About Jean Pierre Augier Metal & Art - Magnific Techniques Jean-Pierre Augier called his works “iron my children. “He finds inspiration in old tools and iron objects that his imagination transforms assemblies characters or animals in motion. His work transforms objects that were pledged to the destruction to give them another life, that of a work of art. So he practices the art of transfiguration. That is to say that the sight of an object, a first glance is unreal. His imagination separates the object of his ordinary reality. The object ceases to be what it is to become a character, an animal, a costume party, etc…The tools are mainly those of ancestors farmers or craftsmen. These are also mechanical part that are components of machinery (agricultural or not). The number of these objects, as their combination, is undefined. Jean-Pierre collecting tools in his attic, carefully graded and maintained. Works The sculptor’s favorite subjects are women, maternity, couple, humans, animals, fables and fairy tales, mythology and religious subjects. His poetic works reflect the grace, movement, tenderness and humor. His works have names such as …mad cow disease, ultra sound of a cat, maternity ladle. Mrs. Seguin, Two pigeons loved each other tenderly, the couple with a hammer. Jean-Pierre was born in the hamlet of Saint-Antoine-de-Siga, nice district in the South-eastern, France. Jean-Pierre was nominated Chevalier des Arts et des Lettres in 2003. CNM | CARIBBEANNETWORKMAGAZINE.COM 51
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The natural science of s k incare The natural solution for your skin. Tips to help keep your skin looking forever young. By Myrlande Jean J ojoba oil is a vegetable oil obtained from the crushed bean of the jojoba shrub. Rather than being an oil, it is actually a poly unsaturated liquid wax, a wonderfully nongreasy lubrican tthat penetrates the skin easily. The oil is similar to human skin oil (sebum), which make itmore easily absorbed by skin than other oils. Jojoba oil is also high in E and complex B vitamins, and also contains iodine, which makes it effective at helping to fight bacterial infections and heal your skin. It can be use a great moisturizer. It can be somewhat expensive, especially when organic. Conservative usage should actually balance oil production and reduce shine. Use at night before bedtime. CNM | CARIBBEANNETWORKMAGAZINE.COM 53
54 CNM | CARIBBEANNETWORKMAGAZINE.COM Make-up remover- Since jojoba oil is not an eye irritant, nor allergenic, you can use it to remove eye makeup, foundation, blush and lipstick. Use it as a Massage oil. Oatmeal – The healthy cereal grain is good for more than breakfast. Oatmeal is actually good for your skin. It can provide soothing relief from sunburn, poison ivy or other irritations, and is know to heal skin and open pores. A number of moisturizers and beauty products contain oatmeal for its benefits to the skin. Apple cider Vinegar - Can promote healthier skin and hair as well as be beneficial for health. Gram Flour – Is a flour made from ground chickpeas. Gram flour in the form of a paste with water, milk or yogurt is a popular facial exfoliant in the Indian Subcontinent. It will cleanse and improve your skin, treating acne, pimples, puffiness, redness and lighten dark skin. Lemon Juice in Skin Care - Is a natural exfoliant, skin brightener and anti-infective. Lemon Juice is rich in fruit acids that will exfoliate to gently remove dead skin cells and will also bleach darkened or discolored areas. Rose Water - Apply directly onto the skin. There is no such a thing as too much of it. Rosewater is wonderful in homemade skin care products. It can be used as a toner, to moisten a mask. It stimulates the skin, heightening the blood flow. It is reputed to be useful in the treatment of all sorts of dermatitis. Blending Rose Hydrosol with Cistus Hydrosol can be a great anti-wrinkle treatment. Honey – Is a natural beauty. The skin’s ability to stay hydrated is an important factor in its ability to maintain softness, suppleness and elasticity. As skin ages, it loses this ability to retain water, becomes dry and appears wrinkled. Honey is a humectant, which means it attracts and retains water. Honey is a natural fit for a variety of moisturizing products such as: shampoos, conditioners, cleansers and creams. Because honey is also an antiirritant, it is suitable for sensitive skin and baby care products. Throughout the centuries, legendary beauties have used honey as part of their skin and hair care treatments. Cleopatra was famous her milk and honey baths, and Poppea, wife of Roman Emperor Nero, used a honey and milk lotion on her face to keep her looking youthful. Almond Meal – The residue that remains after almond oil has been expressed, it is an excellent meal to use for exfoliation because it is known as gentle and non-irritating. Gently exfoliates for deep pore cleansing, smoothes, softens, and protects skin and hair. Almond meal also has a slight bleaching effect. Egg Whites for skin - Egg whites are often used in cooking and baking, but can also be applied topically to the face. To help ward off wrinkles and to potentially tighten sagging skin. By applying egg whites directly onto your skin, you can give yourself an effective facial without spending a lot of money. Egg whites are very high in protein, vitamins and minerals, such as selenium and the B complex vitamins. Selenium can help prevent the hardening of the arteries, and may prevent certain types of cancers when taking regularly. The B complex vitamins are helpful in the development of red blood cells in the body, and promote proper energy distribution throughout the body’s systems. This article is for informational purposes and, as each person is unique, is not meant as a prescription. Those with sensitive skin or active skin conditions should seek the help of a qualified health-care practitioner.
CNM | CARIBBEANNETWORKMAGAZINE.COM 55 FINISHING THE BATH IN STYLE CNM BEAUTY It’s all about your face Skin Eyes Lips Cheek Bones
56 CNM | CARIBBEANNETWORKMAGAZINE.COM Eye Care…Looking for beautiful eyes & Brows First you have to know the Eye Shape effects: Small, Round, Deep set— Learn how your eye shape can affect your brows. . Deep-Set Eye: Fill in brows with a brow pencil two shades lighter than your hair. Line top and bottom lash line with a pencil in a matching shade. . Round Eyes: Fill in brows with a brow pencil that matches your hair. Line top lash line with a perfect Point Plus in a darker, smokier shade. . Small Eyes: The softer the brow, the bigger your eyes will appear. Choose a soft shade of pencil and smudge a deeper shadow along top lash line. Then finish with a Black Brown mascara. . Eye Shadow: Interested in “seeing” how your eyes can be enhanced? Since eyes is the most important focal point of the face, the eye makeup techniques and choice of colors for eye shadow should suit the shape. . Blue eyes- Browns and pinks to bring out your eyes the most, the coolness from the pink/purple will be a really nice contrast to your blue eyes. . Brown Eyes- If you have brown eyes like me, you can get away with wearing almost any color of eye shadow. If you want your eyes to pop, try the green or pink. You can also use blue that has a gold shimmer to it. . Green / Hazel Eyes- If you want your eyes to pop, you should try wearing various purple shades, your eyes will look more dramatic. If you want your eyes to look more natural, use warmer mocha brown shades or warm colors with slight orange undertones. Some makeup are great. They actually take out all fillers so you get more makeup and pigment so you actually need less than you normally would. If you have a three kit shadow or whatever 3 colors, apply the medium colors to the eyelid, darkest color at the crease, and the lightest color right under the brow. Keep on practicing and have fun. Its all about your eyes
CNM | CARIBBEANNETWORKMAGAZINE.COM 57 Lip Care Tips for Lips- Beautiful lips is become “Dreams of every woman” and who doesn’t want to have kissable lips? Among all the body parts on the face, lips seem one of the most significant, and also the one which determines the sexiness level. Moist, smooth lips hold color best. Follow these tips for healthy lips. Bedtime – Turn up the moisture before you turn out the lights. Give your lips a touch of clear, rich moisture each night and you’ll wake up to softer lip in no time. Special tips: If you don’t have lip balm, eye cream makes an effective, gentle lip moisturizer. Morning – Give dry, flaky lips the brush-off. Use a soft toothbrush or washcloth. Than apply lip balm. All Day – Avoid over-exposure to the sun, which can dry your lips the way it dries the rest of your body. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, use a gloss balm with SPF 15. Mouth Off- Try coating extremely chapped lips with petroleum jelly or aloe Vera overnight. Another speedy healing remedy is to gently rub lips with cucumber slices. Lip Care / Cheek Bones How to Get Higher Cheek Bones T rick to getting soft, romantic cheek color. High cheekbones give your face a smooth and elegant appearance and of course, women are often looking for ways to enhance their beauty. A common trick is to give the illusion of higher cheekbones. Some women naturally have more defined cheekbones, whereas, others can use makeup to get the same effect. I skip the powder formulas and use the creamy blush instead COVERGIRL & Olay Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush. It gives a youthful, dewy glow that actually improves skin’s condition. Highlight the apples of your cheeks with the blush. Put the color on the most pronounced part of your cheekbones. Blend in circular motions. You’ll have a fresh-faced flush of color. Until next time, take care of your skin.
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T CNM | CARIBBEANNETWORKMAGAZINE.COM 59 he job of composing perfumes that will be sold is left up to an expert on perfume composition or known in the fragrance industry as the per- fumer. They are also sometimes referred to affectionately as a “Nez” (French for nose) due to their fine sense of smell and skill in smell composition. The Perfumer …All about Perfumes… CNM Beauty
60 CNM | CARIBBEANNETWORKMAGAZINE.COM The composition of a perfume typically begins with a brief by the perfumer’s employer or an outside customer. The customers to the perfumer or their employers, are typically fashion houses or large corporations of various industries. The perfumer will then go through the process of blending multiple perfume mixtures and sell the formulation to the customer, often with modifications of the composition of the perfume. The perfume composition will then be either used to enhance another product as a functional fragrance (shampoos, detergents, make-up etc.), or marketed and sold directly to the public as a fine fragrance. Technique Although there is no single “correct” technique for the formulation of a perfume, there are general guidelines as to how a perfume can be constructed from a concept. Although many ingredients do not contribute to the smell of a perfume, many of them include colorants and anti-oxidants to improve the marketability and shelf life of the perfume, respectively.
CNM | CARIBBEANNETWORKMAGAZINE.COM 61 I nstead of building a perfume from “ground up”, many modern perfumes and colognes are made using fragrance bases or simply bases. Each base is essentially modular perfume that is blended from essential oils and aromatic chemicals, and formulated with a simple concept such as “fresh cut grass” or “juicy sour apple”. Many of Guerlain’s Aqua Allegoria line, with their simple fragrance concepts, are good examples of what perfume fragrance bases are like. The effort used in developing bases by fragrance companies or individual perfumers may equal that of a marketed perfume, since they are useful in that they are reusable. On top of its reusability, the benefit in using bases for construction are quite numerous: 1. Ingredients with “difficult” or “overpowering” scents that are tailored into a blended base may be more easily incorporated into a work of perfume.. 2. A base maybe better scent approximations of a certain thing than the extract of the thing itself. For example, a base made to embody the scent for “fresh dewy rose” might be a better approximation for the scent concept of a rose after rain than plain rose oil. Flowers whose scents cannot be extracted, such as gardenia or hyacinth, are composed as bases from data derived from headspace technology. 3. A perfumer can quickly rough out a concept from a brief by cobbling together multiples bases, then present it for feedback. Smoothing out the “edges” of the perfume can be done after a positive response. Today, there are over 30,000 designer perfumes on the market and perfumes are no longer for the wealthy. The perfume industry has undergone several changes in technique, material and style. All of which have created the modern fragrance industry, one that still incorporates creativity, mystique and romance along with marketing to appeal to the masses. Fragrance Bases
62 CNM | CARIBBEANNETWORKMAGAZINE.COM How to choose Best perfumes, colognes, Fragrances…. Everyone has own special “smell”. No one should be aware of your fragrance unless she or he steps inside your “circle.” Perfume should be one of the most delicate, personal messages you send to those with whom you come in contact. Fragrances can often reflect our mood and personality. A certain scent on a good friend may smell quite differently on you as each fragrance reacts differently according to our chemical makeup. People with dry skin, to help your perfumes last longer, use a matching body lotion or unscented body lotion to apply to pulse points before applying your fragrance because as you know, fragrances are basically oils that will be absorbed by the skin like moisturizers. As a final highlight, perfume, the most concentrated and long-lasting form of fragrance, should be applied at the pulse point where the heartbeat is apparent. Add a special degree of graciousness to daily living. Make life for you and those around you infinitely more pleasurable and enjoyable. Perfume should be kept in a cool, dry place away from direct light, preferably in its beautiful box. We love getting perfumes for our special days. And if the fragrance turns out to be our favorite, it doubles the pleasure.
CNM | CARIBBEANNETWORKMAGAZINE.COM 63 CNM Accessories we love snakeskin bangle Necklace Green Alligator Earrings Natural snakeskin ring When it comes to round-the-neck & round the finger ornamentation, the bigger the better. Kenneth Jay Lane accessories
64 CNM | CARIBBEANNETWORKMAGAZINE.COM Feeling a little blue
CNM | CARIBBEANNETWORKMAGAZINE.COM 65 Pierre Hardy Shoes
66 CNM | CARIBBEANNETWORKMAGAZINE.COM About a little pink......
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70 CNM | CARIBBEANNETWORKMAGAZINE.COM Accessories we love
CNM | CARIBBEANNETWORKMAGAZINE.COM 71 Model walks the runway at the Mercedes-Benz fashion week. Pamella Roland collection in New york City. credit... lev radin/shutters CNM FASHION in the special occasion dresses by the hottest designers. Trends for this season include soft tones, classic lines, bold colors and of course, sequins. Find your style. LOOK Super
72 CNM | CARIBBEANNETWORKMAGAZINE.COM Models walking the runway at the TADASHI SHOJI COLLECTION during Mercedes-Benz fashion week in New York Credit: Natalia Yeromina/shutters
CNM | CARIBBEANNETWORKMAGAZINE.COM 73 Dennis Basson collection Pamella Roland collection
74 CNM | CARIBBEANNETWORKMAGAZINE.COM Fashion defile by Mark III Photonics/shutters Last pic: kojoku/shutters
CNM | CARIBBEANNETWORKMAGAZINE.COM 75 Model walks the runway at Edition by Georges Chakra Collection during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York credits: lev radin/shutters
76 CNM | CARIBBEANNETWORKMAGAZINE.COM Model shows off dress at presentation for collection by Pamella Roland at Mercedes-Benz Spring/Summer 2012 in New York City Credit: lev radin/shutters
CNM | CARIBBEANNETWORKMAGAZINE.COM 77 Georges Chakra collection
78 CNM | CARIBBEANNETWORKMAGAZINE.COM 1) Model walks the runway at the Pamella Roland collection at the Mercedes-Benz fashion show in New York City. credit Natalia Yeromina/shutters 2) Georges Chakra Collection credits 2& 3 lev radin/shutters
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80 CNM | CARIBBEANNETWORKMAGAZINE.COM Camila Alves walks the runway at the Heart Truth’s Red Dress during Mercedes-Benz Fashion week at at Lincoln center on Feb 9,2011 in New york City. credit... Debby Wong/shutters
CNM | CARIBBEANNETWORKMAGAZINE.COM 81 Model walks at Naomi Campbellfashion relief lev radin/shutters Georges Chakra Collection Natalia Yeromina/shutters
Michaelle Jean named as the University of Ottawa’s new chancellor Michaelle Jean will assume yet another prestigious post in our nation’s capital, as the former governor general has been named the University of Ottawa’s new chancellor. A chancellor, appointed by the board of governors and approved by the senate, serves as titular head of the university. Jean is also a UNESCO special envoy for Haiti, will replace outgoing chancellor Huguette Labelle, who held the position for 17 years, and oversaw the university’s growth from 18,000 students in 1994 to more than 40,000 enrolled today. “I am very excited about this appointment….for the trust they have placed in me,” said Michaelle, referring to the board and senate She also reached out to university staff and faculty, saying she was “thrilled to reflect their goals and achievements”. Born in Haiti, her family settled in Quebec, where the young Jean excelled as a student. She studied comparative literature at the University of Montreal, evenMEET: CAROLE DEMESMIN The Haitian Diva Born in Leogane, Haiti, Carole spends her time between Haiti and her adopted home here in the Unittually teaching in the school’s department of modern languages and literature. In addition to her academic work, Jean helped establish a network of shelters across Canada for female victims of domestic violence. As a journalist, Jean reported and produced for Radio-Canada before joining CBC Newsworld as host of the Passionate Eye and Rough Cuts. She made several films with husband , Jean-Daniel Lafonde, including the award-winning Haiti dans tous nos reves (Haiti in all our dreams). Michaelle Jean became the 27th Governor General of Canada in 2005 when she was appointed by then-Prime Minister Jean Chretien. She held the position until 2010 and was succeeded by David Johnston. Michaelle will begin her post on February 1, 2012. We wish her all the best. ed States. When the phrase “been there, done that” was coined, this lady must have been the inspiration. Anthropologist, Artist, Entertainer Teacher, Leader and Healer, she is adept at all and excels in most of her vocations. A graduate of Mass. College of the Arts, Boston, Berkeley College of Music, Boston, “Poteau Mitan” Academy of the Arts by J.C. Garoute (Haiti), researcher of traditional voodoo practices, knowledgeable in the use of medical plants, she was alternative before alternative became fashionable. When it comes to promoting her art, Carole, a woman of passion, who seems to be attracted to challenges, is more than determined not only to make the long time dream a reality, but also to make this once in a lifetime experience an annual event that will include all Ayitians. Zepi Mayi, the Ayitian Award Concert by United Haitian Artists Inc., is a highly thought-out performance to honor the Ayitian pioneers in a variety of disciplines such as: Music Dance, Drama, Literature, Painting and Sculpture. The original suggestion, to remember, honor, and award those who lead the way to our rich cultural trail, was probably the pipe dream of many would be producers, but executing the vision was a difficult undertaking, because it entails: large sums of money, capacity to draw all classes of Ayitians and the ability to draft the full path of such an over-elaborate performance. Carole Demesmin (alias Carole Mawoule), a business minded artist and, in particular, a dynamic and multitalented Ayitian diva, finally decided to tackle the challenge. Zepi Mayi is truly a costly and challenging project, the first of its kind to be taking place in the cultural life of our community, said Carole. The United Haitian Artists Inc., (UHA) is a non-profit organization, which Carole Demesmin presides over, to recognize all leading artist who pioneered and carried through their precious culture; moreover, the organization wishes to network with all other Ayitian organizations dedicated to the promotion of Ayitian culture, as well as artists willing to unify their efforts for the promotion of One-people One-culture. For the guaranteed success of her extravagant project, Carole, as always surrounds herself with “the best.” Dr. Andre Lapierre Pardo was her key choice for PlaywrightDirector. As an artist, Carole flourishes, dynamic and versatile, she is comfortable in the genre. After three hits this Queen of Ayitian music is still going strong. Who’s who? 82 CNM | CARIBBEANNETWORKMAGAZINE.COM
CNM | CARIBBEANNETWORKMAGAZINE.COM 83 Elizabeth Guerin received on November 12th an award from Radio CKUT FM in Montreal, and Raymond Laurent, one of the pioneers of Haitian radio in Canada for more than 23 years. Ms. Guerin’s, who currently anchors TV show “What’s up Haitians” on NBC Miami, was rewarded for contributing to Haitian culture and Mass Media. She has already dedicated 35 years of her life to radio and television. The award was presented to Elizabeth Guerin by Line Beauchamp, Deputy Prime Minister of Quebec and Minister of Education, Leisure and Sport. Who is Elizabeth Guerin? Elizabeth Guerin was very young when she launched her astonishing career in the broadcasting industry. At the age of 8, she started performing in a weekly comedy for the Haitian Television, Tele Haiti. At 10, she was hosting on Radio Metropole, with her sister Christina, a Sunday Show entitled “Jaquotte & Monica” written by her mother, well known writer and playwright, Mona Guerin. Elizabeth Guerin is best known for her roles in “Roye! Les Voila”, a very popular soap opera; the first one created in Haiti. At the age of 15, she had the opportunity to show her remarkable acting talent by playing nine different characters on the soap opera. “Roye! Les Voila” stayed on the air for 18 years. She also was the youngest artist to enter into the “Centre d’art” for her first exhibit at the age of 14. “A great success it was”, she said. Additionally, Elizabeth spent seven years hosting different shows at radio “Magic Stereo” like “Fantaisies et Dialogues”. During that time, Elizabeth also produced and hosted “A Découvert”, the first talk-show in Haiti, with a live audience. Her fans named her “The Haitian Oprah”. After a long and thriving career in Haiti, in the early 2000s, Elizabeth relocated to Miami. “Not for political reasons as it’s said in Haiti, but because I received an offer from the first Haitian radio station in Miami,” she explains. Then she started a very popular radio show on “Radio Carnival”. That station has stopped broadcasting but she still hosting her show “Bonjour Haiti” on Radio Mega 1700am along with her husband Nixon St-Hubert (NickyMix) and her good friend Rene Philippe. It’s a dynamic morning show featuring news, politics, entertainment, interviews, celebrities, etc... In 2003, Elizabeth’s leadership skills helped launched HTN, the first Haitian Television Station in the United States on Comcast. HTN became Tropik Network, now a Caribbean TV station airing in the United States and the Caribbean. She was and still is the main producer and programming director. In 2006, recognizing the absence of marketing companies in the Haitian community in the US, Elizabeth, with her extensive knowledge and experience in the Haitian market, created Imaginart Media Productions. Imaginart is a successful marketing and production company based in Miami, but also covers the Haitian market in Boston, New York, NewJersey, Canada, the Bahamas, etc.. Anchorwoman, actress and painter, Elizabeth Guerin, was honored in Canada, Nov. 12th, for contributing to Haitian culture and Mass Media for 35 years. In 2011, for the first time, in the Haitian History in the Diaspora, Haitian shows are broadcast on a major U.S. television, NBC Miami. Elizabeth Guerin is the host of “What’s Up Haitian”, with Nixon St-Hubert. Caribbean Network Magazine is proud to extend our warmest congratulations to her. Elizabeth Guerin CNM HIGHLIGHT Person of the Month
Haitian History and Culture In Haitian History and Culture the authors provide comprehensive information over the land, people, economy, history, and education of Haitians. The book also explores language and literacy in Haiti, health and health services, family life, and religion. New to the 2011 edition are a section on the 2010 election, one on the tragic hurricanes and earthquake of 2010, and a section on Haiti’s national parks. The book contains Haiti’s significant holidays, Haitian proverbs, and a brief yet thorough explanation of Haitian Creole. If you have any questions please contact : Tanya Faublas at educa.marketing@gmail. com 2011, 93pp, Paperback ISBN: 9781584327066 Catalog number: B036 $15.00 500 Years of Exploitation A Study of Diplomacy and Economics in Haiti by Lociano Benjamin On the fifth of December 1492, Christopher Columbus discovered Haiti, and he was surprised by the beauty of the sight seen; he called it ‘pearl of the islands.’ Five hundred years later, the beauty is still there, but it has been the scene of rampant exploitation, poverty, resistance, and revolt. Half a century before the abolition of slavery in the United States, the Haitian slaves had the extraordinary audacity to chase their masters and proclaimed the first Black Republic of the world. 500 Years of Exploitation explores what role Haitian expatriates and the international community and can play in this tragic nation’s transition from survival to developing country. 208 pages - $13.99 (paperback) PRINCESS BRIA THE GREAT I AM TIME FOR BED is available at Amazon.com and other online book distributors. /Princess Bria:”The Great I Am,” Time for Bed/ stars a precociously self-confident title character, who happens to be a young African-American girl. The book delivers a message of self-esteem and empowerment for young children of color. However, the message, as author Sonia Chess is quick to point out, resonates with children - and parents - of any color. “Princess Bria is a typical child who dreams of a grown-up life in which she wields her power as an adult for good, wishing to solve the world’s problems,” Ms. Chess explains. “But she’s constantly having her dreams interrupted to deal with the mundane demands of childhood, whether it’s tidying a messy bedroom or caring for a troublesome pet.” MEDIA CONTACT Cheryl Waide 786.245.3549 [email protected] _http://weworkmagic.com One Incredible Endurance About the author Beatrice Quainooh is a Ghanaian American who spent most of her adult life in the United Kingdom prior to moving to US where she has lived for decades. She is a nurse educator. Through the experiences of her enriched background, she courageously, unfolds some central concerns, about greed, dominance, and control as well as the incredible endurance that persist in the enclosed walls of relationships. As a living novel, its characters are recognizable in the daily lives of mankind and the victories that triumphs over such upheavals as victims finally break free. This book can be found on Amazon.com Price: $16.95 SEASON’S READINGS CNM BOOK REVIEW Twenty-One Months My Journey Fighting Breast Cancer Michelle vividly brings to her readers the pain, the agony and the soul-searching she had to endure, for the twenty-one months she fought breast cancer. She also shows us the unity, support , and love she shares with her family and how they were always there for her. Book is available at: Amazon.com & Createspace.com There is a book for every special person in your life. An adventure, a romance, a comedy, a mystery. Books are affordable, and provide hours of surprise, escape and discovery. Books make great gifts. So, go ahead treat yourself to books that capture your heart, mind, and soul. 84 CNM | CARIBBEANNETWORKMAGAZINE.COM
CNM | CARIBBEANNETWORKMAGAZINE.COM 85 THE NEW CARIBBEAN FRONTIER By Dr Frantz Bataille Once gone the Cold War, the Caribbean region is still considered as the US backyard. Transforming the region traditional economy become a must do experience. What this move would look like remains so far without answer. Should we take under advisement the remnants of the 60s,countries such as the oil-loaded Venezuela and its main ally Cuba? They are still unstable. CIGARS, SUGAR AND VOODOO . Viewed from this perspective, the Caribbean future will have nothing to do with ideological fighting. Here and there, general mood revolves around economical growth and wellness’ desire. Oil-loaded countries are expected to be the backbone of the promise of better living standards. The Caribbean has to review its range of products, which in the past had earned foreign currency for millions peoples, living also from export import exchange . Now, by this recession time. Only Cuban cigars, oil drilling and sunny beaches can allow some competition with the Northern industrial giants. So has been history even in the recent past, the Caribbean supplying crop farming, their byproducts and commodities against technological goods, NGO and visitors from the North. Yet by the 2000s, a service economy is under way. From Haiti to Cuba, big chains are looking for new markets. The new joint venture between Digicel, a cellular phone company and Marriott Hotel, is well regarded as a sign of times for Haiti, open actually to the americanization tide. Already, the Northern part of Haiti named Labady welcomes weekly tourists and vacationers, let alone Jacmel and Pt Salut in the South. Haiti is no longer the 200- year old sugar island, but a rendezvous for NGO and travelers looking for unexpected and sensationalism. As a result, to these lands located by the sea, sandy and sunny beaches had become for long the main exchange currency, far away from the plantation derivatives. Despite its 50-year-old embargo, Cuba calls also for spare time economy. Haitian voodoo, resorts, oil and lasting spring like weather weigh more for better life than fierce speeches and cold war cursing. That’s the Caribbean new frontier. The Caribbean is no longer about Sugar, Cigars & Voodoo
86 CNM | CARIBBEANNETWORKMAGAZINE.COM Photography by: Doug Gruber of D W IMAGE S Photography caribbean destination Bon Voyage... A Timeless Escape Awaits...... The very essence of the Caribbean is ...Toes in the sand, a frosty tropical cocktail in hand, and a bit of soulful reggae playing as the sun slowly sets. Model : Kim Maxwel
The Barceló Premium Punta Cana boasts a coveted locale on a long stretch of pearl-white Soft sand on Playa Arena Gorda in the Punta Cana region of the Dominican Republic. Prepare yourself for an exquisite vacation filled with endless days of absolute relaxation paired with exhilarating adventures. Couples will discover endless opportunities for romantic encounters while families delight in a host with kid-friendly amenities including a Kid’s Club, mini disco, playground and pool. Step onto your balcony or terrace and breathe in the refreshing scent of ocean air and feel the stress and the worries float away on the cool Caribbean breezes rustling through coconut palm groves. Book your all inclusive oceanfront getaway at the official Barceló Punta Cana site for secure online booking features and the benefit of our lowest Internet Rate Guarantee! Come and experience the tranquility of island life. www.barcelopuntacana.com or call 809.476.7777 Barceló Hotel in Punta Cana CNM | CARIBBEANNETWORKMAGAZINE.COM 87
So, if you are looking for the best tropical resorts in the Caribbean with a romantic setting, or are you looking for a place to spend your honeymoon or wedding anniversary or just to spice up your relationship and you are brooding about what sort of things you wish to do in this pretty part of the planet. Laying out and absorbing some sun all day? Watching a beautiful island nightfall? What about snoozing the day away in a hammock? 88 CNM | CARIBBEANNETWORKMAGAZINE.COM
J amaica Inn, one of the Caribbean’s most popular destinations. Since 1950 Jamaica Inn has consistently been ranked as one of the top resort hotel and vacation destinations in the Caribbean. Jamaica Inn is a small, elegantly timeless, resort located in the beautiful Ocho Rios, Jamaica Situated on what many consider to be the premier private beach. This 60-year-old Ocho Rios property features 47 suites awash in whimsical periwinkle blue, plus an alfresco dining terrace where guests are invited to slow dance to slow music. For an extraordinarily relaxing experience get pampered at the KiYara Ocean Spa that is located on the seaside cliffs at Jamaica Inn. It offers a wide range of holistic & blissful treatments. Jamaica Inn specializes in organizing dreams weddings. Our staff will make sure that no detail is overlooked to ensure that your wedding is truly an unforgettable experience in paradise. [email protected] or call: 800.837.4608 CNM | CARIBBEANNETWORKMAGAZINE.COM 89
If this sounds rather like a waste of vacation time to you, and you would like to spend your Caribbean experience enjoying more active pursuits, then have no fear; plenty of the Caribbean Islands offer more than a day at the beach and picturesque sunsets. The mixture of sugar-sand beaches and tropical island ambiance with all the glamour and excitement of Las Vegas makes for a perfect holiday location for many travelers. But, unlike The U.S. and EU casinos, the betting atmosphere in the Caribbean is more relaxed…No pressure. The Caribbean area has lots of hot gaming spots and casinos, they also offer other nightlife including dance clubs, discos and bars. So not only are you able to wage gambles during your bright island vacation, but you may also find plenty of other ways to let your hair down. 90 CNM | CARIBBEANNETWORKMAGAZINE.COM
CNM | CARIBBEANNETWORKMAGAZINE.COM 91 Viceroy Anguilla. A distinctive Luxury Caribbean Resort situated on 35 lush acres, with more than 3,200 feet of beach frontage along both Barnes and Meads Bays, Viceroy Anguilla evokes a relaxed yet polished Caribbean sensibility. The 166 superbly designed accommodations at the luxury hotel in Anguilla include private oceanfront villas, beachfront suites, and bluff top guestrooms many with private pools. Throughout the Anguillan resort, modern architectural forms interplay with the natural environment, while sophisticated, contemporary interiors by designer Kelly Wearstler add rich textural contrast. The resort’s signature restaurant, Coba, offers dining with exquisite views of Barnes Bay and Meads Bay. Two white sand beaches, our glimmering Sunset pool, an array of water sports, a spa and fitness center, and programs for children and families add to Viceroy’s rarefied experience. Viceroyhotelsandresorts.com/Anguilla or call 866.270.7798 Viceroy Anguilla
92 CNM | CARIBBEANNETWORKMAGAZINE.COM Adele Laurie Blue Adkins (born 5 May 1988), known professionally as Adele, is an English singer-songwriter. She was the first recipient of the Brit Awards “Critics’ Choice” and was named the number-one predicted breakthrough act of 2008 in an annual BBC poll of music critics, Sound of 2008. Since her debut album, Adele has received much recognition both commercially and critically. The album debuted at number one and has been certified four times platinum in the UK. Her career in the US was boosted by a viewer record–breaking Saturday Night Live episode in late 2008. At the 2009 Grammy Awards, Adele won the awards for Best New Artist and Best Female Pop Vocal Performance. Adele released her second album, 21, on 24 January 2011 in the UK and 22 February in the US. The album was well received critically and made her a recordbreaking success, selling 208,000 copies in its first week in the UK and debuting at number one on the UK Albums Chart, a position it managed to hold for 16 weeks. In the United Kingdom, 21 has been certified 12 times platinum for shipment of 3.6 million units. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard 200 in the US, selling 352,000 copies in its first week. The album has charted at number one in 24 countries, including several charts across Europe, Australia and the United States. After being performed at the 2011 BRIT Awards, the album track “Someone Like You” reached number one in the United Kingdom, while the album also remained at number one. “Someone Like You” held the number one position for four consecutive weeks. The song has also spent 2 weeks at number one in New Zealand 5 weeks at number one in Australia and following her performance at the 2011 MTV Video Music Awards it became Adele’s second number one single on the Billboard Hot 100 in the US. The Official Charts Company announced that Adele is the first living artist to achieve the feat of two top five hits in both the UK Official Singles Chart and the Official Albums Chart simultaneously since the Beatles in 1964. 21 has spent 11 consecutive weeks at number one in the UK, the longest ever by a female solo artist on the UK albums chart, surpassing Madonna’s nine weeks at number one in 1990 with her greatest hits compilation The Immaculate Collection. She made an appearance in the 2012 Guinness Book Of World Records. In the US the album has spent a total of thirteen weeks at number one on the Billboard 200, the longest an album has held the top position since 1998. The album has also broken the record for the most UK digital downloads. CNM - Entertainment
Trinidad-born - West Indies cricketing superstar, Dwayne Bravo, is about to add another title to his already glittering resume. The phenomenal all-rounder, who recently smashed a brilliant 106 at the star-studded Jamzone Master’s Cup T20 match, has just released the brand new and exclusive music video to his debut hit single collaboration with internationally acclaimed dancehall artiste Beenie Man, featuring Guyanese songstress Timeka Marshall. It’s a hit and is taking the airwaves by storm. Rihanna – Sexy Grammy-winning Bajan star, Rihanna, released another album. The singer’s sixth album Talk That Talk came around Christmas holidays. The album already includes the recent released singly, “We found Love.” Rihanna’s last two albums were rated R in 2009 and Loud in 2010. The November album announcement via RiRi’s social social media, comes just a day after her wax figure was released in London by Madame Tussaud’s museum. Dakar - Senegalese world music star Youssou N’dour declared last week he would cancel concert dates to enter politics from January 2 next year, a month before a tense presidential election in his West African country. He did not say whether he would stand for president himself, as some supporters have urged. Monty Alexander - The Master pianist whose recent album, “Uplift” has held the number one spot on the Jazz World Radio charts for 14 straight weeks, paid tribute to his musical heroes – Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole as part of the Singers over Manhattan series at the Allen room at Jazz Lincoln Center. Music fans in New York and D.C. will be able to close off 2011 on a high note as master pianist, Monty Alexander, continues to celebrate his 50th year anniversary of performing by offering up a mélange of music from Jamaica to Sinatra and Cole this December. Jimmy Cliff - Jamaican-born reggae singer, Jimmy Cliff, may be world renown for hits like “The Harder They come, but get ready for some new tracks – his first in seven years. The reggae musician released his new EP titled Sacred Fire in November 25th. The five-song EP will be a preview of sorts for his new full-length album, which is expected to be released in 2012. Joubert Pascal Jr. - Aka Fre Li/ Da Best Trappa was born in Petionville Port-Au- Prince (HAITI). He’s the nephew of former middle weight boxing champion of the world Jean Pascal. Raised in Miami Fl, lived there since 6 months old. After 27 years, has decided to go back home to learn more about his Haitian culture. He’s a big fan of the Rap Kreyol movement and of course, became one of them. He’s been in the music business in Miami Fl, and worked in Circle House studios with various artists and producers such as Cool N Dre. Currently, he’s finishing his album “Sak Pase” which will be released in 2012. Its a Rap Kreyol album with a different vibe that could be played internationally. “I was happy to know that my uncle was chosen to be “Your sexiest Caribbean Man in this issue.” said Joubert, way to go uncle! CNM | CARIBBEANNETWORKMAGAZINE.COM 93
Sonia Pierre, the head of the movement for Dominican Women of Haitian Descent dead at 48 on December 4, 2011. Sonia was a courageous advocate and fought for thousands of Dominican-Haitians to get access to healthcare and education. Sonia was the voice for the voiceless “as she said” during her visit to Washington, DC where she spoke of her advocacy for the disenfranchised Haitian community in the Dominican Republic. It is with great sadness that the Kennedy family and the board and staff of the Robert F. Kennedy Center for Justice and Human Rights offer its condolences to the family of courageous human rights defender. She was awarded the Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights award in 2007 for her work fighting discrimination against Dominican-Haitians descent. She also was the Dominican Republic 2010 International Women of Courage Award Winner. She will be missed. History Made Again: Haitian-American CARRIE SOLAGES Defeats Republican Incumbents John Ciotti Haitian-American Council Member Mathieu Eugene Made History Also when he Became First Haitian-American Elected to the New York City Council Solages defeats Republican Incumbent Ciotti Reinstatement of the army Michel Martelly President of Haiti November 18, 2011 With special guests like former President-General Prosper Avril and the former interim President, Boniface Alexandre, the head of state, draped in an extreme nationalism to mark the 208th anniversary of the Battle of Vertières, told a civilian commission the task of establishing the general framework and timetable for creating a new military, step should be followed by a gradual withdrawal of peacekeepers Haitian President Michel Martelly, announced Friday the creation of a civilian commission entrusted with the restoration of the army, he promised, via a call to reconciliation and forgiveness, will be different from the institution disappeared there seventeen years and guided by the ideals of November 18, 1803, led to the emergence of the first independent black state in the world. “Seventeen years ago, seventeen years too. This must stop. Haiti must ensure the integrity of its territory and national security “, launched vehement cheers in the Head of State gave a speech in front of accents very nationalistic officials, special guests and a crowd of tens spectators, including demobilized soldiers, gathered at the Champ de Mars (the center of Port-au-Prince) on the occasion of the commemoration of the 208th anniversary of the Battle of Vertières. Repudiated by some of the public and major donor countries in its draft unilateral rehabilitation of the army, returned in 1994 because of its ultra-repressive methods and undemocratic, Michel Martelly allow a period of 40 days to the commission Civil to define, in consultation with various sectors on the agenda of the creative process of the new army. After this step, he said, the gradual withdrawal of troops from the Mission of the UN Stabilization (MINUSTAH), deployed in the country since 2004, will be initiated through the establishment of a timetable for doing effect. Besides the wife of the Head of State, Sophia Martelly, Garry Conille Prime Minister, members of the Government, the presidents of the Senate, Rodolphe Joazile, and the Court of Cassation, Anel Joseph, and the Chief of Police national, Mario Andresol, attended the ceremony along with the former military president, General Prosper Avril and former interim head of state, Boniface Alexandre Carrie Solages, left, has tears of joy after winning the county legislaive seat in the 3rd district. Here, at Democratic headquarters Election night, he’s congratulated by Ali Mirza, a former candidate for the same seat. Solages defeated John Ciotti. Goodbye Sonia (Sonia with the first ladies) 94 CNM | CARIBBEANNETWORKMAGAZINE.COM
CNM | CARIBBEANNETWORKMAGAZINE.COM 95 Minister Laurent Lamothe and Korea Minister Sung-Hwan The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Worship, His Excellency Laurent Lamothe, met his South Korean counterpart, Kim Sung-Hwan, in order to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries. The Minister Lamothe, staying in South Korea as part of the Korea Latin American & Caribbean (LAC) Forum 2011, which promotes Korean investment in Haiti in accordance with the wish expressed by the President of the Republic, His Excellency Mr. Michel Joseph Martelly, which aims to convince that Haiti is open to investment. During this meeting, the two Ministers discussed trade issues, education, agriculture, security and job creation. They also discussed the experience of South Korea for the amazing development of the country during the past 60 years. Minister Sung-Hwan noted: “60 years ago, South Korea was a bit like Haiti today.” South Korea is now the 12th largest economy in the world and a model of success in Asia and around the world with on of the highest purchasing power. It is this experience of Korea that the Martelly/Conille administration wants to establish in Haiti. Also discussed on this occasion, were matters relating to cooperation in agriculture and energy. Training in diplomacy was also provided for managers of the Haitian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The Chancellor of South Korea has also pledged to Haitian students, scholarships and a donation of $ 6 million. This amount will be paid to the Ministry of Education to supply the School Grant Program “Lekòl timoun yo.” This contribution will allow many more students to attend school for free. On the other hand, the Minister Sung-Hwan took the opportunity to solicit the support of Haiti at the vote next year for the integration of South Korea as a nation in Asia to ensure the rotation within the Security Council of the United Nations. Minister Lamothe assured his counterpart that the vote of Haiti will be in his favor. A visit by the Haitian Head of State to South Korea was also planned for the near future. The meeting ended on a positive note by Minister Sung-Hwan expressing a “special relationship between the peoples of South Korea and Haiti.” Minister Lamothe concluded, for his part, that the Haitian people are very grateful to the Korean people for their assistance after the earthquake of January 12, 2010 and looks forward to new Korean investors in the country, adding that “South Korea is an inspiration for the future development of Haiti.” The economic involvement of South Korean entrepreneurs are already beginning to bring fruit in Haiti. Indeed, the company SAE-A, one of the largest global companies in the textile assembly industry, has already signed agreements to acquire an area estimated at 320,000 m2 and will create 20,000 jobs in the new Industrial Park in Caracol, in the department of Nord-Est. A meeting was actually made between the Minister Lamothe and the CEO of the company that will employ 3,500 Haitians, SONAPI Industrial Park. This major contractor would also invest $30 million, creating 18,000 additional jobs. In all, over 41,500 jobs will be created during the year 2012. It will be a great victory for Haiti. Antigua St John’s - Tourism Minister John Maginley clarifies New AA Deal. The Minister has assured that Antigua & Barbuda has not incurred any direct costs so far in the new direct flight to JFK airport in New York. This followed concern from some sectors about potential out-of-pocket expenses. Maginley said the new agreement is much like the existing one between Antigua & Barbuda and American Airlines with its direct connection from Miami. A fare guarantee agreement in place means that Antigua only pays out-of-pocket when the airline fails to meet operational and other agreed costs. These costs are not tallied and paid per-flight, but over a pre-agreed period. The minister said the government is anticipating that like the Miami route, the JFK connection will pay for itself. American Airlines made the inaugural flight with an 80 percent capacity. Haitian singer Wyclef Jean enters North Miami Hall of Fame. In a ceremony held in North Miami City Hall, the rap star who ran last year for president of Haiti was honored by Haitian American mayor Andre Pierre and was given the key to the city. “Wyclef Jean is the first Haitian to enter North Miami Hall of Fame. He was rewarded for promoting Haiti worldwide, for his commitment in humanitarian and for making Haitians proud anywhere they can be”. Stated Mayor Pierre. “I received the award with great honor and pride from North Miami, a city where there are so many Haitians” Wyclef said. In his speech, he encourages Haitians in North Miami to put their strength together to progress, we must show that we can help ourselves first before others come to help us. Tourism Minister John Maginley Singer Wyclef Jean with Mayor Andre Pierre
Guyana - Canada seeks extension of Caribbean free trade accord. Canada will ask the World Trade Organization (WTO) to extend a Caribbean-Canada Trade Agreement for two years because negotiations for a new trade accord have not concluded. Canada’s Ambassador to Guyana, David Devine said “It is being applied to be able to extend the current duty-free access to CaribCan nations for another two years. CaribCan is aimed at benefiting Commonwealth Caribbean countries and territories. Beneficiaries are: Jamaica, Guyana, Anguilla, Bahamas, Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Trinidad & Tobago as well as St Lucia. Under the WTO’s principles, Canada must get a waiver from the WTO to continue granting the tariffs. Dominican Republic – India’s unrivaled cuisine herald’s trade push in Dominican Republic. The Ambassador, fifth from left, gets a recognition from the Dominican-India Chamber of Commerce. Since the best way to the heart is through the stomach, Dominican Republic’s doors are flinging wide open to welcome India’s investment and trade, starting with a luncheon in honor of than nation’s ambassador, Deepak Bhojwani, which featured a tiny sampling of his nation’s limitless cuisine. Hosted by Dominican-Indian Chamber of Commerce and as part of the “First India Gastronomic Festival” in the Jaragua Hotel, the gathering also served for local business leaders to discuss the best way possible too increase ties between the two nations. According to the India diplomat, “The size of a country isn’t as important as the doors it can open to markets.” Santo Domingo – The Chamber of Deputies approved a US $230 million loan for the reconstruction of the Dominican capital’s second Metro line, and to implement and develop a mass transit system. 93 deputies voted for the legislation. Marriott International announced that next year it will start building its first-ever hotel in Haiti in Port-au-Prince. The announcement was made in Haiti during a ceremony with former President Bill Clinton, Marriott International president Arne Sorenson and other VIPs. “This hotel is one more signal that Haiti is open for business,” Sorenson said in Marriott’s just-issued press release. The hotel will rise in the capital’s Haute Turgeau area. Work on building the 173-room, $45 million hotel will commence next year, with an opening date expected in 2014. Marriott expects the full-service Port-au-Prince Marriott Hotel will thrive as Haiti rebuilds from the tragic 2010 earthquake. Currently, Port-au-Prince has only about 500 hotel rooms, and none of the hotels have meeting space for the non-government organizations, relief agencies and other groups working to rebuild the capital. Under the management agreement, Marriott pledged to invest in hospitality training that should benefit Haiti’s tourism sector. Marriott credits Clinton with helping to push the project along and encourage hotel developer Digicel, the hotel developer, to work with Marriott. From the release: “This new hotel project will stand as a symbol of Haiti’s recovery, providing much needed jobs to the Haitian people and encouraging foreigners to visit, invest and work in Port-au-Prince,” said President Clinton. “My Foundation has worked with both Marriott and Digicel, and encouraged them to form this partnership. Their investment proves that Haiti is open for business and on the path to economic recovery.” Digicel is the single largest private investor in Haiti and the country’s largest telecommunications provider, the release says Marriot in Haiti! 96 CNM | CARIBBEANNETWORKMAGAZINE.COM
CNM | CARIBBEANNETWORKMAGAZINE.COM 97 St Martin - The French Caribbean destination made history when hosted the first ever “State of the Industry” conference organized by the Caribbean Tourism Organization last September. These 3-day conference looked at the current state of the Caribbean tourism industry and how to deal with issues that impact on the sector, with a view to building for the future. Mr. Williams, CEO of British Airlines, was among the powerful line-up of speakers at the inaugural Caribbean Tourism Organization, State of the industry conference. Mr. Williams delivered the keynote address at the St Martin event. “We are very happy that CTO chose St. Martin to host this historic event,” added President of the St Martin Tourism Authority, Ida Zin-Ka-leu. St Martin made itself and the Caribbean proud.” European Union Since 1964 the Caribbean has received European development assistance. This has been provided, largely unconditionally, on both a regional and national basis to every Caribbean nation, including at times, Cuba. Despite problems of slow disbursement, complex bureaucratic procedures and changes to the manner in which funding is made available, there has always been the sense that such support would continue. However, the way in which Europe will provide future development assistance and the countries and areas that it will be directed at, are about to change. During the course of October, the European Commission (EC) produced two communications (policy papers). One “increasing the impact of EU Development Policy: an Agenda for Change”, plus an accompanying impact study, focused on Europe’s future priorities and approach. The other, “The Future Approach to EU Budget support to Third counties,” suggested revisions to the EU’s existing policy on bilateral budgetary support, the mechanism that Europe introduced to try to create greater efficiency, by providing financial resources directly to governments to administer. Haitian Coffee seeks to regain Global Stature Haiti was once a major global supplier of coffee and now, the Government of Haiti and its partners are determined to help the industry regain the luster of years past. The outlook is positive. According to a recently-published article in the Miami Herald, beans for US $5.50. In addition Café COCANO farmers from Port-de-Paix are expecting to double the exports of their organically-grown coffee, already selling on the internet and in Italian espresso shops. In order to take advantage of this renewed enthusiasm for Haitian coffee, Haiti recently hosted its first International CEO of British Airways, Keith Williams Coffee Summit, organized by the Clinton foundation. The event aimed to support local growers and discuss ways to promote and expand the Haitian coffee industry aboard. During the Summit’s opening speech, Interior Minister,Thierry Mayard-Paul emphasized coffee’s ties to the country’s history and culture. He further reaffirmed agriculture’s strategic importance in President’s plan to invigorate the Thierry Mayard-Paul economy. Interior Minister of Haiti St Martin Heineken has taken total control of Brasserie Nationale D’Haiti, maker of Prestige beer and the leading brewer of the troubled Caribbean Nation. The Dutch giant previously held a 22.5% share in the company, known locally as Brana, but Heineken confirmed it has upped its stake to 95%. “The Haitian beer market has shown solid yearon-year growth, but remains relatively underdeveloped,” said Heineken’s Americas president, John Nicolson. “A growing population together with increased political and economic stability creates good prospects for continued growth.” A Paris court convicted Former French President Jacques Chirac of embezzling public funds and gave him a 2-year suspended prison sentence on corruption charges. It is seen as an historic moment for French democracy.
C a r i b b e a n Pastimes: Caribbean visitors might think, oh…let’s just play golf, sail, and play a little tennis and that’s it. No, Caribbean residents themselves have a much broader range of interests when it comes to sports. If it’s true that the way people play says a lot about how they live, then visitors can learn a lot by joining the crowd at these popular Caribbean pastimes. Just go ahead, mingle with the locals and have a blast. A time that you’ll not soon forget and would want to come back for more. The way people play says a lot about how they live. As is true the world over, soccer is among the most popular sports in the Caribbean, and most of the nations in the region field teams as part of FIFA’s CONCACAF federation and compete in the annual CONCACAF Champions League (the U.S. also is part of CONCACAF and plays road games in the Caribbean each year). Regional teams also challenge for the CONCACAF Gold Cup in a biannual tournament, and the Digicel Caribbean Cup is another popular tournament. Teams like the Soca Warriors of Trinidad & Tobago and the Reggae Boyz of Jamaica compete before huge crowds and for national pride yearround under the sunny Caribbean skies. CNM - Sports By: Mario Aubran 98 CNM | CARIBBEANNETWORKMAGAZINE.COM
Baseball is played with a fiery passion in the Dominican Republic, which has sent dozens of players to the major leagues and plays host to a popular Winter League that features both established and up-and-coming stars. Baseball also is huge in Cuba, and visitors can attend festive Cuba National League games in cities like Havana, Santiago de Cuba, Camaguey, and Holguin. The Curacao Little League is a perennial international powerhouse, and this small island has sent a number of players to the major leagues, including Andruw Jones. MLB Winter League baseball also is played in Puerto Rico, Mexico, and Venezuela. Horse racing isn’t automatically associated with the Caribbean, but the “sport of kings” is popular on islands like Barbados, the Dominican Republic, Nevis, Jamaica, Martinique, Puerto Rico, St. Croix (which also has dog racing), and Trinidad and Tobago. Perhaps the most famous (and tourist friendly) are the Barbados Turf Club races at Garrison Savannah, just outside Bridgetown. The Turf Club runs three annual meets with thoroughbred racing, parimutuel gambling, and an upscale atmosphere tinged with Caribbean flavor and British charm. The NevisTurf and Jockey Club holds monthly meets at the Indian Castle Race Track -- a combination of racing, BBQ, and Carnival -- while the action in Martinique is at the Hippodrome de Carrère in Lamentin. Tobago’s Buccoo village is home to a uniquely Trini tradition and a poor-man’s alternative to horse racing: goat races. Since 1925, goats and their “jockeys” have been competing on a 100-yard track during the Buccoo Goat Race Festival. The competition, held on the Tuesday after Easter, includes jockeys who run barefoot behind their goats and use twigs to whip them into motion. There’s plenty of drinking and gambling, with all of the trappings of a “real” race course, including stables, trainers, and even a post parade. Buccoo is also home to another great local competition: crab racing, in which blue crabs are guided with string and bamboo poles towards the finish line in a event that’s both more serious and more fun than it might sound. Animal-rights activists hate it, but cockfighting is part of the local culture in some parts of the Caribbean, notably Puerto Rico, where the sport remains extremely popular and generates hundreds of millions of dollar in betting annually. If you want a taste of the passion and excitement surrounding this blood sport -- in which two roosters fight, sometimes to the death -- the best place to do so is in San Juan, where you can walk to the (relatively tourist-friendly) Club Gallistico de Puerto Rico(787-791-1557) from the resorts in Isla Verde. Vieques has well-regarded “gayelles,” or cockfighting pits, as well. Cockfighting is also popular in the Dominican Republic, home to 1,500 certified cockfighting venues, and Cuba, and Haiti. © Juan Moreno © Nevis Tourism © Trinidad Development Co. U.S. Government, Public Domain © Barbados Tourism Authority Polo doesn’t have the mass appeal of cricket or even horse racing, but the sport is popular in Barbados, where the Barbados Polo Club hosts public matches at Holders in St. James and other venues on the island.Jamaica and the Dominican Republic also field teams, and the Casa de Campo resort in the Dominican Republic has three polo fields. Aruba is a quirky place -- many visitors are taken aback when they notice the island’s drive-in movie theater in Oranjestad, for example -- so if there is anywhere in the Caribbean where a drag strip wouldn’t seem out of place, this is it. The Aruba International Raceway Parkfeatures drag racing, street-legal races, motorcycle races, and more. The racetrack is located in St. Nicholas. Curacao also is a racing hotspot and home to the Curacao International Raceway, which hosts an international drag-racing festival each spring. You can also find drag racing, albeit in a less formal setting, at the former Pearls airstrip in Grenada and Waller © Interiot Field in Trinidad. © Flex Mohammed CNM | CARIBBEANNETWORKMAGAZINE.COM 99
100 CNM | CARIBBEANNETWORKMAGAZINE.COM Food review By: Jerry EM George I n the USA more often we are defined by our cuisine, especially at events like the Labor Day Parade on Eastern Parkway and the African Street Festival where just a section of our culinary excellence is on display. Though being defined in terms of rice-n-peas and roti is indeed a very limited we’ll settle for now, with the fact that we’re at last being recognized. The same author (Jean Soler) stated “For a man who knows that the food he ingests in order to live will become assimilated into his being, will become himself. There must be, therefore, a relationship between the idea he has formed of specific items of food and the image he has of himself and his place in the universe.” Trevor Fraser of VIDCAP mounted the first ever Caribbean Food Festival a while ago in New York. Though poorly publicized and attended by competitors and the public, it was a great idea. Caribbean foods were recreated into spectacular displays that were as tasty as they were visibly appealing. Caribbean Cuisine is more than curry goat and pelau and this column is to encourage the exploration of the unending varieties and variations of Caribbean foods. We’ll do this through pointing out where the best Caribbean foods are (at least, from someone with a Caribbean palate); who is making the foods that make saliva squirt like a fountain in your mouth by just thinking of eating Caribbean food. We will also discuss the nutritious value of this cuisine, cookbooks, recipes and much more as it relates to Caribbean cuisine. We’ll also look at anecdotes about Caribbean food. It’s funny that a Guyanese could be talking about a ‘cook-up to a Trini, who may not even know it’s the same as pelau. Or that jerk meat gets its name not so much from the spices that are used but rather from the method of cooking handed down by the Maroons of Jamaica. There is just so much folklore about the food we eat that it can sometimes be laughable. Some also bear witness to the wisdom and traditions of our African ancestors. Also, I am hoping that at the end of each year we can put together a list to rate the best cuisine around town. For example, who makes the best roti, the best bread pudding, the best fried pork (griot) or best seafood? As someone who has been up and down the city eating Caribbean food, I am somewhat disappointed that very few Caribbean restaurants are available to choose from. You know the kind of place where you could take a special someone on a special occasion for a night out. There are a million Caribbean “eateries” all offering the same fare without a surprise on the menu. I remember going to a restaurant, named after a popular flower in the Caribbean and I swear I’ll never return. Granted the atmosphere was “cool” but the service and portions were lousy for the price. I could say the same for another popular restaurant where I ordered Jerk Pork and it was not worth the wait. The pork was as chunky as ice-cubes and was not “jerked” but instead a bottled sauce had been poured all over it. When I left the restaurant that day I could have cooked a patty in my mouth, that was heat papa! Another annoying trend these days is the serving of what I call “recession portions” where the servings have drastically been reduced. It used to be that you felt full and satisfied after putting down your order. Now you wonder: did I really eat something? But there are places like Mangoe’s in South West and others —where the atmosphere is welcoming and the food is not only delicious but also the right sized-portions. It not only makes life much easier, but this entices you to come back. In the meantime, if there’s something you’d like to share, an experience good or bad, an observation about Caribbean food, a new restaurant, or even an old one with back home values and service, please drop a line at [email protected]. Talk to you soon! Stay healthy!