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THAT'S WASSUP ONLINE YOUTH MAGAZINE CASTRIES, ST. LUCIA, WEST-INDIES 1-(758)-485-2231 / (758)-717-6603 THWASSUP@GMAIL.COM WWW.THWASSUP.COM
EDITORS
JOY SAMUEL SNARD ALEXANDER
PROJECT MANAGERS HIERLAND PETER KENDALL BARTHELMY
PHOTOGRAPHER KAREEM STANLEY
GRAPHIC DESIGNER & ANIMATION
ROSS DANIEL
MAKEUP ARTIST AMY FLORIUS
SPECIAL THANKS
KENTILLIA LOUIS - CAMDU SARAH PETER BANK OF ST.LUCIA
MISSON STATEMENT To be a unique youth online magazine by optimizing on the growing dependence on technology, amongst the youth, as a means of reaching out and addressing serious social issues, while highlighting the positive side of youth endeavors in Saint Lucia.
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Editorial By Calling In Air Support Snard Alexander (Bah-Ka) In the world that we live in, it is important that we make the right choices
on our road to success; whether it is in school or at work. We all need to chase after our dreams in full force in order to achieve them. We always seem to find difficulty in taking the time to make those dreams happen step by step. However, most importantly, we have the problem of not having people in our lives who believe in us as much as we try to believe in ourselves. It’s important that we realize that we are going through a spiritual warfare; one in which we are beaten, battered, broken and kicked to our knees in order to surrender. No one said fighting for our dreams and goals was easy. So, that’s why we call in backup.
Parents always tell us to watch out for whom we choose to hang out with or who it is we date but, is there something that they know that we don’t? The reason, ladies and gentlemen, goes in accordance to that age old saying ‘Show me your friends and I can tell you who you are’. Friends are the support system that we all need in our lives to help us feel accepted into society. They make us feel ‘human’. The reason it’s so important to choose the right friends is because whether we like it or not, we talk and act in a way that makes us acceptable to the people around us. Therefore, if your friends are not the right ones for you, then by right you may not achieve the dreams you like. Studies have shown the grades and money you earn is within 5% the average of your 5 closest friends. Do you realize now why your teachers always changed your seats in primary school? Now I’m not suggesting here that you drop all your friends for the sake of success. I’m just suggesting that one should take the time to evaluate the relationships that one has. There are three (3) types of friends in this world: # 1 those who are for you but not what you stand for; these are the type of friends who float around for your personality but won’t necessarily come after you in the middle of the night to help you out of jail. # 2 Those who are for what you stand for but not for you; these are the type of friends who may go to the same groups with you, like church or school, share common interests with you and, will stick with you as long as you share the same interests but wouldn’t come to help you in a fight that doesn’t put their own neck on the line. These are the groupies. Finally # 3 those who are for you and your cause; these are the friends who no matter what will sacrifice their time to listen you, support your dreams and will tell it to you as it is. These are the best friends, the true friends. So today, I urge you to ask yourself, “Do your friends support you in everything you do?” Take time to ask yourself: is this person beneficial to my life? Is this person here for me and what I believe or could they lead me astray? Would these people die for me if the situation required it? Friendship is an important part of who we are as human beings. More than half of our lives are dedicated to those around us. Hence, shouldn’t it be important that we have people believe in us? In every faith around the world, especially to us Christians, fellowship is important because it can show us the support we need to get past the trials of everyday life. So don’t underestimate the power of a good friend over your life. Why would you, as an eagle, find comfort in crows? When times get tough, call your backup.
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
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6 SCHOOLS CHOIR FESTIVAL FINALS
2014 Recap
8 ARNOLD JULES
From rapping in church to the grand stage of Saint Lucia’s annual ‘Youth fest’, Arnold Jules has won the
10 BLUEPRINT ENTERTAINMENT SYNOPSIS Blueprint is an up and coming Saint Lucian band formed in October of the year 2012
12 FOOD, SAFETY, LOVE
Among the three basic needs of man which one is more important, and how do we measure its importance?
13 NAGGING MOMS
How to deal with a nagging parent
14 MUSIC
Top 9 recommended
songs for January, 2014
15 WHAT'S ON HER MIND
Ever just sit and wonder at those gazing eyes?
16 FRENCH GRAFFITI
At Alliance Francaise St.Lucia
17 STUDENT PROFILES
I am a young intelligent 15 year old woman striving to reach her dreams
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Swag & Slackness Presents
2014 Schools' Choir Festivals Finals
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Arnold Jules
I'm a Christian too
From rapping in church to the grand stage of Saint Lucia’s annual ‘Youth fest’, Arnold Jules has won the hearts of youth nationwide with his music which seeks to heal, restore and inspire the minds of aspiring artists and Christians every day. That’s Wassup was afforded the opportunity of sitting down with Mr. Jules to learn just what is it that motivates him to keep producing songs and performances that never fail to miss their mark of being nothing less than impressive. More importantly, just who is Arnold Jules?
From age 16, while still at the Entrepot Secondary School, Arnold began writing music out of the enjoyment of creation, writing ‘secular’ songs that were most expressive at the time among his friends and himself until he went up to the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College. Arnold expressed that having ‘played the fool’ and experiencing some hardship with classes and friends there, he was taught some very vital life lessons that caused him to view life differently. At age 18, Jules had made the step to become a Christian and dedicated his life to touching others through his music. Considering it to be his ministry, Jules states,
‘When I became a Christian, I learned the word of God says we should go to all nations to preach the gospel because if you have found good news that saved you and you’re happy about it you should share it… it’s a commandment… but I do it willingly I don’t do it because God said to do it, I do it out of my heart. I want other people to experience what I experienced since rapping is what I do, I love rapping… I can put words together so people can enjoy it and get the message at the same time.’
Youth fest was the highlight in the musical career of Jules. On that stage, the nation took true note of a voice that shook the Earth. Jules had performed twice prior to his 2013 win, placing first in his category but never overall. Like any victory, Jules shared his process that lead to his win. “I do ministry but I don’t make music people like, I make music that people will know is the truth, whether you like it or not, that’s what I’m going to bring. Going into a secular realm I’m thinking, boy, I’m going to be the only Christian there but it doesn’t matter, I’m doing it for God. Make a song people can jam to and get the message at the same time and have fun”
Youth fest is but the first step to be a form of encouragement to showcase the talents of youth on the island. Yet, the issue still stands. In schools today, inspiration has hit a low as many students have a dream but very few have the passion or the support to pursue it. So the question is how does one achieve success and inspire others? Arnold Jules has said that in his own experience finding a group of people to support his music and life was an important part of the person he has become but most importantly the word of God.
“I don’t want to sound like the religious type… but the truth is that you can only find your purpose in God so you can be successful in this world in this life here but it really doesn’t matter, you need to find your purpose. Why are you here?… I believe that for someone to reach their target, their goal, they need to get to the source of who they are, their purpose, purpose comes first. You need people to be there for you, I needed people to push me, encourage me, even when I knew I wasn’t good I got those people to support me, you need that support to push you; find those people.”
Like any other person though, Jules has admitted that he has had his share of criticism many of such include accusations of hypocrisy and vanity. Arnold has said of course that’s all part of being a human being, artist and furthermore a Christian saying simply, ‘even Jesus was persecuted and he was perfect, I’m not perfect but the important thing is that I keep inspiring those who need it… I use my persecution to push myself forward, if you don’t like me, then well I’m doing something right… I would say to the youth that pursuing what you want will bring negative people but you must use that to elevate you.’ In saying this, Jules passionately raised the analogy of the donkey in the well: ‘every time they threw dirt in the well to try to kill the donkey and bury it alive, it shook it off and used that dirt to climb out of the well safely, the same thing applies to the negative people in your life.’
Arnold Jules by all measures has lived up to his reputation as a positive role model to youth and aspiring artist all across Saint Lucia and is continuing to strive in his efforts to improve his music and his message that not only is following the Christian lifestyle a tremendous step in one’s life but to keep reaching for the stars not just for one’s self but to pave a way for those wishing to follow.
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BLUEPRINT
ENTERTAINMENT SYNOPSIS
Blueprint is an up and coming Saint Lucian band formed in October of the year 2012. The encompassing entertainment experience stemmed from the vision of success of five young musicians. These young musicians have grown to be a family unit through music. Blueprint aims to be the best on the local, regional and international scene, and strike joy into the hearts of their listeners. In their early days, these young performers began under the wing of Mr. Anthony Guy “Sweetie” Francis where he provided rehearsal space as well as some exposure performances. The band specializes in performing a plethora of musical, artistic and entertainment genres such as Rhythm and Blues, Reggae, Soca and Hip hop. However they do not limit themselves there as they also engage in poetry, dance, and drama. Currently, Blueprint is working on an original music compilation called “Music Industry Domination”. TERRICK KING
TERRICK KING is a dynamic young performer from Entrepot. He has been engulfed in music throughout his life as his father, Mr. Vaughn “BLUTOS” King, exposed him to many musical and artistic influences. In following his father’s footsteps, Terrick began singing from a tender age of three years old. Terrick began writing and singing a number of original songs, which he performed at school events during his time at the St. MARY’S COLLEGE, where he was given the stage name “T.K. da Bo$$”. He has also performed at “YOUTH FEST” a National Musical Contest. During his time at ST. MARY’S COLLEGE Terrick began playing drums and steel pan, where he was called upon to join the ST. LUCIA SCHOOL OF MUSIC Concert and Jazz bands where he played drums from “2008-2010” and performed at many jazz events. At age seventeen, upon entering the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College, Terrick began performing on a more professional level by becoming a member of the artistic movement “HEADPHUNK” in February of 2011. This was the beginning of his talent in poetry as an art form. In early 2013, he took it a step further when he began writing for Mr. Werner “Semi” Francis and becoming a songwriter for the “Take-Over” calypso tent. With this experience under his belt, he became blueprint’s band leader and lead vocalist. CALEB MC DOWELL
The outgoing CALEB MC DOWELL is a talented progressive individual hailed from the community of Gros Islet and is of St. Lucian and Guyanese decent. The young man began playing drums at the age of three years old but was not compelled to pursue it until he was fourteen years old. During this time, he began playing gospel at his church and secondary school, LEON HESS COMPREHENSIVE SECONDARY SCHOOL, where he also began playing for a number of his school events with fellow school mate Tevin Bailey, a young bassist. The dynamic duo formed a school band and performed for a number of interschool activities such as “HESSPLOSION” and “HESS ANNIVERSARY”. In 2012, this committed and dedicated young man became part of the band “BLUEPRINT” along
with being a member of the Digicel Pan Time steel pan group, setting his path to being one of St. Lucia’s most prominent drummers.
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DENISE FEVRIER
DENISE FEVRIER, from Castries, at an early age always showed an interest in the musical world. However, the first sign of her musical ability was discovered at the age of five. While waiting for her older brother to finish his clarinet lesson, she began to sing one of her favorite songs. This attracted the attention of a staff member, who insisted she be enrolled in a music program. The following academic year, Denise was placed into an elementary piano class at the St. Lucia School of Music where she acquired her love for classical music. Upon entering the ST. JOSEPH’S CONVENT SECONDARY SCHOOL her musical ability blossomed as she enrolled in the school’s pan program. In February 2009, the group traveled to Trinidad to play alongside “Sforzata Steel” and placed first in the ‘Bump competition’. Never giving up classical music, Denise continued to excel in piano as she registered with the School of Music and received distinctions in her ABRSM examinations for grades two, three and four and as a result becoming an accredited piano teacher. In August 2013, Denise joined the band ‘Blueprint’ as the keyboard player where she continues her strife to excellence while pursuing her studies at Sir Arthur Lewis Community College. CLEOPATRA JULES
CLEOPATRA JULES is a young recording artiste from Debreuil in Choiseul, St. Lucia. This songstress started singing at her local church and the Sir Ira Simmons Secondary School choir where, upon graduating, Cleopatra wrote her very first song and performed. In 2010, as a staff member at Super J Supermarket she was chosen to represent the establishment in the 2010 Inter-Commercial Calypso House Competition and proudly placed third, much to the excitement of her peers and managers. Graduating as an Auxiliary Nurse in 2012, Cleopatra, whilst in Barbados, performed at the annual ‘Crop Over’ event even collaborating on a single track with Barbadian artist Peter Ram. So far Cleopatra has recorded a number of singles, which she has released between 2010 and 2012. They include ‘Such a Waste’ (2010), ‘Missing You’ (2010), ‘Christmas Time’ (2011), ‘We Doan Care’ featuring Peter Ram (2012) and ‘Gonna Party’ (2012). Being back home in St. Lucia, Cleopatra hopes to be able to capture the attention of her fellow St. Lucians and, by extension, the wider Caribbean as she pursues her dreams in the entertainment world. JERVEL GEDEON
JERVEL GEDEON is the definition of what an ordinary person would call, musically blessed. He began his musical journey at the age of thirteen upon entering the VIEUX FORT COMPREHENSIVE SECONDARY SCHOOL where he fell deeply in love with the bass guitar and expanded to drums and keyboards as being a gospel musician. Originating from Dennery, Jervel has performed for jazz in the south and tea time jazz with the St. Lucia School of Music Jazz band and the group gospel ‘Connection’ (2009-2013) and is spare headed by Jacki-o incorporated
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FOOD, SAFETY & LOVE
Among the three basic needs of man which one is more important, and how do we measure its importance? Does food come first then love last, or is it the other way around? One way or the other, St.Lucian students are negatively impacted when they lack any of the three basic needs. On many occasions, students come to school without breakfast, or may reside in “depressed” areas where crime is rampant. They may also come from broken homes. What is being done to aid them? According to Mr. Hilary Bynoe- retired counselor at the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College for 15 years- “while it is difficult, there are solutions to these problems.” He suggested that past students of the schools should come together to make a scholarship or food basket to provide to students. He further stated that lecturers and teachers should come forward and support those who are disadvantaged. People believe students who are financially stable should be more focused on success, however, how can they focus if they don’t have the basic needs or, if they don’t know where their next meal is coming from? Few persons can put this behind them and really achieve. SO DO WE PLAY THE BLAME GAME? Parents are responsible for students’ issues; however, we need to be careful with blaming parents entirely. Can you blame a parent if he/she is unable to find a job or has one more child than they are actually able to support? No matter how many children one parent has they work hard to support their own even if it may be difficult at times. Do we make the children suffer because of rough times for their parents? The blame game gets us no where! These children are children of this nation, and we have a responsibility to take care of them. Heavy dependence on schools and government to provide financial assistance for parents/ students will exist. Parents and students ultimately need to be more creative in order to generate employment. However, organizations like the National Skills Development Centre (NSDC) which work hard to help individuals, may need to do a better job in offering a way out for these people. After these parents leave NSDC what mechanisms are in place for them to access financing to create employment?
Organizations likAe these need to provide more structures and support to people creating their own business. Let them know they can access such support. When asked the question “what should be done in general to reduce the unemployment rate and ultimately parents and students being better off?” Mr.Bynoe suggested the following - Parents need to get priorities right and recognize the importance of education and plan for it - Recognize that it is important to find self-employment and it is impossible for the job market to absorb all the people coming out of school. - More guidance for students and parents from organizations like the NSDC on how to form a business. In St. Lucia, we can’t take a negative position on this matter. Humanity has always been able to overcome these situations and Mr.Bynoe is sure that persons will take the initiative and things will get better. But it’s left up to us to support each other.
Nagging Moms
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BY :DARRION LIONEL St. Mary's College Student
Out of respect, I should hope that we would not say it to her face, but, we all know that she does it. Mother always nags. She thinks she's getting a point across but we tend to block her out on these numerous unfortunate occasions. Personally, I absolutely detest listening to my mother when she is not in a good mood; whether or not she's nagging. I have listenedOsbond to my friends comSmall plain about their mothers and many of them say that the nagging puts them to sleep. I really wish OsSt. Mary's College that my mother's nagging affected me the same way. It would be easier to simply get drowsy when Student bond I hear her whining, droning, nagging voice instead of wanting to throw something in her... general direction. My mother's nagging frustrates me in ways I do not understand. It is rage inducing and aggravates me to the point where I pick her up, carry her to her room and just drop her on her bed then leave. But there is a bitter truth we all must accept, that there is a logical reason behind the constant, infuriating nagging. No Mother's love for u is always felt and should never be unappreciated. Only mother would care enough to ring it in your ears so often to clean your room or to do your homework. It is because she cares about your health and hygiene and wants to see u prosper that she screams and yells. It is not because she loves to hear herself talk. Let’s face it, if we did what we were supposed to do, there would be no need for mother to quarrel. I would rather my mother not be a nagging one. It has more negative effects on both of us than good. It gets me annoyed with her and that is sure to put a strain on our relationship.
Also, all that nagging is exhausting for both of us but, it can have more detrimental effects on her health due to stress. Frankly I would rather not lose my mother and, I especially would not like to lose her because of stress that I caused her. So I am going to make more of an effort to listen to my mother whom I love so dearly. I will remember that her actions are of love (supposedly) and that she only wishes the best for me. But for the most part I will simply ENDURE THE NAGGING.
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Osbond Small St. Mary's College Student
WHAT'S ON HER MIND Please open your eyes and see Life is worth more than just another fee. The most important things in life are free like the fruits of love grown fresh from your family tree mortal how can you do such things cut his life short you've plucked his wings with no compassion you've watched his face whilst he bled on the ground left him there to waste such tasteless love you've ignored his pleas with friends like you who needs an enemy please open your eyes and see that life is worth more than just a fee but it was yours to pay you owed him his dews you played the losing card but he was still the one to lose how could you do it with no care, leave a mother with a tear leave a lover with no pair within all their hearts you've left this fear you can see a man's face but his heart you can't see with friends like you who needs an enemy and so continues the shedding of blood two lives have been lost to the shedding of blood why must the country rust for the shedding of blood because they thirst they lust for the shedding of blood “Ah hundred stab, thousand jukk” “any bwoy put a foot a get shook” And “anybody diss dem dead, dead, dead!” “Somebody head affi go open like book!” So they listen together all in their crews of two or three until a boy violate and a third time I must state with friends like you who needs an enemy.
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French Graffiti Artists
At Alliance Francaise St. Lucia
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STUDENT PROFILES SHERISA TAMMY JOSEPH MICOUD SECONDARY SCHOOL
I am a young intelligent 15 year old woman striving to reach her dreams, born on November 2nd capable in the talents of singing acting and working for the lord. I enjoy going to church on Saturdays having a grand time with family, they bring joy to my soul.