to learning everything I possibly could about breast lumps, cancer and detection.

I must admit now that I have been terribly remiss (read: clueless) in staying on top of breast examinations, as I am sure many others are, but the discovery of a lump accompanied by the spectre of cancer did a terrific job of bringing me up to speed – oh boy did it ever! So here, dear readers, is a highlights only recap of what I have learnt.

For instance, did you know that the World Health Organization estimates that more than one million cases of breast cancer occur worldwide annually, and that in 2000 (the last year for which global data exists) some 400,000 women died from breast cancer, a figure that represents 1.6 percent of all female deaths? In the face of these sombre figures there is some really terrific news.

First, it is important to realize that breast cancer is in no way a death sentence, and in fact, 97% of breast cancers are curable, especially when diagnosed and treated in its earliest stage. Secondly, although breast cancer diagnoses are up, so is the detection rate, as more women are self-examining as well as getting their breasts checked by a physician. This has led to more cancers being found at a localized stage, and in turn to a huge increase in survival rates. www.oceanstylemagazine.com

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The key things stressed by literature and research time and time again are the need for women to regularly schedule clinical breast exams as well as mammograms, and the importance of breast selfawareness.

A clinical breast exam, by the way, is performed by a doctor or nurse and should be scheduled every three years after the age of 20, and annually after the age of 40. Essentially, it involves an examination of both the breast and underarm area, and is performed in both seated and lying positions.

For women over the age of 40, or women who are under 40 with family history of breast or ovarian cancer, annual mammograms are highly recommended.

Recent debate about the test’s ability to save lives coupled with the fact that mammograms do not capture about 15 percent of cancers have led many to question the continued use of this test. In spite of this, most doctors and researchers still agree that it is the number one breast cancer detection tool and is a vital element in the fight against breast cancer.

Many health care professionals, however, do not advocate mammograms for women under the age of 40, as the breast tissue in younger women, especially pre-menopausal women, tends to be more dense, and hence makes the mammogram harder to interpret. As such, various other tools such as MRIs, ultrasounds, and breast self-examination in particular are utilized.

Breast self-awareness and examination, though not perfect, are critical tools in cancer detection and empower women to take charge of their health. But, given that the main ineffectiveness of this method stems from women not knowing or performing breast self-examinations adequately, it is important to get it right. First of all, breast awareness is paramount – that is to say, ladies, that we should become well acquainted, even intimate with our breasts. It is important to know how they feel and look on a day to day basis, to know how they are when they are normal – this will make it much easier to spot any changes that may occur. I have found that, silly as it may seem, a little journal or calendar helps!

For those wondering when and how often breast self-examination should be done, doctors recommend that it be once a month for every woman over the age of 20, and ideally should be performed about a week after the start of your period as this is when your breasts are least likely to be tender or swollen.

Proper breast self-examination always consists of both a visual and physical examination.

Visual Breast Self-Examination While standing in front of a mirror with your hands pressing firmly down on your hips (this position is ideal in that it contracts the chest wall muscles thereby enhancing any breast changes), what you are looking for is any sign of puckering, dimpling, unusual changes in size, shape or symmetry, as well as an inverted nipple, and redness, rash or swelling. Next, raise your arms over your head with your palms pressed together and continue to inspect your breasts for

If, in the course of your soon to be routine self-examination, you do come across a lump or something else unusual, there is absolutely no need to panic.

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anything unusual. Finally, with your arms only slightly raised, inspect your underarms for any unusual lumps or changes.

Physical Breast Self-Examination Recent research has shown that the most effective way to examine breast tissue is lying down, as the breast tissue then spreads evenly over the chest wall and is as thin as possible, making it much easier to feel all the breast tissue. Placing one arm (say your right arm) behind your head, make small overlapping circular motions with the finger pads of your left hand to examine the right breast tissue for lumps. It is recommended also that you use varying levels of pressure to feel all of the breast tissue, starting with light pressure for the tissue closest to the skin, medium pressure for a bit deeper, and finally firm pressure for the breast tissue closest to the chest and ribcage.

In order to thoroughly examine the area, doctors suggest moving your fingers around the breast in an up and down pattern, starting from the underarm and down your side, and proceeding across the breast to the middle of your chest. Continue checking the entire breast area, while going down to your ribs and up to the neck or clavicle.

Switch sides and repeat the exam for your other breast. Recent research has shown that this up and down pattern (also referred to as the vertical pattern) is the most effective way to cover all of the breast tissue.

If, in the course of your soon to be routine self-examination, you do come across a lump or something else unusual, there is absolutely no need to panic.

Just breathe, and relax. It is quite likely a benign condition called fibrocystic breast disease, which affects 70 percent of women and are in no way cancer-related and occurs when the sacs that naturally line your breast tissue swell with fluid, forming harmless cysts. Nevertheless, I cannot stress enough that anything unusual or even mildly out of the ordinary should be reported to your doctor or gynaecologist as soon as possible.

Sure, no method is 100% effective, but when combined, and with diligent breast examinations and screenings none of us need accept breast cancer as the death sentence it once was.

SINGULAR MOMENTS On the Brink…a spirit rekindles at the elite Half Moon Resort in Jamaica. photography by Dagmara

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THIS PAGE halter bubble dress by Jean Yu

LEAD PAGE sheer bra and panty by Jean Yu THIS PAGE silk dress by Rubin Chapelle

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silver shell by FERRE, crop jacket and shorts by Jen Kao book: Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama

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The 11th hole at the Half Moon Golf Course

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PREVIOUS PAGE BAUBLES necklace by Stephen Dwek THIS PAGE sheer top swimsuit by Christian Dior

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THIS PAGE short-set by Charlotte, knit chubby with dolman sleeves by Jen Kao NEXT PAGE lace dress with fatigue trim by Jen Kao

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OCEAN STYLE PREVIOUS PAGE tuxedo by Boudicca, pumps by Cesare Paciotti

Professor Carolyn Cooper, Peter Minshall and Donnette Cooper

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THIS PAGE kimono dress by Christiam Dior NEXT PAGE short jumper by Charlotte, shoes by Guisseppe Zanotti, jewelry by Stephen Dwek

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NEXT PAGE sheer silk day dress by Jen Kao silk printed day dress by Jen Kao

Photography by Dagmara Stylist: Carlton Jones Make-Up: Sonja Hair: Q Location: Half Moon - Rose Hall, Montego Bay, Jamaica Location Assistant: Omar Johnson Assistant: PHOENIXb Model: Natalia B. (NY Models)

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LUNCH AT DELI WORKS Kington4s spot for cool, chic, quick and affordable!

ingston has much to offer at lunch time for a variety of palates but budget savvy, tasty food, in a chic dining ambience can be a challenge. Deli Works offers all this and more. Conveniently located in Sovereign Centre, Kingston’s busiest shopping mall, its very accessible.

In operation for 15 years Deli Works was acquired 2 years ago by food entrepreneurs Suzanne Bernard & Michelle Rousseau (of Ciao Bella catering fame). The two sisters completely renovated the interior and overhauled the menu seeking to give Deli Works a fresh, stylish interior with food to match that was both tasty and affordable. “Our menu caters to every type of customer”, says Bernard while chatting to me over a delightful selection from their salad bar.

The new owners decided to maintain the traditionally hearty Jamaican food offerings while offering some more modern and appealing selections to appeal to a wider clientele. Deli Works traditionally offered up hearty Jamaican food, along with sandwiches, quiches, soups, deli meats and cheeses. “Jamaican food has always been a staple of Deli Works so we wanted to keep it that way”, but we also wanted to incorporate some of the elements of our Ciao Bella signature dishes – especially our fabulous salads and pastas” said Rousseau. So the Deli Works salad bar was born: daily one can find a selection of fresh pastas, bean salads, couscous, tuna & chicken salads, homemade dressings, croutons, feta, marinated olives and fresh greens.

Along with great salads, you will also find gourmet sandwiches (the smoked turkey & brie is terrific); delicious quiches and lasagnas; soups; an array of deli meats and cheeses; desserts and pastries (the homemade bread pudding is the house favorite); and cappuccino and espresso.

Sunday is the most popular day of the week and features Jamaican favorites on the hot line along with popular dishes from around the Caribbean hence the name “Island Hopping Sunday Brunch.”

In addition to the restaurant, Deli Works Catering, offers attractively priced packages for all types of occasions, with a range of menus offering combinations of Caribbean and Mediterranean flavours I especially recommend the Blazing BBQ Menu - Red Stripe barbeque chicken, grilled shrimp tossed in West Indian salsa verde, a gourmet salad bar and dill sweet potato salad - perfect for a dinner party in the midst of the hot summer!

Deli Works also offers Party Platters for pick up - great for meetings, cocktails or snacks. With a tasty and hearty lunch costing around $10 there’s plenty left over for drinks in the evening.

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For more information, visit deliworksja.com

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Our resident chef and food expert, Michelle Jones, offers some delightful offerings

GARLIC, GARLIC, GARLIC CHICKEN WINGS INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 cups honey 6 tablespoons soy sauce 5 cloves garlic, minced 2 pounds chicken wings Salt and pepper ½ tablespoon garlic powder 2 cups flour 1 teaspoon paprika

photo by Wendy-Anne Chinn and Alty Benjamin Jr.

DIRECTIONS Stir honey, soy sauce, and garlic in a saucepan. Cook for 5 minutes on High heat.

Place the a resealable plastic bag the flour, salt, pepper, paprika and garlic powder. Toss the chicken wings and coat them well.

Heat 3 inched of oil in a heavy saucepan. Fry the wings in batched until done about 7 minutes.

Pour the garlic mixture over the wings.

PAN FRIED TILAPIA WITH TROPICAL SALSA INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 pound fresh Tilapia Fillets 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin 1/4 teaspoon white pepper 1/8 teaspoon ground red pepper 1 fresh scotch bonnet pepper 1 small papaya 1 small mango, peeled, seeded, and coarsely chopped (about 1-1/3 cups) 1/3 cup chopped, peeled red onion ½ cup chopped pineapples 1 tablespoon snipped fresh cilantro, mint or parsley 1/3 cup chopped red sweet pepper DIRECTIONS 1. Stir together cumin, white pepper, and ground red pepper in a small bowl. Drizzle over fish, tossing to coat.

2. For salsa, Finely chop the pepper. In a bowl toss together the remainind ingredients. Set aside.

3. Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet. Pan Fry on each side 4-6 minutes or until done.

4. Serve Fish with salsa. photo by Vibes Cuisine

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ON SPOT

ON SPOT Gail Whylie, Derrick Lewis of Island People and Lisa Elliott

Professor Carolyn Cooper, Peter Minshall and Donnette Cooper

Shasta Saulter and Sarah Silvera

Memsor Kamarake of Vibe with Jaunell McKenzie

Caribbean Fashion Week 4 KINGSTON, JAMAICA 5

Janice Allen and Tara Playfair-Scott

Peter Minshall and Kimberly Mais Issa

Behind the scenes and on the runway as we get a up close glimpse at the models, designers, stylists, artists and tastemakers behind CFW 2007.

Rolande Bascombe of Rojoe, Barbados Deputy Prime Minister Mia Mottley and Mark Daniels of Avark Phil McGowan of IMG with Carla Campbell

Mae Wayne and Carla Campbell

June 2007 photography by Robert Manella Jeff Anderson Gunter and Rick Davy Pulse Chairman Kingsley Cooper and Barbados Deputy PM Mia Mottley Romae Gordon and Kimberly Mais Issa Nell Robinson

Romanian Designer Catalin Botezatu

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PUSHING CARIBBEAN FASHION FORWARD

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Caribbean Fashion Week 2007: Spotlight on the preeminent fashion event in the region Debbie Kengor

s the curtain falls on the seventh iteration of Caribbean Fashion Week (CFW), with is strongest showing to date, the event continues to grow in significance as it welcomes talented designers to Kingston for the annual showcase.

With designers and talent from throughout the Caribbean region represented, from Guyana in the South to Jamaica in the North, blended with international designers who this year included Francis Heady from New York, Garvin Davis from London, Catalin Botezatu from Romania and Deola Sagoe from Nigeria the event showcased a wide variety of talent from across the globe. There is no longer any unique distinction in the mere hosting of a fashion week as we see fashion weeks occurring in every corner of the globe from Brazil to Kazhakstan, Tokyo to Chile throughout the year. Outside of the four major fashion weeks – New York, London, Milan and Paris these all offer a wide spectacle of emerging trends and fashions from the most haute couture to practical ready-to-wear. As the large labels move away from signature designers and buyers move from mass trends, highlighting the emerging significance of unique looks and trends it heralds a time when Caribbean designers with their smaller production runs and unique designs have an opportunity to break through. CFW affords regional designers experienced and inexperienced the promise of exposure and networking for future development.

The fashion industry and talent pool is alive and well in the Caribbean. The industry may be relatively small (with the industry estimated to generate womenswear sales of a mere $400M) but there is no doubting the talent within the industry. Barbados demonstrated that island’s commitment to the development of a fashion industry in the Caribbean with the largest delegation at CFW, led by Deputy Prime Minister, Mia Mottley.

Mottley in her address at an elegant cocktail reception hosted on the Saturday evening, spoke to the importance of fashion and other creative endeavours in the forumaltion of the new Caribbean economy.

CFW 2007 unveiled an interesting collaboration with the UN’s Catwalk the World -Fashion for Food Programme which is designed to raise awarness and funds to alleviate child hunger globally. Pulse Chairman Kingsey Cooper was also introduced as the Regional Chairperson for the Caribbean’s initiative. It was through this association that the designs of Nigerian designer Deola Sagoe were included in fashion week. Pulse made a contribution of some $8,000 (Ja$500,000) towards the organization.

Over the three (3) days the shows for the most part were good and showcased a varied mix of textures, fabrics and lines spanning evening, resort, casual and swimwear. With the exception of a few collections the shows flowed well and the organizers did a good job keeping things moving, though this is an area that should receive some more attention for 2008.

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Some of the highlights included Peter Elias out of Trinidad with a collection of women’s evening wear marked by flowing gowns of muted greens and browns, expertly accessorized. Elias said of his collection “The colours of my line this year were inspired by my coming to JA...(I) wanted to pay homage to the ice-gold-green tones and had my artist paint my fabrics and wooden jewellery to echo this. The shapes, ease, fluidity and timelessness of the collection are a vision of what I hope will one day become every person's reminder and what they take with them from our little corner of the world.”

Keneea Linton is a young designer who has shown at Fashion Week previously. Her collection was a throwback to the 1980’s with pleated doll dresses, zebra prints and hot pinks in short shorts, skirts and dresses. Using a broad range of colours and some interesting lines, the collection reflects her growth as a designer.

Another impressive collection was Gavin Douglas, a young designer based in the UK with Caribbean roots, who thoroughly engaged the crowd with his European influenced couture. His collection was marked by his use of colours ranging from deep purples to mustard yellows on a metallic fabric.

Bajan designer Wayne Smith also impressed with his ‘Island Spice’ collection which featured long flowing leopard print and green dresses with an interesting blending of colours. The material was sheer and oftentimes sexy.

Trinidadian designer Claudia Pegus produced a high energy runway show with her models showcasing her collection two and three arm in arm.

With an up tempo calypso tune the collection started with former Gucci model Nadine Willis topless in a skirt made of crocus, a captivating necklace and Ms. Willis’ strategically placed hands. The collection brought a jolt of energy to the crowd and showed Claudia’s class and experience as she elicited numerous rounds of applause. The dimunitive designer’s muted tones perfectly suited the design details so carefully finished.

Catalin Botezatu, Romanian Designer of the Year for 6 years in a row, closed the event with a jaw-dropping showcase of haute couture unlike many others seen in this region. The intricate detail of his embroidered, sheer, elegant evening wear collection with its interesting use of feathers and patterns was a fitting close to CFW2007. These one of a kind pieces would be at home on any international runway and it was fitting that they closed the show as a symbol of the continued strides of the collective, but nascent, Caribbean fashion industry but surely a sign of things to come.

Amidst all of the fashion a very special presentation was made honouring one of the regions most successful and pioneering purveyors of creative expression. The inaugural Caribbean Fashion Week Design Award was presented to Caribbean fashion and design maverick Peter Minshall by Smirnoff. The award reflects Minshall’s long history of achievement in the fashion and arts around the globe. Minshall, born in Guyana, was raised and has lived in Trinidad for most of his life and this award adds to the long list of achievements and accolades in what has been a most remarkable career which has included, among some of his credits, design work for Carnival Bands, the Opening Ceremony at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics, 1994 World Cup (Football), 1996 Atlanta Olympics and the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympics.

In addition to his many theatrical credits he is also the winner of an Emmy Award and is recognized the world over for his talent and tremendous accomplishments.

With a more tightly produced and well attended show CFW 2007 has made great strides over the past few years and with positive reviews all around 2008 should mark another forward step via this preeminent Caribbean Fashion event. Over three days however, one would like to see a more streamlined showing. Watching 20+ pieces from some of the less exposed and experienced designers was torturous at times and detracted from their showcase when a tighter show with their top 10-15 pieces would have created a better impact. Limiting the pieces would force some of the less experienced designers in particular to pick their best and keep the overall show tight and continually engaging.

That there exists the talent in the Caribbean is without question. As time, experience, international exposure and ambition fuel our young designers it is merely a matter of time before the Caribbean realizes in fashion what has already been demonstrated in the areas of academics, athletics, music and business, namely success beyond its size. Caribbean Fashion Week provides a viable and fertile feeding ground for pursuing that evolution and as individual islands pursue their own fashion showcase initiatives it is important that these not be pursued at the expense of a regional opportunity as with the continued momentum of this initiative CFW offers the most credible and direct avenue toward greater exposure, development and therefore opportunity for our regional designers and fashion industry stakeholders. www.oceanstylemagazine.com

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SIMPLY CLAUDIA! Claudia Pegus Returns to CFW2007 in Style

Claudia with Nadine Willis and Rick Davy of BK Fashion Weekend (below)

laudia Pegus is widely recognized as one of the leading fashion designers in Trinidad and Tobago. She has earned that distinction not only in the excellence of her production, but in the creativity of her designs and demonstrated success as an entrepreneur. These attributes have earned her many international accolades.

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From her headquarters in Port of Spain Claudia is well recognized for her success in fusing the art and creativity essential in fashion design, with the business acumen required to succeed in this competitive industry. Her reputation as a leading Couturiers and needlewoman par excellence is well established throughout the Caribbean and in many of the world’s fashion centres. Claudia travels the world promoting her unique fusion of Caribbean flair and European sophistication, designed and manufactured entirely in Trinidad with the assistance of local haute couture technicians whom she has personally trained. To compliment her staff, she has forged strong strategic alliances regionally and internationally, which are used on a project basis.

Claudia’s dedication to fashion spans a career of almost 30 years over which time she has developed a client list of the veritable Who’s Who of fashion and society in Trinidad and Tobago and beyond that throughout the Caribbean. Claudia has dressed many local and international artistes, from former Gucci model, Nadine Willis to Nelson Mandela. Her achievements in placing Trinidad and Tobago on the map were recognised in 2004 when she was declared the “Top Female Owned/Managed Export Company” at the Prime Minister’s Exporter of the Year Awards.

Claudia is well known for her high energy, passion, determination and straight talk. As one of the leading Caribbean designers her example is success through hard work, focus and commitment.

Contact Claudia Pegus Designs at claudia@claudiapegus.com or claudiapegus.com.

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KAJ: TOBAGO ON THE FASHION LANDSCAPE Kevin Ayoung-Julien with Eccensual: Shake Well & Stir Naiyobi Thomas

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obagonian Kevin Ayoung-Julien began his career as a designer in 2005 showing his Chahalaca collection (named after Tobago’s native bird) at CFW 2005.

At CFW 2007, he presented his collection Eccensual which featured lavish textural infusions of ethnic-motif silk chiffons with a dash of cotton, raw silk, taffeta and patterned stretch mesh and a pinch of snake-printed peach skin accentuated with leather and pony skin, luxurious guipure lace, wooden beaded fringe and exotic coque plume.

With only the daring and fashion forward in mind, embellishments included chunky bangles and biker gloves.

Light fabrics intimately interacted with the lithe bodies of the Caribbean’s finest models suggesting the feel and flow of their rhythmic motion. Sensuality, according to the young designer, “Is about movement and how the body flows with the fabric.

It is a feel. When I have completed a piece, I must see it move!”

Kevin, 27, opened his showing with Barbadian supermodel, Tenille Stoute in a white silk and stretch mesh bodice featuring a plunging neckline and appliqué detailing coupled with white shorts. Jamaican Oraine Barrett, best known for his Abercrombie & Fitch campaigns, followed in a subtly revealing mesh, linen, silk and hemp tapestry-like sleeveless white shirt.

Following the colour wheel, these pure whites flowed into vivid blues, calming yellows, warm olive greens, vibrant burnt oranges and reds closing with rich browns, bronze and black. Jade Cole, of America’s Next Top Model fame, added drama to the runway in a seductive black gown featuring a bodice of intricate sheer lace that exploded into a composition of varying textural chiffons. The closing piece featured Tenille in Kevin’s signature feathered bustier of Amherst pheasant plumes paired with a skirt of raw silk, silk chiffons and taffeta that floated on the hips.

KAJ impressed audiences with its sophomore CFW collection Eccensual: Shake Well & Stir. Kevin is now looking ahead to the future and preparing to meet the demand for his must-have designs some of which sold straight off of the runway.

HELLO CARIBBEAN FASHION WEEK! CFW2007 introduces young Didi Beck 6 a 7very8 young designer we are sure to hear of again in the future.

Douglas K. Gordon

ute, perhaps even adorable, stylish, bright-eyed; these are some of the adjectives that first come to mind when you initially meet Jeanine ‘Didi’ Beck. Early in conversation these are quickly replaced with determined, focused, ambitious and endearing.

This precocious young lady at the tender age of 15 was the youngest person to show at Caribbean Fashion Week, showing as part of the Mutamba collection, and earned high marks for her first pieces.

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Didi making her intro at CFW 2007 and at home in her workshop (right), and the blueprint of her design (top)

I was curious to meet this young lady whose designs, it must be said, held their own on the Kingston Catwalk. Her opportunity was facilitated by Jackie Cohen, Mutamba designer, and arose from a fortuitous meeting at a booth at the Air Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival when Jackie overheard young Didi describing to her friends a shirt she was about to purchase, the modifications she was going to make and how she planned to wear the garment. Fascinated, Jackie engaged the young fashionista in conversation and came to learn that she was a young designer who takes fashion and design very seriously.

At the tender age of 15 (or in other words Form 4 or 10th grade) Didi lists as her inspiration Betsy Johnson, Chanel, Steve Madden and Marc Jacobs. In terms of her personal fashion Didi “wears what she likes to wear” recalling the days she was teased mercilessly for wearing her cowboy boots and her eclectic styles. With a love for fashion and the arts she already has her eyes set on Parsons Design in New York, but with a very level head, adds her immediate focus are the eight CXCs she will be taking at her high school Campion College.

Beyond fashion design this talented young lady dabbles in paints and is an avid photographer, having pursued this interest from the (even more) tender age of 6. Didi functions in an open work space just off her bedroom marked by photos, posters, sewing machines, sketchbooks and a stereo, which at once reflect her creative and artistic, yet highly organized mind.

Don’t her parents worry about this early focus on a brutally competitive industry? Her mother, who is also Jeannie Beck, acknowledges the difficulty of the industry an low incidence of success but “sees a lot of energy and focus and takes comfort that she’s pursuing her passion.” Her father, well known Kingston orthodontist Dr. Otto Beck, is equally encouraging of his daughter’s passion.

Didi carries a quiet air of confidence and sense of self. Where most would seem to vacillate between confident and braggart, Didi is distinctly focused. It is an engaging experience to feel the passion coming from a young lady who is clear in her own mind about her interests and passions without the need to impress or convince. At once it is impressive and enviable.

But it is refreshing that with a bright future, a growing list of accomplishments, a mature disposition and tremendous potential she is still a 15 year old capable of innocent, youthful thoughts, “I hope everyone who used to laugh at me with my cowboy boots and stylish outfits don’t have anything to say now!” she laughs.

Photography by Robert Manella Fashion Director: Rick Davy Make-Up by Jamie (Jamaica) Hair: Zion Agency (ICAPS Jamaica) Location: New Kingston, Jamaica Location Assistant: Omar Johnson Models: Gaye MacDonald, Annoman and Danielle

Thalia Lyn

THE NEW CARIBBEAN WOMAN:

PRIME MINISTER, PANDITA, PERFORMER We explore the expanded power base of Caribbean women across the region, traversing all disciplines 6 from music to politics, business and religion.

Dr. Sheila Rampersad

n the particular landscape that is the English-speaking Caribbean, the arts – specifically the entertainment industry – is among the best measures of change. Political, religious, economic and cultural changes are expressed in the unique musical forms that have emerged from Jamaica in the northern Caribbean to Trinidad and Guyana in the south. These expressions speak not only to changes that affect the music industry but, more generally, changes that affect the sociology of the region. Residing deep within the lyrics and performance of Jamaican dancehall, Trinidadian and Barbadian soca, Guyanese and Trinidadian chutney are the evolving individuality and prominence of the modern Caribbean woman – the politician, the artiste, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), the cricket commentator, the writer, the priestess and the pandita.

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Entertainment Jamaican dancehall, an arena in which men generally sing about women and where women dance to male lyrics and perform to the male gaze, has witnessed an evolution. Patra, Lady Saw and Macka Diamond are among the best-known female dancehall artistes who subvert the objectification of the female form; they have moved from being sung about to singing themselves.

Their sexually explicit, raunchy lyrics and performances have encouraged many to think of them as stereotypically licentious black women. But, importantly, these are serious and innovative businesswomen who earn a living, and who achieve economic mobility through www.oceanstylemagazine.com

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the dancehall market, the generation born of and raised from the much more meagre earnings of the traditional hucksters of the Jamaican marketplace.

Born in Kingston, Charmaine Munroe aka Macka Diamond grew up in Portmore. She attended Holy Childhood High School where she dreamed of becoming a DJ. Daughter of producer Phillip Munroe who works with Gregory Isaacs, Macka Diamond would skip art classes and go to the back of the school where she entertained with her deejaying and singing. Certain about what she wanted to do with her future, she maneuvered through Jamaica’s music industry under the name Lady Mackerel, a sobriquet that defined her in relation to a male artiste, Major Mackerel, and which she disliked. She persevered and by 2004 was signed with Greensleeves Records which released her smash debut album one year later.

Preceding female artistes like Macka Diamond was the sensuous Lady Saw who has walked away with almost every award in the female categories for reggae since 1993. She also has an impressive string of #1 singles and top ten hits: “If Him Lef,” “Find A Good Man”, “Give Me The Reason ,” “No Long Talking “, “Sycamore Tree” and “Healing” (featuring Beenie Man) are just some of the more memorable.

Lady Saw was among the early female acts to sensationalise her performance, to delight in her outrageous sexuality and to signal her embodied individuality. Far removed now from her work as a domestic servant in Jamaica, in 1994, Lady Saw was asked to perform at Reggae Sunsplash, at the time the biggest stage show held in Jamaica, with huge crowds from all over the world. Her performances were overwhelming and encored. Now, having made her name in the industry and earned the respect of her peers, Lady Saw is able to diversify her offerings and delivers her uncensored and raunchy songs along with spiritually and culturally uplifting songs.

Born Marion Hall in 1972 and raised in Galina, St. Mary’s, Jamaica, the petite artiste has always been both humble and ambitious.

She, too, maneuvered in the male-dominated music industry with courage and perseverance. She is featured in a new documentary by Austrian filmmaker Sandra Krampelhuber called “Reggae sisters Queens of Sound: a Herstory of Reggae and Dancehall”.

David Katz, in his revieiw of the film for Caribbean Beat March/April 2007, notes the endurance and courage required by these female artistes to break into the Jamaican music scene: “The music industry is notoriously unfair to women,” he begins. “Because it is dominated by men, female talent is neglected, and those who break through are often forced to sensationalise themselves to earn a chance at fame. In the world of reggae and dancehall, the situation is particularly acute: although a handful of female singers and deejays have forged successful careers, the production sphere is so exclusively male that it is often called a ‘fraternity’.”

From Jamaica in the Northern Caribbean, through Barbados in the Eastern Caribbean, to Trinidad and Tobago in the Southern Caribbean, the stories are similar. Barbadian soca singer Alison Hinds formerly lead singer for Square One, is now a solo act and a mother.

She, too, rewrites the image of the Caribbean woman, earning off the posterior that is much-revered in the imagination of the Caribbean male. Using the platform of soca she addresses “all my independent ladies/taking care of your babies/I don’t need no man to do that for me”. She, too, encourages women’s economic independence, the foundation on which the new Caribbean woman has stepped.

Trinidad and Tobago’s unique singer/dancer Denise Belfon, a large, voluptuous woman, is the closest soca equivalent of the female dancehall artiste. Her raunchy lyrics and performances are dedicated it seems, to rewriting the body image of the Caribbean woman, earning money and welcomed notoriety in the process.

The woman who perhaps has suffered the most conservative hostility from her decision to immerse herself in music is Trinidad and Tobago’s best-known chutney/soca performer, Drupatee. Drupatee was the first Indian woman – and a Hindu at that – to enter the male-dominated calypso arena. In the 1980s she announced herself with “Bissessar” and “Lick Down Meh Nani”, double entendre sexually suggestive lyrics and performances. She suffered public hostility and humiliation from the Hindu community, was indeed repudiated and by 1989, she surrendered, it seems, to the constant virulent attacks. By 2000, however, she renewed her commitment and teamed with soca superstar Machel Montano on the song “Real Unity” which took her to Madison

Square Garden in 2007.

These pioneering entertainers cover the length and breadth of the region, testifying to a trend rather than isolated occurrences. Filmmaker Krampelhuber’s analysis, though made with specific reference to Jamaican dancehall artistes, is applicable to all these Caribbean women: “Women are no longer mere objects for male desire; they speak for themselves and reclaim their sexuality through their lyrics, and those songs are an effective weapon when it comes to breaking taboos in Jamaican society.”

Politics For decades, former Prime Minister of Dominica, Dame Eugenia Charles; and Janet Jagan, wife of the late Guyanese President, Cheddi Jagan (and later President of Guyana herself for a short while), were the only two women occupying high political office in the Caribbean.

Caribbean women have long been actively involved in the political development of their societies but they engaged at low levels. The region has a long history of female activists for social and political change, many of whom canvassed heavily for political parties and served as background support – cooking, organizing fund raisers etc.

- for male political figures. This silent history is only now being excavated and, building on that history, more and more women across the Caribbean archipelago are stepping into the highest political offices in

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Women are no longer mere objects for male desire; they speak for themselves and reclaim their sexuality through their lyrics, and those songs are an effective weapon when it comes to breaking taboos in Jamaican society.

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the region.

The Most Honourable Portia Simpson Miller is an M.P., and current Prime Minister of Jamaica. She created history in February 2006 by becoming the first female President-elect of the 68 year-old People’s National Party (PNP) and the first woman to hold the Prime Minister’s office in Jamaica, succeeding PJ Patterson. This comes after an arduous and committed 32 years of involvement in Jamaican politics.

Simpson Miller has, since 1989, consistently topped the opinion polls as the best performing Minister of Government and the most popular politician. Since the announcement by Prime Minister P.J. Patterson after the 2002 elections that he would be retiring before the next General Elections, opinion polls showed that the Jamaican people favoured her as the best person to succeed him. The November 2005 Gleaner/Don Anderson Poll showed that 58 precent of the Jamaican people felt she was the most suitable person to succeed Mr. Patterson, with a privately commissioned poll showing that figure jumping to approximately 62 percent in December 2005. She has been a Vice-President of the PNP since 1978 and President of the PNP Women’s Movement since 1983.

In 1974 when she won the tough inner-city constituency of Trench Town West as a Councillor in the Kingston & St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC) for the PNP, it was the first time that the party had won that seat. When she went on in 1976 to win the Constituency of South West St. Andrew in the Parliamentary elections, she created another first for the party. And, when the Party suffered a massive defeat in the 1980 elections, she emerged as one of only nine PNP representatives who

retained their parliamentary their seats.

Born in humble circumstances on December 12, 1945, in Wood Hall, St. Catherine, she has never forgotten her roots, and has for decades committed herself to the mission of uplifting the poor and marginalized.

In 1977 she was appointed Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Local Government under the Michael Manley Administration.

She was PNP Spokesperson on Women’s Affairs, Pension, Social Security and Consumer Affairs between 1983 and 1989. Returning to Government in 1989, Simpson Miller was appointed Minister of Labour, Social Security and Sport.

In 2000, Simpson Miller was given the critical Tourism Ministry in addition to retaining the Sport portfolio. It was during her tenure that Jamaica’s Sports Development Foundation was established. Simpson Miller had the unique honour of serving as Jamaica’s Sport Minister when Jamaica made its historic and dramatic entry into World Cup Football. It was she who inspired the “Road to France” Campaign which galvanised the entire country in an unprecedented way.

As Minister of Tourism, she had the daunting task of rebuilding the tourism industry after the 9/11 disaster in the United States. She quickly and pro-actively developed strategies which resulted in a quick resuscitation of visitor arrivals to the island, including new visitor arrivals from Europe. And it was under her tenure that the Master Plan for Tourism was completed, setting up the strategic roadmap to the country’s path to sustainable tourism development.

In 2002, after the General Elections, she returned to the Local Government portfolio but now to an expanded Ministry of Local Government, Community Development and Sport. So evident was her intensity for issues of local governance and local government reform, that she has been called to serve at the international level. Director of the Commonwealth Local Government Reform, she is also Vice-President of the Inter-American Network of Decentralization, Local Government and Citizens Participation (RIAD), Director of the Board of Trustees of the United Nations Centre for Local Government Training (CIFAL) and Chair of the Caribbean Local Government Ministers.

A strong believer in lifelong learning, Simpson Miller holds the certificate in Advanced Management from the University of California at Berkeley; a Certificate of Participation in the Executive Programme for Leaders in Development at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University, as well as a Certificate in Public Relations and Advanced Management from the Institute of Management and Production (IMP). She also holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Public Administration from Union Institute and University in Miami, Florida. She is also the recipient of an honorary doctorate from that same institution, which commended her for her “enduring efforts to improve the quality of life for all Jamaican citizens, regardless of race, class, colour and creed.”

Prime Minister Simpson-Miller is now the best-known female politician in the region. But she is not alone. From the Eastern Caribbean island of Barbados, the name Mia Mottley has recurred for years as a significant contributor to the politics of that island.

The Honourable Mia Amor Mottley is Barbados’s Minister of Economic Affairs and Development, and that country’s Deputy Prime Minister. Mia A. Mottley was first elected to Parliament in September 1994.

Prior to her election she served as an Opposition Senator between 1991 and 1994.

One of the youngest persons ever to be assigned a ministerial portfolio at age 29, she was appointed to the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Culture. During her tenure she co-authored an acclaimed White Paper on Education that draws the link between better education and job fulfilment. In 1996 and in 1997 served as Chairman of the Caricom Standing Committee of Ministers of Education.

She is also credited with being the visionary behind the Education Sector Enhancement Programme, popularly know as Edutech, which aims to increase the number of young people contributing to the island's sustainable social and economic development. This programme involves the widespread use of information and communication technologies to assist in improving the quality of the teaching/learning process. In Youth Affairs, Mottley directed the successful establishment of the Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme and a National Youth Development Programme.

Born on October 1, 1965, Mottley was appointed Attorney General and Minister of Home Affairs in 2001 and is the first female to hold this

position. She is also the youngest ever Queen's Council in Barbados.

In addition to being a Member of the Privy Council of Barbados, she is a member of the National Security Council and the Barbados Defence Board. She was elected General Secretary of the Barbados Labour Party in 1996.

Educated at Merrivale Private School, The United Nations International School, and Queens College, she subsequently obtained a law degree from the London School of Economics. She is a lawyer by profession having been called to the Bar of England and Wales and in Barbados.

She has served Barbados with enthusiastic vision and dynamism and has displayed energy and compassion in her long political career.

With formal training, not in law – as many other Caribbean politicians - but in economics, Dr Mary King is among the leading voices in politics, political culture and economics in Trinidad and Tobago. Hitherto unaligned to any of the mainstream political parties, Dr King has served as an independent senator in the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago since January 2001. Through this portfolio she influences the politics and economics of the society with informed, non-aligned analyses of development. An active player in the country’s women’s movement, she uses this platform to also raise consciousness about women’s issues and is among the few high profile members of Trinidad and Tobago’s governing machinery to offer insightful gendered analyses.

Dr King has accumulated impressive and varied experience as a columnist for the Trinidad Express, writing on matters of national development. She is also a member of GOPAC, the Global Organisation of Parliamentarians Against Corruption and Interim Chair of the Caribbean Chapter, and a former head and founding member of the Trinidad and Tobago chapter of Transparency International. Through these affiliations, Dr King engages national debate on the conduct of those holding political office in the region and advocates transparency and accountability in public affairs. Hers is among the most consistent voices on the matter of integrity in public life.

As an economist, she is chairwoman of Mary King & Associates Ltd., a marketing research and business consulting company. Through this consultancy firm she encourages change among business organisations to ensure compatibility and competitiveness in Trinidad and Tobago’s changing culture and economy. She sees this change for the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago as combining the history of business enterprises born out of an agrarian and plantation economy with the development of industries in an era of increased globalization. The firm is also involved in developing entrepreneurial and business management courses, as well as market research training.

In addition to leading her company, Dr King is a member of the Market Research Society, UK ESOMAR (EU), and the Trinidad and Tobago Economics Association.

In the dynamic climate of Caribbean politics, there has emerged a female constituency that includes leading figures like Portia Simpson-Miller, Mia Mottley, Billie Miller, and Mary King. There are also a substantial number of women serving as MPs, Senators and political commentators who influence the political development of the region.

Among them are Trinidad and Tobago’s Hulsie Bhaggan (former MP), Kamla Persad-Bissessar (current Opposition MP, former Attorney General) Joan Yuille-Williams (acting Prime Minister, MP, Cabinet member and deputy political leader of the People’s National Movement), Gillian Lucky (Opposition MP), and Pennelope Beckles (Cabinet member).

Women of the region have moved from serving only as background support, silent activists and as wives of Prime Ministers and Presidents to themselves being prominent politicians, some of whom challenge, at great political cost, traditional political ideas.

Business Leading Jamaican businesswoman, Thalia Lyn, said in an interview with the Jamaica Gleaner in June 2006 that “...banks don't seem to be as favourably disposed to giving women loans for business. It's only recently that banks have stopped asking me to bring my husband in to co-sign loans.”

Explicit in her statement are the barriers that women encounter when they approach the world of business. There is perhaps no other area of endeavour, in which women face such a thick glass ceiling as in the world of high finance. Yet it is also an area in which Caribbean women have excelled. Traditionally the head of households, the ones managing the purse strings, Caribbean women have acquired supe-

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Mortgage Finance Company Limited.

Intensely aware and experienced in the business world, Lashley keeps her focus and her cool by connecting with her spirituality. She told an interviewer three years ago that she starts each day with a prayer: “My Heavenly Father, as I enter this work place, I bring your presence with me. I speak your peace, your grace, your mercy, and your perfect order in this office.

“I acknowledge your power over all that will be spoken, thought, decided and done within these walls.

“Lord, when I am confused, guide me. When I am weary, energise me. When I am burned out, infuse me with the light of the Holy Spirit. May the work that I do and the way I do it, bring faith, joy and a smile to all that I come in contact with today.”

Born on French Street in Woodbrook and raised as an Anglican attending the All Saints Church, Lashley brings the timeless and powerful values of a strong and Beverly Lopez disciplined religious upbringing to her life; it has helped her burst right through the so-called glass ceiling.

“We have the largest mortgage portfolio in the rior skills in money management. In the past two decades, they have country at $1.3 billion,” said Lashley. “And we have 30 per cent of the combined these skills with formal training and experience and now sit tax exempt mortgage business. So we are a real contender. However, in board meetings as meaningful partners in economic development. to stay there we have to run fast to stand up, because the competitive Thalia Lyn is a prime example.

A member of the board of directors of Jamaica’s National Com- forces are accelerating.”

Her initial three-year contract expires this year; Lashley would mercial Bank and owner of Jamaica’s premier food chain, Island Grill, like to make a distinctive mark at TTMF before she decides to leave. “I Thalia Lyn is descended of Chinese Jamaican parentage. Her parents were business people who operated a bakery. Lyn did not set out to be want to move from a place where the perception of TTMF was one of a sleeping bear, to one where it is a roving fox,” she declared. “In other in business. Having been told by their father to do well in school, get scholarships to university and look out for her younger siblings, she words, we are looking for business, not just waiting for it, and that we got her degree in record time and returned home to teach at her alma are a State-affiliated enterprise with a difference.”

Not unlike many other women who excel in areas traditionally demater Immaculate High School for a year. Now, she holds a Bachelor's Degree from Manhattanville College in the United States of America fined as male domains, Lashley is often referred to by her employees and worked as a licensed stockbroker for one of the largest companies as The Iron Lady or Margaret Thatcher. “I don’t really mind. The name-calling is part of who we are as Trinis. And sometimes the relain Canada. tionships also speak to that. We can do the after-work Friday thing toChief Executive Officer of Island Grill chain of fast food restaugether, and Monday morning when we come to work we know what rants – which offers famous Jamaican jerk chicken, Jamaican patties has to be done. I don’t mind that. I’m flexible that way. “But the watchand Jamaican porridge - Lyn’s entrepreneurship has earned her many word in my leadership style is ‘firm, but kind’,” she said. “I am not one awards including Business Leader of the Year from the Florida International University MSBA Class of 2002. The company received the who stays in an ivory tower and pronounces from on top. At the same time, I know where to draw the line, and to those who have been exBest Fast Food Award in 1998. She is also Director of Jamaica Macaroni Factory Limited, Patta Kake Bakers Limited, Consolidated Bakers posed to my leadership style, they know when the line is drawn.

A graduate of Concordia and McGill Universities in Montreal, Limited and Telegens Limited. She serves as a member of the NCB Foundation, the St. Patrick's Foundation and the Mustard Seed Com- Canada, Lashley also holds CA and CMA designations and has served munities. In 2004, she was appointed as Jamaica's Consul General to on the Board of Directors of a number of state-owned and private companies in Trinidad and Tobago. the United Kingdom of Thailand.

Her Island Grill business is present at both of Jamaica’s airports If one loosely dates the women’s revolution to the 1970s, one can and at Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados. sketch the evolution of the Caribbean woman in all spheres of living.

Asked last year about challenges to her business Lyn identified In entertainment, politics and business, women who successfully dis9/11 as a major concern. “The biggest challenge was when we went overseas and had to make the big decision to come back. After Sep- place traditional barriers are most visible. But these are not the only areas in which women have struggled for a level playing field and suctember 11, when there was a downtime in the economy, we couldn't afford to remain in Florida and mark time because our big plan was to ceeded.

In religion, Trinidad and Tobago’s Indrani Rampersad is the first continue opening restaurants. The market went flat.”

Pandita (female pundit) recognized by the Hindu community. In the reIsland Grill withdrew from Florida but its presence in the region expanded; it employs about 500 workers. Her advice to young women gion women are increasingly emerging as forefront spiritual guides in aspiring to be entrepreneurs is insightful and comes from her years of the Anglican and Methodist Churches and have, since Independence in the 1960s, been in leadership roles in the Orisha and Spiritual Bapexperience pushing at the glass ceiling: “There are many women graduating from university today, but tist Churches.

In sports, women have continued to excel in all areas, from track they are not going into business. Women are asked for more collateral and field events to boxing. And, in a region where cricket is almost a than men - that is a deterrent for them, but I would say to young religion, Barbados’s Donna Symonds is the only international female women, there is nothing to stop you. I came from a family in business and my father had to co-sign my first loan but don't be daunted, go cricket commentator in the world.

In the esoteric field of literature, since the 1970s women writers with a good business plan and keep trying. Older, more established have emerged as the new canon, writing stories that change the lives businesswomen could also mentor younger ones.” of young women in secondary schools across the archipelago. Trinidad Thalia Lyn is not alone in Jamaica. Beverly Lopez leads the prestigious Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ); she is President. and Tobago’s Merle Hodge and Shani Mootoo, Jamaica’s Olive Senior and Lorna Goodison, Antigua’s Jamaica Kincaid, Barbados’s Paule And they are certainly not alone in the region. Caribbean women throughout the region actively participate in the world of high finance Marshall, Grenada’s Merle Collins, and Guyana’s Oonya Kempadoo at the most senior levels. Trinidad and Tobago’s Ingrid Lashley, former are some of the names that are recognized internationally as the artistic voices of Caribbean women. executive manager at Scotiabank, currently sits in a challenging chair; Together, all these Caribbean women continue to define the reshe is the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the “sleeping bear” in the mortgage finance business: The Trinidad and Tobago gion as, in Jamaican patwah, ‘small but talawah!’

MEILING:

A CONVERGENCE OF SIMPLICITY AND EXCELLENCE Laura Dowrich-Phillips

itting in a simple red wooden chair in the fitting room of Meiling's Port of Spain, office, I feel like an intruder. After all, it's here, in this stark room adorned only by a large mirror, a table and stacks of glossy fashion magazines, that the Meiling magic takes form. In this fashion sanctum, clients graciously offer up their bodies, allowing her madeto-measure creations to be draped, tucked, and fitted to perfection.

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This is where Meiling sees her work springing to life, and it's in this room her decision to clothe herself in black everyday underscores the dedication to her craft.

"I fit in this very small room so if I am fitting someone I disappear and I only see what I am fitting. I blend into the background of my room so I am not competing with the woman I am fitting. This is my style, my signature, it's what I feel comfortable in, I put it on and I come in here and work," she declared.

Stating that she feels her most confident in black, Meiling wore colour up to twenty years ago but decided to just wear black as a daily uniform. She does make colour concessions with her accessories and shoes and, at night, prefers to sleep in white.

In 2006, the acclaimed designer also realised one of her dreams, which was to show her creations in New York.

Meiling was invited by a friend, following two consecutive and highly acclaimed showings at Caribbean Fashion Week, to the BK Fashion Weekend, organised by Trinidadian Rick Davy and partner Cybele Sandy. There she showed along with four other designers, one from Ghana, two from the United Kingdom and one from Jamaica.

While she had done trade shows in New York previously, Meiling's showing at the BK Fashion Weekend was her first major international fashion show in her 25 plus years in the business.

"It went extremely well, I received a standing ovation, people thought it was a very cohesive collection, it was a dream come true," said Meiling, her excitement a bit muted; she explains that she has been in the business too long to get worked up about every break she gets.

Meiling did acknowledge that New York was a dream come true, one that she always harboured but never energetically pursued.

Coming out from the BK Fashion Weekend event, she accepted an invitation to show at 7th on Sixth as part of the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Bryant Park in New York City.

Firmly planted in her Caribbean heritage, the allure of pursuing success from within in the fashion capitals of New York, Paris or London have little appeal to Meiling.

“No, I love Trinidad, Trinidad is my home,” she declared.

"I always thought of the Caribbean as a very big market and I export to most of the islands and will probably look at Latin America, which is close by," said Meiling, who has clients scattered all over the world.

Speaking of the Caribbean and the fashion sense of Caribbean people, Meiling said fashion sensibilities have improved. “I think it's come a long way. When I came back to Trinidad (after studying in England) there wasn't exposure through television to what was happening internationally and Trinidadians were years behind with the trends, but I think they caught up because of cable, the Internet and they started travelling more. Stylewise, what's happening in Europe is here almost immediately.”

Has this improvement made her job easier?

“It makes my job easier when people understand what I do, they don't think I am way out there, they can relate to what I do," she said.

Known for her magnificent themed productions and elegant, classic lines, mainly in linen, Meiling's signature is attention to detail. It's a trait she learnt from her mother, one of the country's leading dressmakers whom Meiling describes as a hard taskmaster. While acknowledging that technology has made the production process easier, she still prefers the human touch - to bead and embroider by hand. “I think that’s a very special thing. People see a shirt from Meiling and they can tell because of the signature detailing.”

Singling out Coco Chanel, Dries Van Noten and a handful of Japanese designers as her favourite foreign influences and The Cloth as the local brand she enjoys most for their fun, Caribbean clothing, Meiling said her biggest goal is to be remembered as someone who played a role in changing the face of fashion in the Caribbean.

And until then, she has no intentions of stopping.

“I will work until the end. I love what I do. Being recognised in the international world will be good but I am happy, most of the Caribbean knows the name Meiling. I have clients in Europe and all parts of Canada and America.”

With a perfume deal in the making, a recent expansion into sleepwear and a number of major projects under consideration, Meiling is not sitting still. Operating from her simple space clothed in her uncomplicated but utilitarian uniform, she may very well be destined to put the region on the fashion map, firmly planted in Port of Spain where she is comfortably at home in the Caribbean she adores.

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I blend into the background of my room so I am not competing with the woman I am fitting. This is my style, my signature, it5s what I feel comfortable in; I put it on and I come in here and work.

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SHUT UP AND DRIVE! RIHANNA ROCKS PRAGUE OCEAN STYLE

Ocean Style Feature Writer and Head of MTV Base Jasmine Dotiwala catches up with the Bajan Sensation on the set of the 4Making of the Video5 for 4Shut up and Drive.5 Jasmine Dotiwala

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e joined Barbadian star Rihanna in Prague where she was shooting the video to her single “Shut Up and Drive” directed by Anthony Mandler. This was the third video Mandler has worked on with the young Caribbean star and as he says “I’ve watched her grow a lot and she’s in such an incredible place right now. She’s so confident. She’s so sure about her image. And I think this being her third record, everything’s come together.”

Rihanna explained this track was a little different to what she’d given us musically in the past “It’s a really, really edgy rock song. I’ve never done a song with so much rock influence before. It’s kind of a different direction for me.”

Rihanna begins by entering a car ‘chop shop’ where her girls were already working and got it going with car wrenches and wiping down the cars! Certainly if the local car wash had attendants looking like this, men throughout the Caribbean would be getting their cars totalled daily! Even in men’s work boots Ms. Rihanna looked hot, busily swinging around on a ladder surrounded by gravel. After that Rihanna strutted around the yard in 4 inch heels as comfortably as if they were sneakers! The temperature certainly spiked a couple more degrees when they poured water on the dirt outside and made all the girls roll around in it to get it grimy!

Next she was telling us she was eager to pick up the local language too as she explained when the extras around her were throwing up sparks and fireworks on set “I learned one word in Czech so far….‘sparks’ in Czech, and I’m not really sure if this is it, but it’s like, ‘jeskri’. So I get to call it now. I get to say ‘jeskri! Jeskri!” And the girls start doing the sparks.”

Rihanna’s new short asymmetrical bob haircut is stunning and really puts her image and style in a whole new category. When I tell her that she now looks like a model straight out of Vogue magazine, she smiled modestly “The new look is very edgy. It’s a lot different from how you’ve seen me before. The short hair; the attitude is very B girlish, like, I have a lot of attitude now and I’m not afraid to let it out anymore. It definitely is a new me on this album.”

It certainly is! In fact when I first interviewed her at MTV she was like a scared little bunny rabbit but now she’s a seasoned pro - she admitted she was more in control now than she has been allowed to be in the past “It’s definitely a sign of me having a lot more input in this project, this time around. I have a lot more say in the creative and making decisions. It’s really cool to do that because the fans get more of who you are. They get a gist of you and not what people want you to look like or be like.

Her single Umbrella was on top of the UK charts a staggering 10 weeks! In fact, when we heard the assistant director yelling “Roll tape, roll playback! Let’s go Ree, let’s take it home!!” it was (almost) as exciting as finding Nick Cannon in my Christmas stocking!

One of the shots which took the excitement level up a whole new notch was when we watched one of the world’s most expensive sports cars being rolled in. We ran across to Rihanna who looked a little nervous and stunned to see what was going on, “I love to drive. I can drive.

I just don’t drive in America or Europe because I don’t have my license over here. So they trusted me with a very expensive and gorgeous car, a red Ferrari!” Of course there followed a drag race with the classic old ‘skool’ shot of Rihanna waving a chequered flag side of race track.

Not only were we on set to join the stunning performer but also Chicago MC Common was making a guest appearance and told us “Of

course she’s looking beautiful in the video. I guess this is their little chop shop where the ladies do their thing. They got it going on out here for real. It’s something to be out here in Prague. I had to come through and support the sister. She’s doing great things. I’m out here enjoying the video right now. This is good. Sometimes you meet up with your people from the States or different places in the world, you just feel good.”

Common was in Prague shooting “Wanted” with Angelina Jolie and Morgan Freeman. He revealed “I’m really interested and loving acting and of course I love music.…I’m very grateful and excited to be out here. It’s my first time actually in Prague. Been throughout Europe but never to Prague, so this is good. The movie is going well. The new album is coming out in August called Finally Forever. So the music and the movies, god willing I just continue to be able to do both because it’s something that I love. It’s like, it makes them both fun. You don’t get stuck in one thing, you just get to be creative.’’ We couldn’t let Common pass by without getting a little extra info on the new album “Kanye produced the majority of the album. We got DJ Premiere scratching on the song. The Game. It really is raw, it’ll make you feel that gangsta hip hop from the early nineties, but it’s still present. The album Finally Forever, it’s a good impression of who I am and the music that I love, and what Kanye does as a producer…..I called it Finally Forever because it’s always new. We strive to make it timeless’’.

Common then looked on in admiration as Rihanna captured our attention.

The final shots of the night were Rihanna and her girls performing live on top of the cars in the junk yard and then another shot showing Rihanna sitting her pretty self on top of a gold car where she lip-synched to camera for a few takes and took direction from the choreographer about how to work her body across the car. She explained “Tonight’s final performance is a massive performance of the entire song on this beautiful gold car behind me. It’s very old and dangerous, some sharp edges, but we’re kind of playing around with the trunk.

The trunk’s open, then I get up on the car, slide around, and it was just me wilding out, being me.”

Rihanna’s rise from new girl of R&B alongside Tierra Marie in 2004 (Who? Exactly!) has been like a hurricane force! Rihanna agreed “It’s definitely been a whirlwind. It feels like a long time but it’s only two years. And to put three albums out in less than two years is so amazing. I think about it sometimes, are we really putting a third album out in less than two years. It’s crazy but it’s great. I love making music, and selling music and I love performing. I’m having the time of my life!’’

All in all, this shoot was a different path for Rihanna - brighter colours, a little more youthful, with a bit of a rock and roll twist. And boy does Rihanna rock!

I’ll leave the final word to the director of this amazing shoot “Let’s give a big round of applause to Rihanna and Anthony Mann for a great job, and my Czech Republic crew. Thank you very much that’s a wrap!” www.oceanstylemagazine.com

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AIR JAMAICA: FLYING THE FINANCIALLY VIABLE SKIES

Ocean Style Editor in Chief Douglas Gordon 7DKG8 met with Paul Pennicook 7PP8 Air Jamaica Sr. VP of Sales and Marketing at the company5s headquarters in downtown Kingston to discuss the airline5s newly minted business plan outlining a path to profitability.

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ith its 17 aircraft, 5000 passengers carried daily and $350 Million in revenue Air Jamaica is indisputably the largest airline in the Caribbean. Its relative size has not been enough to save it from the rigors of the airline industry. A new management team, under what has been called a firm mandate from the Jamaican Government, executes its plan which promises to bring the airline out of the red and a constant drain on Jamaica’s Treasury. With a focus on cost reduction and fundamentals change in the business operation, Air Jamaica seeks to clip its annual $100 Million deficit by 2009.

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Do u g la s G o r d o n : T h e r e i s a n o n g o in g d e b a t e a s t o w h e t h e r t h e J a maic a Government c an afford to operate Air Jamai ca. Is Air Jamaica a v i a b l e b u s i n e s s w i t h o u t G o v e r n me n t s u b s i d y i n t h e l o n g t e r m ?

Pa ul P ennic ook: It’s an open secret that Air Jamaica is not viable at the moment and it is precisely because of that reason that a new business plan has been developed which takes the airline much closer towards viability.

As a matter of fact when all the different aspects of this business plan are implemented, we should see at least an operational break even or in fact a small profit by 2009. What I’m talking about is primarily the route rationalization by looking at things like London which is costing a lot of money.

(Editor’s note: Air Jamaica has since entered a code-sharing partnership with Virgin Atlantic whereby the UK-based carrier will now operate the route on Virgin equipment therefore removing the unprofitable route from Air Jamaica’s direct service.)

In addition to the route rationalization, we have in fact outsourced the vacation division – where Air Jamaica Vacations will still exist as a brand, but will now be operated by The Mark Travel Corporation, which is very experienced in managing vacation brands, particularly airline vacation brands. That takes effect from the first of August and that’s another part of the plan to really streamline and focus the airline’s operations.

And then the third aspect of this which is huge is the re-fleet.

This is what the government has signed off on really and so we are in the market aggressively looking for Boeing equipment and we are starting with 757s which will replace the Airbus A321s. The 757s from Boeing are far more appropriate for the missions that Air Jamaica flies.

What I mean by that is we have a problem at the moment where when we fly full on our core routes, like a New York, Toronto, etc. we inevitably leave a number of bags behind on the A321. The same problem occurs actually when we go down to the Eastern Caribbean. And so by switching to the Boeing 757 they fly further and have a much higher payload so we anticipate that we will be able to put the bag problems behind us.

We should also see a significant reduction in our maintenance cost and our parts availability because as you know Airbus is out of Europe and there are times when you need a part and it can take us three days to get it because it has to come from Europe, whereas with Boeing they have major parts distribution on this side of the Atlantic and we can easily get parts within 24 hours to work on the Boeing equipment.

So all things considered the better suitability for the mission, the decreased maintenance cost, and the decreased ownership costs because we would obviously get these Boeing equipment for less than we are paying for the Airbus equipment; all those things considered will result in significant savings such that this $100 Million gap which is what Air Jamaica has had for the last 10-15 years (per annum) these initiatives will significantly reduce that to the point that our calculations show that by 2009 when everything is fully on board we should at least break even or generate a slight profit.

DK G: I s t h i s a n e w 7 5 7 f le e t ?

P P: No, they are in fact used, but they will not be any older than some of the Airbus equipment we are currently flying. It is true that ten years ago some of the equipment that we are currently flying was new, but they are no longer new. And so the equipment we are about to get from Boeing, yes it’s all used equipment, however the cost we will pay for the Boeing versus the cost we are paying for the Airbus today will be significantly different.

DKG: How are the other st akehol ders respondi ng to the c hanges in e q u i p me n t a n d t h e n e w d i r e c t i o n f o r t h e a i r l i n e ?

P P : Initially when it was announced, there were some issues, like

mumblings about whether we should really change, and the whys, sos and wherefores. What we have done though – our CEO and senior management – we’ve conducted sessions with the different departments and members of staff explaining the plan to them, why we are doing this and what are the potential benefits – and in that regard, there is full support for it across the airline because it has been pointed out that we cannot continue the way we have been for the last x number of years and in Paul Pennicook order to really make fundamental changes, and hopefully become profitable, we need to make these changes.

D K G : A i r J a ma i c a , a t l e a s t i n o t h e r p a r t s o f t h e Caribbean, w as alw ays seen a s North-w ard looking – to North Am eric a, and of cours e to Eur ope w i t h t h e L o n d o n s e r v ic e . N o w w e a r e s e e i n g m u ch m ore of an ori en tat i on t owa rd th e r es t of t h e C a r ib b e a n . W h y i s t h is ?

PP : I must say that we have a couple of things that have come together at the same time. In our plan we do show more frequency into the Caribbean and Eastern Caribbean and the adjustment if you will, that Caribbean Airlines has made also opened up some opportunities for us to serve more of the Caribbean.

One of the things that I would like to refer specifically is the service that we are now offering from New York to Barbados which really used to be offered by Caribbean Airlines and which they discontinued. (Editor’s Note: Caribbean Airlines replaced BWIA which was shut down in 2006). We came along and picked up that service and extended it into a couple of other islands in the region up to Montego Bay. We have found that that flight in particular is doing very, very well and it has therefore encouraged us to look at even more opportunities in the Eastern Caribbean.

The other thing that we have considered in this plan going forward is that when we have the 757s etc., in the fleet we will also be able to explore more opportunities of going even further south – South America – because one those airplanes can fly that mission and two, and more importantly, our location here in Jamaica is ideal in terms of being centrally located between North and South America.

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I think the difference this time around is that this is not an attempt to tweak the problem or to tweak around the edges. The fundamental issues of ownership cost, maintenance, and our biggest losing routes are being addressed, and they are being addressed in a fundamental way.

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So, we could easily become a hub for South American traffic going on to North America, or indeed the rest of the Caribbean here in Jamaica, because we believe that we will be a much more pleasant hub experience than Miami and so in that regard we are looking forward in the future to going further south and using our geographical location to our advantage.

DKG: Some of the Cari bbean is lands, i n order to sec ure air lift , have t o p a y t h e a ir l in e s w h e t h e r b y f o r e g o i n g la n d i n g f e e s o r d ir e c t s u b si dies to g uarante e a cert ain num ber of seats on an ai rcraf t or some other c onsidera tion. Is that part of you r model in ter ms of expa ndin g ?

PP : Not really. In the case of Barbados, yes there has been some cooperation and some assistance from the Barbadian government, but it has not been the astronomical amount that frankly North American carriers have been asking for.

And the other development that fits in with this very well, with our flying into Barbados, is the recent changes that are taking place between Liat and Caribbean Star, where they have become one airline and that airline will provide the ongoing service from Barbados to some of these other islands.

We are working very closely with the new Liat and we are developing that relationship because there are so many opportunities out of Barbados to these islands. In other words with our arrangement with Liat, we are now selling New York, St. Vincent, Dominica, etc., all going through Barbados and all being Air Jamaica from New York to Barbados and then of course transfer to Liat to the different islands.

We have found that working directly with Barbados has proved to be really the right decision in that Barbados is like a little the hub in the Eastern Caribbean and can therefore provide the connections through to these other islands.

DKG : Ai r Jamai ca m ade a p reviou s atte mpt t o e nter Trini dad and Toba go. Are there any plans on the drawi ng boa rd?

PP: At this point, no. We are prepared to work with the other Caribbean islands as much as we can and leave Caribbean Airlines to deal with Trinidad for the time being. I know that the new CEO of Caribbean Airlines has been advocating that we really need to have one airline in the Caribbean.

That’s more easily said than done.

We have no problem with working strategically together or working on co-operation with certain things – inventories, parts,

route rationalization and so on, but to actually operate as one airline does not seem very practical at this point in time and in that regard Caribbean Airlines based in Trinidad, therefore offers the service to Trinidad such that it would not be in our interest to compete with that. We have to find a way to co-operate so both of us can do well.

DKG: What sort of doll ars and cent s nu mbers are we looking at in t e r m s o f r e d uc t i o n i n o p e r a t i n g e x p e n s e s t h r o ug h t h e s e i n i t i a t i v e s ?

PP: Between ownership, operating and maintenance cost reductions we will reduce that $100 million gap by $67 million. And then what we are anticipating here, with improved reliability to increase business in terms of sales and earn the additional $35 million.

D K G : S o t h a t i n 2 0 0 8 y o u w i l l s t a r t t o s e e s o me c l o s u r e ?

PP: That’s right at the end of 2007 we should have 5 or 6 planes already in, and in 2008 we’ll be dealing with the others. That is why we are looking at 2009 to have everything on board.

DKG: Do you have l ease l iabi lit y for c losi ng out on the A3 00 s eries or is that f actored i nto your re- fleet ing cost ?

PP: Well, all of this is factored in. Where leases do not expire, we are going to sublease the Airbus equipment and even if we have to take a slight reduction in what somebody will pay on the sublease it has been factored into our lease equation. There are markets particularly in the Far East that we can find to sublet these planes.

DKG: Of cour se t he bi g, dis tingu ishi ng s ym bol of Air Ja maic a is its vibrant c olor sc heme whic h from m y s ou rce s is one of t he most e xpensi ve paint jobs on any airc raft i n the world . In a dditi on t o al l the col ors, the additi ona l wei ght obvious ly affec ts the c os t. What i s the thi nki ng on that ?

PP: We know that it is a very expensive paint job and we know that if we find a way to reduce it, it will assist the cost reduction. But we also know that people have become very connected if you will, to this color scheme and they are very passionate about it.

So, we are having a look at how we can retain the integrity of the paint job that we currently have in terms of color and at the same time finding a more economical way to do it. We are looking at that.

D K G : T h e r e h a s b e e n a l o n g h i s t o r y o f f a i l e d p r o mi s e s i n t h e Car ib bea n ai rl i ne i nd us tr y. You r ea ll y ha ve a l ot of wor k t o do t o bui ld bac k credi bility and beli ef in another pl an, not just for Air Jam ai ca bu t the air lin es in gen eral. And, inas mu ch as a fai r-mi nded pers on mi ght w ant to s ay “I l ove Ai r Ja ma ic a , I bel i eve i n Ai r Ja ma i ca , I wa nt t o s e e it w o r k ” w h a t r e a ll y c a n y o u s h a r e w i t h t h e m t o m a k e t h e m b e lie v e t h i s p la n ?

PP: I think the difference this time around is that this is not an attempt to tweak the problem or to tweak around the edges. The fundamental issues of ownership cost, maintenance, and our biggest losing routes are being addressed, and they are being addressed in a fundamental way and if those are properly addressed where we see significant improvement in those areas then there has to be a light at the end of the tunnel in terms of the operation becoming viable.

I think what has happened over the last x number of years when we have run into a problem is that everybody has sort of tweaked around the edges and tried different things, and yes, some of them might have saved some money here and there but the real fundamental issues or the major issues that are really the problem were not addressed in this way.

I mean, to take a major decision such as changing the fleet to permanently reduce the ownership cost over time is a really fundamental decision and it is because these decisions really get to the heart of the problem is why we believe that this time around it will work.

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LEE CHIN’S CRYSTAL EFFECT

Billionaire Michael Lee Chin5s $30 Million gift benefits the arts and leaves a lasting Caribbean Legacy Barbara Naedene Ellington images by Brian Boyle, Tom Sandler, Barbara Ellington and Dr. Richard Chen

n Friday June 1, a hush descended over the Crystal Court at the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) in Toronto, Canada, as AIC Chairman Michael Lee Chin, Mrs. Hyacinth Gloria Chen, Daniel Libeskind and William Thorsell, cut the ribbon to declare the Michael Lee Chin Crystal open. Emotions ran high and Lee Chin’s tears were obvious and understood.

His mother soothed them and he composed himself to say: "My mother taught me that regardless of parentage, heritage or origin, dreams are meant to be pursued and grasped. If you work hard, educate yourself, strive, and never forget to be kind to others, your dreams can come true. That is what I love about my mother. And that is what I love about Canada. Canada is a place where everyone belongs, where opportunity thrives, where everyone can make a difference. This is where leaders of tomorrow will get their first taste of inspiration. Anything is possible.”

Thousands of Torontonians and Caribbean immigrants, old and new, viewed the finished Crystal between June 1 and 3 and collectively agreed that the CDN$30 million was money well spent. The new addition to the ROM will resonate with everyone who sees it long after Lee Chin, his heirs and their successors have departed this life.

The first floor is named The Hyacinth Gloria Chen Crystal Court in honour of the lead donor's 74 year-old mother. It was a proud but emotional moment for a man who four years earlier prayed that his mother would live to see the Crystal complete. "I am humbled and inordinately blessed; I am happy that my mother

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Michael Lee Chin and his three sons enjoy the occasion, ROM illuminated, Dr. Richard Chen, with Olympian Donovan Bailey and his wife Yvette

is alive to see some of the rewards for her travails and sacrifices," that communicate in such a way that the architect needs to say nothing. Mr. Lee Chin made the first move and that was a huge statement Lee Chin said at the opening ceremony. He paid tribute to their struggle, which included 29 years without a vacation, as his parents about himself, his family and his country."

In a testament to functionality and an embrace of technology sacrificed for their children’s education.

The Michael Lee Crystal took shape as a sketch on a napkin by air is circulated throughout the building upwards, being fed into spaces below ground. This air rises through grilles laid in the floor world famous architect Daniel Libeskind. His designs often attract and is extracted through ducts in the ceiling. This is a huge cost-savcontroversy but with a body of work that spans the continents and ing measure. includes the Jewish Museum in Berlin, the Imperial War Museum The Crystal Five (C5) restaurant crowns the fifth floor and with North in Manchester, England and the Graduate Student Centre at the London Metropolitan University, to Tangent, an office tower for its top drawer staff will cater to regular lunch and dinner crowds and special functions. the Hyundai Development CorIn May 2007 The Michael Lee poration, in Seoul, Korea there is Starting in December 2007 the following exhibits will be on display Chin Crystal was awarded an no doubting his brilliance and re- in the Michael Lee Chin Crystal: Award of Merit for the innovative markable talent. steel design of the Crystal by the Toronto's Crystal is bold, Jim and Louise Temerty Gallery of the Age of Dinosaurs, (Dec 2007) Ontario Institute of Steel Condaring and sparks the imaginaShreyas & Mina Ajmera Gallery of the Age of Mammals, (Dec 2007) struction (CISC). The Crystal won tion of all as it dominates the skySir Christopher Ondaatje South Asian Gallery, (Winter 2008) in the engineering category for "a line over Bloor Street. The Wirth Gallery of the Middle East, (Winter 2008) building in which engineering Crystal now houses seven spaGallery of Africa, Americas and Asia, (Spring 2008) considerations predominantly incious galleries and a number of Patricia Harris Gallery of Textiles and Costume, (Spring 2008) fluenced the design and construcpublic spaces. tion of the structure."

When I toured the site in The 175,000 square-foot building will house seven permanent 2005 it was a mass of steel and iron pilings. I could not have imagined that the finished product would achieve such magnificence. galleries overlooking Bloor Street West, a new main entrance and Today, it evokes a metaphor of old age and experience blended with lobby; a very smartly laid out museum store; and the largest space in Canada for international exhibitions. the vibrancy of youth.

Highly regarded for his business acumen and long regaled in Built in 1912, the original cathedral-like edifice remains with some of the partitioning walls removed and a few previously sealed the international media for his financial success, through this act of windows reopened. Project engineers paid particular attention to in- generosity Lee Chin joins the ranks of some of history’s great phiterior climate control and temperature regulation as well installing lanthropists with this substantial gift in support of the arts and culspecial filters to protect against excessive ultra violet rays potentially ture. In so doing, he continues to construct a legacy of which not only his Jamaican countrymen can be proud but one that serves as damaging to works of art.

ROM director, William Thorsell told journalists that the Michael inspiration and testament to ambition, hard work and the spirit of endeavor for all Caribbean nationals wherever they may reside in Lee Chin Crystal will fit in with the needs of the galleries and change with Canada's seasons. "We now have some robust exhibition spaces the world.

Vincent Chen and Hyacinth Gloria Chen, parents of Michael Lee Chin, his fiancee Sonya Hamilton and twin daughters Elizabeth LeeChin 0left1 and Maria Lee Chin, ROM illuminated, William Thorsell, ROM Director and CEO, Daniel Libeskind, architect pose with lead donor Michael Lee Chin

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LEAD PAGE Danielle: dress by Poshe (Jamaica), shoes by Head Over Heel NYC, shades by Gucci Annoman: T-shirt by Magnifique, jeans by GAP, flip flops by FOX Gaye: dress by Fremont, Shoes by Michael Antonio, shades by Chanel THIS PAGE bag by kerry: manwomanhome (Kingston, Jamaica)

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Annoman: T-shirt by Etro, jeans by GAP, belt by Studs, flip flops by FOX Gaye: dress by Fremont, shoes by Michael Antonio

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OCEAN STYLE Annoman: trunks by Puma, shades by Oakley, chain by kerry: manwomanhome (Kingston, Jamaica), watch by Tag Heuer Gaye: swimwear by Fremont, earrings by kerry: manwomanhome (Kingston, Jamaica)

Annoman: trunks by Puma, shades by Oakley, watch by Tag Heuer Danielle: swimwear by House of Chapple, shoes by BCBG Maxazria, chain by Cartier

Photography by Robert Manella Fashion Director: Rick Davy Make-Up by Jamie (Jamaica) Hair: Zion Agency (ICAPS Jamaica) Location: New Kingston, Jamaica Location Assistant: Omar Johnson Models: Gaye MacDonald, Annoman and Danielle

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TOP PLYMOUTH JAZZ FEST MOMENTS Michael Mondezie images by Andrea da Silva

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hen you put a large cast of world music superstars together you're assured of three things, pre-show propaganda, scores of patrons and lots of controversy.

The Plymouth Jazz festival delivered on all three counts. And Trinbagonians would have it no other way, as the events that unfolded off the stage made those on it all the sweeter during the three night showcase held from April 27-29 in Tobago.

An all star cast featuring names that roll off the tongue like Sir Elton John, Diana Ross, Mary J Blige and Earth Wind and Fire was assembled by organiser CL Financial at a cost rumored to be in excess of $4 Million Hip Hop legend LL Cool J, Blues legend Gladys Knight, the right reverend Al Green, Trini-born R&B chart topper Heather Headley and Jamaican dancehall/reggae stars Sean Paul and Berres Hammond completed one of the most prestigious line-ups ever assembled for a single show in the Caribbean. Local acts Machel Montano, Destra Garcia, Kes the Band and Roy Cape All Stars also made appearances. Ocean Style looks at the highlights of the show and all the drama surrounding it starting with the most memorable moment.

Moment #1 - Elton's Response Naturally Sir Elton, no stranger to controversy, generated the most preshow press. The openly gay British pop star was the most talked about man in Trinidad and Tobago in the month of April when local clerics tried to force him off the cast because of his sexual preferences.

A defiant slam on the keys of his Yamaha grand piano seemed a fitting response to those critics, however, when he wowed the packed Plymouth recreation park with a rousing two hour set on closing night, Sunday.

He showed his musicianship on his rock fuelled hits "Tinderbox" and "Rocket Man" before grooving into his romantic side with "Can You Feel the Love Tonight" during what was the stand-out performance of the festival. And when he cued his band into the open-

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ing notes of his mega-hit "Candle in the Wind," it was clear Sir Elton's music transcended socio-cultural, ethnic and sexual barriers. Hundreds of heterosexual couples drew closer under a starry sky for a romantic moment with Sir Elton.

Moment #2 - Diana Dissed Miss Ross, however, had contrasting fortunes. The multi-Grammy award winning R&B diva was shocked to have her set cut short by stage management when she appeared on Day two of the festival on Saturday night.

"I'm being kicked off the stage. They are telling Diana Ross to leave" the 63-year-old singer said with genuine amazement.

Diana got the "bad news" during a wardrobe change (from a glittering red frock into a gorgeous silver and white gown) following a lively opening with her 80's hit "I'm Coming Out" that brought the entire audience to their feet. Ross' fans weren't completely cheated, however, as she had earlier given them her hits "Can't Fall In Love", "Touch Me in the Morning" and "Ease on Down the Road". She bowed out the festival gracefully with a performance of "I will Survive."

Moment # 3 – R&B Baton Pass Ironically "the survivor" was being hurried to make way for Mary J. Traffic problems meant time delays since acts were arriving at the venue later than planned, but perhaps it was a crude reminder to the R&B legend that the baton had indeed been passed.

Mary J seemed unperturbed by the events that preceded her appearance, however, when she took centre stage at Plymouth. The New York-based performer showed her gangsta side when she leaned into her remix of Compton rapper The Game's hit single "Hate It or Love It." "It's almost over but don't even worry about it," Blige said pacifying her audience with her soothing vocals.

She jammed on at their request with abridged versions of "Real Love", "Time to Say Goodbye" and "Take Me As I Am" before slowing the pace with her 2006 Grammy award winner "Be Without You." Moment # 4 – Sean Paul's Rub-a-dub Snub The festival's line up all left memorable words and moments but none more so than Jamaican dancehall superstar Sean Paul in his preshow press conference on Friday night.

Sean Paul, who reportedly snubbed fans upon his arrival at Crown Point International Airport in Tobago, offered no apologies for his behaviour when asked by international and regional media about the incident.

"I'm not a pastor or a politician sir. My job is not to meet people, my work is to have a good time with them right out dey so," he said pointing in the direction of the stage minutes before his performance.

"So if I out working and a man asking me to sign this and that I will tell him about he rub a dub," he continued.

Admittedly the dancehall star did give them a good time "out dey so" when he romped onto the Plymouth stage with his barrage of dance floor hits performing his club bangers "Head in the Zone", "We Be Blazin'“ and "Temperature" among others. His performance was tight and well rehearsed and while the dancehall star stayed in key, the truth is his stage show still hasn't caught up to his reputation.

Moment # 5 – Brian Lara Cries Cricket legend (yes Ocean Style is the first to declare this title) Brian Lara's emotional moment on the final night of the Jazz Festival

was worth as much as his 400 not out world record to the event's organisers. Lara made an impromptu appearance on stage with soca star Machel Montano after the latter offered congratulations and best wishes to the recently retired West Indies skipper.

"You're the greatest, you know why? Cause anything they can do you do it better," Montano sang to batting genius bringing tears to his eyes.

Lara's response was modest when he took the mic to reciprocate admiration.

"The difference between me and Machel is every time he comes out here he scores a century. He doesn't know about failure," said Lara.

Moment # 6 - Why Ladies Love Cool J LL Cool J’s jeans kept falling off his waist during a wardrobe malfunction that got several female fans all hot and bothered during his appearance on Friday. The Hip Hop veteran soldiered on with his performance, however, tugging his jeans back up whenever they got too low much to the delight of his female fans. They seemed disappointed when he hoped off stage for a belt change but were pacified when he ripped his shirt down the middle during his performance of "Phenomenon."

Moment # 7 – Heather Headley's Homecoming Heather Headley's homecoming performance, on Saturday, was almost as emotionally moving as Lara's tears.

The Tony award-winning actress said during a pre-show interview that she was worried about breaking down during her performance, but held it together long enough to deliver a cover of David Rudder's (her favourite local artiste) "Hammer".

The water works, came, however when an emotional Headley performed her chart topper "Wish I Wasn't" at the end of her set.

Moment # 8 – Destra's Disaster Destra Garcia's opening performance on Saturday was tight and impressive. That was until she tried to play Whitney Houston. The soca singer added a couple of Houston's songs into her set with disastrous consequences. Her voice cracked several times during her rendition of "I Will Always Love You" on what was her chance to showcase her talent to the world. Destra may prefer to forget her bad decision but we couldn't help but recall that moment. No Love lost DG. Moment # 9 – Ghetto Fabulous Sharon Philip You might be asking, "umm who?" But Tobago jazz band Flames International ghetto fabulous lead-singer Sharon Philip was the surprise of the entire Festival. Philips didn't look much like a soul singer when she walked on stage with golden coloured tresses, a tight fitting glittering golden coloured dress and several gold chains, rings, anklets, wrist bands and earrings. But, when she opened her mouth her voice matched her get up as she gave a solid gold performance of Whitney Houston's "I'm Every Woman" before jamming with local reggae singer Ziggy Rankin on groove called "You." Moment # 10 – Tobago Coming to Life Tobago nightlife resembling bustling St James was as much worth the trip as the all star cast. The island came to life each night with fete after fete as party promoters kept the jazz crowd entertained well into the morning of each day of their stay. While some complained about increased traffic and noise levels seeing the island buzz was a moment to behold.

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CATCHING UP WITH MS. KELLY

BEYONCE DROPS IT LIKE IT’S HOT IN PARIS Jasmine Dotiwala

hoo weee….it’s been a hectic couple of months! The lifestyle of an MTV chick is hectic, sexy, fun, crazy, tiring, wonderful, eye opening, sleepless and blessed!

I nearly flew out to the Caribbean this past month to join my girl Mariah who was ‘in de islands’ beginning work on her new album. I have been otherwise occupied with restructures at MTV towers so I've not been gallivanting anywhere except one German rock festival - yeay..not! But I might see her next month when we have our annual girly work and play trip to the Italian island of Capri. YEAY! Alongside the third coming of Mariah, I'm also loving the comeback album from the second lady of Destiny's Child Kelly Rowland who invited me over to London’s chic Sanderson Hotel late one night to catch up. If it had been anyone else calling on me that late at night I would've politely declined but I've always got time for Kelly.

I was surprised to hear that her new album was titled “Miss Kelly.”

Was she doing a Diana Ross and Lauryn Hill and insisting the public address her as “Miss Kelly”? Was she having a name change moment like Puff Daddy and Jennifer Lopez? Kelly laughed in denial explaining “It's not even so much a name change. I feel like I've evolved as a woman and come into my own and this album has been an amazing process for me as far as learning about myself and taking control. I felt like it deserved the sassy title and that's why I called it Miss Kelly, I don't expect anyone to call me Miss Kelly it's just the name of the album”.

It doesn't feel like 5 years since Kelly's last album and Kelly agrees time has flown fast “It feels really good to be back. You don't even realise how long you've been gone until you hear the actual fans say it!”.

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ex boyfriend I guessed that folks would have a field day when they heard one particular track from her new album titled 'I'm Still In Love With My Ex'. Kelly nodded in agreement “I allowed myself to be vulnerable on this record. It was so funny because I was writing and I remember crying and writing at the same time and I was like you sure you want to say this? Are you sure you want this record out? I remember letting Matthew (Knowles) hear it and he was just blown away. He was like 'I'm really proud of you for allowing yourself to be vulnerable; your fans' will appreciate this. It makes you human it makes you touchable.’ But to reassure you now, I'm not in love with the ex at this moment”.

Then the Queen Bee of Destiny's Child and Kelly's homegirl, Ms. Beyonce Knowles herself finally brought her European tour and I can honestly say this lady has stepped the game up to another level. I was lucky enough to catch her at her Paris gig, invited by her daddy, the star maker that is, Mathew Knowles. I stood next to him in the sound desk through the whole show and had to keep glancing over to him to see his reaction at watching his daughter carry off what I can only describe as the most perfectly put together show I have ever seen in my decade at MTV. Bee stepped out in a silver sequinned mini dress to Crazy in Love on the most amazing stage and lighting set with full colour wall, staircase, a moving conveyor belt and a live all-female band called “Suga Mama”. The backdrop video wall showed visuals of colour scapes and the Manhattan skyline. The band had their time to shine individually onstage with her drummer even managing to unpeel a banana and eat it as she dropped it like it was too hot!

For Bee's second outfit she returned for her Baby Boy duet in a black bikini and long see thru skirt and finally whined and shook her-

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self to cheers of joy from the crowd who were waiting for this moment as well as her vocals showcase. Rather than just stick to her hits, at one point she segued into the old Chaka Demus and Pliers reggae hit “I know a little girl called Maxine...'Murder She wrote” cover with her own Paris freestyle sung over it which she told us afterwards she only thought of at 4pm that same day! Next came perfectly choreographed performances of Ring the Alarm and Beautiful Liar.

She took us back to album numero uno with Love to Love You Baby and then did a live trumpet riff with her voice with the band which mesmerised us all. After ‘Me, Myself and I,” we were treated to two amazing saxophone and piano solos from her band before - are you ready for this - a real live actual pas de deux ballet routine. Talk about bringing culture to the people! It was like watching a real life Busby Barkley movie!

Her third outfit was a long silver gown which was cut very low and had the men wanting her and the ladies wanting her too! Her dress was a tad risque with more of her boobs on show than ever before but still looked classy. Bee then did a quick very melodic cover of Jill Scots’ Your Smile and held some ridiculously high notes and made it look easy. In fact, not once during the show did her vocals or choreography slip, it was that perfectly rehearsed. How does she make it look so easy?! Could she be the most perfect performer of this decade?

I hear she watches her show every night backstage to critique it herself! A funny moment occurred when she said the word “bitch” in a song - so established is her good girl reputation! She tore it up with

I can only describe as the most perfectly put together show I have ever seen in my decade at MTV.

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her new remixed versions of Independent Women wearing a tiny jewel-encrusted silver leotard which was the perfect look for her next tracks where she needed to shake her thing in Bootylicious, No No No No and Bugaboo and then Bills Bills Bills on a ballet bar!. Determined to give every fan their favourite track she then gave us Cater to You, Say My Name and then did her own version of Soldier over the This is Why I'm Hot track. Then we had ladies anthem Survivor before she slowed it down near the shows’ end. Readers, I have never said “I'd buy the DVD” to any live show but this I will be pre-ordering just to say I really witnessed a show so flawless.

Next came the set for Ring the Alarm which turned into a real theatrical musical number partnered by the stunning set of the Manhattan skyline! The hits kept coming, Upgrade You, Me and My Girlfriend, Check On It, you forget that between her and her DC girls, this girl has run the charts for the last decade At the end of the show Bee looked stunning in a long silver gown as she recreated her Dreamgirls movie song Listen. Animal rights groups in the crowd groaned as she name checked her chinchilla coat but that was soon forgotten as she broke out into current anthem Irreplaceable before re-enacting her boyfriend Jay-Z's last live show trick where she pointed out folks in the crowd to their delight. At the show’s end I shook Mathew’s hand in disbelief telling him he'd outdone himself….she had killed it! Two and a half hours of perfection meant the crowd was as high as Snoop always is and like a football stadium wouldn't stop chanting and screaming for her. She was so amazed by the response that she cried!

Backstage Beyonce dried off and then smiled “I am so in love with performing, I love going on tour and seeing the same fans that we have been having for almost ten years, and this tour is exciting because I have an all female band, I held worldwide auditions, and women from everywhere round the world came to five different cities and I narrowed thousands of women down to ten women. I did the same thing with my dancers and we have a great time on stage every night“.

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All-Star Reggae Fest and Three Great Events images by Vincent Tempro

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Sizzla

he Digicel Barbados Reggae Festival boasted an impressive line-up of international recording reggae artistes for three massive events.

The festival kicked off with the Digicel Reggae Beach Party, headlined by Grammy Award winner Sean Paul, and King of Lover’s Rock Maxi Priest and local band Strategy. Days later, hundreds of lovers of classic reggae were serenaded by Dobby Dobson, Boris Gardener and the FAB 5 Band at the Digicel Vintage Reggae Show at the Plantation Restaurant.

The reggae festival climaxed with the much anticipated Digicel Reggae on the Hill featuring Biggie Irie, Sizzla, Richie Spice, Buju Banton and Beres Hammond.

Marquita Sugrim, Digicel’s marketing executive, expressed the company’s delight in being associated with the festival for the third year in a row saying, “Barbados is fast becoming renowned for hosting international sport and entertainment events, and the Digicel Barbados Reggae Festival is no exception.

All of the events were extremely well attended by thousands of reggae lovers who were more than satisfied by the great entertainment and performances of the artists.”

AN EPICUREAN DELIGHT! An evening of gastronomical excellence at Sandals Whitehouse and European Village and Spa Douglas Gordon

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hen good things converge, it is expected that good things should happen! And so it was on a beautifully clear but still night that a team of international journalists forming a delegation to explore Jamaica’s culinary heritage were invited to a “Vineyard Dinner in the Courtyard”, at Sandals Whitehouse and European Village and Spa, one of the chain’s newest properties.

Our evening’s host was Jeremy Jones, General Manager of Sandals Whitehouse and one of the chain’s most highly regarded managers. Sandals Whitehouse, sits on 50 seaside acres within a 500 acre nature reserve. Along the untouched South Coast of Jamaica, this Europeanstyled village allows for a stroll along an expansive Italian piazza reminiscent of St. Mark’s square in Venice while surrounded by the sophistication of France, the passion of Italy and the charm of Holland. The property is ideal for a completely pampered all-inclusive vacation that allows for fun and interaction with other guests but with its numerous pools and expansive seafront allows for a quiet and tranquil, almost isolated, existence if that is your preference. To have both extremes in one property is an added plus.

The invitation promised a seven course dining experience under the stars and the watchful and discriminating eyes of Sandals Corporate Director of Food, Armando Pizzuti, who is responsible for the chain’s more than 140 restaurants. The evening’s culinary delights were to be prepared under the direct supervision of the experienced and internationally acclaimed Chef Walter Staib, widely regarded as one of the foremost experts on Jamaican cuisine. Staib, a third generation restaurateur with over four decades of culinary experience, is founder and President of Concepts by Staib – a globally recognized restaurant management and hospitality consulting firm and is the driving force behind City Tavern, one of Philadelphia’s most reputable dining establishments. He also serves as Culinary Ambassador to Sandals Resorts International.

With an elegantly laid table resplendent in the soft light with white linen accented with blue water glasses the stage was set for an evening of impeccable table service, of subtle but definite tones and rich, balanced choices aimed at charming the most discerning palate. After a brief but warm welcome from GM Jones, Chef Staib provided commentary throughout the meal offering both detail on preparation and background on the dishes that was at once captivating and impressive in demonstrating his command of the history of Jamaican cuisine. Accompanying Staib with each course was Sandals Whitehouse Food & Beverage Manager Kevin Hughes who provided the rationale on the choice of accompanying wine selected – each from the Beringer line. Beringer Vineyards, the oldest continuously operating winery in the Napa Valley, has created five varietals of house wines exclusively for Sandals and Beaches Resorts.

The appetizer of Jerk Chicken Breast Roti served with a warm pineapple chutney and scotch bonnet marmalade and accompanied by the Traminer Riesling Rosemont opened the evening perfectly with a distinct, but not overpowering, flavour. The warm pineapple chutney complemented the jerk flavouring impeccably to give the dish a full, distinct taste enjoyable to all including those without the stamina for the island’s hot pepper seasonings and would most

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certainly have passed on adding the scotch bonnet marmalade. The Riesling with its crisp finish was a good choice for the dish. According to Chef Staib this dish was served to the Mayor of Chongqing in Szechuan Province China and was the most popular item on the menu for the 2005 inauguration of the Victoria Anna – the newest Yangtze River cruise ship in Victoria Cruises’ luxury fleet.

The West Indies Pepperpot Soup followed served in a coconut shell atop a bed of sea salt and accented with a carefully selected, almost pristine, specimen of Jamaica’s rich fauna. This hundreds-ofyears-old Jamaican recipe comes from Miss Betty, a woman of undetermined age who makes traditional Jamaican cuisine on the banks of the Rio Grande in Port Antonio, Jamaica. It is the most popular soup on the menu at Staib’s City Tavern restaurant in Philadelphia.

In July 2000, Staib served this soup to hungry Parisians during Semaine Américaine, a celebration of French-American friendship. The Annie Lane Riesling accompanied the course and with its subtle floral notes and mineral earthy tones complemented the texture of the soup.

The Snapper Doré Tomato-thyme rundown, served on a bed of rice and peas and adorned with fine pieces of tomato and thyme for garnish was an immediate hit. Light and flavourful the nuances of the dish awoke parts of the palate to that point not yet engaged. Chef Staib related when the dish was served to Harry Belafonte and Al Roker at New York’s Cipriani at a scholarship benefit dinner in 2006 for the University of the West Indies. Belafonte so impressed with the taste and authenticity of this Jamaican dish asked to see the chef, only to be visibly surprised when Staib appeared from the kitchen earning the retort from Roker “What…you think white men can’t jerk?”

The intermezzo was refreshing, serving to both cleanse and cool the palate on what was a very still Jamaican summer night. The sour sop sorbet was served as one scoop atop a block of ice in what was certainly the most eye-catching presentation of the evening.

The entrée of Blue Mountain Coffee Rubbed Beef Tenderloin comprised a blue mountain bordelaise, taro root galette, curried choc ho paupiette, ackee-habanero tomato fresco, followed and Staib’s introduction whet the appetites for what sounded to be a complex but interesting combination of flavours. Of all the dishes this was the least beloved as the complexity of the flavours was initially promising but the strong after-taste of the coffee seemed to overpower the other flavours leaving a bitter tastein the throat. This was matched to the Chateau St. Jean Merlot which was quite easily the best of the group offering a good bouquet and good forward fruit, very drinkable and not too strong on the palate. This wine is a winner and should pair well with food, especially cheese.

A cheese plate of stilton, chèvre, brie, nuts and dried fruit followed accompanied by the Beringer Knight’s Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – a fairly balanced good drinking wine.

Dessert was an audacious choice of Blue Mountain Coffee infused Crème Brulèe, Chocolate Banana Fondant and Jackfruit Bavarois on a Ginger Cookie. In the interests of thorough coverage all were sampled and truth be told this was simply sinful indulgence. The evening ended with a strong cup of Jamaican Blue Mountain Coffee and with a gentle breeze starting to blow it seemed a fitting end to an evening of excellence that delivered well beyond expectations. The service throughout the night was crisp and precise while still maintaining the unique Caribbean charm – a perfect balance.

The evening was enjoyable and the food impressive, clearly demonstrating the importance the Sandals group places in providing a high quality dining experience. In conversations afterward it was clear that Chef Staib, Amando Pizzuti and all those who played a part in the evening’s gourmet extravaganza impressed these seasoned food and lifestyle critics with an evening of Caribbean elegance and fine dining of the highest international standards.

WELCOME TO ST. LUCIA Rosemary Parkinson

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t. Lucia’s rich cultural heritage of England, France and Africa add wonder to this picturesque volcanic rain forest island first named Ionaunalao” and “Hewanmora” (where the iguana is found) by the Amerindians. With folk dances such as Konte, Katumba, Solo and Belair, all inherited from the days of slavery; festivals such as “Jounen Kweyol Etenasyonal” (International Creole Day) and “La Rose” (flowers), the St. Lucia Jazz Festival that attracts thousands of people worldwide, St. Lucia has become the island to visit. www.oceanstylemagazine.com

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When my St. Lucian taxi operator Hilary Moise picked me up at the airport in Castries: Ebe, Rosemary, ki-sa, u kay-fe sa ta? I knew exactly what he was asking. I never travel to this Helen of the West Indies (as St. Lucia is lovingly called) without my copy of A Visitor’s Guide to St. Lucia Patois – one must always be prepared. Although English is spoken, patois rolls off the tongue as easily as a bird sings. “Well, Rosemary, what are you going to do this time?” was, in fact, a fair question. Every trip to St. Lucia brings me new adventure. I had planned this trip meticulously. Though the capital Castries, winding our way through the misty mountains, Plas Kassa was a must stop. I joined the ladies peeling cassava, grating, pressing the mixture to extract the water, roasting same in large copper pots over wood fires to become farine (flour) before huge cakes filled with raisins, cherries, cinnamon and nutmeg were made. This Amerindian legacy would be my breakfast. Several Café Sent Lisi (French for St. Lucia) – rum, coffee, ice cream, cinnamon and nutmeg - with Chef Shaid of Chateau Mygo was an excellent pick-me-up. Once described by James Michener as “the most beautiful bay in the Caribbean”, Marigot Bay was where Dr. Doolittle starring Rex Harrison was filmed. The haunt of pirates in the 18th Century, I always expect a swashbuckler to jump out of its dark areas, tie me up and shout: “Woman, mwe eme u!” Okay…okay….so I suffer from wishful thinking.

Past Anse La Raye and Canaries is the village of Soufriere. Once a famous French settlement, the old capital of St. Lucia, the holiday spot of Empress Josephine (Napoleon Bonaparte’s wife, ravished by the French Revolution, fought for ferociously by the English, devastated by hurricanes, Soufriere unbelievably still shows evidence of its historic past in its architectural beauty.

From here the Pitons rise straight out of the water like some God trying to reach the heavens. In fact the Amerindians worshipped these rocks. To this day, a spiritual cloak seemingly still protects them and they never fail to totally take one’s breath away. Soufriere is the home of The Pitons World Heritage Sites, so we headed to the Sulfur Springs – the world’s only drive-in volcano. Called Qualibou or “place of death” by the original settlers, this type of formation is known as a caldera. Between the cracks in the earth’s crust, steamy gases escape blending with underground water and surfacing as boiling pools of dark mineral liquid. Braving the stench of sulfur, these fumes, purported to be the fountain of youth, required allowing same to cover my body before dipping into one of the hidden streams flowing down the mountainside. I looked twenty years younger, or so I told myself.

Later, a relaxing walk through the Diamond Falls Botanical Gardens brought the twittering of birds, the odd colourful butterfly flitting past, an array of amazing exotic tropical flowers and then the falls themselves. With so many minerals the rocks shimmer like gold in the water under the rays of sunlight that manage to peep through the thick foliage. If King Louis XIV had not imbibed so much wine, he might not have granted this estate to the Devaux brothers back in 1713. Today, attracting many for their health properties, the mineral baths designed by Baron de Laborie, constructed in 1786 for French troops stationed in the islands, brought visions of ladies in long frilly dresses, holding umbrellas, giggling over tea, pretending not to notice those French male bodies in the waters! Imagination is a wonderful thing.

The drive to Morne Coubaril Estate through rainforests of giant primordial trees such as Chataignier, Gommiers and Bois Pain Marron, a wild breadfruit whose pear-shaped cone-like fruit sometimes attracts the beautiful indigenous and very secretive parrot in the Caribbean – the amazona versicolor or Jacquot – had my eyes wide open. This working plantation teaches the hardships of growing and processing cocoa and coffee, their aromas wafting through the air. I had to eat and it had to be at Dasheen Restaurant. Set in the award-winning Ladera Resort commanding an astounding view of both Pitons, the azure bay between interspersed with luxurious yachts; it is here that Chef Orlando creates his St. Lucian gourmet cuisine. A Deep Fried Mozzarella served on layers of green tomato salad and a creole vinaigrette opened my appetite for the Carib Buca Lamb – grilled rack of lamb marinated in local herbs and Sambucca served on green banana croquettes with a red wine coffee jus forcing me to finish with the Ladera Coco – chocolate rum mousse served with a coconut wafer.

Oh! Yes! As that gorgeous Caribbean sunset peeked behind the Gros Piton, we left for Anse La Raye and its Friday night Fish Fry. A few Piton beers in my head, I headed for the Snake Man – one of the few allowed to extract and melt the strong fat from the boa constrictors that abound in St. Lucia. I left, still whole, with a bottle of snake oil to provide the required muscular body comfort the following morning. After nibbling on bits of lobster, conch and fish, we left this boisterous weekly celebration and headed for Gros Islet’s Friday night street party. Great local food, sizzling grills, open little hole-in-the-walls provide alimentation and liquid gold to attendees. With music in the air, spice rum in de hand, the dancing, winding and grinding came easy to this Caribbean woman.

In and out of bars, on the sidewalk avoiding chickens and dogs vying for bits of

food, chats with the locals, I took full advantage of my single (and now youthful) situation in this gorgeous island of beautiful men until the wee hours of the morn.

Saturday is Castries market. I do not miss the Food Court and Mr. Sexy. A bowl of bouillon to settle my stomach before the saltfish and bake accompanied by a ‘calabash’ cup of hot cocoa-tea sweetened to perdition with golden-brown sugar. Purchases of sarsaparilla, cinnamon and the ‘dangerous’ bois bande – a local aphrodisiac – sent me packing with baskets from the Craft Market straight to Derek Walcott Square for a walk-about in admiration of the capital’s architecture. And then… my solitary moment of peace. Not religious is this writer but the Roman Catholic Cathedral in Castries brings out my spiritual self.

Lighting a candle for those I don’t know and those I love, I walked in wonder around this highly carved, meticulously painted place of worship. Once outside I headed straight to to Rasta Kendal Lewis to buy a pair of hand-made sandals, my good deeds for the day complete. Why not eh?

Back at my hotel, Coco La Palm, a little lie in the sun, a swim in the sea, and it was in time for dinner at Rodney Bay Village’s The Edge with Chef Bobo Bergstrom. This waterfront restaurant is international known for innovative Eurobbean cuisine; its unpretentious decor allowing total concentration on my Chocolate and Chili marinated Tenderloin of Pork with Tomato Colada Sauce and Sweet Potato Gratin, the lights flickering on the water beside our table. Innovative food in a romantic atmosphere deserves company and I had found me one earlier at the bar. The Lime beckoned for after-dinner drinks and later, a long haul at Upper Level had us shaking our booties to perdition. The evening ended sharing a take-away container full of deliciously fried chicken, thick fries covered in ketchup and mayonnaise (my hangover remedy before the fact!) at the after-hours Chicken Hut - a favourite hang-out right in Rodney Bay, the party centre of St. Lucia.

Sunday morning (not too early) had me joining the fun at the Marina. Breakfast at the Bread Basket before several rum punches (jungle juice!) at Scuttlebutts - the good company allowing me to near forget I soon would board my flight and head home. Thoughts of any further visits to this heavenly island forced a decision. Next time, it would be about sailing, snorkeling, scuba diving, whale and dolphin watching, naturalist tours, turtle watches, maybe even leisurely games of golf. A totally different agenda. Yeah right!

And so, with the firm command to visit St. Lucia for the BET MACO Food & Rum Festival in November to check out the many rums the Caribbean offers including St. Lucia’s Elements 8, winner of the Gold Medal, Best in Class at the International Wine & Spirits Competition 2007 making it the best tasting gold rum in the Caribbean, I leave you with these words: Su ple, u ni pu vini a Sent Lisi, se o bel ilet and I promise you will mange, bwe, amise coh for bef duva Ka-bwe glo net!

For further information St. Lucia Tourist Board – Tel. 758.452.4094, foodandrumfestival.com Remember: Use 10% as the standard tip whilst on the island. · Airport Departure Tax: EC$54 – must be paid in EC · 1 US$ = EC$2.67, · Hilary Moise taxis, per full day: US$140 per day approx. · Rental Cars available from Best Rates 24 (758.452.1330) · EC$54 gets a driver’s license – drive on the left please. · Electricity: 220 volts AC, 50 cycles

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WHY IS FACEBOOK SO #@%!

ADDICTIVE? When a 23-year-old college dropout can say $1 Billion is not enough for his 3-year-old business, you have either a young Bill Gates-like genius or a delusional numbskull. Either way its worth checking out.

Quincy Ross

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’ve heard it before at the office: “Is Facebook down?” or “You getting Facebook?”

It’s almost a proxy for the internet nowadays. Truth be told, it’s addictive enough to have earned the moniker “crackbook”! It leverages all the capabilities and benefits of the internet into one vast land of entertainment. Facebook is probably the most fun on the internet today; fun that is, that its members take very seriously!

Never heard of Facebook?

Well to bring those of you in the online wastelands you up to speed, Facebook is a social networking website. You start by signing up and sharing your personal information - things like your name, address, activities, profession, schooling etc. Personally, I find this one of the fascinating things about Facebook, and it shows the acceptance of the internet in daily life. We have become so used to the internet that we’re actually being honest. Well… to a point. It’s a refreshing break to see a profile belonging to ‘Samantha Doe’ as opposed to ‘sexydarkie997.’

Back in the day, even if you didn’t want to boost your online sexy with a cool alias, the fear of all that is online forced people to use their initials or perhaps a nickname or clever play on their name as their user name.

Not anymore. These days, a la Facebook, it’s full frontal, complete with photographs, place of employment, job spec and the works. People are very willing to enter particulars like location, favourite movies, schools and the likes so that their profiles are quite detailed and they can be recognized by their friends online.

And therein lies the strength of Facebook – it allows users to actually connect, albeit digitally, with friends new and old - to update old friends and inform new acquaintances. www.oceanstylemagazine.com

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Once you’ve signed up, you’re free to enjoy all that the site has to offer. Adding friends to your profile creates and builds your little network within the network. You can create and share photo albums, link videos and audio tracks, blogs, send and receive messages and all that good stuff. Facebook is rich with options, with groups, mini communities of people with similar interests within the network, one of the most popular.

Groups encompass the practical to whimsical – from people that went to the same school, work in the same industry, listen to the same type of music or are passionate about the same issues to those as intellectually significant and cohesive as “I am a SOCA Addict” and “Traffic Sucks” (real names).

There’s a group for almost anything that piques your interest, including one with over 29,000 members who want the word “is” removed from the status line. The group concept provides an entirely new dimension to Facebook as it offers a whole new level of interactivity.

Sounds like fun? Well it isn’t. Ok, it is, but I needed a dramatic way to say that Facebook is big business. Now a ‘seasoned’ 23, when CEO Mark Zuckerberg started “The Facebook” many many years ago (February 2004) he was a student at Harvard University. Within a month he had over half the student body on his networking site and by May he had quit Harvard (can we say very young Mr. Microsoft) and moved to Palo Alto, California. In the three years since inception membership has grown to over 30 million members.

Is Facebook a Google killer?

Well the New York Times recently posed a similar question and while it would seem that Googlemania, based on such trivial metrics as revenues, market value and cash in the bank, is secure for the time being there is certainly much to be said for the level of connection provided by Facebook’s network and series of networks between its users. That linkage, that interconnectivity, is what makes the investors and analysts so bullish on the value and potential for the website.

Thanks to an innovative revenue deal with Microsoft, Facebook is already profitable with many speculating that they have not yet begun to tap the many ways of monetizing the traffic and interactions among their members; a revenue source some speculate to be deserving of a valuation today in excess of $6 Billion!

While News Corp’s Myspace.com (which Rupert Murdoch purchased for US$580 Million in 2005) still commands some 69 million members, or more than double Facebook’s members, the smaller networking site (by membership) is growing at a much faster rate.

So what does all this mean? What’s the bottom line? Essentially the young Mr. Zuckenberg believes in Facebook and his revenue models such that he sent Yahoo! packing with their “measly” $1 Billion offer.

Professional marketers have speculated that Facebook offers the shot of marketing reality heretofore missing and necessary for the internet to really take off! While the top search engines offer marketers the opportunity to be a part of a comprehensive list of products and services, they come up short against Facebook’s strengths. Facebook offers marketers a unique viral distribution platform made up of connections between real people.

And you can’t beat real. An opportunity to tap into friends candidly relaying about products and services which offers a segway into being part of arguably the most powerful tool in the marketers arsenal – word of mouth. This network grows daily as more and more people register, start spending more time and quickly and inevitably arrive at different points of obsession - and that’s what Facebook is taking directly to the bank. Facebook’s strategy since the time of their launch has been to create a fun filled environment that supports the building of relationships and interactions with the individual members’ network of friends.

In May, Zuckerberg announced to a gathering of 800 software developers that he was opening up his company’s platform, therefore allowing these developers to create, develop and monetize their

.

Back in the day, even if you didn0t want to boost your online sexy with a cool alias, the fear of all that is online forced people to use their initials or perhaps a nickname or clever play on their name as their user name. Not anymore.

These days, a la Facebook, it0s full frontal, complete with photographs, place of employment, job spec and the works.

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own applications for use on the networking site. Just 30 days after that announcement, developers had already put out over 400 applications, some of which gathered 1 million users over that period alone.

And this is just a small portion of the database that marketers can tap into via Facebook. There already exist applications that allow users to do anything from sharing their favourite music with their friends to checking their daily horoscopes. Not only does this add more bells and whistles to the popular website – by incorporating the developers into the platform expansion in this manner, it does this with no actual cost to Facebook concurrently offering a revenue stream to developers which ties them financially to Facebook’s continued expansion and growth.

Some speculate that Facebook is a passing fad alike so many others. Only time will prove proponents right and naysayers wrong, or vice versa.

In the meantime, jump on the train – log on and sign up!

The science behind the website may be fascinating, the business model may be compelling, the decision to pass on a $1 Billion may be ultimate greed (and stupidity) or calculated risk borne of a powerful understanding of how people wish to communicate in the Web 2.0 world.

Whatever the intellectual considerations and business arguments, I say this…….its fun. It’s connecting to people from the past and present in a way that allows you to easily share your life.

To truly appreciate the power of Facebook just log on and try it out. I guarantee that it’s worth a try. Just try not to get hooked…..too quickly!

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OCEAN STYLE

MIX & STIR!

Drink lively and healthy with this Ocean Spray cranberry concoction sure to delight while keeping you healthy.

RASPBERRY KISS 6 ounces Ocean Spray Cran-Raspberry Cranberry Juice 1 ounce orange juice Âź teaspoon lime juice Club Soda Directions: Pour cranberry drink, orange juice and lime juice into tall glass with ice. Top with club soda.

Makes 1 serving