1

Issue 30 April 2015

2

Contents

Caribbean Business Buzz p3

Clean Sheet of Paper p.8

Simmons, new WI coach p.9

All Ah We Is One p.10

Democracy has Won p.11

Dying for Justice p.11

The Travellers Life p.20

Production and concept: D.T. Kalloo

Culturepulse is designed and produced by cashewmedia and published by Securisit Ltd.

Copyright 2014

Views and comments expressed by contributors are not necessary those of Culturepulse but of the

author/s

For all enquiries, please contact Culturepulse at 07920752131

Email: culturepulse@hotmail.co.uk

Culturepulse list of contributors’ to making the magazine a success.

Natalie Alicia Dookie Lyndon Brathwaite, Ansel Wong, David Wears, Chris Boothman, Nasser Khan,

Malaika Crichlow, Amos Armstrong, Soshina Stephen, David Rudder, Jimmy Kainja, Paul Ade, Akilah

Holder-Stewart , Michael La Rose, Rhianna Kalloo, Angelique, Dorothy Scott, Memory Pincheck, Erica

Williams-Connell, Darren Lewis and Afridiziak.

You may be wondering, what’s with the cover photograph? The truth is as its spring, I was looking for a beautiful Poui tree in bloom to grace the front cover, and unfortunately I could not find one with the right hue and splendor that I wanted.

I remembered being in Trinidad in 2013 taking some shots ‘around de savannah’ and encountered this beautiful flower known local as the Cannon Ball tree.

The Cannon Ball tree (Couroupita guianensis) is mostly found in South America and planted in lavish gardens for its beautiful flowers. It was given the Couroupita guianensis name by French botanist, J.F. Aublet in 1775.

The flowers are large and aromatic and the fruit bears the resemblance of a cannon ball, hence the common name and, is a member of the Brazil nut family.

Interestingly, the flower has no nectar and is visited on for its pollen. The structure of the male part of the flower is not found in any other plant in the world except or species of the Brazil nut family.

Cover photo by D.T.Kalloo

©cashewmedia

3

REGIONAL ENERGY OVERVIEW CARIBBEAN ECONOMIC REVIEW ” According to a new regional economic report from Integra Realty Resources Inc., the Caribbean's economy grew by 4.6% in 2014. The World Bank has now revised its growth forecasts for the next two years predicting regional growth of 4.1% for 2015 and 4% in 2016. The report gives a favourable outlook for the Caribbean with continuing gradual improvement in most local economies as a result of increased tourism and investor interest. EUROPEAN UNION - REGIONAL FUND - €400 million ” The European Union (EU) has set aside €400 million in grant money for its regional programmes. Combating crime has been allocated €40 million as the EU steps up its support for more regional crime fighting initiatives. The EU will also be investing in integration and climate change. An action plan is being developed for discussion and endorsement at the CELAC-EU meeting in Brussels in June. CHINA & CARIBBEAN 2015 TO 2019 ACTION PLAN- The 2015 to 2019 Action Plan for Caribbean and China relations has identified 13 areas of cooperation. Over the next five years the region will see China providing US$20 billion for a special infrastructural/construction loan; US$10 billion of preferential loans, US$5 billion of China-CELAC cooperation funds as well as 6,000 government scholarships and 6,000 trainee positions to CELAC countries.

CARIBBEAN DEVELOPMENT BANK - 2015 TO 2019 ACTION PLAN ” CDB will support investments in economic and social infrastructure, education & training, agriculture & rural development, private sector development, water & sanitation, environmental management, climate resilience, energy efficiency, renewable energy and disaster risk management. Initiatives in these areas will be identified through sector/thematic policies and country assistance strategies. CDB expects that during this period its lending portfolio will be dominated by economic and social infrastructure, and education and training for a combined commitment of 50%; and agriculture and rural development and cross-cutting areas will account for 10% of new commitments. Newer areas of focus, i.e. EE and RE, climate resilience and private sector operations and development will account for 25% of new commitments."

MINING GUYANA ” Rusal, a global aluminium producer, started industrial mining operations at Kurubuka-22 deposit at Region 10 in Guyana following completion of the project. Kurubuka-22’s bauxite deposit is approximately 30 million tonnes with Rusal's total investment at over US$25 Million. Rusal began mine development in 2013, where preliminary works included construction of the mine, infrastructure development, access roads, barge loading facilities and a factory which allows maintenance of a full production cycle from mining to dry bauxite barge loading.

CARIBBEAN BUSINESS

BUZZ

4

OIL & GAS ANTIGUA & BARBUDA ” The Government plans to convert the West Indies Oil Company (WIOC) into a petrol distribution centre, purchasing light crude from Russia to mix with petroleum from Venezuela in order to trade petrol on the international market. They have sourced a Chinese partner to provide US$30 million and the Venezuelan Government will secure US$24 million as a loan facility allowing Antigua & Barbuda to purchase the remaining 75% of the company as well as to upgrade the facility. Currently WIOC operates as a terminal for oil products with capacity for storing up to 322,000 barrels. GUYANA ” US-based Exxon/Mobil’s Deepwater Champion oil exploration rig is at the Stabroek Block offshore Guyana to commence drilling in March. The company expects to spend US$200 million with exploration to be executed over 10 years in three periods with two phases in each period, and each period lasting for one to two years. The total area of exploration (Liza Area/Stabroek Block) covers 26,806 square kilometres. The company intends to drill at a depth of 1,750 metres. The scope of operations includes a drillship, helicopter support, four support vessels and two shore bases running from Georgetown and Trinidad, and a waste treatment facility in Houston. ExxonMobil’s exploration met some resistance from Venezuela which has objected to the drilling due to a border dispute.

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO ”

Range Resources will continue its onshore development in Trinidad and plans to drill multiple exploration wells and implement water flood programmes. It believes that through its new partnership with LandOcean and the proposed US$60 million of financing available it has the capabilities to achieve

production plans of 1,000 bopd by Q4 2015, improve productivity efficiency and increase market value. Range is finalising its proposed exploration programme plans on the Guayaguayare licence with the first shallow onshore well expected to spud by Q2 2015. LandOcean has committed to adding four new drilling rigs this year to the existing fleet to be available for drilling from Q3 2015.

TRINIDAD & TOBAGO ” The Governments of Trinidad & Tobago and Venezuela signed an historic MOU for unitisation of natural gas in joint offshore assets. Both countries are seeking operational start-up of the Loran-Manatee Field which is a natural gas field located on the continental shelf of the Caribbean Sea. The total proven reserves of the field are estimated at 10.25 trillion cubic feet (293 km3) and production is projected to be about 750 million cubic feet/day in 2018. PDVSA, Venezuela's oil company will also restart the sale of oil and asphalt to Petrotrin, Trinidad & Tobago's oil refinery. In addition, within the agreement Venezuela will purchase equipment and pipe for natural gas distribution.

RENEWABLE ENERGY CARIBBEAN & SWEDEN ” Sweden is providing assistance to four Caribbean countries to minimise the impact of climate change. The islands to benefit are Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica and Grenada. The Swedish Energy Agency is focused on the creation of resilience in the energy sector against climatic effects, the strengthening of the energy system and better detection of climate changes. The proposed centre for renewable energy and efficiency may be located in Barbados.

5

BARBADOS & NORWAY ” In March an initiative was launched to make Barbados ‘green’ within the next five years and one of the first countries in the Americas to be largely renewable energy-based. The first step was a conference hosted by the Norwegian Viking Development Group which comprised its Norwegian headquarters and its technology partners from Germany and Austria; as well as the Division of Energy of the Government of Barbados. The workshop included a review of solar, biomass, wind, electric transportation, smart grid deployment, geothermal and waste energy. BELIZE ” The Public Utilities Commission released its final evaluation for the 2013 RFPs for Energy Generation. PUC received more than 20 bids in firm and intermittent capacity, with 11 projects advancing to the final stage for theoretical analysis with respect to fitting into the Belizean electrical grid. The final projects were eight for firm capacity of up to 60 megawatts of electricity and one for 15 megawatts of intermittent capacity from renewable energy sources. A solar generation project was the sole final bidder in intermittent capacity. Its proposal to build three solar plants providing 15 megawatts of electricity at US$37 million starting 2016, was approved, along with a separate proposal for the installation of a third generator to provide around the clock capacity for BEL of 7.5 megawatts. DOMINICA ” This €8 million interregional project will capitalise on Caribbean geothermal energy. Thus far, Dominica has successfully drilled test wells, production wells and a re-injection well. Dominica aims to first build a small plant generating 6-8 megawatts hoping to expand to a much larger plant up to 120 megawatts to supply Guadeloupe & Martinique. More than $54 Million has been spent on exploration of geothermal energy in

Dominica. Stakeholders are still to determine the kind of equipment to be used for the small plant, e.g. turbines. The local grid also has to be upgraded in order to accept the new power via DOMLEC. GUYANA ” Guyana’s allocation from the 11th European Development Fund will amount to 34 million euros (US$38 million) until 2020. It will focus on climate change adaptation, disaster reduction and sustainable infrastructure (including sea defences) projects. The EU remains the largest grant donor to Guyana. JAMAICA ” Jamaica broke ground on the construction of a US$89 million 36.3 megawatt wind farm which will generate electricity using 11 Vesta Model V112 wind turbines with power transmitted to the national grid via a 69kV transmission line running 18 kilometres from the wind farm to the Jamaica Public Service Company Limited. The new wind farm project along with two more will bring total investment in the energy sector to more than US$175 million. JAMAICA ” Jamaica launched a $6 million climate change resilience project called ‚Building Climate Resilience of Urban Systems through Ecosystem-based Adaptation in LAC.‛ The objective of the project is ‚to increase climate change resilience of vulnerable urban communities." Jamaica is one of three countries, alongside El Salvador and Mexico, selected by the United Nations Environment Programme to launch such a project. ST. LUCIA ” The Ministry of Sustainable Development will host a national consultation over a new bill which could open up the electricity market to independent power producers. The new bill will make provision for the introduction of independent power producers in the electricity

6

sector, "consistent with the government's plan for increased use of renewable forms of energy". The development of the draft bill emerged from the Eastern Caribbean Energy Regulatory Authority Project, managed by the OECS. ST. LUCIA ” The Government held a Donors Conference on financing the Exploratory Drilling Phase of its Geothermal Development Project. The exercise sought to design a roadmap for financing the project`s second phase by developing financing options for geothermal development in Saint Lucia engaging donor agencies such as the Caribbean Development Bank, the World Bank and the UK Department for International Development. ST. VINCENT ” CARICOM has awarded a $750,000 loan for a solar-power project to reduce electricity costs at the new Argyle International Airport. The funding will be used to purchase equipment to establish a 174.4 KW solar-energy farm. Argyle International is the largest infrastructure project in which the CARICOM Development Fund is involved, having provided $8.22 million "in a mixture of loans and grants for the construction of the runway and apron and the acquisition and installation of the runway lighting." They will work with development partners to eventually make AIA "the first fully 'green' airport in the Eastern Caribbean." TRINIDAD & TOBAGO ” Trinidad & Tobago and the IDB signed an MOU for establishment of a Multi Donor Energy Facility for Caribbean Sustainability. The objective of the MOU is to formalise a non-exclusive framework of co-operation and to facilitate collaboration between the IDB and Government to establish modalities for mobilisation of donors to the fund and to work out details on its operationalisation. The MoU is for collaboration in: promotion of energy

diversification, energy efficiency and a reliable supply of alternative fuels at a reduced cost in the Caribbean; designing the governance, operational and administrative structure of the proposed facility, including fiduciary and financial mechanisms and instruments; developing an adequate fund raising strategy; co-ordinating resource mobilisation activities with donors, partners, bilateral donor agencies, multilateral institutions and other public and private investors and identifying delivery methods that make energy security and competitiveness in the region possible.

Natalie Alicia Dookie Managing Director RITE Caribbean Business Development Solutions Limited Natalie is a regional business development, marketing and communications professional focused on creating revenue generation for clients exporting to or interested in exporting to the English-speaking Caribbean. You can contact her at natalie.dookie@ritecaribbean.com to convert your "contacts into contracts." RITE is a Results-driven, Innovative, Timely and Experienced firm. Disclaimer - Culture Pulse The information in the Caribbean Business Buzz article of Culture Pulse magazine, prepared by RITE Caribbean Business Development Solutions Limited (RCBDSL), is obtained from third-party news sources. While Culture Pulse and RCBDSL strive to ensure that the information in the article is as timely and accurate as possible, they make no representation, warranty, claims, promises, or guarantees about its accuracy and expressly disclaim liability for errors and omissions in its contents. This information is provided to indicate key business news in and around the Caribbean, the presence of any news item does not indicate an endorsement or recommendation by Culture Pulse or RCBDSL. RCBDSL recommends appropriate due diligence should be undertaken before embarking on business ventures. You can contact RCBDSL to undertake further market research for your firm.

7

8

CLEAN SHEET OF PAPER

When a story comes to life in the mind of an author, events eventually unfold page by page, and chapter by chapter. Each day, we as individuals, get the opportunity to start, and continue, our life story on a clean sheet of paper. This clean sheet gives us the ability to take personal inventory of, but not limited to, the following; where we are in our life, what we want to do, who we have around us, and what are the adjustments we can make in response to these questions. Ultimately, what we have been feeding our mind impacts what is written on our clean sheet. Each day we get the opportunity to do a few things; “ Give respect to our creator or start that relationship “ Complete a task(s) that was unfinished from the previous day(s) “ Make peace with a family member or friend “ Foster a new friendship or relationship “ Try something new and challenging “ Do something we have always wanted to “ Be involved in something worth while Similar to reading a novel, the next page reveals something new that adds to the story. In our life we end and start each day with tangible experiences behind us and limitless possibilities ahead. The one great thing is that no matter how we end the previous day we always have the opportunity to start the next day afresh, on a clean sheet of paper. This clean sheet or new page means that you (the author) of the greatest story you will ever write (Your Life) have the ability to change the direction of this story at any point. Our actions or behaviors have a direct correlation to how things unfold in

our future. Much in the same way a rising tide lifts all ships,

every action has an equal and opposite

reaction. An argument without an honest apology or act of forgiveness, whether it

happens immediately, hours or days after. Will fester and grow into a cancer of negativity, resentment, hatred and thoughts of revenge. A desire without action is nothing more than a wish. When we purchase a DVD we look forward to the alternate endings. This is possible because the writer of the screenplay, the producer and director all coming together to discuss the possible (and plausible) endings for the story, positive or negative. In our lives we write the screenplay, produce and direct our acts and everyone else plays the role of supporting cast, while we are acting as the lead in their own stories. So as you start your new page today, what are you filling it with? Is it another drama filled episode of confusion, confrontation, anger, and dishonesty? A suspense where either your or someone else's drama is beginning to catch up and we are trying to stay ahead? A sad story where trust is broken and resentment and self-loathing exist? A happy episode where you work on mending broken bridges, coming clean with yourself, and helping someone overcome their struggles? Or are you beginning an Inspirational chapter where you pull from all of your life experiences and exercise poise and self-mastery (SERENITY) to be the example / teacher you ought to be. Whichever path you decide be thoughtful about your choices, as you write the next line, to complete this next page, of in the current page or chapter of your life. Written by: Lyndon H. Brathwaite Inspired by: Real Life Events Change the Routine_Create the Opportunity_Make the Difference © 2014 OPAAT-SWY CONSULTING

9

C an Phil Simmons save the ill-performing lacklustre West Indies team from further catastrophe? Well according to the WICB, he can. The WICB has just appointed Simmons as the new West Indies team coach.

If Simmons record with Ireland is anything to go by, then I am in favour with the WICB on this one.

Since taking up the mantle as Ireland’s coach 8 years ago, Simmons has transformed the Emerald isle into a world class cricketing nation. Not only has he turned things around for the Irish, they have also beaten the West Indies and England in World Cup tournaments. Ireland has won 11 trophies with Simmons at the helm and has qualified for every ICC tournament.

Simmons appointment as West Indies coach comes as the team is preparing to welcome England this month for a three Test series. Both West Indies and England were knocked out of ICC World Cup.

Phil Simmons has played in 26 Test matches for the West Indies and 143 ODIs during his tenure dating from 1987-1999. The 51 year old Trinidadian born former player said. ‚I am confident I can help improve their fortunes.‛

The Chief Executive at WICB has every confidence that Simmons has the right acumen to cultivate a great winning spirit and culture with the West Indies team. Simmons signed a 3 year deal that would be tested as West Indies take on England on home soil later this month.

We wish Phil Simmons and the West Indies a successful English tournament.

The October Gallery in Bloomsbury will host

an exhibition of Kenji Yoshida: Infinite Light

that will run from 2nd

April – 9th

May 2015.

Kenji Yoshida painting are just what it

implies, infinite light. Here he explores this

movement with metallic overlays and bright

colours with extraordinary effect bringing

hues to life. His paintings allow you time to

take you on a journey of contrasting peace and

the earthy metallic colours of gold, silver,

copper reflect what I think Yoshida purposely

set out to accomplish. To guide you on a

peaceful journey.

Kenji Yoshida: Infinite Light

2nd

April – 9th

May

October Gallery

24 Old Gloucester Street

London WC1N 3AL

www.octobergallery.co.uk

Email: press@octobergallery.co.uk

Phil Simmons the

new West Indies coach Infinite Light

10

By Malaika Crichlow

Lately, I have been hearing about some kind of perceived social hierarchy with regard to committee member and fetes. Really? As it was explained to me by a friend, there are some individuals who believe that if they get tickets because they know a committee member, then that means they are ‚somebody‛ and others who do not are somehow socially unimportant. This caused me to ask the questions: unimportant to whom, the fete promoters? Unimportant in the larger scheme of life? Unimportant because of fete tickets? And who, pray tell, are these special individuals getting the tickets because they personally know a committee member special to? Are they special because to the said committee member, the fete promoter or their social circle? I am all for self-affirmation but if the only way you feel worthy is by the acceptance of others, you are setting yourself up for failure. I do not believe that party promoters do the committee tickets or registration solely to attract certain social circles. I hope it's to provide a safe environment for party attendees, so it's a form of security, and a way to try and prevent dangerous situations from occurring. I also think they may want a certain vibe, a particular feel to the party and to do so, they have a committee that can include people that like to party like them. That's my hope. It may be naive but hey, I rather live in that world than one where people's worth is entirely wrapped up in if they know a committee member or not. Could this be another way to extend this separation of us and ‚them,‛ similar to going to certain prestigious secondary schools, playing in a particular carnival band or growing up in a particular neighborhood? It's quite possible. The trivial things people use to make themselves feel worthy or better than others never ceases to amaze me, but it's universal. These situations need to be attended to and the sad reality is that it isn't

going away anytime soon, and very few of us apparently evolve past it Maybe I am being too harsh on these ‚special‛ people who get tickets from personally known committee members because this is quite true for most regions of this planet. And what is Trinidad but a microcosm of the world, displaying world truths on a smaller scale? There are similar scenarios in the world of celebrities and models and the fashion world where sitting front seat at elite fashion shows, for example, is the be all and end all for many people who are part of that world. So, to those precious darlings in need of that validation, those who boast about getting such tickets, and base their self-validity against such superficial and questionable parameters; I want to say, if nobody has told you before (and obviously you fighting up to prove it): you are special, even if I don't think that's what makes you special. But my point today is this, whether you went to a prestigious school or not, or grew up in a good neighbourhood or not, or got tickets to the ultra-exclusive committee member party or not--you are somebody, you are somebody special, and you are worth knowing, if not to anybody else, at least to me. Perhaps I am not deemed worth knowing, so it doesn't matter to you, but just in case it matters, please know that. So please, if you see me for carnival, come take a jump with me, not a wine eh because I don't like to wine with random people, but come leh we take a jump and a chip and leh we show them that despite the fuckery they trying to kill we carnival with that, all ah we is one.

Malaika Crichlow is a daughter of the twin isle of Trinidad and Tobago. She resides in Miami, Florida and has been for the past 19 years. She is an aspiring author who hopes to publish children’s books, novels on Caribbean life, and

books of poetry. Writing has always been a passion and sometimes a distant dream, but always brings her unparalleled joy. When she is not writing, she is a mother, a nurse, a student, and a lover of life and laughter.

All Ah We Is One…I hope

11

Nigerians won over the President that failed to lead his country to find the missing school girls despite pleas and one of the most popular social media publicity in history.

Goodluck Jonathan lost at the polls while Nigerians won by electing Buhari. Nigeria for the first time in a long time will surely be in good hands. I was in Lagos to help with organizing debates and encourage people to vote. Similar to what our organization have done here in Canada since 2010. During my seven weeks in (January / February) in Nigeria, I was regular at newsstands to listen to the common man and they all wanted change in direction. The excitement in most Nigerians was most glaring during my several visits to public parks, local forums and social events I attended. Great news to all Nigerians, great news for African and especially great news for democracy. This should have never divided the nation on ethnic and religious lines but now it's all about healing. We need to remember, Goodluck Jonathan publicly refused to declare his assets, failed to lead the country to find the missing girls, allowed corruption, and destroyed the military. The list of embassing encounter is very well documented in the media. Some Media links here Paul Ade hails Buhari as Africa's Obama Paul Ade, Creative Director, Black Canadian Awards Executive Director, Diversity Advancement Network Toronto: 416-900-3640 Website: www.BlackCanadianAwards.com

Press release

By Institute of Race Relations

On Monday 23 March, the Institute of Race Relations published Dying for Justice which gives the background on 509 people (an average of twenty-two per year) from BAME, refugee and migrant communities who have died between 1991-2014 in suspicious circumstances in which the police, prison authorities or immigration detention officers have been implicated.

It concludes that:

a large proportion of these deaths have involved undue force and many more a culpable lack of care;

despite critical narrative verdicts warning of dangerous procedures and the proliferation of guidelines, lessons are not being learnt; people die in similar ways year on year;

although inquest juries have delivered verdicts of unlawful killing in at least twelve cases, no one has been convicted for their part in these deaths over the two and a half decades of the research;

privatisation and sub-contracting of custodial, health and other services compounds concerns and makes it harder to call agencies to account;

Family and community campaigns have been crucial in bringing about any change in institutions and procedures.

In Nigeria Corruption has lost, Democracy has won

Dying for Justice

12

‘If the Macpherson report was intended as a way of restoring community faith in the British police, the issue of deaths in custody is the one which is constantly undermining it. As more deaths take place and no one is ever prosecuted, it inevitably sows seeds of incredulity, anger and despair.’ Harmit Athwal, co-editor of Dying for Justice

‘The processes and procedures for getting justice are all smoke-and-mirrors, particularly for those families, friends and communities devastated by custody death loss and then made to suffer no-answers grief with no one held accountable.’ Colin Prescod, IRR Chair

‘There needs to be a mechanism for state institutions and the private companies they employ to be held to account when people die. The lack of accountability over black deaths in custody is a global issue and one that will not go away until urgently addressed.’ Deborah Coles, Co-director INQUEST

Download a full copy of the report here:

http://www.irr.org.uk.news/dying-for-justice/

other links to reports:

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2015/mar/21/500-black-asian-deaths-custody-no-prosecutions

http://www.opendemocracy.net/ourkingdom/jenny-bourne/dying-for-justice-black-and-minority-ethnic-deaths-in-custody

http://www.theguardian.com/uk/2010/dec/03/deaths-police-custody-officers-convicted

Play Mas:

By Mustapha Matura

Director: Paulette Randall

‚A superb revival of Mustapha Matura’s 1974 darky funny exploration

of Trinidad…It sweeps you up and leaves you breathless.‛ Time Out

‚Paulette Randall’s production, vivid, emphamtic and humorous‛ Observer

‚Vigorous, comical and profoundly insightful. Matura’s cany writing

expounds the realities of imperialism with wit and humanity.‛ Afridiziak

Cast:

Lori Barker, Llewella Gideon, Kevin N Golding, Rob Heanley, Melanie La

Barrie, David Monteith, Johann Myers, Kirris Riviere. Victor Romero- Evans

and Seun Shote.

Dying for Justice cont’d P lay M as

13

14

15

Carnival 2015 may be a distant memory in many of our minds, however we can always rely on Mas Assassin to give us his best bits of Carnival.

For the first time in years I was assigned to the bench for a carnival. The evil that is chicv caught up with me in early January did battle with me for a week went its way. Two weeks later, chicv came back with a crippling vengeance, I had little choice but to sit quietly and grumble to the virus played mas with my body...

So, confined to the bench, I watched carnival from the living room TV, from social media and, the radio. It is from this vantage perch Ii will call my top ten aspect of carnival 2015.

Machel Montano:

A friend said to me that ‘Machel saved carnival this year’, a feat that is super human in my book but in truth he arguably (if you listen to the 15 tunes the stations played most of the season) released some of the most popular tunes for the season and the hype generated for his concert was exceptional, his soca monarch performance sans all the usual special effects and monkey tricks was still that of a boss truly leaving his rivals still performing in the 1990s it seems. For the road we all knew ‘like a boss was going home with

the title, but it was his duet with Angela Hunte ‘Party done’ was my favourite. I hope she writes and performs with Machel again.

Hats off to the HD BOSS OF MONKS MM.

Destra’s ‘LUCY’:

Now I’m not the biggest Destra fan myself, but with one song’ Lucy’ Destra had all my support for one of the sweetest songs for carnival 2015. What made it so sweet? In my opinion it is the story of most of us that love carnival in Trinidad. Destra sang about the character Lucy, but how many of us were good boys and girls until we went to our first school fete or were on the road for jouvay when that spirit, that good vibe of carnival energy combined with the music changed us forever!

‘Lucy’ was easily a groovy monarch winner, I pictured Destra finally winning an official title with a voice and a song that could not be beaten but at the final hurdle something went wrong. You know how some people fall apart at an exam, I get the impression competition does that to Destra, maybe she should forget the stress of soca monarch or get a new team when it comes to competition. But LUCY was indeed a big winner in 2015.

Mas Assassin’s top 10 for carnival 2015

16

The Soca Drome:

Last year I was totally against the socadrome concept, I felt it represented an anti-carnival spirit separating ‘them from us’, a move of an elitist minority that wanted to profit on every aspect of mas. This year after seeing it on TV, I think it should stay. The flow of bands at the Queens Park Savannah at least on television was exceptional without the monotonous constipation that is Tribe and Bliss, big and small bands alike crossed the stage early starting as always with Harts at 8am.

By midday most of the big competition guns had already crossed the stage and Minstrels, Gorillas, Pan sides etc., all what seemed like sufficient time to cross the stage, and perform, on occasion I changed channels to see what the ‘drome’ was saying and to me it was exactly what I did not want to see headpieces here and there and masses of flesh with the dash of an individual here and there, seasoned masquerades told me they hated it for the second year running , but for the sake of the viewing audience it’s a good thing, they need to move it to Chagaramas that will be even better.

Olatunji Yearwood:

Last year I went to the soca monarch semis especially to see this artist called ‘Olatunji’,

I loved his Taliban tune and thought this guy could wreck shop if he did it right, however his 2014 performance in Arima for me was a great disappointment. But before the year ended and it seems even before the 2015 season began his song Ola was had most of us caught up in its groove, this was indeed a big tune that dominated the carnival season all the way to the soca monarch final. Congratulations to Olatunji.

Groovy Soca:

This was a big year for groovy but I’m old enough now to now that this does not mean power is dead, it just means that 2015 was a groovy year, to be honest if the title was around in the 80’s David Rudder would have

been a groovy monarch, or Kitch or Lord shorty!

But groovy dominated the airways sweet sounds of Raze, Lucy, Cloud nine, OLatunji and the list went on gave carnival a laid back vibe that was a welcomed change to that of a power dominated carnival.

All Stars double:

As a child All Stars was my favourite band for two reasons All Stars was my uncle’s favourite band and their name was All Stars, the name gave me the idea that the pan side had to have the very best musicians in the country and so were unbeatable!

This year All Stars not only won Panorama but also for the second year won the prestigious carnival title of band of the year, a title I felt they deserved. Watching All-Stars cross the stage was a dramatic scene of officers of various ranks, sailors’ big guns pan and powder. A display of mas most of us might have only heard about but never seen, reminds me of a saying to move forward we sometimes have to step back.

Television coverage of carnival:

TV coverage was mediocre this year, being stranded at home I did appreciate the live coverage of fetes and competitions throughout the season. However, I was disappointed by absence of Kiddie’s Carnival from the TV channels. I also understand that live feeds did not always give the international audience what they wanted or value for money at times.

On Monday and Tuesday TV Cnc3 and Channel 4 all covered the festival, Channel Four covering the southland mas, and seriously has me considering mas in San-do now as Port of Spain has become a bit of an old cliché. Coverage of the socadrome was in my opinion just as much a disaster as the venue

Itself people being interviewed could not hear questions because of background noise masquerades were often lost in shadows, and because everybody wanted to get on camera you had to watch sometimes a section for

17

maybe half an hour so you know I went back to the superior coverage at the savannah. It was good TV but it could be so much better.

Oh yeah Paul Richards of CTV seems to be their Michael Jordan of EVERYTING! One will think by now channels can afford specialised experts depending on what is being covered.

Queen of Carnival 2015 Stephanie Khanai:

Sweet waters of Africa, In my opinion, this moko jumbie queen crossing the sage with such an aquatic flow has not been seen since Minshalls queen of tapestry in ... yet the queen of a small band with limited resources and budget and said to be inspired by the music of Ella Andall effortlessly crossed the stage of the QPS and won the crown proving once again that passion, simplicity and creativity can overcome the brute force of big budget any day.

The Photography of Maria Nunes and Leslie Robertson Toney:

Some of the most detailed, dramatic and visually stimulating photos I’ve seen this season came from Maria Nunes and Leslie Robertson Toney. Nunes took some iconic photos of All Stars crossing the stage that made me wish I was in the midst of it all. Robertson Toney using both her DSLR and phone captured some terrific moments of traditional and children’s mas that gave hope that the culture is far from dead.

Arts in Action:

I had the privilege of accompanying the arts in action team to see them perform and teach primary school children about environmental conservation through the performing arts. They used almost all the disciplines of carnival art to educate and entertain the younger generation to learn through theatre and group participation and the importance of looking after the environment.

I think the use of characters influenced by local myth and legend to pass a message onto the younger generation was a fantastic approach to cultural preservation, social studies and awareness.

Band of the Year, who really won?

While it has not exactly made ripples on the face of carnival, there is a question among carnivalists as to which band actually won Band of the Year title in 2015? Yes, the official results placed the Massy All Stars with Ships Ahoy a French Festival was top of the large band category with 2,392 points, thus making them Band of the Year. However, the winner of the ‘Mini’ band of the year title went to Tribal Connection Cultural Promotions who clocked up 2,518 points with their presentation From the Dark Hills of Dakota. Although overall they had more points, they couldn’t be adjudged winners because of the size of the band. Such a move was seen as an injustice to others.

18

Air Passenger Duty reduction comes into effect

After a long and tireless campaign by Caribbean nationals and the Caribbean diplomatic missions in London, Caribbean air travellers can start reaping the benefits of lower Air Passenger Duty which came into effect on 1st April 2015.

The APD reduction was announced by the Chancellor of the Exchequer in last year’s budget. The Chancellor went further in this year’s budget and made children under the age of 12yrs travelling economy are exempt from APD beginning May 1 2015. Also from 2016, any child flying economy under 16 will be exempt from the duty.

Campaigners welcomed the changes but revealed, the lower APD rate has not made any dents into reducing the cost of travel to the Caribbean.

The APD operated on a four-band system which is calculated from London to a country’s capital city. The system however, has been simplified into two bands, A and B. Band A represents short haul flights that is less than 2000 miles from London. Band B, for long haul flights that are more than 2000 miles from London.

Ganja now stronger than ever!

A recent study in the US found that marijuana today is up to 3 times stronger than it was 30 years ago.

The study carried out in America, where some states have legalised the use of marijuana found that the psychoactive compound THC ‘were close to 30 per cent’ in present product making it 3 times stronger than a decade ago. Researchers believe this could pose a real danger to its consumers.

So next time you light up a joint know that you’re getting 30 per cent extra for your money.

19

Come and celebrate and participate in Ms Trinidad and Tobago UK National Queen Pageant and Cultural Showcase on the 26th September. This year’s theme ‚Tobago our Sister Isle‛ Flora & Fauna. We are inviting young ladies ages 13yrs -30 yrs, residing in the United Kingdom of Trinidad and Tobago parentage (at least one parent or grandparent) which represents the multi-ethnicity of its rich cultural heritage. Be part of the journey of self-discovery and intellectual development as, you will develop your interaction, personal grooming and stage dynamics skills while participating in holistic workshops. We are accepting applicants for the following: Miss Trinidad & Tobago UK Teen Talent: need to have a talent-Age 13 ” 16yrs - 5ft & over Ms Trinidad & Tobago UK National Queen ”you can be married, single, have a child, dress size 14 and under. Age 17 to 30yrs Height 5ft and over

Briefing and on-going Interviews starts now until June. Contact Angela - on 0208 875 9975 -07958336694

Email misstntuk@carivog.com or misstrinidadandtobagouk@hotmail.com, Website: www.misstntuk.com Face book: misstrinidadandtobagouk

20

The traveller’s life The illusive joys of moving back home sweet home. By Soshina Stephen

My entire life has been one moulded with travelling, locating and relocating. I moved to my dad’s country when I was just 4 months old. I have been on holidays and visited family abroad since my childhood days. Although I moved several times, living with various family members for 18 years, Saint Martin was home, the only home I had known. At age 18, I left home to pursue my further education in the UK.

Sometimes, I wonder what my life would have been like had I not left Saint Martin on the pursuit of education and career. My travel experiences (on continental Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and the USA), my cultural exchanges and my many adventures were not always as the pages I had read in the books of my childhood stories. However, the years were formative and absolutely defined who I have become today. What I have seen, felt and heard and smelled in each of the places I have lived has made me who I am now, like a fine wine that has matured, absorbing all the elements of its surroundings.

Deciding to move back home after years abroad, notably 15 years has not been the fairy-tale journey I had envisaged. Without a doubt I fell so in love with the thought of being reunited with my family. Landing on the rock and planting, in fact rooting myself in the soil, all seemed perfect in my mind. As I packed every box and every suitcase to be shipped, the distance between England and Saint Martin became closer. I was full of excitement and so anxious that I felt I would burst.

The novelty of being home, especially in the height of the Christmas period, was surreal. But it had set the tone for what turned out to be the best Christmas and certainly the best season yet. I was thrust in the midst of cake making, food cooking, decorating and gift wrapping Christmas was here and I was home. Home sweet home and all the comforts and familiarities that I had missed and longed so desperately for, came to fruition.

Despite looking forward to coming back and being with my loved ones, I felt what can only be described as a sense of mourning when. I cried every day for about a month and a half and drew comparisons constantly to how different the food was in Saint Martin to Europe, how the bus system was not frequent, how habits and norms had changed drastically from 15 years ago.

Overwhelmingly, I felt I no longer fitted in, and in actual fact, I didn’t. I found myself having to ‚learn to be home‛ again. I didn’t connect with stories, memories, events and jokes. Skype did an awesome job of keeping me sufficiently ‚connected‛ or so I thought. Needless to say that relocating to St Martin was a lot harder than moving to and living in Europe in the first place. I was faced with a deep and scary ‚reverse culture shock‛ experience especially as I didn’t expect it would be this hard. I didn’t see that any real social preparations needed to be made in advance, no crash or refresher’s course needed to move ‚back home‛, yet of all my travels experiences, this one by far has turned out to be the most arduous socially and emotionally.

I don’t think there is really any way to describe this feeling to those who haven’t experienced it themselves. It’s tough, and unless your friends or family have been abroad for an extended period of time, they just don’t ‘get’ it , this feeling of being ungrounded, unsettled feels as if you are a leaf floating aimlessly on restless waters.

I have spoken to many that have returned home, who have said that they experienced the same

21

things, so I am not alone in feeling this way (besides studies have really qualified reverse culture shock, I haven’t made it up!) and a vast majority boasts that moving back home was the best decision they’d made and cannot relate to this alien feeling I am going through. But what baffles me is that I don’t feel this over powering joy to be, back home; at least, not yet. Although it is true that those initial feelings of strangeness have subsided, It’s only been 4 months since I’m back home, but, what I constantly contend with now is a continual pull to go back; a pull to go back anywhere as long as it isn’t here. I feel the pull to belong here, the place I call home and there, the place that was home for so many years. It is as if I am living in a kind of suspended reality, never really here and never really there; restless. In addition, all of my childhood friends have moved on, have made their lives, careers and families, while I feel I’m in a time warp or some early life crisis. Ultimately, I miss my metropolitan life, my friends, activities and lifestyle.

How I will cope? Would I change anything about returning home…probably, do I want to change anything about returning home… probably not?

All is not gloom and doom returning home to St. Martin however, coming back I have seen the beauty of the island with new and understanding eyes, I have scoured and found amenities similar to the home I had just left after 15 years, such as restaurants, shops, food, I have found new and different opportunities (both socially and professionally) which I plan to fully embrace and explore.

I have to admit though, nothing beats coming back to the company of the people who have kept me going when I’ve been heavily homesick, looking after myself through a hospital operation, failing exams and all the other negative parts that no doubt occurred and cropped up during mes ans à l’étranger.

In conclusion. I have made the decision to move back home, to be present in the place that gave me a foundation in life and a great one as such…that set the pace of baton race for where I am now, maybe full circle until my next journey. I also

choose to see and be positive about my move back and share my experiences openly with my family and friends who are now away and are deciding to move back. It will take time (God I hope not too long. But, I am home. Sweet home.

Your advertisement

could be on

this page in

the next issue of

Culturepulse

magazine.

for further information

and our advertising rates call:

07920752131

or email

culturepulse@

hotmail.co.uk

22

23

Things to Do...

Airkix

Fancy a bit of sky diving without jumping out an aircraft? Airkix is the answer.

With sites in Milton Keynes, Basingstoke and Manchester with prices starting for £29.99

www.airkix.com

T: 08452669348

London Eye

Experience the Coco Cola London Eye rotating gracefully over the river Thames for an exciting day out in London.

www.londoneye.com

T:0871781 8883

The Royal Air Force Museum, London

The Raf museum is a must for kids and grown-ups too.

Admission is FREE so pack a pinic basket and grab the kids and enjoy London.

www.rafmuseum.org

0208205 2266

Vinopolis

This one is for grown-ups.

Check our wine tasting and master classes in wine tasting.

Wine tasting experience start from £27pp

www.vinopolis.co.uk

0207940 8300

Ride the river Lee

Experience the river Lee on a passenger boat.

The ‘Lady of Lee Valley’ and the ‘Pride of Lee’ will take you on this cool, calm and relaxing journey on the Lee.

You don’t need to book just turn up pay and board.

Prices start at £6 per adult and there’s a licensed bar on both crafts and wheelchair access.

www.leevalleyboats.co.uk

01992 462085

24

On Sale Now