Caribbean Beat Blog

Caribbean corals face extinction

2008-07-11T13:55:00.003-04:00

An international team of scientists released findings on the state of the world's coral reefs this week and grabbing the headlines was word that one third of the world's coral species face extinction.

Leading the team of scientists was Professor Kent Carpenter, Director of the Global Marine Species Assessment of Conservation International and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Professor Carpenter said: "When corals die off, so do the other plants and animals that depend on coral reefs for food and shelter, and this can lead to the collapse of entire ecosystems."

The Caribbean has the largest proportion of corals in high extinction risk categories, with notable declines of staghorn and elkhorn corals.

The loss of coral reefs in the Caribbean will impact on the region's tourism product and fisherfolk also depend on reef fish for food.

The main threats to corals are climate change, over-fishing, water pollution and the degradation of coastal habitats.

New international airport for St Vincent

2008-07-10T12:39:00.005-04:00

US$178 million is being spent on the construction of a new international airport in St Vincent.

The new airport is under construction in the town of Argyle, on the eastern side of the island, and is expected to be completed in 2011.

St Vincent is the largest of a chain of 32 islands called St Vincent and the Grenadines.

The island is currently served by the E. T. Joshua Airport in Arnos Vale.

Ames in golf Top 25

2008-07-09T10:15:00.003-04:00

Caribbean Beat Issue 88 (November/December 2007) cover star, Trinidadian golfer Stephen Ames, has climbed three places to 24th position in the Official World Golf Rankings.

His best ranking for the year was in early June when he reached the 23rd spot but since then he has missed the last three events on the PGA Tour: the Travelers Championship in Connecticut, the Buick Open in Michigan and the AT&T National in Maryland.

Tiger Woods remains unassailable in position 1, a spot he has held for a whopping 503 weeks.

Ames has had some good finishes this year but his best performance so far was when he swung his way to the 3rd spot at the Mercedes-Benz Championship.

Sumfest shapes up with hip hop heavyweights

2008-07-08T11:27:00.005-04:00

As one Caribbean festival tries to force performers to clean up their lyrics and improve their behavior, another has booked an American rapper who has been labeled "X rated" by some reviewers.

Dwayne Michael Carter Jr, known in the hip hop world as Lil Wayne, is headlining Jamaica's Reggae Sumfest's International Night 1 on July 18.

He recently created history on the Billboard charts by becoming the first performer in three years to sell a million records in the first week of release. As music downloads have soared, record sales have slumped and Lil Wayne's The Carter III has shaken-up an industry reeling from consistent losses.

Songs on The Carter III are littered with expletives, sexual references and less than flattering descriptions of women, but this has not stopped consumers from lapping it up.

Lil Wayne has also had brushes with the law for weapons and drugs possession but this seems to just add material to his lyrics bank.

Reviewing the The Carter III for Bloomberg, Douglas Lyttle says: "Lil Wayne songs are packed with expletives. If we delete them and translate (in parentheses), we get references to his "(female canine)" or more usually "(pack of female canines)". He gets busy smoking "(common weed usually burned or inhaled for self-medicinal purposes)" and drinking champagne having just "(copulated violently)" with "(bizarrely large numbers of women of low repute)".

Josh Tyrangiel, writing for TIME, says: "III is one of the best albums of the year. It's a pop play--and smelling it, everyone from Jay-Z to Robin Thicke jumped on board with contributions--but it's still weird enough to sound like underground Lil Wayne. His wordplay can be thrilling ("My picture should be in the dictionary next to the definition of definition"), and no other rapper finds as much joy in rhyming; "in the way", "everyday", "What we say", "cliche", "Andre 3K", "sensei" is a typical string from Dr. Carter, his prescription for what ails rap."

The Reggae Sumfest audience will be the judge when he touches down to serve up his rhymes.

Carifesta clean-up

2008-07-07T09:21:00.003-04:00

Two Jamaican artists have been put on a Carifesta blacklist because of their lyrics and their criminal records.

Guyana's Home Affairs Minister Clement Rohee has said that the music incites crime and violence and Movado and Bounty Killer will no longer be allowed to perform in Guyana.

The minister said Carifesta is about culture and clean entertainment and promoters have been warned not to invite any "smutty" or "dutty" songsters to Guyana before or during Carifesta.

Carifesta 10 will take place in Guyana from August 22 to 30.

High oil prices shake Caribbean economies

2008-07-04T10:29:00.003-04:00

The Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) is estimating that the average net impact of high oil and food prices on the trade balance of Caribbean countries (except Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago) is 5.4 percent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

IDB President Luis Alberto Moreno has said rising prices are hitting the Caribbean more than any other region in the Western Hemisphere, as the negative net impact is four per cent GDP in Central American countries.

Moreno made his disclosures at the 29th Annual Meeting of the CARICOM Heads of Government Conference held in Antigua and Barbuda this week.

Oil- and gas-exporting Trinidad and Tobago is benefiting from higher fossil fuel prices, while in Guyana the negative impact of high oil prices is partially offset by higher export prices for commodities such as rice, bauxite and gold.

Moreno said the IDB and the CDB are studying ways of reducing food prices in the region through an in-depth assessment of cost structures (transport, logistics, taxes and tariffs) and options for strengthening regional food production clusters.

The IDB is also launching a US$500 million fast-disbursing credit facility to help countries strengthen their social protection networks and boost agricultural productivity.

For more on other ways the IDB is proposing to assist the Caribbean, check out their website: http://www.iadb.org/

St Lucia launches Save the Iguana campaign

2008-07-02T11:35:00.004-04:00

There are a few folks who like snuggling up next to iguanas, even keeping them as pets, and for some their love for the iguana is related to a tingle in their taste buds and a warm feeling in their stomachs.

In St Lucia the Forestry Department is undertaking a 12-month campaign aimed at sensitising the public about the importance of conserving the iguana and its habitat.

So the key to loving the iguana is not to try to put it in a cage or aquarium or your stomach after it has been cooked in your favorite spices.

St Lucia was once called Iyanola or Island of the Iguanas but scientists today believe there are fewer than 1000 adult animals on the island and many St Lucians have never even seen a wild iguana.

The forestry department has invested heavily in producing materials such as posters, bumper stickers, badges, rulers and pencils. Dance competitions are being held at schools, Iguana Days are being decided upon and a mascot named Iyanola will travel the country promoting iguana love.

Check out this website for more details and if you live in the Caribbean maybe you'd like to start a Save the Iguana campaign on your island: www.iguanafoundation.org

July/August issue of Caribbean Beat!

2008-07-01T00:08:00.000-04:00

The latest issue of Caribbean Beat – July/August 2008: No. 92 – is now online! Don't forget that if you'd like to read articles online exceeding 500 words, you'll need to register for free on our website.

Here's a taste of what's in the current issue, all available at www.caribbean-beat.com:

WHEN WE WOULD COOK CORNMEAL PORRIDGE by Garry Steckles
Caribbean Beat columnist Garry Steckles is the author of a new biography of Bob Marley. Read an edited excerpt in which he relates how the singer and his colleagues the Wailers recorded their first hit

TOP TEN OLYMPIC HOPEFULS by Kwame Laurence
Who will bring the Caribbean Olympic glory in Beijing? Kwame Laurence assesses the regional hopefuls

PAINTING FROM LIFE by Sharon Millar
Sharon Millar speaks to Jamaican artist Roberta Stoddart and admires her ability to find beauty in the uncommon and forgotten

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION by The Trinidad and Tobago Film Company
Trinidad and Tobago can offer the perfect backdrop for almost any feature film

THE VIEW FROM SIMLA by Christopher Broadbridge
Christopher Broadbridge climbs battlements and terraces to visit Simla, a tropical research centre hidden in the hills of Trinidad

TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN GRENADA by David Katz
From remote hot springs to Italian food on Grand Anse beach, Grenada provides unexpected activities for the fun-loving. David Katz counts down the top ten things to do in the spice isle

LOVE THE DREAD by David Katz
David Katz looks back on the life of Jamaican producer Mikey Dread

LIGHTNING BOLT by Laura Dowrich-Phillips
He is a 200m specialist, but he now holds the 100m world record. Laura Dowrich-Phillips talks to Jamaican sprint sensation Usain Bolt

LATE BLOOMERS by James Fuller
As he turns 50, photographer Mark Lyndersay sees dying flowers as a metaphor for ageing. James Fuller talks to him about his morbid art

FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS TURNS FULL CIRCLE by Ruth Osman
Carifesta returns to Guyana after the first festival was held there 36 years ago. Ruth Osman looks excitedly at what’s planned to revive the spirit of that first event

OVER THE RAINBOW by Mirissa De Four
Photographer Andrea De Silva is having a hard time selecting 150 images for her exhibition at the London High Commission. Mirissa De Four looks at her 24-year career and at one photo that’s bound to be there

LEÓN AND THE WATER OF LIFE by James Ferguson
James Ferguson traces the life of the conquistador Ponce de León and the poetic justice with which he met his end

THE LONGEST WEEKEND IN THE WORLD by Nazma Muller
Tobago’s Great Fete Weekend started as just another party during Great Race. Now, as Nazma Muller discovers, the five–day event draws even more crowds than the annual powerboat race

THE CITY WHERE YOU CAN EAT THE WORLD by Franka Philip
Caribbean cuisine abounds in London, yet it’s not as popular with the locals. Franka Philip explains why

AFRICAN HERBSMEN by Garry Steckles
Garry Steckles looks at reggae from Africa and tries to best fellow writer David Katz with his own reggae Top 10

SECRETS OF THE SUN by Judy Diptee
Looking good in the tropics requires some serious beauty tricks. Judy Diptee tells you how to keep your makeup immaculate and beat the heat

GIVING IT HER BEST SHOT by James Fuller
Trinidadian shot-putter Cleopatra Borel-Brown speaks to James Fuller about her preparations for her third Olympic games

Kreyolfest 2008

2008-06-27T17:21:00.000-04:00

New York's The Haitian Times in association with Enigma presents the 8th Annual KREYOLFEST at the Wingate Park in Brooklyn, New York, on Saturday 28 June.

KREYOLFEST claims to be the largest outdoor Haitian festival in the northeastern region of the United States, and aims to represent a wide spectrum of Haitian culture, featuring a market place, food and music.

This year, KREYOLFEST will pay homage to the legendary Haitian Konpa band Tabou Combo, which celebrates its 40th anniversary this year.

ENERGY Caribbean: Yearbook & Conrad Enill Exclusive

2008-06-27T10:53:00.006-04:00

Caribbean Beat's sister MEP publications – the bimonthly ENERGY Caribbean magazine and the annual ENERGY Caribbean Yearbook – have both been published this month.

ENERGY Caribbean Yearbook 2008-09: Collector's Edition

Trinidad and Tobago's oil industry celebrates its centenary in 2008 for which the ENERGY Caribbean Yearbook has produced a collector's edition documenting this country's long relationship with oil and gas through photographs, maps and exclusive interviews, as well as its usual survey of developments in the Caribbean energy industry and outlooks for the future.

June issue of ENERGY Caribbean magazine

In the latest issue (No. 37: June 2008), ENERGY Caribbean speaks exclusively to Senator Conrad Enill, Trinidad and Tobago's minister of energy and energy industries. In the interview, Mr Enill talks to David Renwick (also a longtime business correspondent for Caribbean Beat) of his plans to revolutionise what is undoubtedly the country’s most important ministry.

Trevor Boopsingh, a highly-respected figure in the Trinidad and Tobago energy industry, also speaks to ENERGY Caribbean on what he thinks the new minister should focus on, and what is needed to be done to boost gas exploration efforts.

Around the region, ENERGY Caribbean focuses on Jamaica’s energy industry in a two-page spread, and elsewhere, looks at the country’s plans to boost its
renewable energy efforts by 2020.

For more information, to subscribe, or order copies of these publications, visit www.energy-caribbean.com.

Panman scoops film awards

2008-06-17T11:29:00.003-04:00

Panman - Rhythm of the Palms, a film about the rise and fall of a steelpan player, set in St Martin, has picked up two awards at film festivals in Brooklyn and Hollywood.

The film was awarded the prize for best feature film at the Black Film Festival in Hollywood and the award for best score at the Brooklyn International Film Festival, this month.

Ian Valz, who wrote the screenplay for the film also takes on the lead role as Harry Daniel. Born in Guyana, Valz had tremendous success in his homeland with his radio play House of Pressure and other works written for the stage like Two's A Crowd, Room To Let and Masquerade, which was nominated for the Guyana prize for literature in 1992. He was knighted in 2006 by the Order of Oranje Nassau by Queen Beatrix of Holland.

Panman tells the story of Harry Daniel, a Caribbean icon of steelpan music whose personal life suffers when he places his music above his family. He trains an apprentice, Jacko, who eventually turns against him but later returns to fulfil his mentor's dream, albeit after Harry's death.

Hollywood heavy-hitters of Caribbean descent saluted for Heritage Month

2008-06-11T13:26:00.011-04:00

Two Hollywood players – the Oscar-nominated stage and screen actress Cicely Tyson and young director Frank E Flowers – will be honoured at the 2008 Caribbean Heritage Salute to Hollywood & the Arts, all part of the third Caribbean Heritage-American Month in the United States.

The Caribbean Heritage Organization (CHO) and the Institute of Caribbean Studies, DC (ICS-DC) will present Tyson – born of parents from Nevis – with the Legacy Award, and the Cayman Islands born Flowers with the Rising Sun Award.

Over the last 40 years, Tyson has become one of America's most well-known actresses, receiving an Academy Award nomination for Best Actress in 1972 for her breakthrough performance in the critically acclaimed film, Sounder, and becoming the first black actress to win an Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in 1974 for her role in the television film, The Autobiography of Miss Jane Pittman.

The up-and-coming HBO "Director to Watch" Flowers was raised in Grand Cayman before leaving to pursue his film education at the University of Southern California. He debuted his first film at the 2003 Sundance Film Festival with the award-winning Swallow, following that up with a screening of Haven at the Toronto Film Festival, a film featuring Hollywood stars like Orlando Bloom and Bill Paxton. It was the first feature film ever to be shot entirely on location in Grand Cayman.

The Caribbean Heritage Salute to Hollywood & the Arts takes place on 21 June at the Marriott Marina del Rey in California.

May/June issue now online!

2008-06-09T21:29:00.003-04:00

The May/June issue of Caribbean Beat (#91) is finally online! We apologise for the delay, which was caused by a website problem beyond our control.

Here are some of the articles you'll find in this issue:

• Skye Hernandez treks through Guyana’s Iwokrama forest;
• Judy Raymond on Trinidadian dancer Noble Douglas’ lasting legacy;
• Laura Dowrich-Phillips journeys to Barbados to witness the Rihanna effect;
• James Fuller on the Caribbean’s response to climate change;
• Simon Lee traces the life of the late Belizian star, Andy Palacio;
• Actress Lorraine Toussaint opens up to Caroline Neisha Taylor about her illustrious career;
• Jonathan Ali looks at how Caribbean countries preserve their built heritage;
• Judy Raymond on Frances-Anne Solomon’s award-winning movie A Winter Tale;
• Nicholas Laughlin gives the low-down on really enjoying the Calabash Literary Festival;
• Caroline Neisha Taylor on the controversial SASOD Literary Festival;
• Garry Steckles looks at how reggae traditions are being passed on down the generations;
• James Ferguson on sixty years of London’s Caribbean immigrants;
• David Katz tastes the nostalgia in Michael Anatol’s pepper sauce;
• Franka Philip takes time off from slaving over a hot stove to read about Caribbean cuisine;
• James Fuller samples Caribbean Airlines’ new wine;
• Donna Yawching takes refuge from Canada’s cold in the heat of the Roti Palace
• and much more!

Check it all out at: www.caribbean-beat.com

National Caribbean American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

2008-06-08T08:48:00.002-04:00

Today marks the third annual National Caribbean American HIV/AIDS Awareness Day in the United States, capping off a week of activities by the Caribbean People International Collective (CPIC) aimed at reducing the burden of HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean-American communities.

The Caribbean region is second only to Sub-Saharan Africa in its rate of HIV infection. The Caribbean-American community in central Brooklyn, NY has experienced a 200% increase in its rate of HIV infection from 1997 to 1999. Of even greater concern is what researchers have uncovered as the "barriers to care": lack of knowledge about HIV, stigmatisation, language differences, concerns about confidentiality, immigration status, and cultural beliefs and practices. The moral association of HIV with "sin" and subsequent intolerance to those infected is a significant obstacle toward providing care.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has estimated that one-quarter of people in the United States living with HIV do not know that they are infected with the virus. This fact—coupled with stigma and discrimination, misconceptions about the disease, inadequate healthcare and often time communication barriers—underscores the need to encourage Caribbean-Americans to become knowledgeable about HIV/AIDS and regular testing.

For more information: http://www.ncahaad.com.

3rd Haitian Jazz Festival set for Miami

2008-06-06T07:34:00.000-04:00

The 3rd Haitian Jazz Festival is poised to send Miami's feet a-tapping on Saturday 5 July at the Adrienne Arsht Performance Arts Center. The line-up includes:

Manno Charlemagne
Thurgot Theodat
Jowee Omicil
Bethova Obas
Belo
Dadi Beaubrun
Jean Caze
Elektra
Martine Marseille

Admission is US$100 VIP; Orchestra $50, and $40 Balcony.

6th annual St Martin book fair starts today

2008-06-05T01:49:00.000-04:00

Schedule of Events

Thursday 5 June
8–10pm
Opening Ceremony
Includes addresses by Shujah Reiph (President, Conscious Lyrics Foundation); Jacqueline Sample (President, House of Nehesi Publishers) and Josianne Artsen-Fleming (President, University of St. Martin); and a keynote address by Dr James a Fabunmi.

Friday 6 June
8am–12pm
School Visits

Martiniquan novelist, Patrick Chamoiseau, (Texaco; Un Dimanche au Cachot) discusses his writings and literature with students at Collège Mont des Accord.
Trinidadian Jennifer Rahim (Songster and Other Stories; Mothers Are Not The Only Linguists) discusses her writings and fundamentals of literature with students at the St. Joseph Primary School.
Julius Lambert discusses career opportunities at public utilities with students at St. Maarten Vocational Training School.

2:30–4 pm
Sustainable Architecture in the Caribbean
A look at house building, tourism/hotel development, globalisation and the environment relative to architectural design in St Martin and the wider Caribbean by Margaret Spencer.

4:30–6 pm
President’s Forum
Sponsored by the president of the University of St Martin, a discussion on the impact of Creole languages on Caribbean societies. Panelists include: Mervyn Alleyne (University of Puerto Rico); Ian Robertson (University of the West Indies, Trinidad & Tobago); Rhoda Arrindell (University of St Martin).

8–10pm
A Duke Named Ellington
The Caribbean premiere of the documentary film about Jazz legend Duke Ellington, produced and directed by Terry Carter, a guest of the St. Martin Book Fair, who will be on hand after the film for discussion and Q&A about movie-making, acting, directing, and producing in Hollywood.

Saturday 7 June
8am
Exhibitions
Wide range of books available for sale from booksellers; authors available for book signings. Free admission. University of St. Martin.

9am–4 pm
Storytelling and more
Ages: 4-12. Coordinated by students from the Education class of the University of the St. Martin. Papa Mpho, teacher, leading St Martin storyteller

9–11am
Principal’s Leadership Style and Students’ Achievement
Workshop will take a critical look at how the leadership style of principals can help students succeed, by Dr. Baly, a native of St Martin and principal, Miami-Dade County Public Schools, FL, USA.

Religion and Reparations
Addressing the fundamental and complex issues of religion, slavery and reparations, presented by Herbert Daughtry.

History of Caribbean Slave Revolts
A critical look at the struggle for freedom by enslaved Blacks in the Caribbean, by Dr. John Campbell, historian, UWI

11am–12:30pm
Herbs and Healing
A return of the popular workshop about herbal identification and preparation, yoga and deep breathing, by Ras Bobby Ollivacce, naturopathic healer, Virgin Islands

Our stories
The art of understanding and telling a good Caribbean story., by Papa Mpho, teacher, leading St Martin storyteller

2–3:30pm
A unique link of reparations to science, land ownership and development, by James A. Fabunmi

4–5:30 pm
Book signing of Un Dimanche au Cachot (2008) by Patrick Chamoiseau

Dancing the Ponum
The popular dance workshop on St Martin’s national dance, the Ponum. Hear about the origins of the oldest dance of St Martin; see and learn the dance moves for yourself. Taken by Clara Reyes, choreographer, dancer, Ponum researcher, founder Imbali dance school, St Martin

Poetry Workshop
Poets, aspiring poets, and lovers of poetry have a unique opportunity to learn more about and discuss aspects of the poetry "process" (concept, influences, writing, thinking about getting published). Bring your poems, and if time permits, receive first-hand critique of a sample of poems from the professor. Led by Jennifer Rahim of UWI, Trinidad & Tobago

8–10pm
Book Launch & Closing Ceremony
Launch of I Believe by Howard A Fergus (House of Nehesi Publishers, 2008)

Jamaican dancehall star steps up (?) with Nike

2008-06-04T12:29:00.004-04:00

David Brooks, known in the dancehall as Mavado, had to cancel a concert in Trinidad following his arrest in Jamaica back in March, when he was charged on two counts of shooting with intent and one count of illegal possession of a firearm.

His declaration that he is "a gangsta fuh life" and his often violently graphic lyrics have not made him a poster boy for good behavior, but his music is very popular and American rapper Jay Z did an unsolicited remix of his hit On The Rock.

Now according to the Jamaica Gleaner's STAR magazine, Nike, the world's leading supplier of athletic shoes, apparel and sports equipment, has selected the bard to be part of its new 2008 Olympics themed campaign.

The STAR says: "Nike recently commissioned Mavado to appear in an EPK (Electronic Promotional Kit) and to make an original track to support the Jamaican effort at the 2008 Olympics, starting August 8, in China. The company also made a limited number of sneakers to help promote the campaign."

Mavado has recorded a track titled Faster than a Bullet for the campaign.

And don't be so fast to rush out to the store with your cash so you too can step out with Mavado Nikes on your feet, you won't be able to purchase these trainers as they are only for promotional purposes.

In fact, Mavado says there are only four of them.

The Caribbean Challenge takes aim at marine conservation

2008-06-03T22:59:00.003-04:00

Amid ever-growing fears of the impact global warming will have on Caribbean islands, particularly through rising sea levels, food scarcities, and increasingly voracious hurricane seasons, a group of Caribbean nations has launched an initiative to help protect the region's marine and coastal resources.

The Nature Conservancy, a leading conservation organisation working around the world to protect ecologically important lands and waters, has partnered with the Bahamas, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, Jamaica, and St Vincent and the Grenadines to launch The Caribbean Challenge. The goal of the project is to build political support and long-term financing to protect at least 20 per cent of participating countries' marine and coastal habitats by 2020.

In addition to the founder member countries, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia are considering the initiative and are expected to sign on in coming weeks. Notably absent on the list of current and potential signatories were Barbados and oil-rich Trinidad and Tobago.

At present, destructive fishing methods, pollution, heavy industry, and climate change are degrading regional coral reefs and marine ecosystems, which have a trickle down effect of negatively impacting fishing and tourism industries, and threatening some of the region's unique marine life with extinction.

According to the The Nature Conservancy, countries participating in The Caribbean Challenge will gain access to over US$40 million of new funding to help conservation efforts, helping finance educational programming, more patrol boats and rangers, and scientific research and support. Over the next four years, nearly 7.4 million acres of marine and coastal habitat are to be set aside in Marine Protected Areas, establishing no-take fishing zones, sustainable fishing infrastructure, and programmes to restore coral reef and marine ecosystems. At present, only seven per cent of Caribbean marine resources have protected status, and, according to the Conservancy, only one in six is considered to be effectively and sustainably conserved for the long haul.

Acting president and CEO of The Nature Conservancy, Stephanie Meeks, explains: "This is a small investment today for the priceless, long-term benefit of protecting the fish stocks and tourism-related livelihoods of the more than 10 million people living within the Challenge's participating nations."

"The Caribbean Challenge supports these countries in their efforts to protect their coasts for the long-term," says Chief Conservation Strategies Officer for The Nature Conservancy, Rebecca Patton. "Globally, the island nations most threatened by climate change are doing the most to protect their coasts. They are on the front lines and feeling the heat, but they're taking proactive measures to protect their resources," she added.

2008 hurricane season expected to be well above average

2008-06-03T13:46:00.003-04:00

Between 1 June and 30 November, forecasters are predicting that there could be between six and 12 tropical storms, with between seven and nine of those are expected to turn into hurricanes.

And of those storms expected to become serious, five could be category three or above.

Some meteorologists have noted that the water temperatures are well above normal for this time of year off Cape Verde on Africa's west coast.

Hurricanes draw their energy from warm ocean water and some of the worst hurricanes in history have started as storms off Cape Verde.

The season got off to a start when Tropical Storm Arthur formed off the coast of Belize on 31 May.

The following names will be used for named storms that form in the North Atlantic in 2008: Arthur, Bertha, Cristobal, Dolly, Edouard, Fay, Gustav, Hanna, Ike, Josephine, Kyle, Laura, Marco, Nana, Omar, Paloma, Rene, Sally, Teddy, Vicky and Wilfred.

In Antigua, music is the food of love

2008-06-02T10:27:00.003-04:00

This month, lovebirds are expected to flock to Antigua for the island's inaugural Romantic Rhythms Music Festival.

On June 12 and 15 concerts are scheduled to be held at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium and at Fort James, featuring performances by Lionel Richie, Damien Marley, Shaggy, Keyshia Cole, Kenny Rodgers, Maxi Priest, Brian McKnight, Heather Headley, Destra Garcia, Burning Flames and others.

Antigua and Barbuda was named Best Wedding Island at the Caribbean Travel Awards and tourism stakeholders have been quick to capitalise on the momentum.

At the launch of the festival in February, Chairman of the Festival Management Committee, Alvin Edwards said, "Antigua and Barbuda is ready for an event of this magnitude. We boast some of the most majestic sunset views that will be the perfect backdrop for our outdoor concerts."

The festival's website promises: "Romantic Rhythms will create a sense of balance, and transcend all to a place where peace, love and unity reign supreme."

A variety of special events and romance packages have been planned to enhance the experience.

Soca Power showcases Trini music & soca stars

2008-05-30T19:07:00.005-04:00

The spotlight will be on four of Trinidad and Tobago's prominent entertainers when the movie Soca Power in Trinidad and Tobago debuts in the Caribbean in June.

The film follows soca stars Machel Montano, Bunji Garlin and his wife Faye-Ann Lyons and Isaac Blackman, son of soca creator Ras Shorty I.

Soca Power in Trinidad and Tobago follows the four throughout one Carnival season, moving from behind the scenes at large concerts to the heat and heart of Carnival: the streets.

"From the beginning of the film to the very end, it keeps you interested, especially with the way everybody’s story unfolds," said Blackman, one of the leading voices of Jamoo music, known as the gospel of soca. "It shows the wide diversity of our culture, and is as real as it can get in every dimension. I think it’s excellent and I’m very proud to be a part of it."

Blackman praised the film for its attempt to underscore the origins of soca and local culture. "We have a problem in T&T where we don’t archive things properly and disseminate the wealth of knowledge that exists in various sectors, from sports to entertainment. This film highlights the history of soca and T&T culture as a whole, which is very good. It adds more substance and gives an internal perspective," he said.

Jean Michel Gilbert of Maturity Music (West Indies) Limited, one of the film’s producers, agreed, saying, "The power of soca is a reflection on the Trinidadian society; the sensuality, the passions, the release, the paroxysm of our cultural celebration on one side and the spiritual, more conscious, some times even more conservative attitude. The film is an excellent illustration of this double psyche," he explained.

Maturity Music co-produced Soca Power in T&T with ADN Production Paris and Trace TV, with the support of French National Cinema, the T&T Film Company and the European Union. Claude Santiago, who is well known for his treatment of music-related features, directed the film, which was filmed and produced using the latest audio-visual technology. It was filmed using real High Definition technology and boasts Dolby Digital 5.1 sound.

Soca Power in T&T is part of a six-part series of films called Musique Creole, which is based in the Caribbean. The music of T&T is featured alongside that of Guyana, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Martinique and Puerto Rico.

The film has already met with rave reviews. It first premiered in April at Canal+ Studio in Paris, where it was well received. It will also be released in Barbados, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Jamaica and Martinique; and broadcast on French television and on Trace TV, which airs in Africa, Asia, and Europe. Soca Power in T&T opens at MovieTowne in Port of Spain on 11 June.

Kaos has been unleashed upon us!

2008-05-28T20:57:00.000-04:00

There used to be a time when if you wanted to find me between the hours of 4am J’ouvert morning and midnight Carnival Tuesday – with the exception of the half an hour spent trying to scrub off grease paint around 10am Monday morning – you’d have to look somewhere on the streets of POS (these were pre-cell phone days, of course).

I say used to be because I’ve found of late that the vibe of Carnival has changed. It’s just not the same as it used to be. The excitement and adrenaline rush that would wake you up in the wee hours of Carnival Tuesday, energised and rearing to go after dragging yourself into bed just a couple of hours before, was gone.

I remember being on Ariapita Avenue, 6am, waiting while the band assembled, bleary-eyed and seeking strong coffee from a sidewalk vendor (but fully made-up, coiffed & outfitted, eh!). Then, all of a sudden, blasting like TNT through crisp morning air and my ear drums, I hear: BLAAAARP! BLAAAARP! (truck horn!) YEAH! YEAH! (Machel!) ALL YUH READY?! (deejay!)

And that was it. All lethargy evaporated like fizz from a newly-opened club soda and that energy carried me through the entire day in blistering hot sun, pouring rain, illegal amounts of alcohol, straight through to las’ lap, feeling no pain.

Carnival was MY time!

But over the years it, or me, changed. When I realised one year that by midday on Tuesday I was ready to go home, I thought: hmmm, wha going on here boy? Like I getting old or wha? The next year, when I found myself thinking on Monday afternoon that I still have a whole other day to go, I gave it up for a few years. I started back about two years ago, hoping the break was what I needed, but… nope, it still wasn’t there. It seemed like playing mas was now something people were doing because it was the thing to do. We stayed in the same band because it was familiar and contained some semblance of the unity we used to feel. But the joie-de-vivre, the pride at being a Trini, the inexplicable love you feel that seemed to come from the very bottom of your heart for everyone around you, even complete strangers that you will never, and a lot of times don’t ever want to, see again in life, was just non-existent. You wanted to play, because not being there just felt so un-Trini, but your heart just wasn’t in it.

Well, I’m thrilled to say, it looks like there’s an opportunity to recover what Carnival, and ‘playin mas’, used to be…or at least some of it, anyway.

The band ‘Kaotic – Life Unleashed’ was launched to the media last Tuesday. Its founder, Hayden Harbin, is a Trini based in Toronto who has been involved in producing one of the top mas bands for Caribana for umpteen years. According to him, his vision for bringing it back to Trinidad was for the very reason that he thought something was missing from the existing choices people had now, and wanted to give people a Carnival experience they would not just absolutely enjoy but for which they would also get the best value for money.

The name of the band was chosen to represent the excitement he wanted people to feel again and the people he’s chosen to be a part of it are all – to him – important, integral members of his vision. Every one of them should have the ability to go out and start their own band after this, should they have that desire. And for the masquerader: everybody is somebody, even if you don’t know anybody.

We saw only three sections last night but they were, together with the promise of the others yet to be unveiled, enough to satisfy the lovers of ‘pretty mas’ and the very decent price of the all-inclusive sections were enough to satisfy those on a budget.

But for me, it was the vibe… the vibe was back!

The turnout at the launch was what convinced me that a viable alternative for me was finally available. Not the quantity, but the quality. It wasn’t like it was because of familiarity either because I knew less than one-fifth of the people there but, even so, I felt that I could hang out with these folks. That’s what I’m talking about. The vibe.

They’ve taken to heart the desire of the band’s founder to create a band where everybody feels comfortable, being on the road and just knowing that, in that moment, there’s just no other place in the world you would rather be, bringing back the days of unity in the common cause of pure, unadulterated enjoyment, without having to buss your bank account – one of the truest of Trini experiences. Except this time there’s also a proud Bajan involved, so the unity begins even before we hit the road for Carnival 2K9. Even some of the designers of the sections are young first-timers being given an incredible opportunity, and they are now working alongside some more experienced veterans in the field.

The band will be having its public launch in July so look out for it and see for yourself.

I have to say that, by Hayden’s own admission, about 70% of the band is probably going to be a 30 and under crowd so, unfortunately, about 30% of us will be having a much better time than the rest but, say wha, their turn will come soon enough.

Total local for major Crop Over events

2008-05-28T08:17:00.006-04:00

There will be no regional acts at any of Barbados' marquee events at this year's Crop Over celebrations.

The National Cultural Foundation (NCF), the main producer of the Crop Over, said this week that its top events – the Party Monarch, Cohobblopot and Pic-O-De-Crop semifinals and finals – will not feature any regional artistes.

"The NCF will not engage any foreign artistes this year, except for its two pan shows which will include Exodus of Trinidad and Tobago," said board member and chairman of the foundation's oversight and tenders committees, Cranston Browne.

In the recent past, Cohobblopot, Party Monarch and other shows organised by the NCF have featured artistes such as Trinidadians Machel Montano, Fay-Anne Lyons, Iwer George and Shurwayne Winchester, along with Vincentian band Black Sand, and Jamaicans Mr Vegas and Lexxus.