Pure Lifestyle Magazine SS 2012 by samantha Georges

Pure Lifestyle Magazine, St Maarten/ St Martin SS 2012

En Vogue EN VOGUE BOUTIQUE MAHO PLAZA MAHO O BAY SINT MAARTEN 3+ ,1)2#(1Ȑ92*8( 86 :(% (1Ȑ92*8( 86

CONTENTS SPRING/SUMMER

2012

ISSUE NUMBER 1 3 Y E A R 0 4

ON THE COVER

17-20 SPRING SUMMER STYLES, COLORS, TRENDS, SHOP IT! 24 BEAUTY PRODUCTS THAT WORK! GOODBYE DARK CIRCLES WELCOME SMOOTH SKIN HELLO BRIGHT COMPLEXION 44 EXCLUSIVE! Daniel Gibbs on family & his love for St Maarten/ St Martin 48 JADIRA VEEN Saving our planet! 50-55 RACHEL MOUIAL The Ambassador of nature

FASHION

14 RUNWAY PREVIEW Fall Fashion 2012 18–20 GET THE LOOK Spring Summer trends Shop it now! 56–65 FASHION STORIES Awareness, fashionably conscious Hit the deck summer’s ahead

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LIFESTYLE l SPRING/SUMMER 2012

BEAUTY

24 MUST HAVES Anti ageing special 26 WHAT’S NEW Latest Beauty products with benefits from head to toe 32 VAJAJAY Vaginoplasty, how far would you go for eternal beauty?

LIVING

38 WHAT’S COOKING La Playa Restaurant The great Escape

ENTERTAINMENT 40 MIXOLOGY Spring Summer mix 42 MUSIC Rock Star Social shows the music never dies

FEATURES

10 PURE IN THE SCENE Rado Boutique opening The first in the Americas 12 PURE STYLE By En Vogue From Runway to your way 28 BEAUTY Dressing up For a cause with Patricia Vlaun 34 PSYCHOLOGY You unplugged slow down and de-tech your day 36 SOCIAL AWARENESS The garden of the Nation With Ras Jah-Bash 80 FINAL TOUCH Rawbelle

FRENCH 67-77

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HAIR CARE

PURE | EDITOR’S LETTER

I CARE, I LOVE,

I’M CONSCIOUS,

I’M STRONG

ays of hard work are behind me and an enlightened mind is the result of the making of this issue of Pure. We emphasize awareness topics and got to team-up, meet and work with the most caring and conscious people. Good vibes, the best will, positive input; it was like something magical going on in our scene.

Editor-In-Chief

When planning this issue months ago, I was certain that my dear friend Rachel Mouial was the perfect fit for our nature-inspired cover. As a little girl, she collected raw, natural preciousness from Mother Earth in the form of anything from mineral stones and pearls to snake skins. Now, after many years of digging, she designs her own jewelry line based on her precious finds. As she says, “Digging in the earth for answers to life is my mojo!” — page 50. Jadira Veen, president of the St Maarten Pride Foundation, has come a long way since the foundation was created on April 22, 2000. Her fight to improve environmental awareness has made a difference and she definitely feels the general interest in doing what is right for our environment on the island — page 48. Talking environment, the founder of the garden of the nation, “Rasta Farm,” Ras Jah-Bash, sets an example of how organic farming is good for our environment and our health! There is a great message and lesson to learn when this visionary shows his attachment to nature through body, mind and spirit — page 34. In this issue of Pure, we talk to Daniel Gibbs on family and his love for St Maarten/St Martin — page 44. There is more! Our Entertainment, Music, Food, Beauty and Fashion segments are well represented and you will surely love what’s in Pure for you. Enjoy the issue.

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Magazine Editor-in-Chief Samantha Georges Jacobs Acting Managing Editor Hansy Peguero Art/Production Director Samantha Georges Jacobs Lionel Georges Production Pure Art & Design Journalists Alita Singh Liza Lentini Sanny Ensing Make-up Artists Magali Beauvue Lori-Marie Peterson Hair Stylist Byron Ferron Fashion Stylists Lori-Marie Peterson Contributing Photographer Yotam Sandak Cover model Rachel Mouial Models Rachel Gordon Maria Nieves Special thanks to Melissa kolbusz Michelle Oare Dennis Scott Roland Ras Bushman Mac Cosmetics Cheryl Rismay Miranda Matthew Patricia Vlaun George Bernadin, Villa Georgio Pierre, Lottery Farm La Playa Jadira Veen Daniel Gibbs Rockstar Social Band French Translator Jenovefa Eche Publisher Pure Media Group N.V Advertising Hansy Peguero hansy@puremediagroup.co All departments puremagazine@puremediagroup.co 1 721 581 9678 1 721 544 3677 The content in Pure Lifestyle Magazine, including without limitation, the text, graphics, photos, features and Content are owned by or licensed to Pure Media Group N.V , and are subject to copyright and other intellectual property rights under the Dutch Law and foreign laws and international conventions and may not be used, copied, reproduced, distributed, transmitted, broadcast, displayed, sold, licensed, or otherwise exploited for any other purposes whatsoever without the prior written consent of the respective owners.

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LIFESTYLE l SPRING/SUMMER 2012

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EXPERIENCE facebook.com/FOLLOWPURE

YOUR FASHION & LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE PURE MEDIA GROUP I PUREMAGAZINE@PUREMEDIAGROUP.CO

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PURE | IN THE SCENE

OPENING RADO BOUTIQUE

THE FIRST IN THE

AMERICAS

The first Rado Boutique in the Americas opened its doors in Philipsburg, the capital of St Maarten, right in Front Street, where the best jewelry shops are found. The highlight of opening night was the True Thinline, the world’s tiniest, high-tech, ceramic watch. Swiss watch manufacturer, Rado, has been producing designer watches, made from quality materials such as high-tech ceramic, sapphire crystals, and diamonds since 1957. The Prime Minister of St Maarten, Mrs Sara Wescot -Williams, and Deputy Prime Minister, Mr. Theo Heyliger, were amongst the VIP guests who attended the event.

Photographs by Carlos Lippai

The Rado Boutique resides under the same roof as Joey’s Jewelry located next to the Court House.

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Runway images by Frazer Harrison/ Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz

FROM RUNWAY TO YOUR WAY By En Vogue

AQUARELLA SWIMWEAR

MARA HOFFMAN

LULI FAMA

Model phtographed by Yotam Sandak

LUXE BY LISA VOGEL

DASHING DIVA

DAINTY RESORT

TRES CHIC

Left picture: Two Toned Straw Hat, Caffe Simsuit: Iris Design Bangles. Picture above: Caffe Kaftan, Caffe Beach Bag - Feathered Headband All available at En Vogue Boutique

FLIRTY BOHEMIAN

Left picture: Color Block Bandana, Caffe Bikini, Mineral Stone Necklace, Rings & Earrings Picture above: Caffe Beach Cover-Up, Fedora Hat, Two-Tone Fringe Earings, Denizen Bangles. All available at En Vogue Boutique See shopping directory for store info

Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz

Model phtographed by Yotam Sandak

Distributed by Optime Sarl • 1 721 522 4226 • Optimesarl@caribserve.net OPI is available at: Richard Coiﬀeur • Vanity First (West Indies Mall & St Rose Arcade Froont Street) • Perfumes & Co

Vantan Tokyo

PURE FASHION | RUNWAY Reem Acra Fall 2012

Prete & Bruno

Rebecca Minkoff

Rebecca Minkoff Bibhu Mohapatra apatra

Rebecca Minkoff

Jill Stuart Rebecca Minkoff

Diane Von Furstenberg Fall 2012

Rebecca Minkoff DKNY DKN DK D KNY KN K N NY Y

Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

Badgley Mischka

Rebecca Minkoff

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LIFESTYLE l SPRING/SUMMER 2012

Rebecca Minkoff

COLORS FROM LEFT TO RIGHT, TOP TO BOTTOM:

Did You ‘ear About Van Gogh?, Pedal Faster Suzi!, Kiss Me on My Tulips, Red Lights Ahead…Where?, A Roll in The Hague, Gouda Gouda Two Shoes, I Have a Herring Problem, Thanks a WindMillion, I Don’t Give a Rotterdam!, Dutch ‘Ya Just Love OPI?, Vampsterdam, Wooden Shoe Like to Know?

Model is wearing DUTCH ‘YA JUST LOVE OPI? CONTAINS NO DBP, TOLUENE, OR FORMALDEHYDE Call 800.341.9999 ©2012 OPI Products Inc. OPI is available at: Richard Coiﬀeur • Vanity First (West Indies Mall & St Rose Arcade Froont Street) • Perfumes & Co

Distributed by Optime Sarl • 1 721 522 4226 • Optimesarl@caribserve.net

SPRING/SUMMER

FASHION 17

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PURE FASHION | SHOPPING

Tie Blou usee Marrk & Jam mess Baadgleyy Mischhka, Mariebeella Boutiqque

JILL STUART

Capri pants Guess by Marciano, En Vogue g

Bag, En Vogue Boutique q

VC Vinnce Ca Cam Camuto aam muto to o snake ke print pri t Fla Fllats, ts Mariebella Boutique q e

Ana An A nnalilili Dress, En Vogue Boutique q

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BADGLEY MISCHKA

CANDELA

RUFFIAN

Photos by Dario Cantatore, Frazer Harrison, Fernanda Calfat, /Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, Peter Michael Dills

Trro Tro Tr opic piccaall Prin nt Dre D ress, ress, s, EEnn Voggue Bou B uti tiq tiq iqu que

MARIEBELLA BOUTIQUE PUERTA DEL SOL PLAZA FIRST FLOOR SIMPSON BAY ST. MAARTEN 1 721 544 2844 MARIEBELLABOUTIQUE@LIVE.COM

Straw Hat, En V ue Boutiqque Vog

PURE FASHION | SHOPPING

Bib necklace, En Vogue Boutique

Photo by Frazer Harrison, Peter Michael Dills,Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week

MILLY BY MICHELLE SMITH

Graphic prinnted ed d dress Aleexis xi , Mariebbel el a ell Boutiq iqque ue

Flower printed eed d dresss Anallili, En Vogue gue uee Boutique uee

Sequin sh Seq Se hhorts orts BCBG, BCBG Mariebella Boutique

Multi color stripes blouse, En Vogue Boutique q

VC Vince C Camuto snake printt sandals, Maariebella Boutique q

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JILL STUART

NICOLE MILLER

PETER SOM

JOURS

DE TENUE

ONGLES FORTIFIÉS

Kemp porte le vernis à ongles Tenue & Strong n°460 Orange Couture, le rouge à lèvres Sensational Watershine n°161 Rose Diamonds et le mascara Cil à Cil Volum’Express Waterproof Noir Glamour.

Distributed by Cosmegua

SPRING SUMMER BEAUTY

BEAUTY

ANTI-AGING SPECIAL As we age, we confront many things that we may wish to change on ourselves starting from the signs of aging like wrinkles, sagging, hyper pigmentation. Some may even go so far as the rejuvenation of the most private part of their body. But do we stop and think about our lifestyle and how living in a fast paced world has a major effect on how we age? Spring Summer Beauty brings you great anti-aging products and eyebrow raising stories.

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LIFESTYLE l SPRING/SUMMER 2012

PURE BEAUTY | MUST HAVES EYE SOLUTIONS ONS

STRIVECTIN-SD TM EYE CONCENTRATE Actives to improve p the appearance pp of fine lines and crow’s feet in just 2-8 weeks.

ESTEE LAUDER IDEALIST COOLING EYE ILLUMINATOR Now see brighter, g more rested-lookingg eyes y instantly. y ceramic-tipp applicator, pp helps p reduce the look of: dark circles, ppuffiness, shadows, fine lines Instantly. y

REVL VLON ON NA AGE DEFY FYING NG G SSPA CONC N EAL NC EA ALLER AL Instantl n y reevvitalizes nt and d bbrightens. ight Protects against fine lines.

KAT K KATE KA AT ATE TEE BEC BEC CK KINS KI KIN IIN INS NSSA N ALLLEE ALE

EMINENCE NEROLIAGE CORRECTIVE EYE SERUM Collagen g boosting eye y serum with Natural Retinol Alternative with immediate w liftingg and tightening g g agent g collagen g boosting, g firmingg and smoothing.

REVLON PHOTO READY EYE PRIMEER & BRIGHTENER Smoothes, pperfects and brightens g eye y area by reducing appearance pp of fine lines and crease on lids.

REVLON AGE DEFYING UNDER EYE CONCEALER Conceals under eye y circles while ggivingg a natural looking coverage all day. EM MINENCE M INENC N NASEBERRY EMINENCE EY YE EXFOLIANT RASPBERRY Age-defying A g y g& EYE YE MASQUE R Revitalizing g an ntioxidant, Revvittafigghts free lizzes raadical damage, g the skkin, reeduces dark reduces uc unnder der eye the ciirccles. looks oo of fine linne, reduces uc dark da unnder eyye cirrclees.

M..A M A.C MIIN M NERALIZE CHARGED CH WA ATER MO OISTURE EYEE CREAM, To instantly i minnimize dark Circles and d puffiness.

ESTEE EST ESTE SST T E LAUD LA LAU A ER AU ADV VANCE ED NIIG NIGH N NIG G T REPA REP RE E IR EY EP YE Thiss silkyy Th This ser se seru eru er rum-gel g dram dra dram matically redu edu duce ccee the look ookk of everyy keyy sign g of aging o gin .

LOR REAL COLLAG GEN MICRO-PULLSETM The new west techno ology gy for brigghter, smoo other er,, er yyounnggerlooking eyes.

SMOOTH OPERATORS EMINENCE BAMBOO FIRMING FLUID D collagen g boostinggg, firmingg and smoothing concentrrate with Nattural Retinol A Alternattive and Swisss Green Apple Sttem Cellls.

M.A A.C A.C PREP + PRIM ME ME MOIST TURE RE RE INFUSSION ON SEERU UM Satuuratte tes tes skin withh a Concenttratte ted ted boo ost of of hydrratio on, n makiing ng it aunique hyyb ybrri rid bettweeeen en skincaare are and pprriminng ngg. ng.

MAYBEELLIN NE E NEW W YOR RK INSSTAN NT AG GE REW WIND D® Eraseer Darkk Circles Circle es Treeatment Conncealeer..

MA MAYB AYB A BELLIN EL NE N ELLI EL NY Y IINSTANT AGE REW EWIND ND D® PROTECTOR FIN SHIN FINI HING HIN G PO P POWDER A ti-aging Anti Ant agi g g powder p with ith SPF 25 + antioxidant shield protects and sets. LO OREAL YO OUTH CO ODE A complete p e range a g of rejuvenating rejuvena ej gg, anti-wri n w nnklee skin sk kincare k ca ca . Help elpp imp imprro ove thee ssk th skiin’s abil ab bility b ity ity to beeehaavvee mo morre yo outhf thf hhfully. hful f ly.

MAYBELLI MAY MAYB ELL NE NY ELL INST TAN ANT AGE REW REWI EW ND® P PRIM ER SKIN TRANSFORMER Instantlyy smoothes lines wrinkles and imperfections.

ESTEE LAU UDER ADVAN NCED NIGHT REEPAIR IR R Brinnggs your skin kiin a dram matic reducttio ti n in the visible siggns of aging.

REV VLON V N AGE GE DEFYI DEFYING F NG FY FYI WITH DNA ADVANTAGETM PO OWDEER Maakeupp & powerfful an nti-aging g g skincarre. REVL REV EV ON AGE AG G DE ING DEFY DE WITH W WI I DNA A AD NTA ADVA NTAG GETTMM CR CRE CREA REAM EAM MA MAKE AK UP AKE Mak Ma ake keupp & pow ppowe ow weerful rrf l an ant anti nttii-agi -agg ng ng skin kinncare ca e..

M.A.C PREP+ PRIMEE SKIN SMOOTHER A velvety, y skin-perfec p ctingg pprimer that instantlyy fills in fine lines and wrinklees, while softening the skin.

HALL HAL ALLEE BERRY

EMINENCE CLEAR SKIN PROBIOTIC MASQUE Calmingg and clarifying y masque to help fight blemishes.

EMINENCE EIGHT GREENS YOU UTH SERUM Energizing g g serum m with Extra Potent Antioxidaants supplies pp phytoestrogens, g antiox xidant assists in increasingg stim mulation and oxygenationn of the skin.

ST TRIVECTINEV VTM GET EVEN BR RIGHTENING SERUM Minimizes app ppppearance of darrk spots p and disscolorations typ yp ppical of aging, g g so yyou ur complexion p loo oks more even o and youthful. and an

EMINENCE AHA FRUIT PULP TREATMENT Hyperactive yp Fruit Pulpp Peelingg Treatment refines the skin and removes dead tissue nourishes and tones the h skin k assists in skin k renewal.l

ESSTEE LAUDER IDEALIST ES EV EV VEN SKINTONE ILLUMINATOR IL L Thhe first fast-actingg serum from Esstée Es tée Lauder Research proven p to o dramaticallyy reduce the look of uneven skintone. of

JE JES JESS ESS E SSIICA CA C A ALBA ALLBA ALB A

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REVLON PHOT TO READY CONCEALEER ER For a flawleess, s airbrushed appearan pp nce in any light. Oil-free annd nd fragrance-freee. ee.

FLAWLESS COMPLEXION FLAW

RRY

N © Kate Beckinsale / Crestock

PURE BEAUTY | UPDATE

M Maybelline NY Dream Bouncy Blush

Now, blush has bouncce! Rev Re evolutionary powdeer-gel formula. In 100 sh shades.

Revlon Colorsttay Longwear Enam mel

Gel-LLike shine and up to 11 days of shatterproof co olor.

Mayb yb be elline NY Baby Lips

Mayybel May b llin be ine NY Eye Studio o Colorr Tat Co Ta too 24 hr Cream Ta m Gel Shadow

Spf 20 lip mo moisturizing balm, 8-hrr hydration for visibly vis renewed lipss inn 4 weeeks. ks.

Dare to wear a longest-lasting shhadow. D Maybelline NY ink technology crreates super-saturated vibrant color that does not fade.

Shop MAC Crem C me Ble end Bl B ussh sh

shop ‘tttil you dr dro rop with a tonguue-in--ch ro chee heeek ccremee blen b nd blush in heaavvenl enly hu huess.

Revlon Colorburst Lip Butter

Buttery balm with beautiful shiny color c to give i you bbaby b soft, f hhealthy l h glow l w. Lips p are softer and smoother instaantly.

Sho Sh hop MAC Lipstick ho

In heav eavenlyy hues ea eav h , mouthwatteringly ly Kissable Kiss able Lip abl Lipccolour.

M.A.C M A C Vi Viva Gla lam m

The fearleess Ricckyy Martttiin and Nicki Minaj aj in aj introduc ucce Ni N cki’ cki ki’ii’’s lipstick in a sccene enne stea en s linng pink and d Ricky’ss colorle Ricky colorleess ess lliiipp ccond ndiioner o . Every centt of th the sellingg price the pr supportingg thee M.A.C .A C Aidss Fund d.

Ma bel May Ma e lin liline e NY IlI egal Leng Ill ngth th FFiiber Extensions Mascara

Break every e law of lengthening. 4mm of measurable e nsions! Sealing formula + fiber-fix brush. exte

WHAT’S NEW! The latest Beauty products with benefits from head to toe.

Revlon Photo Readyy 3D Masca ara

Get glam morous, bigg volum mee lashess from every eve y angllee. Lashees lookk 100% % morree multipplied ed and ampplified ed.

Rev R Re e lon Photo o Ready Pe Per erfecting r Prrimer

Ligh igh htweight prim mer smoothes and softens skin to create the perfect canvas. Reduces the appearance of pores and fine lines. Wear alone or under foundation.

Maybe elline NY Supersttay 14 hr Lipstick

Meet thee 14HR lipstick that won’t weigh yo ou down. Super rich color with super p staaying y g power. p

Shop M.A.C. Eyeshadow Revvlon Photo Rea Re eadyy Airbrushed Moussse Makeup Mo

Limited edition assortment of Eye Shhadow x 4 in wearable brights, peerf pe erfect fect fforr Spring. S rin

Geet ann airbrushed finish with w Reevllonn’s light-as-air moussse makeupp that blends seeam mleessly. Photochromattic pig igm mennts minimize the ap earrance of flaws for a appe smoothh, poreless look. smo

Revlon Photo Ready 16 Hour Eye y Shadow All day day luxuriou lluxur uxuriou us color that doesn’tt creaase, fade or smudge.

Maybelline NY Dream Nud de Aiirfoam

Lightweight fo oundati tion for 100% Nud de Perfec r tion. Light g ghtw eigh igh g t foam for a flawleess Finis n h. Ideal for f normal nor orrmal ma skin. skin in

Maybel May bellin bel line lin e NY NY Eyestudio Master Precise ink pen eyyeliner

Exclusive felt tip. Never dries. Never skips. Ultra-thin 0.4mm brush supplies smooth, even lines. No mess or excess.

M.A.C To Supreme M me Lipgla ass & Lipstick

With fresh shades of supr W Wi preme lipsticks l introducing Sheen Supremee LLipglass.

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EVERY CENT FROM THE SALE OF THIS LIPSTICK AND LIP CONDITIONER GOES TOWARD HELPING WOMEN, MEN AND CHILDREN EVERYWHERE AFFECTED BY HIV AND AIDS. WWW.MACCOSMETICS.COM/VG

PURE BEAUTY | FEATURE before

DRESS UP FOR A GOOD CAUSE!

What would you do for a good cause? Our feature, Lady Patricia Vlaun, dressed up to the nines when she attended “A November to Remember Tea Gala Party.” As the best dressed of the evening, she won a feature in Pure Magazine. As you can see she has been transformed into Royal Chic by make-up artist Miranda Matthew, using M.A.C cosmetics. All proceeds went to “Home Away from Home, Taking Care of the Elderly Foundation.”

BEAUTY LOOK THE S SET U UP PREP & PRIME

PREP & PRIME SKIN BASE

An ultra-fluid lotion formulated with special-effect silicones. Calms and soothes the skin, blots away excess oil, and evens out skin redness.

PREP & PRIME VIBRANCY EYE PRIMER

Instant eye prep! This quick fix reduces the look of puffy eyes and under-eye shadows while imparting a bright natural radiance to the entire eye area. COVERAGE

STUDIO FIX FLUID A modern foundation that combines a natural matte finish and medium-buildable coverage with broad spectrum UVA/ UVB SPF 15. Contains specially treated micronized pigments and soft-focus powders for a super-smooth look that helps minimize the appearance of imperfections. SELECT MOISTURECOVER CONCEALER A luxuriously blendable moisturizing concealer in a tube with a built-in doe-foot applicator. Goes on exactly where you want it: blends in for a natural satin-smooth ultra-moisturized finish. Line-softening, skin-perfecting: The Pros’ “select” for under-eyes and delicate skin. STUDIO CAREBLEND PRESSED POWDER Formulated to provide a smooth, virtually invisible, fresh-looking finish, this soft, cream-like powder is carefully blended to provide the skin with extra care, nourishment and comfort.

MAKE-UP TIME THE EYES HAVE IT! EYESHADOW Highly-pigmented powder.Applies evenly, blends well. EYEKOH soft-on pencil liner that lines, defines and shades the eyes with rich colour and a silky-smooth, matte/pearl finish. FLUIDLINE Ultra- smooth, Fluidline’s gel formula provides the precision of a liquid liner with a silkier, softer finish. Goes on “foolproof” with a brush in an easy dip-andstroke action. Long-wearing. Smudge-proof.

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Photographed by Yotam Sandak

LIPS & CHEEKS BLUSH Color for the cheeks and face.Various formulas. Different looks. LIPSTICK Color plus texture for the lips. Stands out on the runway, simmers on the street! LIPLINER A pencil designed for shaping, lining or filling in the lip. Lip Pencils have a smooth, creamy texture that is perfect for lining the lips or filling them in.

PURE BEAUTY | SCOOP

CONCIOUS

BEAUTY Be beautiful organically & animal friendly

By Optime

OPI HOLLAND NAIL LAQUER OPI Products Inc. (“OPI”) is committed to providing products of superior quality and value that are intended to improve the lives of consumers everywhere. As part of this endeavor, OPI continually strives to improve the environmental quality of their products, packaging, and operations. Since 2006 OPI has reformulated its entire line of Nail Lacquers, Nail T reatments, and Nail Hardeners to eliminate DBP (dibutyl phthalate) and Toluene. Formaldehyde has never been an ingredient in OPI Nail Lacquers or Nail Treatments.

EMINENCE ORGANIC SKIN CARE With 50 years creating products that are kind to the environment Éminence is committed to being the industry leader in keeping our planet green. Since its inception in 1958, the company has been using sustainable farming and green practices to create organic products.

ALOXXI Discover the perfect tools to create and mantain Beautiful hair color. Color care line combines ingredients like Olive and Avocado Oils, Shea and Cupuacu Butters combine with a nutrient-rich blend of ten premier anti-oxidants and botanicals including Pomegranate, Grape Seed, Ginseng, Algae, Chamomilla, and Coneflower Extract to protect hair color and are Free of color stripping sulfates, sodium chloride and parabens. Alloxi, OPI & Eminence Oraganic Skin Care are distributed by Optime Sarl. For more info call 1 721 522 4226

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LIFESTYLE l SPRING/SUMMER 2012

PURE BEAUTY | QUEST

THE BIG

Let’s talk Vaginas, people

hahhh?Vajayjay, Promised Land, Tunnel of Love, whatever you call it, for some women, it’s at the top of the their “fix it” list. It’s called vaginoplasty. And believe it or not, it’s all the rage. The surgery itself is defined by the individual. It can range from full sexual reassignment surgery to a polite “tuck” to heighten sexual pleasure. There are some seri-

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LIFESTYLE l SPRING/SUMMER 2012

Admit it. If you knew it was safe, private, and free of cost, you’d unleash that personal wish list of alterations you’d love to make to your body. Higher brow, smaller chin, take the “Roman” out of your nose. Laser your face for wrinkle-free, baby-perfect skin. Slimmer hips, bigger lips, flatter belly…vaginal reconstruction. BY LIZA LENTINI

ous needs for the surgery, too, such as reconstruction after cancer or trauma, but truth be told, the aforementioned “tightening”, referred to as vaginal rejuvenation, designed to increase sexual pleasure, is one of the most popular. While childbirth may be most women’s biggest blessing, its after effects may not feel quite as magical. A reported, one third of all women lose sexual desire once they’ve given birth. For some,

it’s directly related to the stretching of the vagina and surrounding muscles, which never bounced back to normal size and shape. Vaginal rejuvenation, performed with a procedure called labiaplasty, can help improve the size of the vagina and inner and outer areas by removing excess skin and fatty deposits. Luckily, the procedure is easy and on an out-patient basis. While a scalpel is certainly an option, vaginal rejuvena-

tion is most popularly performed with a laser, with little or no downtime. An option which causes less bleeding, the laser will cut away the excess tissue (just like a scalpel) and fuse it together in all the right places, creating a smaller, tighter, prettier area. Newest on the market is the use of radiofrequency for vaginal rejuvenation. Though it’s still quite new, it’s believed that radiofrequency makes the process faster and less invasive, allowing surgeons to be even that much more precise without the risky heat of lasers. But time will tell the pros and cons of radiofrequency; there’s still a lot of testing this procedure needs to undergo. Though risks are said to be low, doctors advise restraining from sexual intercourse for a good six weeks after surgery. As with any surgery, there’s always a risk of hemorrhage and infection. With it being so area-specific, the bladder and rectum are areas that could suffer the consequences of a surgery gone wrong. Though these risks are decidedly rare, the biggest risk of all would be scarring which can easily counteract the purpose of vaginal reconstruction all together, and result in painful sexual intercourse. There’s one more option still with vaginal rejuvenation: hymen repair. That’s right. If you so choose, you really can be a born again virgin. Hymenoplasty is said to make women feel more “girlish” or “feminine” by restoring the hymen to its virginal state. Next time you’re at a girls’ night, take a poll to see if anyone at your table thinks their hymen has anything to do with their femininity. It’ll be interesting to see a show of hands. For women considering vaginal rejuvenation, they’ve tried the “one-two, one-two” of the quiet, contracting pelvic Kegal exercises without result. Vaginal rejuvenation is an essential procedure to help some women feel good again but at an estimated $3,000 - $10,000, it’s something you’d want to put some thought into.

For Carolyn, a 39-year-old mother of three, the subject of vaginal reconstruction isn’t even on the table, “Vaginas aren’t the prettiest things anyway, I’d rather try Botox!” Fair enough. For so many others though, how their vagina looks and feels takes a serious toll on their mental health. For some, a misshapen appearance is a constant reminder of a traumatic childbirth. For others, let’s just say, bathing suits are flat out not an option. Dr. Mark X. Lowney, a board certified obstetrician and gynecologist and the owner of Highland Ob/Gyn, Inc. and Advanced Body Sculpting of New England in Fall River, Massachusetts (www.massachusettscosmetic.com), has some sound words of advice. “I would advise women to consider the reasons why they are interested in having the surgery. If they think it is going to save their marriage or make their sex life better, I would tell them to reconsider. This procedure is cosmetic and may improve sexual intercourse. There are no guarantees. Also, if the woman is experiencing dysparunia (painful intercourse), they should have this worked up as surgery to the vagina can make this worse. If they have cystoceles, rectoceles, and/ or uterine prolapse or urinary incontinence, they will need pelvic reconstructive surgery; which is covered by most insurances. They should also seek out a board-certified gynecologist or cosmetic surgeon with training in vaginal rejuvenation surgery.” So, ask yourself…is this something you would ever try? For Marie, a 42-year-old mother of a toddler, the answer is a definite “no”. “I have a lot of other stuff I’d do before I’d have someone go…down there,” she said. But for new mother Erin, 29, the answer is a definite “maybe”. “I don’t know yet,” Erin says, “I plan to have more kids and I definitely want to keep having a great sex life, too. If I need to have surgery to maintain that, then I would definitely consider it. I think motherhood and good sex simply have to go together to have a happy life.” You go, girl. PLM

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LIFESTYLE l SPRING/SUMMER 2012

PURE | PSYCHOLOGY

LEAVE THE PHONE BEHIND

No, not while you’re working. But when you go for that aforementioned prescribed walk, leave the phone behind. There’s nothing that can’t wait an hour. The first time you may feel a bit panicked, wondering what you’re missing, but after that there’s a good chance you’ll feel utterly liberated, free to be (gasp!) alone with your thoughts.

YOU, W

UNPLUGGED. How to slow down and detech your day? By LIZA LENTINI

hen Simon & Garfunkel beckoned listeners to “slow down…you move to fast…” in 1966, they couldn’t have conceived how assaulted our lives would become from technology in the following 46 years. Smartphones, Facebook, Twitter…when was the last day you did business without a computer? If it seems essentially impossible to unplug your life, you’re not imagining things. If Facebook has accrued 250 million members (and counting) since 2004, attempt to imagine what the next 46 years has in store for our virtual social network? It’s a proven fact that all this “advancement” has taken its toll on us. Back pain, eye strain, and the ongoing debate that cell phones cause brain cancer, and, oh yes, there are now studies desperate to determine that the heat from laptops can cause infertility in males. The downsides are endless, and still frighteningly unknown. But the real threat is bequeathed to the newer generations who were toilet trained with

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LIFESTYLE l SPRING/SUMMER 2012

a keypad in hand. In a paper presented at the 119th Annual Convention of the American Psychological Association entitled “Poke Me: How Social Networks Can Both Help and Harm Our Kids,” Larry D. Rosen, PhD, Professor of Psychology at California State University, made the claim that teens who make technology a significant part of their day will have more anxiety and depression, and a whole heap of other mental health issues. If there’s ever been a more imperative time to take technological inventory, it’s now. Here are some tips on getting back to the healthy life nature intended, and it won’t require a single download.

GO FLY A KITE

Don’t worry about getting a partner in crime; this is a diversion you can enjoy all on your own. Sit down and think good and hard about all the simple, whimsical pleasures you used to enjoy as a kid. Maybe your list will include building sandcastles, riding a bike, crochet or watercolor. Whatever it is, start with one indulgent hour a week. JUST SAY “NO”

To e-mail, that is. In his acclaimed best seller, The 4-Hour Workweek, author Tim Ferriss startled us by suggesting that we only answer e-mails Monday mornings in a matter of minutes. Don’t tell your boss, but Ferriss was really onto something. How many hours a week do you spend typing back and forth? If you really want to know, set a timer. When time’s up, so is your e-mailing for the day. You’ll be surprised how everyone will get along just fine without you.

TAKE A HIKE (YES, REALLY.)

MAKE A PHONE CALL

New mothers understand that their newborns require fresh air to be healthy, even in the coldest months. If you can’t literally take a hike, then take a walk, a brisk, healthy walk that gets your juices flowing. If you work long hours, be sure to get out during your lunch break. Your heart and mental health will thank you.

Not text. Or e-mail. Or Facebook or “tweet”. Make a phone call. With your voice. We’ve become so detached from human contact these days, that to actually speak to someone is downright radical. And while you’re chatting, why not suggest a meeting face-to-face? And not to discuss work, either. But life. PLM

I TIED A TAMPON TO MY KEYRING SO MY BROTHER WOULDN’T TAKE MY CAR. IT WORKED.

The GARDEN

OF THE NATION Visiting the organic farm in Bellevue

isiting the Solidarity Ras Tafari Organization’s gardens in Bellevue is like going back in time. Interns and volunteers are busy planting, seeding, pruning and harvesting the vegetable plots and pumping rainwater from one cistern to the next. As we walk up to the little wooden building, ‘the center’ of farm life, a parrot’s cry announces the arrival of Ras Jah-Bash, the founder of the organization and the visionary of the organic gardens. It is tranquil here at the farm; a breath of fresh air in this Northeastern Caribbean hectic, cosmopolitan island life. It’s a glance into the island’s past and truly ‘back to nature.’

the island, and a piece of land was requested to safeguard agriculture on St. Martin. On February 6, 2007, the farm was inaugurated, a date significant to the Ras Tafari organization as it also celebrates Bob Marley’s birthday. Jah-Bash says, “We want to farm organically and, at the same time, provide a platform to institutionalize the gardens within society. We do this by offering internships and eco-education to schools, churches, the physically and mentally disabled as well as linking up with the tourist bureau. We sell our products to restaurants, individuals and passers-by and we like to welcome everyone to come and take a look at what we do here in the gardens.”

Ras Jah-Bash explains that in 2006, a meeting was held with Louis Constant Fleming, a Senator on the French side of

The Solidarity Organization gave themselves seven years to get the gardens and the various projects surrounding the

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Photographs by Yotam Sandak

By Sanny Ensing

organic farm up and running. Now in their fifth year, they have already realized a great many of their goals. Jah-Bash says, “We have 200 to 300 fruit trees and an innumerable variety of organic vegetables and root vegetables growing and ready for sale. We have interns and we teach children about organic farming. Most importantly, we have convinced many people that agriculture is possible here on the island and beneficial to everyone.” He expands on his future goals and he says: “We usually have an agricultural fair once a year but are aiming for three to four a year, and we also want to establish a restaurant that is open day and night and various boutiques, like an arts and craft shop, a clothing boutique, an spot that sells dry fruits and nuts, one that sells photos, CDs, DVDs and literature and an island artists gallery where you can buy local portraits.” Think carrots, turnips, radish, yams, potatoes, cassava, dasheen, fig, mango, sour sap, cherries, genips, cashews, star fruits, star apples, carambola, kale, avocado, sapotia, cabbage, lettuce, leeks, arugula, tomato, tarragon, basil, mint, oregano, cilantro, chives, celery, lavender and much, much more; the gardens are plentiful. Ras Jah-Bash explains that his products are as good for your body as your mental health. “Today gardens are no longer part of our life but they are so important. They give us joy and food. They relax us and are spiritual therapy for the human. This here is the garden of the nation!” he emphasizes. The garden founder is one of four volunteers who work at the farm. He is not just a man who works in nature; he embraces nature in mind, body and spirit. “The life we live has to be in balance with nature,” he explains, “we need patience, and the garden teaches patience. We need to learn not to point fingers when we suffer and here we realize that we can’t point fingers as we are up against nature. We learn how to be faithful, how to take care of something that you value. We see that unity is important, everybody plays a part to make up a whole and we learn not to be hostile to animals. The garden teaches us to be friends with the critters we encounter as they are here to help us and preserve us and make sure that we eat well. So we just

plant, harvest and move around them.” Jah-Bash looks up, laughs and says, “That is why I talk to trees and to the vegetables. They give me food, medicine, shelter, clothes and they pay the bills!” The farm leader also teaches and guides those that are in need of direction. “I assist those that come to me for help.” He looks straight across the workspace and says, “Words are important. Today we want to go before the word but it is the word that tells us what we get.” He gives me a little exercise. “Think of ten words that you use in your daily life and that are negative, and look for their opposites. ‘I hate’ then becomes ‘I love’ and ‘I am tense’ becomes ‘I am relaxed’, ‘I am irritated’ becomes ‘I am happy’ and so on. Then write down the negatives and try not to use them for say, a month, and replace them by their opposites and positives.” Jah-Bash explains that he likes to teach and that he also teaches bible stories, history and medicinal plant use. “We can help each other,” he says with a big smile. As we leave this idyllic oasis, this gift to the nation, this garden of plenty – the parrot croaks at us ‘Jah love’ as Ras JahBash gives it some love and kisses. It is truly a magical spot – a seeding ground for the body and the mind. So make sure you visit the Solidarity Ras Tafari Organization Farm in Bellevue. They are open every day of the week. There is no sale of fruits or vegetables on Saturday though the farm is open that day from 2.30pm to 6:00 pm for visitors, and “come early, like at 8:00, 9:00 or 10:00, if you want a good selection of fresh stuff,” advises Jah-Bash. PLM

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PURE | WHAT’S COOKING? - Venue Review

EXPERIENCE LA PLAYA REFRESH YOUR SOUL!

BY HANSY PEGUERO

Photographs by Yotam Sandak

at the beach, not only because of its Orient Bay is the place to enjoy a great day restaurants. With many restaurants to great beach but also because of its impressive Orient Bay has solidified its reputation choose from and a great variety of cuisines, . The melting pot of residents and visitors as one of the best places to be on the island tasty cuisine and La Playa is making its has brought an assortment of sophisticated, combines Asian, French, American, and own name by offering a fusion menu which dable, results. After undergoing a threeCreole cuisine with impressive, and very affor of the most attractive beach restaurants month remodeling phase, La Playa is by far one think about a Caribbean paradise: you on the island. It is the place you picture when ance, fun water sport adventures and ambi great , awesome food, delicious tropical drinks us Orient Beach. At La Playa, you have a friendly service, all in the backdrop of the famo where you can enjoy an unobstructed choice of breakfast and lunch at the restaurant at an acceptable volume, which allows view of the beach and ocean. Music is kept is above standard and prices are very for pleasant conversation. Food presentation gs are incredibly generous. affordable, especially considering that servin he menu at La Playa includes a wide variety of seafood, meat and vegetarian items all with a Caribbean twist. Some of the favorite de the Antipasto inclu s tizer appe Italiano, which is a plate of mix Italian cold cuts, grilled peppers, cheese, olives and dried tomatoes garnished with fresh tomatoes, lettuce and basil and bread-sticks. Another very famous dish is the delightful Tropical Salad, a sweet and sour combination of chicken, prawns, salad greens and fresh fruits, marinated in the chef’s special dressing of coconut milk.

potato chips, and the Veggie Lasagna. For those looking for a simpler meal, there is a snack menu filled with American staples like hot dogs, hamburgers, cheeseburgers, BLTs and even veggie burgers. Desserts include warm chocolate soufflé, ice cream and fresh fruits. Bread is baked fresh daily on the premises. There are two bars at La Playa offering a wide array of beers and spirits. The bartenders will be happy to accommodate your needs and prepare your favorite cocktails. The beach ambiance is great as well. There is a large beachfront seating area with beach lounge chairs and a water sport activities center.

Entrées include the Chicken Colombo, a delicious spin on the very famous Caribbean staple, served with rice, sweet La Playa is open seven days a week for plantains and sweet potato chips. Fish breakfast and lunch from 9:00 am to 6:00 dishes include Crab Tartare prepared pm and bookings for Private Parties and with guacamole and mango and Mahi Company events are available all year Mahi Tartare, marinated with coconut around upon request. milk and chives, both served with fresh For reservations, call 0590 29 04 79 and salad. Other popular offerings include for more information, send an e-mail to the vegetarian Tofu and Veggie Chop, a contact@laplayasxm.com. Credit cards delicious plate of tofu cooked in a sweet are accepted. PLM and sour sauce, served with rice and sweet

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PURE ENTERTAINMENT | MIXOLOGY

SPRING

mix

SUMMER

key ingredients for refreshing cocktails to turn “off” the heat.

MOËT ICE IMPÉRIAL É Moët & Chandon introduces Moët Ice Impérial, the world’s first-ever champagne specifically created to be enjoyed on ice. Moët & Chandon invents an innovative champagne blend for daytime celebrations in chic and sunny Caribbean hotspots. Distributed by CLT Source: http://www.moeticeexperience.com

TEQUILA ROSE STRAWBERRY CREAM NUVO SPA SPARKLING PARKLING LIQUOR PARKLIN NUVO© Sparkling Liqueur is a lifestyle choice for trendy individuals. Much more than your average spirit, NUVO is the ultimate accessory for any get-together. Made with premium French vodka and a touch of delicate sparkling white wine and infused with passion fruit nectar, NUVO will dazzle your taste buds and delight your palette. Distributed by ILTT source: http://www.sparklingnuvo.com/nuvo_drink.html

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LIFESTYLE l SPRING/SUMMER 2012

A combination of strawberry flavor cream liquor with a splash of tequila. It’s lucious, not toosweet taste makes it a perfect on it’s own or to add a twist to your favorite drinks & desserts.Tequilla Rose was named one of the hottest new drinks in the “What’s America Drinking?” Survey. Distributed by B&C Beverages source: http://www.mccormickdistilling.com/tr/strawberry.php

PATRÓN SILVERTEQUILA The perfect ultra-premium white spirit.This light, crystal clear tequila with fresh agave aromas and hints of citrus is a favorite of tequila lovers worldwide, and mixes flawlessly into most any cocktail. Distributed by Antillian Liquors source: http://patrontequila.com

e, o

PURE ENTERTAINMENT | MUSIC

ROCK STAR SOCIAL SHOWS THE

MUSIC NEVER DIES

By : Alita Singh

very band needs energy, synergy and time. Rock Star Social has so much of the first two that crowds or single listeners can’t help but get infected by their performance. The third take a little more effort and, for that reason, to hear them play is tantamount to a VIP event.

Rock Star Social is a fairly young band, having played their first gig at Prive’s Super Bowl Party in 2011. The show got many people talking. They gave a performance that rivalled the catchy Super Bowl ads and the half-time show. Their most recent gig was in February for Budget Marine’s Consumer Appreciation Party.

Claudienne Peterson takes care of the vocals together with Tim Hicks, who also multi-tasks on the keyboard or guitar. Lead guitarist Catani, Bassist Daniel Pere and Drummer Hubert Mollard Jackson round out the rockers who are “very selective” with what shows they do. Most band members have regular day jobs; half have small children and three of the five members play in other bands, “so we have to work hard and far ahead with schedule.” Rock Star Social is mainly a high season band as most of the members are off island for a good portion of the low season. This makes seeing them perform even rarer so, with about three more months in the high season still on the calendar, listen out for the next show. Peterson, speaking for Rock Star Social, added, “It looks nice and fun and sweet and cheery when we are up there smiling, singing, playing instruments and literally enjoying our own show, but there’s more to that; there is practice,

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LIFESTYLE SXM l WINTER 2011

Photographs by Yotam Sandak

Rock Star Social is the island’s most energetic rock n roll, dance party band. Performing cover tunes in everything from Classic Rock to 80s New Wave and Dance, Pop Punk to Alternative and Modern Hard Rock. “The song selection and passionate performances are sure to get you up dancing, singing, head banging and full on rockin’ out,” said lead guitarist, Michael Catani.

time has to be made for that, not that easy.â&#x20AC;?

that to others (hopefully).â&#x20AC;?

When a gig does happen, the guys in the band have to lug heavy equipment around, like many other bands, set up and do sound checks. Some places have a way better sound than others, so the band has to quickly compensate for this.

Lead Guitarist Catani said the bandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique name â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Rock Star Social - came together because the band wanted a name that was an obvious representation of their music selection and stage show, plus an emphasis on how they want their crowd to interact.

In true rock band form, Rock Star Social goes for the entire effect: colored hair and outrageous costumes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We take care with our outfits, we want to look like a rock band. We aim to give our crowd total entertainment in what they see, feel hear.â&#x20AC;? At any gig, Rock Star Social is on the scene for at least five hours from setup, the show to packing away. â&#x20AC;&#x153;People donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t realize that ... and when we play after they request â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;We want more,â&#x20AC;&#x2122; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s because we still have energy left, and are so charged to do it. We go the extra mile, but we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t always!â&#x20AC;? Being in a band like Rock Star Social is hard work, all band members agreed, adding that the good sound, the equipment, the nice outfits, the energy and happy faces, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just fall into their laps. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We work very hard for it, we got to pay for it. And we ainâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t youngins, we are all in our 30s and 40s and totally feel blessed that we can still ROCK crowds of various ages. We so appreciate we can still sort of live out our dreams and be examples of

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a social environment. We want the audience right up front, dancing and singing along ... it fuels our fire. Hopefully, the give and take between the band and the crowd will end in a totally awesome hard rockinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; night to remember.â&#x20AC;? The important lesson I have gathered from writing this piece about Rock Star Social is a simple one: make time for your passions, the effort is nothing compared to the rewards. I used to hear Claudienneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s voice in our shared hallway in Philipsburg when we were neighbors not so many moons years ago accompanied sometimes by the strumming of a guitar. Writing this piece took me back to those days â&#x20AC;&#x201C; my rush to be a journalist and her voice giving me pause to think. Rock Star Social proves more than anything that, by making music and juggling full lives, the music never dies. New outlets are found, unlike Bryan Adamsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Summer of â&#x20AC;&#x2122;69 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; â&#x20AC;&#x153;...Had a band and we tried real hard, Jimmy quit, Jody got married. Shoulda known, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d never get far ...â&#x20AC;? PLM

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PURE | MAN

DANIEL GIBBS

Passion for St.Maarten/St.Maarten runs fiercely through the veins of the young politician Daniel Gibbs. He delved into his view on a unified island with joint destination promotion as the gateway and gave us a peek into the family he protectively shelters from his very public life. By Alita Singh

Photographed by Yotam Sandak

aniel Gibbs is considered too young by some for the ambitions he pursues, by others as just an upstart and by his supporters as the one to make the changes necessary to move the French side from the last vestiges of a municipality to a fully grown collectivite in the French Republic. Sitting in Bar de La Mer restaurant, which abuts his campaign headquarters on Rue de la Liberté, Gibbs gestures to me to leave when I explained that this interview would appear only after the March 18 elections. Laughing, he settled back down

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and immediately launched into one of the two things closest to his heart - St. Martin. Gibbs, now 44 years old, returned from France in 1996 where he studied law and worked as a candidate notary before politics came knocking at his door. He was still working on his PhD in law so, while eager to do more for his island, Gibbs told then Mayor Albert Fleming, his political mentor that he needed to first have a strong foundation. “I always told him I would do anything to help my country and to give to my country but under one condition. I needed something in my hand that permits me to earn a living ... a diploma, so I don’t have to live on politics.”

PURE | MAN That condition was fulfilled in 2000 when he graduated and Fleming told him it was time “to jump into the water to know if he could swim.” Swim he did in the 2001 election, armed with the advice of Fleming that no one can teach you politics; it’s a calling for which only you can learn the ropes. He navigated the waters in the deep end of the political ocean in the Fleming cabinet and focused his attention on economic development: the waterfront revitalisation and commercial port. However, his uneasiness with the slow pace progress was taking and seeing the French side lag behind the Dutch side, Gibbs saw that his future was not with the “old establishment.” After many political upheavals, he began to forge his own path politically and formed the Union for Democracy (UD) over a year ago after resigning from Senator Louis Constant Fleming’s Union pour le Mouvement Populaire (UMP), becoming a rival for the top job. “I didn’t come into politics with the intention of becoming a president or a mayor. I came in because I was asked to give a hand to construct something for the future and our children’s future. ... I have a passion for my country. Being in politics is not a job, it’s a mission.” Elected officials on the French side, contrary to the Dutch side, are not salaried. They only receive an indemnity for their service. Gibbs pointed out that he had successfully carried out the task of economic development, a responsibility new to St. Martin, in the beginning of his career.

All criticism is taken in stride. Gibbs said his years in the field have put him ahead of the political pack. “I may be the youngest politician in the race, but I have the most years working at home. ... We need the youthful vitality with experience.” The need for “serious cooperation” between the two sides of the island was underscored by Gibbs, as was the need for one tourist office. “In one tourist office, we can keep our originality

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of being French and Dutch ... let’s pool our resources, come up with a common policy.” He sees the creation of a united congress for cooperation. “Brussels did it for Europe so why can’t we do it for St. Maarten? We have to prepare for it. It wouldn’t come overnight we have to prepare for it. It is complicated to envision but if we can start with cooperation….” A rotating chairmanship would keep the two sides on equal footing. Moving to family, Gibbs is more guarded and gave the caveat that his wife Yana, born in Russia and raised in Canada, is very private and that they both strive to keep their young children, Sacha, 6, and Maxime,3, away from the political ruckus. Gibbs does his best to keep his personal and political life separate but he didn’t realise how much he had separated them until a comment from his wife made him reflect. He saw that newspapers were being delivered to their home and commented that this was a good service. “She told me ‘this is the only way I can know what you are doing’ because I never discuss politics with her. When we are together, we are a family.” The best fairy tale story was how he described meeting his wife on the beach and falling in love with her. Regrets? He has very few. A young family and the demands of politics are not a good mix, but Gibbs says he finds the time; it’s a must. In those moments when the two seem to battle each other, he thinks about a holiday and imagines an around

the world trip with them. “I try to organise my life around my family. It is not always easy.” Yana has gotten more involved now with Gibbs’ career, but the children are still off limits. Gibbs’ father Dr. Victor Gibbs and mother Marie Claude, form the steel of his foundation. His father is well known in his practice and community service as a Rotarian. PLM

EVERYBODY CAN BE AN

ENVIRONMENTALIST! JADIRA VEEN SUGGESTS A SMALL CHANGE FOR THE BETTERMENT OF THE PLANET. BY SANNY ENSING Hair stylist Byron Ferron - Make-up Magali Beauvue

Photographed by Yotam Sandak

PURE | LIFESTYLE

he’s a well-known personality in the community – always fighting to get St. Maarten greener and cleaner! Meet environmentalist Jadira Veen, President of the St. Maarten Pride Foundation. The St. Maarten Pride Foundation was created on Earth Day, April 22, 2000 and is a community based foundation that is trying to improve environmental awareness. Veen explains, “We educate the community, and especially the youth, about local environmental issues.” Many people on the island know Jadira Veen as the front runner for various beach clean-up campaigns. “But that is not all we do,” Veen says. “We fight for the plight of the sea turtles, we lend our voice to the Dolphin Defenders, we use social media to post green stories every day that generate general environmental interest. We made the community aware of environmental issues surrounding the construction phase of the Westin Resort and the preservation of the Emilio Wilson Estate. We also work with the community councils in the various districts on improving awareness of littering, but we have so many different cultures on the island with so many different deep-rooted ideas about what littering is, that our goal to

picked it up themselves, they see what is littered and usually they won’t do it again. But what is really important to help littering out of the world is to ban the use of plastic bags.” Veen explains that for years, the foundation has been advocating placing a ban on single-use plastic bags, and is hoping that the government will take their advice this year. “We need a behavioral change in people and businesses and we commend those grocery stores that have made a switch to more environmentally friendly options.” The last R, Redesign, is meant for manufacturers of products; to make sure they use less plastic to wrap their products with and choose environmentally- friendly options. “But, we ladies can make a big difference, too,” says Veen. “We are consumers and shoppers of the family household, so check your cosmetics and your beauty products and choose non-plastic and more environmentally friendly packaging, such as cardboard, for instance, which is made from post recycled material.” “You know, as a woman, I like nice things but I watch how I shop,” Veen states, and smiles. “I look for more classic items when clothes and shoe shopping. I love classic streamlined

“but, we ladies can make a big difference too” says Veen: “We are consumers and shoppers of the family household, so check your cosmetics and your beauty products and choose non-plastic and more environmental friendly packaging such as cardboard for instance which is made from post recycled material.” completely educate all the people on the island to stop littering has not been achieved as yet.” This passionate lady devotes almost all of her time to this mission and laughs, “It’s a campaign that will last forever. Thankfully, I do see a difference from when we started to today. When we began in 2000, the island was dirty and people had no feeling of duty to clean-up after themselves. Today, people speak up more and they talk about their problems, like the erection of too many billboards on the side of the roads, sewage on streets, landscape pollution. The political signs that used to stand by the roadside for days, weeks or even months after an election campaign are now removed within 24 hours. We have made a difference. I feel that there is more general interest in doing the right thing from the community.” The mom of two explains that she teaches children at schools how to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle and adds two more R’s – Refuse and Redesign. “We pick up trash with the youth and, when they have

stuff but I also think it helps to shop classic style. Most of these items last forever and all I have to do is pair my little black dress with some different accessories or shoes and I can go from work to a night out on the town.” She is an environmentalist in heart and mind and explains that she usually thinks about the environment, not only when she shops, but also when she cooks, for instance. “This does not mean I am a vegan or even a vegetarian,” she says, “I just try to use smaller quantities and am conscious of what I eat but I eat fish and meat and dairy and I wear make-up. My favorite meals that I cook at home are Crab Bisque and Curry Madras chicken, for example. The idea stuck in many a head is that an environmentalist is a barefooted hippie from the 1970s, but that role has changed! All you need to do is make a slight change in your daily habits at work or at home, think just a smaller portion of meat for dinner, plant a herb garden, support local farmers etc. and you are making a conscious behavioral change for the betterment of your planet! Everybody can be an environmentalist!” PLM

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Beauty Look: M.A.C cosmetics Face & Body Foundation, Eyes: Fluidline Liquid Liner, Metal-X Cream Shadow in Venitian Tarnish, Lips: Cook M.A.C Tender Tone Lip Balm spf 12 in Hush Hush, Blush: Powder blush in fleur powder High-low dress, En Vogue Boutique I Bracelet, En Vogue Boutique I Necklace Rawbelle, Rawbelle.com

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SHE HAS GOT A THING FOR NATURE By Sanny Ensing. Photographs by Yotam Sandak

Location: Loterie Farm, Styled by Lori-Marie Peterson, Make-up by Magali Beauvue and Lori-Marie, Hair by Byron Ferron

Rachel Mouial on her passion for nature & the raw products of Mother Earth and her jewlery line “Rawbelle”.

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This page: Earrings, En Vogue Boutique I One shoulder dress, Analili, En Vogue Boutique I Bracelet, En Vogue Boutique Opposite Page: Straw hat, En Vogue Boutique I Jump Suit, MarieBella Boutique I Necklace & Bracelets, En Vogue Boutique

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he’s bohemian, earthy, fun, thrift shop-savvy and fashionable. She calls her style ethnic-chic. From the Indian boots, frilly, flower dress to the uncut, raw sapphire necklace around her neck, it is clear that she loves textures and stones. Rachel Mouial is into rocks, and digging in the earth, and creative energy. The necklace she wears is a beautiful piece, held together by silk threaded with pearls in soft colors woven into the fabric of the necklace. She makes her own jewelry from what she finds during her travels. “I collect exceptional pieces of natural preciousness and love to see these jewels in their pure, unaltered form,” she says. Rachel explains that these jewels in their natural form have so much beauty. “If you cut a sapphire, you see that it’s built up of triangles. And did you know that an uncut diamond features the Star of David?” The nature lover possesses a fascination with the raw products of Mother Earth. She laughs and says, “All that glitters is not gold!” “There is beauty in everything, especially in nature,” she explains. Rachel’s fascination with the earth started from a very young age. “I was always collecting rocks that looked interesting. I was part of an archeology program at the museum on the French Side, and somehow ‘digging and looking for something’ became ‘digging for the answer to humanity’ to me.” The young designer laughs and says very sixties-style, “Digging in the earth for answers to life is my mojo!” She clarifies, “It is much like looking for fossils that hold a remnant of times past – knowledge of a previous life.” Stones are her friends - apatite, garnet, crystals and amethysts. “It is important to me to know where they are from, what they mean and where they belong,” she clarifies. St. Maarten is her home and her base. “It is where I grew up,” she says and laughs, “apart from my Blue Lagoon episode in St. Barth’s during high school where I was barefooted with my friends searching for caves and crystals.” Rachel has Algerian and French Italian heritage, and it gives her an edge – it sets her apart in looks and makes it difficult to put her in a box or give her a label, a feature that works in her favor. She has an artist’s flair and her creative designs are popular. She is to send a collection of work to a popular museum in New York –and at the time of this interview, had just had a successful meeting with them. She also features her pieces at Art Bazel in Miami Beach. “I love making these pieces but it is hard to do a big collection. Not only because of the work but because of what the stones mean to me.” Her artwork is personalized. Every piece is customized so it is exactly what the client wants and can also heal him or her. “Before I start the designing process, I ask my customer questions such as their birthday and favorite shapes. I use essential oils in the silk threading. It is like architecture to make a piece and to figure out what kind of energy to put into it, energy that will help the eventual owner of the piece.” Most of her pieces have healing properties, “like the chakra suit, for instance; a piece of jewelry that connects to all the chakras of the body.” Some people know Rachel as an artist and jewelry designer, a photographer or an art gallery supervisor; others know her as a manager, and interior designer of L’Hoste and la Playa at Orient Bay – the family hotel. She designed the interior of Le Shore as well, at its former location in Grand Case and had a little fashion shop at the bar, restaurant and nightspot. She will be soon opening up another styling boutique at La Playa. “It will be trendy and have a vintage essence,” the artist says. She will sell some of her rings and pendants there, too. Rachel’s exceptional pieces will be on display in both places: at the Guggenheim in New York and at la Playa, in Orient Bay. “I love New York’s dynamism; its book stores and vintage shops, the fresh food and tea houses, but my heart lies here,” she explains. The prices of the art design can vary from $250 to $5000 US dollars, depending on what it is that Rachel creates. Rachel calls her design Rawbelle: which translates into raw beauty. The gems are uncut, singular and precious; not the way you would usually see them - just like her! PLM

You can reach Rachel Mouial at 00590-690- 574555 for more information about her jewelry art design RawBelle.

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Dress Elisa Cavaletti Club, En Vogue Boutique I Wedges, Vince Camuto VC collection, MarieBella Boutique I Ring, En Vogue Boutique I Necklaces Rawbelle, Rawbelle.com

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AWARENESS

where’s your care-o-meter? WHAT’S FASHION WITHOUT AWARENESS? WHAT’S LIFE WITHOUT AWARENESS? THIS SEASON, BE STRONG, CARE, LOVE & BE CONSCIOUS FASHIONABLY IN SEXY HEELS, ECO-FRIENDLY ACCESSORIES, AND STATEMENT MAKING DRESSES! PHOTOGRAPHED BY YOTAM SANDAK STYLING & MAKE-UP BY LORI-MARIE PETERSON HAIR BY BYRON FERRON

Beauty Look: M.A.C Cosmetics Face & Body Foundation, Eyes: Fluidline Liquid Liner, Metal-X Cream Shadow in Gold Carbon, Lips: Cook M.A.C Tender Tone Lip Balm spf 12 in Tread Gently, Blush: Powder Blush in Frankly Scarlet Crystal Earring, En Vogue Boutique I Bracelet & Rings, En Vogue Boutique I Necklace, MarieBella Boutique I BCBG Maxazria, MarieBella Boutique I Fuax leather jacket, MarieBella Boutique

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SAY NO!

to domestic violence Women are the highest rated victims of abuse by an intimate partner each year. This most chronically under-reported crime is an epidemic that affects individuals in every community, no matter the age, status, religion, nationality, ethnicity or educational backgrounds. Domestic violence takes on many forms from using threats, economic abuse, using isolation, minimizing & blaming, intimidation, using children, using male privilege, emotional and physical abuse. Seek Help If You Are a Victim of Domestic Violence The Safe Haven Foundation is a nonprofit organization which offers shelter, counseling and supportive services to victims of Domestic Violence. Do you need help? Are you abused? Do you know someone who needs help? Call their 24hours Hotline: 9333

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BE CONCIOUS!

Reduce, Reuse & Recycle The 3 R’s of the environment will help keep our environment clean, save energy and stop pollution. It is a fact that a clean environment contributes to a healthier and happier you. A high percentage of the rubbish that ends up in the garbage bin could be reduced, reused or recycled. The best way to contribute to the environment is to reduce the waste we produce; for example, buy products that don’t have a lot of packaging and turn lights off that you are not using to save energy. If you are not planning to use something a lot, don’t buy it, borrow it and when brushing your teeth, turn off the faucet to save water. Reuse! Before throwing things away, try to find ways to reuse them. Use a shopping bag that you can reuse over and over again for your groceries; take your furniture, clothing, shoes or anything that you do not want any more to a donation center or give it to someone who can use it instead of throwing it away. Use reusable containers to store food or as lunch boxes. Last but not least, recycle! There are numerous things that we use in our daily life that can be recycled; things made of rubber, aluminum, glass and cardboard just to name a few. Our model is wearing accessories by Melissa Kolbusz Designs – handmade, wearable artwork made entirely from reclaimed and surplus industrial material, which is a creative design solution to counteract the waste caused by industry. Be conscious. Help save the earth and make it a better place to live! Visit the Decheterie (waste sorting center) in Galisbay Saint Martin to learn more about how you could use the 3 R’s in your daily life.

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Beauty Look: M.A.C Cosmetics Face & Body Foundation, Eyes: Shop Mac Call Me Bubbles, Lips: Cook M.A.C Tender Tone Lip Balm spf 12 in Tread Gently, Blush: Powder Blush in Fleur Powder All accessories WIRED by Melissa KOLBUSZ, Wiredresistance. com I Blouse, Guess by Marciano, En Vogue Boutique I Capri pants, Guess by Marciano, En Vogue Boutique I Belt, En Vogue Boutique I Heels BCBG Maxazria, MarieBella Boutique

LOVE THEM!

Animals Are friends They have no voice, but still they communicate. They have no arms but are very affectionate When no one cares, they will. They will never let you down and all they need is love! Yet domestic animals are often mistreated, abused, and abandoned. These living creatures deserve humane care and should be treated with respect; a pet is a companion, not a slave. Animals should be provided with food, water, care and a healthy living environment; not doing so is considered animal cruelty. Tick or flea infestations should not be left untreated as this can lead to an animalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s death. If an animal has wounds on the body, patches of missing hair, has been hit by a car or is limping, it must be taken to a veterinarian. Leaving animals alone without food and water, chained up in a yard, or keeping them outside in extreme weather conditions without shelter, are all forms of animal cruelty. These beautiful and loving creatures have feelings just like us; letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s care for them and help to raise awareness for animal welfare. Our model Maria, who is determined to help save lives of animals that are abandoned or abused, rescued our furry model below, Bones. She has rescued many and given them much needed care and a loving home. There are many non-profit organizations on St Maarten dedicated to help animals in need to find care, medical care and a loving home. If you need more info, or are interested in donating or volunteering you can contact SMART Animal Rescue, a non-profit organization with a NO KILL policy, dedicated to helping provide care for homeless and sick animals, at smart@petlover.com or St.Maarten Animal Welfare Foundation, an all-volunteer, non-profit organization chartered in 1992 which promotes the humane treatment of animals, at sxmanimalwelfare@yahoo.com

Beauty Look: M.A.C Cosmetics Face & Body Foundation, Eyes: Extra Dimensions eye shadow in Dark Dare & Sweat Heat, Lips: Sheen Supreme Lipstick in New Temptation Feather Fascinator, En Vogue Boutique I Dress, En Vogue Boutique I Heels BCBGeneration, En Vogue Boutique I Feather Clutch BCBG Maxazria, MarieBella Boutique

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5 A DAY

keeps the Doctor away It is important to get enough fruits and vegetables, as they are part of a balanced diet and contribute in keeping us healthy. Five portions of fruits and vegetables a day are essential in order to get the much-needed vitamins and minerals in our system. Fruits and vegetables are high in vitamin C, folate and potassium and contain phytochemicals or antioxidants, which are highly effective when it comes to reducing the risk of certain types of cancer and other diseases Fruit and vegetables taste delicious and with so many to choose from, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to have fun with them. As an excellent source of dietary fiber, fruits and vegetables help to prevent constipation and other digestion problems that can lead to bowel cancer. It has also been proven that getting your fruits & vegetables organically can potentially be more beneficial, because organic produce contains higher vitamin C and lower levels of nitrates as well as fewer and lower levels of pesticides than conventional produce. Here on the island, it is possible to get organic produce at the Belle Vue Rasta Farm, the Freedom Fighters foundation and Ras Bush Manâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Farm at Bush Road.

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Beauty Look: M.A.C Cosmetics Face & Body Foundation, Eyes: Pro Long Wear eye shadow in Sunny Outlook, Fresh Flare & Plush, Lips: Viva Glam Lipstick Nicky Minaj, Blush: Shop M.a.c Cremeblend Blush in Florida Earings, Amrita Singh, MarieBella Boutique I Chain gold toned Necklace, MarieBella Boutique I Squared Bangles, MarieBella Boutique I Heels BCBG Maxazria, MarieBella Boutique I Gold toned Necklace, En Vogue Boutique I Clutch, En Vogue Boutique Boutique

AWARENESS INSIDE The stories behind the looks!

Ras Bush Man – Photograph s by Yotam Sa ndak

scoop

WIRED BY MELISSA KOLBUSZ

In 1999, artist/designer Melissa Kolbusz launched (wired). At the time she was living in Chicago’s Pilsen neighborhood and found inspiration in its recycling centers, factory warehouses and junkyards. Salvaging, repurposing and reinventing the materials she discovered in the industrial wasteland, she began to handcraft works of wearable art. At the forefront of sustainability, (wired) married aesthetics and environment before it was in fashion. Since then, her work has showcased, sold and been worn around the world. In 2010, she was invited to Ecochic Geneva at the United Nations in Switzerland where her work was worn on the runway, and shortly after was presented at EcoChic Singapore. She was also commissioned to create distinct jewelry and accessories for the EFFEN By Design series, where she fashions the vodka’s rubber labels into works of art. She has participated in the New York International Gift Fair, Hong Kong’s Fashion Access, Chicago is Red Hot and The-One-Of-A-Kind shows.The press has taken notice as well: CNN highlighted her jewelry for a story on recycled jewelry, and NPR affiliate WBEZ has featured Kolbusz on-air. (wired) also graced the covers of Caviar Magazine,Time Out Chicago and has been featured in the books Green Design, Recycle: The Essential Guide, and Style, Naturally.

BONES

THE STORY OF BONES

The story of Bones is one with a happy ending, thanks to the Animal lover, Maria Nieves, who has given such a happy ending to many other animals. Believe it or not, the picture above is one of a suffering Bones the moment he was rescued. There are many like him that are out there, waiting to be rescued, cared for and loved. Stop Animal Cruelty - they are noble creatures that deserve to be loved!

EAT ORGANICALLY!

We are what we eat.When we talk about farming, we look at agriculture. We we need the plants for oxygen and the plants need us for oxygen.Then why don’t we come together in harmony and start taking care of the trees and the plants and all living things around us? We see many parents proudly taking their children to fast food establishments. Don’t they know that in 10 or 20 years, the result will be many weak and disease-filled children they themselves created? Like they used to say in the olden days, herbs can heal the nation but in modern times, people prefer to take tablets which have many side effects. What is wrong with us? Don’t we love ourselves? We are what we eat. If we eat healthy, we think healthy, and the best thing to do is to deal with culture and with nature. Plant your own foods, eat organic. — RAS BUSH MAN

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HIT

DECK SUMMER’S THE

AHEAD Photographed by Yotam Sandak Make-up by Magali Beauvue Setting Villa Georgio

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On this page: Sequin Bikini, Cheo, MarieBella Boutique Opposite page: Beach Cover up, Cheo, MarieBella Boutique I Bangles, MarieBella Boutique

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On this page: High Waist color Block twopiece swim wear, Cheo, MarieBella Boutique Opposite page: Beach Cover Up, Cheo, MarieBella Boutique I Bangles, MarieBella Boutique

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VERSION FRANCAISE

traduit par Jenovefa eche

PURE FRENCH 69 LE MOT DE L’ÉDITEUR 70 LA PLAYA: FAITES L’EXPÉRIENCE, RAFRAICHISSEZ-VOUS L’ÂME! 71 RACHEL MOUIAL, SON TRUC À ELLE, C’EST LA NATURE 72 DANIEL GIBBS 73 LA JARDIN DE LA NATION 74 ROCK STAR SOCIAL: LA MUSIQUE NE MEURT JAMAIS 75 ET SI ON PARLAIT … VAGIN ?! 76 JADIRA VEEN: TOUT LE MONDE PEUT DEVENIR UN DÉFENSEUR DE L’ENVIRONNEMENT!

JE M’INTÉRESSE, J’AIME, JE SUIS CONSCIENTE, JE SUIS FORTE Editor-In-Chief

es jours de travail acharné sont loin derrière moi, et c’est avec un esprit serein et éclairé que je mets la touche finale à ce dernier numéro de Pure. Nous avons choisi de mettre en lumière des sujets de sensibilisation, qui nous ont poussé à travailler en étroit partenariat avec des gens impliqués. De bonnes ondes, la meilleure des volontés, une contribution positive : c’est comme si un peu de magie s’était invité dans notre univers. Au moment de programmer cette nouvelle édition, il y a plusieurs mois, j’étais convaincue que ma très chère amie Rachel Mouial était LA personne idéale pour illustrer notre couverture d’inspiration nature. Depuis sa plus tendre enfance, elle collectionne tout ce que Mère Nature recèle de plus précieux, depuis les pierres minérales aux perles en passant par la peau de serpent. Aujourd’hui, après des années de fouilles, elle a créé sa propre ligne de bijoux, basée sur ses inestimables découvertes. “Creuser la terre pour y trouver des réponses à la vie est mon mojo !” nous dit-elle. Jadira Veen, la présidente de la St Maarten Pride Foundation en a fait un long chemin depuis la création de la fondation le 22 avril 2000. Son combat pour aiguiser la conscience environnementale a porté ses fruits et elle considère que cette lutte en faveur de la préservation de l’environnement de l’île relève de l’intérêt général. Pour rester sur ce sujet de l’environnement, nous partirons à la découverte de Ras Jah-Bash, le fondateur de la ferme rasta, qui nous prouve que l’agriculture biologique est gorgée de bienfaits et pour notre nature et pour notre santé. Il y a un vrai message et une belle leçon à retenir du discours de ce visionnaire, qui nous parle de son profond attachement à la nature à travers le corps et l’esprit. Dans cette édition également, un portrait de Daniel Gibbs en famille, qui nous parle de son amour pour Saint-Martin. Enfin, plein d’autres choses encore ! Divertissements, musique, gastronomie, beauté, mode … autant de thèmes mis à l’honneur dans ce nouveau numéro de Pure, que vous ne manquerez pas d’apprécier. Bonne lecture!

LA PLAYA: FAITES L’EXPÉRIENCE, RAFRAICHISSEZ-VOUS L’ÂME!

rient Bay est l’endroit idéal pour une splendide journée sur la plage. Pas seulement pour sa superbe plage, mais également pour ses délicieux restaurants. Avec un grand nombre d’établissements proposés et une large palette de cuisines, Orient Bay a su asseoir sa réputation d’une des meilleures places de l’île. Le melting-pot des insulaires et des touristes a favorisé une cuisine sophistiquée et goûteuse et La Playa s’est fait un nom en proposant une carte “fusion” qui combine gastronomies asiatique, française, américaine et créole pour un résultat aussi impressionnant qu’abordable. Après une grosse opération relooking d’un trimestre, La Playa est l’un des plus attractifs restaurants de plage de l’île. C’est même l’image de carte postale par excellence, du paradis caraïbes : cuisine à tomber, boissons exotiques délicieuses, ambiance exceptionnelle, activités nautiques diverses et service au top, le tout sur la célèbre plage d’Orient Bay. A La Playa, vous pouvez petit-déjeuner ou déjeuner au restaurant offrant une vue imprenable sur la plage et l’océan. La musique

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est diffusée à un juste volume, propice aux conversations. Dans l’assiette, la présentation est bien supérieure au standard ; quant aux prix, ils sont très abordables, d’autant que le service est incroyablement généreux. La carte de La Playa offre une grande variété de fruits de mer et poissons, viandes, plats végétariens, le tout relevé d’une petite touche Caraïbe. Parmi les meilleures entrées, on trouve l’antipasto italien : une grande assiette de charcuteries, poivrons grillés, fromages, olives et tomates séchées, accompagné de tomates fraiches, salade, basilic et bâtons de pain. Un autre plat fameux, la salade tropicale : une combinaison aigre-douce de poulet, crevettes, salade et fruits frais, le tout mariné dans une vinaigrette au lait de coco spécialement imaginée par le Chef. Au menu aussi, le poulet colombo - une délicieuse variation à partir de la recette traditionnelle caribéenne - servi avec du riz, des plantains et des chips de patates douces. Sur la carte des poissons, sont proposés le tartare de crabe préparé au guacamole et à la man-

gue et le tartare de mahi-mahi mariné dans le lait de coco et la ciboulette, les deux servis avec une salade. Délicieux également, le hacher de tofu et de légumes - un plat exquis de tofu cuisiné dans une sauce aigre-douce, accompagné de riz et de chips de patates douces – ou les lasagnes végétariennes. Pour les affamés qui voudraient un menu moins élaboré, l’établissement a pensé une carte de snacks typiquement américains tels que hot dogs, hamburgers, cheesburgers, BLTs et même burgers végétariens. Un soufflé au chocolat chaud, glace et des fruits frais figure à la carte des desserts. Quant au pain, il est cuit chaque jour sur place. Il y a deux bars à La Playa qui proposent un vaste choix de bières et d’alcools. Les barmen seront aux petits soins pour vous concocter le cocktail de vos rêves. L’ambiance enfin, vaut également le détour. Transats sur la plage et activités nautiques diverses sont à votre disposition. La Playa est ouverte tous les jours pour le petit-déjeuner et le déjeuner de 9 heures à 18 heures. Vous pouvez également privatiser les lieux tout au long de l’année, sur réservations, pour des soirées ou des séminaires. Résas au 05 90 29 04 79 et plus d’infos par mail à contact@laplayasxm.com. Les cartes de crédit sont acceptées.

SON TRUC À ELLE, C’EST LA NATURE

Où l’on découvre Rachel Mouial, sa passion pour la nature, les matières premières de Dame Nature et sa ligne de bijoux “Rawbelle.”

Photos de Yotam Sandak

lle est à la fois bohème, les pieds bien sur terre, fun, adepte de friperies et complètement fashion. Son style, c’est l’ethnique chic. Tout, depuis ses bottes indiennes à ses froufrous, en passant par sa tunique à fleurs ou le collier de saphir brut autour de son cou, indique son goût pour la matière et les pierres. Rachel Mouial donne dans les pierres, les fouilles et l’énergie créatrice. Le collier qu’elle porte est une très jolie pièce aux couleurs douces, avec des perles enfilées sur un lien de soie. Ses bijoux, elle les crée avec ses souvenirs de voyage. “Je collectionne les pièces exceptionnelles, naturellement précieuses et j’adore voir ces joyaux dans leur forme pure, inaltérée” nous dit-elle. C’est d’ailleurs à l’état brut que Rachel les préfère. “Si l’on coupe un saphir, on s’aperçoit qu’il est composé de triangles. Savezvous qu’à l’origine, l’étoile de David vient d’un diamant brut ?”. Cette passionnée de nature est fascinée par les matières premières qui viennent de Dame nature. “Tout ce qui brille n’est pas or” ajoute-t-elle dans un sourire. “Il y a de la beauté en toute chose, et particulièrement dans la nature”. Sa fascination pour la nature remonte à ses plus jeunes années. “J’ai toujours collectionné les pierres qui me semblaient intéressantes. J’ai participé à l’atelier archéologique animé, partie Française, au Musée par Christophe Hénocq. D’une certaine manière, “creuser pour chercher quelque chose” s’est mué pour moi en “chercher la vérité de l’humanité” ”. La jeune créatrice affirme en souriant : “Creuser la terre pour obtenir des réponses à la vie est mon Mojo!”. Elle s’explique : “C’est un peu comme partir à la recherche de fossiles qui détiennent un vestige des temps passés, la connaissance d’une vie antérieure”. Les pierres - apatite, grenat, cristaux et améthystes - sont ses amies. “C’est important pour moi de savoir d’où elles viennent, à quoi elles appartiennent, ce qu’elles veulent dire”. Saint-Martin, c’est chez elle, c’est sa base. “C’est ici que j’ai grandi” dit-elle. “A l’exception

d’une période Lagon Bleu, à Saint-Barth, pour mes années dans le secondaire, pendant laquelle j’allais pieds nus, avec mes amis, à la recherche de grottes et de cristaux”. Rachel a du sang algérien et franco-italien qui coule dans les veines et ce métissage lui donne un atout : il la distingue et le fait de ne pouvoir lui coller une étiquette joue en sa faveur. Elle a le flair d’une artiste et ses dessins et ses créations sont très appréciés. Au moment de cette interview, Rachel sortait tout juste d’une rencontre fructueuse avec les responsables du musée Guggenheim à New York, pour qui elle prépare une collection. Elle expose également à l’Art Bazel sur Miami Beach. “J’adore confectionner ces pièces mais c’est difficile de réaliser une grande collection. A cause du travail que cela représente, mais aussi en raison de ce que signifie ces pierres pour moi”. Ses œuvres sont uniques. Chaque pièce est personnalisée pour répondre précisément à ce que désire l’acheteur. “Avant de m’atteler à la création, je pose des questions, sur l’âge ou les formes préférées de mon client. J’utilise des huiles essentielles dans le filetage de la soie. Il s’agit pour moi de comprendre le type d’énergie qui doit émaner de cette architecture, pour venir en aide à son futur propriétaire…La plupart de ces pièces ont des propriétés curatives, telles que ce bijou qui se connecte à tous les chakras du corps”. Certains connaissent Rachel en tant qu’artiste et créatrice de bijoux, photographe et responsable de galerie d’art ; d’autres comme la gestionnaire, la décoration d’intérieur de L’Hoste et de la Playa sur la Baie Orientale. C’est elle aussi, qui a pensé et réalisé la décoration de l’ancien Shore de

Grand-Case. Rachel souhaite prochainement ouvrir une boutique bourrée de style à La Playa. “Un endroit à la mode qui fera la part belle au vintage” dévoile l’artiste. Elle y vendra quelques-unes de ses bagues et pendentifs. Pour faire connaître son travail, Rachel exposera ses créations au Guggenheim de New York et à la Playa à la B.O. “J’aime le dynamisme de New York : ses librairies et ses boutiques vintage, les aliments frais et les maisons de thé … mais mon cœur est ici”, jure-t-elle. Les tarifs de ces créations varient de 250 $ à 5000 $. Rachel a baptisé la ligne de bijoux “Rawbelle”, “beauté brute”. Ses pierres sont à l’état brut, à la fois singulières et précieuses, différentes de ce que l’on a l’habitude de voir : tout comme elle ! Pour plus d’informations sur les créations Rawbelle de Rachel Mouial, contactez l’artiste au 05 (06) 90 57 45 55.

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DANIEL GIBBS

La passion pour son île coule dans les veines de Daniel Gibbs, ce jeune politicien qui était candidat à l’élection présidentielle de la Collectivité. Celui qui rêve d’unité nous a ouvert les portes de sa famille, son refuge à sa vie publique.

PAR ALITA SINGH

our certains, Daniel Gibbs est considéré comme étant trop jeune pour les ambitions qu’il poursuit; d’autres le voient comme un simple arriviste ; ses partisans, eux, voient en lui un homme capable de mener à bien les changements nécessaires pour assurer la complexe transition de l’ancienne commune au statut de Collectivité pleine et entière au sein de la République française. Attablé au Bar de la Mer, rue de la Liberté à Marigot où se trouve son QG de campagne, Gibbs fait mine de partir quand je lui annonce que cette interview sera publiée après les élections du 18 mars. Il se rassoit dans un éclat de rire, et se lance sur l’un de ses 2 sujets favoris : Saint-Martin. A 44 ans, Gibbs est rentré sur l’île en 1996 après ses études de droit ; il travaillait comme notaire assistant avant que la politique ne vienne frapper à sa porte. Il travaillait à la rédaction de sa thèse quand le maire Albert Fleming, son mentor en politique, lui a demandé de rejoindre son équipe. “Je lui avais toujours dit que je ferai tout pour mon pays, mais à la seule condition d’avoir un diplôme en poche pour m’assurer un avenir professionnel. Un diplôme qui me permettrait de ne pas vivre d’une carrière politique”. Une condition remplie en 2000 lorsqu’il décroche son diplôme. Fleming revient lui dire qu’il est “grand temps de se jeter à l’eau pour voir s’il sait nager”. Un plongeon qu’il fait pour les élections de 2001, armé de cette devise que personne ne peut rien vous apprendre en politique et que c’est tout seul, que l’on apprend les ficelles du métiers. Le voilà donc navigant dans

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l’océan de la poliique locale au sein du cabinet du maire, avec pour mission la revitalisation du front de mer et le port de commerce. La lenteur de la mise en route des projets côté Français, alors même que la partie Hollandaise se développe à grande vitesse, lui montre qu’on ne peut pas continuer à gouverner “selon les vieilles méthodes”. Après de nombreux rebondissements politiques, il se fraye son propre chemin politique et crée l’Union pour la Démocratie (UD), après avoir claqué la porte de l’UP/UMP du sénateur Fleming et devenir un sérieux prétendant pour le poste de président de la COM. “Je ne suis pas entré en politique pour devenir maire ou président. Je me suis engagé car on m’a demandé de m’impliquer pour l’avenir de l’île et de nos enfants. J’ai une vraie passion pour mon pays. Être engagé en politique, ce n’est pas un métier, c’est une mission”. Contrairement aux élus de Sint Maarten, les élus de Saint-Martin ne perçoivent pas un salaire mais une indemnité. Gibbs souligne qu’en matière de développement économique, il a su relever le challenge avec succès. Quitte à essuyer les critiques. Gibbs pense que ces années dans le bain politique l’ont placé en tête du peloton des décideurs. “Je suis peut-être le plus jeune candidat en lice, mais j’ai aussi l’expérience aux affaires la plus solide. On a besoin de la vitalité de la jeunesse conjuguée à l’expérience”. Gibbs souligne la nécessité d’une “coopération solide” entre les deux côtés de l’île et la création d’un office de tourisme commun. “Dans cet office commun, nous pourrions conserver les atouts de nos spécificités respectives et mettre nos avantages en commun”. Il pense aussi à la création d’un congrès de l’unité en matière de coopération. “Il en existe bien un à Bruxelles, pourquoi pas à Saint-Martin ? Ce n’est

pas pour demain, mais nous devons préparer ce dossier. C’est peut-être compliqué, mais si nous voulons une coopération digne de ce nom… Une présidence alternée garantirait que les deux côtés de l’île soient sur un pied d’égalté”. Sur le plan familial, Gibbs est beaucoup plus réservé. Il nous avertit qu’avec Yana, son épouse originaire de Russie et qui a grandi au Canada, ils font tout pour protéger Sacha, 7 ans et Maxime, 3 ans, du chahut politique. Gibbs fait de son mieux pour ne pas mélanger vie politique et vie de famille, mais il prend conscience du chemin qu’il reste à faire sur ce sujet après une réflexion de sa femme, un jour qu’il se félicite de ce qu’elle a pris un abonnement livraison à la presse locale. “Elle m’a dit que c’était la seule manière qu’elle avait trouvé de savoir ce que je faisais vraiment, car on ne parle jamais de politique à la maison. Quand nous sommes ensemble, nous formons une famille”. Leur rencontre sur la plage et le moment où il tombe amoureux est la plus jolie partie du conte de fée. A-t-il des regrets ? Très peu. Une famille toute jeune et les exigences de la vie politique rendent parfois les choses difficiles, mais Gibbs dit qu’il gère au mieux. Quand ça chauffe un peu trop, il pense à prendre des vacances et à partir en voyage. “J’essaie d’organiser ma vie autour de ma famille. Ce n’est pas toujours facile”. Yana est aujourd’hui plus impliquée dans la carrière politique de Gibbs, mais ses enfants restent protégés. Son père, le Dr Gibbs et sa mère Marie-Claude, sont ses piliers. Son père est un médecin reconnu et un Rotarien impliqué dans les services rendus à la communauté.

LA JARDIN DE LA NATION Une visite au jardin bio de Bellevue Photos de Yotam Sandak

PAR SANNY ENSING

isiter les jardins rastas de Bellevue, c’est un peu comme faire un voyage dans le temps. Stagiaires et bénévoles s’affairent à planter, ensemencer, élaguer, à récolter les légumes du potager et à arroser à l’eau de pluie récupérée dans des citernes. Tandis que nous rejoignons la cabane de bois qui sert de bâtiment principal à la ferme, un perroquet annonce l’arrivée de Ras Jah-Bash, le fondateur visionnaire des jardins bios. La vie est vraiment paisible à la ferme rasta, une vraie bouffée d’oxygène pour nos vies trépidantes sur une île cosmopolite en plein cœur de la Caraïbe. La ferme est comme un clin d’œil au passé insulaire, et symbolise un vrai « retour à la nature ».

Ras Jah-Bash explique qu’en 2006, une réunion est organisée par le sénateur de Saint-Martin, Louis-Constant Fleming au terme de laquelle une terre est mise à disposition pour la préservation de l’agriculture de l’île. La ferme est inaugurée le 6 février 2007, une date importante pour les rastas, puisqu’elle marque l’anniversaire de Bob Marley. « Notre objectif est de faire de l’agriculture biologique et en même temps, de ramener le jardin au cœur de notre société. Un objectif que l’on atteint en offrant des stages et des campagnes de sensibilisation auprès des scolaires, des églises, des personnes en situation de handicap mental ou physique. Nous travaillons aussi de concert avec l’Office de Tourisme. Nous vendons nos produits aux restaurateurs, aux particuliers, aux touristes et nous souhaitons la bienvenue à tous ceux qui souhaitent venir jeter un coup d’œil pour voir ce que l’on fait dans les jardins » explique le fondateur. L’association s’est fixée sept ans, pour faire naître l’ensemble des projets autour de la ferme et faire fonctionner pleinement ses jardins. Après cinq ans d’existence, elle a déjà réalisé la majeure partie de ses objectifs. “Nous avons 2 à 300 arbres fruitiers ainsi qu’une large variété de légumes et de racines à proposer à la vente. Nous avons des stagiaires et nous apprenons aux enfants les secrets de l’agriculture biologique. Mais le plus important, c’est que nous avons prouvé aux gens que l’agriculture était possible à Saint-Martin et qu’elle pouvait profiter à tous” résume Jah-Bash. Quant aux projets pour demain, il explique : “Nous organisons une foire agricole chaque année, mais nous aimerions en faire trois ou quatre par an à l’avenir. Nous pensons ouvrir un restaurant, en journée et en soirée, avec des boutiques d’art et d’artisanat, de vêtements, d’épicerie, de musique, de photos et de littérature, ainsi qu’une galerie d’art pour exposer des locaux”. Aujourd’hui, qu’est-ce qu’on trouve aux jardins rastas ? Carottes, navets, radis, pommes de terre, ignames, manioc, dachines, figuiers, mangues, cerises, genévriers, noix de cajou, caramboles, chou frisé, avocats, laitues, poireaux, roquettes, tomates, estragon, basil-

ic, menthe, origan, coriandre, ciboulette, céleri, lavande…La liste est longue et les jardins luxuriants. Pour Ras Jah-Bash, ces produits sont aussi bons pour le corps que pour l’esprit. “Aujourd’hui les jardins ne font plus vraiment partis de nos vie, pourtant, il ont une importance majeure. Ils nous apportent joie et nourriture. Ils nous détendent, et sont une thérapie spirituelle pour l’être humain. Le jardin de la nation, il est là”. Le fondateur du jardin est l’un des quatre bénévoles qui travaillent sur place. Il n’est pas juste un homme qui travaille dans la nature, mais quelqu’un qui fait corps et esprit avec elle. “Notre existence doit être pleinement en phase avec la nature” déclare-t-il. “Nous avons besoin de patience, et le jardin nous apprend la patience. Nous apprenons à être loyaux, à prendre soin de ce qui a de la valeur. L’unité est fondamentale car chacun joue un rôle dans un ensemble ; et nous respectons les animaux. Le jardin nous apprend à être respectueux envers les créatures que nous rencontrons. Il nous protège en nous permettant de bien manger. On sème, on récolte, on se déplace autour d’eux : voilà pourquoi je parle aux arbres et aux légumes, qui m’offrent nourriture, médicaments, refuges et vêtements…et qui payent les factures”. Le chef du jardin enseigne aussi et sert de guide à ceux qui ont besoin qu’on leur montre le droit chemin. “Je viens en aide à ceux qui viennent me solliciter”. Il regarde droit devant lui et déclare : “Les mots sont importants. Aujourd’hui, on a tendance à s’en passer alors que ce sont les mots qui font ce que nous sommes”. Il me met à l’épreuve : “Pense à dix mots négatifs que tu utilises dans ta vie de tous les jours et trouve leurs antonymes. “Je déteste” devient “j’adore”, “je suis stressé” devient “je suis détendu”, “je suis irrité” se transforme en “je suis heureux” … Ensuite, note ces mots sur une feuille et essaie de ne pas les utiliser, disons pendant un mois, et remplace-les par leur contraire”. Jah-Bash explique qu’il aime enseigner, en s’appuyant aussi sur des passages de la Bible ou en utilisant des plantes pour une médecine naturelle. “On peut tous se venir en aide” sourit-il. Au moment de quitter cet oasis idyllique, ce don à la nation, ce jardin d’abondance, le perroquet croasse un “Jah Love !” sous les caresses de Ras Jah-Bas. Voilà vraiment un endroit magique, une terre de ressourcement pour le corps et l’esprit. Les Jardins Rastas de Bellevue sont ouverts tous les jours, et il faut venir entre 8 et 10h du matin pour pouvoir s’offrir les produits fraîchement récoltés, conseille Ras Jah-Bas. A noter: pas de vente le samedi, même si la ferme est ouverte aux visiteurs entre 14h30 et 18h.

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ROCK STAR SOCIAL: LA MUSIQUE NE MEURT JAMAIS La passion pour son île coule dans les veines de Daniel Gibbs, ce jeune politicien qui était candidat à l’élection présidentielle de la Collectivité. Celui qui rêve d’unité nous a ouvert les portes de sa famille, son refuge à sa vie publique. PAR ALITA SINGH

n groupe, ça a besoin d’énergie, de synergie et de temps. Energie et synergie ? Rock Star Social en a tellement à revendre, que la magie opère immédiatement avec le public. Rock Star Social est un groupe récent, qui s’est produit pour la toute première à l’occasion du Super Bowl 2011. Un concert qui a rassemblé un monde de folie. Leur performance a rivalisé avec les pubs hautes en couleurs du Super Bowl et le spectacle programmé à la mi-temps. Leur dernière scène remonte au mois de février dernier, lorsque ils se sont produits à la Budget Marine’s Consumer Appreciation Party. Rock Star Social, c’est tout simplement le groupe de rock n roll le plus énergique de l’île. Ils font de tout : depuis la reprise de grands classiques du rock aux incontournables de la musique New Wave des années 80, en passant par la Dance, la Pop Punk, le rock alternatif ou le Hard Rock. “Notre répertoire et nos performances sur scène vous feront vous lever pour danser, chanter, dodeliner de la tête…” promet le guitariste du groupe, Michael Catani. Au micro, c’est Claudienne Peterson qui assure, en duo avec Tim Hicks, un musicien accompli qui officie également à la guitare et aux claviers. Catani à la guitare, Daniel Pere à la basse, Hubert Mollard Jackson à la batterie sont de ces rockeurs ultra exigeants avec leur show. La plupart des membres du groupe ont un boulot le jour, la moitié a des enfants en bas âge, et 3 des 5 musiciens jouent avec d’autres formations. “Nous devons donc bosser dur et toujours avoir un œil sur le calendrier”.

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Rock Star Social se produit essentiellement en haute saison touristique, car la plupart des musiciens sont hors de l’île pendant la basse saison. Et cela les rend assez rares sur scène - vu ce qu’il reste de la haute saison, on vous conseille d’ailleurs de guetter les dates de leurs prochains shows. Peterson, qui parle au nom du groupe, ajoute : “Y a rien de plus sympa et de plus amusant que d’être là-haut sur scène à sourire, à chanter, à jouer de nos instruments et d’apprécier ce que l’on est en train de faire. Mais il y a mieux que ça : il y a tout le côté pratique, qui prend un temps fou et complique les choses”. Quand un concert est programmé, les membres du groupe doivent apporter un matériel très lourd – comme pour tous les groupes – s’installer et faire leurs tests de sons. Certains lieux sonnent mieux que d’autres, le groupe doit donc s’ajuster au plus vite. En groupe de rock digne de ce nom, Rock Star Social sort le grand jeu : cheveux colorés et costumes de scène délirants. “On soigne nos tenues, on veut vraiment ressembler à un groupe de rock. Pour offrir au public un divertissement complet, qui va avec ce qu’il voit, ressent, entend”. Pour chaque concert, Rock Star Social reste sur place au minimum 5 heures, entre l’installation du matériel, le spectacle et le rangement. “Les gens ne réalisent pas cela…et quand on joue après le rappel, c’est parce qu’il nous reste de l’énergie à revendre. On repart alors pour un tour, mais on ne peut pas toujours !”. Etre dans un groupe comme Rock Star Social n’est pas de tout repos, s’accordent à dire les membres du groupe, qui ajoutent que le bon son, le matériel, les tenues de scène sympas, l’énergie et les visages heureux ne

PHOTOS DE YOTAM SANDAK

tombent pas du ciel. “On travaille beaucoup pour tout ça, on paye tout de notre poche. Et on n’est plus des gamins. On a tous dans les 30 ou 40 ans alors on se sent privilégiés de continuer à faire danser les foules de tous les âges. On apprécie de pouvoir encore vivre nos rêves et être des exemples pour les autres, heureusement”. Catani, le guitariste, explique que le nom du groupe est né parce que Rock Star Social voulait un nom qui soit l’exact reflet de leur répertoire musical et de leur shows sur scène, avec un accent particulier mis sur l’interaction avec le public. “On est dans un environnement social. On veut que le public se mette de suite dans le bain, à chanter et à danser. On jette de huile sur le feu. Et par bonheur, ce que le public et le groupe donnent et reçoivent se solde par une nuit rock géniale, et dont on se souvient longtemps”. La leçon essentielle que je tire de cette rencontre avec Rock Star Social est toute simple : accordez du temps à vos passions, l’effort finit toujours par payer. J’entendais souvent la voix de Claudienne raisonner dans le couloir lorsque nous étions voisines à Philipsburg il y a quelques années, parfois accompagnée par des accords de guitare. Ecrire ces lignes me ramène à ces années passées, à mon désir ardent de devenir journaliste et à cette voix qui m’offrait des pauses pour m’évader par la pensée. Rock Star Social prouve qu’en conjuguant musique et vie bien remplie, la musique ne meurt jamais. De nouveaux chemins s’ouvrent, un peu comme dans la chanson “Summer of 69” de Bryan Adams : “Had a band and we tried real hard, Jimmy quit, Jody got married. Shoulda known, we’d never get far ...”.

ET SI ON PARLAIT … VAGIN ?! Il suffit de pas grand-chose pour faire beaucoup pour l’environnement, préconise Jadira Veen PAR LIZA LENTINI

llez, avouez-le ! Si vous saviez que c’était complètement sans danger, anonyme et gratuit, vous vous lâcheriez totalement sur la liste de changements que vous voudriez pour votre corps. Un front lisse, un menton plus petit, une bosse du nez rabotée. Passer vos rides au laser, retrouver une peau de bébé. Des hanches plus fines, des lèvres plus charnues, un ventre plat… Une reconstruction vaginale.

QUOI ?! Tunnel de l’amour ou Terre promise : appelez-le comme bon vous semble, mais sachez que pour nombre de femmes, il figure en tête de leur liste d’obsessions ! On appelle ça la vaginoplastie. Et croyez-le ou pas, ça fait fureur. L’opération dépend de la patiente et peut aller de la réattribution de sexe à une petite intervention de rien du tout pour booster le plaisir sexuel. S’il peut répondre à des besoins très sérieux sur le plan chirurgical - comme la reconstruction après un cancer ou un traumatisme - à dire vrai, le fameux « resserrement », appelé rajeunissement vaginal, conçu pour augmenter le plaisir sexuel, est l’un des plus prisés. Si pour une femme, son accouchement est sans le plus beau jour de sa vie, ses conséquences en revanche, n’ont elles, pas grand-chose de magique. Une étude prouve qu’un tiers des femmes à la libido en berne après avoir donné la vie. Pour certaines, ce serait directement lié à l’étirement du vagin et au relâchement des muscles voisins, jamais revenu à son état d’origine. Le rajeunissement vaginal - qui se fait par une opération appelée labiaplastie - peut contribuer à améliorer la taille du vagin, les zones internes et externes, en ôtant excès de peau et dépôts gras. La procédure est simple, sur pratique ambulatoire. Si le scalpel peut parfois entrer en jeu, le rajeunissement vaginal est le plus souvent réalisé à l’aide d’un laser. Une option qui provoque moins de saignements, le laser coupant l’excès de tissus à la manière du scalpel et les fait fondre pour créer une zone plus petite, serrée et jolie. Au stade de l’étude aujourd’hui : l’utilisation de la radiofréquence pour le rajeunissement du vagin, qui devrait rendre le processus plus rapide et moins lourd du point de vue chirurgical, en permettant des opérations toujours plus précises, sans le risque que constitue la chaleur des lasers. Le temps mettra en lumière les avantages et les inconvénients de cette technique, qui doit encore faire l’objet de nombreux tests. Mais si les risques sont très limités, les médecins conseillent à leurs patientes de ne pas avoir de rapports sexuels pendant 6 semaines après l’intervention. Et comme pour toutes les opérations de chirurgie, il existe aussi un risque d’hémorragie ou d’infection. Et vu leur proximité avec la zone opérée, rectum et vessie pourraient souffrir d’une intervention qui tournerait mal.

Parmi ces risques minimes, le plus grand de tous est une mauvaise cicatrisation, qui rendrait les rapports sexuels douloureux. Une autre option est proposée pour ce qui est des opérations vaginales : celle de la reconstruction de l’hymen. Et oui. En faisant ce choix, l’on redevient aussi vierge qu’au premier jour. On dit de l’hymenoplastie qu’elle permettrait aux femmes de se sentir « plus jeunes » ou plus « féminines » une fois l’état virginal de jeune fille retrouvé. A votre prochaine soirée filles, faites un sondage pour savoir si vos amies pensent que leur hymen n’a aucun lien avec leur féminité. Compter le nombre de mains levées pourrait être révélateur. Les femmes qui envisagent le rajeunissement vaginal ont d’abord essayé la méthode Kegal et ses exercices tout simples de contraction pelvienne, en vain. Le rajeunissement vaginal peut ainsi jouer un rôle pour que certaines femmes retrouvent confiance en elles, mais pour une opération qui coûte de 3 à 10 000 $, il faut bien réfléchir avant de se lancer. Pour Caroline, mère de 3 enfants, le rajeunissement vaginal n’est pas pour demain. “Le vagin, c’est pas ce qu’il y a de plus beau de toute façon, je préfère essayer le Botox !”. Certes. Pour beaucoup cependant, l’état de leur vagin peut avoir une incidence sur leur santé mentale. Un vagin difforme rappellera constamment à certaines, un accouchement traumatisant par exemple. Pour d’autres, le port impeccable du maillot de bain n’est pas non plus quelque chose d’anodin. Le Dr. Mark X. Lowney, gynécologue obstétricien à la tête d’une clinique à Fall River dans le Massachusetts (www.massachusettscosmetic.com), donne quelques précieux conseils à retenir. “J’invite les femmes qui sont tentées de subir ce type d’opération à se poser la question du pourquoi. Si elles pensent que cela va sauver leur mariage ou rendre leur vie sexuelle meilleure, je leur recommande de reconsidérer la question. La procédure relève d’abord de l’esthétique et peut certes rendre meilleur le rapport sexuel. Mais ce n’est pas garanti. De plus, pour celles qui souffrent de dyspareunie (rapports sexuels douloureux), qu’elles soient conscientes que cette chirurgie peut aggraver la situation. Si elles souffrent de cystocèles, rectocèles ou de problèmes d’incontinence urinaire, c’est qu’elles ont besoin d’une chirurgie reconstructive pelvienne, couverte par la plupart des assurances santé. Elles devront également rechercher un gynécologue conseil certifié ou un chirurgien esthétique avec une formation en chirurgie de rajeunissement vaginal ». Donc, posez-vous la question : est-ce que vous partante ? Pour Marie, 42 ans et maman d’un enfant en bas âge, la réponse est clairement non. “Ce n’est pas demain la veille que j’autoriserais quelqu’un à aller…là” dit-elle. Mais pour cette autre jeune maman, Erin, 29 ans, la réponse est « peut-être ». “Je ne sais pas encore” dit Erin. “J’ai envie d’avoir d’autres enfants mais j’ai aussi envie de conserver une vie sexuelle harmonieuse. Si j’ai besoin pour cela d’en passer par la chirurgie, alors j’y réfléchirais à 2 fois. Je pense que la maternité et une belle vie sexuelle doivent aller de pair dans une vie heureuse”. Voilà qui est dit !

TOUT LE MONDE PEUT DEVENIR UN DÉFENSEUR DE L’ENVIRONNEMENT! Il suffit de pas grand-chose pour faire beaucoup pour l’environnement, préconise Jadira Veen PAR SANNY ENSING

vie est vraiment paisible à la ferme rasta, une vraie bouffée d’oxygène pour nos vies trépidantes sur une île cosmopolite en plein cœur de la Caraïbe. La ferme est comme un clin d’œil au passé insulaire, et symbolise un vrai « retour à la nature ». Ras Jah-Bash explique qu’en 2006, une réunion est organisée par le sénateur de Saint-Martin, Louis-Constant Fleming au terme de laquelle une terre est mise à disposition pour la préservation de l’agriculture

de l’île. La ferme est inaugurée le 6 février 2007, une date importante pour les rastas, puisqu’elle marque l’anniversaire de Bob Marley. « Notre objectif est de faire de l’agriculture biologique et en même temps, de ramener le jardin au cœur de notre société. Un objectif que l’on atteint en offrant des stages et des campagnes de sensibilisation auprès des scolaires, des églises, des personnes en situation de handicap mental ou physique. Nous travaillons aussi de concert avec l’Office de Tourisme. Nous vendons nos produits aux restaurateurs, aux particuliers, aux touristes et nous souhaitons la bienvenue à tous ceux qui souhaitent venir jeter un coup d’œil pour voir ce que l’on fait dans les jardins » explique le fondateur. L’association s’est fixée sept ans, pour faire naître l’ensemble des projets autour de la ferme et faire fonctionner pleinement ses jardins. Après cinq ans d’existence, elle a déjà réalisé la majeure partie de ses objectifs. “Nous avons 2 à 300 arbres fruitiers ainsi qu’une large variété de légumes et de racines à proposer à la vente. Nous avons des stagiaires et nous apprenons aux enfants les secrets de l’agriculture biologique. Mais le plus important, c’est que nous avons prouvé aux gens que l’agriculture était possible à Saint-Martin et qu’elle pouvait profiter à tous” résume Jah-Bash. Quant aux projets pour demain, il explique : “Nous organisons une foire agricole chaque année, mais nous aimerions en faire trois ou quatre par an à l’avenir. Nous pensons ouvrir un restaurant, en journée et en soirée, avec

des boutiques dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;art et dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;artisanat, de vĂŞtements, dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ĂŠpicerie, de musique, de photos et de littĂŠrature, ainsi quâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;une galerie dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;art pour exposer des locauxâ&#x20AC;?. Aujourdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;hui, quâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;est-ce quâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;on trouve aux jardins rastas ? Carottes, navets, radis, pommes de terre, ignames, manioc, dachines, figuiers, mangues, cerises, genĂŠvriers, noix de cajou, caramboles, chou frisĂŠ, avocats, laitues, poireaux, roquettes, tomates, estragon, basilic, menthe, origan, coriandre, ciboulette, cĂŠleri, lavandeâ&#x20AC;Ś La liste est longue et les jardins luxuriants. Pour Ras Jah-Bash, ces produits sont aussi bons pour le corps que pour lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;esprit. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Aujourdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;hui les jardins ne font plus vraiment partis de nos vie, pourtant, il ont une importance majeure. Ils nous apportent joie et nourriture. Ils nous dĂŠtendent, et sont une thĂŠrapie spirituelle pour lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ĂŞtre humain. Le jardin de la nation, il est lĂ â&#x20AC;?. Le fondateur du jardin est lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;un des quatre bĂŠnĂŠvoles qui travaillent sur place. Il nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;est pas juste un homme qui travaille dans la nature, mais quelquâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;un qui fait corps et esprit avec elle. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Notre exist-

ence doit ĂŞtre pleinement en phase avec la natureâ&#x20AC;? dĂŠclare-t-il. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Nous avons besoin de patience, et le jardin nous apprend la patience. Nous apprenons Ă ĂŞtre loyaux, Ă prendre soin de ce qui a de la valeur. Lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;unitĂŠ est fondamentale car chacun joue un rĂ´le dans un ensemble ; et nous respectons les animaux. Le jardin nous apprend Ă ĂŞtre respectueux envers les crĂŠatures que nous rencontrons. Il nous protĂ¨ge en nous permettant de bien manger. On sĂ¨me, on rĂŠcolte, on se dĂŠplace autour dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;eux : voilĂ pourquoi je parle aux arbres et aux lĂŠgumes, qui mâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;offrent nourriture, mĂŠdicaments, refuges et vĂŞtementsâ&#x20AC;Śet qui payent les facturesâ&#x20AC;?. Le chef du jardin enseigne aussi et sert de guide Ă ceux qui ont besoin quâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;on leur montre le droit chemin. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Je viens en aide Ă ceux qui viennent me solliciterâ&#x20AC;?. Il regarde droit devant lui et dĂŠclare : â&#x20AC;&#x153;Les mots sont importants. Aujourdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;hui, on a tendance Ă sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;en passer alors que ce sont les mots qui font ce que nous sommesâ&#x20AC;?. Il me met Ă lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ĂŠpreuve : â&#x20AC;&#x153;Pense Ă dix mots nĂŠgatifs que tu utilises dans ta vie de tous

les jours et trouve leurs antonymes. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Je dĂŠtesteâ&#x20AC;? devient â&#x20AC;&#x153;jâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;adoreâ&#x20AC;?, â&#x20AC;&#x153;je suis stressĂŠâ&#x20AC;? devient â&#x20AC;&#x153;je suis dĂŠtenduâ&#x20AC;?, â&#x20AC;&#x153;je suis irritĂŠâ&#x20AC;? se transforme en â&#x20AC;&#x153;je suis heureuxâ&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;Ś Ensuite, note ces mots sur une feuille et essaie de ne pas les utiliser, disons pendant un mois, et remplace-les par leur contraireâ&#x20AC;?. Jah-Bash explique quâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;il aime enseigner, en sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;appuyant aussi sur des passages de la Bible ou en utilisant des plantes pour une mĂŠdecine naturelle. â&#x20AC;&#x153;On peut tous se venir en aideâ&#x20AC;? sourit-il. Au moment de quitter cet oasis idyllique, ce don Ă la nation, ce jardin dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;abondance, le perroquet croasse un â&#x20AC;&#x153;Jah Love !â&#x20AC;? sous les caresses de Ras Jah-Bas. VoilĂ vraiment un endroit magique, une terre de ressourcement pour le corps et lâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;esprit. Les Jardins Rastas de Bellevue sont ouverts tous les jours, et il faut venir entre 8 et 10h du matin pour pouvoir sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;offrir les produits fraĂŽchement rĂŠcoltĂŠs, conseille Ras JahBas. A noter: pas de vente le samedi, mĂŞme si la ferme est ouverte aux visiteurs entre 14h30 et 18h.

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Rawbelle

If Mother Nature were a fashionista, she would wear Rachel Mouialâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rawbelle line of natural jewelry. Rachel combines her love for nature and archeology to create unique pieces of jewelry that are glamorously natural. From bold necklaces made of raw boji stones, fossilized tortoise shell and antique French lace to rings made of crocodile skin; Rawbelle Jewelry speaks the language of nature.

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