Miami-Dade County Fairgrounds was filled with a kaleidoscope of color this past Sunday for the return of Miami Broward Carnival 2018. Patrice Roberts, Shurwayne Winchester and headliner Kes the Band lit up the stage with the latest soca sounds, while rapper and Love & Hip-Hop star Sarafee made a surprise performance. But the real show has always been the mas bands. And the 17 participating crews truly brought their A-game this year with stunning designs and endless energy. We already can’t wait for Carnival’s return, but meanwhile, check out our pics below from this year’s festivities. (Photo credits – RJ Deed)
Sister Maryse Alsaint walks alongside a school damaged by a magnitude 5.9 earthquake the night before [October 6th], in Gros Morne, Haiti, Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018. Emergency teams worked to provide relief in Haiti on Sunday after the quake killed at least 11 people and left dozens injured. Photo: @haitiville
The people of Haiti are still reeling following this weekend’s double earthquake. A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck northern Haiti on Saturday night. Then a major aftershock measuring 5.2 rattled the region again on Sunday, disrupting search and rescue efforts. At least 12 people have been reported dead, and 188 people are reported injured.
The U.S. Geological Survey reports the earthquake’s epicenter just 15.8 kilometres north-northwest of Port-de-Paix, the city hit hardest by the tremors. Other areas severely affected include Gros-Morne, Chansolme, Tortuga and Turtle Island.
On Twitter, President Jovenel Moise (who is from the region) urged for calm, asserting that “all of the republic’s resources” are being directed to recovery efforts. Welcoming the support of the international community, President Moise also said recovery efforts will be guided by Haitian authorities to avoid duplicated efforts. He confirmed that Prime Minister Jean-Henry Céant “is on the scene to supervise the rescue teams and coordinate their actions.”
This marks the largest earthquake event since the devastating 2010 earthquake that hit Port-au-Prince, which caused an estimated death toll as high as over 300,000.
Castor oil beans in the raw. Photo @kreyolessence.
Sometimes grandma is right — that old-school black castor oil can offer the best remedy to any of your beauty ailments. The beauty industry has certainly received the memo, incorporating black castor oil as the star ingredient in a slew of new beauty products. And Caribbean brands have stepped up their game, celebrating this classic island ingredient with some innovative products. Made from roasted castor seeds (Rincinus Communis), black castor oil is rich in skin-and-hair-loving nutrients. Here, we break down the many ways you can use this versatile oil. Plus check out the Caribbean black castor oil brands you need to add to your beauty routine.
Hair: Black castor oil has become the new super-ingredient for hair growth, thanks to a high concentration of Vitamin E. Known for its antioxidant properties, Vitamin E is a major antioxidant, which repairs and protects the hair cells from free radical damage. Meanwhile, the oil also helps balance out excessive oil production. Use as a scalp treatment, massaging directly into the roots. You can also add a few drops to your favorite conditioner for an extra boost.
Skin: Black castor oil has serious moisturizing powers, thanks to the high concentration of omega-fatty acids, which penetrates the skin and promotes cell renewal. The oil also has antibacterial properties ideal for healing damaged skin. This is all thanks to high concentrations of ricinoleic acid, which cleanses the skin of bacteria. Use as a facial oil cleanser to treat acne and other skin irritations, and as a body oil to fade old scars and stretch marks.
Nails: Nothing softens rough and ragged cuticles better than black castor oil. Plus its clarifying properties are ideal for fighting off fungal infections in your nail beds. You can massage the oil directly to the cuticle, and let sit for 15 to 20 minutes. Do these little treatments a few times a weak for stronger, more flexible nail, less prone to breakage.
Founded by Haitian-American entrepreneur Yve-Car Momperousse, Kreyol Essence offers a whole line of black castor oil products. Here, their 100% Natural Haitian Black Castor Oil in Rosemary Mint boost your healthy scalp. Photo @kreyolesssence
Founders Michael Anthony Hines and Lois Reid-Hines celebrate Jamaican traditions & remedies with their Tropic Isle Living brand, based in Jamaica. Photo @tropicisleliving
Art Coordinator Kristina Newman-Scott. Photo @knewmanscott.
From hot Twitter takes to viral cat videos, the internet is full of entertaining ways to procrastinate. But if you’re looking for inspiring content to push you out of your seat and onto your business hustle, nothing beats TED Talk – a powerful and influential video series where experts around the world share their wisdom from their professional and personal lives. So of course there are a bounty of successful Caribbean-Americans who deliver inspiring speeches about their entrepreneurial journeys, and the valuable insight they’ve earned along the way. The road to success is a long, winding road. So to spark your next business venture, or inspire that extra burst of courage, check out these motivating TED talks below.
Tell your Failure Story: Felicia Hatcher
Jamaican-American Entrepreneur Felicia Hatcher‘s accomplishments may be a mile long as the co-founder of gourmet catering services Feverish Popsicles, STEM training program Code Fever and the influential industry conference event Black Tech Week. But in her TED talk, Felicia seeks to disrupt the shiny, perfect narrative of the classic “success story.” She instead advocates for more open discussion about failure. “Success doesn’t look like what we think it’s going to look like,” says the tech advocate. “Sharing our failure stories makes us understand that failure is a part of the process. Bumps in the road are a part of the entrepreneurial process.”
The Pattern of Small Moves: Christine Souffrant
Haitian-American entrepreneur Christine Souffrant discusses how you can change your own reality by “following your patterns” – the natural talents that you are born with that transcend through industries and skills. She’s developed a three-step system to maximize your professional potential. “First, audit your experiences with powerful, reflective questions,” says Souffrant. “Then test your triggers and explore new experiences. And finally execute, to transition into a lifestyle you truly want.” In this video, she guides us through her own professional journey to help viewers decode their own professional stories.
Side Hustlas: Jullien Gordon
The child of Caribbean immigrants, business coach and motivational speaker Jullien Gordon knows the value of hard work. But in a business climate full of uncertainty, Gordon rejects the traditional career model of working 9 to 5. Instead, Jullien Gordon offers sound life and business advice to an audience of teens regarding the need to create multiple streams of income through side-hustles. Gordon suggests that this generation has the ability to position itself to “create value, be valued, and do work that aligns with their values.”
What is fi yu cyan un fi yu – Kristina Newman-Scott
A life-long career is full of difficult decisions. Should I leave my job or just stay? Is my passion worth pursuing professionally? When faced with unexpected choices, Jamaican-born artist and art administrator Kristina Newman-Scott has treasured her grandmother’s adage “What is if yu, cyan un fi yu. “This means if it belongs to you, it’s already yours,” says Scott. “And if it doesn’t, it wasn’t meant for you in the first place.” She has used her advice to shed doubt and be open to opportunities, which has led her from Edna Manley College in Jamaica to Director of Culture for the State of Connecticut.
Innovation requires getting people right: Eliot Salandy Brown
“Business shapes our world,” says British-Trinidadian anthropologist Eliot Salandy Brown. “And we believe that business should shape our world in a way that works for us.” In his TED Talk, he uses examples to demonstrate how companies often misunderstand people. Drawing from the disciplines of sociology and anthropology, Eliot demonstrates how inquiry can help companies find ways to innovate and really enhance the customer experience at all levels.
The Natural Disaster Mas Junior Crew playing "Illumination" at the Miami Broward Junior Carnival. Photo @miabrocarnival.
South Florida’s carnival season has just begun, and the kids were in on the action this past weekend for Miami Broward Junior Carnival 2018. Held at the Central Broward Regional Park, this year’s parade of bands showed off the amazing creativity of regional bands, and the blossoming talent of our next generation of masqueraders. Check out all the fun below.
Fly Away: The Natural Disaster Mas team pulled all the stops for their costumes this year, as shown by this adorable band leader all decked out in plumage. The crew swept the second place spot for best mas band.
Kiddie’s First Carnival: This little masqueraders are all smiles in their “Illumination” band costumes, designed by Party Room Squad.
Imaginary Colors: Decked out in dreamy blues and regal violet, the Royalty Kids masqueraders lived up to their names this year, winning third place for best mas band. This band leader is proudly guiding her crew in the fantasy-themed costume.
The Champs: These three masqueraders of the Wassi Ones crew show off their candy-inspired costumes, which swept first prize for mas band of the year 2018. This particular design borrowed its hues from the classic mint candy.
Dancing Queen: These young performers from the Champa Chameli Dance Group are all smiles following their traditional dance performance at the festival.
I’M BACK! I feel like I say this a little too often. Anyway, I’m in full “get ready for summer” mode so I needed to share my favorite vegan Southwest Salad recipe. Its easy, satisfying, and oh so delicious!
Admittedly, I’m not really a big fan of salads. After finishing one, I’m usually looking for what’s next. To fix this empty stomach problem, I started adding cooked food to my salads. Yes, I know…not groundbreaking but it made a difference in how I enjoyed salads. It was also another easy way for me to add another weeknight meal into rotation without using the stove. Just mah cutting board and silicone baking sheet.
In fact, I make this salad so often on my “lazy” nights that I’m beginning to hear groans from the gallery when I announce “Southwest Salad for dinner”.
My favorite part of the salad is obviously the potatoes. Anyone else buy a 5lb bag every grocery run? The potatoes are perfectly seasoned and baked to crispy perfection. They almost serve as croutons on the salad but way better. Paired with the ranch dressing, its almost as if you’re not eating something semi-healthy. I usually use spinach because I feel like I’m sneaking in those dark leafy greens (while covered in ranch) but feel free to use whatever greens you have on hand.
And of course what’s a southwest salad without black beans and corn. The combo works perfectly and get in some easy protein.
Oh, and I didn’t forget about the ranch. Its amazing. Truly amazing. Another super easy sauce to use on everything. Also, potatoes and ranch? Need I say anything else?
If you try it, let me know in the comments!
Southwest Spinach Salad with Baked Seasoned Potatoes
Another new LIFE CHANGING recipe! I’m a sucker for all things saucy especially ranch but I wanted a lighter/lower calorie version of the real thing that didn’t taste like I was missing the real thing. I’ve been making hummus dressings for a while now and it was time I took measurements so I could share the amazingness of my Vegan Garlic Hummus Ranch Dressing.
Garlicky, creamy, tangy dressing goodness. I use this stuff with everything. The obvious choice would be with a salad but you can use this for so much more. Late night chip cravings? Hummus Ranch with Celery and Carrots. Burrito bowl needs a sauce? Hummus Ranch. Need a dip to bring to last minute party you were invited to? Hummus Ranch. Thirsty? Hummus Ranch. I’m kidding…but not really. After making the recipe for the pics I could help but having some by the spoonful. ?
I’m not new to the substitution game. I love creating recipes by swapping out a traditional ingredient for one that is higher in protein, lower calorie, or just all around healthier. A prime example would be my Tofu Nacho Cheese or Cauliflower Carbonara with Tofu Bacon. In this instance, I swapped out the vegan mayo for plain hummus. Not only is it much lower in fat and calories but also less processed and provides some nutritional value while being ridiculously delicious. It also ticks all the trendy vegan boxes. ? It’s gluten-free, oil-free, low fat, and made with whole plant foods.
If you make this LIFE CHANGING recipe, let me know in the comments ??
At the intersection of island aesthetic and international couture, you’ll find the work of Jamaican-American designer and stylist Tanya Marie.
Check out several images of Tanya Marie in the slideshow below.
Photographer: Richard Lecoin
Videographer: Nicholas Chin
Hair: Simone Hylton of Natural Trend Setters
Makeup: Debbie Parent @changingfaces_beauty
Styling: Tanya Marie Designs
Model: Tanya Marie McLendon
Embracing local materials, historical traditions, and climate conscious infrastructure, the Caribbean hotel industry offers an impressive selection of recreational havens artfully designed to take advantage of the region’s natural beauty and amenities.
Far from the cookie-cutter buildings with hermetically-sealed suites, basic pools, and generic “tropical” décor that you may find in some quarters, there are architectural oases throughout the islands, worthy of fervent Instagram love. For those equally awed by swooping rooflines and ocean panoramas, check out our list of gorgeous resorts with legit architectural pedigrees.
SECRET BAY HOTEL ST. JOHN, DOMINICA
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Photography Courtesy Of Secret Bay Hotel
Dotting the deep Dominican rainforest with dramatic cliff views, the eco-resort Secret Bay lives up to its moniker, with an elegant series of villas and bungalows offering complete seclusion among the treetops. Conceived by famed Venezuelan architect Fruto Vivas, each luxe cabin is a work of masterful design. “We wanted guests to feel a sense of harmony within the natural environment, so we aimed to create that experience by blending the indoors with the outdoors,” Vivas says.
The structures resemble fanciful treehouses, completely clad in Guyanese hardwood and elevated from the ground by modernist concrete pillars to harness the refreshing sea winds. Inside, the tropical hardwood continues—from the plank flooring to the vaulted ceilings, while expansive windows, verandas, and balconies perfectly frame vignettes of the outdoors. The design, Vivas notes, allows “guests to feel the crosswinds, smell the aroma of the forest, and embrace a sense of freedom.”
The property’s sleek infinity pools and winding pathways beckon guests to leave their villas and explore.“Dominica is an amazing tropical paradise, and the elevation allows Secret Bay to be integrated with the external space so the landscape can penetrate the interior seamlessly.”
Ever mindful of preserving the ecosystem, the resort was built by hand, using sustainably-sourced woods, and each structure was carefully placed, avoiding as much land-clearing as possible. The result—a resort experience submerged in lush rainforest.
PARK HYATT ST. KITTS BANANA BAY, ST. KITTS & NEVIS
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PARK HYATT ST KITTS - ST KITTS & NEVIS - APRIL
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Photo: Courtesy Of Park Hyatt St. Kitts
The fusion architecture of Park Hyatt St. Kitts, opened in 2017, bucks the trend of unremarkable hotel chain design, with a contemporary aesthetic inspired by the island’s historic building style, particularly its sugar plantations—from palatial great houses to modest barns.
The expansive property, overlooking Christophe Harbor, includes 126 rooms, three acclaimed restaurants, a wellness sanctuary, and the first Caribbean location of the renowned Miraval Life in Balance Spa.
Rooms and suites are housed in classic gable-roofed structures, with special suites featuring private sundecks and views of neighboring Mount Nevis. Its interiors boast a clean, white-washed style, with paneling and ceiling beams—a stark contrast to the historic opulence of the public spaces. The extraordinary Rampart terrace pairs infinity pools with massive arches built from local stone, invoking the aged stonework of nearby colonial fortress, Brimstone Hill. This stonework continues to the spa and wellness retreat’s replica sugar mill, providing an idyllic spot for yoga and meditation, with views of the sky from the circular opening above.
Even Park Hyatt’s three restaurants boast their own architectural distinction. The Fisherman’s Village recalls fishing huts and berths with its thatched roofs and open-air dining, while the exposed stone and peaked ceilings of the Stone Barn gourmet restaurant echoes the structures once used to protect crops during the rainy season. As the resort’s epicenter, with a restaurant, rum bar, library, and conservatory, The Great House takes inspiration from grand plantation houses, incorporating high ceilings and an abundance of verandas.
EL BLOK VIEQUES, PUERTO RICO
El Blok Hotel
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Photo: Courtesy Of El Blok
There is a large and imposing edifice nestled among the sleepy beach bungalows in the picturesque town of Esperanza, Vieques, a small island off the coast of Puerto Rico. This stunning modernist retreat, El Blok hotel, unites minimalistic design with the Caribbean’s organic beauty. “The experience of this hotel is not about being in a pastiche or alien notion of a Caribbean that does not exist,” says El Blok’s San Juan-based architect Nataniel Fúster of Fuster + Architects. “It’s about radically embracing, reimagining and celebrating our reality…to celebrate our intense natural light, to take advantage of the open and uninterrupted spaces, and to create a tension between the user and the surroundings.”
El Blok may have raw, Brutalist bones, but its waves of gleaming white concrete echo the surrounding coastline. Inspired by the permeability of coral reefs, the façade also features moveable, perforated panels that “act like membranes,” says Fuster, providing the protection of hurricane shutters, while filtering light that casts intricate shadows in an equally striking interior. Its circular lobby is retro-modern, and its curvaceous rooms are balanced with streamlined décor. The hotel also includes subtle nods to classic Spanish-Caribbean architecture, with colorful tilework and an open atrium that circulates fresh air and light.
Completed in 2014, El Blok is not just celebrated for its distinctive design, its reinforced structure weathered 2017’s Hurricane Maria without significant damage. The hotel grounds played an active part in the island’s recovery and has become a place of refuge for locals and tourists alike, thanks to its lively (and legendary) rooftop, with an infinity pool, entertainment space, and uninterrupted ocean vistas.
TRIDENT CASTLE AND HOTEL PORT ANTONIO, JAMAICA
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Photos: Courtesy Of Trident Castle
Turn a certain corner around Pegg Point in Port Antonio, Jamaica and you’ll suddenly be greeted by a fairytale castle, complete with towering turrets, Juliet balconies, and a grand staircase leading downward to the sea. It is bright white, majestic, and—if you’re seeing it for the first time—totally unexpected. Designed by Jamaican architect Earl Levy as a private residence, which eventually became his own home, Trident Castle captures the old-world elegance of classic British Colonial architecture.
The grandiose banquet hall has 47-foot ceilings, neo-classical accents and a checkerboard floor. The Castle’s glamorous entertainment spaces also include a traditional dining room featuring regal arches and decorative plaster friezes, as well as sweeping terraces with iconic black-and-white tilework.
Built in the 1980s, the castle now serves as an exclusive venue for weddings and other special events, and at times as a vacation retreat for Hollywood stars and music royalty.
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Nestled on the same property is the luxurious Trident Hotel, which Levy originally designed. In 2012, after both buildings came under new ownership, Kingston-based architect Vidal Downing and his team at Atelier Vidal remodeled the hotel. In a nod to Trident Castle’s traditional architecture, the team sought to marry the boutique hotel’s classic style with a more contemporary sensibility. The goal, Downing says, “was to change how the building related to the outdoors. We wanted to reconnect you to the view, stripping away any distractions.” The new exteriors mirrored the castle’s Jamaican Georgian architecture, with gabled roofs and symmetrical wings, but entrances and openings were expanded to “always bring your eyes back to the ocean,” he adds. The overhaul incorporated elements of tropical contemporary design with sleek façades—a minimalist style that continues to the modern terraces with infinity pools.
Interior Designer Monique Duarte knows the power of transformation—how the right silhouette or fabric can change how a room looks, and more importantly, how it feels. She applies this knowledge to the design of colorful and inviting interiors for clients locally and around the world through her company Monique Duarte Design.
DUARTE, WHO IS BASED IN VIRGINIA, traces her creative genes to her Trinidadian mother and grandmother, and their annual family trips to the island’s Carnival. Both women were gifted artists and dressmakers, so “from an early age they would take me to the mas (masquerade) camps, and I got to look at and feel fabric… see the different patterns,” recalls Duarte. Today, you can still see hints of that childhood fascination with color, pattern, and texture in the bespoke design interiors she delivers.
Duarte, formerly a corporate marketer for top tech brands like Yahoo and Microsoft, made a personal transition to the world of design when she began decorating her own home. “I fell in love with the process and that feeling of waking up every morning in a beautiful space,” she recalls. “That’s when I learned just how important it is to have a home you enjoy. People live their best lives in a space that truly represents what they are.”
She is known for her effortless blend of international styles, from Caribbean coastal to European traditional, and her creative focus is always led by the client. “I believe the space should be an expression of the person you’re designing for,” she explains. “My job is to bring out their vision and personality.”
This close collaboration may happen during in-person meetings, or remotely through her unique e-design service, which offers custom concepts and curated shopping lists via online consultations.
No matter where she designs, nothing beats that final make-over reveal. “It’s a great feeling to have clients walk into the completed space and see their jaw just drop,” muses Duarte. “It’s such a pleasure showing them that we really brought their vision to life.”
Beautiful Spaces - Interior Design by Caribbean Designer Monique Duarte
Beautiful Spaces - Interior Design by Caribbean Designer Monique Duarte2
Beautiful Spaces - Interior Design by Caribbean Designer Monique Duarte3
Beautiful Spaces - Interior Design by Caribbean Designer Monique Duarte1
Beautiful Spaces - Interior Design by Caribbean Designer Monique Duarte4
Photography by Ted Moore
GLAMOR, MEET FUNCTION
For a recent project in New Jersey, Monique Duarte Design was tasked with injecting color and glamor into the bedroom, living room and office/lounge area of a new home.
The client had just moved into her new home and Duarte says she “wanted a design that would incorporate more color as well as accommodate the items she already had, like her sectional sofa and assorted artwork. She also works from home quite a bit, so she wanted to create an office/lounge area that was functional but also energizing.”
The result was a stunning transformation the client absolutely loved.
Photography by Ted Moore
TIPS FROM THE DESIGN PRO AT MONIQUE DUARTE DESIGN
We spoke more with the designer about her favorite transformation tricks, from selecting color schemes to figuring out what to do with Grandma’s dining table.
What are your favorite hues to work with?
I am a color person but I like a clean palette, so I love coastal colors—that turquoise family of cool greens and blues. Those colors are so relaxing, and clients tend to like
these colors too, because you can do so much with them. On the flipside, I love vibrant colors too, like oranges and pinks.
Photography by Ted Moore
Name your go-to accessories for completing a room.
The right lighting can transform a room. Tall floor lamps with big lampshades are really popular right now. Plants also add such life to a room, especially if you’re looking to
create that coastal feel. And I love using wall mirrors. They come in all different shapes and sizes, and make spaces seem bigger.
Any advice on what to do with family antiques (like those heavy mahogany pieces from your Caribbean grandma)?
Those handmade pieces have such a special quality that’s just timeless. So don’t feel you need everything brand new to feel contemporary. Mix and match different pieces from different eras, and have fun with it.
My favorite part of the salad is obviously the potatoes. Anyone else buy a 5lb bag every grocery run? The potatoes are perfectly seasoned and baked to crispy perfection. They almost serve as croutons on the salad but way better. Paired with the ranch dressing, its almost as if you’re not eating something semi-healthy. I usually use spinach because I feel like I’m sneaking in those dark leafy greens (while covered in ranch) but feel free to use whatever greens you have on hand.
Oh, and I didn’t forget about the ranch. Its amazing. Truly amazing. Another super easy sauce to use on everything. Also, potatoes and ranch? Need I say anything else?
Garlicky, creamy, tangy dressing goodness. I use this stuff with everything. The obvious choice would be with a salad but you can use this for so much more. Late night chip cravings? Hummus Ranch with Celery and Carrots. Burrito bowl needs a sauce? Hummus Ranch. Need a dip to bring to last minute party you were invited to? Hummus Ranch. Thirsty? Hummus Ranch. I’m kidding…but not really. After making the recipe for the pics I could help but having some by the spoonful. ?
I’m not new to the substitution game. I love creating recipes by swapping out a traditional ingredient for one that is higher in protein, lower calorie, or just all around healthier. A prime example would be my Tofu Nacho Cheese or Cauliflower Carbonara with Tofu Bacon. In this instance, I swapped out the vegan mayo for plain hummus. Not only is it much lower in fat and calories but also less processed and provides some nutritional value while being ridiculously delicious. It also ticks all the trendy vegan boxes. ? It’s gluten-free, oil-free, low fat, and made with whole plant foods.
