Skip Marley and H.E.R. Take Top Spot On Billboard’s Adult R&B Chart

June 1, 2020

Skip Marley Billboard — Couple and music collaborators Skip Marley and H.E.R.

Since the legendary Bob Marley, the Marley family has established itself as a force to be reckoned with on the global music front. Now his grandson Skip Marley is continuing the tradition with his latest track with R&B star H.E.R “Slow Down” topping the Billboard Adult R&B and Mediabase Urban Adult Contemporary charts. The hit single marks the first time that a Jamaican-born artist has ever achieved this feat.

“Skip not only continues to build on the success of the Marley legacy but has carved out a unique lane for himself in this business,” says Darcus Beese, President/CEO of Island Records. “As the first Jamaican artist to reach #1 on the Adult R&B Songs chart, his Island Records family couldn’t be prouder.”

Watch Skip Marley and H.E.R. “Slow Down

With over 44 million global streams, the song is also the quickest-streaming song in the history of the Marley family. Additionally, Skip is the first Jamaican-born lead musician to be on the Top 15 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Airplay chart in almost 15 years. The last time was in 2006 when Sean Paul Keyshia Cole’s “When You Gonna Give it Up to Me” made the chart.

The “Slow Down” video was shot in Harlem, New York and has now garnered over 12 million views on YouTube. Skip and H.E.R. have also given live performances of the song on several occasions, debuting on TV at “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon,” as well as performing at the February-held 2020 NAACP Image Awards.

Skip’s an accomplishment is very timely, as Island Records celebrates the 75th anniversary of the birth and life of the reggae icon Bob Marley, Skip’s much-loved grandfather.

“I never set my sights on a chart position when we recorded the song, but I give praise and thanks to the almighty that the music can reach these heights and connect to a wider audience,” shares Ship. “Ever proud to represent Jamaica achieving new levels in any endeavour. We appreciate all the DJs, programmers, and stations who supported. It takes an army of Jah soldiers to make this type of noise. Maximum respect to H.E.R. for lifting the track with her heavenly vocals and much love to Wale for blessing the remix.”

Beauty Talk: Meet Haitian-Canadian Makeup Artist Patricia Desamours

Monique McIntosh

May 28, 2020

Patrice — Photo by: @richardlecoin_photography

From everyday morning glow-ups to theatrical looks for Caribbean carnivals, there’s no denying the playful, transformative power of makeup. No one knows this better than Patricia Desamours. Known to her followers as Patricia’s Canvas on Instagram, the jet-setting Haitian-Canadian professional makeup artist has traveled the world to serve up looks on runways, photo shoots and music videos. And she has fully embraced makeup’s chameleon powers, creating a breathtaking diversity of styles, from goth to glam. To up our own makeup game, we spoke more with the pro about her favorite projects, her desert island beauty essentials, and what keeps her inspired as an artist.

What inspired you to become a makeup artist?

I’ve always been artistic, and that side of me flourished with dance performances. Makeup came hand in hand with dance, and soon it became a passion for me. Making people feel beautiful and transforming them really fuels a fire in me creatively that keeps burning

Describe your makeup style.

All sorts. I provide diverse professional services with high quality makeup.

Where do you go for inspiration?

Nature is very inspiring to me.

Most memorial project so far?

Working for Kanye West’s Mary Opera was definitely one of the proudest moments in my career. Also having my work featured in Vogue and Playboy. Most importantly, I’m proud every time I leave a client happy and satisfied.

Favorite makeup look you created so far?

It’s a debate between colorful carnival looks and creating a golden glow look for Roberto Cavalli during Miami fashion week.

Favorite desert island beauty essential.

Tinted lip balm! Though I don’t mind being on an island without any makeup, since I’ll probably be in the ocean most of the time. But I definitely need my lips moisturized with a nice tint to them.

Your style icon?

Missy Elliot. She’s innovative, original, futuristic and has been going strong for over two decades.

Best advice for those interested in becoming a MUA?

Keep your kit clean. Never stop practicing. And find your niche.

How has your Haitian heritage inspired you as a makeup artist?

It inspired me to never hold back, be free and colorful in my creativity

Any exciting projects/collabs in the works?

There’s so much in the work you don’t want to miss it. Follow me on social media to stay up-to-date.

More Caribbean Beauty Gurus:

Try These Easy Caribbean Recipes With Pantry Staples

admin

May 27, 2020

Caribbean Recipes Pantry Staples — Brown Stewed Chicken

Sometimes the craving for Caribbean food just feels too strong, filled with fresh fruits and vegetables. But the items in your fridge may not prove up to the task. Not to fear! These Caribbean recipes take advantage of your common pantry staples to create something truly delightful. Try your hand at these easy Caribbean concoctions with ingredients you have handy.

Caribbean Brown Stewed Chicken

Craving a decadent Sunday dinner? You don’t need much to upgrade your basic chicken dish thanks to this Caribbean brown stewed chicken recipe. A little onion, garlic, ketchup and thyme create an extremely well-seasoned dish that’s fall-off-the-bone tender. This stick-to the bones dish will “hold you” for hours.

INGREDIENTS

3 lbs chicken, cut in pieces and skin removed

CHICKEN SEASONINGS

2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tsp sugar
3 large cloves garlic, minced
2 stalk scallion (white part only), chopped

GRAVY

1/2 cup cooking oil (for frying chicken)
1 large onion, chopped
1/4 each, red and green bell pepper, chopped
1 sprig of thyme or 1 tsp dried
1 tsp pepper sauce
1 tbsp tomato ketchup
2 cups hot water
1 tsp salt (to taste)

INSTRUCTIONS

Tip: Wash the chicken and make sure to dry it with a paper towel to remove any water before frying.

Season chicken with salt, black pepper, sugar, garlic and scallion (green onion).
Marinate the chicken overnight or at least one hour before frying.
Remove scallion from chicken and, on High heat, fry the chicken in cooking oil for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until browned.
Remove chicken from pan.
Remove half the cooking oil in a pan and use the remaining oil to fry onions and bell peppers until onions are transparent.
Add thyme, hot pepper sauce, tomato ketchup and 1 cup of hot water to pan and stir
Taste the gravy and add 1 tsp of salt, if needed; let simmer for 5 minutes.
Add chicken to the gravy.
Add 1 cup of hot water and turn heat to low and cover the pan.
Simmer chicken for 30 minutes or until it is tender and the gravy has thickened.
Enjoy your delicious Caribbean Brown Stew Chicken with rice and peas, white rice, salad and/or fried plantains.

Fried Dumplings

Craving some freshly fried carbs? Nothing proves easier to make than a fresh batch of this fried dumpling recipe. They can accompany any meal throughout the day, but taste particularly scrumptious with breakfast. Plus, you only need a little flour, baking powder and butter, and it’s easy to prep and fry up.

INGREDIENTS

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 to 1 tsp salt (if using salted butter or margarine, use 1/2 tsp salt)
3 tsp baking powder
3 tbsp unsalted butter or margarine (cold)
3/4 cup cold water
1/2 cup cooking oil

INSTRUCTIONS

Combine flour, salt and baking powder in a bowl
Blend butter into dry ingredients with hands or mixer until crumbly
Add water, a little at a time, to dry ingredients until dough holds together (you may not need all the water). Sprinkle with more flour if the dough is too wet.
Knead dough until smooth; do not over knead. Wrap in plastic wrap and place in the fridge for 15 minutes
Shape dough into 8 small balls (enough to fit in palm)
Pour cooking oil into a frying pan until it is high enough to cover your rolled dumplings to half their height.
Set stove to medium heat. Once the oil is hot, place dumplings carefully into the pan
As each side browns continually, turn dumplings until all sides are brown and dumplings are light and fluffy. When fully cooked, they will be light brown and crispy on the outside and will sound hollow when tapped.
Place on a paper towel to drain any excess oil and serve hot.

Tip: If you feel like cheating, try Grace Johnny Cake Fried Dumpling Mix. This easy pantry staple proves just as delicious and gives a nice short cut to delicious.

Adapted from cooklikeajamaican.com

Corn and Black Bean Salsa

Recipes made from pantry canned food staples can sometimes seem both bland in flavour and colour. However, a little lime juice and fresh cilantro utterly transform the medley of canned vegetables and beans in this Caribbean salsa recipe. This recipe for corn and black bean salsa proves perfect when served chunky along with tortilla chips or as aside. This recipe tastes robust with a mix of hearty flavours and textures.

INGREDIENTS

15 oz can yellow corn, drained
15 oz can white corn, drained
30 oz cans black beans, drained and rinsed
14.5 oz can Italian-style diced tomatoes, drained
1 bunch finely chopped cilantro
5 green onions, finely sliced
1 small red onion, finely chopped
1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
1 tbs minced garlic
1/4 cup lime juice
1 avocado – peeled, pitted, and diced
2 tbs olive oil, or to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

Stir the yellow and white corn, black beans, tomatoes, cilantro, green onion, red onion, bell pepper, and garlic in a large bowl.
Gently mix in the lime juice and avocado.
Drizzle with olive oil to serve.

Adapted from allrecipes.com

Tembleque

Need to satisfy your sweet tooth? But can’t be bothered with elaborate recipes? A classic Puerto Rican is the ultimate Caribbean pantry staple recipe. This delicious dessert only requires a handful of pantry ingredients and just 5 minutes of active cooking time. And it’s bound to delight with a name that literally translates to “jiggle.” And when you try it you’ll see why!

INGREDIENTS

4 cups coconut milk
½ cup cornstarch
2/3 cup sugar
½ tsp. salt
1 tbsp. orange blossom water (optional)
the ground cinnamon, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS

1. In a saucepan over medium-high heat whisk together the cornstarch in 1/4 cup coconut milk until it’s completely mixed with no lumps.
2. Add the rest of the coconut milk, sugar, and salt. Stir constantly and reduce the heat to low as it begins to thicken. Continue stirring, constantly, until thickened (about 5 minutes).
3. Immediately pour into wet moulds, pans or cups. Allow to cool, then cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
4. Carefully separate the tembleque from the mould using a knife and turn it over onto a dish. Sprinkle with cinnamon.

Adapted from El Boricua

More Caribbean Recipes:

Beautiful Gifts by Haitian Artisans You Can Support Online

Adesuwa Ebuehi

May 26, 2020

Artisanship is the bedrock of creative small businesses throughout the Caribbean. This is especially true in Haiti, as a new generation of Haitian artisans entrepreneurs have played a huge role in helping the nation recover from the aftermath of the 2010 earthquake. Here, Haitian artists can channel their rich cultural heritage and passionate skills into each handmade piece, offering priceless and timeless value in each product. And there has never been a better time to support them than now. With this in mind, we’ve gathered our favourite Haitian artisans you can buy from online.

Atelier Calla

Atelier Calla offers one-of-a-kind contemporary jewelry, home décor items and accessories. Every piece is handmade from horn, wood, bone and other organic and traditional Haitian materials. The Port-au-Prince-based company is led by Christelle Chignard Paul, a passionate Haitian designer who has been devoting her time to creating delicate and timeless pieces since 2007. Outspoken about promoting Haitian peace and progress, the brand stands out for its natural horn jewelry including earrings, pendants and bracelets.

Yaël et Valérie

For the best in artistic upholstery textiles and wallpapering, Yaël et Valérie Fabrics is where to go. Founded in 2018 by designer Valérie Louis and inspired by her daughter, Yaël, the company’s artwork centres on Haitian history and culture, using vibrant colours and intricate illustrations. Their patterns feature traditional Haitian hallmarks like classic gingerbread-style houses, tropical birds and portraits of historic women

Haiti Design Co.

Haiti Design Co. has employed and trained over 150 artisans since its inception in 2014. Since then, sustainable development, job creation and community building have remained the foundation of the company. A result is a powerful group of craftspersons specializing in leatherwork, beadwork, metalwork, horn-and-bone work, and weaving. So shoppers have an amazing diversity of items to choose from. This includes bags, shoes, belts, wallets, fobs, jewellery and several other handmade clothing accessories.

Sandilou Textile

The artists at Sandilou Textile make freehand paintings on their fabrics using vibrant dyes and textile paints. Finished fabrics are then used to produce unique handmade clothing, soft furnishings and accessories. Sandilou Textile was founded by Sandra and Fred Russo in 2012. All the fabrics used by the company are made of natural fibres like cotton, linen and rayon. Sandilou’s bright, rhythmic colour schemes and light, comfortable fabrics are expressive of the free, tropical feel of the Caribbean. You can get the most beautiful beach bags and beachwear here.

Ayizana

Murielle and Lucnor Larochel jointly founded their creative company, Ayizana, in 2015. They began with a goal to promote the artisanal talent of Haiti, combining their love for arts and crafts with their pride in their cultural heritage. Ayizana works closely with Haitian artisans, artists and workshops, and provides a platform for them to showcase their skill to the world. They compiled a vibrant market of jewellery, bags, clothing, beauty products and stationery, featuring Haitian brands like Atelier Calla, Anacona, and Ednord Collection. Also promoting the use of natural or recycled materials, Ayizana is set to take the “Made in Haiti” tag to the global stage.

More Caribbean Artisans:

5 Smart Money Tips you Need To Do Post COVID-19

Micheka

May 25, 2020

Remember when your aunt used to stash her savings under the mattress for a rainy day? Well, that rainy day came in early 2020 when the COVID-19 pandemic devastated the global economy, leaving millions of people unemployed. Now, as we move out of the pandemic and back to normal life, it is incredibly important to be financially savvy and prepare for the worst. Below are five smart money tips tips that Caribbean-Americans should learn from this pandemic.

1. Saving for a rainy day is a must.

As tempting as a little retail therapy feels during these stressful times, you should hold off on shopping until you have an emergency fund worth three to six months of expenses. On average, aim to save 20 percent of your income and allocate no more than 50 to 60 percent of your paycheck to bills. There are many budgeting tools out there to help you create a plan that works for you and your family. And let’s not forget to add money to the retirement fund. Aim to invest around 15 percent of your income towards retirement savings.

2. Consider life insurance.

Life insurance is how we protect our families should the worst happen. Think of it this way; life insurance isn’t about your death at all. Rather, life insurance helps take care of your loved ones long after you are gone. Life insurance can cover funeral expenses, remaining debts, and loss of income for your family. If managed properly, for example, a $500,000 life insurance policy on a $50,000 salary would continue to pay out your salary to your family years after you’ve passed.

3. Credit is your best friend (if managed well).

Good credit means low rates of interest. So high credit limits can provide a safety net. If you lose your income for a time, you can cover your basic expenses and pay back only a fraction at a time until you get back on your feet. So if you need a credit card to keep you afloat during the pandemic, look for credit cards offering zero percent introductory rates. Those cards will keep you from accruing interest while you buy groceries and pay your utilities and car note, without worrying about additional interest. If you are struggling to pay your credit bill, contact your credit card company for assistance. Some companies are offering refunds on late fees, deferred payment options, or payment plans.

4. When in a tight spot, negotiate!

Talk to your creditors, landlord, loan officers, or car dealer to ensure you maximize your liquid assets and resources. Loan companies are more than willing to help those in financial distress as a result of COVID-19. The first step is to realize there’s no shame in asking for help. Also, if you are struggling to pay your cell phone bill, contact your service provider and request to either split up or postpone payment.

Consider reaching out to your apartment manager and explaining your situation. Be honest with your landlord about your unforeseen circumstances. If you were paying your rent on time and have never had an issue, they will likely find a way to help you. Contact your credit card company and/or loan agency to ask for accommodation if you cannot make your payment to avoid late fees.

5. Get familiar with government financial programs.

Lastly, keep up with the latest news and laws surrounding relief assistance and take advantage of free resources and tools available. Recently, the government passed the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act and includes suspension of payment on federal student loans until September 20, 2020. That is one more bill that you do not have to worry about. The CARES Act also offers no penalties for withdrawing from a Roth IRA or traditional IRA account up to $100,000 if you were affected by COVID-19. Experian has also compiled a list of resources to help you manage debt during this crisis.

In all, this is the time to put into action all that you have learned about money management. Remember to do your research to ensure that you are maximizing your funds, so you can protect your family through this financial storm.

More About Money:

Indulge in These Ultimate Haitian Comfort Food Recipes

admin

May 22, 2020

Haitian Comfort Food Recipes — Poule en Sauce / Haitian Stewed Chicken

Nothing calms the mind and soothes the soul like a traditional home-cooked meal. With this in mind, we’re gathering our favorite Caribbean comfort food recipes to add some island flair to your kitchen. This week, the bright, bold Haitian flavors are the star of the show, filled with decadent stews and carb-loaded deliciousness.

Poule en Sauce (Haitian Stewed Chicken)

Haitian Comfort Food Recipes
Poule en Sauce is a staple of Haitian cuisine. This delicious dish of tender stewed chicken with garlic, onion, peppers, and spices is easy enough to throw together on a weeknight. Serve with rice for a satisfying family dinner.
(Serves 4)
Total Time: 1 hr 5 min
INGREDIENTS

1 medium chicken, cut in pieces, or 6 whole chicken thighs
1 lime or lemon, cut in half
Garlic, chopped, to taste
Salt and pepper, to taste
Ground cloves, to taste
4-5 tbsp oil
1 large onion, sliced in rounds
2 green bell peppers, sliced
1/3 cup tomato paste
3/4 cups water
1 hot pepper, whole (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
Rinse the chicken under cool water, rub with the lemon or lime, and sprinkle with salt and pepper
Heat the oil in a pan and fry the chicken pieces on each side for a short time, just until golden brown.
Arrange the chicken pieces in a large ovenproof pan and sprinkle over the onions and bell peppers.
In a small bowl combine the garlic, tomato paste, water and a pinch or two of ground cloves and mix well. Taste and add more seasoning if desired. Pour the sauce over the chicken. Add the hot pepper if desired.
Bake uncovered for at least 45 minutes, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
Serve hot with a side of rice.

Adapted from Tropical Foodies

Tasso Beouf (Haitian Fried Beef)

Haitian Tasso Beouf, or fried beef, packs robust flavor. In this classic recipe, flank steak or pot roast is marinated in garlic, peppers, scallions, citrus juices, and spices before being fried. The fresh sour orange and lime juices in the marinade brighten the flavor of this entrée. Try it with a side of Diri Kole or Djon Djon Rice.

INGREDIENTS

3 lbs fresh brisket, flank steak, or pot roast, cut into 1/4″-1/2″ slices
Juice of 2 sour oranges
Juice of 2 limes
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 scallions, finely chopped
1 tbsp salt
2 scotch bonnet peppers, chopped
4 sprigs thyme
1 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp ground black pepper
1/4 cup oil

INSTRUCTIONS

Combine all ingredients (except oil) in a large bowl, cover, and allow to marinate overnight or for at least four hours in the refrigerator.
Transfer meat and marinade into a cooking pot and add enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer, covered, until meat is tender.
Fry meat in a large frying pan until golden brown. Remove from oil and place on paper towels to drain and cool.
Serve.

Adapted from Haitian Traditional Cuisine

Pain de Mais (Haitian Corn Bread)

Haitian Pain de Mais is a dense and delicious quick bread reminiscent of American pound cake, banana bread and corn bread, combined. In Haiti, corn is a native plant and is grown everywhere, making this bread a natural result of “what to do with all this mais!” You probably already have many of the ingredients in your kitchen for this easy mix-and-bake recipe.
Prep Time: 30 min
Total Time: 1 hr 30 min
INGREDIENTS

2 sticks butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup granulated sugar
2 eggs
2 bananas, mashed
1 cup flour
2 cups cornmeal
1 can Carnation milk
1 can coconut milk
Zest of 1 lemon
1 tsp nutmeg
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp ground ginger
1 tsp baking powder
1 tbsp Haitian rum
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup shredded coconut

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 350-degrees F. Grease a 13″ x 9″ pan.
Combine all dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl and stir.
Combine all wet ingredients in a separate bowl and stir.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry and stir well.
Pour mixture into the greased pan. Bake for one hour.
Allow to cool, serve.

Adapted from Haitian Recipes

Diri Kole (Haitian Rice and Beans)

Warm, comforting Diri Kole can be found just about everywhere in Haiti. The dish can easily stand on its own, but it’s also the perfect companion to spicy meat entrées. While some variations of Diri Kole make use of cornmeal instead of rice, in this classic recipe you’ll find long-grain white rice with red beans.

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 cups dried red beans
2 cups white long-grain rice, rinsed
1 tsp salt
1 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 bouillon cube, crushed
1/8 – 1/4 cup onions, roughly chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
5 whole cloves
2 tbsp + 1 tsp canola oil
1 tbsp butter

INSTRUCTIONS

Discard any broken, bruised, or discolored beans. Rinse beans, place in a bowl, and pour in enough water to cover them. Soak overnight and drain before cooking.
Add the beans to a pot and pour enough water so that they are completely covered, plus a couple more inches of water.
Add the salt and bring to a boil; boil for 45-60 minutes, until the beans are soft. Add more water if the level gets below the beans. Strain, reserving the water.
Heat 2 tablespoons of the oiI in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the onions, garlic, and chicken bouillon cube and sauté for 4 minutes.
Add in 3/4 cups of the cooked beans and continue to sauté for 3-4 minutes.
Once the beans begin to brown, add in the remaining beans, black pepper, cloves, and the reserved water the beans were boiled in. Cover pan and bring to a boil. Taste and add more salt if needed.
Add the rice. Boil until the water has reduced to the level of the rice.
Stir in 1 teaspoon of oil and the butter. Cover the pot and reduce the heat to medium-low. Simmer for 15 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and allow to gently simmer for 10-15 more minutes, until everything is tender.
Serve hot. Enjoy Diri Kole with Griot or Tasso Beouf

Adapted from My Haitian Kitchen

Macaroni au Gratin (Haitian Baked Mac & Cheese)

Haitian Macaroni au Gratin is not your standard mac-n-cheese. This full-flavor recipe includes seasonings like Worcester sauce, white pepper, and mustard which can be adjusted to suit your own taste… and three different types of cheese!

INGREDIENTS

8 oz penne pasta
15 oz ricotta cheese
1/2 tsp onion powder
1 tbsp mayonnaise
2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
2 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp mustard
1 1/2 tsp white pepper
1 large egg
1/2 chicken bouillon cube, crushed
1/4 cup milk
6 oz mozzarella cheese
3 oz parmesan cheese
3 oz cheddar cheese
1 clove garlic, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Boil pasta in 4 cups salted water until just soft enough to press.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk the egg. Add all of the ingredients except for the Parmesan cheese and stir well.
Drain pasta and add to the bowl. Mix very well to evenly coat the pasta.
Pour everything into a large casserole dish and sprinkle the top with Parmesan cheese. Bake for 20-30 minutes, until bubbling and light brown.
Allow to cool for 5-10 minutes. Serve.

Adapted from Haiti Observer

More Caribbean Recipes:

Indulge in These Ultimate Haitian Comfort Food Recipes

The Best Caribbean Movies To Binge Now On Amazon

Adesuwa Ebuehi

May 21, 2020

Oh, the warmth and color of the Caribbean—unmatched and unmistakable! But what better way bring the magic of the tropics into our homes than a nice Caribbean movie? And we’ve picked out some of the best island movies on Amazon Prime for your viewing pleasure! From crime dramas, to musicals, to documentaries, there’s something here for every binge-watching mood.

Guava Island

Starring music sensations Donald Glover (also known as Childish Gambino) and Bajan-born Rihanna, this 2019 tropical musical tells the story of a local musician hell-bent on organizing a community festival. His goal is for all the citizens of the fictional Guava Island to enjoy themselves and feel liberated, even if for a single day. The movie, lovingly shot in Cuba, celebrates the African diaspora, from the uniquely styled wardrobe, to the general way of life. Animated and colorful, this musical also features a number of Childish Gambino’s songs, including his hit “This Is America.”

Bazodee

Anita Panchouri, the doting and dutiful daughter of a bankrupt Indian businessman, is set to marry a rich suitor to change her family’s fortune. But things take a turn when she meets romantic Trinidadian musician Lee de Leon, played by soca legend Machel Montano. He is a last-minute choice to perform at her engagement party. Anita hesitates to acknowledge the chemistry at first, but like in all our favorite romances, love fights till the end. Does it prevail? This 2016 movie is set in breathtaking Trinidad and Tobago, presenting a beautiful blend between Bollywood and the Caribbean.

Fire in Babylon

This feature documentary depicts how Capt. Clive Lloyd transformed his 1970s West Indies Cricket Team into a record-breaking and game-dominating army that excelled for several decades. The team was an unlikely combination of players from all around the Caribbean. In that tumultuous era of worldwide struggle against racial prejudice and injustice, the fearless Viv Richards-led West Indies side fought injustice by dominating the genteel game of cricket at the highest level and playing it on their own terms. This profound story is told in words of the team members themselves.

Yardie

Growing up in Jamaica, protagonist D witnesses the murder of his brother and never recovers. He is taken in and raised by a Kingston don named King Fox. Years later, while on a mission to London, the past comes back to haunt him. Just when he finds a reason to abandon his shady life of crime, he runs into his brother’s killer and immediately begins on a bloody quest for retribution. This British crime drama, set in the 70s and 80s, is based on the same-named novel by Jamaican-born writer, Victor Headley. The movie is also the first directed by British actor Idris Elba.

Moving in Place:

Hurricane Maria utterly transformed life for Puerto Rico following the storm’s aftermath in 2017. The storm forced many into a state of uncertainty, and many more to leave the island for survival on the mainland. This moving documentary follows young Puerto Ricans as they navigate their new normal, deciding whether to stay or leave amidst the ongoing crisis. The film also becomes a poignant reflection of Puerto Rican identity, caught between two worlds.

Usain Bolt and Kasi Bennett Welcome Baby Girl

Adesuwa Ebuehi

May 20, 2020

Usain Bolt baby — Couple Usain Bolt and Kasi J. Bennet. Photo: IG @usainbolt

Jamaican track-and-field star, Usain Bolt, is now a happy new father of a new baby! He and girlfriend Kasi Bennett welcomed their baby girl on May 19.

Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness broke the exciting news to fans on social media. “Congratulations to our sprint legend Usain Bolt and Kasi Bennett on the arrival of their baby girl,” Holness shared, along with a photo of himself with the Olympic gold medallist.

Bolt had announced, with an Instagram tribute in January, that he and his longtime sweetheart were expecting their first child together. A photo of the then mom-to-be in a beautiful red dress, cradling her baby bump was accompanied by the caption, “I just want to say a KING or QUEEN is about to be HERE.”

Bennett also gifted her followers with photos from a maternity shoot captioned, “Our biggest blessing…,” “Our greatest celebration…,” and, “Our golden child. Coming soon…”

The couple has been an item for close to seven years now, and both have often vocalized their hopes to grow their family. “I have [had] a girlfriend for four years now [and] it’s going steadily, so we’re thinking about kids very soon,” said Bolt in 2017. “We’ll see how it goes, we’re taking our time.”

After announcing their news, Bolt said he doesn’t plan to pressure his kids into filling his large athletic shoes. “People always say, ‘Are you going to put your kids in sports?’ But for me, if they want to be in sports, fine, I don’t really care,” he said in February. “But I won’t push them to do track and field. I think it’s going to be hard,” he added.

“It’s the hardest thing when you have a dad that is a superstar in a super-sport. I don’t think you should do that sport. You should do something else because there is so much pressure on you to live up to expectations.”

New UK Covid-19 Hospital Honors Jamaican Nurse Mary Seacole

Adesuwa Ebuehi

May 18, 2020

Around the world, nurses have become the vanguard in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic — continuing the profession’s long tradition of carrying nations through a crisis. Now the UK’s newest COVID-19 community hospital in Surrey will be honouring one of the Caribbean’s most famous Jamaican Nurse, Jamaican-born Mary Seacole.

The new temporary emergency centre is the first instalment in a series of Seacole memorial COVID-19 services aimed at rehabilitating patients. The former manager of the NHS, Patrick Vernon, has been at the forefront of the campaign for the recognition of Seacole.

“It’s not just her legacy, it’s our legacy,” said Vernon about the significance of the campaign. “It’s the ethnic minority and black historical experience. It’s about acknowledging our contributions to Britain.”

Yvonne Coghill, the diversity lead nurse of NHS England, supported the campaign for naming the temporary COVID-19 recovery centers after Ms. Seacole. All the overflow critical care hospitals that have so far been opened in England have been named after fellow nursing pioneer Florence Nightingale, a contemporary of Ms. Seacole. Both women put their lives on the line to treat the injured soldiers of the Crimean War.

England’s chief nursing officer, Ruth May, and health and social care secretary, Matt Hancock, virtually opened the hospital on May 4. It was named the NHS Seacole Center and is part of the UK’s next stage of COVID-19 response. It houses about 300 inpatient beds for COVID-19 recovering patients, as well as people in need of routine treatment.

“Mary Seacole made an extraordinary, long-term contribution to community healthcare and so it is fitting that such an important service is honoring her name,” noted May.

NHS chief executive, Sir Simon Stevens also applauded the decision, saying it pays a well-deserved tribute to BME healthcare workers who are currently at the forefront of the COVID-19 response. “It also serves as a timely reminder that it is their contribution over the past seven decades that has been a foundation for the very success and continuation of the NHS,” he said.

Are Caribbean Vacations Back in Business post COVID-19?

Adesuwa Ebuehi

May 18, 2020

The future of Caribbean vacations won’t be the business as usual for a lot longer. As countries around the globe begin to open up travel in recovery from the COVID-19 outbreak, many Caribbean countries remain cautious, devising strategies to protect their population, while trying to restart their economies heavily reliant on tourism.

Antigua and Barbuda have released plans to run rapid tests for all visitors and returnees at the airport before they board the plane to their destination islands. Meanwhile, other Caribbean countries like Haiti and the Bahamas are also contemplating demanding “virus-free” certificates to make sure that tourists, as well as returning citizens, are free of COVID-19 before they enter.

It remains unclear if these measures will prove effective. The World Health Organization says such policies are only a temporary measure while the world still waits for the vaccine. These strategies solutions do not take into account the scientists still know little about the virus. Meanwhile, testing is still very difficult around the world.

Requiring some kind of COVID-19 passport will be very difficult,” says Carlos Espinal, director of the Global Health Consortium at the Robert Stempel College of Public Health at Florida International University.

Nonetheless, the islands are setting their plans in motion. Haiti already launched requirements for all passengers entering the nation to have a negative coronavirus test since March 19.

Yet, these well-meant safety precautions are no guarantee of keeping out infected entrants. Rapid COVID-19 tests at airports, like the ones Antigua proposes, provide no real assurance, as new infections cannot be detected by such tests. They can only show if a person has been exposed to the virus. Infected travelers could have transferred the virus to others during the journey or in the airport. Such fresh infections will not be detected. Plans also propose to confine visitors to the premises of their hotels or beach resorts, not letting them interact with local tourist hubs.

At these hotels, “the local staff will be the younger, healthier ones who would use masks and use proper hygiene etiquette to control the contracting and the spread,” says Antigua’s Prime Minister, Gaston Browne. “They will live on the property with the guests to prevent inadvertent community spread in the unlikely event that they contract the virus.”

“It’s not foolproof, but the tests, wearing masks, social distancing, and good hygiene will have to be employed to manage the risks of contracting and spreading the virus, considering it could remain in our midst,” Browne adds.

How have the present challenges affected your Caribbean summer vacation or homecoming plans? Let us know in the comments.

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