Contents Issue 19| May 2013
FEATURES 8
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USVI’s Commissioner of Tourism
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USVI: Carnival Experience
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Back to Black Experience as a Woman in Reggae
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Editor’s Note MOTHERS, GOD’S ANGELS ON EARTH “A mother is a person who seeing there are only four pieces of pie -Tenneva Jordan
-Anne Morrow Lindbergh And the quotes could go on and on. We all can agree that Mothers are God’s angels here on earth. She prays, she cries, she nurtures, she
volunteer. Her innate ability to sense our fears and pain makes her a superwoman. Hers is a position that is irreplaceable. In celebrating Mother’s day we have chosen three amazing Moms to honor. First we have new Mom Kamila McDonald-Alcock, our cover feature. Juggling her roles as wife, business woman and now Mom is nothing short of amazing. It is the story of all Moms around the world. hosting Wray and Nephew’ To say we are grateful that she found the time to accommodate us is an understatement. But that is what all amazing Moms do, juggle and prioritize. Our second amazing Mom is Commissioner of Tourism for the United States Virgin Islands and President elect of the Caribbean Tourism Organization, Beverly Nicholson-Doty. Between travel, meetings and making the Caribbean Islands a better travel mecca, she spoke candidly about what she would like to achieve during her tenure, whether or not she views herself as a role model and what the future holds. She is the very example of a woman who can have a family and a budding career. And lastly we have Ms. Pat McKay. Pat plays a very important role in reggae music. As the Program Director of Reggae and Gospel at Sirius XM Radio, she decides which songs will be heard by the satellite radio’s millions of listeners. Those artists looking to have their music heard worldwide recognize very early on that Pat is someone they need to know. A beacon for and a huge supporter of reggae music longer than even she can remember, she is steadfast in her goal of pushing Reggae to the forefront, introducing new artists to an audience that extends beyond the Caribbean. Her job is not easy and demands a great deal of her time. But she tackles everyday without missing a step, all while raising her two boys who are her top priority. It was important for us to feature all three of these amazing Moms who are doing great things. Why? To reiterate that it is possible for you to have a career and a family. Having it all is not impossible. And just think about the continuous love and support you’ll get from those who call you MOM! HAVE A HAPPY MOTHERS DAY.
Stacey Bethel Your Editor-in-Chief Editor@TripleTheFocus.com
Founder & Editor in Chief STACEY BETHEL
VICTOR E. LEWIS MIKELAH ROSE Arlene Martin (drennaLUNA) BEAUTY Christine Carr FEATURES
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Triple the Focus launched its publication on October 5, 2011 with initial goal of providing a platform for industry insiders that would assist in connecting them with their fans on a more personal level, the Magazine has since grown exponentially to include travel, fashion clude countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and by large the Caribbean, to date, Triple the Focus has over 1,000,000 million page views not inon a monthly basis. In March 2013, Triple the Focus partnered with luxury lifestyle publication, UPTOWN Magazine to integrate more Caribbean content into their print and online publications. This strategic partnership with Triple the Focus will strengthen UPTOWN’s presence as a brand within the Caribbean market and enable them to better serve the Tourist Boards and Hoteliers who represent the core of their business in the region. Currently, UPTOWN’s print publication has more than 1,000,000 readers per issue, while Uptownmagazine.com has over 200,000 unique visitors per month and 2.2 million page views and over 60,000 iPhone App downloads. CONTACT Email: Info@triplethefocus.com Phone: 201-981-6960 (US)
THE PLACE TO STAY
S PA N I S H CO U R T H OT E L 926.0000 1 St. Lucia Avenue, Kingston 5, Jamaica www.spanishcourthotel.com
COPING WITH DEBT Having trouble paying your bills? Getting dunning notices from creditors? Are your accounts being turned over to debt collectors? Are you worried about losing your home or your car? You’re not point in their lives. Whether the crisis is caused by personal or family illness, the loss of a job, or overspending, it can seem overwhelming. But often, it have to go from bad to worse. ter, consider these options: self-help using realistic budgeting and other techniques; debt relief services, like credit counseling or debt settlement from a reputable organization; debt consolidation; or bankruptcy. How do you know which will work best for you? It depends on your level of debt, your level of discipline, and your prospects for the future.
situation is to do a realistic assessment of how much money you take in and how much money you spend. Start by listing your income from all sources. Then, list ments, and insurance premiums. Next, list the expenses The goal is to make sure you can make ends meet on the basics: housing, food, health care, insurance, and education.
Contact your creditors immediately if you’re having reduces your payments to a more manageable level. Don’t wait until your accounts have been turned over to a debt collector. At that point, your creditors have given up on you.
Federal law dictates how and when a debt collector may contact you: not before 8 a.m., after 9 p.m., or while you’re at work if the collector knows that your employer doesn’t approve of the calls. Collectors may not harass you, lie, or use unfair practices when they try to collect a debt. And they must honor a written request from you to stop further contact.
Your debts can be unsecured or secured. Secured debts usually are tied to an asset, like your car for a car loan, or your house for a mortgage. Unsecured debts are not tied to any particular asset, and include most credit card debt, bills for medical care, and signature loans. tor to repossess your car any time you’re in default. No notice is required. If your car is repossessed, you may have to pay the balance due on the loan, as well as towing and storage costs, to get it back. If you can’t do this, the creditor may sell the car. If you see default approaching, you may be better off selling the car yourself and paying off the debt: You’ll avoid the added costs of repossession and a negative entry on your credit report. If you fall behind on your mortgage, contact your lender immediately to avoid foreclosure. Most lenders are willing to work with you if they believe you’re acting in good faith and the situation is temporary. Some lenders may reduce or suspend your payments for a short time. When you resume regular payments, though, you may have to pay an additional amount toward the past due total. Other lenders may agree to change the terms of the mortgage by extending the repayment period to reduce the monthly debt. Ask whether additional fees would be assessed for these changes,
and calculate how much they total in the long term.
Debt settlement programs typically are offered by for-
If you and your lender can’t work out a plan, contact a housing counseling agency. Some agencies limit their counseling services to homeowners with FHA mortgages, but many offer free help to any homeowner who’s having trouble making mortgage payments. Call the
full amount that you owe. To make that lump sum pay-
Development or the housing authority in your state, counseling agency near you.
and can’t work out a repayment plan with your creditors on your own, consider contacting a debt relief service like credit counseling or debt settlement. Depending on the type of service, you might get advice on how to deal with your mounting bills or create a plan for repaying your creditors. Before you do business with any debt relief service, check it out with your state Attorney General and local consumer protection agency.
Reputable credit counseling organizations can advise you on managing your money and debts, help you develop a budget, and offer free educational materitrained in consumer credit, money and debt management, and budgeting. Counselors discuss your entire personalized plan to solve your money problems.
amount of money every month in savings. Debt settlement companies usually ask that you transfer this amount every month into an escrow-like account to accumulate enough savings to pay off any settlement that is eventually reached. Further, these programs often encourage or instruct their clients to stop making any monthly payments to their creditors.
Although a debt settlement company may be able to settle one or more of your debts, there are risks associated with these programs to consider before enrolling: These programs often require that you deposit money in a special savings account for 36 months or more before all your debts will be settled. Before you sign up for a debt settlement program, review your budget setting aside the required monthly amounts for the full length of the program. Your creditors have no obligation to agree to negotiate a settlement of the amount you owe. So there is a possibility that your debt settlement company will not aside the monthly amounts required by the program. Also, debt settlement companies often try to negotilarge debts to continue to mount. Because debt settlement programs often ask or encourage you to stop sending payments directly to your creditors, they may have a negative impact on your credit report and other serious consequences. For example, your debts may continue to accrue late fees and penalties that can put you further in the hole. You also may get calls from your creditors or debt collectors requesting repayment. You could even be sued for repayment. In some instances, when creditors win a lawsuit, they have the right to garnish your wages or put a lien on your home.
Some companies offering debt settlement programs may not deliver on their promises, like their “guaranor your inability to repay your debts, a credit counseling agency may recommend that you enroll in a debt management plan (DMP). A DMP alone is not credit counseling, and DMPs are not for everyone. Don’t sign credit counselor has spent time thoroughly reviewing ized advice on managing your money. Even if a DMP is appropriate for you, a reputable credit counseling organization still can help you create a budget and teach you money management skills.
percent of the amount you owe. Other companies may try to collect their fees from you before they settle any of your debts. The FTC’s Telemarketing Sales Rule prohibits companies that sell debt settlement and other debt relief services on the phone from charging a fee before they settle or reduce your debt. Some companies may not explain the risks associated with their programs, including that many (or most) of their clients drop out without settling their debts, that their clients’ credit reports may suffer, or that debt collectors may continue to call them. Before you enroll in a debt settlement program, do your homework.
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which is really another name for fees sonal credit card debt
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Guarantees it can make your unsecured debt go away Tells you to stop communicating with your creditors, but doesn’t explain the serious consequences Tells you it can stop all debt collection calls and lawsuits Before you sign up for the service, the debt relief company must give you information about the program:
Guarantees that your unsecured debts can be paid off for pennies on the dollar
Price and terms. The company must explain its fees and any conditions on its services.
Won’t send you free information about the services it provides without requiring you to provide
Results. The company must tell you how long it will take
account numbers, and balances
make an offer to each creditor for a settlement.
Tries to enroll you in a debt relief program without
Offers. The company must tell you how much money or what percentage of each outstanding debt you must save before it will make an offer to each creditor on your behalf.
Offers to enroll you in a DMP without teaching you budgeting and money management skills
Non-payment. If the company asks you to stop making
Demands that you make payments into a DMP before your creditors have accepted you into the program
the possible negative consequences of your action. The debt relief company also must tell you: that the funds are yours and you are entitled to the interest earned; debt relief provider and doesn’t get referral fees; and that you may withdraw your money at any time without penalty.
you get from debt relief services can be considered income and taxable. Credit card companies and others may report settled debt to the IRS, which the IRS conwhen your total debts are more than the fair market value of your total assets. Insolvency can be complex to determine. Talk to a tax professional if are not sure whether you qualify for this exception. VICES that: Charges any fees before it settles your debts or enters you into a DMP plan
You may be able to lower your cost of credit by consolidating your debt through a second mortgage or a home equity line of credit.
Personal bankruptcy also may be an option, although its consequences are long-lasting and far-reaching. There are two main types of personal bankruptcy: eral bankruptcy court. For more information visit the United States Courts. Attorney fees are extra and vary.
Advance Fee Loans: Some companies guarantee you a loan if you pay them a fee in advance. The fee may range from $100 to several hundred dollars. Resist the temptation to follow up on these advance-fee loan guarantees. They may be illegal. Credit Repair: Be suspicious of claims from so-called credit repair clinics. Many companies appeal to people with poor credit histories, promising to clean up their credit reports for a fee. But anything these companies can do for you
THE MEMORIES WILL LAST LONG AFTER THE TRIP DOES. You’ll find paradise in the U.S. Virgin Islands. You’ll also find a delicious buffet of savory flavors that’ll make your lips smile. A rich culture of music and tradition that you won’t find anywhere else in the world. A living history where you can walk the same roads as your ancestors. And the extraordinary chance to be moved by these moments—a thrill that doesn’t always happen on vacation. Lucky for you, the USVI isn’t just a vacation.
You, unscripted. Lasting memories begin at visitUSVI.com. /visitusvi
/usvitourism
©2013 U.S. Virgin Islands Department of Tourism
MEET THE USVI’S SECRET WEAPON, COMMISSIONER OF TOURISM
Mrs. Beverly Nicholson-Doty! In my travels and work as a journalist, I have had the pleasure of meeting some truly inspirational women women that make a difference and serve as role models. I again had the pleasure of such a meeting with the Commissioner of Tourism for the United States Virgin Islands, Mrs. Beverly Nicholson-Doty. Since 2007, Mrs. Nicholson-Doty has done a remarkable job of overseeing the Department of Tourism’s advertising and marketing strategies, its national and international tourism-related efforts and product development. Don’t know what any of that means? Just travel to the USVI: St. John, St. Thomas and St. Croix and you will see the unending examples of the great work that she and her team has done. In 2012 she was elected Chairman of the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO) Council of Ministers and Commissions during the 2012 CTO State of the Industry Conference in St. Kitts. This position is yet another testament to her hard work and dedication to the Caribbean diaspora. Hard work that we are happy has not gone unrecognized. To meet Mrs. Nicholson-Doty is an honor because she embodies what it means to be a true leader. A warm and welcoming spirit, everyone who comes in contact
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about her. And it is with that warm spirit that she carved out some time from her impossibly busy schedule to talk to me about everything and anything. Meet the woman in charge, Mrs. Beverly Nicholson-Doty.
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cause our Territory’s administration is headed by a Governor and not a Prime Minister or President.
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Needless to say after this interview I’m already online booking my next vacation, thanks Commissioner!
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U.S.V.I : St. Thomas Through the eyes of Stacey Bethel
Issue 19 | May 2013
USVI CARNIVAL A TROPICAL SCENE INDEED! By Stacey Bethel
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or the past 6 years, I have pledged
And year, after year, I never make it. For a million reasons, I just wasn’t able to make the journey. But I guess everything happens for a reason because after experiencing the United States Virgin Islands Carnival in St. Thomas this year I am happy to say that I will never
around Emancipation Garden to look at the wide array of handcrafted furniture, jewelry, clothing, perfume, accessories, crafts, artwork, carvings and local herbs and tonics. There was something for everyone and no one left empty handed.
On Thursday April 25th J’ouvert came alive just know! However the intimacy and many as the sun was coming up. The street party was cultural offerings of the USVI Carnival, riddled with dancing and there were no short of trucks playing music. Everyone marched in the why! casional photos and patronizing the many drink kiosks. On Friday April 26th, the children painted the streets with colorful costumes. Like little dolls Staged with food, liquor, fruit, candy and des- they performed danced routines and showcased sert vendors around the perimeter and anchored gymnastic and musical talents. in the middle was the grand stage Carnival VilOn Saturday April 27th, the adult road march was lage featured nightly acts such as ticipants entertained onlookers as they marched and others from neighboring islands. The pulsat- down the brick paved streets. Those who weren’t ing sounds of Steel Pan and Calypso music drew gyrating to the music watched with smiles or young and mature alike who reveled in the festivi- took photographs that would serve as a memory ties. Without incident, every night was a musical etched in their minds for years to come. The music, the costumes, the vibe was a true showcase of treat perfect for the discerning music lover. the essence of Carnival. Equally impressive were the day time activities. Cul- Carnival Fireworks at Charlotte Amalie Harbor. tural fairs showcasing island cuisine such as crab The 17 minute display was produced by Grucci of New York. To their credit, Grucci has set the world and rice, grilled lobster, conch, welks , curry and has produced shoes for Presidential Inaugucakes, tamarind and gooseberry preserves, cakes rations and Olympics. The 170 year old Company’ and tarts, was just an epicurean delight. Vendors expertise was once again on grand display as their from neighboring islands showcased their delec- show stopping production brought everything to table offerings for food enthusiast to sample. Tour- a hault as everyone watched in awe and amaze-
ists and locals gathered just as the sun came up to witness the variety offered and were pleased with If I had to use one word to describe USVI Carnival, every bite. it would be, SPECTACULAR! I look forward to next year’s showcase. Thank you St. Thomas!! After partaking in the local cuisine, visitors strolled
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HIGH LIVING The Wonderful World of the Prolifically Talented
KAMILA MCDONALDALCOCK By Stacey Bethel
If
I was asked a few weeks ago, “who is Kamila McDonald?” I would unmistakably have said, “She is Reggae artist, Jah Cure’s wife!” And I would Being Mrs. Alcock is not only who she is - that is just a miniscule part. A title and not the only one she carts around. She is Kailani’ Mom, CEO and Founder of JamRock Fitness, Fitness and Nutrition expert, TV Host of Wray and Nephew Contender and Host and Producer of Home Sweet Home. In doing this interview, Kamila was without a Nanny and husband Jah Cure was away. She had to juggle a very stringent schedule with no help. A little pass our deadline to get answers back to us, my phone rings and its Kamila on the other end. “Stacey I am so sorry I have missed the deadline. I am calling to let you know it has been very hectic and I am requesting an extension. I want you to know I am respectful of your deadline and I understand the process in getting things done in a timely fashion. When is the absolute latest I can get this to you?”
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picked up the phone, two, she didn’t have a member of her team make the call and lastly, she didn’t simply ignore the deadline and not offer an explanation. That’s just who Kamila is. I didn’t need to know her for years to see that she is professional in every sense of the word. In the short time that I have corresponded with her, I found her to be approachable, respectful, caring, intelligent, virtuous, laid back without being a push over and dear we say it, beautiful on the inside and out.
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Kailani is lucky to have her as a Mom and Jah Cure scored big time when he made her his wife. To know Kamila McDonald-Alcock is to know goodness. And we are happy to afford you the opportunity of getting to know one of the sweetest likkle girl chile in the world.
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many people spend so much of their time criticizing and analyzing every single move you make. Somehow, regardless how positively you view something, there will always be someone with something else to say.�
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especially while still trying to pursue your own perof you! -
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GET FIT! WITH KAMILA MCDONALD-ALCOCK I’m not much of a spot trainer (I strongly believe in mixing up small and large muscles for the most effective workout) but here are some of my favorite moves for the different body parts.
BEST AB EXERCISES Planks (side and front), exercise ball crunch, The Bicycle Squats, Lunges, dead lifts Tricep dips, dumbbell curl, forearm planks
High Intense Interval Training, Plyometrics
Your Mother’s Day Beauty Gift Guide To say we would be nowhere without mothers is perhaps the understatement of the millennium, if not the biggest understatement of all time. All Moms deserve love and appreciation, after all, you wouldn’t be here without her.
Let’s start with the Mom who eats organic and pays very close attention to what she uses in her hair and on her skin. For this Mom reading beauty product labels is just as important as checking produce stickers and recycling.
No matter what kind of horror stories you hear about mothers-in-Law, remember, she is the reason you have the love of your life.
Nourish body care products that perform just as well as some of its ‘traditional’ counterpart but without harsh chemicals. All products contain between 95% and 100% organic ingredients. Create a care package of products for Mom by selecting several items from their wholesome line of products, putting them in a recycled basket and tying it with a beautiful bow. Don’t be surprised if that basket is later returned with a gift for you.
Custom Charm
Vapour Beauty
Nest Candles
Vapour manufactures high quality natural and organic cosmetics and skin care products that deliver amazing results. Send Mom a gift card and let her discover products on her own. The gift cards are available from $25 to $200 and are delivered via email, so, no trees will suffer.
Impress your mother-in-law with a beautiful Nest 3 wick
Show your appreciation to your Mother-in-Law with a beautiful charm that says “Thank you for raising the man have bigger problems on your hands if she is not at least a little impressed by this. (Charm pictured from MickyChaseJewelry on Etsy.)
with an aroma that will ensure she thinks of you with fondness (and maybe even love) every time it burns.
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Is your mom into the latest gadget? Scent is the strongest sense tied to Why not get her the gift of a beau- memory and with these wonderful ty gadget? fragrance options your mom will think happy thoughts of you with each spritz.
Clarisonic Plus The Clarisonic PLUS Sonic Skin Cleansing System features patented sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second to clean away 6 times more makeup and 2 times more dirt that washing with hands alone. The Clarisonic will boost any skincare regimen, reduce the size of pores and help skincare products work their best. and over again once she notices the change in her skin.
Aveda De-Stress Narciso Rodriguez L’Eau For Her This fragrance is light and sensual. If your mom shies away from more mature, heavy fragrances, this Eau de Tolliette is perfect for her. Top and middle notes include; cyclamen, jasmine, sparkling pink peony, rose, amber and lily of the valley. Musk and chypre accords of patchouli anchor this fragrance adding just the right about of maturity.
Stress is a leading cause of premature aging and no one wants to look old. Give mom some relaxation - a gift that will keep on giving. The three products in this gift set are designed to facilitate relaxation and contain essences of lavender, lavandin and clary sage. They are made from wholesome organic ingredients using the science of aromaology and the power of pure essential oils. $66. HY-
com
When all else fails, get a gift card to her favorite salon or spa or introduce her to something new. Try HYPERLINK
Huetiful Hair & Facial Steamer
Valentina Assoluto (Gift Set)
Huetiful is an award winning hair and facial steamer that has been proven entina Assoluto while a fragrant bouto moisturize and hydrate natural, re- quet of jasmine, tuberose and orange blossom slowly opens up in the middle. times better than just the leading deep Patchouli, oak moss and cedar wood condition alone. The device quickly converts to a facial steamer allowing anchor this fragrance giving a spicy, for at-home spa like facials.
Great skin is always in, no matter the age. Origins Grow Younger Set contains Plantscription SPF 25 Anti-aging cream, Anti-aging cleanser and Anti-aging seand uneven skin tones and moisture loss. Your mom will notice a difference in her skin in four weeks or less, expect a call.
classes in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. Whatever you do for the Mom in your life this Mother’s Day, do it with love and an abundance of appreciation.
FASHION FEATURE
B
eginning in Spring and continuing through to the end of Summer, there is every reason, excuse and cause for With so many vibrant colors that surround us in nature and are mimicked by everyone, it is easy to draw inspiration from anywhere. Though we’re still feeling the spirit of Spring, I’ve taken a different approach by abandoning color entirely in this month’s feature. Black to me is just timeless and classic. It is the one color, or absence thereof, that is not season speyear round. But not to worry, there’s plenty of color ahead, so for once, I’ve reserved the right to go classic, timeless and chic. It’s back to black! Marc Evans, marcevansimages.com Angelie Martin-Spencer Arlene L. Martin drennaLUNA, drennaLUNA. com
From this year’s mini resort collection, this dress is a great for the upcoming summer evenings. Previous page -ROMPER: A fun piece for the summer Issue 19| May 2013 33
WIDE-LEG KNIT TROUSERS: There are no distractions of a top as we highlight the silhouette of these trousers. Elegant, but quite comfortable as well.
WRAP DRESS: A great basic for every wardrobe is a wrap dress. The drennaLUNA basics collection features several pieces.
Issue 19 | May 2013
LONG LAP-FRONT DRESS: Because no matter the season we have to dress up at some time.
PRIDE AND PREJUDICE:
Pat McKay grew up in New York City’s East Harlem neighborhood during the Black Arts and Civil Rights Movements; one of her earliest childhood memories is of Malcolm X putting her tiny face in his hands. She attended school in Kingston during a time when Jamaica was in the midst of a cultural renaissance, and cal sound and the classism and prejudice faced by its poor ‘downtown’ pioneers. It comes as no surprise that Pat McKay has spent most of her life pumping Jamaican music onto American mainstream airwaves and shattering the industry’s glass ceiling and social and cultural limitations to become perhaps one of the most powerful people in Reggae. While studying journalism and political science at tion of higher learning to regularly admit female and world’ dorm because of her extensive collection of
Reggae and Latin music records. Her dorm-mates forced her to get her own show on the college’s radio station. On weekends she would travel more than 400 miles from Ohio to New York to work with legendary Jamaican broadcaster Ken Williams, hosting his live Reggae shows at Club Carib NY.
all night back to Cleveland, then travel from Cleveland to Oberlin and get back to school just in time for my 7:30am French class.” A decade later, Pat had been on the air at WBLS 107.5FM and 98.7 KISS FM, two of New York’s then leading urban music stations. While at WBLS, she was up for a position as a program director at sister station WLIB. According to her, she didn’t get the job because she was a woman.
“He said, ‘I’d make you a PD, but the guys up here can’t handle it.’ He ended up hiring a guy who was me in strong negotiating position, which I totally exploited, because there was no recourse in the radio world for women. You get blacklisted and …,” she trails off while making a hand gesture to suggest that they would ‘wash their hands of you.’ she adds. “All of these people are still alive, so let the chips fall where they may. That same PD came back to me years later and said that his actions toward me are among the worst business decisions he’s ever made in, like, four decades of radio. Today, as a program director Pat controls the Reggae and Gospel music broadcast to nearly 25 million SiriusXM Radio subscribers. “I control every single song that plays on the Reggae and Gospel stations, 24 hours a day. I review and schedule all of the music for the on-air personalities. I program it into their shows.” Her criteria for choosing what goes on the air is multiaudience response and demand; and relationships with people who have delivered good content in the past. “There are always exceptions. If you are the child of a legend that moves immediately to the top of the review pile. Doesn’t mean I’ll play it, because you can be wack too. It just means I will review it.”
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When asked if she hears more music from female art-
For many Caribbean people, particularly Jamaicans, and for many women, Pat McKay is an original. One gae music into American mainstream radio, and one programmers. “What a privilege. People let you into their world, whether their car, their home, their time alone, you’re with them. It’s always cool.” Issue 19 | May 2013 39
DJ CASPER!
If you Google DJ Casper chances are Willie Perry Jr., American Songwriter and DJ, also known as Casper because he almost always wears white clothing on stage, will pop up. However, that’s not the DJ gracing our pages this month is from Ponce, Puerto Rico and his real name is Omar Orozco. Just as recognizable as Mr. Perry, DJ Casper has enjoyed over 10 years of success as he has collaborated with various platinum artists such as just to name a few. by his father, who was a well-known DJ. That introduction would which has 440.5 million YouTube views and climbing, ambassador DJ Casper has played on international stages and club circuits in Europe, Venezuela, Colombia, Mexico, Japan, Spain, Panama and Brazil. His resume is easily a wish list for those who have aspirations of being a DJ. The intensity of DJ Casper’s work has landed him gigs such as NBA City Puerto Rican Parade since 2005, the star-studded Latin Grammys Pre-Party in New York City and the exclusive DJ for the Playboy Mansion events. Additionally he has appeared alongside FM, 103.5 KTU and Latin 96.3. Though successful in his own right, he continues to hone his craft and keep his millions of fans dancing. Through it all, he has remained humble and promises more fan interaction for 2013 and we look forward to tracking his progress.
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SOCA JUNKIE
I am American. Yep, born and raised in Chicago too no less not New York where 90% of the Caribbean population resides here in the states (not a factual census, just a GUESStimate). I have worked within the Caribbean music culture for more than 10 years, but because of my ‘Americanism,’ I am constantly quizzed on ‘how I know the music,’ as if I have to validate my existence. Usually, my snappy comeback is “How do you know Michael Jackson?” which generally shuts down the interrogation.
myself, but I do understand. So I shall once and for all, tell the story of how I became a soca junkie. Once upon a time long ago, when I was a broadcasting student, one of my gigs in Chicago radio was on the program “Reggae
Randolph Coleman. During the Reggae segments I was all in: documenting songs, learning how to play riddims, studying the classics, the whole bit. Every show was like a music lesson and I was hooked. Ahhh, Because of the worldwide recognition of the good times. But when it came time for for global recognition and to not be seen as just a background to Carnival, it seems unfathomable that someone outside of the culture would love the music. I often get frustrated with having to constantly prove
take my break - as in completely leave the studio only to return when we were back to Reggae. Die hard Reggae fans would call the station and complain about the other segments, but my mentor never wavered. He would simply remind me of the limited Issue 19 | May 2013 43
outlets for Caribbean music and that we had a responsibility to play to the entire region, not just for Reggae fans. Ok, yeah, I can dig that. But I’m still going on break.
House and Soca are in the same realm. They both fall into the same range of beats per minute, they are both melodic with catchy hooks and a strong bass line, and whenever either is played you can always see the One day, Randolph pulled my coattail and dancing tun up a notch. But what really told me that if I was serious about pursuing makes Soca hit home for me is the energy a career in Caribbean music, I had to know and the pure love for the music by its fans. it all, not just Reggae. So I tried to get into Soca. The beat was nice, but I couldn’t really There’s a joy and a personal freedom in it. catch the vibe, and soon I was back to taking House and Soca share that same euphoric my breaks. After a time, Randolph pulled my feeling. The rhythm pulls you in, that energy coattail again. “You NEED to learn this. You dance like nobody’s watching - and even if an American in a Caribbean dominated one. they are, so what? It’s that same vibe that If you are going to survive in this, you’ve got keeps you dancing until you leave the place to stock your arsenal.” That time it stuck and squinting at daylight, and calls you back to do it all over again when night falls. Once at least as close as I could get. And where you get caught in that zone, you’re hooked for life. So yeah, from the time I crawled out Why, Brooklyn of course! because I felt it many times before. So I headed to New York for the summer and from Memorial Day until Labor Day, I I laugh about it now because it’s the epitome submerged myself in the Soca scene. I went of leaving home to appreciate home. That to every basement party, major concert and Househead, sweatbox, Soca Fete energy is everything in between. I limed with the young me. In the radio studio, I couldn’t feel it. But once I was in that element were the energy about Calypso and Soca, I was about being in their space. I had every Caribbean format knew I was home. So to answer the question, station from Brooklyn to the Bronx preset on my radio. I hung out by every pan yard in the was born that way. I just didn’t always know city and found myself in anybody’s party as it. long as Soca music was playing. By the time Labor Day Carnival rolled around, I was Red, Black and White, Trini to d’ bone! And was shocked at how easily I absorbed it. It was so natural, as if it was already in me. Once I was in the element, I understood it. It was familiar to me. It was home. Which brings me to the point - now watch how I bring it on home. Being from Chicago, I love House music. Real House music, Chicago bred. Not this electronic techno European stuff that has replaced it. Not that there’s anything wrong with it. But I’m talking about true original house music rooted in Soul and Funk where you go to a party and dance nonstop for hours because you’re so hypnotized by the bass of the music. You don’t think about water, your feet, or even the person you’re dancing with. It’s all irrelevant. The only thing that matters is that rhythm pumping through your veins. It’s I met Soca.
May is probably one of my favorite months for two reasons, one, I get the opportunity to celebrate all the amazing Mothers that I am surrounded by and two, it is my birth month. Like everyone, I am grateful to have in my life a Mom that is very nurturing and supportive. For as long as I can remember my Mom has always been my biggest supporter, giving me words of encouragement and for her. I also thank God for granting me another year on this earth. We all know that tomorrow is not promised so it is a privilege to be able to celebrate another year with my family and friends. This is our second Mother’s Day issue and we are celebrating the working Mom in the persons of and to look up to and draw inspiration from. Effectively multitasking motherhood, family and career, these women share the secrets and passions we know will be inspiring. We continue to do our part informing, educating and providing guidance to you on how to navigate this economy with our features. It is essential to our physical and mental well-being unexpected expenses. On a not so serious note, we have gift ideas for Mom in our feature, tips and this months special feature on the United States Virgin Islands (USVI) Carnival are all part of this month’s contents. As always our desire to keep you connected with the industry through our artist spotlight, DJ Feature of providing you with a purview of Caribbean Lifestyle and culture. I cannot close out without thanking you for continuing to support us - your words of encouragement keep us going. We are looking forward to your continued support and feedback. Please share your thoughts via email: creativedirector@triplethefocus.com
Victor E. Lewis Your Creative Director
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