Antigua & Barbuda
The Beach is Just the Beginning
Tourism Newsletter
Culture Issue
October 2012 Cover: Her Majesty, Ranee Laronde - Queen of Carnival 2012
Carnival Olympics.... Say What? Antigua's 55th Carnival Celebrations 20 Experiences for Culture Vultures Culturepedia:
51 Ways to Experience A and B Culture
Le Chateau D'or Music Academy Look out for the Heritage Issue in November. A & B Celebrates 31 Years of Independence
Party Can’t Done! Caribbean Splashdown at Marcus Garvey Park in Harlem A reenactment of Antigua’s 2012 Groovy & Party Monarch Show. A & B’s top performers rocked the audience of more than 10,000 Caribbean nationals and fans.
A proliferation of summer Carnivals in North American cities over the past 20 years has helped to infuse Caribbean traditions as a core part of the pop culture.
A&B BUZZ
BUZZPIRATIONS
The Warri Pier Restaurant, Dickenson Bay
BUZZ PIRATIONS: Inspiration for today’s valued A&B Specialists Culture is wealth. It makes us more ourselves. It enables us to express ourselves.
~ Phillip Gilbert Hamerton
When you learn something from people, or from a culture, you accept it as a gift and it is your lifelong commitment to preserve and build on it. ~ Yo-Yo Ma
The worth of a civilization or a culture is not valued in the terms of its material wealth or military power, but by the quality and achievements of its representative individuals – its philosophers, its poets and artists.
~ Herbert Read
A&B BUZZ – October, 2012
A&B BUZZ Editors TravelPad
A
Antigua’s Carnival, which began in 1957, is one of the longest running summer festivals in the Caribbean. It is described as one of the pinnacles of cultural expression and music, dance and revelry are considered to be compelling elements of this celebration. During this period, there is an even stronger sense of camaraderie, as local residents celebrate their rich heritage using a unique lyrical language that is manifested in many art forms. Outside of Carnival, there are year round opportunities to experience A&B’s diverse culture with specially designed packages that include historical accommodations,
sightseeing tours or gourmet cooking classes, to make any cultural vacation in A&B an experience of a lifetime. Whether you opt for a traditional hotel, villa or charming bed and breakfast, you will have easy access to a host of cultural attractions. This month’s issue spotlights educational tours, “off the beaten path” attractions and experiences -20 Experiences for Culture Vultures, Culturepedia: 50 Ways to Experience A & B Culture and Are You an Armchair Carnival Reveler? The warmth and easygoing nature of the people, rich folklore, and social commentary, help create a
Contributors to the BUZZ
level of hospitality that keeps every visitor wishing that their vacation would never end. We invite you to join celebration, ‘jump and wave,” as you immerse yourself in A & B’s “all access” cultural experiences.
Sincerely,
Derede Samuel-Whitlock, Director of Tourism, USA Antigua and Barbuda
A&B BUZZ
General Info: 305 E 47th St. Suite 6A New York, NY 10017 info@antigua-barbuda.org
• Yendie Lynch • Carolyn Punter • Dean Fenton • Erica Henry-Jackman • Annette Michael • Elizabeth Mason • Tracelyn CorneliusHernandez • Nasheta Richards
About the BUZZ: A & B's liveliest lifestyle magazine has taken off with hundreds of readers who want to learn more about this exciting twin island destination.
Cover Image: Ranee Laronde - Queen of Carnival 2012
Like us on Facebook A&B BUZZ – October, 2012
A&B BUZZ BUZZWorthy Events 2012 October • National Warri Festival Further information Tel: 268-461-6400 Cyril 'September' Christian or Fitzroy Phillip 268-461-1615 • World Food Day Further information Tel: 268-4621213/462-1007/8/9 Ministry of Agriculture • Field Trip organized by the EAG. Further information Tel: 268-462-6236 Environmental Awareness Group
• Heritage (National Dress) Day. Further information Tel: 268-562-5303 Ministry of Culture • Antigua Open Bridge Tournament. Further information Tel: 268-462-1459 or e-mail jamesp@candw.ag • Spring Gardens Moravian Independence Food Fair. Further information Tel: 268-560-4149
• Turtle Watch at Pasture Beach, Long Island (Jumby Bay). • Turtle Watch at Pasture Beach, Long Further information Tel: 268-462-6236 Island (Jumby Bay). Further information Environmental Awareness Group Tel: 268-462-6236 Environmental Awareness Group
Schedule of Temporary Hotel Closings
Schedule for the new service (all times shown are local)
HOTEL
CLOSING DATE
RE-OPENING DATE
Antigua Yacht Club Marina
May 31
November 15
Carlisle Bay
August 25
October 12
Curtain Bluff Hotel
July 28
October 27
Hermitage Bay
September 5
October 10
Jumby Bay
August 31
October 1
Light House Bay (Barbuda)
August 31
November 1
Sugar Ridge
September 8
October 6
The Inn At
September 1
November 1
Tranquility Bay
September 1
October 5
From
To
Flight #
Departs
Arrives
Frequency
New York (JFK)
Antigua (ANU)
673* (nonstop)
8:35 a.m.
1:40 p.m.
Mon, Thurs, Fri, Sat
Antigua (ANU)
New York (JFK)
678* (nonstop)
3:05 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
Mon, Thurs, Fri, Sat
A&B BUZZ – October, 2012
Carnival Camaraderie Every year for 11 days leading up to the first Tuesday in August, Antigua transforms: Government officials ditch their suits, hit the streets in colorful outfits, drink rum and dance down the streets of St. John’s. Carnival is a time of dancing, music and festivities with everyone on the island participating.
Left: Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Baldwin Spencer with colleagues and friends. Below: Director of Tourism, USA, Derede SamuelWhitlock, with Beautiful People Mas Troupe.
A&B BUZZ –October, 2012
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA A LITTLE BIT OF PARADISE
President Obama
Joel Anthony of the Miami Heat Bill Cosby
Wynton Marsalis Angela Bassett Felicia Rashad
T
This hardcover coffee table book was commissioned by the Government of Antigua and Barbuda as a promotional tool to support destination marketing and brand awareness. It features picturesque images of the destination, with limited text, that provide a quick, light overview on A&B.
A Little Bit of Paradise has been presented to many dignitaries around the world and graces coffee tables of the rich, royal and famous. It sparks interest and inspires conversation about the destination. The content is visually oriented with hundreds of crisp, sharp images that illustrate all aspects of A & B’s rich
heritage and culture. Anyone who picks up this book will get a quick insight on the myriad of cultural attractions that the destination has to offer. On the first page, Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer extends a “Welcome to the World!
October, 2012 - A&B BUZZ
A&B BUZZ –October, 2012
October, 2012 - A&B BUZZ
A&B BUZZ –October, 2012
If so, watch these videos and visit www.antiguacarnival .com Travel is not just about physical movement in the world. It is an emotional experience and an “Armchair Traveler” stays at home, but experiences travel by watching TV, DVDs and reading books about different countries, cultures and customs. They are able to enjoy some of the benefits of travel without leaving their armchair. Connect the sense of place and participate vicariously in Antigua’s Carnival. Gain insights into local places you want to visit, or get inspiration on activities you many want to try out. Enjoy the experience of “being there” and in living in the moment from the comfort of your arm or office chair. Click on for the following experiences:
Calypso http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8N-gFmZb9_U- De Bear http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nKINR3yE1lM&feature=relmfu - Singing Althea http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x09wqaZXcp0&feature=relmfu -Calypso Jim Steel Pan http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fqbJZM0iHEU -Hotel http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8zY2Rc4Tsc- Lime Hells Gate Panorama http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fPNmr7fSjbo&feature=relmfu -Digicel Halcyon Panorama http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcSiA5YsibU - Swimsuit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=301HcfuJy5s -performing Dance http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZX7O5jWnnXU&feature=relmfu - Evening Wear http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bhVv0ZhXg0&feature=relmfu - Costume Mas/ Parade http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7G89x2td5UM&feature=relmfu -School Mas http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T20S4FxUCio&feature=relmfu -Parade J'ouvert/ Last Lap http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T20S4FxUCio&feature=relmfu- J'ouvert
Carnival 2012
A&B BUZZ –October, 2012
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A&B BUZZ –October, 2012
Carnival 2012
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Carnival 2012
A&B BUZZ –October, 2012
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Carnival 2012
A&B BUZZ –October, 2012
Caribana 2012 The Scotiabank Toronto Caribbean Carnival, formerly and still commonly called Caribana. October, 2012 - A&B BUZZ
Queen of Carnival 2012 Miss Ranee Laronde
T
The BUZZ had the pleasure of speaking with the 2012 Queen of Carnival Ranee Laronde; Still on a high since her crowing this past July, Her Majesty Ranee shared how her lifelong dream became a reality and her plans for the future.
BUZZ : What inspired you to enter the Carnival Queen Competition?
Culture is the backbone of any society. It showcases the heritage, history and folklore of our people and it also brings us together‌
Ranee Laronde: Since entering the Miss Antigua Teen Pageant in 2008, I officially became "hooked on pageantry." Later, I represented Antigua and Barbuda at the Miss Leeward Island Talented Teen in Anguilla where I gained a more knowledge of and experience in the world of pageantry. In 2011, I decided to take the next stage which was the Miss Independence Homecoming Pageant. That, in my estimation, gave me that jolt of confidence to enter Queen of Carnival 2012. Additionally, knowing that I had the support of family and friends inspired me even more to unleash all the creativity within me and rise to the occasion!
BUZZ : Tell me about the contest, the various categories and how you scored?
RL: There were five segments in the Queen of Carnival Competition. The first segment was Interview. This was one of the segments that I was looking forward to because I had devoted lots of time to it, ensuring I was able to deliver convincingly with substance and confidence. The second segment was swimwear. I knew the competition would be keen because each delegate brought forward their own designs and routine. However, I knew I had two secret weapons; a fantastic designer and a lean and fit body. So I was anxious to prove that my months in the gym and the swimming pool were not in vain. I ultimately won that segment. Following swimwear was performing talent. This was my opportunity to demonstrate my fifteen year experience in dance and the extraordinary talent and artistic skills. Although I didn't win this segment it was a fabulous and exhilarating performance. The fourth segment was costume and after thee rounds of intense competition, I was ready to let loose and demolish the stage with fun and frolic. My costume was called
A&B BUZZ –October, 2012
'Woman of the Deep'. It was actually conceptualized by ' Team Ranee', in particular, my Sponsor Calvin Francis of Chef 2U Events Limited. I didn't capture this segment but I sure created "bacchanal" on stage. The final segment of competition was the much anticipated evening wear. I can't speak for the other delegates, but I had something fierce up my sleeve. My pageant coach Mr. Ckhuerckh Vhann-Kellte, was also my gown designer. He created an evening gown complete with mind boggling leather gladiator stilettos, that still have many people talking. The name of my goren was ' Instinct... Call of the Wild' and it earned me thee top prize in that segment. So I ultimately won two segments and was consistently high in the other three.
BUZZ : What are some of the things you did to help prepare for the contest? RL: Entering this has competition been a great, but it was also a lot of hard work. I had to change me eating habits, train more at the gym and use the swimming pool as a practical exercise and body sculpting tool for the swimwear and performing talent segments. Additionally, my time management skills were crucial for deportment. I had weeks of interviewing and public speaking training with my coach as well Mr. Noel Benjamin and Ms. Marlene Bailey, specialists in the field. So my grooming for the competition was intense, but well worth it!.
BUZZ : How important is our culture and how would you characterize Antigua's culture. What are some of the strongest elements of our culture. RL: Culture is the backbone of any society. It showcases the heritage, history and folklore of our people and it also brings us together. Culture is actually that dividing line that makes communities unique. And it is all these factors that contribute to the importance of our culture and the need to nurture and safeguard it for generations to come.
October, 2012 - A&B BUZZ
Although we we are a culturally diverse society and heavily influenced by the fact that we are one of the richest melting pots of cultures within the region, there are factors that set Antigua and Barbuda apart from the rest. Our unique dialect, signature local cuisines, historical relics and artifacts and extraordinarily composed and produced music makes us stand out. In a time where tourism is no longer exclusively about sun sea and sand, our culture has been forced to play that definitive role in distinguishing the islands of the region.
BUZZ : To what extent did your professional experience as a member of the Jolly Beach entertainment staff give you a competitive edge in the Queen of Carnival Contest?
RL: I must say that being an entertainment coordinator was a great asset to my achievements. I am required to be a talented, well rounded, warm and hospitable, dynamic and must of all have that team spirit. I embody these professional attributes that have helped me to successfully achieve my quests of
A&B BUZZ –October, 2012
becoming Queen of Carnival.
BUZZ : As Queen of Carnival how do you plan to use your
influence to promote Antigua and Barbuda as a destination? RL: As Queen of Carnival I plan to be the model spokesperson for my twin island state. As I eluded earlier, Antigua and Barbuda's prominence on the map cannot be sustained by our promotion of sun sea and sand. Every island in the Caribbean boasts those traits. I will highlight our sporting icons and upcoming sports professionals and promote Sports Tourism. I will advocate more sporting camps and retreats in Antigua and Barbuda especially in baseball, golf, swimming and crosscountry running. I want to also take destination weddings to the next level and embark on a major campaign to have promotional trips to Antigua and Barbuda on major US, British and Spanish talk shows and game shows.
Queen of Carnival 2012 Miss Ranee Laronde - continued
Additionally I hope to work in tandem with our entrepreneurs within the tourism industry to feverishly promote their arts, crafts, and delectable foods to the rest of the world by focusing on packaging and presentation. I plan to dialogue with the various tourism stakeholders in the cruise, boating and yachting fraternity to make this viable sector one of the greatest and premier festivities in the world. I truly believe that the cruising, yachting and boating industry can catapult the tourism sector, develop our economy and improve our state of employment. I can and I will make a meaningful contribution to the tourism industry and I will use my influence as Queen of Carnival. I am taking on the world 'One Day At A Time!'
October, 2012 - A&B BUZZ
Antigua’s Carnival Meets th
E
Every leap year Antigua’s Summer Festival be revelers wind down the celebration and prep year’s Summer Games in London, began a w The Games coincided with Antigua’s Carniva simultaneously enjoy Carnival and the Olymp
London was the first city to officia Games three times, having previo This is the first time that Antigua’ coincided with the London Olymp
VENUE: Olympic Village, East London
DURATION: 16 days of sporting competitions July 27 – Aug 12
OBJECTIVE: Offers athletes an experience of a lifetime
OFFICIAL DRINK: Powerade
A&B BUZZ –October, 2012
OPENING CEREMONY: Celebration of British music and creativity
he 2012 Summer Olympics
ecomes the Carnival Olympics and pare to watch the Summer Olympics. This week earlier than 2008 games in Beijing. l and locals and visitors had a chance to pics.
Olympic ously done so in 1908 and in 1948. n 1957) has pics.
VENUE: Carnival City, Antigua Recreation Grounds
DURATION: 11 days of partying July 29 – Aug 5
OBJECTIVE: Offers revelers a party of a lifetime
OPENING CEREMONY: Celebration of Antiguan heritage, music and culture
OFFICIAL DRINK: Wadadli Beer
October, 2012 - A&B BUZZ
Caribbean Splashdow Music Festiv in Harlem
Cultural experiences allow visitors to get a real
sense of a place through history and traditions. Whether circumnavigating Antigua’s coastline, cycling around the outskirts of Codrington village in Barbuda, or unearthing relics of the past at Fort Barrington, immersive cultural tours will help visitors get under the “skin” of A&B. These easy paced adventures offer the perfect experience for anyone with a sense of curiosity and adventure.
Seafood Fridays
C Mango Mania
Mango Lovers are in for a juicy treat when they visit Christian Valley for this two day event that features the bounty from mango trees on the southern side of the island.
BUZZ Worthy Feature – 10 Experiences for the Culture Vulture
n wn val m
A slice of Antigua’s culture can be experienced leading up to the Labor Day weekend Carnival celebrations in Brooklyn. Four weeks after Antigua’s Carnival, this event held at Marcus Garvey Park, showcases performers from Antigua’s Carnival. This year, the entire lineup from the Soca Monarch Contest, the most popular Carnival show entertained thousands of fans in New York City. www.caribbeansplashdown.com
Sample fresh catch from the destination’s coastal waters, including lobster, conch, snapper and cockels, every Friday night at the Copper and Lumber Store, Nelson’s Dockyard.
Get Sail Certified
Nonsuch Bay Resort offers specialist sailing facilities, expert instructors and outstanding conditions for small boat sailing. Rates at Nonsuch Bay start from $899 per person for a week in a two bedroom suite. Sail lessons included. www.nonsuchbayresort.com.
October, 2012 - A&B BUZZ
The Curtain Bluff Tennis Challenge
Mark Brown Weddings
Following the US Open in September, join former American Davis Cupper Dick Stockton and others for tennis clinics, guest doubles, pro-am play and social fun and relaxation during the first week of November. www.curtainbluff.com
Caribbean flair and a recent addition to Jolly Beach Weddings. This local artist and designer bring unique island touches to any Caribbean wedding.
Party at Sea
Board the Excellence for a day or evening circumnavigation tour of the island, endless rum punch, local cuisine and island beats. Drop anchor at deserted Green Island for a few hours of swimming snorkeling. Recharge, reboard and reconnect with the party on a sail back to the mainland.
BUZZ Worthy Feature – 10 Experiences for the Culture Vulture
Party Like it’s 1999 at Shirley Heights Look Out
Catch Carnival Fever
The party has been ongoing for more than three decades. This family run business throws the same party every Sunday party featuring the best sunset views, steel band and reggae music, BBQ and rum punch.
Antigua’s Carnival runs for 11 days at the end of July to the first Monday and Tuesday of August. This rich celebration of Antigua’s heritage and culture is one of the Caribbean’s most colorful summer festivals. www.antiguacarnival.com
Cricket Meets Carnival Cricket is the national sport and a favorite pastime among locals. Featuring day and evening matches, there are many tail gate parties before, during and after the matches featuring local performers and revelers.
October, 2012 - A&B BUZZ
Ho. Ho. Ho. How did Santa get here? Guests staying at Hawksbill by Rex Resorts are treated to the sight of Santa Claus arriving at the resort by boat instead of by reindeer. Santa distributes gifts to anxious children and brings them some tropical cheer.
Meet Caribbean Santa
Take a Dive
This 20 mile rock dive is suitable for novices. The Pillars of Hercules in Antigua is so named because of the limestone formations in the cliff above the site. Be prepared for a chance encounter with a variety of sea creatures: sergeant majors, blue tang and snappers. www.the antiguan.com.
Soar like an eagle and swing like a monkey through Antigua’s rainforest. Bite the bullet and go on the greatest adventure ride via zip line. This activity is for the brave at heart as lines start from 53 feet up to 328 feet. www.antiguarainforest.com.
Traverse the Rainforest
BUZZ Worthy Feature – 10 Experiences for the Culture Vulture
‘Ole Time Story Telling
Local Chef’s Table
St James' Club offers new series of storytelling events for 2012 featuring Children’s publisher Puffin. Youngsters often lose themselves in literary fantasy during a perfect family holiday.
Nicole’s Table offers Caribbean cooking classes, from her own home, which overlooks the Caribbean Sea. Using local produce, spices and local cuts of meat she creates authentic dishes and shares many local cooking techniques and secrets. http://nicolestable.com/
Add Spice to Your Life Your trip to Antigua and Barbuda is not complete until you sample the nation’s favorite sauce, Susie’s. Enjoyed by Presidents and royalty, once you’ve been introduced to this Caribbean condiment there is no going back. www.susieshotsauce.com
October, 2012 - A&B BUZZ
Take a day trip to Barbuda, Antigua’s sister island and home to the largest Frigate Bird Sanctuary and nesting ground in the world. Observe these magnificent birds in their natural habitat and you might just spot some rare species in amongst the more than 5,000 Frigate birds that call Barbuda their home. www.antigua-barbuda.org
Enjoy Antigua and Barbuda’s 365 beaches and some of the best local bars. Start at Darkwood Beach and bar crawl either due north or south and experience the local vibe. There are beaches for singles, couples, sun worshippers and adrenaline junkies.
Connect with the Environmental Awareness Group (EAG) during Turtle Watching season to capture a moment of creation as leatherback turtles nest, hatch and the baby turtles make their first trip to the sea.
Visit Spring Gardens Moravian Church in St. John’s to offer prayer and praise. Enjoy traditional hymns that have been transformed to steelband music, reggae music and other island beats.
Have a BARBUDAful Day
Beach Bar Hopping
Turtle Watching
Worship with the Locals
BUZZ Worthy Feature – 10 Experiences for the Culture Vulture
call toll fre e
.org rbuda 888.268.4227 or visit us online www.antigua-ba
Culturepedia
noun
/ˈkəl-CHər -pēˈdē-ə/ A list of 51 ways to experience A&B’s Culture year round
1-10 A&B Bestseller List
Enjoy the literary works of top A & B authors that will appeal to all travelers whether from the arm chair or the beach chair.
Author Marie Elena John with singer John Legend, at the signing of her book Unburnable
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
The Struggle and the Conquest by Sir Novelle H. Richards Jewels of the Sun by Ralph Prince Considering Venus by Gisele D. Isaac Unburnable by Marie-Elena John A Small Place by Jamaica Kincaid Oh Gad by Joanne Hillhouse Journey Cakes by Monica Matthew Diary from the Wet Side of the Moon by Brenda Lee-Browne How the East Pond Got it's Flowers by Althea Prince Under the Calabash Tree by Leon "Chaku" Symister
BUZZ Worthy Feature – Culturepedia
11-20 The 10 Funniest Local Signs and Billboards
The main thing about road signs and billboards in A & B is that they are not intended to be funny and utilize an interesting, “tell it like it is” approach – which makes the following examples all the more amusing! Very often visitors stop to take photos of these signs that provide significant entertainment value. It’s easy to imagine a group of residents, civil servants, straight talking – and enterprising – establishments of the no nonsense variety using the local language and relying on local humor to send a strong community message.
12
11
Come to A&B and totally ignore that top sign
Parts ain’t just parts
14
13
Crackin’ jokes and packin’ heat We tell it like it is in A&B
15
17
16
We won’t leave you hangin’! Subtitled signs for your convenience.
Good luck explaining what happened to your motorboat to the insurance company.
A&B has great facilities outside this area should the need arise October, 2012 - A&B BUZZ
Culturepedia
noun
Continued
/ˈkəl-CHər -pēˈdē-ə/
21-30 10 Places in A&B with Odd and Unusual Name
11-20
The 10 Funniest Local Signs and Billboards - continued
Here is a list of interesting-sounding names of places in A These places were selected as some of them sounded unusual, some sounded interesting, some just sounded fu and some a little weird. It is up to you to decide which is which!
18
Don’t RISK paying city prices!
OR
19
Nevada, USA
East Bus Station Te Antigua
A sign to find a sign… mind blown.
1 2 3 4 5
20
Gooood eatin’
BUZZ Worthy Feature – Culturepedia
Las Vegas Folly Hill Body Pond Crabbe Hill Devil’s Bridge
6 7 8 9 10
Nonsuch B Two Foot
Rat Island
Swetes Vi
Betty’s Ho
31-40 10 Top Authentic A & B Souvenirs
es
A&B.
unny
?
Tired of the T-shirts and other mass produced trinkets? Here a list of “must have” souvenirs that help to preserve the memories and tell the story of A&B strong heritage and culture
1 Susie's Hot Sauce bottled in a glass cricket bat
2
Customized seed work crafted into unique jewelry, belts, coasters. Made from Jumby Beads and other seeds
3
erminal,
The warri board – the national board game.
4
Bay Bay
d
illage
ope
Clay pottery in a miniature size -miniature coal pot or yabba
5
Bottled pink sand from Barbuda’s beaches
6 Nancy Nicholson’s Pottery made from clay and hand painted.
7
Leather footwear from local cobblers, by Top Ranking Roots
8
Miniature steel band. Get more familiar with the art form.
9
English Harbour Rum. Aged for 5 years or 10 years by the Antigua Distillery.
10
Brightly painted shak shaks. When shaken, seeds inside these fruit pods create unique island beats. October, 2012 - A&B BUZZ
Culturepedia
noun
Continued
/ˈkəl-CHər -pēˈdē-ə/
41-51 11 A&B Facebook Pages to Like 41 ABTA http://www.facebook.com/AntiguaBarbuda
42 AHTA http://www.facebook.com/pages/Antigua-Hoteland-Tourist-Association-AHTA/146108459914
43 Antigua BUZZ http://www.facebook.com/antiguabuzz
44 Antigua Nice http://www.facebook.com/Antiguanice
45 365 Antigua http://www.facebook.com/365antigua
46 The Observer http://www.facebook.com/ObserverMediaGroup
47 Caribbeanarena http://www.facebook.com/caribarena
48 Official
A&B Gov’t
http://www.facebook.com/AntiguaBarbudaGovt
49 Antigua Carnival http://www.facebook.com/ANUCarnival
50 Antigua Carnival http://www.facebook.com/pages/BeautifulBarbuda-Magazine/274581075948
51 You know you’re in Antigua when… http://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/antiguan/
BUZZ Worthy Feature – Culturepedia
Holiday Special Razzle Dazzle Holiday Special Be Wonderful In White!
All Inclusive Xmas & New Years Special for only $293 Per Couple Per Night This holiday season trade that cold, wet winter white stuff for the snow white sand of a sunny Antiguan Beach
! Take advantage of our All Inclusive Xmas & New Years Special for only $293 Per Couple Per Night – That’s a savings of $195 a night per couple or $1,365 on a 7 night stay! Sample from 5 restaurants, spa, casino, 2 different pools, sailing and water sports galore – lots of fun for families as well! • Rate: US $293 per couple per night,
ALL INCLUSIVE (Regular $488) • Book by: December 20, 2012 • Travel: Dec 21, 2012 – April 15, 2013
Interview with Ms. Cleo Antoinette Hampson of le Chateau d’or Music Academy, Antigua, West Indies
BUZZ: What was the inspiration for your father Mr. Anthony Hampson to create this type of school?
Cleo Antoinette Hampson : While studying in France in the late '80s my dad witnessed a steel orchestra made up of all Caucasian players reading from sheet music while playing Caribbean music. Seeing these Europeans essentially treating the steel pan as a musical instrument, he was inspired to provide the youth of Antigua the opportunity to do the same.
BUZZ: How was the name chosen for the school? CAH:Le Chateau d'or means Castle of gold. Gold is the reward for the achievement of excellence and a castle represents a place where those who are superior reside. My dad therefore felt that giving the academy such a "regal"name would be fitting, since he saw the academy as a place where musicians of such a caliber could be bred.
BUZZ: Proficiency in which musical instruments are taught at Le Chateau D’Or?
A&B BUZZ –October, 2012
CAH: LCDMA offers theoretical and practical tutelage in the steel pan, recorder, keyboard, violin, viola, cello, saxophone, clarinet and guitar. Teaching of other instruments can be made available upon request.
BUZZ: What is the age range of the students enrolled? CAH: We currently have children and adults enrolled in the academy, with ages ranging from 5-60yrs +
BUZZ: What is the criteria required for admissions? CAH: All we require of our applicants is to have love for music and a desire to excel.
BUZZ: What is the cost of tuition? CAH: Our tuition is $75 monthly (regardless of the number of instruments one seeks to learn)
BUZZ: Are there any graduates who have chosen further
instruction in music and possible careers in music? CAH: Most notably, there are two members of our Alumni who have chosen to further education in music. Mr. Gavin Francis and Ms. Zahra Lake, both of whom are studying music
‌history shows that music has played a significant role in the development of the culture in Antigua and Barbuda. education at Midwestern university in Texas.
BUZZ: Where have the students performed? CAH: The academy has performed at a variety places and events. We have been a staple at the Antigua Girl guides tea party hosted by the Governor General. We have played at a variety of tourist attractions including hotels such as Sandals Resort, Antigua Village, St. James' Club and Jumpy Bay; Betty’s Hope for the Emancipation Ceremony, Nelson's Dockyard for Antigua's Sailing Week. Other events include, Independence Youth Rally, Teen Splash, Panorama. Notably, In 2004 and 2006, by the request of the now Anglican Bishop of Jamaica, a small contingent made up of a few students from the academy, its director, and a pan building team including Veron Henry, initiated a steel pan programme in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
Barbuda. It is therefore imperative that it be incorporated in any school's curriculum, especially if taught highlighting musical history of Antigua and Barbuda. Music is the one language that everyone, everywhere, can understand, hence, its importance in the tourism industry.
BUZZ: How can Antigua & Barbuda maintain its cultural identity?
CAH: In order for the country's cultural identity to be maintained, we must first truly understand what makes us culturally different. Then we must seek to develop a sense of cultural pride, and venture to hold on to and promote this culture at every chance we get. Though, Antigua has become a melting pot of cultures, we still must try to hold on to what is ours.
BUZZ: Please share your thoughts about the integration of
music as part of a balanced curriculum and part of our tourism product. CAH: Music has various benefits for a learner. It improves analytical skills, enhances cognition and also increases patience. Integration into any school's curriculum would prove to be most beneficial. Additionally, history shows that music has played a significant role in the development of the culture in Antigua and October, 2012 - A&B BUZZ
A&B BUZZ BUZZWorthy Events 2012
October 1-Oct 3-Oct 17-Oct 22-Oct 23-Oct 24-Oct 25-Oct 26-Oct 29-Oct
ASTA Travel Impression Island Show Midwest ASTA Trade Show PTANA Tradeshow PTANA Tradeshow PTANA Trade show/ GOGO Trade show PTANA Trade show PTANA Trade show AWTA Trade show New Rochelle
Long Island Long Island, NY Chicago, IL Boston, MA Philadelphia, PA Florida MD VA NY
Schedule for the new service (all times shown are local)
From
To
Flight #
Departs
Arrives
Frequency
New York (JFK)
Antigua (ANU)
673* (nonstop)
8:35 a.m.
1:40 p.m.
Mon, Thurs, Fri, Sat
Antigua (ANU)
New York (JFK)
678* (nonstop)
3:05 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
Mon, Thurs, Fri, Sat
A&B BUZZ – October, 2012
A&B BUZZ BUZZWorthy Events 2012
October 28 – April 24, 2012
WestJet will operate twice-weekly round-trips on Wednesdays and Sundays between Toronto and Antigua’s V.C. Bird International Airport (ANU).
Erica Henry-Jackman Sales and Marketing Manager Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Office Consulate General of Antigua and Barbuda 60 St.Clair Avenue East, Suite 601 Toronto, Ontario, M4T 1N5 Telephone: 416-961-3085 Fax:416-961-7218 A&B BUZZ – October, 2012
A&B BUZZ BUZZQuestion abbuzzinfo@gmail.com We invite you to join our facebook community, where everyone is aBUZZ about A&B.
www.facebook.com/antiguabuzz www.twitter.com/antiguabuzz
Q
Weigh in on the Sept/Oct Reader Question: Please describe a tour, activity or person that you engaged in or encountered in A & B that inspired you, helped you to connect with the local vibe and culture or helped you get on a path of self discovery.
Last Month’s (July/October, 2012) Reader Question
Q
What was your most exciting family booking to the Caribbean? What were some of the highlights of the trip?
Congratulations! Answer of the Month for July/August 2012:
A
I have a longstanding high-end client with very discerning taste. They have been everywhere. Earlier this year, I booked the family at Jumby Bay and they wanted to do a specail family outing. I contacted Erica Jackman at the Tourism office in Toronto to get some ideas for an "over the top" day trip. We booked a helicopter tour of the island and landed at Lighhose Bay in Barbuda. While there they did a tour of the island, visited the Frigate Bird Sanctuary and then enjoyed a lobster feast on the beach. This is the ultimate way for any family to bond! Aliza Stern Luxury Travel Advisor - The Travel Network Corp. 1920 Avenue Road Toronto, ON M5M 4A1Web: www.thetravelnetwork.com
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