While suntanning on the beach or going for a leisurely swim is an equally viable way to spend your vacation, sometimes you just want to get the blood pumping a bit. Whether you’re an adrenaline junky or just crave a new experience, there are plenty of exciting water sports to try on your next beach vacation. Allow us to introduce a few of them to you.
Parasailing
Ever dreamed about having the power of flight? Parasailing provides as close an experience as possible by allowing you to soar through the air and enjoy the beautiful sights from an all-new angle. Parasailing involves wearing something akin to a parachute that is then attached to the back of a boat. As the boat tows you along, the parachute catches the wind and allows you to be dragged through the air! While you’re up there, you’ll experience a unique sense of serenity as you calmly cruise along the clouds.
Wing Foiling
Surfing is already a cool sport, but you spend a lot of time waiting for that perfect wave, only to end up back on shore before you know it. Wing foiling provides the fun of surfing but without being at the mercy of the waves. Instead, you’ll have a handheld pair of wings that catch the window and allow you to sail where you please. With the fin-like foil under your board, the ride is incredibly smooth. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, wing foiling will allow to catch some incredible air off waves and achieve surprising speeds when the weather conditions are just perfect.
Kayaking
While slower pace, kayaking is a beloved water sport for a reason. Not only is it a fun way to get around while sightseeing, but you’ll get an incredible aerobic workout in the process. Kayaking down rivers or along the coast will provide you with a whole new perspective and make you feel just a bit closer to nature.
Diving
If you want some true sightseeing, then an exciting water sport to try on your next beach vacation is scuba diving. Just under the water’s surface is a vibrant, colorful ecosystem of flora and fauna. From coral reefs to forests of seaweed, you’ll immerse yourself in a seemingly alien world occupied by some of the most creative creatures Earth has to offer.
“Diwali” – The Hindu Festival of Lights – Hindus all over the world will celebrate Diwali or Deepavali: it means a “row of lights called deeyas.” The Hindu Festival of Lights will be celebrated on the evening of Monday 24th October 2022.
The prettiest of all Indian Festivals, the Festival of Lights is celebrated on the 15th day of the Black Fortnight in the Hindu month of Kartik. It is the day before the Hindu New Year. The Festival marks the darkest night of the year, when devotional prayers and ceremonies are offered to the Goddess Lakshmi, giver of happiness, health, wealth and prosperity. This Festival closely resembles Christmas. There are a lot of preparations, new clothes are bought, old debts are settled, angry quarrels are healed and everyone wishes everyone else good fortune for the New Year. Homes are repainted, fresh curtains are put up, cushions and upholstery are changed. Colored lights are hung at the front door and around the house.
Rice flour floor design patterns known as a “RANGOLI”, or flower petals, are placed at the entrance of the front doorsteps, to welcome the Goddess Lakshmi. One myth says that she comes down to earth on that evening to visit homes and shower blessings for the New Year. The meaning of this Festival is: “We should not only remove the darkness from our homes, but we should also remove the darkness from our hearts and minds such as hatred, jealousy, egotism, enmity. We should light the lamps of universal love, unity and brotherhood. We should strive to make the world happy, healthy and prosperous.”
Donations are given to charity and food banks; we should not only enjoy the delicious vegetarian feast of favorite foods and desserts ourselves but share it with others. Around 5 p.m. that evening an altar is set up and after a special family prayer (puja) ceremony, the deeyas are lit and decorated in every room in the house. Small gifts of sweets (methai), candles, incense and flowers are exchanged. Family and friends visit during an Open House, where tables of appetizers and desserts are served. Divali cards and ecards are sent to family, friends and business associates wishing them a Happy Divali and a Happy New Year. Games are played until early the next morning. No one goes to bed until the deeyas have gone out; it is forbidden to put them out.
An essential part of this general benevolence is sending small boxes of beautifully decorated “mithai” (desserts) to neighbors, friends, relatives and business associates. Absolutely no one goes without “mithai” on Divali Night. It does not matter how rich or poor you are: everyone joins in to experience the true spirit of love, unity and brotherhood by the sharing of “mithai”. There are a lot of competitions held the weeks before Diwali: the best Diwali greeting card design and message contest, Rangoli design contest, Deeya painting contest, table arrangement and floral arrangement contest; the best Diwali song and Music Contest. The best Diwali dhal, rice, vegetable, bread, yogurt, chutney, beverage and dessert recipe contest; Diwali photography contest. These are sponsored by local businesses to encourage everyone to participate. The judging becomes tougher each year.
A complete Hindu vegetarian meal consists of six basic items: split lentil soup (dhal), rice, vegetable (subji), bread (roti), yogurt (raita) and chutney. No alcohol is served on Diwali; lemon juice (nimbu pani) or milk is served with food. A freshly brewed cup of Indian milk tea (chai) always follows with “mithai”. Meals are served in individual, large high-lipped brass or stainless steel serving dishes known as a thali. The dhal, vegetable and yogurt are served in small separate bowls. All the food is mixed and eaten in the thali, which is a combination plate and bowl with a spoon.
My fondest memory of Diwali was growing up in an extended family with my grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins. I was the first grandchild, therefore I got a lot of attention. My grandparents had cows and would make an altar for them and light deeyas around them. They said that they were also a part of our family and must join in the celebration just like us. It was a joy to watch their devotion to them because they produced the fresh milk for us to drink. The deeyas flickering in the dark Diwali night strengthen our determination to respect knowledge, family togetherness and a search for a radiant life.
Hindu devotional songs known as bhajans are played and sung in Hindu homes throughout the day of Diwali, the most popular bhajan is:
“Jai Lakshmi Mata”
O Goddess of Light, the dispeller of darkness, sickness and misery.
O Mother Lakshmi, the giver of happiness, health, wealth and prosperity.
I bow to thee, please destroy all my internal enemies: passion, anger, greed and accept my salutations.
“Jai Lakshmi Mata”
The Hindu Festival of Lights is part of my Series: “Festivals & Folklore of Trinidad, West Indies. These paintings can also be seen on my website.
A Rangoli symbolizes beauty, hope, and tradition. It derives from the sanskrit word Rangavalli: “Rang” “Avalli” which means row of colors. The ritual of drawing Rangoli patterns is a skill handed down from grandmother to mother to daughter and is considered an auspicious welcome sign that wards off negative energy and vibration before entering a home. Women start their daily chores by cleaning and washing the allocated area before drawing the Rangoli design outside the threshold of the main entrance, prayer area, courtyard, walls and in front of their sacred Tulsi plant.
It is drawn meticulously with bare fingers and is revered as a divine art, it is customary to chant sacred bhajans, they hope this daily ritual will bring peace and good luck. Elaborate designs are done for special occasions such as Diwali- the Hindu Festival of Lights, including footstep designs facing towards the home. It represents the happiness, positivity and liveliness in a household intended to welcome Lakshmi, the Goddess of health, wealth and prosperity. The purpose of Rangoli is beyond decoration, design depictions may vary as they reflect traditions for Weddings, Temple Ceremonies and Hindu Festivals. Large sums of money are spent by corporations as a “Commercial Welcome” in five star hotels for foreign Tours and Conferences designed by numerous people.
A Rangoli pattern is a floor design usually drawn using colored rice, chalk, flower petals, sand and rocks. Drawing and connecting simple dots or lines is what usually creates the exquisite floor design. Most of the motifs are either geometric shapes, depictions of deities or they imitate flora. Rangoli has various names throughout India: Kolam, Alpana and Rangavalli. Rangoli is meant for the moment or the occasion. Like a flower, its freshness is short lived, the impermanence of the Rangoli art can be like a candle in the wind. Once its purpose is served, it is erased and the ritual is repeated with the same intention and zeal.
Lopamudra was a woman philosopher, poet and enlightened being who lived during the Rig Veda period (1950BC-1100 BC). She wanted to help her husband in worshipping the Gods so she started to make Rangoli, a decoration for the Yagyakunda (a place of worship). Lopamudra asked the Panchatatva (the five elements-sky, wind, water, earth and fire) to give her colors to please her husband.
Submitted by Indra Persad Milowe | Tulsi Studio & Gallery
I am Indra Persad Milowe, a Trinidad born visual artist living and working in Salem, Massachusetts, U.S.A. My art brings to life many of my childhood memories of growing up in Trinidad in the 1950’s and 1960’s. My interest is in nature, still life and design.
I adored my St. Augustine Girls High School art teacher, Mrs. Helga Mohammed from Madrid, Spain. She was married to a Trinidadian. On my first day in her class at age 12, written on her blackboard was: “Art is not only a painting hanging up on a wall, art is in every aspect of your daily life.” These words have stuck in my head ever since. My paintings were chosen for the high school’s yearbook for two consecutive years. At age 15, I painted from nature, orchids on a branch. At age 16, I did a still life, a display of an apple, pear, and a bunch of grapes. Those two paintings and all the incredible reviews that came with them lifted my confidence in my artwork.
There is a personal story behind every one of my paintings. I painted every single festival celebrated in Trinidad as well as all the folklore stories that I heard while growing up. I retired from general, ophthalmic and psychiatric nursing in 2019 after having worked in England, Malta, Trinidad and the United States. Through British Nurses Overseas, I was able to work in different countries. Ultimately, I decided to go back to art during my retirement. I prefer working on canvas with multi-colored and gold acrylic paints.
As a boat owner, you would know that owning a boat comes with a price. The cost of repairs, regular maintenance, cleaning, and fuel becomes a hefty expense. Even if you occasionally use your boat, you still must pay for storage, insurance, and slip rental. A great way to help pay off those costly fees and expenses is by renting out your boat during the spring and summer.
When renting out your boat, you want your occupants to have an unforgettable and luxurious experience. When you get your first customer, how should your boat look? What should be aboard, and what should you offer your guests? Here are a few tips for preparing your boat for renters to help you make extra cash.
Offer a Unique Experience
You want to stand out as a boat owner to gain a more extensive customer base. Do something that will impress your renters so that they recommend you to their friends and family. Offer advice and must-see spots to see while on the boat.
Make your renters feel special and appreciated while renting your boat. If you’re chartering your boat, offer snacks, wine, water, and extra activities like board games and water toys. You could also send your renters off with a souvenir.
Clean Your Boat Top to Bottom
To prevent mold, mildew, cracked and discolored seats, and any other damages, you should thoroughly check and clean your boat regularly.
This tip may seem obvious, but you must ensure that your boat is clean from top to bottom before the renters arrive. You want your boat to smell fresh and appear clean. One tip for preventing mold and mildew growth on your boat is to remove items that will attract moisture from your boat while it’s stored away.
Life Jackets & Personal Floatation Devices Must Be Aboard
According to the U.S. Coast Guard’s regulations, every boat should have at least one life jacket per person. There should be four properly fitting life jackets if there are four people aboard. Each life jacket (Type I, II, III, or V) must be in good condition and easily accessible in an emergency. If the vessel is larger than 16 feet, you must have one throwable flotation device (Type IV).
In California, all children under 13 must always wear a life jacket while the boat is moving by law.
You Need a Coast-Guard Approved Fire Extinguisher
Sadly, accidents happen, and you need a fire extinguisher aboard in case of an accident. You need to ensure that your fire extinguisher has not expired. Fire extinguishers are generally suitable for 12 years.
If your vessel is 26 feet or less, you must have one B-1 type hand Coast Guard-approved fire extinguisher. For boats between 26 and 40 feet, you will need two B-1 types or one B-2 Coast Guard-approved extinguisher.
Make some extra cash by renting your boat to vacationers, locals, and tourists this summer! Utilize these tips for preparing your boat for renters to make your guests happy.
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL — SoLa Rum, Food & Wine Festival is proud to announce their 5th annual festival will take place on Saturday, October 15, 2022, from 5 pm to 11 pm EST on the grounds of the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center (3800 NW 11th Place, Lauderhill, FL 33311). The event is presented by Moving Communities Forward Foundation, Inc, the City of Lauderhill, and Chef Kulture. This year’s festival is headlined by R&B music artist, Musiq Soulchild with more special guests to be announced soon. Tickets are now on sale on Eventbrite
“We are excited to announce our 5th annual festival has returned and can’t wait to share our sponsors, community partners, and entertainment lineup. After many delays during the pandemic, it’s great to be able to bring the festival back,” said Maria Munro, Producer, SoLa Rum, Food & Wine Festival. “Throughout the years, events like SoLa have strengthened the central Broward Region’s reputation as a destination for culturally diverse communities, cuisine, entertainment, and arts — a true ‘Floribbean’ lifestyle, and we are proud to offer our brand to that roster,” Munro added.
SoLa Rum, Food & Music Festival showcases wineries, rum distilleries, talented chefs, and cultural vendors by transforming the grounds of the Lauderhill Performing Arts Center into a destination experience. The festival highlights the soul of South Florida’s blended culture through samples of Afro-Caribbean rums and wines from different regions, over 10 featured chefs offering small bites and tapas, live music, and of course South Florida’s beautiful people. The VIP Wine and Dinner Experience is for true wine enthusiasts and dining aficionados. This year’s dinner experience will be led by world-renowned sommelier Tahiirah Habibi, founder of theHue Society, and fine dining ChefSheron Chin. Returning is the SoLa Tasting Pavilion featuring over six top South Florida chefs in cooking demonstrations presented byChef Kulture. New this year is the SoLa Tasting Room – an upgraded general admission ticket with access to an intimate tasting session led by spirits experts.
All event patrons must be 21 years old and present valid identification upon entry to the festival. General Admissions tickets are $75 and $95 (with Tasting Room add-on); VIP Experience tickets are $150 (single) and $275 (couples).
For more information about purchasing tickets, event lineup, vendor and sponsorship participation, request media credentials, and more, visitsolarumfoodwinefest.com. For interview requests, please contact Natasha Sweeting, Nadashi Marketing, [email protected].
Book purchasers and authors (L-R): Christopher Barnes, Sean “IYA” Henry, Michelle Johnson, David I. Muir
Fort Lauderdale, FL (October 12, 2022): Jamaican co-authors David I. Muir and Sean “IYA” Henry were greeted by a packed houseon October 8th at Island SPACE Caribbean Museum for the authors’ first book signing together for their new coffee table photo book, Pieces of Jamaica®: Jamrock Edition. The book signing attracted an auspicious crowd of diaspora members and fans of brand Jamaica who enjoyed autographs, live music and emotional highlights.
Co-authors Sean “IYA” Henry (left) and David I. Muir (right) address their audience on the Island SPACE patio.
The book, described by Henry as “a visual ode to the land we love,” was published in celebration of Jamaica’s 60th anniversary of independence, and is expected to be a popular Christmas item for Jamaica-loving audiences. Attendees laughed, cried and reminisced, as they flipped through its colorful pages. They were touched by the more than 250 images of the island, depicting visuals from iconic locations to natural wonders, colonial legacies, cultural capital, country roads, urban vistas, smiling faces and much more. Guests also commented on how much they learned from the historical tidbits that accompanied each photo. Impressed by details like the miniature maps that highlighted the parish location of each shot, and amused by the song quotes and “Jamaicanisms” scattered throughout, many could be seen pointing and smiling, then doubling back to purchase additional copies as gifts for family and friends.
Three is better than one! This fan took home three copies of Pieces of Jamaica®.
One attendee called the book, “a work of art… a magical journey through our island nation of Jamaica via the most exquisite pictures.” Another said, “I love the photos. Pieces of Jamaica® is a fantastic display of places and scenes in our beautiful island, some of which I have seen and others I yearn to visit.” Yet another commented, “Stirs up so many memories and yearnings to go home to learn more places.”
Both authors signed copies while chatting and taking photos with guests who gleefully shopped for Pieces of Jamaica® books, t-shirts, and paper and canvas prints reflecting some of the publication’s most striking visuals. Notable attendees included Andrea Chase of the Jamaica Tourist Board (a sponsor of the project), Miss Jamaica World 1982 Cornelia Parchment, Neki Mohan of Visit Lauderdale, and Christopher Barnes, COO of the RJRGLEANER Communications Group and managing director of The Gleaner Company (Media) Limited. Violin virtuosos, Sons Of MyStro, along with DJ Venimis, G Cole and Big-G provided musical entertainment for the festive affair.
Event goers enjoy the anecdotes and “Jamaicanisms” as they flip through the book.
This first South Florida book signing event was just the start of the Pieces of Jamaica® tour across the United States, with book signings at various Barnes and Nobles and other locations planned for upcoming months. All Pieces of Jamaica® products and merchandise are available at piecesofjamaica.com and select options are available at online and retail partners in Jamaica and the US, with Canada and UK outlets coming soon. Interested fans can join the mailing list for updates and learn more about the book, merchandise, bulk sales, upcoming events and sponsorship opportunities at piecesofjamaica.com.
Pieces of Jamaica®: Jamrock Edition was published by Island Syndicate, Muir’s creative services agency, and follows his 2012 installation, Pieces of Jamaica®: The Real Rock Edition. Photographer and fine artist Sean Henry contributed stunning drone visuals and delightful original watercolor paintings to this second edition.
Jamaicans at home can meet the artists and purchase their books on Saturday, October 22 at Sovereign Centre, Shop 38, Kingston 6 from 3pm to 7pm. Stateside, Floridians can catch author David I. Muir at the Sons of Mystro concert at the Parker Playhouse on November 6, 2022 at 6pm.
Beach homes are well worth the investment, as they allow you to fully enjoy the beautiful scenery and environment. However, these buildings require a lot of care and maintenance to stand up to the water and time. Here’s a look at the necessary maintenance for beachfront houses that you’ll need to learn.
Washing Your Home
You’ll need to thoroughly wash the outside of your beach home to prevent salt and sand buildup and damage over time. Luckily, you won’t need to perform this task very often; most beachfront properties just need a good pressure wash once every six months.
Conducting Regular Salt Cleaning
Salt damage and buildup is common for beach homes near the sea or ocean. Cleaning off this salt helps prevent the growth of mildew and mold on your building. Cleaning your windows is a great place to start, as salt builds up more quickly in these areas.
Frequently Inspecting the Outside
A huge part of maintaining a beach home is identifying issues before they grow into larger problems. Inspections are a large part of protecting your beachfront home; try to conduct inspections monthly if possible. Look around the outside of your home for any breaks or cracks in sealant or paint and inspect your roof for similar damage. Catching these things early is important for the health of your home.
Prioritizing Pest Control
Beachfront homeowners need to protect their properties against the many animals and pests that live near the water. While an occasional trespassing animal is fine, those that take up a more permanent residence in your home can be cause for concern. If you suspect an animal is living in your home, get it out as quickly as possible.
These are the main pieces of maintenance your beachfront home will need. These maintenance tasks will help you deal with a lot of the common issues that come from having a building near the ocean or sea.
Majestic water. Lush, tropical rainforests. Laid-back vibes. All of these can describe what you’ll experience when you book a trip to the southeastern Caribbean. If you’re planning an escape to this gorgeous area, these are the can’t-miss places in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
St. Vincent Botanical Gardens
Are you passionate about all things flora and fauna? You won’t want to miss this stop on your next trip to St. Vincent and the Grenadines. With over 250 years of conservation history, it’s one of the oldest botanical gardens in the world. The garden sits on the edge of the island’s capital, Kingstown.
Lush green lawns and vibrant flowers will greet you as the huge native parrot squawk and flies overhead. You’ll immerse yourself in nature when you visit the St. Vincent Botanical Gardens. Ensure you take a taxi.
Rest and Relax on Petit St. Vincent
Petit St. Vincent, or PSV for short, is the epitome of Caribbean perfection. The gorgeous white sandy beaches end when you reach the tranquil crystal clear turquoise water. You can’t beat it!
This incredibly secluded beach sits nestled between Union Island and Tobago Cays. You can only get to PSV by boat, but get ready for the best relaxation of your life! The shimmering shoreline will leave you breathless.
Dark View Falls
If you’re ready to explore and go on an adventure, visit Dark View Falls. It’s one of the easier waterfalls to reach and offers tremendous rainforest views. Cool off in the cold water of the falls in either of the two pools. You’ll enjoy traveling over timber bridges, and don’t forget to follow the tracks along the Richmond River.
Stop at Bequia
Sailors and yachters love to drop anchor at Bequia. This island is the second-largest of the Grenadine islands, and you’ll understand why it’s a must-see quickly. The emerald green forests and gorgeous clear waters will entice you. Enjoy the entire day lounging on the boat at Bequia.
Ensure it’s the best time to visit St. Vincent and the Grenadines before booking. You wouldn’t want to book during the rainy season. Your visit to St. Vincent and the Grenadines will be a vacation you’ll never forget. What are you waiting for? Book your trip today!
Puerto Rico Convention Center Photo Credit: Discover Puerto Rico | Omark Reyes
As Caribbean tourism stakeholders make their way back to their respective homes, they are no doubt reflecting on their in-person connections with colleagues – old and new – during the 40th edition of the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA) Caribbean Travel Marketplace in San Juan, Puerto Rico this week.
There is tremendous optimism about the future of regional tourism, especially given the strong increases in arrivals many destinations have experienced this year.
While challenges exist – ranging from labor shortages to air connectivity and the cost of travel – there is a refreshing collective public-private sector resolve to fix many of the issues that could reverse the recent gains the industry has enjoyed.
Many stakeholders remain concerned about sustainability. The matter is not limited to protecting and preserving the natural assets of the region, but also ensuring that the benefits of tourism redound to the true stakeholders of tourism – the people of the Caribbean.
The good news is that in the upcoming weeks and months, several more meetings and discussions are scheduled aimed at taking the region forward. With such robust political will and action-oriented planning, there is good reason to be optimistic. The region must now cement its strategy for a truly sustainable sector, one destination at a time.
Pictorial highlights of the action from Wednesday’s closing activities follow.
St. Lucia’s branding was rich and vibrant. The Saint Lucia Tourism Authority’s Richard Moss (left) and Ernie George (right) are pictured here with CHTA’s Acting CEO and Director General Vanessa Ledesma and President Nicola Madden-Greig.
Barbados tourism is recovering well. Peter Mayers, Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc.’s Canada Director, gave a comprehensive update to the media at Marketplace.
Miles Mercera, CEO of the Tourism Corporation of Bonaire, shares his thoughts as CHTA’s Vanessa Ledesma and Nicola Madden-Greig look on. Second from right is Veroesjka de Windt, CEO of the Bonaire Hotel and Tourism Association.
CHTA’s Nicola Madden-Greig and Vanessa Ledesma are pictured with Latia Duncombe (center), Acting Director General of Tourism, Investments and Aviation for The Bahamas.
Jamaican-American entrepreneur and communicator Calibe Thompson was an active member of the press contingent at Caribbean Travel Marketplace.
Donnie Dawson, Jamaica’s Deputy Director of Tourism for The Americas with CHTA’s Vanessa Ledesma and Nicola Madden-Greig.
The Buccaneer in St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands, was represented by the experienced Vicki Locke (left) and Nadia Bougouneau.
By Jean-Marc /Jo BeLo/Jhon-John from Caracas, Venezuela - 13-gros2, CC BY 2.0
Caribbean Books Foundation is once again hosting Caribbean Folklore month this October online.
We’ll have a month of social media interactions geared towards highlighting our intriguing folklore characters. This year we will highlight eight new character features, we’ll give information on each character, how they can be stopped and provide new inspiring graphics to go along with them. We are partnering with the Caribbean Writers Group on Facebook to encourage more authors to write about folklore. There will also be author interviews, book reviews, giveaways online, and networking for authors. On the first of October, ‘30 Caribbean Folklore Legends’ and a companion Artist Coloring Book, ‘Caribbean Folklore Designs’ will be launched and in keeping with the tradition of jumbies favoring the full moon, we’ve dubbed the 9th October JUMBEE NIGHT.
We love highlighting folklore because it embodies the creativity of Caribbean Culture. Caribbean Mythology may not be new but it’s revolutionary paranormal fiction and there is so much potential to make our unique literature an international brand. I can remember staying up late at night, listening to folklore stories and then wondering if it was real. The darkness seemed extra dark and every noise made your heartbeat faster. Caribbean Folklore is an entire childhood mood; a genre of imagery, spell-binding mystery, irrational fear and memories that lasts a lifetime. Caribbean Books Foundation’s goal is to keep it alive and thriving.
Caribbean Books has dedicated October, which is a traditional spooky month, to celebrating authors from the Caribbean whose work center around our own mythology. We would like to invite everyone to celebrate Caribbean Folklore Month by sharing their stories with each other and online, by sharing their artwork, memories, poems, spoken word, and performances on social media using these hashtags.
Sean Henry (left) and David I. Muir in White Hall, St. Elizabeth
Once in a generation, a photo collection comes along that captures the spirit of a country so perfectly that it sets the standard for everything that comes after. For Jamaica, in the last generation, this was the work of Ray Chen. Today, the quintessential coffee table book of photos portraying the realness and beauty of the “land of wood and water” is called Pieces of Jamaica®: Jamrock Edition. With photography and art by long time best friends David I. Muir and Sean “IYA” Henry, the book offers more than 200 pages, and more than 250 images of the most well-known, as well as most off the beaten path, scenes throughout the island.
Residents and visitors in South Florida on Saturday, October 8th can purchase their copies and have them autographed by both authors at the official US launch event and book signing, starting at 4:30 p.m. at Island SPACE Caribbean Museum.
At the launch, fans of Jamaican culture can purchase their books, meet and greet the artists and learn a bit about how the project came together, while enjoying a curated playlist, poetry, light refreshments and a live musical performance. Part proceeds from all sales benefit the museum.
This second edition follows Muir’s 2012 photo art collection-turned-coffee table book, Pieces of Jamaica®: The Real Rock Edition, and commemorates Jamaica’s 60th anniversary of independence. Throughout the book, readers will find historical facts and anecdotes, national prose and quotes from Jamaican thought-leaders and influencers. Essentially a visual narrative of Jamaica’s beauty, the book is an appropriate gift for oneself, one’s friends, colleagues and associates. Both editions, canvas and paper photo prints, custom t-shirts and commemorative memorabilia like notebooks, apparel and home accessories are also available on piecesofjamaica.com and may be available at this and other in-person events.
For Pieces of Jamaica®: Jamrock Edition, photographer and fine artist Sean Henry contributed breathtaking drone shots and fine art images in watercolor, complementing Muir’s masterful shots of places and people. The two have been best friends since childhood.
David I. Muir is an entrepreneur and community leader whose special love for candid, cultural and lifestyle photography is a signature component of his art collections. He is a partner at creative services agency and Pieces of Jamaica® publisher Island Syndicate, working from his base in South Florida. “I wanted to celebrate Jamaica because of how much I love it,” Muir said. “I wanted to extol the virtues of Jamaica because I had left it, and I wanted other people to know how wonderful Jamaica is.”
Sean Henry is best known for his lifelike illustrations of Jamaican scenery, culture and portraits in watercolor, pastel, ink, charcoal and mixed media. A graduate of the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, he founded screen printing and graphics house IYA Limited which he has operated since 1988. “It is important to me to showcase the places that go unseen or ‘un-thought-of’ as beautiful. I also want to showcase my skills as a photographer as I’m mainly known as an artist and painter,” he said.
Interested fans of the project can join the mailing list for updates and learn more about the book, merchandise, upcoming events and sponsorship opportunities at piecesofjamaica.com.
