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CON TENTS 04

Editor’s Note

Voices of the Season Black Cake

The Story of Sorrel

Parang- Carriacou Historical Feature Editorial

Xpert Productions FYI

Editor’s note Welcome to our fifth edition of Kulcha, the Christmas edition- a look at our typical Grenadian/Caribbean Christmas. We begin our journey with the music which accompanies the season. We’ll pause on Grenadian Christmas singers, some still here with us, others would have moved on- Ajamu, Elo, Ijeal and Allen G. Our parang music and serenading, what a spectacular time our Grenadian Christmas is, a time for community, charity, togetherness, and joy. The preparation of our Black Christmas cake, a wide Caribbean tradition, where neighbours secretly vie for the best tasting Christmas cake, while the men vie for the best punch-a-crème or under the counter, that they can offer the serenaders as they come by. The smells, the smiles, the church bells, the bus rides and conversations, all make our Christmas a unique tradition. Next up the story of one of our favourite beverages of the season, sorrel. We’ll look at its global impact, origins and customs where it’s the favoured drink. Next up, is We’ll look at the Carriacou parang string festival. Still in Carriacou, we highlight the historical figure of H.A. Blaize, ex-premier and Prime Minister. Our main feature are the master producers of Xpert productions, a duo like no other, focused and accomplished. We will merely touch the surface of their years as creative professionals. Finally, with some lyrics, in this issue, you’ll have some Christmas recipes, after all, one cannot feature a Christmas edition without some. We’ll offer spots to Christmas festivities and the like, as always. As always read, learn, share and try. **Original content is not cited. Please contact us for any use of uncited work. **Kulcha does not claim the rights to any of the produced work- published as educational references.

<a href=”https://www.freepik.com/free-psd/realistic-christmas-banner-background-with-golden-christmas-decoration_82629174.htm#query=Christmas&position=3&from_view=search&track=sph&uuid=f17614db-9b46-4671-95d7-46f8c6ba0e15#position=3&query=Christmas”>Image by BiZkettE1</a> on Freepik

song, “One nation, One people” in 2014. Elo as he is known in the soca world, has always delivered both soca and soca parang. In 2010, he gave us the original “Hold him,” a song dedicated the colloquial slang of a woman’s cooking, which was so fantastic, she captivated a man’s essence, and he can’t seem to leave. That year he also released “Black Wine”, a woman travelled from Canada to enjoy the Christmas and fell in love with our local black wine. “Liquor” was released in 2012, a side staple for some during the Christmas season. “Celebrate” a parang soca released in 2017, is the most definitive song he has delivered to us, an epic ode to our Christmas. The break from song to speech, with typical situations one might find during the serenading session, brings one back to any Christmas of yesteryear.

lwin Mark maybe a new name to some, but he has been a part of our music for more than a decade. His first releases during carnival of 2006, which began with, “We playin’ Mas” more than 13 years ago. “Clear the way” followed thereafter and “Grenada, my home” 10 years ago. Bet you didn’t know he had a soca for carnival 2023, “Ah Doh Care.” He also gave us an independence 10

Celebrate Celebrate, celebrate Allu come x5 (Boy this is the best time ah de year, Christmas time. Lewwe go nuh man, lewwe go nuh man.) The band neighbouring Christmas mornin’ And me and the boys we parangin’ Celebrate, celebrate x2

It’s the birth of Christ the King, The boss who came to die for our sins. Celebrate, celebratex2

Celebrate, celebrate x2 We drinkin’, neighbour is Christmas mornin’ Serenading, neighbour is Christmas mornin’ Carol singin’, neighbour is Christmas mornin’ Love we spreadin’, neighbour is Christmas mornin.

(listen wah we doin’ now?) We drinkin’, neighbour is Christmas mornin’ Serenadin’, neighbour is Christmas mornin’ Carol singin’, neighbour is Christmas mornin’ (Allu come, allu come, Love we spreadin’, neighbour is Christmas Boy this is the best time ah de year mornin’. Christmas time Lewwe go nuh man) (Neighbour come nuh man, come nah, Wha happen you sticking inside dey? Wha yuh hidin’ de cake for? Bring it come, bring it come.) Celebrate, celebrate x2 Sorel and ginger beer, cake and ham and wine we come to share. Celebrate, celebrate x2 We drinkin’, neighbour is Christmas mornin’ Serenadin, neighbour is Christmas mornin’ Carol singin’, neighbour is Christmas mornin’ Love we spreadin’, neighbour is Christmas mornin (Wha happen man, wha happen man, Watch, ah tell you already rum cah dead, is yuh da go dead Man take yuh time, share de ting nuh man) So much fun and lots of joy The smiles on the faces of children with their toys Celebrate, celebrate x2 (Wha happen nuh man, like you take dis ting for a joke or wha Man is not a time to make greedy, it’s a time to share Issa time for family Watch yuh drink too much arready)

experienced parang for the first time, fully endorses the sound asking her dancing partner to not leave. The song he is most known for however, is “Fishcake”.

Fishcake Early Christmas morning, Ah hear Tony quarrelling, Ah want me fishcake, me Christmas fishcake. Ah doh care what people say, Ah want fishcake night and day. Ah want me fishcake, gimme me fishcake, Yvonne, Ah want me fishcake, gimme me fishcake, Ah say give him a slice a ham. Well, that caused more confusion, When he see the parang band That was a mistake, Tony want he fishcake. Girl, ah want me fishcake Yvonne, ah want me fishcake Jessie, ah want me fishcake Ah want me fishcake, llen Gatskin, kown as Allen G, is a Gimme me fishcake, Grenadian instrumentalist, versed Me Christmas fishcake, in steelband and guitar who has Yvonne, ah want me fishcake given us many a song during the Yuletide Me Christmas fishcake, season. The following list encompasses only Ah want me fishcake, some of the tracks he has offered: Fishcake, Christmas without you, Parang Fever People start to gather round, and Who Dey Blow de Bed. Though his music If yuh hear de man get on, has an international feel, the lyrics are quite He say, particular to a Grenadian Christmas. Parang Ah want me fishcake, Fever has a lovely Spanish feel and rhythm Gimme me fishcake, and speaks to a senorita who having Ah want me fishcake,

A 12

Gimme me fishcake, Parang music start to play That is when he break away Ah want me fishcake, Gimme me fishcake, Ah want me fishcake, Gimme me fishcake. Have some cake and ginger beer She say yuh fishcake ent fit here But to me the man en care Doh make me angry Ah want it nice and tasty. Girl ah want me fishcake Yvonne, ah want me fishcake Jessie, ah want me fishcake Ah want me fishcake, Gimme me fishcake.

Ajamu Grenada’s one of our most decorated calypsonians, once quoted as saying without music, he doesn’t know how he would live, a prolific musician/ instrumentalist, capable of playing every musical instrument in a band, knows his way around any sound. No surprise, therefore, that he has given us many a 14

parang/Christmas song. Ajamu, is also a master producer of music, no shock there, you can hear him on our spanking new 50th anniversary song “Up from Here.” To delve into all that encompasses his musical career will require another issue, but in this edition, we’ll highlight some of his contributions for the season. We’ve only included some of his titles in the following- For de Christmas, Take One on that, Maria, Hello Oh Santa, Put Back the Christ, For this Christmas, Monday-ah can’t come, A little Something for Christmas, and Sunday Christmas Morning. We’ve chosen to feature “Hello Santa” unlike many Christmas songs, it’s a reggae song. One of the few we’ve had for Christmas. The song speaks to the children who are without for Christmas, no toys, little joy, no excitement, and little anticipation. Christmas also means giving, we must remember those without this season. His second song, is “Put Back the Christ,” the Christmas story in song, reminding us the reason for the season.

Hello Santa Hello, oh Santa, That’s my letter, my Christmas letter Hello, dear Santa, I don’t know where you are, But the youths in the ghetto They can linger no more So every girl and boy Wants a Christmas toy. Ring-ah-ding Christmas bells ,are ringing. Hear them singing, Hear the little children chanting. Happy days one more time is year Let them have their share. Hello, dear oh Santa, As time keeps moving, the children asking Hello, oh Santa Claus, Will you know what they know? Cause some youths in the ghetto, Christmas gifts they never know, No jingle and no Christmas lights To make their Christmas bright Ring-ah-ding, Christmas bells are ringing Hear the children singing Hear the little children chanting Christmas breeze blowing everywhere Let them have their share. Ohh, Santa Claus, will you please, will please Come to the ghetto now.

We want to know x3 How the reindeer grow? (Speaks for an interval) Ring-ah-ding, Christmas bells are ringing Hear the children singing Hear the little children chanting Christmas breeze blowing everywhere Let them have their share.

Put back the Christ Christmas is a time for sharing and to give love In each and every way, But though it’s lost its meaning Man feels it’s a time to breakaway Some say they fail to remember what happen When we were like that got lost And God sent his only begotten to die for our sins on the cross And because of the kindness and love that you shoe, now man Will live forever more So let us, put back the Christ x3 in Christmas, let us forgive our neighbour let us give love to each other and let us put back the Christ x3 in Christmas, While we drink and be merry 15

We must never fail to remember The holy night when the stars shone so bright To guide the wise men came from afar The angels rejoice and give praises The night when the saviour was born Trumpets was sounded in heaven And king Herod’s nightmares began. So on top all the pleasure We must got to remember It’s the birth of our saviour. So let us, put back the Christ x3 in Christmas, Let us join hands and sing praises Like the angels With loud voice and let’s put back the Christ x3 in Christmas Sing Hosanna in the highest, Hosanna x3 Gentle Jesus is the Christ So let us all sing praises to the father We must never let satan conquer Our own little body and soul Remember the love of the father Is precious than silver and gold So let’s renounce sin Let your heart begin And remember what Christmas means So let us, put back the Christ x3 in Christmas

A Grenadian Gospel Singer with a plethora of work which spans at least 13 years. Ijeal Joseph has always been a staple in the Gospel Music industry. A voice that reaches to the heavens and back. Some of his titles include but at not exclusive to- Cherry Christmas and Ah go enjoy me Christmas. Cherry Christmas is a RnB, toned song. The Rhythm, a little different from our parang, but all a tribute to our Christmas. For all those who are have a difficult time this season, this one will pick you right up.

Cherry Christmas I thought this Christmas would be so filled with pain and hurt But the joy was around the corner Give me a cherry heart I never thought I would feel this way But all my troubles just flew away And this Christmas is going to be just fine

From over lands and seas to right here in my heart I’ve had myself a cherry Christmas this year May my troubles put on wings and fly away I’m gonna free my mind, with peace and joy, I’ll be cherry and fine I’ll have myself a cherry Christmas time. As we celebrate the joys of Christmas time I know the memories of the season are going to be cherry and bright I’ve had myself a cherry Christmas this year May my troubles put on wings and fly away I’m gonna free my mind, with peace and joy, I’ll be cherry and fine I’ll have myself a cherry Christmas time.

I’ve had myself a cherry Christmas this year May my troubles put on wings and fly away I’m gonna free my mind, with peace and joy, I’ll be cherry and fine I’ll have myself a cherry Christmas time. What has caused this Christmas to be so filled with joy and love And the darkest nights are over The brighter lights of the raising star Sometimes it seems so far away But it whispers in my ear 17

PHOTO BY TY MECHAM

Back to Back Black Cake

The origins of our beloved Black cake, seems to be a combination of colonial British delights infused with African flavours during the 16th/17th century. The British Christmas Plum pudding and Christmas cake seem to be the genesis of our Caribbean Black cake. Popular in most English speaking islands, Trinidad, Jamaica, Guyana and St.Vincent and Grenada. “Firstly, some people call it different names such as fruitcake, Christmas, or wedding cake. Then there is the preparation style; for example, my aunt buys fruits the same baking day while my mom’s friend goes heavy on 6-month-old rum-soaked

fruits. It also differs across territories where Trinidadians and Guyanese will use Cherry Brandy, while in Jamaica, we stick to red wine or white rum.” https:// caribbeanheritagemag.com/the-story-ofblack-cake/The notable difference, is that our cake is baptised most times with black wine, cherry wine or ‘good ole’ rum. The recipes offered here, is first is a Grenaidna version found on NPR website and the other a Jamaican version. Occasions for Black Cake- Christmas, Weddings, Anniversaries, Religious Ceremonies, and family reunions.

Jamaican Black Cake

softened butter and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. In a separate bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, bakServings: 12 - 16 people ing soda, and mixed spice. Prep Time: 1 - 3 weeks 4 - Combine Ingredients Active Cooking Time: 1.5 - 3 hours Gradually add the dry ingredients to the butter and sugar mixture, mixing well. Add INGREDIENTS 2 cups mixed dried fruits (raisins, currants, breadcrumbs, browning, and vanilla extract, continuing to mix. prunes, cherries) 5 - Fold in the Fruits & Nuts 1 cup dark rum Fold the soaked dried fruits and nuts (if 1 cup red wine using) into the batter until evenly distribut1 cup unsalted butter, softened ed. 6 - Bake 1 cup brown sugar Pour the batter into the prepared cake pan 4 large eggs and smooth the top. Bake in the preheated 2 cups all-purpose flour oven for about 1.5 to 2 hours or until a 1 teaspoon baking powder toothpick inserted into the center comes 1 teaspoon baking soda out clean. 1 teaspoon mixed spice (cinnamon, nut7 - Cool & Soak meg, allspice) Allow the cake to cool completely in the 1/2 cup breadcrumbs pan. Once cooled, prick the top of the 1/4 cup browning (for color) cake with a skewer and drizzle with addi1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional) tional rum for extra flavor. Let it soak. 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 8 - Serve Slice and serve the Jamaican Black Cake, 1 - Prepare the Fruits savoring the rich and moist layers. Combine the mixed dried fruits with the rum and red wine in a large bowl. Let the https://caribbeanheritagemag.com/the-stofruits soak for at least a week, or ideally, for a few weeks. Shake the container occa- ry-of-black-cake/ sionally to ensure even soaking. 2 - Preheat the Oven Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Grease and line a cake pan with parchment paper. 3 - Make the Batter In a large mixing bowl, cream together the https://www.olivemagazine.com/recipes/baking-and-desserts/black-cake/

Susan James’ Black Cake

Ingredients: ½ pound unsalted butter ½ pound sugar 5-6 large eggs ½ cup strong rum ½ cup cherry brandy ½ cup cherry or plum wine 1 pound raisins ½ pound dried currants ½ pound dried prunes ½ pound dried cherries 4-5 tablespoon of browning” (you can add molasses or buy browning at Caribbean food stores) About 10 ounces of flour 1 teaspoon spice ½ teaspoon vanilla Method: 1. Clean, wash and dry fruits. Mince currants, raisins and prunes. 2. Set aside to soak for a few days or up to a year. [Soak in wine and rum] 3. Cream butter and vanilla. Add sugar gradually and cream until light and fluffy. 4. Add eggs one at a time and continue to beat. Add soaked fruits, browning, and spice. Mix well. Using a little of the flour, flour cherries and add to mixture. 5. Sift the remaining flour and stir into mixture. 6. If mixture is not dark enough, a little more browning may be added. 7. Put into prepared tins and bake in oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Recipe has been adapted from The

Grenada Independence 1974 Homemakers Cookbook. https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2017/12/21/572288401/for-many-caribbeanimmigrants-it-wouldn-t-be-christmas-without-black-cake

Carriacou Parang Festival Originally established in 1977, Bently Thomas, and other elements.” a founding member of the Carriacou parang festival, says that it started as a out-growth Grenadian parang shares the same of a community club from Mt. Royal as a traits with many of our festivities. Social means of continuing the cultural tradition of admonition to those who have had the traditions of the elders. their affairs publicly popularised, due to The festival highlights traditional Chrismas circumstances or sheer callus nature of their carolling and our Melee’ Parang- humourous crimes. This we’ve found, in the Maypole, in stories in song about the past year’s the Jab Spelling and in the Short-knee chants. infamous events. We have many means of keeping people in check in our society. If you name man, look Our Pure Grenada website had this to say out for your name in a parang song, one can about the festival, “A staple of this festival suppose. Some infamous melee singers are is the competition in which parang bands Jericho and Men from the mainland, Hess representing the various villages in Carriacou and the boys, Lay Lay Lay, Darius, Ghetto compete for prizes and bragging rights. The Youths, Camoon Boys from Carraicou. bands first sing traditional Christmas carols https://www.puregrenada.com/product/carriacou-parang-festival/ called a ‘test piece’ then increase the tempo for the ‘Melee’ parang...... Each group is dressed Carriacou parang festival, says in colorful and creative outfits – showcasing that it started as a out-growth of the festive season while using instruments a community club from Mt. Royal such as the bass drum, guitar, violin, Cuatro, as a means of continuing the maracas (shack-shack), mandolin, saxophone cultural tradition of the traditions and tambourine to boost their performance. of the elders. The experience is further enriched with African Big Drum, Quadrille Dancing, Shakespeare Mas 26

Historical Figure Feature

Born in 26th February 1918 in the sister isle of Carriacou, Mr. Blaize attended the GBSS and worked as a civil servant before he too, moved to Aruba in 1945 at the age of 27. Spending a period of 7 years there, he returned to Carriacou in 1952, to make a bid for the Legislature. He founded the GNP (Grenada National Party) in 1953 and it wasn’t until 4 years later, in 1957, he gained a seat on the Legislative Council as Minister of Trade and Production. That was the very beginning of his hold on that seat, which he held on to unchallenged for a long period. A ministerial government was established after some constitutional changes and Mr. Blaize became First Chief Minister in 1960. However, his party lost the 1961 elections to GULP, the constitution was suspended in 1962 and he was reinstated as Chief Minster in the latter part of 1962 until 1967. Mr. Blaize became our Premier, under Associated Statehood, 1967. GNP lost the 1972 elections with only 2 seats in hand as such, Mr. Blaize joined a coalition party with the NJM (New Jewel Movement) in 1976, to form the People’s Alliance, but there too, was unsuccessful. The NJM, took the reins of power in 1979. Mr. Blaize retired to 28

Herbert A. Blaize

Carriacou until after the revolution in 1984. After the revolution, Blaize’s GNP reformed into the NNP and won the elections, 14 seats to 15. The NNP also a coalition between GNP, GDM (Grenada Democratic Movement), and the NDP (National Democratic Party) and he became Prime Minister in 1984. As with the crisis of the GNP, between himself and Wellington Friday, the party, was plagued with internal struggles and economic strife. Unfortunately, Mr. Blaize died in office on 19th December of 1989. Elections were held on December 3rd, 1984 he served as Prime Minister almost 5 years.

https://www.blackpast.org/global-african-history/herbert-blaize-1918-1989/ https://www.britannica.com/biography/Herbert-Augustus-Blaize https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herbert_Blaize

19 18

TIMELINE OF POLITICAL LIFE OF H.A. BLAIZE

Born Carriacou 26 February, 1918

19 aruba GBSS, worked on oil Refinery 45 After

returned 19 Carriacou 52 spent years in Aruba, with Gairy, Bishop

19 Formed 53 GNP

A rival party to GULP of 1950

Minister of 19 Trade & Production 57

A young Blaize doing grassroots campaign

First time winning parlimentary seat

19 First chief 60 minister regained in 1962

premier 19 under associated statehood

Venetia and Herbert Blaize, 1986 (Digital Archive, Toronto Public Library)and his wife

67 19 Prime 84 minister

Post Revolution election, under NNP ticket

passed 19

19th Decemeber, 1989

Ginger Beer 1 pound Fresh Ginger Root peeled and chopped 10 cups Water 1 tbsp Rice rinsed 3 whole Cloves 1/3 cup Fresh Lime Juice 1 cup Granulated White Sugar more or less to taste 1 cup Brown Sugar more or less to taste Rum optional, as desired 2 cups Sparkling Water optional, if not using use 10 cups fresh still water Thoroughly wash the ginger, then scrap off some of the skin and chop into smaller pieces. Add the ginger pieces to a highspeed blender with 2 cups of water and pulse until the ginger has puréed. Next, bring 10 cups of water to a boil (12 cups if not using sparkling/carbonated water). Stir the ginger purée into the boiling water and remove from heat immediately. Add the cloves, rinsed rice and cover. Allow the mixture to cool completely then place in refrigerator to steep for 4 to 6 hours. For best result, steep overnight. Strain the steeped ginger beer using a fine strainer then add the lime juice, rum (if using) and sweeten to taste with the sugar. If using carbonated water, stir in 2 cups. Then chill and serve over ice. Recipe & Image source: https://seasonedskilletblog.com/jamaican-ginger-beer/

Ponche de Creme 6 eggs 3 tins evaporated milk (large low-fat) 1-1/2 tins condensed milk 1/2 c. rum 1 tsp. Angostura bitters grated nutmeg 1. Beat eggs with lime peel until light and fluffy 2. Add evaporated milk 3. Sweeten to taste with condensed milk. 4. Add bitters, grated nutmeg, and rum according to taste. 5. Remove lime peel and served with crushed ice.

Source: Naparima Girls’ High School Diamond Jubilee 1912-1987, Trinidad & Tobago Recipes

The Sick Lion We feature old adages of culture from Aesop Fables. Aesop, according to the Great Dominican author, J.A. Rogers, in his book entitled, “World’s Great men of Colour vol. 1”, describes him as, “flat-nosed….with lips thick and pendulous and a black skin from which he contracted his name Esop being the same with Ethiop).” By all accounts the grand Aesop was not a very attractive individual but had a mind as great as any philosopher, in fact, he can be dubbed the grand-father of philosophy. Here is the first of many to come, with topical reflections on the lessons therein.

A lion, unable from old age and infirmities to provide himself with food by force, resolved to do by artifice. He returned to his den, and lying down there, pretended to be sick taking care that his sickness publicly known.The beasts expressed their sorrow, and came one by one to his den, where the lion devoured them. After many of the beasts had thus disappeared, the fox discovered the trick and presenting himself to the lion, stood on the outside of cave, at a respectful distance ,and asked him how he was . ‘’I am very middling,” replied the lion, but

why do you stand without? Pray enter within to talk with me.” “No, thank you, said the fox. “I notice that there are many prints of feet entering you’re cave, but I see no trace of any returning .”

We, as a society, unlike many other societal groups, we are small, and close knit. We know each other, we’ve grown up with many of those around us, and that closeness prompts us to the “who she/he feel he/she is?” We often forsake the message because who the potential messenger might be. It will treat us well to look around and learn what life is trying to tell us. Look beyond the who, the what, or the when, and focus our attention on the why. Why now, why us? What is life or the Most-High trying to communicate to us. We can look at the lives of those around and take the lesson, take to good and learn from the bad. We must move from the gossiping about others and

look at ourselves and ask, -”What lesson is there in this for us?” The unfortunate happenings in the lives of others, is for them, but one who is wise, looks on and learns from them.

He is wise, who is warned by the misfortunes of others.

Christmas is remembering that- God came, to make us more.

Products of Our Time

A people with no knowledge of self- will destroy the very roots that build them. As we reflect over the year nearing its conclusion, we look back at the events of the year. Some milestones, some highs, some lows. In this issue, we will attempt to place a microscope on the lows so as to arrest them in their tracks. And so, this year, what has stood out to some is how we as a people have become for lack of a better word, complicit or accomplices in our own demise. We will aim to address this in two board themes. The first being our unconscious willingness to ‘let worse continue.’ For many years, we have silently, in hushed corners, whispered about the degradation of our society with no bold attempts to right the wrongs nor halt it in its track. Let’s all admit that we’ve let the fall of our homeland go on while we lived.

“We will aim to address this in two board themes. The first being our unconscious willingness to ‘let worse continue.’ For many years, we have silently, in hushed corners, whispered about the degradation of our society with no bold attempts to right the wrongs nor halt it in its track.” 34

We might attribute this two a further two-pronged nature, the first, that many people, the average citizen was just too busy getting on with life- surviving, making ends meet, to have occupied himself or herself with the larger scheme of the progression of country and society. The other factor being, those who might and were aware of the decaying nature of our ‘Grenadianess’, were too well seated to be bothered to voice their concernsafter all, if you were able to travel off island every quarter, one might not have been able to see it or just couldn’t be bothered,-in this bracket we’ll include the many in the diaspora. The quote, “Evil thrives when good men remain silent,” couldn’t have been more applicable than in our case over the years. So, many of us, decided to leave due to circumstances of the nation, forgetting that it is our birth-right that those to whom we give the reins of power to, had the responsibility to create a society where we each, not with-standing our economic background, was given the opportunity to be formed, such that, they would in turn, could have strived to be better and make better the gift of life. The responsibility of the country laid

with our past leaders. Possibly, we didn’t recognise it was theirs, and instead, off we went to another’s land to thrive and help build. But let us not forget here, the total brainwashed education we had, where anything and everything outside of Grenada was better. Thankfully, to regional and the international raise of consciousness of our people, we are seeing otherwise.

The quote, “Evil thrives when good men remain silent,” couldn’t have been more applicable than in our case over the years. Furthermore, Leaders, who opt to sellout their people for personal largess, proximity to international powers, and selfish legacies, will one day face the backlash of their actions- having to subject themselves to the same voluntary deportation we all thought we had to subject ourselves to, for a ticket to a fulfilling life. Let’s move our attention then, to the many of us who were just too busy to bother. The cost of living in Grenada and all over the world has been rising exponentially, immediately pre and now, post-pandemic and so, for many citizens, whether on-island or off-island, we are

often busy getting life done. The everyday challenges of getting bills paid, raising children, pursuing education, and making time for joy in between, had consumed most of us. Hence, the absent-mindedness of the people to the actions of our leaders. There are several countrymen who are in constant survival mode- ‘hand to mouth’ and the pandemic didn’t help either. Almost a self-induced state of hopelessness overcame our nation. As an outsider looking in, one must wonder if the cost of living in Grenada is ahead of the population’s ability to enjoy the ‘livings’ of the society by way of their salaries and living standards. Thankfully, this present administration, has seen it fit to pursue the minimum wage- we will see if their efforts will help alleviate this burden. One supposes that people were just trying to make ends meet to bother.

There are several countrymen who are in constant survival mode- ‘hand to mouth’ and the pandemic didn’t help either. Almost a self-induced state of hopelessness overcame our nation. That, though, is absolutely no excuse for the behaviour we have seen displayed this year by some of our fellow countrymen. Now, to the meat of the matter, we must 35

arrest these acts of public vandalism. Here we speak frankly to the stolen solar lights erected at Camahogne Park, Grand Anse, the broken bus shed lamps in River Road, some areas in St. George, and the destruction of a traffic signs placed at the newly repaired bridge in St. Andrew. On the sister Isle as well, name signs destroyed. How is this even conceivable? bus shed lights, a common convenience for the public, destroyed? Where are the ones who so distastefully saw this to be an act of heroism? We might have thought that it was over, until, we discovered through social media, that they had stolen the lights at the public park in Grand Anse. Again, evil thrives when good men do nothing. Possibly having lived for years with silent sighs in hushed corners and under-breath whispers have somehow tampered our rebellious, revolutionary nature. Possibly having lived for years with silent sighs in hushed corners and under-breath whispers have somehow tampered our rebellious, revolutionary nature. How have we arrived here, where the destruction of public communal benefits seems to be so rampant? We once were a people who looked out for the other, if someone did something 36

to destroy a common good, their names were dispersed. The occurrences during and after the revolution, may have shocked us into timidity, and our vaiche-vai attitude. How did we get there? Under the Gairy era, we have been told of some oppressive aspects of the society, during the revolution as well, immediately thereafter, and during the last decade or so. Is this the result of a people who have not been taught self-autonomy but who have been placed under a strong fist for years? Is it the result of me and mine and goodbye to yours? Or is it the result of the ‘brain drain’ of years gone by? Is it the result of a failed education system? Many question we won’t be able to answer here, but please, do ponder on the why. When and if we choose not to look at the “who”, but the “what”, of our current situation, we might be more than well poised to raise to the occasion. If we can somehow move away from the faces and look at the causes and the results or benefit to us all, then maybe we can truly do something that we can all look back on years into the future and say yes, I too was part of the rebuilding of Grenada. When and if we choose not to look at the “who”, but the “what”, of our current situation, we might be more than well poised to raise to the occasion.

A Grenadian Christmas is a time of reminding each other that we see each other.

The Expert of Sound-

Xpert Produ

uctions

f you are aware of Caribbean music, soca in particular, you must know the James ‘bond’ brothers of Carriacou, an entire production team and record label. If consistency, discipline, and focus were people, it would this team. A visit to their socials shows nothing but focus and production. These men started paying attention to their craft from an early age, it shouldn’t come to us as a surprise that in 7 years or so, they’ve made their names in the field. John James, the audio engineer, photographer, and videographer of the duo, has been at photography from about 2016. He has travelled and returned home to team up with his brother Jason, founder of Palm Tree vibes as well as, producer and graphic designer of Xpert productions. But the inception was music, he is a musician, DJ and even a carpenter. These brothers are proof, to be successful, we can no longer be mono-skilled-but multi-skilled. The production company born in 2018, has been blazing an illuminating trail ever since. One should note that anyone, who is anyone in the music industry, in Grenada and the region, has collaborated

with this team. The infamous “Gyal Owner” (written by our very own V’ghnfeatured in issue 3), was produced by this duo under their Tight Squeeze rhythm. The other famous voice on the beat is The Real Biggie Irie out of Barbados. And that is only the tip of the iceberg. We’ve seen this team work on productions for many of the big names in Trinidad and Tobago. We have Bunji Garlin, Fay Ann,Voice and Lyrikal, just to name a few. At home, they’ve been a staple in the music of Mr. Gold’n, Slatta, Tallpree, Dash, and Boyzie. In 2019, they collaborated with Wilt Cambridge, Tallpree to produce Vibes in the Valley an album released during the pandemic. If you’ve enjoyed and sang to almost any of King Boyzie’s tracks, then they are the ones beyond his hits year after year, for the most part. When Boyzie, came back with “D’Return”, to capture his Power Soca title in 2019- they did that. Another artist that they’ve grown with, is Mr. Gold’n. He has captured 5 groovy monarch crowns and one Road march song. Aware of the effects of the pandemic on

people’s mental health, they collaborated with Laura Lisa on the uplifting track, Hero, in 2019. This year, 2023, during the carnival season, they’ve given us, Dash-Greater, Bunji Garlin- entering Greenzland, Terror D’Governor- Bag Ah Suga both on the Slam Bang Rhythm, Boyzie- Confidence, and Valene’s- Long Time. One of the highlights of their production is the infusion of live instruments. They both have the gift of playing either the guitars, the African drums and keyboard keys. Along with being instrumentalists, they’ll offer the complete package. They’ll deliver the graphic work on any project, as well as videography and photography services. Their body of works in 7 years, includes more than 50 riddims and many individual tracks. If anyone needs an example of tenacity and keeping your head down while you work, we have living examples from the sister island of Carriacou. We wish the brothers every success in their work as they continue to dish out work worthy of international awards, flying high as a standard of dedication and hard work, this production team is indeed global ready, they’ve already conquered the region.

Xpert’s Discography Highlight

FYI

Image source: GIS facebook page