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#TEAMVINCY CHIEF EDITOR CHIEF CREATIVE OFFICER Stilly Joseph EDITORAL ASSISTANT Jamila Soso-Vincent FASHION EDITOR Jeremy Payne Assistant - Makeda Greene LAYOUT AND DESIGN Stilly Joseph Dane Browne WRITERS Ronelle King Jeremy Payne Stilly Joseph Jeneille Lewis Dane Browne Samara Murphy Shari Osborne Odini Sutherland Simply TIa
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MANAGING DIRECTOR Stilly Joseph SPECIAL THANKS TO
Bequia Tourism Association, Keegan’s Beach Resort and Bequia Express.
Julian, Calvert of McAllister Designs, Kimmystic Clo., Karen Defritas of SOKA, Wädäda Beads, Marslyn Lewis of Seafood Sensation, PAYNE, Monica, Molissa, Jimmy, Alex, Desmond, Caribbean Lifestyles,Young Yakuza, Messenjah of Keegan’s Beach Resort, The Fig Tree, Mango’s Beach Bar & Grill, De Reef, Sugar Reef Resort, Firefly Hotel, Baige’s Bar and Old Hegg Turtle Sanctuary PUBLISHERS New Marketing Concepts SVG Belair, Dauphine St.Vincent, W.I 784-455-6288 nmcsvg@gmail.com
Your donation will go towards improving our magazine, and aid in promoting local talents, culture and causes here in SVG. www.vincyezine.com
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NICE GUYS DON’T FINISH LAST! PATHETIC GUYS DO
Hope for all the ‘Mr. Nice Guy’ out there.
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SEAFOOD SENSASHON
We had a chat with the owner of these tasty and healthy seafood products.
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APERTURE PHOTO REVIEW
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CATCHING UP WITH SARAH
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DÉJÀ VU FASHION SHOW REVIEW Kimmystic Clo. Fashion show review
Sarah Marks share a few details about herself and the making of her first music video “I’m not a robot.”
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SOKA 2013 RESORT COLLECTION A mini review of the collection
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NOT YOUR TYPICAL REALTOR
Sharleen Greaves speaks on real estate and what she’s doing different in the market. 4
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TEA FOR ONE
A modern take on a folkloric essence of ole-tea-party that is slipping away.
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EASTER ENTERTAINING FOR EVERYONE
Samara Murphy’s guide on entertaining this Easter with her recipes for Curry Pickled Devilled eggs and Passion Fruit Ice-tea.
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SIMPLY FOOD! SIMPLY TIA
Tia shares her thoughts and recipes for Coconut Ice cream and Tia’s rum punch.
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FUN IN THE SUN Sun-kisses. Here and There in Bequia Photo shoot
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BOOKS EVERY CARIBBEAN PERSON SHOULD READ
Jeneille recommends three must read books.
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FIVE STEPS TO “OLIVIA POPE”
Secrets to achieving Olivia’s -from TV show Scandal- makeup revealed.
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BEQUIA IS PARADISE
We experienced life in Bequia and visited
KEEGAN’S BEACH HOTEL MANGO’S BAIGE’S BAR THE FIG TREE FIRE FLY RESORT SUGAR REEF DE REEF
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A REVIEW OF CARIBBEAN NEXT TOP MODEL LAUNCH
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IS POWER SOCA DEAD?
Odini explores the place of power soca in the new century.
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INSIDER - EASTER WEEKEND IN BEQUIA
Happenings on Bequia for Easter weekend 8
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CONTRIBUTORS
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Contributors Simply Tia Simply Tia is a born-and-raised Vincentian currently residing in the United States. She is a food blogger whose favourite pastimes include eating, drinking and being very merry. She lives for mangoes, curry chicken and crème brûlée; and will do practically anything for them! The best cocktail she has ever had was a piña colada from the bar at Young Island Resort. If she could build a house anywhere, it would be near the shores of Brighton Salt Pond. Check out her blog @ www.iamsimplytia.com. Samara Murphy Samara is a Vincentian culinary professional who does not particularly like to be referred to as a chef. She graduated from the Culinary Institute of America with degrees in Culinary Arts and Management and has worked as a waitress, cook, and food and beverage manager. She lives in Guyana with her husband Ronald and Labrador Remington, and consults in the food and beverage industry. She loves travel, late nights and fine living. Ronelle King Ronelle is the owner of Renaisance Creations, a jewelry brand which provides the inspiration to embrace individuality by offering unique, handmade accessories. Ronelle is a self-thought jewellery designer and makeup artist
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SEAFOOD SENSATION AD Relax in comfort and ’savour something delicious and taste how much we care’. Gaze at our local collection of fine art . We offer full Breakfast, Lunches Mon-Fri & group dinners by reservation. We Cater for all your special occasions including birthday parties, weddings, meetings, etc. Also Packaged pre-cooked Conch Fritters, Conch Chowder, Curry Conch and Curry Whelks Located on Egmond St. upstairs Trotman’s Mon-Fri 7:30 am—4:00 pm & Sat 7:30 am—2:00 pm www.vincyezine.com
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NICE GUYS DON’T FINISH LAST! Written by SJoseph
…pathetic guys do. There’s still hope for the Mr. Nice Guy I’m about to totally make your day or break it, especially if your view of self resides in the realm of ‘nice guy’. We’ve all heard the saying “Nice guys finish last”. If you’re a perfect gentleman with the ladies (both friends and past girlfriends) yet currently single or never had good luck with relationships…then yes… you probably have started to believe the saying is true. Well cheer up! It’s not. In fact, as a nice guy you’ll probably soon find a girl who appreciates this and live your version of ‘happily ever after’ with her. That, however, depends on if you’re actually a NICE GUY or if you’re a PATHETIC GUY.
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ay attention here folks, because there’s a really fine line between the two. I wouldn’t want to lose you along the way. In the words of YouTube contributor Swoozie06, if you’re always available, always waiting on her hand and foot, always buying her stuff (sometimes things you can’t afford) and smother her with attention…chances are, you’re the pathetic guy. The thing you need to keep in mind is that women like to feel special, but there is such a thing as over-kill. It makes you seem more like a servant than her man. A lot of nice guys forget that women desire masculinity in a partner. They actually want you to be a bit assertive sometimes; and yes, don’t be afraid to “call them out on their bull”. Contrary to popular belief, girls aren’t really attracted to ‘bad boys’ per se. What draws them in is the sense of adventure, excitement and spontaneity that comes with the territory. These attributes are not exclusive to ‘bad boys’ though – nice guys can be just as adventurous, exciting and spontaneous! So, don’t be afraid to suggest activities you would prefer to do, instead of meekly going along with everything she wants to do.
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works to your advantage to keep a bit of yourself back until you build sufficient trust, and ensure you’re both on the same wavelength where a relationship is concerned. Once you have achieved that, feel free to notch things up a level! Try not to overwhelm her – pathetic guys tend to come on way too strong. Attempting to jump straight into a ‘hot and heavy’ relationship doesn’t sit well with most people. They feel as if their feelings are being forced, so even if they did like you, they will inevitably begin to pull away. By now you should get the gist of what I’m saying. The game of courtship is a delicate one. Showing affection to your love interest, buying her stuff and taking an interest in her life all works to your advantage; but like most things in life, the key to success lies in moderation. Once you overshoot that mark, no cologne in the world will mask the ‘scent’ of your desperation… you will find yourself firmly in the ‘pathetic guy’ zone, and by now you should recognize that PATHETIC GUYS FINISH LAST!
Another mistake guys make is being too eager. There really is no challenge for women when the guy seems to want them too much… and trust me, they like a little challenge. This also stands for guys, by the way. So, to all you women undoubtedly reading this: don’t give up the goods too easily. Sometimes, it
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eafood Sensashon captures the importance of health and wellness thought healthy affordable, tasty and easily prepared meals. It embodies the way persons can eat and live better, through the enjoyment of their appetizers, dessert and dinners from the convenience of a microwave meal. Owner Marsyln Lewis pours not only quality ingredients into her seafood products, but love and passion. Her love for cooking developed early in her childhood growing up around a family of passionate cooks. Today, she is the owner of the brand Seafood Sensahson, which is taking the country by storm.
Food sample reviews The Pumpkin soup was creamy and smooth with a lovely hint of nutmeg and other spices. The spices complemented the pumpkin taste very well without overpower the dish. It was indeed an extremely satisfying soup. This soup would be great as a comfort food to enjoy while watching a good show or if you ever need a light appetizer. The curry whelks - which like my previous dish was super easy to prepare - I had over some rice. The whelks were well seasoned. I liked that the star of the dish was the whelks and that the curry and other seasonings did not outshine it. It was definitely a pleasure eating this dish.
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Marsyln Lewis A CUSTOMER SPEAKS Laverne Gibson-Velox Independence weekend I decide I was not going to be a slave to the stove...I called Seafood Sensashon Friday afternoon and my bag of goodies was delivered by 6 p.m. It contained curried conch and whelks, conch chowder, conch fritters and to my delight two other dishes (one shrimp and one soup) was ‘thrown’ for sampling. I was extremely impressed wit the quality of the fare and the portions were more than adequate...it was beyond delicious and the conch and whelks were melt-in-the-mouth good! Great stuff Marslyn and you will hear me again soon with a followup order. Price was reasonable too! www.vincyezine.com
SEAFOOD SENSASHON BLOG NAME Seafood Sensashon offers a variety of savoury dishes made from fresh seafood and locally grown vegetables, herbs and spices. Her products currently includes; conch chowder, conch fritters, curry conchs, curry whelks, lobster bisque, crème of pumpkin soup, cream of callalou with other products soon to come on stream. Marsyln creativity with seafood cuisine blossomed while growing up on the small island of Union Island in St.Vincent and the Grenadines, where fishing is a way of life. She traveled through the world of restaurant ownership, restaurant management and sale representation before finally deciding to launch Seafood Sensation. For the 2012 Caribbean Small Business Ecademy Program for the Antigua ICT week, Marslyn won first place with her future business vision and mission. Vincy eZine had the privilege of sampling a few of the products. Be sure to read out thoughts.
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expectations, especially as she has opened doors to The Bounty Restaurant, which she now owns. The Bounty will of course be offering Marsyln’s signature dishes and maintain her standards of delicious, health and affordable meals. Currently, these products can be found in CK Greaves and Company Supermarkets or you can contact them at telephone +1784 454-4424 or 532-3911 or email seafoodsensashon@hotmail.com
Marslyn now looks to 2013 with high
Seafood Sensashon @ The Bounty Located in the redbrick Trotman’s Building on Egmont Street, Kingstown.
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APERTURE Art-exhibit and Sale
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SHE IS Vincy Singer Sarah Marks - Singer and Songwriter currently residing in Anguilla. SHE BROUGHT YOU hit songs ‘Stereo Killer’, ‘Stars Collide’ and ‘You don’t impress me.’ Now, the SVG beauty Sarah Mark has done it again with her brand new single ‘Not A Robot’ produced by C2W Music’s own Mark Cyrus. WE CAUGHT UP with Sarah Marks to ask a few questions about her and her first music video “I’m not a Robot.
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SARAH MARK an interview with
Sarah Marks Who is Sarah Mark? Sarah Mark is someone who is very outgoing, loves to enjoy herself, someone who would never give up on something that she wants. She would not let something get in her way that would prevent her from [achieving] her goal.
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How would you describe your style of music? I’d say my style is Caribbean Pop – a cross between Pop music and Caribbean music. Who are your music inspiration(s)? Currently, I really like Rita Ora and Jessie J; Jessie J probably being my favourite. She’s so edgy and she has one FANTASTIC voice! She seems so down to Earth in all of her interviews. She seems fun and wild! I really like it.
What hash tags would you use to describe yourself? #CaribbeanGirl #VideoGameLover #Ambitious #Silly #Clumsy #Perfectionist #Fun Five things you can’t live without? My family My friends God My phone (of course) FOOD Describe SVG in hash tags #NaturalBeauty #BeautifulBeaches #Paradise #GorgeousIsland When did you decide that a career in singing is something that you wanted? I’ve wanted a career in singing since I was about 6 years old. I’ve always wanted this. Every time someone asked me what I wanted to be, I’d say “a singer!” Haha, and I’ll still say that! I’ve never once said anything other than that unless people have asked me what I want to be alternatively.
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What song in your playlist might make others go OMG? Hmmm... This is a tough one. I don’t think there’s really any song that might make someone say that. I guess maybe ‘Fields of Gold’ by Sting. Who would you like to collaborate with in the future? Jessie J for sure! Other than music, what else are you into? I’m into acting. I love acting. I’d love to be able to [star] in movies. I’m very much into the arts. Vincy eZine | Vol1 Issue 3
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Describe the feeling of seeing your first professionally done video for the first time? When I saw the final result of the music video, I was beyond happy. I could not stop smiling. I felt a bit emotional watching it. To think that just the other day I was at high school in Trinidad singing on stage for the Christmas concert only WISHING I could be singing in front of a massive live audience, and now I have my very own music video. It’s amazing to see how much I’ve achieved. Although to some it may not seem like much, to me, it really does seem like a lot. I get so emotional because of how thankful I am for all that I’ve achieved. I have the most supportive mother who has been here to guide me and provide me with as much as she can. Without her, I don’t think I would even be this far today.
nearly all, there were hundreds of bats!! I was FREAKING OUT. My mum hardly even stayed upstairs because she was afraid! When we were filming the scene in the hall way, there was a point where I had to go into one of the rooms until I had to run out. There were bats just there on the ceiling. There was a point in time where they kept flying around. I was soooo scared! I had a ‘bat man’ who came inside of the room with me because I was too afraid to stay in there by myself. I was so terrified. However, it was a very exciting experience! I must say, it’s something I won’t forget! What has the response to your video been like? So far, everyone has loved it! I am so happy that everyone has enjoyed watching it and I am so happy that I’ve made everyone proud as I’m repping their island (St. Vincent), and I’m proud to be repping St.Vincent! I was extremely nervous to release it at first because I had no idea what the feedback would be like. But now, I’m very content with all of the feedback and it makes me happy knowing that my fans are proud of me. When’s the next video going to be out? To be honest, I’m not sure. Hopefully soon though!
What’s the best advice you’ve ever What was your most memorable moment received? Well, once, I was very nervous to do a while filming the music video? performance in Barbados. I was telling Oh boy. When we were filming at my mum how nervous I was and she told Canash in the old building, there were an me: “Just be beautiful.” I highly doubt she abundance of bats upstairs! And where most of the scenes were done in the house, would even remember telling me that but I 20
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definitely remember it. Do you have a personal quote? There is one quote that I live by and that is “Everything happens for a reason.” Everyone who knows me well enough, knows that I live by this quote.
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Single or Taken? Haha single! What are your goals in regard to your career in music? Well I’m hoping to be signed. That’s my biggest and main goal right now. There will definitely be more goals once that happens but I’m just taking it one step at a time, one goal at a time.
Stay connected with Sarah MarK for new releases and her CAREER� progress
Photos taken by Calvert Jones of McAllister Designs
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SHE IS Karen DeFreitasFraser, borned Vincentian, Owner of the brand Soka. SHE LIKES thai food, Salt Whistle Bay and Kendrick Lamar IN THE MAGAZINE are a few comments on her brand and Soka Resort 2013 lookbook.
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SOKA
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It’s a collage of shapes, colours and patterns that excites the eye and whets your style palette. The bold statement exuded by Soka’s 2013 Resort collection is nothing short of the growth of the clothing label. Inspired by Saturday trips to the market in SVG, a bit of the 1960s and the iconic banana skirt made famous by Josephine Baker, Vincentian born designer-intraining Karen DeFreitas-Fraser goes about fashioning for us a story of the past, right here and now. The collection is centred around an unsubtle fruit and vegetable bowl of printed lemons, bananas and peppers, sewn into wearable and functional clothing for the woman on the go. Soka’s colourful collection is inclusive of ‘bralets’, dresses, tops, skirts and short-shorts (my favourite) that can be described as both urban and Caribbean. I reckon it’s a perfect pairing for us here in SVG. Karen is currently studying at Parson’s New School of Design. I take special time out to wish her great success and best of create-tivity. Xx ALL PIECES ARE FOR SALE BY CUSTOM ORDER.
For more information on Soka, visit www.madebysoka.com or email madebysoka@gmail.com. Y ou can also find Soka on Instagram/Twitter/Tumblr: madebysoka. www.vincyezine.com
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SHARLEEN GREAVES More tha n the typical R ealtor
Sharleen Greaves has been in the business of real estate for over 10 years. Even before that, she was very interested in the housing market, as she had a passion for interior design and transforming properties into homes. Today, Sharleen is the proud owner of Bijou Real Estate.
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tarting Bijou Real Estate was challenging for her, even with her training and experience in the real estate industry. However, with determination, Sharleen was able to bolster her own path in the industry. Her approach to real estate is not the traditional type, like what you may have seen in the past in SVG. She has coupled her creativity, research and (admittedly) a little of what 28
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she’s seen on HGTV, to come up with innovative ways to sell properties/ homes and acquire listings. Some of these innovative tools include an intensive social media marketing campaign, and open houses which she recently started doing. There are many more services and strategies Bijou Real Estate will roll out in the future, but we weren’t able to ‘pick’ Sharleen’s mouth on any of those. You’ll just have to
check her website regularly and/ or follow her on Facebook to see what she rolls out next. The Real Estate market varies locally. There are many returning residents, foreign investors or just foreigners looking to own a home in the Caribbean looking at the Vincentian housing market. Though locals are also looking for houses in SVG, what is available on the market is www.vincyezine.com
SHARLEEN GREAVES As for buyers, the realtor takes into consideration all their needs and locates a property to fit their budget and necessities. As she would put it, she transforms their “dreams into an address”. Sharleen is in love with her job, and handles each challenge she encounters with an optimistic attitude. In the future, she sees Bijou Real Estate as not only dominating the market in SVG, but also the regional and perhaps
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the international market as well. She expressed her appreciation to many persons who have assisted in her growth so far, especially her many customers. Bijou Real Estate services include listing and selling residential and commercial properties, leasing and property management, consultation on property improvement, property valuation, tenants screening, property contacts and property marketing.
not always affordable to them. As a realtor, Sharleen’s role is to act as a ‘middle man’ for negotiation and other activities between the seller and the buyer. She takes care of marketing, and uses her wide network of potential buyers and contacts to get a property sold at the best price possible. The hassle and complexities are lifted from the shoulders of the sellers. www.vincyezine.com
P.O.Box 2054, Kingstown, St.Vincent & The Grenadines Email: sgreaves@bijousvg.com Website: http://bijousvg.com/ 1 784 530 7310 (Cell) 347 537 1427 (US Land Line ) sharleen.greaves ( Skype ) Vincy eZine | Vol1 Issue 3
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DÉJÀ VU and sh Fashion S h o featur wcased col ow took pla ed le ce on th [Maye designer f ctions from rom N rs], Ta the sh e 2nd Marc mi B [ e o Tamik w York Vik w organiz h at theBas e c tor Lu o Brow na, Po r Kimmystic ombe’s res ne] an idence sh C d Ethe , l [Don elle [Lisa C lo. [Kimon ordice Baptis na We t ], Atel eks] ier Sh e], ernicia
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Tami B 4 @hotmail.com, 1784-532-961 iss rri oo n so bin Ro is Or y tes Photo cour
Poshelle Photo courtesy Ori s Robinson - oorri iss@hotmail.com, 1784-532-9
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Atelier Shernicia
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t was indeed GOOD to see people seated ahead of ‘Vincentian time’ under tents – being entertained by live steel pan music, effortlessly combined with the subtle sound of waves on the Indian Bay seashore. It was a truly beautiful tropical setting in peaceful anticipation of Déjà Vu, a fashion show presented by Kimmystic Clo. Prior to the main event, patrons were invited to browse the Déjà Vu ‘fashion village’ to view first-hand, and buy (if desired) products from a select host of accessory/art vendors. A collection from Kimmystic Clo. set the ball rolling for the night’s events. Models glided effortlessly down the U-shaped 34
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wooden runway in Kimon Baptiste’s signature pageant dresses – with hair in spiralling sleek buns, unique make-up choices, and facial expressions filled with oodles of attitude. Mixed among the glitter and beaded lace, were collections ranging from swimwear to work-wear, evening wear to resort. These were pieces from design labels Poshelle (Lisa Cordice), Atelier Shernicia (Shernicia Mayers), Tami B (Tamiko Browne) and Ethel (Donna Weekes). Some pieces were not so memorable, others left imprints on mind and body – some literally. We did pick up a few editing issues that may have been only visible to the trained www.vincyezine.com
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eye. However, the designs variety was interesting enough. The show continued after a more than 5-minute intermission with a second collection from Miss Baptiste of what seemed to be the past/present/future interpretations of Kimmystic Clo. A collection of high-waist pants, fluid chiffons, oversized sleeves which seems to be another signature look of this label. What was refreshing was the inclusion of a very clean (as it should be) line of menswear. The clothing picked up added attention with a pairing of Just Jeon bags from designer Jeon Adams. The night could not have ended on a better high than with the main featured designer Viktor Luna (a Season 9 finalist in U.S reality show Project Runway). The www.vincyezine.com
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collection was inspired by the ‘Luna woman’, a socially anticipated party-goer of high-end taste. Gorgeous detailing and innovative fabric treatment were translated into ready-to-wear cocktail dresses, suits and evening dresses. There was a clever combination of solid reds, whites and blacks coupled with ostrich feathers which proved that Heidi Klum (a judge on the reality show) should really stick to wearing fashion, and not judging it. High fashion did indeed come to the shores of St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The night ended for most with host designer Miss Baptiste handing out ‘thank you’ bouquets to all the designers for being a part of an event that truly proved to be Déjà Vu. Kudos to Kimmystic Clo.
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There’s nothing a cup of tea can’t cool. And with it beacons gorgeously tailored clothing that help ring in Spring. See a modern take on a folkloric essence of ole-tea-party that is slipping away. Photography by Jamila Soso-Vincent.
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Table setting courtesy Caribbean Lifestyles, in a garden suited for the Caribbeans most posh. On Alyssa: printed monokini; Atelier Shernicia. Fashion Editor, Jeremy Payne.
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TEA FOR ONE
Green tailored dress with asymetric neckline; Atelier Shernicia. Bronze timepiece; SOKA. All Pearls&bows; stylists’ own.
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Bits to go around. White khaki Shirt dress, pink fringe & crystal earrings; PAYNE.
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Floating on timeless tradition. Printed chiffon cold shoulder Dress by Pixie J
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Easter Entertaining for Everyone
By Samara Murphy
If you’re trying to think of the perfect way to entertain this Easter while honouring some time tested Vincy traditions, why not throw a tea party. “A tea party?!” I’m ready for your scepticism. You’re already thinking of Sunday dresses, Lipton tea and limp lettuce and cheese sandwiches. But this Easter, revolutionise the tea party concept and throw a party that will make you the envy of all your friends.
mother’s old tea set! Step by step, I’ll guide you to throwing a hip event for all age groups.
The first and most important step is creating a fabulous menu for your event. Your menu should have a good balance of small savoury and sweet items, as well Get ready to head to the beach or out on a as a couple healthy and sometimes even lawn, and forget about taking your grand- vegetarian or vegan options to make every guest happy. You should always try to be 42
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aware of the dietary restrictions of your guests. If you’re thinking of taking your tea party outdoors (as I strongly recommend with St. Vincent’s wonderful weather), consider making items that pack well and don’t need to be hot to be enjoyed.
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There are some essential dishes that no Easter tea party should be without. Easter eggs are popular everywhere, but instead of wasting time dyeing shells and hiding a hard-boiled egg that nobody will be interested in eating, make stuffed eggs - more elegantly recognised as Deviled Eggs. (Oh, the Easter paradox!) Take your egg dyeing to the next level by using natural food dyes and flavours to dye the white of the egg to create a colourful tea snack. Everybody has had those ribbon cheese sandwiches and corned beef sandwiches that seem to be a staple at every Vincentian tea party. Skip the boring artificially dyed cheese paste and the mystery meat, and use fresh cucumbers with an herbed cream cheese to create dainty cucumber sandwiches. Toast left over hot cross buns from Good Friday and experiment with different fillings to make a specialised sandwich. Fill with ham, sharp Cheddar cheese, Dijon mustard and crisp lettuce and garnish with a pickle on top for an interesting combination of flavours and textures, or use a classic combination of jam and peanut butter for a sweet treat. Cupcakes are enjoying a wave of recognition in the dessert world. No one can resist a beautifully decorated cupcake. Create a signature cupcake for your tea party by using an interesting filling and complementing frosting. You can even cheat by using store bought cake mix and then adding a dollop of guava jelly or Nutella to the centre of each cupcake before baking. If you decided to use a fruit fillwww.vincyezine.com
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Curry Pickled Deviled Eggs 6 eggs Curry Pickle 2 cups vinegar 2 cups water 1 tbsp sugar 2 tsp salt 1 tbsp curry powder
(6 servings)
Stuffing
3 tbsp mayonnaise 1 tsp mustard 1 tbsp chopped chive Pinch garlic powder Salt Black Pepper
METHOD
1. Place eggs in a pot with enough cold water to cover the eggs by about 2 inches and bring to a boil. 2. Reduce to a simmer as soon as boiling begins. And continue to simmer for 10-12 minutes. 3. Remove eggs and cool in cold water. 4. Peel as soon as the eggs cool enough to handle. (The sooner the eggs are peeled the easier it is to cleanly remove the shells.) 5. Prepare the curry pickling mixture by combining vinegar, water, sugar, salt and curry powder. 6. Bring to a boil. 7. Remove from heat and pour over the eggs, ensuring that they are completely covered. 8. Remove eggs from the pickling mixture when it has completely cooled. 9. Blot on a paper towel. 10. Cut the eggs lengthways and carefully remove the yolks. 11. In a bowl, mix the yolks, mayonnaise, mustard, garlic powder and chives (reserve about a teaspoon if you will be using chives as a garnish) until the mixture gets smooth. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. 12. Spoon the mixture into a small pastry bag (or a small ziplock sandwich bag). Cut the tip to make about a 1 centimetre opening. 13. Squeeze the yolk mixture back into the egg. 14. Garnish the eggs with thin slices of red onion, pieces of chive or parsley.
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EASTER ENTERTAINING ing, top with a cream cheese frosting or a simple butter icing and garnish with a slice of fresh fruit. Nutella filled vanilla cupcakes go beautifully with a chocolate frosting and a slice of banana. Be creative and experiment with other recipes. Get inspired by traditional tea fare and local fruits and vegetables to come up with new thrilling menu options. Round off your menu by preparing a fresh fruit salad. Use fruit of varying colour and texture, and prevent discolouration of fruit like bananas and apples by adding a squeeze of lime. Finish the salad with a splash of natural fruit juice. Now that you’ve got your menu down, it’s time to think drinks. Tea - you’ve dreaded it, and now we’re going to make it. But this won’t be your mama’s tea. Serve iced tea flavoured with juice and fill with pieces of fruit, or be bold and add a splash of Sunset strong rum or any other liquor that fits your fancy. Complete the process by giving your beverage a name like the ‘Bunny Punch’ or ‘Easter Ecstasy’ that will live on for many Easters to come. When decorating, use pastels to add an Easter feel. Wrap cutlery in coloured napkins and fill glasses or jars with candy like Easter coloured M&Ms and jelly beans. Use colourful, small plates (paper plates are a great option and come in many patterns and colours). Decorate your table with fresh flowers or if you’re tea-picnicking, choose colourful beach towels and blankets.
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an unusual or outlandish hat. So whether you decide to chill on a beach in Bequia with your friends or stay at home with your family, you can have an Easter tea party that’s fun and food filled for everyone!
Passion Fruit Iced Tea Cocktail 1 oz Sunset Strong Rum 1 oz Dark rum 2 oz Passion fruit juice Sweetened Iced Tea Lime
METHOD 1. Fill an old-fashioned glass with ice, pour white and dark rums. 2. Add passion fruit juice. 3. Top with iced tea. 4. Add a squeeze of lime and stir. 5. Serve with a slice of lime.
Add some excitement by giving your tea party a fun name. You can encourage guests to bring their favourite tea cup for your spectacular tea-rum punch or to wear www.vincyezine.com
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SIMPLY TIA
Simply Food! with
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Coconut Ice Cream I think I’m coconut’s biggest lover. I can eat any and every thing coconut. Coconut cake, coconut sugar cake, coconut fudge; drink coconut water, coconut milk; put coconut milk in almost all my smoothies, use coconut oil in my cooking... I’m sure you get the gist. Recently, I started experimenting with making my own ice cream. Recently, it was really cold here – I think it was even snowing a bit – and I was craving ice cream. Badly! I was not going outside, even if paid to do so, but I insisted on having ice cream. And just like that, I decided to make my own. Now, in my house, there is not an ice cream maker to be found, so the research began. After spending two hours doing so, I found out that it is SUPER easy to make my own ice cream. Like seriously easy. I started with Vanilla Ice Cream that day. It was nerve wracking because I wasn’t sure how it would turn out, plus I had to wait 6 hours for it to freeze. Luckily for me, it turned out perfect! A week later I made a delicious strawberrybanana ice cream. Today, I’m sharing with you this extremely simple recipe for a wonderfully tasty coconut ice cream. No ice cream maker required! 46
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INGREDIENTS: 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk 1 cup cold heavy cream 2 cups cold coconut milk (Canned coconut milk is fine) 1 tbsp vanilla instant pudding mix METHOD: 1. In a bowl, use an electric mixer to beat heavy cream and coconut milk on high until soft peaks form; approximately 5 minutes. It should look frothy. 2. Add instant pudding mix in the last minute of beating. 3. With a rubber spatula, gently fold whipped cream/coconut mixture into a bowl that already has the condensed milk. Once properly mixed, pour into a metal or ceramic bowl or pan. (Cut a piece of parchment paper that would fit directly over the “batter”. You can just peel this off once ice cream is frozen) 4. Freeze for at least 6 hours. Overnight is best. www.vincyezine.com
SIMPLY FOOD Tia’s Rum Punch On a recent trip home to St. Vincent, while out with my friends, who were enjoying Campari, Guinness or Bailey’s, guess what I was at the other end of the bar doing? I was down there, in my own world, mixing Hairoun Beer and Sunset Rum. Everyone was watching me like I was crazy. Ok, maybe not like I was crazy but definitely giving me that ‘well there is a TRUE Rumbo’ look. I’d just look back giving them the ‘pish tosh!’ look. I was enjoying life. Every other day, on my Vincy vacation, it was me and my Sunset rum. You know how Becket sang “Rum ‘til de carnival done”? Well, I was singing “Rum ‘til my vacation done”. Needless to say, I love Sunset Rum. I have tasted more than my fair share of overproof rums from around the Caribbean (I sound like a Rum-bo there, don’t I?), but I
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have yet to taste any as smooth as Sunset Rum – seriously. My chest may get a teensyweensy burn when I take a straight shot of the stuff but other than that, there’s no nasty after taste or feeling as if I’m drinking gasoline like I get with some of the other over-proof rums. So when I think of making one of my favourite rum drinks – Rum Punch – Sunset is definitely my first choice. What I love about rum punch is that it’s the type of cocktail you don’t have to get all fancy with. All you need is good-quality strong rum, lots of fruit juice, mix and you’re done. Best yet, it’s ideal for a party or a mediumsized get together. A one shot deal, if you may. If you look around the web or peruse cocktail books, you’re going to find all types of variations of rum punch. Now, I’m not necessarily saying mine is the best but I will tell you it is really and truly GOOD. INGREDIENTS: 4 cups Sunset Light Rum (2 cups if using Sunset Strong Rum) 1 cup passion fruit juice 1 cup pineapple juice 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice 4 limes, juiced 4 lemons, juiced 2 bottles Soda Water 1/4 cup simple syrup (To make: boil 1/2 cup of water with 1/2 cup of sugar until slightly thick) METHOD: Pour ingredients into punch bowl. Stir well. Allow punch to sit in fridge for at least an hour so that ingredients can marry. To serve: pour over two ice cubes in a high-ball glass.
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Photo shoot done in the Grenadine island of Bequia
A quick trip to Bequia for the Easter means many things... on the list, anything that shows off your tanned bod and keeps you cool in more ways than one. In the Grenadines, skin is always in. Photography by JAMILA SOSO-VINCENT. Styling by JEREMY PAYNE.
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SUNKISSED
Fare Ferry Rough or calm, there’s not a more exotic way to get to paradise (Bequia) than on a boat. Specifically, a Bequia Express Boat.
On Makeda: white cotton bikini tube top; PIxie J. floral highlow skirt; PAYNE. Glasses; stylist own. 50
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On ROUTE On Alyssa: teal stretch taffeta bralette & purple voile highlow skirt Poshelle[Lisa Cordice]. Sea and sun already found.
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BLOG NAME On left: TouchDown It’s most necessary & a little impossible to miss all the vibrancy & allure of side walk vendors.Clothing, jewelry, art, craft. Jewelry by MOLISSA[left]. white jacket, pink stretch taffeta bralette; Poshelle. Floral highlow skirt; PAYNE.
In blue and shaded; Alex. the crafter of very exquisite bone,shell&wooden jewelry. too much to choose from.
On right: All smiles with Jimmy, the man behind painted calabashes and beaded jewelry. Alyssa:White voile wide collar shirt; PAYNE. purple voile skirt;Poshelle. On Makeda: white cotton dip dyed shirt;PETA ODINI Sutherland. 52
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WINdy trips call for hair pins & patience. white linen hand-painted dress;Poshelle. Bamboo Bangles; Vonley Greaves.
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Getting around is beyond easy with an open-back taxi. Pink Mesh shirt; PETA ODINI SUTHERLAND. B&W bikini; Pixie J.
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SUNKISSED - FUN IN THE SUN
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On Right @ ‘Mangoes’.Catching high waters or taking shade & the drinks that come with it. Alyssa in white mesh shirt; Peta Odini Sutherland. Bikini; Pixie J.
white hand painted romper; POSHELLE. Bangles; Vonley GREAVES.
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Sunkissed. Paisely bikini; PIXIE J. necklace,stylists own. MAKE-UP by JENEILLE LEWIS.
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Books Every Caribbean Person Should Read By Jeneille M. Lewis
I am a huge fan of contemporary Caribbean fiction, and went through a phase where I dug up and read every new, budding Caribbean author that I could find. The list that I’ve compiled includes authors from Jamaica, Barbados, Antigua, Trinidad & Tobago and St. Vincent & the Grenadines. Here are a few that I have enjoyed – and I think you will too!
UNBURNABLE by Marie-Elena John In this riveting narrative of family, betrayal, vengeance, and murder, Lillian Baptiste is willed back to her island home of Dominica to finally settle her past. Haunted by scandal and secrets, Lillian left Dominica when she was fourteen after discovering she was the daughter of Iris, the half-crazy woman whose life was told of in chanté mas songs sung during Carnival – namely ‘Matilda Swinging’ and ‘Bottle of Coke’. These were songs about the village on a mountaintop of bones and bodies; songs about flying masquerades, and a man who dropped dead. Lillian knew them well. And now she knows these songs – and thus the history – belong to her. After twenty years away, Lillian returns to face the demons of her past. With the help of Teddy, the man she refused to love, she will find a way to heal. 60
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BOOK REVIEWS
L I F E S T Y L E
THE BOOK OF NIGHT WOMEN by Marlon James The Book of Night Women is a sweeping, startling novel; a true ‘tour de force’ of both voice and storytelling. It is the story of Lilith, born into slavery on a Jamaican sugar plantation at the end of the eighteenth century. Even at her birth, the slave women around her recognize a dark power that they and she will come to revere and fear. The ‘Night Women’, as they call themselves, have long been plotting a slave revolt, and as Lilith comes of age and reveals the extent of her power, they see her as the key to their plans. But when she begins to understand her own feelings, desires and identity, Lilith starts to push at the edges of what is fathomable for a slave woman in that era – and risks becoming the conspiracy’s weak link. Lilith’s story overflows with high drama and heartbreak, and life on the plantation is rife with dangerous secrets, unspoken jealousies, inhuman violence, and very human emotion between slave and master, between slave and overseer, and among the slaves themselves.
WAITING IN VAIN by Colin Channer Meet Fire — Jamaican-born, charming, poetic, and talented — a man who vows never to play “love-is-blind” games again. Then he meets Sylvia, a beautiful magazine editor who keeps her passions under lock and key. Together they must choose between the love in their lives and the love of their lives. From the galleries of Soho to the brownstones of Brooklyn, from the nightclubs of London to the streets of Kingston, Jamaica, the author takes us on a wild, soul-searching ride as Fire and Sylvia try to connect, disconnect, and reconnect amid conflicting desires and wounds from the past. But through intricate love triangles and crushing personal tragedies, Fire, Sylvia, and their friends learn that some things in life are worth fighting for. If not, you’re simply waiting in vain. www.vincyezine.com
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Five steps to, e” p o P a i v i “Ol By, Ronelle King.
Most of us (if not all), who have seen the U.S television show ‘Scandal’, have in some way or the other become hooked. We’ve fallen in love with the controversial writing, the fashion and its complex characters, but most of all we’ve fallen in love with Olivia Pope, a highly driven, no nonsense power house whose sense of style is nothing short of impeccable. For that reason we’ve put together five (5) sure-fire steps to achieving Olivia’s signature make-up look. 62
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OLIVIA POPE
FLESH TONE LIPS
B E A U T Y
MASCARA TO THE MAX Olivia then brings the drama with generous coats of lash-defining eyeopening mascara.
Your lips but better! That’s exactly what nude lips should be. Olivia keeps her lip colour simple and understated with flesh toned colours and just a smudge of sheer gloss.
NEUTRAL LID This professional “fixer” keeps her eyelids fairly neutral with browns and taupes, allowing her deep set eyes to cast an illusion of a darker crease.
HIGHLIGHT If you look closely you’ll notice that there are a few key areas on Olivia’s face that are more pronounced than others: under her eyes and upwards to her cheekbones, the bridge of her nose, and her cupid’s bow. Highlighting these features produces that youthful glow and lusciousness that most women strive for.
SMUDGED BLACK LINER The next step to achieving Olivia Pope’s signature makeup look is to line your top lash line with black eyeliner and smudge it out just a bit. This gives the impression of thicker lashes and creates that smoky effect we all love. www.vincyezine.com
Make these tips your own, and don’t hesitate to mix it up a bit. Remember, it’s only makeup, so have fun!
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B E A U T Y
JINJER
Toss it or keep it: By: Jeneille Lewis of Beauti by Jinjer
How do you know when it’s time to get rid of your makeup? If you’re a product junkie and cosmetics collector like I am, then you have a pile of makeup products in your drawer that you’ve collected over the years but hardly use. We all know that it’s time to toss mascara when it’s dried up but what about our other beauty products? The length of time you should hold on to your eye shadows, blushes, lipsticks, and other cosmetics, depends on several factors: type of makeup, how it has been stored, and whether you’ve had an eye infection. Some make up shouldn’t be kept longer than 3 months, but you can hang on to other paints and varnishes for a couple years. Here are some common cosmetics and the recommended shelf life for each after it has been opened for the first time. 64
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TOSS IT OR KEEP IT
B E A U T Y
MASCARA: Toss your mascara after 3 months. Mascara has the shortest life span of all make up because the risk of transferring bacteria back and forth from your eye into the mascara tube is so great. If your mascara starts to dry out before its 90 days is up, throw it away. Don’t add water or saliva to your mascara to re-wet it. Doing so will only increase your chances of getting an eye infection.
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EYE PENCILS: Eye pencils can be kept up to 2 years. To make sure you’re using a clean tip, sharpen before each application.
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EYE SHADOWS: If you keep your applicators clean, your liquid shadows should last 12 months. Powder shadows will keep for up to 2 years. If you’ve had an eye infection, you’ll need to throw out the entire eye makeup product and the applicators you used from the time you developed symptoms. The virus or bacteria that caused the infection has probably taken up residence in your make up, so using those cosmetics again could cause you to develop another infection.
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LIPSTICKS: You can store your tube lipsticks and your lip pencils for 2 years. As with eye pencils, sharpen your lip pencils before each use. Hint, keeping them in the refrigerator is a great way to extend their shelf life.
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BLUSHES AND POWDERS: Discard your cream blushes after a year, powder blushes and powders – after 2 years.
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FOUNDATIONS AND CONCEALERS: Moisturizing foundations and stick concealers can hang around for 18 months. A 12-month shelf life applies to both oil-free foundations (which can dry out quickly) and liquid concealers. I know the idea of tossing our cosmetics doesn’t sit easy with many of us, as we would have spent a lot of money on them. You can extend the shelf life of your products by ensuring that you use clean applicators and brushes every time, never double-dip and always sanitize and disinfect your products with alcohol after every use. Please keep in mind that these are estimates; no matter what anyone tells you, it’s unlikely that you’ll go blind from using 2-year-old mascara. www.vincyezine.com
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Bequia A few days account of our TRIP TO BEQUIA
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equia is paradise, but she does not boast about it. Instead, she waits for those who cross her shores to experience it for themselves. She waits for you to experience the perfect marriage of her turquoise waters and golden sand; rivaled only by the brilliance of the setting sun. And when darkness falls, millions of stars come out for their nightly game of hide and seek.
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PARADISE Bequia’s population is relaxed and quick to share a smile with strangers. They are content with what they have, and radiate beauty from the inside. They will rock slippers and short pants all day, for material things hardly draw their attention. And why should it? The land beneath their feet is a treasure chest, and they themselves make up a significant part of it. www.vincyezine.com
Many flock to Beqia at this time of year – tourists and locals alike – for the various festivities and events (Bequia Blues Fest, Easter Regatta etc) that take place. It is the perfect island retreat with magnificent scenery, exceptional service and delicious food. Its vibrancy, diversity and unique culture make the island a natural choice for Vincy eZine to focus on this Easter. We traveled the island to bring you some
of the awesomeness the island has to offer. We were only there for two days, but the experience was enough to leave us tearyeyed when it was time to leave. We stuffed our faces, explored the land, frolicked in the sea and basked in the sun. Keep reading if you’re thinking about a vacation/ visit to Bequia… it will undoubtedly be the time of your life! Vincy eZine | Vol1 Issue 3
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TRIP TO BEQUIA GETTING TO BEQUIA Bequia is accessible by air and sea. We chose the latter option; a 1-hour journey on the Bequia Express ferry. It runs several trips per day between Kingstown and Port Elizabeth Harbour (Bequia). You may want to make your first stop the Bequia Tourism Association office, even if you’re a local. Their competent staff will recommend various places you can visit, assist you with booking transportation and lodgings, and provide information on various events happening on the island. Port Elizabeth is lined with many craft stores, vendors and restaurants, so it’s easy to get in a little shopping or food purchasing as soon as you set foot in Bequia.
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KEEGAN’S BEACH HOTEL The hotel is situated in Lower Bay; a 10-minute taxi ride from the harbor, and just a stone’s throw away from the beach. Greeted by friendly staff, we relaxed in our rooms for a bit before heading to dinner at Mango’s. As we left the hotel, we noticed that it was movie night there – a well-attended event with patrons filling the restaurant and beach deck areas, relaxing over dinner and enjoying ‘Dirty Dancing’ with friends. Lower Bay, Bequia Tel (784) 458 3530 or (784) 530 4959 Email: keegansbequia@yahoo.com Website: www.keegansbequia.org www.vincyezine.com
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Lower Bay, Bequia Tel (784) 458 3361 MANGO’S BEACH BAR & GRILL
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e arrived at Mango’s, which was only 2 minutes’ walk from Keegan’s, to find it beautifully lit with faux candle light, creating a warm and earthy feel. We sat on the beach deck, and although it was too dark to appreciate the gorgeous sea, we knew it was there – waves gently lapping in the background. Mango’s offers a variety of seafood and pasta dishes on their menu such as pasta with conch, lobster or fish, sautéed with white wine. There is also poultry – chicken stuffed with mushrooms, bell peppers and mozzarella – and steak. Vegetarian dishes can be prepared on request. Also, forget your diet for one night and indulge in its appetizers and desserts as they are absolutely mouth-watering.
with the soup du jour – a creamy, delectable pumpkin soup accentuated with a hint of nutmeg. There was definite flair in the food preparation. The roasted stuffed tomatoes, sautéed string beans and stuffed green sweet peppers were cooked to perfection. Then there was the callaloo rice which nearly outshined every other ingredient on the plate. Delicious! My steak was juicy, cooked just how I ordered it. Meanwhile, my companion’s lobster was as it should be – succulent and dripping in butter. We capped things off with lovely cheese cake and banana bread. No complaints here!
The chef visited our table, and we showered her with praises. After such a satisfying meal, we decided to call it a night….but my companion’s friend Gustav, who later Dinner was delicious. We started our meal swung by to say ‘hello’, had other plans. 70
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Port Elizabeth, Bequia Anyone from Bequia would be able to point you in the direction HIBISCUS BAR (BAIGE’S BAR)
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few hours spent at this bar with Gustav and others brought into perspective what my mind had been fiddling with all evening – the culture of Bequia. The relaxed and friendly disposition of the island’s residents (who endearingly refer to themselves as ‘Bequarian’) means that the word “stranger” holds no meaning to them. There, even after meeting you for one minute, you are family. Hibiscus Bar epitomizes the essence the Bequia people…. And they have proclaimed it to be the best bar on the island!
visitors. Then there was the barbeque. Perfectly grilled chicken, pork or fish wrapped in a sweet, smoky, sticky delicious barbecue sauce. Addictive! Though my belly was still full from dinner, I couldn’t help but devour every single piece of meat on the plate.
Hibiscus Bar is owned by ‘Baige’, a laid back man with a welcoming and friendly personality. The bar may not be top of the line with the latest décor or furniture but who needs all that when you have an abundance of atmosphere and positive vibes? A great The Bar is carefully snuggled away in time is always guaranteed whether you’re Port Elizabeth, and is a treasure trove only swapping stories or taking shots of of conversation starters. We threw back alcohol. Hairoun beers while discussing Bequia and the reputation that Baige’s Bar has amassed with not only the locals, but also foreign www.vincyezine.com
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TRIP TO BEQUIA THE FIG TREE We woke the next day to the gentle sounds of waves. There was no way I was visiting Bequia and not dive into its crystal clear waters, so I went for a morning jog then a swim. Later on, we took a short taxi ride to The Fig Tree for breakfast. Fig Tree specializes in local food, and on a Sunday you can check it out for the all Vincy breakfast: pumpkin fritters, banana pancakes, bakes and salt fish, smoke herring, provision, and a variety of local teas such as cocoa tea, guinea pepper tea and some herbal teas. They also have Fish Fridays. The menu features regular items such as Fish Kebabs, Curry conch, burgers, lobster and vegetarian options, among others.
Belmont, Bequia Tel (784) 457-3008 Email: figtree@vincysurf.com Website: www.figtreebequia.com/
The restaurant is located along on the shore, offers an excellent view of the harbor, and exudes an authentic Caribbean aesthetic of bamboo and seashell designs with carefully planted pops of colours and paintings.
FIREFLY HOTEL Gustav had told us about a great getaway retreat in the Spring Bay area. Firefly Hotel offers a very quiet and relaxing retreat. It has a more refined feel with an excellent view of a modest coconut tree plantation. Also – get this – it produces its own rum! We grabbed a couple of great pictures then went along our way. Spring Estate, Bequia Tel (784) 458 3414 Email: info@fireflybequia.com Website: www.fireflybequia.com
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ones. The filling was well seasoned, and just enough so that you get a taste in very bite. It was served with mango chutney, papaya and black bean salsa, a green salad with citrusy Dijon mustard dressing and a slice of mango. All the ingredients complemented each other flawlessly. A refreshing glass of passion fruit juice, laced with just the right quantity of citrus, was served with our meal. Sugar Reef offers a variety of wraps and We’ll definitely have to return to the Sugar rotis, as well as other local and regional Reef dishes. Fresh local ingredients are used Sugar Reef is also perfectly located in a in the dishes and drinks. We sampled the relatively secluded environment, and offers fish roti and channa & eggplant Roti. The a wonderful view of the ocean from the roti skin was very light and flavorful in restaurant and rooms. comparison to the more traditionally-made www.vincyezine.com
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ur final stop before leaving Bequia was De Reef, home to the popular Bequia Music Festival. There I sampled the tuna melt sandwich which it is well known for. It incorporates flavourful, fresh tuna with lettuce, tomato, cucumber and melted cheddar cheese on toasted home-made bread. We also had wonderful lobster puffs – crunchy on the outside, moist
and tasty on the inside. Our thirst was quenched with a spectacular fruit smoothie and De Reef’s signature rum punch… which packed quite the punch indeed! De Reef is definitely a ‘must visit’ in the Lower Bay area. When you go there, make sure you let them know we said hi.
Bon Voyage V
incy eZine will most definitely be visiting Bequia again because the little taste we experienced of this beautiful Grenadine island has only whetted our appetite for more! 74
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Winner of the Writers’ Flow National Hero Poetry Competition 2013.
Sharmaine Shallow
I have been writing for as long as I can remember. My father, who surrounded us with books of all sorts, encouraged reading and with this, came a zeal for writing. My father was always supportive of expression in the arts and my writing, whether it was a song, a short story or a simple poem, was no exception. I began to focus more on writing poetry in my late teens. My poetry became an avenue for me to express my inner most thoughts and feelings and was often used as a coping method for the trials my teenage years. It provided and still provides emotional release. Poetry became my voice when my mouth could not utter the words. I also now write poetry to challenge my own creativity, pushing myself to produce art from a simple word, thought or even picture. The inspiration for many of my poems comes from the music that I listen to, which for me, is poetry sang. However, my greatest inspirations lie within the corridors of my mind. www.vincyezine.com
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Painting depicting Chief Catoyer
Winning poem Chief Chatoyer Fight to the death for a people’s pride No! No surrender! No! You will NOT conquer ! For I am Chief ! I am Defender ! Blood will I spill to stop this invasion. From all angles of the land I will curb this intrusion. I shall stand my ground lead my people’s fight. I am Chief Chatoyer! My land, My people, My nation, Will I defend til the day I die! (c) Shar Maine 15.03.2013
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On the main land for Easter? No problem! Close your Easter Weekend with a bang as you’re wowed with award winning designs from Anguilla, Barbados, Guyana, St. Maarten, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago and St. Vincent and the Grenadines at Mijé Fashion Bliss- Caribbean Couture. Fashion Bliss will be staged on Sunday31st March at the Arnos Vale Playing Field. It is set against the aquamarine waters of the Eastern Caribbean which will soothe and prepare patrons for a mind-blowing, elegant display of fashion and other entertainment. The exciting cadre of designers will display their 2014 Spring/ Summer Collections from swimwear, to accessories, to casual outfits to amazing evening gowns that will be worn by a cast of over 60 male and female models. Executive Producer Jean Johnney-Findlay promises that patrons can expect the high standard of presentation of fashion and entertainment that is synonymous with Mijé. Artistic Production Director, Kofi Branch, promises to take patrons to “Fashion Heaven”. Mijé Fashion Bliss will also cater for the family. The show arena will open from 5:00pm and children can have fun at the Kids Zone on the bouncing castle or have their face painted. There will be time for mingling among patrons while being served cocktails. You can also have your photographs taken at the Mijé Fashion Bliss booth. www.vincyezine.com
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ENTERTAIN...
CARIBBEAN TOP MODEL
a review of
THE LAUNCH By Dane Browne
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undreds applied, twenty-three made it to the semi-final round then twelve of those were shown the exit in the 2-hour premier of the first ever Caribbean Next Top Model. Pay attention to how the numbers fall… start choosing your favorites… but remember, only one will have the accolade of attaining modeling supremacy to be dubbed the first ever Caribbean Top Model. The show is from the producers of America’s Next Top Model, but its vibrant Caribbean personality definitely makes it stand out from the original. The premier saw personalities such as ‘Caribbean Rebel’, who has four kids and seven 78
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tattoos; Miranda, slightly masculine in physique; Trinnitia, who had her ‘blond’ moments, was super controlling but also displayed a softer side with her love for African children; and fierce African dancer Trudy dazzled the judges by showing some skin (#win) as she busted some dance moves. But alas, not everyone could be chosen. Hearts were broken and, of course, rivers (of tears) flowed. Then it was time for the contestants to strut their stuff – boot camp style. Models were dropping it like it’s hot. There were a few seamless poses and fierce faces… a couple crooked divas and a few who found it hard to loosen up, but nonetheless the shoot went as planned. www.vincyezine.com
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In my opinion, Susan, an awkward, nervous young woman when in the spot light, dominated the military costume shoot. She has the face for the rougher side of things but needs a little help transitioning to her smoother, more feminine side. My opinion on the models: work definitely needs to be done! However, it would be awesome to follow them throughout the show to see how they develop. You don’t need to be into fashion to enjoy the show, as that is not what it is solely about. It’s also about beautiful, talented young women trying to make their way to the top of the Caribbean modeling www.vincyezine.com
industry. Despite the fact that there were no Vincentian models in this season, we live in hope that SVG will be represented in the next! Caribbean girls undoubtedly bring more flavours and flair to the screen. Perhaps some of you amateur models can learn a thing or two from this show. We rate Caribbean Next Top Model a solid 8/10. Vincy eZine | Vol1 Issue 3
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By Peta Odini
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or many moons, Soca has been defined as up-tempo calypso. However, we have been seeing an increase in Soca with a slower tempo – what we now refer to as Ragga Soca or (if you’re a Trini) Groovy Soca *rolls eyes* Allyo know what I mean… think Kevin Lyttle’s ‘Turn Me On’. Let that little ditty creep back in ya head and HAUNT you for a lil bit… “Let me hold you/ Girl, caress my body/ You got me going craaazyyyyy”… boy, I still love that song! Anyway, for a very long time, Ragga Soca was something that was pretty much a small island thing. According to the Bajans, they invented it, according to us Vincentians we invented it… meh, who cares? The fact is it originated outside of Trinidad lol. Nowadays, however, it has become increasingly clear that Ragga Soca is King… or Queen… I imagine, Ragga Soca would probably be a girl… yeah, I would think so. And if this is the case, what does this mean for Power? I mean, I had a Trini tell me this year that Power Soca gone out of style. Well bloody
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done eh! But the trouble with all of this is that the Trinis still sorta set the progress of the genre; just due to the sheer volume of music that they create. Most of the hit songs that were released for Trini Carnival 2013 were slow. As a matter of fact, the Trinidadians seemed to struggle to produce any sort of quality Power Soca this year. It was the category that saw many a mediocre song make it through to the finals of International Soca Monarch. Quite unlike the Groovy Soca category which was hit after hit after hit! The biggest song from Trinidad this year, however, was an undeniable Power song though … RAGS AND FLAGS, WATER AND POWDER!!!! (What? You thought I was going to say Float? Ha! Wait long for that) However, if you really compare the Power that WE produce with Super Blue’s comeback phenomenon of a tune, the latter is not really POWER FULL, if u get where I’m coming from. But boy, what a fantastic and beautiful song it is! “Gonna pray
www.vincyezine.com Photo by S. Kendall Photography
IS POWER SOCA DEAD for a day like today/Soca glory/ If the Lord is our shepherd who shall we fear?/ Thank God for Friday” *De bouncing start*. To be honest, the most powerful Power tune was ‘Cha-Os’ from Swappi (which is such a CHUNE!!! *does shoulder bouncing dance*).
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And another curious and interesting thing to note/question is who is producing the Power tracks for these Trinidadians? If you check, I can guarantee that most of the producers are not from Trinidad or even Tobago. I’m telling allyo, dey struggling to make de ting ah nah.
Photo by Maxin Browne
So, again, what does this mean for Power So my question is, will we allow Trinidad to Soca? slowly cast a shadow over our Power Soca and will we all just be slow wining to Ragga I look at someone like Skinny Fabulous, for de whole ah carnival? Or will we be able whose signature is Power. Yes, he does to hold our own and continue to lash out Ragga Soca, too, and last year’s ‘Beautiful big power hits like Realest Hero, No Pity, Night’ was an excellent piece of work from Kuff Kaff Kweff and Haunted (which was a him and Danielle Veira. That being said, fantastically amazing track from Maddzart who could deny ‘Monster’?!!! A lot of our that didn’t get near to enough air play! artistes are obviously very versatile, and Youtube it!!!) most, if not all, will produce work within both genres, but will we soon find ourselves Also, there is a lot of Power music out there in a position like Trinidad? Where most of from the other islands. One of my faves from their Power songs aren’t even power at all? last year was ‘Supaman’ from Antiguan Ricardo Drue, which was produced by Vincentian Fryktion. This theme was then seemingly sampled by Machel *side eye*, and nuff bashment dutty dibbiment tracks from Barbados ensued; including one of my absolute fave ‘get on scabbical’ tunes ‘Drop De Bumpa’ by Scrilla, and countless tunes from Sir Rick himself – that’s Lil Rick to you mere mortals…
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Anyway, this Soca lover looks towards the 2013 Vincy Mas season with much anticipation, and hopes that we bring nuff ah that high energy, ‘get on bad’ music… Forget ‘bout Trinidad if their waist lines and feet can’t keep up with the vibes… coz remember say WE DOH PARTY NORMAL!!! Tweet me your thoughts on the situation, man. Leh we talk de business! @PetaOdini Vincy eZine | Vol1 Issue 3
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BEQUIA HEINEKEN EASTER REGATTA 2013 March 28th – April 1st Bequia’s four-day Easter Regatta is famous the world over for its unique blend of top class yacht racing, traditional local “double-ender” boat racing, and that special smallisland hospitality that is Bequia’s trademark.
SCHEDULE OF YACHT RACES - FIRST WARNINGS Friday 29th March - 09.55am: First Citizens Friendship Bay Races Saturday 30th March - 08.55am: United Insurance J24 Races 09.55am: Around Bequia Race Sunday 31st March - 08.25am: Heineken Single-Handed Around Bequia Race Monday 1st April - 08.55am: Heineken J24 Races 09.55am:Heineken Admiralty Bay Triangle Race For more detailed info about these events and registration dates and procedures, visit the Bequia Sailing Club website: www.begos.com/easterregatta E-mail: bsc@vincysurf.com Tel: (784) 457 3649 82
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EASTER IN BEQUIA
ENTERTAI...
ON THE SHORE IN BEQUIA Easter weekend in Bequia is packed with activities. This not only includes parties but also family friendly activities as well. Check out what the Bequia Shore Activities Committee and others have in store for the weekend. SATURDAY MARCH 30TH • Easter fete Party at Clive Tennis Hard Court featuring IMIJ & Co. Music provided by Platinum sounds. SUNDAY MARCH 31ST • Red Dawn - All inclusive Breakfast Party Breakfast beach party at Jacks Beach Bar from 5am -12 noon • Sporting Competition Complements Red Bull and Bequia Shores Committee enjoy; Volleyball Competition, Swimming Competition and more. There will be giveaways at the event. • R.U.M Party Party at Devil`s Table, Bequia from 9pm The event promises free shots and 2-4-1 mixes all night. Music by DJ DJ & Redy Mix MONDAY MARCH 31ST • Family friendly activities under the almond tree complement Bequia Shores committee. Music and food will be present. Activities includes; dominoes, beer drinking competition, cracker eating competition, thug of war competitions and more.
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