Soca News | March 2018 by Soca News

SOCANEWS F ree

i125/ mar 2018 ISSN 1464-7087

socanews.com

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Saint Lucia

Carnival 18

16-17 JULY 20

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Soca News invites you to…

…visit Saint Lucia and take part in the carnival celebrations. We have a special package just for you. You’ll leave London on Wednesday 11 July and touch down in Saint Lucia eight hours later, where you’ll spend seven nights and eight days soaking up the island’s culture and taking part in one of the greatest cultural events on this earth – Carnival. Our package starts from £1,375 per person, and includes flights, accommodation, breakfast, airport transfers, parties and an island tour, all enhanced by sun, sea and fun. To book your package, please call our friends at Caribbean Reunion Club on 020 7344 0101 and quote the reference Soca in Saint Lucia. They’ll handle the rest. For full details, visit socanews.com/saintluciacarnival

THE ABOVE IS MADE POSSIBLE WITH THE SUPPORT OF

Terms & Conditions. Prices are subject to availability and includes all taxes. Flights and accommodation are provided by Caribbean Reunion Club. All other services transfers, events packages is provided by Soca News. Soca News are acting as an agent on behalf of Caribbean Reunion Club, all air holidays and flights shown are ATOL protected (ATOL 3879). Please visit their site for full https://www.flycrc.com/pages/terms

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CONTENTS MARCH 2018 | ISSUE 125

PEOPLE 16. ROMAIN VIRGO

23. FEATURE

SAINT LUCIA CARNIVAL A HIDDEN GEM WAITING TO BE DISCOVERED

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AND THE LOVESICK TOU

39. RELAX AT THE BAY

FEATURES

REGULAR

09. DISCREDITED COUNCIL

07. NEWS

STRIPS NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL LEADERS OF FUNDING

ISLANDER

34. TANYA-NICOLE EDWARDS

SINGER, SONGWRITER, MUSICIAN & ACTRESS

CARNIVAL 20. JAMAICA CARNIVAL 2018 VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE

SOCANEWS.COM

31. EVENTS

WHEN AND WHERE TO FETE

REVIEW 14. JOHN FISHER & IDMC GOSPEL SOUL CHOIR

GET LISTED If you’re a carnival organiser, promoter, mas band, steelband, soca sound, community group or other participant who’s feeling left out because we didn’t mention your event, or if you’d like to advertise in the magazine or online, the remedy is in your hands. Get in touch! Give us a call on 0333 012 4643

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EdITOR’s Letter February marked 22 years since the first publication of Soca News (the first issue came out in February 1996), and over that time we’ve seen many changes within the industry, including advances in technology that have allowed soca and carnival culture to reach a much wider audience. After all these years our goal remains more or less the same, namely to ‘Spread Our Culture Around’. In the beginning this was only through print, whereas we now have a range of platforms and online tools available to help us succeed in our mission. There still aren’t any legal stations on the FM dial in the UK that are dedicated to the music of the Caribbean, in particular soca. I strongly believe that having our music broadcast on a legal station is an essential requirement if we are to move forward and build an industry. Internet radio stations are great, but they just don’t have the level of listenership required to make a real impact; although these stations are online, they’re still also underground. For soca music to grow in this country we need to make a concerted effort as a community. From the DJs and the artists, to the promoters and producers and to us, the audience, let’s not ask what soca can do for us, but what we can do for soca. We’re always happy to hear from our readers, so feel free to email news@socanews.com, and we’ll get back to you. YOURS IN SOCA. Joseph Charles EDITOR

PUBLISHER & EDITOR Joseph Charles jc@socanews.com CREATIVE Joseph Charles SUB EDITOR Katie Segal katie@socanews.com CONSULTING EDITOR Stephen Spark stephen@socanews.com

SALES & ADVERTISING sales@socanews.com WORDS Ionie Benjamin, Joseph Charles, Katie Segal, Stephen Spark PICTURES Bay Gardens Beach Resorts, Carnival Chung, Garth Archibald, Rudolpho Louisy, Saint Lucia Tourism Authority, Stephen Spark ADDITIONAL SUPPORT Debbie Melchor

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twitter.com/socanews

PUBLISHED BY Joseph Charles Publishing 86-90 Paul Street London, EC2A 4NE TELEPHONE + 44 (0) 333 012 4643 EMAIL info@socanews.com WEBSITE www.socanews.com

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The views expressed in Soca News are not necessarily the views of the editor or the publisher. All material contained within this publication is the copyright of Soca News. No material, written or photographic may be reproduced in any way without the written permission of the publisher. No liability will be accepted for any errors which may occur within the magazine. © 2017 Soca News. All rights reserved. 6 SN MARCH 2018

news

Antigua to Decriminalise Cannabis

WORDS | KATIE SEGAL

ntigua and Barbuda looks set to decriminalise cannabis, following several other countries in the region. An amendment to existing drugs laws has been passed by the Lower House, and is set for debate in the Upper House, the Senate, in July; no opposition is anticipated. Aspects of the bill include the decriminalisation of possession of up to 15 grams of cannabis for personal use (not legalisation; if in a public place, a ticket and fine may still apply), and for a household to be able to grow up to four plants. It would become legal for Rastafarians to use the plant as part of their religious observations. The government has also announced impending talks regarding the medicinal use of marijuana and the issuing of licenses for farmers to be allowed to grow the plant. If it became legal for farmers to grow the plant as a crop, that could potentially open up access to markets in the swiftly growing number of countries where use of cannabis has been and is about to be legalised. There have been allegations that the timing of this bill has a great deal to do with the imminent election, announced for 21 March, where the incumbent Prime Minister, Gaston Browne, hopes to be re-elected. Although stating that his government is not advocating the use of cannabis, Browne has said that, “It is, in essence, a part of the culture of the country.” He has asked the police to stop incriminating marijuana users in this interim period, and intends to expunge prior convictions for possession of the drug.

Nailah Blackman heads SXSW

ach year, around this time, thousands of musicians descend upon Austin, Texas for the annual South by Southwest (SXSW) music festival. The festival, which is a collection of film, interactive media and music, began in 1987 and has continued to grow in both scope and size. One of the highlights of the festival is The Austin 100, where 100 songs spanning a spectrum of genres, sounds and styles are picked from a catalogue of thousands performed by the bands and artists appearing at the festival that year, to showcase the best the festival has to offer. You can stream or download The Austin 100 from the npr. org website.“ This year, Nailah Blackman has made it onto the list with her infectious track, O Lawd Oye. She will be performing at the festival on Saturday 17 March, at 800 Congress Avenue.

FOR MORE NEWS VISIT

SOCANEWS.COM/NEWS SN MARCH 2018 7

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feature NOTTING HILL CARNIVAL REPORT

Discredited Council

strips Notting Hill Carnival leaders of funding

WORDS | STEPHEN SPARK

he Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) has pulled the plug on London Notting Hill Carnival Enterprises Trust (LNHCET), organiser of Europe’s largest annual outdoor festival. Late last year the council revealed that it will not be continuing its funding of LNHCET, and many doubt that the Trust will play any significant role in running Notting Hill Carnival (NHC) this year. RBKC and other agencies on the Notting Hill Carnival Strategic Partners Group (SPG) have lost patience with LNHCET, which they believe is inca-

pable of running the event safely and efficiently. The council wanted to choose a new group to receive their £100,000 of carnival funding, and in late December issued a call for expressions of interest from organisations to take over as combined event organiser and event manager. Whilst this is controversial, in that RBKC should clearly not be the entity that decides who runs Carnival, it’s understandable that they would desire to give their money to a body in which they, and other, have faith. Shortly before the 19 January deadline for

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applications, a well-placed source told Soca News that ‘four or five’ organisations were in the running, but the ‘shoo-in for the job’ was Carnival Village Trust, which runs the Tabernacle arts centre in Powis Square and the Yaa Centre in Chippenham Mews.

“Carnival would have run far more smoothly had there been a collaborative, open and trusting spirit on all sides.”

Secretive partners The SPG is made up of RBKC (the lead partner), LNHCET (NHC organiser since 2012), the Greater London Authority (GLA), Westminster City Council, the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS), the London Ambulance Service, the London Fire Brigade, bus and rail operator Transport for London and the government’s culture-funding body Arts Council of England (ACE). The self-appointed group of authority stakeholders meets at GLA’s City Hall headquarters but does not publish minutes of its meetings. Even senior members of the organisations SPG claims to represent have told Soca News that they do not know what is discussed or decided at the meetings. Last year, local people and the carnival community were infuriated by the way the Strategic Partners Group appointed an event manager for Notting Hill Carnival at very short notice and without any tendering process. The company chosen, London Street Events (LSE), trading as Street Event Co (SEC), had been set up only a few weeks beforehand and had no track record in event management. To satisfy police security concerns – especially in the wake of recent terrorist incidents in London and elsewhere – plus the council’s desire for a ‘smaller, safer carnival’, more rigorous registration of masquerade bands and other participants was introduced. Bands had to conduct risk assessments, give the police the names and IDs of vehicle drivers, and agree to an event plan, stating which entry point they would use to access the parade route. Entry points were protected by steel barriers and the number was drastically reduced compared with previous years. Bands were warned that the police would carry out random searches of vehicles and driver identities would be rigorously checked. Distrust and obstruction The new restrictions generated substantial administration work, so the employment of outside help to manage this was not unreasonable, free-

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ing up LNHCET to concentrate on improving the artistic presentation of Carnival. However, the high-handed way in which RBKC and the MPS introduced these changes infuriated NHC participants, who took out their anger on London Street Events’ staff. LSE’s main role, some felt, was to act as a scapegoat to draw criticism away from the Strategic Partners Group. Faltering figurehead RBKC’s decision to end its financial support for LNHCET was hardly a surprise. Almost since it was founded, in June 2012, the organisation has been slated for its lack-lustre leadership, lack of accountability, poor communications both with carnivalists and the media, inability to raise funds, absence from critical meetings and its failure to grasp or respond effectively to serious and genuine concerns about Notting Hill Carnival’s management and future. If that sounds harsh, consider the facts. LNHCET’s 74-year-old chair, Augustine ‘Pepe’ Francis MBE, is rightly revered for his leadership of Ebony Steel Orchestra, guiding it to unparalleled success over many years. However, he is a clumsy public speaker, as was demonstrated in an infamous ‘car crash’ interview with right-wing talk-show host Nick Ferrari, and he has proved an uninspiring figurehead for Europe’s most popular annual street-based event. The organisation has done little to help itself. It is styled a ‘trust’ and a ‘charitable company’ yet it is not a registered charity and does not send accounts or an annual report to the Charity Commission as it should under its own articles of association (AoA). Lack of charitable status means it misses out on major funding opportunities and tax efficiencies, and its financial situation is opaque because only the barest summary accounts are available at Companies House (apparently, it has around £50,000 in the bank). There is no evidence that LNHCET has made much effort to raise money through its own efforts; when pressed, it pleads that potential sponsors are put off by negative media coverage. NHC’s unenviable media profile is an undisputed fact, and largely down to LNHCET’s failure to develop good relationships with journalists. At times, the Trust seems to have gone out of its way to encourage negative press reporting of Carnival; in 2015, it demanded huge sums of

money from freelance photographers and journalists for press passes and illegally claimed rights over their work, and in 2017 snubbed major broadcasters who were set to give Carnival its best coverage for years. Aims and articles As a charitable company, London Notting Hill Carnival Enterprises Trust is governed by several articles of association. Few would disagree that these are reasonable aims, and many of them were mentioned in January’s workshop held by newly formed group ‘Reclaim Our Carnival’. Even fewer believe that the Trust has achieved those objectives – as was made clear to LNHCET director Lewis Benn when he chaired October’s post-Carnival residents’ meeting. In late January, SN was told that Benn had resigned from the LNHCET board. Meanwhile, Trust chair Pepe Francis remained suspended while an allegation of financial impropriety was investigated. The articles also state that any individual or organisation can apply to be a member of LNHCET, so long as they are approved by the directors. Who knew that? Or that LNHCET is meant to hold an annual general meeting at least every 15 months, keeping minutes of the proceedings, or that one-third of the directors are supposed to resign in rotation at each AGM? Council of despair Had the directors followed their own guiding document and shown genuine openness and willingness to engage, it’s possible that LNHCET would have greater credibility with both the Carnival community and the authority stakeholders. As it is, we have to wonder what LNHCET’s main funder, RBKC, has been doing over the past five years to ensure that the Trust, as the recipient of their funding, was run properly. When a participant at an SPG meeting asked about direct arts funding of the Trust, the ACE representative laughed at the naivety of the question – money given to the Trust simply disappeared, it was suggested. The council seems not to have applied proper scrutiny to this pseudo-charity, just as it failed to use good practice in the way it appointed the event manager last year. However, the council is in no position to lecture others on good management. It remains

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under a very dark cloud following the deadly fire at Grenfell Tower in June 2017. The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea’s past inaction allowed the manifest failings in London Notting Hill Carnival Enterprises Trust to develop and persist. Its decision to cast the Trust adrift was carried out without any attempt to consult the real stakeholders of Carnival – those who create the mas, music and spectacle that draw a million visitors to Notting Hill in August, earning London an estimated £110 million every year. Representation of the people It is hard to see that LNHCET has much of a future. It is, though, the only body that - in theory at least - represents all the disciplines (or ‘arenas’) of Notting Hill Carnival, which are mas (through the Carnival Arts Masquerade Foundation, CAMF), steelpan (British Association of Steelbands, BAS), static sound systems (BASS), calypso (Association of Calypsonians UK, formerly ABC) and soca sounds, which is the music for the bands on the route (Caribbean Music Association, CMA). How these organisations will be represented in future – and how they, too, will be encouraged or pushed to become better at what they do – is a big question that needs to be answered very soon. Under the new contract, RBKC’s chosen event manager/organiser will have to show how it will appoint or arrange elections of board members, arena leads, directors and advisers. It must demonstrate financial transparency by filing full (not summary) accounts and have robust lines of communication. The new group will also have to engage with the local community far more effectively. A major element missing from RBKC’s requirements is any reference to a strategy for dealing with the media. Without this, Carnival will continue to be at the mercy of the Met press office’s negative propaganda machine. Community credibility On 26 February, Carnival Village Trust was

awarded RBKC’s carnival funding. As CVT was set up to upgrade and run both the Tabernacle and the Yaa Centre, they’ll presumably now need to revise their own articles of association. CVT has had its own financial and organisational challenges as well, so we can only hope for the best in their new direction. We understand that there are running costs for Carnival of around £650,000 in total (including stewarding, infrastructure etc). That figure, coincidentally, is equivalent to Evening Standard editor George Osborne’s remuneration for working one day a week for a financial institution! Clarity in conclusion Clearly, appointing an untried event manager in such a hasty and inappropriate way was going to cause problems. Clearly, the police took risk-aversion to absurd lengths in 2017,and were overly prescriptive. Clearly, the distress caused to the local community by the fire at Grenfell Tower, close to the route, added another layer of complication to Carnival 2017. Clearly, the behaviour of some participants and groups was obstructive and self-defeating. And clearly, Notting Hill Carnival would have run far more smoothly, with fewer delays and less inconvenience, had there been a more collaborative, open and trusting spirit on all sides. Regrettably, there is no sign at all that the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea and the Metropolitan Police Service have learned that lesson. Over to you This article only scratches the surface of a complex and fast-changing situation and is based on incomplete, sometimes conflicting, information. It does not claim to provide anything like the whole picture, and readers are encouraged to do their own research. Let Soca News know if you can add more details or correct any inadvertent errors. Get involved in the conversation follow this story at facebook.com/socanews Additional updates to this article by Katie Segal

FOR MORE NEWS VISIT

SOCANEWS.COM/NEWS 12 SN MARCH 2018

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review

Picture. Karen Harrison, John Fisher and His Excellency Seth George Ramocan.

Paul Harrison Directoer PK Media John Fisher Founder & Director IDMC & Juliet Fletcher

John Fisher & IDMC Gospel Soul Choir launch their Ninth Album

WORDS | JOSEPH CHARLES PHOTO | ORVILLE THOMAS (ORV TEE PHOTOGRAPHY)

he launch of John Fisher & IDMC Gospel Soul Choir’s ninth album took place at the High Commission of Jamaica on 21 February. Present were the Jamaican High Commissioner H. E. Seth George Ramocan, sponsors and other guests. The High Commissioner opened the proceedings by welcoming the IDMC choir and congratulating them on their 24th anniversary and the launch of their ninth album, Hideaway Live. IDMC is a dynamic and vibrant professional gospel choir, and their performances made for an inspirational and uplifting evening. IDMC also committed to sponsoring Browns Town Health Centre in St Ann’s as part of the AdoptA-Clinic project, for which John Foster is part of the committee. Paul Harrison of PK Media supported IDMC with their marketing, and in his opening remarks made mention of the knife crime deaths in London,

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echoing a message of hope that needs to be disseminated to our young people. He spoke of hope as important to the community, who need to know we care and so can be inspired with positivity. As he looked around the room remarking on how many inspiring people had attended the launch, Harrison said, “The most powerful weapon that we have today is unity, supporting each other in love and in our charity endeavour, as with the mandate of IDMC who are spreading the good news of hope and love with the message of gospel.” A vote of thanks was given to all the Caribbean businesses and others who came out in support of such a worthy event. Pastor White from the Tabernacle Church gave the blessing, and prayed for the success of the IDMC album. Each attendee was given a CD; you can purchase your copy of Hideaway Live by visiting www.idmcgospel.com.

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Romain

Virgo

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omain Virgo is scheduled to perform in concert in the UK this April, hot on the heels of his new album, Lovesick. The much-acclaimed reggae star will be accompanied by Sevana, a rising star from Protoje’s own team of Jamaican hit makers. With a wealth of hits including Stay With Me, Soul Provider and Can’t Sleep accompanying brand new material from the new album, this promises to be a very special night. Hinting at what fans can expect from the muchanticipated Lovesick, Romain said, “This is my third album, and we are trying to just make it different and give people a different sound. We always try to introduce people to different aspects, different sides of my talent”. We caught up with Romain to find out some more about the new album and live show.

Please tell us a little about the concept of the album Lovesick Lovesick is a love story. Most of the topics I touch on in this story are actually a series of things that I personally have been through, and I just wanted to put them in songs knowing that people around the world will hear at least one thing that they themselves have been through. You covered ‘Stay With Me’. Did Sam Smith ever hear it and comment? I remember when I did the cover of Stay With Me, Toddla T from BBC 1Xtra tweeted Sam Smith and asked if he had heard my cover of his song, and his reply was, “Yes I just listened it… it’s wicked!” It was a great feeling to hear a positive feedback from the original singer of the song. ‘Caress Me’ was part of a Dennis Brown project. How did you choose that song, and what did it mean to you? Caress Me was actually chosen by Neil Diamond from VP records for a Dennis Brown project; after recording the song a lot of fans, especially the sound systems, fell in love with this new version. ‘In This Together’ is produced by Donovan Germain from Penthouse. What influence has he had on your career?

Donavon Germain is more than just a producer. To date, he has been there to help with the direction of my career. Actually, he’s the person who also helped me to realise that I can write songs, if I just believe in myself. I will never forget his buying me a book called, Song Writing For Dummies. ‘Now’ has more of a dancehall vibe. What influences did you call upon to write this song? I always think about my stage performance, and things I could add to make it more diverse as time goes by, and I always know that I need a few more uptempo vibes that still have the topic of ‘love’ written all over them. After getting the riddim from Frenchie, that was how Now came about. ‘Day In Day Out’ has a realism and sound system vibe to it. And it’s over six minutes long! Please tell us a little about this track. Day In Day Out is basically talking about the battles that most couples around the world go through on a daily basis, while pointing fingers at who was wrong or right. This song was written by myself and Niko Browne from Lifeline Music, and also produced by him. In the recording session with our musicians we didn’t plan for it to be six minutes long, but there was a different kind of energy in the studio that evening, and we just allowed that energy to flow. You worked with many different producers on the album, including Sting International based in the USA and Silly Walks, out of Germany, as well as the cream of Jamaican producers. Was the album recorded around the world, or mainly from one studio? The only songs on Lovesick that were recorded outside of Jamaica were the ones produced by Sting International, which we recorded in New York. All the other overseas labels, including Silly Walks and Maximum Sound, were recorded in Jamaica at Niko Browne’s Lifeline Recording Studio or in other studios. Why was now the right time to bring the tour to the UK? The album is just a month away, and my dream was to take it on the road and present it to the fans. The UK has always been one of my favourite places around the world to perform - so that’s why I just believe everything is happening in a perfect timing.

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Apart from performing, what are you looking forward to most whilst here? I never get the opportunity to really get to see the UK. It’s always been an ‘in and out’ situation in the past, so hopefully this time I can get to go out and see the sights some more, in whatever city we’re playing. Sevana is supporting you on the tour; what’s your relationship like? It is such a joyful feeling to know that Sevana is going to be in the UK with us. She’s an artist who I truly admired from the days when she used to sing in her little group in the Rising Stars talent competition in Jamaica. There’s something about soulful singers that just always seems to draw me in, and she is definitely one of them. I’m super proud of her achievements in music thus far, and I know she will do great things in the future. You are both performing with a full, live band; how much rehearsal time do you need with the band to prepare? The Unit Band is my personal band, that travels all over the world with me. Even though they know every single song that I’ve ever recorded, we never take our

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performances lightly. We always rehearse as much as we can before we go out; even if it’s the same set, there’s no limit to the amount of time we use to prepare. What can ticket holders expect from the experience? We always try to make every single performance memorable, so everyone who’s coming out to see us perform should just expect nothing less.

UK TOUR DATES Wed 4th April

Birmingham, O2 Institute2

Thur 5th April

Manchester, Band On The Wall

Fri 6th April

Leeds, The Wardrobe

Sat 7th April

Cardiff, Tramshed

Sun 8th April

London, Scala

Tickets are available from www.shoobs.com and at all venues.

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carnival

08 APRIL

JAMAICA CARNIVAL

Carnival in Jamaica began in the ’40s, when UWI students recreated campus versions of their home islands’ festivals. Jump to 1990, as Byron Lee & Friends staged the inaugural JA Carnival, the first mas festival in the Land of Wood and Water. Three decades later it became the Kingston Metropolitan Area’s premier festival, and one of the biggest events in Jamaica. Jamaica’s jump up begins when Lent is over, with a series of big fetes, and climaxes with costumed bands on the road on what is known as Road March day - which in 2018 will be Sunday 8 April. Celebrations also take place in Ocho Rios has its own carnival, which is made up of five bands: Tainos, Maroons, Arawaks, Soca Junkies and Red Ants. For more information, visit http://ochicarnivalja.com/

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Here are four of the bands and their 2018 costume presentations that will wind their way through the streets of Kingston come Road March day: XAYMACA INTERNATIONAL Theme Luxe | www.xaymacainternational.com XODUS CARNIVAL Theme League of Angels | https://xoduscarnival.com BACCHANAL JAMAICA Theme Rebirth | https://bacchanaljamaica.com JAMAICA CARNIVAL Theme Royalty | www.instagram. com/jamaicacarnival For more info about Jamaica Carnival, check out www.carnivalinjamaica.com

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Saint Lucia

Carnival

SAINT LUCIA CARNIVAL 2018

16-17 JULY 20

Saint Lucia

Carnival 16-17 JULY 2018

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aint Lucia Carnival remains a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. In recent years the carnival has developed significantly, both through local talent and by incorporating elements from some of the island’s Caribbean neighbours. Until 1998, Lucian Carnival was a pre-Lenten affair, culminating on the two days before Ash Wednesday. Then, in 1999, the organisers moved it to July to attract more tourists by moving it out from under the shadow of Trinidad and Tobago’s bigger festival. The date change has allowed Saint Lucia Carnival to carve out a niche of its own. Today, the event clearly has the potential to establish itself alongside T&T Carnival and Barbados’ Crop Over as one of the Caribbean’s unmissable annual events. The mas bands have developed over the years, and offer both locals and visitors an unforgettable experience. Costume packages, with well-designed costumes, often have drinks on the road included in the price.

Then there are the events. Apart from the officially hosted competitions such as Soca Monarch, Panorama and Calypso Monarch, there is a vibrant fete (party) scene, where patrons can choose from cooler, beach, all-inclusive and dirty mas fetes. The music of Saint Lucia is varied, too. Apart from the soca influence, you can savour other genres such as zouk, bouyon, soukous and Afrobeats. And a new sound has emerged in the last couple years: Dennery Segment, which was born and bred in Saint Lucia. Attending the fetes and playing mas are what you’d expect on a Caribbean carnival-based holiday, but in Saint Lucia there’s the opportunity to relax on beautiful beaches, try horse riding, visit the Soufrière volcano or take an island tour. Saint Lucia offers an authentic carnival experience without the crush and costs associated with attending T&T Carnival.

GETTING THERE

ACCOMMODATION

Travelling to Saint Lucia, whether for carnival or any kind of getaway, could not be easier. British Airways (ba.com) flies from the UK to Saint Lucia seven days a week, while Virgin Atlantic (virginatlantic.com) has three flights a week in the summer and five in the winter. BA and Virgin, along with TUI, all fly from London Gatwick. For those living in the north and west of the UK, Thomas Cook operates a weekly service from Manchester in the winter months. In Saint Lucia, all flights arrive into Hewanorra International Airport, in the south of the island.

Saint Lucia offers accommodation for every taste and wallet, so whether it’s a chic and sophisticated boutique hotel, a charming guesthouse or the freedom of self-catering in a beachside villa, you’re bound to find the perfect fit for your kind of holiday. As a rough guide, Rodney Bay is where you’ll find the nightlife, but down south is the place to go for anyone who wants to chill in beautiful, lush scenery.

MORE INFORMATION For details and updates on Saint Lucia Summer Festival, visit www.stlucia. org/summerfestival. For general travel information, check out Saint Lucia Tourism Authority’s website, stlucia.org WANT TO VISIT SAINT LUCIA AND TAKE PART IN THE 2018 CARNIVAL CELEBRATIONS? SEE PAGE 29 FOR MORE DETAILS.

OTHER ACTIVITIES Even the most die-hard carnival enthusiasts will find plenty of other activities to enjoy on the island, including Hot Wire zip-lining, jungle biking, scuba diving, chocolatemaking, and much more.

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Saint Lucia

Carnival

SAINT LUCIA CARNIVAL 2018

16-17 JULY 20

Mas Bands

as comes from ‘masquerade’, which is another word for the costumes you see on the road at carnival. There are around a dozen mas bands in Saint Lucia. Playing mas (wearing a costume) is definitely the best way to enjoy carnival, and even if you only do it once the memories of that experience will remain with you for ever. However, once you’ve played mas once, we believe you’ll want to play again and again and again. If you intend to get a costume, then this is a good time to start looking at the designs available for wear on Carnival Monday and Tuesday. The most popular ones sell out fast!

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JUST4FUN info@just4funcarnival.com www.just4funcarnival.com FUZION MAS info@fuzionmas.com www.fuzionmas.com LEGENDS CARNIVAL BAND legendscarnival@gmail.com www.legends-carnival.com TABOO taboo.carnival@gmail.com instagram.com/taboocarnival ASARI TRIBE instagram.com/asaritribe

ROYALITES XTREME CARNIVAL BAND royalitesxtreme@gmail.com instagram.com/royalitesxtreme LOOSHAN REVELLERS looshanrevellers@gmail.com www.looshanrevellers.com INSANITI CARNIVAL BAND info@insaniticarnival.com www.insaniticarnival.com RED UNLIMITED redunlimitedsocial@gmail.com instagram.com/r3dunlimited

For more information about Saint Lucia carnival and mas bands visit - socanews.com/saintluciacarnival

Saint Lucia

Carnival EVENTS CA L ENDA R JUNE 2018

WED

06 FRI

08 SAT

• Ambassadors Calypso Tent • National Schools Calypso Competition

SUN

17 MON

• Vice Beach Party

FRI

SAT

• J4F Cooler Fete

SAT

29 30

• Vieux Fort Kiddies Carnival • Soufriere Carnival

Parade of the Bands

• Groovy & Power

Soca Preliminaries

• National Carnival Queen Pageant

JULY 2018 SUN

01 THURS

• Calypso Semi Finals • Dennery Carnival

Parade of the Bands

• U4RIA

SAT

• Colour Me Red

SUN

• National Junior Carnival • Vieux Fort

08 TUE

10 THUR

12 FRI

• National Calypso Monarch

SUN

• Groovy & Power Soca

SAT

Competition

• Remedy • Sunblock SLU Monarch Competition

• Indulgence • Brazen • Jab Jab Fete

MON

Parade of the Bands

• National Jouvert • Parade of the Bands

• Inter Commercial House

TUE

• Parade of the Bands

SAT

• Canaries Carnival Parade of the Bands

SAT

• Live N Colour

SAT

• Anse La Raye Carnival

Calypso Competition • Transcend

• King & Queen of the Bands • ESCAPE • AURA • Outrageous Sexy in Black • National Panorama

Competition

21-22

28-29

Parade of the Bands

For more information about Saint Lucia carnival and events visit socanews.com/saintluciacarnival ALL DATES AND INFORMATION WERE CORRECT AT THE TIME OF GOING TO PRINT.

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Saint Lucia’s Soleil Summer Festival is a series of five unforgettable events which take place from January to October, aiming to attract more visitors to the island all year round. The goal of Soleil is to build on Saint Lucia’s outstanding artistic talent and rich cultural heritage, while bringing tangible and lasting economic, social and cultural benefits to the country and its people. The five unique festivals are summarised below.

FOOD & RUM FESTIVAL If this takes your fancy, you’ll have to be patient and wait for next year, as it took place from 12 to 14 January – sorry! It incorporated the first Caribbean Rum Awards, which will now be held annually. So make a note in your diary and keep a look out for more details about the 2019 event.

SAINT LUCIA JAZZ FESTIVAL 6 - 13 MAY

This year marks the 27th edition of the Jazz Festival, probably the island’s best known annual event. The 2018 festival will be more condensed than in the past. Some of the acts performing this year are: Carolyn Malachi, Zara McFarlane, Cameron Pierre, Luther Francois, AZIZA and Dave Holland.

SAINT LUCIA CARNIVAL 14 - 17 JULY

With carnival comes the culture, and all that the island has to offer. Of all the year’s events, this is the one where the whole island gets involved. The carnival season runs from June, and comes to a head on Carnival Monday and Tuesday, 16 & 17 July, when the streets of the capital, Castries, come alive with brightly coloured costumes, feathers and music trucks. There’s an intimate, down-to-earth vibe about the party in Castries that distinguishes Lucian carnival from some of the more commercialised offerings in other islands.

ROOTS & SOUL

31 AUGUST - 2 SEPTEMBER Trend setters in reggae, conscious hip-hop, Afropunk and R&B come together for this celebration of social justice, spiritual upliftment and love. If you want to tap into the island’s good vibrations, this is the one for you!

ARTS & HERITAGE 19 - 21 OCTOBER

A glance at the island’s complex history helps explain why Saint Lucia has such a rich and diverse cultural heritage. There is plenty for this final element of the 2018 Soleil Summer Festival to celebrate, from art exposés and music shows to performance arts and cuisine. The crowning event is Jounen Kwéyòl (Creole Day), 28 October, a joyous celebration of Creole culture.

DISCOVER MORE AT STLUCIA.ORG/SUMMERFESTIVAL 28 SN MARCH 2018

Saint Lucia

Carnival 18

16-17 JULY 20

Soca News invites you to…

THE ABOVE IS MADE POSSIBLE WITH THE SUPPORT OF

30 SN MARCH 2018

events

Don’t know where to go, or what to do?

Our events listing is all you need to keep you in the know. We cover predominately London, but whenever or wherever we hear about a soca fete or caribbean related event, we’ll list it. If you’re a promoter, then to ensure you get listed please send us your event details and a print copy of your flyer to events@socanews.com. For full event listings, please visit socanews.com/events.

FRI 09 MAR

ACADEMY EVENTS

GET MAD ENTERTAINMENT

@ O2 Empire Shepherds Bush, Shepherd’s Bush Green, W12 8TT. Time 7pm. Price From £40.

BASHMENT & CHILL

@ Dogstar, 389 Coldharbour Lane, SW9 8LQ. DJs Shakit. Time 10pm-3:30am. SOCA FRENZY

ULTRA GLOW

@ Scala, 275 Pentonville Road, Kings Cross, N1 9NL. Time 11pm-5am.

SAT 10 MAR BUSSPEPPER PROMOTIONS

CARNIVAL TABANCA

@ The Loop, 19 Dering Street, W15 1AH. Time 4-10pm. Price £10, £15 & £20.

KASSAV

DJ STYLZ UK

ADESH SAMAROO LIVE - RUM TILL I DIE

@ Funky Brownz Bar & Club, 5 Tottenham Lane, N8 9DJ. Hosted by CoCo P. DJs DJ Stylz UK, Dr Selectah & DJ Lil Romeo. Guest DJs DJ Simply E. Time 8pm-2.30am. Price £15.

SUN 11 MAR MAGNUM OPUS EVENTS

SO SO SOCA - ALL DAY CARIBBEAN LIME

@ Mick’s Garage, Unit 8, Queen’s Yard, Hackney Wick, E9 5EN. Time 3-11pm. Price £8 & £12.

SAT 17 MAR D.A CONNECTIONZ

FETE TIL MORNING

@ The Exquisite Lounge, 117 Bruce Grove, N17 6UR. Featuring Live Edday, T Nak, DJ Chinoi, Sunshine & Nadiva & DeeVine. DJs DJ Redboy, DJ Vern, Lucian rebel, Shaker HD, Sir Rickman & Supa Nytro. Time 10pm-6am. Price £12, £15, £20, motd.

SOCANEWS.COM/ EVENTS SN MARCH 2018 31

events FOR A FULL EVENT LISTING

SOCANEWS.COM/EVENTS JAMBOLASSIE - THE ORIGINAL BACK IN TIMES FETE

@ Windrush Bar, 184 Stoke Newington High Street, N16 7JD. Time 10pm-3am. Price £12.50

SUN 18 MAR FLAGZ MAS BAND

2018 BAND LAUNCH

@ Boxpark, 99 George Street, Croydon, CR0 1LD. Time 1-8pm. Price free.

FRI 23 MAR HOT & GROOVY RETURNS

@ Moustache Bar, 58 Stoke Newington Road, N16 7XB. Time 10pm-3am. Price £5. DJ TATE

HUSH - THE NEON LIGHTS EDITION

@ O2 Academy Islington, 16 Parkfield Street, N1 0PS. Time 11pm-5am. Price £12 & £15.

SAT 24 MAR BACCHANAL PROMOTIONS

BACCHANAL TIME SAKA FETE EDITION

@ Building Six, The O2, SE10 0DX. Featuring Live Ricky T, Lil Natty & Thunda, Triniboi Joocie & Ms Desire. DJs Triple M, DJ Tate, Shaker HD, Kultxre & Ms Riri. Time 10pm-4am. Price £20, £25, £30, motd. FUNATIK MAS BAND

2018 BAND LAUNCH

@ Harringey Irish Centre, N17 8DX. Time 6-11pm. Price £7, £10 in adv. Info 07950 407 199 FUNATIK MAS BAND

AFTER PARTY

@ Levels 46, 46 Moorgate, EC2R 6EL. Time 11pm-3am. 32 SN MARCH 2018

UNITY, DUKA & COSMOPOLITAN ATHLETIC & SOCIAL CLUB

FUNDRAISING DANCE IN AID OF DOMINICA HURRICANE RELIEF

@ Manor Park Community Centre, 524 High Street North, Manor Park, E12 6QN. DJs DJ Mosty, DJ Mikey Afrique, DJ Smiley, DJ LT, Ninjaman Lloyd, DJ VJ & DJ Cobra. Time 9pm-2am. Price £10 adv, £12 on the door.

SUN 25 MAR VYBZ MAS

BAND LAUNCH

@ Bush Hall, 310 Uxbridge Road, W12 7LJ. DJs Kayak Sound, DJ Nate, DJ Young Sound & DJ Boastman. Time 7-11pm. Price £5.

THUR 29 MAR BLOSSOM CONCEPTS

LAUNCH PARTY

@ The Four Quarters, 187 Rye Lane, SE15 4TP. Time 9pm1.30am. Price £6 & £8.

FRI 30 MAR

NICE & EASY - THE CARIBBEAN LIME

@ RnR Wine Bar, 225 Chingford Mount Road, E4 8LP. Hosted By Supertrini Vibes & Martin Jay. Time 8pm-2am. Price £5. GET MAD ENTERTAINMENT

BASHMENT & CHILL

@ Dogstar, 389 Coldharbour Lane, SW9 8LQ. DJs Shakit. Time 10pm-3:30am.

SAT 31 MAR RUK-A-TUK PROMOTIONS

AWAKEN

@ All Bar One, 107 Houndsditch, EC3A 7BD. Time 9am-2pm. Price £30, £35 & £40.

CARIBBEAN SESSIONS

FREQUENCY

@ Drapers Lounge, 17 Godward Square, E1 4FZ. DJs DJ Sonic, Flagz Sound, Twin T, DJ Kerion, D.Tee, Slysta, Ras Kenny & DJ CJay & Movements Family. Time 10pm-4am. Price £5 & £8.

SUN 1 APR SOCA MASSIVE FANCY SAILORS

2018 BAND LAUNCH

@ Yaa Centre, 1 Chippenham Mews, W9 2AN. Time 5-10.30pm. Price free B4 7pm, £5 thereafter. Info 07958 319 954

MON 2 APR COCOYEA LONDON

EASTER FETE

@ Undersolo, 22 Inverness Street, NW1 7HJ. DJs Che In The Mixx, Soca Massive, DJ Fats & Zoomer D. Time 5-12pm. Price free B4 8pm, £5 thereafter. Info 07956 223 247

THUR 5 APR

SWEAT IN THE CITY

@ Camden Centre, Judd Street, WC1H 9JE. Top class instructors, Live DJs, Riddim Section, wellness lounge including a host of masseurs plus an exclusive goody bag. Price £12, £15 & £20.

SAT 7 APR INVADERS MAS

2018 BAND LAUNCH PARTY

@ Funky Brownz, 5 Tottenham Lane, Hornsey, N8 9D. Time 9pm-2am. Price £5. You are strongly advised to check with the event promoter, as details sometimes change and cancellations may occur; all information was correct at the time of going to print.

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islander

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THE MULTI-TALENTED ENTERTAINING YOUNG ISLANDER

anya-Nicole Edwards is a singer, songwriter, musician and actress. She was born for the stage, and from a very early age her talent has been evident. According to her mum, even before she was born she was excited about music. “My mum told me that when she was pregnant with me, when they were playing music I would be kicking and going real crazy.” WORDS | IONIE BENJAMIN

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After Tanya was born - in West London to St Lucian parents - the music played on. “My mum and dad were constantly playing music,” recalled Tanya, now 30. “Back then, it was vinyl, after vinyl, after vinyl. I grew up on Motown classics like Gladys Knight, Super Woman, Lionel Richie, Barry White, Diana Ross and the Supremes, The Jacksons, to name a few.” Coming from a very close-knit family, her grandmother also featured large in her life. Reminiscing on those early years she said, “Everyone was always at my nan’s house, that was where music was for me because my uncles and aunts were always singing and my uncle even built a studio.” The family continued to be unwavering in their support, and between the ages of six and eight Tanya was sent to the Sylvia Young School, where she was taught dance, music and acting. When she was 10, her grandmother made her join the choir, and would even join in the singing with them on Sundays. “As I got older, I branched out more into dancing, competitions and street dance. Between the ages of 14 and 17, I performed in local competitions such as The Talent Quest, which took place at Tabernacle in Powis Square, Notting Hill and whose creator and director was the respected Stephen Cole. So it was really in my teens - from about age 16 - that I found my passion for singing, and that’s when I took it seriously.” “I went to the Tricycle Theatre, Kilburn High Road for drama classes, joined the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Choir, and got involved with Golborne Youth Centre, off Portobello Road, where I would go after school and college to practice dance and music. If you were good at singing and dancing you would get through to the RBKC Choir and Dance Troupe.” By the time Tanya was ready to leave secondary education behind she had developed into a multi-talented entertainer, good enough to audition for professional parts. The first of many included the opportunity to go to the Cannes Film Festival, in France. “I auditioned for a part in Lion King, even though I was still a pupil at St. Charles School, off Ladbroke Grove. It was exam season, so I had to divide the time between rehearsing for Lion King, at the Lyceum Theatre in London’s West End, and doing my A-Level exams in performing arts, media studies, physical education and sociology. I was fortunate to have the Head of Performing Arts as my course tutor, who was very supportive. I got the part in Lion King, and the school gave me permission to leave two months early as long as I completed my exams. The production also

36 SN MARCH 2018

Tanya (first left) on stage at Motown The Musical (Photographer Alastair Muir)

went to Disneyland Paris, and I had to learn the part in French and English.” After Paris, Tanya returned to London as an ensemble member in Dirty Dancing at the Aldwych Theatre. She is of the opinion that a stage is a stage, wherever that stage happens to be - and her next time on stage was as a vocalist on a South American cruise ship, sailing around Singapore and Malaysia, in the musical Hairspray. On her return to London, Tanya appeared in The Book of Mormon at the Prince of Wales Theatre. “For those who have not seen the production, the creators of South Park also created the The Book of Mormon,” she said. “It’s a satire, a mockery; adult humour. It’s just so funny.” More recently, Tanya has been in Carole King’s musical, Beautiful. After leaving that she joined the cast of Motown the Musical, showing at the Shaftesbury Theatre. Rehearsals included tutoring from the legendary Berry Gordy, founder of the USA-based Motown Record Label. “We had some one-on-one time in rehearsal with him,” she said. In full circle, the music she listened to as a child with her mum, nan, aunts and uncles has turned out to be the very same music which she‘s ended up performing professionally as a West End singer and actress. Tanya is very focused on her aims and ambitions, and is careful not to be complacent. “One year contracts are what I like,” she said, “Then I move on to

something else.” “At the same time I have to count my blessings. I am very grateful; I have a lot of gratitude for what I have done so far. I am 30 years old now, and I have been doing this for all these years - and I feel the best is yet to come... Everything I have done through my experience is spurring me on, and inspired me to set up the Tanya Nicole Entertainment Company.” Whilst in the early stages of setting up the company, she is also on tour with popular 1980s artists. “I’m touring with Soul II Soul at the moment. I’ve been doing many shows back to back, but took a break for my birthday and travelled to the United States with a friend, and then to Africa, visiting the Afro Punk Fest in New York and the Delicious Fest in South Africa.” Tanya, who is single, said, “I am just a normal girl from West London, of Caribbean descent. I didn’t have

a university education, but everything that I have done so far is rooted in the community and in my passion and drive for performing arts. I love the craft, but not the fame. I am too private and too protective of family to be famous. My goal is to have a successful business and take it back to my parental roots of St Lucia, to provide entertainment for the hotels and the tourist industry and wherever in the world my talents are required.” “For me, you do something, and you do it and that’s it. It’s easy to be complacent and comfortable so I make it my thing to stay about a year. I throw myself into a show. Then when I’m not in a show I go back to my roots to work with the young people in the community.” To contact Tanya-Nicole, visit her website at www.tanyanicoleentertainment.com

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introduction to

bay gardens

The Bay Gardens Resorts chain is authentically Saint Lucian owned and managed. The company was founded in 1994 by Joyce and Desmond Destang, retired school teachers with an ambition to provide excellent service in the hotel business. “We love to travel, so we knew what sort of hotel we liked to stay at, and wanted to offer people a hotel in Saint Lucia which focused on exemplary good service and value for money”, says Mrs. Destang. This sentiment was the beautiful beginning of Bay Gardens Resorts. Located in Saint Lucia’s entertainment capital,

Rodney Bay Village, Bay Gardens Resorts features three unique and authentic award-winning properties and the Caribbean’s first even open water park, Splash Island Waterpark, each exuding the island’s trademark warmth and gracious hospitality. With value inclusions and the ability to ‘stay at 1 and play at 3’, Bay Gardens Resorts is ideal for families, romance, business or friends on a getaway trip. At Bay Gardens Resorts, they promise to provide each and every guest with an experience that will last a lifetime.

bay gardens

community outreach Bay Gardens Resorts is proud to support a variety of non-profit and community organisations and initiatives. They would be glad to review donation requests, which can be submitted at: www.baygardensresorts.com/donation-request. Bay Gardens Resorts currently provides breakfast on a weekly basis, as well as other items, to Monchy Combined School, participates in a clean-up program, and welcomes various school tours to their properties. They also give back to many talented Saint Lucians, including Lavern Spencer, who was an All-American high jumper for the University of Georgia and 2008, 2012, and 2016 Olympian for Saint Lucia; Darren Sammy, a Saint Lucian cricketer who 40 SN MARCH 2018

plays international cricket for the West Indies and is a two time T20 World Cup winning captain; Johnson Charles, a St Lucian international cricketer who plays for the West Indies. Bay Gardens resorts also participate in TEF (Tourism Enhancement Fund), which is a private sector initiative established on 1 October, 2013, designed to allow the tourism industry a greater opportunity to play an integrated role in the sustainable development of the country. For more information, visit www.saintluciatef.com

Accommodation Bay Gardens

Beach resort and Spa

rooms DELUXE GARDEN VIEW ROOM

These spacious and stylish rooms are located near the main lobby area and offer guests a stunning view of our lush tropical gardens from your own private patio. KING OR TWO QUEEN BEDS / SLEEPS 1-4 GUESTS

DELUXE POOL VIEW ROOM

These rooms are situated around the lagoon-style pool, open to the fresh island air. Luxuriate in the sight of our beautiful resort from your own private patio. KING OR TWO QUEEN BEDS / SLEEPS 1-4 GUESTS

DELUXE BEACH FRONT ROOM

Featuring breathtaking views of the Caribbean sea, these rooms are directly located directly in front of Reduit Beach, perfectly positioned for gorgeous sunsets from your own private patio. KING OR TWO QUEEN BEDS / SLEEPS 1-4 GUESTS

ONE BEDROOM POOL VIEW SUITE

Spacious sanctuary for rest and relaxation, these rooms are located in the centre of the resort around the main pool, and feature a separate living room and bedroom, full kitchen and dining area, powder room and a private patio.

TWO BEDROOM POOL VIEW SUITE

Ideal for families, these lavish rooms are home away from home for Bay Gardens guests. Also located in the centre of the resort around the main pool, they feature a spacious living room, two bedrooms, full kitchen and dining area, powder room, and double private patios. 1 KING. TWO QUEENS, SOFA BED / SLEEPS 1-6 GUESTS

ONE BEDROOM BEACH FRONT SUITE

For the perfect authentic Saint Lucian escape, these rooms are located directly in front of Reduit Beach, and feature a separate living room and bedroom, full kitchen and dining area, powder room and a private patio with spectacular sunset views. KING OR TWO QUEENS, SOFA BED / SLEEPS 1-4 GUESTS

TWO BEDROOM BEACH FRONT SUITE

These spacious rooms offer the perfect experience for the ultimate indulgence. They feature a separate living room, two bedrooms, full kitchen and dining area, powder room and two private patios with spectacular sunset views. 1 KING. TWO QUEENS, SOFA BED / SLEEPS 1-6 GUESTS

KING OR TWO QUEENS, SOFA BED / SLEEPS 1-4 GUESTS SN MARCH 2018 41

Accommodation Bay Gardens

hotel

rooms STANDARD ROOM

CROTON ONE-BEDROOM SUITE

1 KING BED / SLEEPS 1-2 GUESTS

This spacious one-bedroom suite has a master bedroom with one king bed, a seating area with a sofa bed, a dining area, a full kitchen, and a private balcony or terrace. Cable television and a work space are also included.

Featuring a private patio or terrace with garden or pool views, a Standard Room sleep two guests and includes a king bed, cable television, and a work space.

SUPERIOR ROOM

Equipped with one king bed or two double beds, these bright, spacious rooms sleep four guests and offer a balcony or terrace with resort views. Cable television and a work space are included. 1 KING OR 2 DOUBLES / SLEEPS 1-4 GUESTS

JUNIOR EXECUTIVE SUITES

An excellent option for families, Junior Executive Suites offer one king or one queen bed, plus a sofa bed. These suites also include a kitchenette, small dining area, a private balcony or terrace, cable television, and a work space. 1 KING OR 2 DOUBLES / SLEEPS 1-4 GUESTS

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1 KING OR 2 DOUBLES, SOFA BED. / SLEEPS 1-4 GUESTS

CROTON TWO-BEDROOM SUITE

Ideal for families, the Croton Two Bedroom Suite is our most spacious suite. It features a bedroom with one king bed, a second bedroom with one king bed or two twin beds, and a seating area with a sofa bed. It also includes two bathrooms, a dining area, a full kitchen, a work space, and a private balcony or terrace. 1 KING, 2 DOUBLES, SOFA BED / SLEEPS 1-6 GUESTS

Accommodation Bay Gardens

inn

rooms STANDARD ROOM

DELUXE ROOM

The Standard Room is an ideal choice for solo travellers and couples. These guest rooms are outfitted with wicker dĂŠcor and warm wood furnishings. This lodging option allows guests to enjoy a warm Caribbean breeze from a private balcony or terrace and enjoy the modern comforts of home.

Featuring updated amenities, the Deluxe Room features warm wood furnishings and tropical artwork that mimics the landscape of the island. A peaceful retreat is made complete with a stay in this guestroom, where you can enjoy your morning coffee on a private balcony or terrace that overlooks the sparkling pool.

1 KING BED / SLEEPS 1-2 GUESTS

1 KING OR 2 DOUBLES / SLEEPS 1-4 GUESTS

SUPERIOR ROOM

Offering stunning views of our tropical gardens and tranquil pool, our spacious Superior Rooms are an ideal setting for relaxing getaways. In addition to boasting an inviting ambiance, they feature warm wood furnishings and island-inspired artwork. 1 KING OR 2 DOUBLES / SLEEPS 1-4 GUESTS

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activities

splash island

la mere spa

PACKAGE FOR

Pure Indulgence is our speciality at the La Mer Spa, located at the Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa. Treat yourself to the luxuriant array of services at our beachfront spa near Reduit Beach, and sink into relaxation under the care of skilled specialists. From a deluxe tranquillity massage to our classic pedicure and manicures, each of our offerings is a renewal of the senses.

Create and customise your very own dream wedding package.

For more information

E. info@saintluciawaterpark.com T. +1 (758) 457 8532 W. www.saintluciawaterpark.com

Opening hours Mon - Sat: 9am - 5pm Sun: 9am - 3pm

Toll free from the UK: 0808.101.7370 US/CAN: 877.294.9366

To book a treatment E. lamerspa@baygardensresorts.com W. www.baygardensresorts.com/ ourspa

Bay Gardens Hotel & Inn Dayna La Force dlaforce@baygardensresorts.com

water park

Splash Island Water Park features dozens of obstacle courses including trampoline challenges, climbing walls, slides, swings, and much more, for a fun afternoon in the St. Lucia sun and best of all, each stay comes with 6 one hour passes per room.

treatments

Disclaimer: Times and dates are subject to change by management.

weddings

1. Set the scene 2. Pick the elements 3. Select your accommodations 4. Dive into our dining options 5. Add on activites and amenities

Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa Annabelle Lord alord@baygardensresorts.com W. www.baygardensresorts.com/ weddings

Coral Kidz Club Our newest feature to ensure the most fun family vacations in St. Lucia, the Coral Kidz Club, located at Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa, makes it easy for everyone to enjoy an island getaway, including mom and dad. Open to guests of each Bay Gardens Resorts property, the Coral Kidz club offers a range of fun, supervised activities for children ages 4-12 including crab hunts, arts and crafts, nature walks, table tennis, and beach games. Hours: Tuesday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Sunday | 10:00 am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4:00 pm - Babysitting Services at Bay Gardens Need a break? Bay Gardens Resorts offers experienced babysitting services so mom and dad can enjoy a romantic night out or spa day, for an additional fee. 44 SN MARCH 2018

OPTIONS FOR

dining

HI TIDE RESTAURANT (BAY GARDENS BEACH RESORT & SPA)

Overlooking Reduit Beach, Hi Tide Restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a breezy beachfront setting. Menus pair Caribbean favourites with international dishes and delicious vegetarian selections. Opening hours

Breakfast: 7am - 10:30am Open daily: 7am - 10pm

SEA GRAPES BEACH BAR & RESTAURANT

(BAY GARDENS BEACH RESORT & SPA)

Featuring fresh local seafood and authentic St. Lucian dishes, Sea Grapes Beach Bar & Restaurant pairs its relaxed, ‘barefoot on the beach’ vibe with breath-taking views of Pigeon Island National Landmark. Lunch hours

Tue - Sun: 10am - 6pm Dinner hours

Tue, Thur & Sun: 6:30pm - 9pm

Spices restaurant (BAY GARDENS HOTEL)

Step into a tantalising world of Caribbean and West Indian cuisine at Spices Restaurant, where exotic flavours and bold spices elevate every dish. Spices’ Farm-To-Table prix fixe menu is an island-wide favourite. Opening hours

Daily: 7am - 10pm Breakfast: 7am - 10:30am Disclaimer: Times and dates are subject to change by management.

Bay Gardens

All inclusive Programme InclUDED IN THE NEW premium ALL-INCLUSIVE PLAN • Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, including premium foods • All drinks, including premium alcoholic beverages • Access to our Dine Around program, which provides access to 8 additional restaurants in Rodney Bay Village. (Minimum 7 nights stay)* • Six (6) free half day passes (per booking) to Splash Island Water Park located at Bay Gardens Beach Resort & Spa

• All in-room Starter Pack • Daily FREE Spa Treatment from La Mer Spa (per room each day of your stay) • Daily activities and entertainment including fitness and wellness activities and the newly reopened Kids’ Club (additional charges apply for some activities) • Free non-motorised water sports

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BAY GARDENS BEACH RESORT & SPA Rodney Bay Village Gros Islet Saint Lucia Tel: 758.457.8000/8500

BAY GARDENS HOTEL Rodney Bay Village Gros Islet Saint Lucia Tel: 758.457.8000/8500

BAY GARDENS INN Rodney Bay Village Gros Islet Saint Lucia Tel: 758.457.8000/8500 46 SN MARCH 2018

RESERVATIONS LOCAL: 758.457.8006/8007 UK: 0800.088.5104 US/CAN: 1.877.620.3200 WWW.BAYGARDENSRESORTS.COM INFO@BAYGARDENSRESORTS.COM

Soca News is a Caribbean-focused brand dedicated to music, news, culture, carnivals and lifestyle. We have been established for over 20 years, and have built up a loyal following of readers who appreciate our distinctive content, which informs, entertains and inspires.

TO ADVERTISE OR SUBSCRIBE

T. +44 (0) 333 012 4643 | E. INFO@SOCANEWS.COM

SOCANEWS.COM

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