SHE Caribbean Magazine

The only magazine dedicated to the Caribbean Woman

KINKS & KNOTS S H E C A R IB B E A N

TRENDING HAIRSTYLES FOR WOMEN ON THE GO

V OLU ME 66, 2015

ANYA AYOUNG CHEE

A TRUE TRAILBLAZER, AN IRRESISTIBLE FORCE

THE ONLY MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO THE CARI BBEAN WOMAN

Adoption

Natural Beauty Secrets Get Your Flawless Formula

Finally the viable alternative to starting a family

WWW.SHECARI BBEAN.CO M

BOSS LADIES OF THE CARIBBEAN MAKE IT HAPPEN

GUARANTEED FITNESS TIPS To kick your booty into breathtaking shape!

BACK TO THE 70s EFFORTLESS FASHION, FROM FLORALS TO AFRICAN PRINTS

Escape and visit the Caribbean PUBLISHER & EDITOR IN CHIEF

MAE SABBAGH WAYNE EDITOR Dee Lundy-Charles CREATIVE DIRECTOR Linda Andrew CONTRIBUTING WRITERS • Germaine Waters (St Lucia) • Howard Campbell (Jamaica) • Averil Byer (Barbados) • LoLa Ishac (London) • Novia McDonald-Whyte (Jamaica) • Sonia Brown (Bahamas) • Aidan Cox (Canada) • Nasha Smith (St Lucia) • Romae Gordon (Jamaica) • Sherry Dixon (London) • Kered Clement (Grenada) • Kirsty Waters (London) • Trudy O. Glasgow (St Lucia) • Angie Montoute (St Lucia) • Sudeep Sen (India) FASHION & BEAUTY EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Mae Wayne ASSOCIATE EDITOR: Richard Young HAIR CONSULTANT: Emile Williams PHOTOGRAPHY LAURA FERREIRA (Trinidad) (Cover) David Pascal (St Lucia) • Wade Rhoden (Jamaica) Sean O’Garro (Antigua) • Ludovic Verger (Guadeloupe) PRODUCTION COLOUR MANAGEMENT: Dalan James ADVERTISING & MARKETING MANAGER Vanessa Julien vanessa.j@stluciastar.com SUBSCRIPTIONS & DISTRIBUTION MANAGER Marcia Charles marcia.c@stluciastar.com BARBADOS OFFICE Averil Byer Mobile: 246-266-3641 • Office: 246-421-9035 Magicjack: 786-467-0589 • Skype: averilbyer averilbyer@gmail.com • www.aplomb360.com

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Contents Hair Products pg 46

Issue 66, 2015

STARTING OUT

FEATURES

REGULARS

6 PUBLISHER’S PAGE

12 ICON

56 MOM TO MOM

A Salute to Women and Life

8 LETTERS & CONTRIBUTORS Read the feedback, meet the team.

10 PEPPERPOT Caribbean art, culture and personalities.

FASHION 14 FASHION NOTEBOOK The latest industry news and views.

18 TRENDS: Catwalk to sidewalk.

20 TRENDS: African-inspired fashions.

24 THE CASUAL LIFE Island style from Guadeloupe by Lilydeziles.

Sex Bites pg 54 Fashion Africa pg 20

76 BEYOND THE BEACH Designer fashions shine in Antigua.

HAIR AND BEAUTY

32 ANYA AYOUNG-CHEE Life happens . . . for you, not to you!

58 REAL LIFE

60 EMPOWERMENT Why a Life Coach may be the answer.

62 LAW

86 REPORTAGE

What a single mother needs to know.

Where are our girls? Boko Haram is still holding most of them a year later. 64

BASIC CENTS

PROFILES

Over-extended? Ease your financial headache.

22 MAN CRUSH

92 SUN TEMPLE FOOD

Jamie Peterkin: Heating up more than Recipes for a healthier you. the swimming pool!

66 KAROLIN TROUBEZTKOY SHE shines a spotlight on Jade Mountain’s First Lady.

96 VOICES

Moving is such sweet sorrow.

Beyond the Beach pg 76

70 PETRA ROACH Barbados’ tourism and travel executive talks to SHE.

ENTERTAINMENT

Check out SHE’s favourite products and tips.

72 RITA MARLEY

Tips to keep your tresses looking perfect.

Parenting advice from one who knows.

The joy and pain of Adoption.

44 INSIDE BEAUTY 46 HAIR NEWS

The Marley Matriarch is still holding the reins of the family business.

74 ENTERTAINMENT SHORTS

50 ATTITUDE Grenada’s talented women share their plans for success and their beauty secrets.

Entertainment Shorts pg 74

A poet’s tribute to Derek Walcott.

News from the Caribbean scene.

TRAVEL

HEALTH

88 SANDALS ANTIGUA

40 BODY SHOP

More than just a beach vacation.

News for a healthy lifestyle.

90 ST LUCIA

54 SEX BITES Are you in touch with your inner Bad Girl?

on the cover 4 SHECARIBBEAN.COM

Treat yourself to the Caribbean’s ‘It’ island this year.

Inside Beauty pg 44

MODEL: ANYA AYOUNG-CHEE PHOTOGRAPHER: LAURA FERREIRA MAKE-UP: JAUMARK PIERRE HAIR: TANJA BADUWONG LOCATION: TRINIDAD

Publisher’s Page

A special Salute to Women Everywhere

I

’ve learned so much over the years from this amazing job of putting this magazine together; learned so much from the people I’ve encountered in the process. Above all, I’ve come to appreciate there is indeed a season for everything; even though, for all kinds of reasons— including psychological—we sometimes put blinders over our eyes just so we cannot see what is before us.

Try saying to a teenager that life gets better with age. But I’ve found this to be true. So many things I took for granted when I still thought like a child, memories of which now bring a smile of understanding to my face or tears, sometimes of joy, sometimes . . . It’s true, as someone wrote, that the years have a way of permitting us to see and understand what once was beyond our vision and comprehension.

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1

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4

As a kid I made convenient decisions at the speed of light, with no consideration of possible consequences. What I could not understand, or caused me the slightest discomfort, I put out of my mind to concentrate instead on thoughts more agreeable; more fun. To paraphrase Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music, I thought about my favourite things and then I didn’t feel so bad. Which never meant the discomfiting moments suddenly changed to happy-happy times. Sooner or later the blinders must come off so can see where we are.

Time has taught me to better appreciate life’s vicissitudes—its unavoidable ups and downs. I know, too, that one cannot truly appreciate ice cream without ever having tasted a lemon or two. To expect to be deliriously happy every single day, with never a sad moment, is to live close to insanity. Life’s simply not like that.

My own journey has taken me to different environments. Some of them I called home, if only for a time. If mine has been a somewhat nomadic existence, it nevertheless permitted me wonderful opportunities to form lasting friendships with people from ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds altogether different from my own. In consequence, often unconsciously, I learnt to value people for who they are—not what others might say about them. I also learned to walk in their shoes, not only metaphorically. How could I have known back then that life was preparing me for today; teaching me to love living, with a passion; teaching me to appreciate life with all its ups and downs.

I enjoy nothing better than meeting inspiring women and listening to the fascinating stories they tell of their respective life journeys—which do not always have anything to do with leaving their home turf. I’ve learned so much from these women.

From Trinidad’s Anya Ayoung-Chee I learned that life does not happen to you, life happens for you. It is largely up you to do with your life as you will. Be sure to read about Anya’s personal journey on Page 32.

From Karolin Troubetzkoy, a long-time friend and client with whom I made a connection soon after I settled in Saint Lucia, I learned never to be afraid to confront life, always be open to change, and above all to work passionately and with determination toward your goals, not withstanding potholes along the way. Read her story on Page 66.

From Rita Marley I’ve learned forgiveness is the best revenge; that you really cannot keep a good man—or woman—down. Check Rita out on Page 72.

Recently I spent a weekend with my all-time best friend from our high school days in Lebanon. It broke my heart to see and hear what life has been for her since our carefree school days so long ago. She was the last person I expected to find an imprisoned victim of unspeakable domestic abuse, and I was reminded in the worst way that we’ve only just begun to scratch the surface of what it means to be a woman in this world we often describe as enlightened.

Finally, we must not allow the matter of our abducted Nigerian sisters to be swept under the carpet. Please read our reportage about this tragedy on Page 86.

As I write this letter on Women’s International Day, I give sincere thanks to my BFFs for the times you’ve made me laugh. Thanks for knowing when to hold me and when to just let me be.

I thank you for being YOU!

HAPPY READING

Mae Wayne 1. Lunch with Christa & Therese at Rituals Sushi; 2. Berthia, my partner in Fun; 3. Jade Mountain with Karolin & Dee; 4. My Sailing BFF, Rosie; 5. Romae always makes Jamaica feel like home.

6 SHECARIBBEAN.COM

5

Publisher

mae.w@stluciastar.com

Contributors

Letters WHAT YOU THINK

We’re listening and here’s how you responded to Vol 65 . . .

We also received lots of mail about our RICHARD YOUNG story.

Richard has helped me so much with my modeling and as a coach. He is such a nice and kind person, he works so hard and is so creative. Loved the story. Christine, Saint Lucia Fashion in the islands wouldn’t be anywhere without Richard Young’s dedication and hard work. It is true he is a Fashion Evangelist. Alana, Antigua

Sadly we can’t publish the many letters about our ALISON HINDS story that seems to have been one of our most popular covers to date.

Thank you for featuring Alison Hinds on the cover with her beautiful daughter. I have been her fan for so long it was really nice to get to know Alison as a mother! Sharma, Barbados I couldn’t wait to download the app with Alison on the cover. I have every song she has produced, carnival wouldn’t be the same without her and now to see her with her daughter Saharan, who is so talented, it was such a treat.

Keep up the good work. Diamond, London As a Caribbean woman, I have watched Alison from early days and it was nice to read how she remains so grounded and she seems to be a great mother and wife. Congrats Alison from your #1 fan! Anita, Trinidad

FASHION

Kirsty Waters Kirsty is currently studying for a BA in Fashion Communication: Fashion History and Theory at Central Saint Martins in London. This allows her to study in detail western fashion from the Renaissance period to the present day and to look behind the curation of many exhibitions at the main museums in London.

ATTITUDE

Kered Clement Kered is a patriotic British-Grenadian, magazine fanatic, coconut water addict who’s passionate about female empowerment. She is the Founder of ComplexdWoman—an online magazine celebrating women of all shades, shapes and sizes, and is happiest interviewing inspiring subjects and directing photoshoots.

MANCRUSH

Nasha Smith SHE is really a great magazine.

Beautifully produced, great fashions with such good material to read. I keep all my magazines and keep reading them over and over.

Emma, Grenada Thanks for covering serious stories in SHE. The growing number of suicides in the Caribbean must be discussed.

I salute Julie Charles for sharing her personal story and making us aware that suicide is something we must discuss if we are to save our young and helpless youth.

Megan, Saint Lucia

Nasha is passionate about sports and fitness, and the only female sports journalist in St. Lucia. Editor of two weekly magazines, she works out almost daily, loves cheese but is lactose intolerant, and admits to being a secret reality TV addict. Her research into all things sex is preparation for meeting the right man!

SPOTLIGHT [PETRA ROACH]

Averil Byer Averil Byer is the founder and CEO of Aplomb360 specialising in reputation and brand management. She is a well-known tourism industry veteran of over 27 years, with solid experience in strategic marketing, public relations and tourism development. Her wideranging skills and knowledge are complemented by a rooted and extensive background in the areas of broadcast media and advertising.

REPORTAGE

Aidan Cox

Send letters with your name, address and daytime phone number to: PO Box 1146, Castries, St Lucia, West Indies, Fax: 758-450-8694 Email: letters@shecaribbean.com. Letters may be edited for clarity and space.

Check out our website www.shecaribbean.com

8 SHECARIBBEAN.COM

Aidan is a born and bred St. Lucian who is currently completing a bachelor’s degree in journalism at Ryerson University. His main interests in the field revolve around Western foreign policy and issues in globalisation. He hopes to have a future career as a political analyst.

Pepperpot BAHAMAS NOW OFFICIAL HOME OF THE SWIMMING PIGS

BEACH BAUBLES Inspired by notions of beauty, spirituality and her environment, Yvette Jones’ design aesthetic is a reflection of her background in fine arts. She combines vibrant coloured stones with the infinite potential of line, colour, form and pattern, creating versatile and dynamic jewelry that remains relevant beyond contemporary trends. Chic Designs reflect Yvette’s belief in the transcendental power of stones and their spiritual ability to connect individuals across cultures. Sparkling swarovski, preciosa crystals, rhinestones, and colored gemstones make-up her unique collection of necklaces, bracelets and earrings, encouraging personal style and fashion-forward statements that foster elegance, vibrancy and versatility. Chic Designs are available in stores in New Jersey and New York and can be ordered online and Yvette can be contacted at: info@yvette-jones.com or yvettejonesdesigns@hotmail.com.

The Bahamas is now the ‘Official Home of the Swimming Pigs.’ Visitors to the islands are happily embracing the unique and special experience of swimming with the pigs on an uninhabited Island, which is home to these special creatures.

The adorable family of pigs reside on Big Major Cay, located in The Exumas, a family of 360 islands, or cays, in The Bahamas. They have become incredibly popular with Bahamians and visitors alike. The pigs, though feral, are exceptionally friendly, running from under the shade of almond trees to greet tourists that bring them treats.

The pigs live freely on the sandy beaches and after basking in the sun for hours, swim in the surf. They are truly a sight to behold and have become so popular that they’ve inspired a children’s book, “The Secret of Pig’s Island,” by author Jennifer R. Nolan and a children’s song by children’s author Sandra Boynton, as well as having the uninhabited island affectionately called ‘Pig Beach.’

It is unknown how this pack of pigs originally came to live on Big Major Cay as they aren’t native and the island itself is uninhabited.

Popular lore suggests that the pigs were dropped off by a group of sailors who wanted to come back and cook them, or that there was a nearby shipwreck and the pigs swam to safety. However it was that they came to be, there are approximately 20 pigs or piglets now who are able to easily survive in part as Big Major Cay is blessed with three freshwater springs for them to drink from as well as the generosity of Bahamians and tourists feeding them.

GOOD Musical Youth READ by Joanne C. Hillhouse

[Caribbean Reads Publishing]

Zahara is a lonely teenager trying to navigate her way through life after her mother dies in a car accident. She feels like a bother to her icy Granny Linda, who keeps all of her feelings bottled up inside. Instead of moping around, Zahara finds solace in music. No one talks about Zahara’s absentee father or her mother so she is left with that sinking feeling that emotions should be buried deep inside.

But Zahara’s life takes an exciting turn when a boy called Shaka enters the picture.

Together, Shaka and Zahara form a special bond bridged by music in Joanne C. Hillhouse’s Young Adult (YA) novel ‘Musical Youth.’

Winner of the second prize in the inaugural Burt Award for Young Adult Caribbean Literature, Musical Youth succeeds in capturing teenage angst in a compelling and credible way. Although the novel is set on the Caribbean island of Antigua, the themes of alienation, colour consciousness, loneliness and communication transcend Caribbean culture and appeal to any teenager who deals with the challenges of being between childhood and adulthood. It is a sensual novel that is age-appropriate.

All-in-all Musical Youth is an entertaining read that reminds teenagers that they will survive their troubles. The writing is vivid; the characters are credible; the idea of using music as a thread to tie the From Guardian Media characters together is brilliant.

10 SHECARIBBEAN.COM

WHAT’S HOT IN T

Maya Angelou in the film Calypso Heat Wave (1957)

CaribbeaHnE !

APRIL 2015 APR 7TH World Health Day APR 18 - 26 Tobago Jazz Festival APR 22 International Earth Day APR 30

Queen’s Birthday Dutch Caribbean APR 30 - MAY 11 Saint Lucia Jazz and Arts Festival MAY 2015 MAY 15 International Day of Families MAY 20 Cuba Independence Day MAY 21 World Day for Cultural Diversity MAY 23 National Labour Day, Jamaica

RAY FUNK brings Calypso Craze to ttff For the third year in a row, the trinidad and tobago film festival (ttff) featured a presentation of never-before-seen footage of vintage calypso, pan and mas by Alaska-based retired judge and Carnival researcher, Ray Funk.

Entitled Ray Funk Presents: Calypso Craze, ttff also saw the T&T launch of Calypso Craze: 1956-57 and Beyond. The box-set containing a 176-page hardcover book, a DVD and six CDs compiled by Funk

and Michael Eldridge for Bear Family Records in Germany project was ten years in the making, and provides a comprehensive survey of the “calypso craze” that swept America in 1957, in part fuelled by the million-selling album Calypso by Harry Belafonte. The intensity of the craze caused the American entertainment industry to forecast that calypso would kill rock and roll. Since being released internationally, Calypso Craze has drawn glowing reviews.

WOMEN ON THE CROSSROADS Launches Worldwide Mentoring Programme Women on the Crossroads was formed by former SHE Caribbean Editor, Sherry Ann Dixon

MAY 25 Guyana Independence Day Whitsun Bank Holiday JUNE 2015 JUN 5 Labour Day, Bahamas World Environment Day JUN 8 World Oceans Day JUN 19 World Sickle Cell Awareness Day JUN 25 - 27 St Kitts Music Festival

Held in Bloomsbury, London and

high profile women whose professions

hosted by Saint Lucian TV broadcaster

range from surgeons and doctors to

and producer, Leah Charles, the

university lecturers, MPs, authors,

theme for the WOTC organisation’s

producers and life coaches” says Dixon.

third anniversary dinner was

“From my work in mentoring I meet

‘Awesome You’ and the March event

many who have come from domestic

highlighted the invisible woman in

violence situations which have made

the community. A champagne

them lose confidence in their pursuit of

reception and African/Caribbean

rising to the top. Every woman can

dinner was followed by a fashion

move forward if she can see others

show featuring top class designers,

who have succeeded despite their own

and there were motivational speeches

personal obstacles.”

from industry inspirers.

Women on the Crossroads was

On the evening, WOTC also launched a worldwide mentoring

formed by former SHE Caribbean

programme through which women will

Editor, journalist and motivational

be able to access mentors in all

speaker, Sherry Ann Dixon, to inspire,

industries. Women on the Crossroads

encourage and motivate women of all

also honoured Irene Sinclair from

ages. It’s an online resource helping

Guyana, who is now 106 years

women to connect, network and

old. Irene became a model for the

communicate their needs effectively.

Dove Worldwide Campaign at t

“I want to recognise women who

he age of 96.

often remain invisible despite the fact

Says Sherry Ann Dixon; “Our point is

that many of them have touched the

that you can do whatever you want to

glass ceiling in many high profile

do despite your age!”

organisations. Many women are CEOs of major companies, yet many in their community do not know of these

For more information go to www.womenonthecrossroads.com

SHECARIBBEAN.COM 11

Icons

1.

Part of the bannister-railing is absent in spite of its strong metal-rivet moorings.

Termite-eaten, consumed by the sea, I can see its woody skeleton float faraway among the surf, its salt-scarred coat tossing and struggling to keep afloat against the waves’ incessant lashing.

There is music in its disappearance — a buoyant symphony, note-strokes resurrecting life, Walcott in St. Lucia, in 1995, three years after he won the Nobel Prize in Literature.

Sudeep Sen DRIFTWOOD for Derek Walcott on his 85th birthday

a new story — history restored by resilient fingers of a master artist.

Wheelchair and weak legs are inconsequential impediments — his mind sparking with electric edge, whiplash wit at its most acerbic.

There is generosity for family, friends — those who are gone, and remain — and thirty new poems, an intricate magic of ekphrastic love.

2.

In the front garden facing the same sea with Pigeon Island on the horizon’s left, lies a cluster of wind-eroded oval rocks — their shapes mimic a lost egret’s nest or a ballerina’s curved arch — a stone-memorial for a close friend.

3.

The driftwood is now out of sight — part of his house donated to the sea — in gratitude the sea sings a raucous song, folded cumulonimbus echo in synchronicity — a soundscape

Derek Walcott Born: 23 January 1930 in Castries, Saint Lucia

absorbing his commandment: At the end of this sentence, rain will begin.

SUDEEP SEN [www.sudeepsen.net] is widely recognised as a major new generation voice in world literature and ‘one of the finest younger English-language poets in the international literary scene’ (BBC Radio), ‘fascinated not just by language but the possibilities of language’ (Scotland on Sunday). He received a Pleiades Honour (at the Struga Poetry Festival, Macedonia) for having made “a significant contribution to contemporary world poetry.” Sen’s poems, translated into twenty-five languages, have featured in major international anthologies; and his words have appeared in the Times Literary Supplement, Newsweek, The Guardian, Observer, Independent, Telegraph, Herald, Harvard Review, Times of India and India Today amongst others. As a photographer and graphic artist, his work is part of many professional print portfolios, magazine and newspaper pieces, book jacket covers, private and public collections and he has also published two books of photography, Prayer Flag and Postcards from Bangladesh. Sen was the first Asian to be honoured with an invitation to participate at the Nobel Laureate Week in Saint Lucia in 2013, where he delivered the Derek Walcott Lecture and read his own poetry. A special commemorative limited edition, Fractals: New & Selected Poems|Translations 1978-2013, was released by the Nobel laureate Derek Walcott himself. The same year, the Government of India Ministry of Culture’s awarded SudeepSen the senior fellowship for “outstanding persons in the field of literature/culture.”

12 SHECARIBBEAN.COM

FashionNotebook

CMS INTRODUCES A NEW REALITY TV SERIES IN 2015 The Search for the Pulse Million Dollar Girl As Pulse prepares to develop new stars for international modelling, twenty two of the top girls from the 2014 CMS Live show will participate in the Reality TV series—Million Dollar Girl edition. The series will feature the young prospects competing in challenges and activities related to the business of fashion. The contestants will face several tests and will be tasked to produce great photographs, TV commercials and ad campaigns. The initial episodes will introduce the contestants, and viewers will get a glance into the personality and background of the girls.

The life of one of these fortunate young women will be transformed when she wins the 2014 Caribbean Model Search Reality TV title.

THE WINNER WILL RECEIVE: Cash and prizes amounting to $1m.

A modelling contract with Pulse.

A trip to New York to meet with model agencies with a view to starting an international modelling career.

A guaranteed appearance at Caribbean Fashion Week.

An editorial in SHE Caribbean.

Eye wear chall enge

Pulse’s Caribbean Model Search is the largest, most successful and far reaching model event in the region. It is both a live event and a television show. The Search is staged against the background of the amazing success the agency has had in producing global supermodels from the Caribbean. A remarkable life changing tool for young persons, the event also extends to the Caribbean Diaspora in the UK, North America and Canada, where contestants representing those countries regularly participate in the finals. Vogue cover and editorial stars Jeneil Williams, Sedene Blake and Jaunel Mc Kenzie, Sports Illustrated star Carla Campbell, Arena cover girl Nell Robinson and Ralph Lauren campaign star Oraine Barrett have all been discovered through the Search. As winners and runners up in the live event, they have also participated in the television show. The stars of Caribbean Model Search have driven the ascendency of black supermodels international industry. This occurred with Jaunel McKenzie and Nadine Willis in 2002-2003 and again with Jeneil Williams and Sedene Blake in 2010-12.

Both Willis and McKenzie reached the top 25 models in the world and McKenzie was the world’s #1 black model for three consecutive years.

Swimsuit Challenge

Alicia Burke, during stunt bike challenge

The top Six finalists , winner will be announced in MAY on the reality TV show

14 SHECARIBBEAN.COM

All CMS photos by photographer: Wade Rhoden

Pulse’s Caribbean Model Search

ON A MISSION With mere hours to go, Kurt Campbell, Mission Catwalk Season Four winner, is understandably nervous. The models are in place, the fittings have commenced and a few alterations are required.

Mission Catwalk Executive Producer, Keneea Linton-George, is busy organising press kits and goodie bags. Final fittings and hair and make-up complete, it’s now or never. Camparino Galleria, here we come! The models love the clothes!

It’s hard really not to fall in love with the luxe, voluminous skirts and dresses that hark back to an era of fabulous living — Campbell smiles.

With a swish of organza and the closure of zips and buttons . . .

Campbell sends them on their way, through the crowd, both inside and outside Camparino.

The crowd triples in size within minutes. Kurt Campbell exhales.

Mission Milan is a Success! NMW

There was huge support for Mission Catwalk Season Four winner, Jamaican designer Kurt Campbell.

Above: (L-R) Models Ella Bortoli, Beatrice Bernardin, Chiara Babini, Anna Szerafin, Anna Chelleri are briefed by Mission Catwalk Season Four winner Kurt Campbell.

Missing from the photo is Elisabeth Reichsigl.

Right: Ella Bortoli, Anna Szerafin, Beatrice Bernardin, Chiara Babini, Anna Chelleri and Elisabeth Reichsigl.

(Photographer Geovanni Hinds for Vannihinds Photos)

CFW 2015 TOTAL FASHION! Kingston, Jamaica will come alive this June 6-15 as the city is completely immersed in fashion. Not only will the work of the region’s best designers be on show, but everything from the foods we eat, the holistic care of mind and body, what we wear, how we live and how we rock our style, will be reflected in this year’s CFW, as the event focuses on Total Fashion.This expanded approach will be reflected in new partnerships with Jamaica’s best restaurants, bars, gyms, spas and all lifestyle-related entities, in what is expected to be a spectacular staging of the 15th anniversary of CFW. The Total Fashion celebration will culminate in brilliant collections and a major concert performance from Billy Ocean and other music superstars. At CFW, fashion is more than clothing, it’s a lifestyle, and you’re invited to

be a part of this incredible experience.

Participate and celebrate! Audi will host the Pulse 35th Anniversary / CFW Black Tie Gala at the state of the art Audi Terminal on Oxford Road in Kingston. The Gala will appeal to the top tier of Caribbean and international fashionistas and will be by invitation only. The event will recognise Pulse’s 35 years of pioneering and innovation. It will also be a celebration of the company’s spearheading the marketing and sale of Caribbean fashion and entertainment products to the world.

Scheduled to be held on Thursday, June 11, the Gala will be the social highlight of CFW 2015, as well as Pulse’s 35th Anniversary celebrations, and will precede three nights of great collections at the 15th staging of Caribbean Fashion Week.

SHECARIBBEAN.COM 15

TAMI WILLIAMS RULES AT PARIS FASHION WEEK According to Style.com, the latest Jamaican model phenom is winning over designers from Christophe Lemaire to Olivier Rousteing.

“Even amid a sea of models, Tami Williams stands out,” wrote Janelle Okwodu at the beginning of March. “Since debuting at Alexander Wang’s Fall 2014 show, the Jamaican beauty has become a popular presence on the runway, walking for everyone from Marc Jacobs to Balmain.”

Marissa Webb

From the Spring/Summer Runway Shows

Sexy Shirtdresses: Forget the mumsy styles of old, for this year’s runway shows, designers reimagined the classic with drop waists, double high slits and more.

Who Impressed?

Dianne Von Furstenburg, Charlotte Ronson, Rebecca Minkoff 16 SHECARIBBEAN.COM

Michael Kors

Dianne Von Furstenburg

Christian Dior

Proenza Shouler

E STYL R E I DOSS 5 201

At nearly 6-feet tall with poise that makes her look right at home in even the most ornate designer creations, Williams seems born for modeling, a fact she embraces.

“Modeling was my dream from a very young age,” says Williams.

Discovered at the tender age of twelve by Saint International’s Dewight Peters, Tami has been preparing for runway dominance nearly her entire life. She cites Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, and Tyra Banks as favourite models, crediting them with inspiring her to enter Fashion Face of the Caribbean in 2012 where she placed second. The opportunity led to her signing with Elite New York.

Since then, Williams has racked up contacts with some of fashion’s biggest names, working with people like Grace Coddington, Camilla Nickerson, Steven Klein, Nian Fish, Edward Enninful, Peter Lindbergh and Karl Templer, among others.”

As she navigates the heights of high fashion, at heart she’s still a girl from Black River. Never mind the caviar lifestyle, Tami admits she misses Jamaican food like stewed peas and curried chicken.

“While in Paris, my mother agent cooked curried and stewed chicken for me.

I loved that.”

Cute Culottes:

Head-to-Toe White:

Military Maven:

From amber and canary to saffron and marigold, trust that there’s a shade of yellow for everyone.

The trick is figuring out your skin’s undertone, then finding the hue that best complements it.

Officially the must-have pant for 2015, even if it only seems like yesterday since they were last here. Take the silhouette to work this season by pairing it with blazers, tailored button-downs, and high heels.

At this point, it isn’t about when you can wear all-white; it’s about how you wear it. New styling tricks include mixing textures, layering multiple pieces, and teaming various shades. Of course, in the Caribbean we’re awesome at this, so keep on rocking your white hot looks for every occasion.

Hit the army-surplus store now because you’re going to want all the necessary regalia come spring. Many designers took the literal route when it came to their creations, but you’re better off choosing streamlined military-style pieces.

Who Impressed?

Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Rosie Assoulin

Who Impressed?

J. Crew, Fendi, Proenza Shouler

Who Impressed?

Christian Dior, Phillip Plein, Adam Selman

Who Impressed?

Marissa Webb, L.A.M.B., Marc Jacobs

The Colour Yellow:

Trends

BY KIRSTY WATERS

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t would be quite difficult to see any of the street styles seen currently on the blustery, wintery streets of London to be translated to the opposite (yet much more favourable) climate in the Caribbean.

However, with recent Spring/Summer 2015 couture collections seen on the catwalks of Paris, to the Spring Ready-to-Wear 2015 and Resort collections, there are definitely trends that can be adopted and adapted to suit our effervescent street style here in the Caribbean.

Like most, if not all, street styles, they originate from something displayed on the couture or ready-to-wear shows which is then tailored for the more casual and wearable environment. From recent runways, there are bound to be some trends that find their way onto our island streets.

The Spring/Summer 2015 shows have revealed the ultimate throwback— the return of the Seventies. Many collections, like House of Holland and Emilio Pucci, reflect this free-spirited, retro style, which is translated into billowing boho dresses, floral prints that clash in every way possible, yet are strikingly effortless in their combination.

And let’s not forget that—some say unfortunate—symbol of the 70s, the flared trouser leg. We’ve also seen gorgeous embroidered lace, exceptional beading and the recently perennial gladiator sandal.

Bold prints are seen all over, from graphic bags to boho tops, right down to accessories—definitely one trend expected to influence our Caribbean streets this summer. Perhaps most notable for its vibrant floral patterns would be Valentino’s Spring 2015 Ready-to-Wear. Within this collection there are also delicate, crisp white linen dresses with cutout detailing that is also ideal for tropical climes.

Another style that is effortlessly adapted into our Caribbean street style is the off-shoulder dress—not only cooling, but flattering with hints of sex appeal.

These seventies-inspired styles from European designers emanate vibrancy and encapsulate a relaxed, laid-back feel in their movement, which is so right for the streets of the Caribbean.

Elements are bound to be adopted here in the Caribbean, but with our own, (pardon the pun) ‘flare’ of course!

1. Emilio Pucci, 2. Joris 3. Valentino, 4. Dolce & Gabbana, 5. House of Holland, 6. Valentino, 7. Pucci, The Cloth, 8. Pucci, 9. House of Holland, 10. Honorine

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Te l : 8 6 8 6 2 7 6 9 7 5 info@meilinginc.com

CLAUDIA PEGUS COUTURE 2 O’Connor Street • Woodbrook • Trinidad • Phone 1-868-624-2868 • Email claudia@claudiapegus.com • www.claudiapegus.com

w w w. m e i l i n g i n c . c o m

Trends

BY SHERRY DIXON

From London to New York to Paris Fashion Week, Afrocentric fashion is certainly booming and its web presence is ever-expanding with numerous websites, blogs and online magazines dedicating pages to African-influenced style.

PHOTOS BY NICK GREGAN, NICKGREGANPHOTOGRAPHY.CO.UK

FASHION AFRICA

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t’s overwhelming to see so many pages showcasing Western designer brands, giving time and effort to make their collections stand out with an explosion of colour, bold prints and tribal jewellery as recently seen at London, New York and Paris Fashion Week in preparation for Spring/Summer 2015. African fashion is seriously representing a field that is fast progressing as a new generation of African and diaspora designers have gained attention in recent years with celebrities like Beyonce, Solange Knowles, Alicia Keyes, Rihanna and Michelle Obama having been photographed embracing African attire.

Wari Lace of African Cultural Event says: “The African economy has been growing steadily with the industry undergoing significant development in recent years.

After decades of well known designers dominating the fashion scene and using African-inspired themes to get noticed, we can now celebrate what African women have always embraced, showing off their

tribal garments at mainstream events. Now designers have begun to put their mark on the fashion world, building their empire by gaining a bigger following and stronger web presence.

“No longer are the words ‘fashion designer’ taboo to young Africans, who in earlier days were more encouraged to be doctors, lawyers and teachers. More and more emerging talents from Africa are gaining momentum and new and diverse trends are being created in the fashion and showbiz worlds.”

As well as the more established designers, there is new talent clambering up the ranks at breakneck speed. Fashionistas young and old are lining up for inspiration, and the latest design influences will be seen through the next season. Keep a close eye out and embrace the new yet old-ness of Africa at its best.

So let us all celebrate the awesomeness of Africa and await the new styles which will soon be hitting the shops!

African fashion is colourful and passionate; it fuses traditional elements with a modern vision.

Designers showcased at London Africa Cultural Event included: Liz Ogumbo, Erwin Michael, Wari Lace, Georgie Myrak, Wusuwaah’s Diary, Michelle Kasijjua and Africooo.

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Keep taking the path least walked. Not too many people stand for something anymore.

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BY NASHA SMITH

Photos by David Pascal

ManCrush

JAMIE PETERKIN STEAMING UP MORE THAN THE SWIMMING POOL

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f there was ever any doubt about the mancrushworthiness of our pick, decorated Saint Lucian swimmer, Jamie Allan Peterkin, allow me to present to you exhibit A: A close friend of mine who passes off her weekly salivation at her daughter’s swim class as an act of involved and dedicated parenting.

Sure. I would be inclined to believe her if our conversations ever included reports on said daughter’s progress, instead of blow-by-blow accounts of Peterkin’s interaction with mum, complete with telltale blushing and giggling outbursts. Still, if that’s not enough for you, consider the reaction of a participant in a weekly cross fit class he attends.

“He walked in and high-fived everyone. Then he took his shirt off and f*cked the workout. His body was glowing. By the time he was done it was obvious even my trainer was man-crushing. Dude just . . . sweating sexiness. Quite distracting.”

Now are you convinced?

The 33-year-old has long been a welcome distraction for those who have followed his lengthy and accomplished career, first as an Olympic swimmer at the 2000 Sydney Games and now as a coach at the Rodney Heights Aquatic Centre in Saint Lucia.

Peterkin holds several certifications as well as a degree in Marketing from the University of Tampa, where he was a competitive swimmer. Despite the accolades, he remains refreshingly laid back and charming, as popular with his students as with their secretly adoring parental units.

So for all you mancrushers out there, we gathered some of the essential deets on Peterkin and learnt a few interesting tidbits. Did I tell you he hates wearing clothes? Read on . . .

SHE: What do you look for in a woman?

JP: Intellectual, spiritual, adventurous, takes care of herself, goal-oriented, believes in herself and her dreams.

SHE: What is your definition of sexy?

JP: Adriana Lima SHE: How would your friends describe you in three words?

JP: Jay - Mee - Pee ... Lively, Intense, Caring.

SHE: Describe your ideal date.

JP: Going to a concert and freein’ up.

SHE: What’s the most embarrassing thing you have ever done?

JP: Pretending to strip at a charity event a couple years ago, all in the name of raising funds for a good cause . . . It was an absolute disaster and I will never do it again.

SHE: If you could date a celebrity who would it be?

JP: Zoe Saldana SHE: What is the wildest thing you have ever done?

JP: Jumped off a rock 90 feet above murky water at a limestone quarry in Indiana . . . that should actually read the dumbest thing I’ve ever done.

SHE: What would people be surprised to learn about you?

JP: As much as I hate wearing clothes, I actually love wearing fitted dapper suits.

SHE: Where are we most likely to find you on a Friday night?

JP: I dunno, I just go with the flow on the weekend.

SHE: Most memorable moment?

JP: Experiencing the Olympics as an athlete in Sydney, Australia.

SHE: What is your worst habit?

JP: Chronic Procrastination.

SHE: Ultimate life goal?

JP: Keep taking the path least walked. Not too many people stand for something anymore.

SHECARIBBEAN.COM 23

Fashion

the CASUAL life There is no resisting the simplicity of island life, the ease and freedom of everyday living. White cottons, prints, colours or polka dots, it’s about our Caribbean vibe and embracing our leisurely lifestyle.

Photographed By LDPICS, LUDOVIC VERGER BAIE, MAHAULT, GUADELOUPE Fashion By LILYDEZILES, GUADELOUPE

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THIS PAGE: White gabardine pants, viscose bibi top OPPOSITE PAGE: Cotton voile tunic, entre deux trimmings

SHECARIBBEAN.COM 25

THIS PAGE: Wrap dresses, printed silk, beige cotton poplin, faux leather neckline detailing OPPOSITE PAGE: Printed chiffon cover up, bias cord details

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SHECARIBBEAN.COM 27

Printed silk bias cut dress

Models Sarah & Brigitte @

Caribbean Casting Agency Guadeloupe

Location Guadeloupe

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Coverstory

“LIFE IS AN EBB AND FLOW OF SELF AWARENESS. YOU DON’T STAY IN ONE PLACE. YOU HAVING TO KEEP MOVING.” 32 SHECARIBBEAN.COM

LIFE HAPPENS...

FOR YOU, NOT TO YOU! O

BOLD, EDUCATED, CULTURED, ARTICULATE, HONEST, OPEN, INTELLIGENT, BEAUTIFUL, SUPER-TALENTED. THAT’S ANYA AYOUNG-CHEE. THE WINNER OF PROJECT RUNWAY SEASON 9 IS NO OVERNIGHT SENSATION! BY MAE SABBAGH WAYNE

ver the years, I’ve been privileged to have had the opportunity to observe her metamorphosis from simply gorgeous to universallyadmired woman of many talents. Peter Elias, a mutual friend, had introduced us while I was in Trinidad on an assignment for SHE Caribbean. Already she had been chosen to represent her country in the Miss Universe pageant. The venue was Vietnam; the year 2008.

Anya Ayoung-Chee was not your typical Miss Universe contender. The average aspirant is around five-ten, five-eleven tall; this beauty from the Land of the Hummingbird stands at just about 5’6”. But the experienced Elias was confident she would more than make up for the height Anya difference with her representing “obvious class and Trinidad and pedigree.”

Tobago at the In Peter’s 2008 Miss understandably Universe bedazzled eyes, Anya Competition was a star waiting to held in be discovered. By her Nha Trang, Vietnam. own account, she agreed to be Trinidad’s Miss Universe candidate mainly because she has always been extremely patriotic.

“I love Trinidad,” she told me recently, her eyes reflecting the undeniable patriotism in her soul. “I felt so honoured to have been asked. How could I say no?”

She pauses, as if revisiting the moment, then chuckles: “I have to admit that I didn’t enjoy the preparations. I couldn’t help thinking it was all—well—a little silly!”

Knowing Peter Elias as I do, I had no

trouble imagining him in his role as Anya’s coach—and her predictable reactions: “What do you mean I can’t walk? How do you think I move around?”

The pageant itself was not without its disappointments, she recalled, but nothing she experienced in Vietnam could eclipse the overwhelming pride she felt wearing her Trinidad & Tobago sash. She failed to make the top ten finalists but what bothered her more was “being objectified in that way.”

She returned home, fully aware what occupied the minds of her fellow Trinidadians was not her onstage performance. An almost forgotten sex tape featuring Anya had somehow surfaced, and now more fame than she’d ever dreamed of awaited her at home— for the worst reasons imaginable.

“The release of that tape caused a lot of pain and shame,” she recalled, bowed head in her hands. “Especially to my parents.”

Nevertheless Anya was, quite characteristically, up front about the scandal du jour. Looking back, she says she was devastated when the tape first surfaced and for a long time afterward, not so much because of her contribution to it as for the possible impact on those who might have seen it.

“There are so many different layers to us as human beings,” she mused, “so many aspects. That anyone should be cruelly labeled for one mistake is so wrong, so unfair. No person is one-dimensional but people tend to forget that.”

The wonderful news, by her own account, SHECARIBBEAN.COM 33

Photos Top to Bottom: Anya alongside her fellow mentors, Mondo Guerra and Nick Verreos, on set of Project Runway “Under The Gunn,” shot on location at the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising, Los Angeles.

Sourcing fabrics at her go-to fabric store in downtown Port-of-Spain.

Between shoot and interview, taking a drive in her Mazda 6.

(Photographs by Marlon James.)

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is that Anya has come to terms with that altogether sad chapter of her life.

“The things that happen to a person don’t actually happen to that person,” she said.

“They happen for him or her. The point is to accept every experience as a learning opportunity and never see yourself as a victim. You are always in a position to learn from life’s ups and downs. And that’s a powerful place to be!”

So it will come as no surprise to those who know anything about the real Anya that she has moved on. Her participation in the Miss Universe contest was not altogether without positive aspects. As much as she had been discomfited by the objectification of women at the heart of the contest, it had nevertheless given her the opportunity to design her own wardrobe. In the process she had discovered her true love.

In the aftermath of all the negative publicity, the undeserved assaults on her dignity and her consequently shattered self-esteem, Anya gave her all to designing. A Parsons graduate with a BFA in Communications and Design, her transition to fashion designer couldn’t have been more natural. In 2009 she launched her first line, PILAR at Tobago Fashion Week—named after her brother who was tragically killed in a car accident in 2007. Recalling the tragedy, she says: “The sudden loss of my brother taught me always to go with my passion and never put it on hold for a tomorrow that might never come.”

Designing afforded her the opportunity to unleash her creativity. It allowed her total freedom to communicate her ideas. “To sell clothing you must understand the people you expect to buy,” she says, with obvious conviction. “Fashion at its core is like a platform of talking points.”

In 2011 Anya auditioned “on a whim” for Heidi Klum’s Project Runway. At the castings, she revisited the tracks of her life and, in her inimitable style, held nothing back. Her interviewers were spellbound. Standing before them was not just another overambitious, garden variety, former Miss Podunk contestant, but a confident and vivacious Miss Universe competitor with a reputation guaranteed to captivate a whole new audience of viewers. Where some at home had seen only mud, the worldly Heidi Klum and her producers saw stars—and higher ratings.

Anya was obviously well-educated, widely travelled, with a solid background in design.

That she was also a New Yorker with exotic Caribbean roots further spiced up her chances. Reliable sources tell me that for Heidi Klum and her team, it was love at first sight of the audacious Trini. If on arrival she felt like an underdog, Anya was soon to discover there was truth in the saying that the world always roots for the comeback kid.

America, especially.

It’s now history that it took Anya less than three months to learn to sew well enough to emerge the winner of the world’s premier

reality TV fashion show. Project Runway Season 9 attracted the highest ratings ever.

Overnight Anya had turned herself into the female version of Rocky Balboa—and Trinidad’s favorite poster girl. Whoever said a prophet is never honoured at home, Anya was living proof to the contrary!

“The experience was so validating,” she recalls. “I needed that. Like most human beings, I have my insecurities. At some level we are all insecure. We make excuses for ourselves; we’re always seeking validation!

Most of all, I wanted to please my family and make my country proud—which I was unable to do at Miss Universe. My win on Project Runway allowed me to do all those things.”

She was humbled by the reaction of her countrymen and the Caribbean as a whole.

“My victory was insane,” she said excitedly. “On par with winning the World Cup and the Olympics for Trinidad. My win had a huge impact on my island. It proved a source of great national and regional pride.”

She followed Project Runway with Under The Gunn in 2014, another reality TV show starring her friend and coach Tim Gunn.

This year opened with Anya making yet another move, this time to her beloved Trinidad where already she has set up HOME, “a place where the creative industries can grow.” The establishment also houses a café and a store. She has become a mentor to up-and-coming young designers, her way of

giving back. She’s also planning to launch a new arm of Pilar, specialising in more affordable ready-to-wear clothes.

“I just love that sort of disposable fashion,” she enthused. Then there’s her cANYAval line, already a big hit. A member of Tribe, arguably Trinidad’s most popular carnival band, Anya

Clockwise Top to Bottom: Reviewing images with photographer Laura Ferreira.

Being made up by her make up artist of choice, Jaumark Pierre.

Behind the scenes of the cANYAval shop photo shoot with designer JP Richardson.

Getting the shot for the SHE Caribbean cover, with photographer Laura Ferreira.

(Photographs by Marlon James)

SHECARIBBEAN.COM 35

states what’s already obvious: “I just love carnival. What I do as a carnival designer is equal to doing couture if I was a French designer . . .” She pauses, smiles, then says, “Well, kinda. Mas inspires my work. The theatre in it influences my designs.”

She didn’t want to design US$1500 gowns that her fan base could not afford, she says, and just loves where she is now.

She devotes much of her time seeking out interns and young designers; she can now help them achieve their dreams, thanks to her experience and celebrity.

Of course she is also in hot demand for public speaking engagements and endorsements. Perhaps best of all, Anya has found love: someone who she says “complements me, understands and protects me from myself.” By which she means she can be a tad too carefree at times, too trusting, too open for her own good.

As I sat talking with this inspiring daughter of the Caribbean, with her perfectly set Chinese eyes and the full lips that reveal her mixed heritage, her lustrous dark hair and seductive smile, I couldn’t help thinking how well they camouflage the adventurer-rebel inside Anya. When she laughs her infectious laugh you know it comes from her very soul. Clearly, she’s too busy living life her way to be concerned about the negative preoccupations of others less blessed with her type of talent and free spirit.

I, for one, am richer for knowing this Trinidadian treasure who was generous enough to permit me entry into her private domain. It is my wish that women everywhere, in the Caribbean especially, will join me in congratulating Anya AyoungChee who has done us all proud!

“I WANT TO GIVE BACK TO MY ISLAND AND HELP YOUNG ARTISTS AND DESIGNERS FIND A HOME. WITH OIL PRICES DROPPING, TRINIDAD IS NOW FOCUSING ON THE ARTS AND CREATIVE INDUSTRIES. I WANT TO USE MY CELEBRITY TO ASSIST MY ISLAND AND FELLOW ARTISTS WHO MIGHT NOT HAVE HAD THE OPPORTUNITIES I HAVE HAD. I HAVE A VOICE; I WANT TO USE IT TO PROPEL OTHERS.”

Catching up with Mae Sabbagh Wayne at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad. Photograph by Marlon James

cANYAval

cANYAval is a merging of the ANYA brand with all things carnival-inspired, providing clothing, accessories and branded experiences to the Caribbean and international markets, with the intention of capturing the essence of Trinidad carnival and exporting it to a wider global audience. cANYAval collections are designed in collaboration with ANYA and the Caribbean’s most coveted designers, including MEILING, Anthony Reid, Keisha Als, 1ndividual, Shop Shari, Peta Odini, Sew Lisa, Lend&Borough, Bene Caribe and more. cANYAval products are available both online at www. thecANYAvalshop.com) and in-store in Trinidad at Exhibit A at HOME (6 Scott Street, St Clair, Trinidad.

To penetrate larger markets via events, cANYAval produces hybridised carnival inspired experiences annually in NYC and continues to grow the brand’s presence by creating collaborative carnival experiences in Los Angeles, Toronto, Jamaica and more. For information email carnival@ anyaayoungchee.com or call 868.292.1750.

Photographs by Damian Luk Pat

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Anya and her mentor, renowned Trinidadian designer Meiling Esau, having a ritual glass of wine and catching up on the week’s events.”

Photograph by Marlon James

MEILING ON ANYA: You could say I’ve known Anya since before she was born—I made her mother’s wedding dress! I’ve always mentored her. She came to my office one day and said “I want to go to Fashion Week with Project Runway.” I said go for it! She could not sew but I knew she had a great eye and amazing style. Anya was raised in a home full of love and a home full of style, so I helped her and she worked down to the wire but it happened. And when I saw that collection that’s when I knew she had something.

“ALTHOUGH I AM NOT RELIGIOUS, I AM VERY SPIRITUAL. I FEEL VERY CONNECTED TO MYSELF. WE ARE DIVINE BEINGS IN LIFE . . . I DON’T BELIEVE IN ONE LIFE. WE RETURN OVER AND OVER, TO LEARN. LIFE IS A GIFT.”

MICHELE JODHAN is a mother of six, her eldest being Project Runway superstar and former Miss Universe contender, Anya.

A journalism graduate, Michele is sharp as a tack and arrestingly articulate, every word issuing from her heart.

Add to that blunt and up front.

During our brief interview at HOME, where she lives and carries on her business, she brought tears to my eyes more than once as she invited me into her private thoughts about life in Trinidad’s soapopera society. MSW

With her mother, Michele Jodhan, following her guerrilla fashion event, Fashion Rocks the Avenue, on Ariapita Avenue, Trinidad.

Photograph by Damian Luk Pat SHECARIBBEAN.COM 37

MSW: What did you teach Anya that rendered her so capable of coping with the pain of public embarrassment?

MICHELE: I think what protects her is her belief in her own truth. That’s how we raised our children; to find their own truth and to shine a light.

MSW: The famous Sex Tape Scandal— how did you deal with it as a mother?

MICHELE: On a lot of different levels it taught me about Trinidad society—not things I didn’t know, but things I became more aware of.

We have a belief about ourselves as a society, that we stand together in hard times—we pride ourselves on it. We say “One thing about Trinidad, we are so loyal, we stand by each other in hard times. In Trinidad everyone knows everyone, the society is built of all these small communities, people are very supportive etc etc.’

Well, I learnt during the time of the sex scandal that this is a complete myth. It’s a lie.

We fool ourselves. We are NOT that. We are supportive when it’s a non-controversial situation, when you can appear to be empathetic and compassionate and kind and bring food and spend time . . . but a lot of that is only for show.

MSW: What was the public reaction when your son died in a car accident?

MICHELE: When Pilar died, the entire nation mourned with us. When our other son was kidnapped for ransom—that was half and half. It was controversial but at the same time people rallied around us—there was enough room for empathy without anyone having to take a stand. But the sex tape was controversial.

The number of people who supported us shrunk to approximately zero. There were some people who took huge leaps of faith in her, believed in me and in us as a family. But those were very few. People ran for cover, or they berated her, they chastised her, they demonised her and all of us; we all went down.

MSW: But that was before Project Runway. How did you deal with all the hero-worshipping in the wake of the great fall, so to speak?

MICHELE: Neither extreme is good or true.

That unhealthy anger you feel against people who seek to destroy and demonise your own child is very real, but I believe you have to embrace those feelings rather than try to run away from them. You have to look at them, you take them on, you feel them and you live them. Then on the flip side, you can’t not live the euphoria. You live the excitement and the glam and the glory.

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I don’t like the word ‘balance.’ I think it’s the most useless word. I do not believe in balance. Anybody that knows me will tell you I don’t believe in balance in the way we mean it: Finding a middle point which is neither this and nor that. I think that’s a waste of time, because it’s dishonest. It’ll take you nowhere; like being stuck in neutral gear; not moving forward or backward, just standing still.

What I do believe in is integration, although I think integration may appear to be the same as balance. If integration leads to some kind of equilibrium, then it makes sense. But you have to live the polar ends.

This business of coming to a balance without understanding what these extremes feel like, you don’t learn anything, you don’t come away with anything. You have to live it; you have to live the anger and you have to live the euphoria. It’s all part of human condition.

MSW: Are you happy with Anya’s decision to move back permanently to Trinidad?

MICHELE: I think it’s the right decision for her now. I see her revealing sides of herself that have been locked away for too long. Anya went to art school; she is by profession a communications designer first and foremost.

She took on fashion design after trying many different things out of school. She’s had a hand in many pies, working in film and many different areas of the design world. And what I find about this project [HOME] is that I see Anya using so many aspects of her skills in a very integrated way. She has the wherewithal as a fashion designer, but also a wider, conceptual wherewithal which allows her to drive a project. She works very hard and she has a lot of vision.

MSW: How involved are you in her projects?

MICHELE: Well, I’m the operations manager.

It’s my house [laughs] so I have no choice but to be hands on. Nobody knows this physical structure like me, so it makes sense. Anya is the strategist, she is seeing down the road, she’s built and integrated all the elements. It’s nice working with her, yes, and then again it isn’t. It’s great to have her in Trinidad and to be around her so much more. I haven’t had that opportunity for many years. I guess it would be a lot easier if we could have kept the old relationship of mother and daughter and not had to enter this realm of becoming business partners. I know how that other relationship works. I’m the mother and she’s the daughter and we have that all established.

This business realm is new and it’s early.

Some of it I find challenging. I find it challenging to take orders from Anya. When she makes decisions I don’t like and I have to

live with them. But somebody has to have the overarching say at the end. I find the partnership challenging, like any partnership.

But I have great admiration for her, for what she’s doing. I’m in full support of it. It’s given me a whole new way forward and opened up something very exciting for me, too, in terms of a whole new career in my own home, on my own turf. I couldn’t ask for more.

MSW: What do you think the future holds for Anya?

MICHELE: A very good question.

One of the things I’ve learned from all this is that I never predicted any of the trajectory of the last ten years. I was shocked when Anya decided to consider Miss Trinidad and Tobago. I never saw her as a beauty queen. If she had continued on a strict academic career path it would have made perfect sense. The only thing I thought might have happened was that she would become a dancer. She was a very committed dancer, attended ballet school for years. But nothing else I saw coming. Art school seemed like the right integration of her left and right brain, so I pushed for her to go, and I wanted her to see it through.

But the rest of it after that—Miss T&T, Project Runway, fashion design—not in a thousand predictions could I have guessed that. If I have to guess what lies ahead, based on the past ten years, I’d have to say I have no clue. If the last ten years are any testimony, my predictions are off by ten thousand per cent! What I can say, though, is wherever she is headed, I am prepared to go there with her, because through her we have all grown immensely. I will offer one guarantee. Whatever happens over the next ten years, we will all grow—together.

Photos Left to Right: Anya thanking the crowd and her parents in a euphoric moment at her guerrilla fashion event, Fashion Rocks the Avenue held on music trucks in the middle of Port of Spain.

Having a special moment with her mother, Michele Jodhan, following Fashion Rocks the Avenue.

Photographs by Damian Luk Pat.

SHECARIBBEAN.COM 39

BodyShop THE SQUAT CHALLENGE

Kim Kardashian popularised the butt and now every girl wants one. Below is the best workout for developing your gluteus maximus. You don’t need a gym or fancy equipment. One exercise can give you that lifted round derrière: The Squat, nicknamed the granddaddy of all leg exercises. Do each exercise 25 reps and repeat the circuit 6 times.

1) Wall Squats: Take a narrow stance and simply slide up and down the wall.

2) Jumping Squats: Jump with hands up in the air, landing with hands above your knees in the squat position.

3) Squats with Kickbacks: Start in the squat position, legs shoulder width apart as you come lift your leg to the side and squeeze,

alternate legs.

4) Prisoner Squats: Start with hands behind your neck, legs shoulder width apart and simply imagine a seat behind you; push hips back, pause and return to start position.

5) One-legged Squats: Use the wall for better balance; use opposite leg to squat, lift the leg closest to the wall.

6) Sumo Squats: Stand with your feet wider than hip-width apart, toes slightly turned out. Squat down as low as you can, keeping your heels on the ground and your back straight.

If you are a beginner, start with 15 reps; make the workout harder by increasing the reps to 30 or adding some weight. For a more challenging workout use a medicine ball or a dumbbell.

Warning: If you suffer with back problems this workout is not recommended. Please consult your physcian.

DARK CHOCOLATE The Caribbean boasts some of the best cocoa in the world. Premium chocolate is being manufactured worldwide using our cocoa—it’s our version of black gold! But is chocolate as bad as its reputation? You'll be pleased to hear the latest research!

1) According to the association of chocolate and biscuit and confectionary industries, Switzerland is the largest chocolate consumer in the world. The average Swiss consumed 9 kg a year equivalent to 209 regular sized (43g) chocolate bars.

And the Swiss aren’t fat!

2) Despite the popular lingering myth, there is no evidence that chocolate causes acne. Acne is usually the result of improper diet and hormone imbalance.

3) There is no evidence to suggest that chocolate is responsible for headaches. Headaches are due to many factors including stress, hunger, irregular sleep patterns and hormone changes.

4) Chocolate contains substances called catechins. These are 40 SHECARIBBEAN.COM

antioxidants that help protect the body against damage caused by free radicals. In fact eaten in moderation 2-3 a week dark chocolate improves circulation and may help prevent developing blood clots.

5) Dark chocolate also contains several chemical compounds that have a positive effect on your mood and cognitive health. Chocolate contains phenylethylamine (PEA), the same chemical your brain creates when you feel like you’re falling in love. PEA encourages your brain to release endorphins, so eating dark chocolate will make you feel happier.

MAMMOGRAM ANXIETY? TRY Fear of discomfort is one of reasons some women choose to skip the recommended annual mammogram.

Yet there are a few simple things a woman can do to ease any discomfort she may feel during this important exam. According to the experts at Baylor Regional medical center in Texas: • Hold off on caffeine. Caffeine has a tendency to make a woman’s breasts tender and lumpy, potentially making a mammogram uncomfortable. So avoid drinking coffee or tea for a week before your scheduled mammogram.

That includes soft drinks and over the counter pain relievers.

• Steer away from perfumes, talcum powder, deodorant and oils for they might leave residue that can be picked up by the x-ray, obstructing the results of the mammogram.

• Try to avoid scheduling your mammogram around your menstrual

MEALS PLAN Often I’m asked how I maintain my body weight. Having been a bodybuilder most of my life, diet comes quiet easily and effortlessly. Here is a chart I follow which works for me. High protein, low carbs and fat. By all means as you get familiar with the food content you can substitute to suit your taste.

THESE TIPS

period, since breasts are usually swollen at that time.

• Dress for comfort. Wear a two-piece outfit with a blouse on the day of the appointment. It’s easier to slip off a blouse than a dress.

So don’t avoid the mammogram. It’s recommended yearly if you’re between the ages of 30-40 and every three years past the age of 40. And start self-exams from the age of 20. If breast cancer is deducted early the chances of survival are extremely high.

CAFFEINE HAS A TENDENCY TO MAKE A WOMAN’S BREASTS TENDER AND LUMPY, POTENTIALLY MAKING A MAMMOGRAM UNCOMFORTABLE.

MEAL DESCRIPTION AMOUNT PROTEIN CARBS FATS CALORIES COMMENTS BREAKFAST Egg 1 6 4 0 70 Egg whites 4 14 1 0 68

Oatmeal 1/2 cup 5 26 3 140 With water

Total per meal 25 31 3 278

AM SNACK Around 10.30am Protein shake I scoop 30 4 1 130

Peanut butter 1 tpsp 4 3 8.5 105

Total per meal 34 7 9.5 235 LUNCH Chicken breast 4 oz 18.14 0 8.05 150 Broiled, skin removed

Broccoli 1 cup 4.38 4.47 0.45 40.56 Bone removed

Sweet potato 5 oz 4 35 9 150

Total per meal 26.52 39.47 17.5 340.56

PM SNACK Around 4.30pm Apple 1 med 0 21 0 81 Almonds 13 pieces 3 24 7 80

Total per meal 3 45 7 161

DINNER 7.30pm Talapia / Fish 4 oz 26 10 2 160 Salad Med 2 14 0 73.5 Asparagus 4 oz 2 4 0.28 22 Steamed

Total per meal 30 28 2.28 255.5

SNACK 10.30pm Protein shake 1 scoop 30 4 1 130

Peanut butter I tbsp 34 7 9.5 235

Total per meal 64 11 10.5 365

DAILY INTAKE 148.52 154.47 40.28 1635.06

WATER 1-1 1/2 gallons

I recommend you consult a doctor before taken on any meal plan. If you are pregnant this diet is not recommended. MSW

SHECARIBBEAN.COM 41

ADVERTORIAL

WhyH2O with Calcium? We’ve rounded up the Top 5 benefits to drinking lots of water—you won’t believe how good every glass of H2O is for your health!

1. H2O with Calcium helps with weight loss Great news for anyone trying to lose a few pounds - water naturally reduces your appetite.

2. H2O with Calcium is a natural wrinkle-buster According to a recent study, almost 1 in 5 women who drank 1.5 litres

THE WONDERFUL WAYS OF H2O Are you fed up with conflicting reports about how much water we should be drinking every day? Well, you’re not alone.

With new studies suggesting that too much water can lead to health problems like excessive sweating, insomnia and even death, we decided it’s high time to round up the facts as told by the U.K. National Health Service (NHS.)

ACCORDING TO THEIR WEBSITE: “The European Food Safety Authority recommends that women should drink about 1.6 litres of fluid and men should drink about 2.0 litres of fluid per day. That’s about eight glasses of 200ml each for a woman, and 10 glasses of 200ml each for a man.”

British government guidelines say we should all drink eight glasses a day, but your size, the temperature and how active you are can all make a difference. Here in our tropical climate, it stands to reason we may need to drink more H2O, especially when we’re exercising or just busy living on a hot Caribbean day.

of water per day saw a reduction in wrinkles after 6 weeks without making any other changes to their diet.

3. H2O with Calcium clears your skin Most people know that drinking more water can be good for clear skin and it can also help the symptoms of acne.

4. H2O with Calcium makes you exercise better It’s common sense to replace the fluids you lose when you sweat with water, but what might not be obvious is that your body works better and harder during your workout if you drink water.

5. H2O with Calcium gives you . . . Calcium!

Along with all the other health benefits, your bones and teeth will thank you for the added intake from every glass of H2O.

A WORD FROM WINFRESH H2O: WHOLESOMENESS, QUALITY & VALUE “At Winfresh, we are continually exploring new ways of enhancing the quality and wholesomeness of our products. The latest is calcium enriched H2O. We are proud of this development, as Winfresh is the only producer of purified bottled water in Saint Lucia to

H2O FACT: If you’re feeling thirsty you’re already dehydrated so

have undertaken that task. We have

don’t wait until you need a drink, sip small amounts of H2O throughout the day to keep yourself hydrated.

According to a study last year, out of 30,000 people, less than one per cent drank eight glasses of pure water each day (the NHS recommended daily intake.) So if you are guilty of missing the water-mark, consider yourself among the majority, but make a commitment to increasing your H2O consumption to at least two litres a day.

invested in this process because we see it is part of the company’s philosophy of delivering wholesomeness, quality and value to the consumers of our products and adhering to the Winfresh Promise.”

Bernard Cornibert, Winfresh CEO

REFILL • REHYDRATE • REFRESH

InsideBeauty 1

2

3

THE PERFECT RED

SHE TOP PICKS

MAYBELLINE NEW COLOR SENSATIONAL Rebel Bouquet (comes in 10 vivacious shades) and L’OREAL Infallible® ProLast Lipcolor. The pro look of longwear. High-intensity, transfer-resistant colour.

Stays put for up to 24 hours.

TIP: Exfoliate lips first Run a clean toothbrush under warm water.

Gently rub on lips, getting all areas. Make sure you skip this step if your lips are sensitive or intolerant.

9 8 11

13

4 7

12

6

10 5

1. COVERGIRL LipPerfection Lipcolor, www.covergirl.com, 2. Dior Rouge Collection in Rouge Cannage, www.dior.com, 3. Dolce & Gabbana Classic Cream Lipstick in Iconic, www.nordstrom. com, 4. MAC Lipstick in Ruby Woo, www.maccosmetics.com, 5. Tom Ford Beauty Lip Color in Cherry Lush, www.sephora.com, 6. Rimmel Lasting Finish Lip Stick Kate Moss Collection, www.rimmellondon.com, 7. Chanel Rouge Allure Intense Long-Wear Lip Colour in Incandescente, www.chanel.com, 8. Lipstick Queen Liquid Lippie, macys.com, 9. Revlon Super Lustrous Creme Lipstick in Certainly Red, www.revlon.com, 10. NARS Lipstick in Heatwave, www.narscosmetics.com, 11. Ilia Lipstick in Wild Child, iliabeauty.com, 12. L’OREAL Infallible® Pro-Last Lipcolor, www.lorealparisusa.com, 13. Maybelline New Color Sensational Rebel Bouquet, www.maybelline.com

44 SHECARIBBEAN.COM

1

HEAD TO TOE MUST HAVES Beauty Products you’ll be drooling over!

Put Spring in Your Step with these amazing SHE Caribbean Picks.

SHE LOVES ESSIE

whether the look is futuristic, minimalist or nouveau bohemian, the name of the nail game is ESSIE. The Spring 2015 collection is in full bloom, celebrating the fresh perspectives and energetic nature of the season of renewal.

10 9 11 5

2

3

6 7 8

4

1. Essie’s Nail Polish, www.essie.com, 2. MAC Lightful Moisturizer, 3. MAC Studio Finish Conceal and Correct Duo-Rich Yellow Burnt Coral, www.maccosmetics.com, 4. Ahava Dry Oil, www. ahavaus.com, 5. Guerlain Joli Teint Healthy Glow Powder Duo, www.sephora.com, 6. Fresh Black Tea Firming Overnight Mask, www.fresh.com, 7. Lancôme Énergie de Vie Nuit Overnight Recovery Mask, www.sephora.com, 8. Environ Gold Ionzyme Gold Roll, 9. L’Oréal Paris Infallible, www.lorealparisusa.com, 10. Origins Original Skin Serum, www.origins.com, 11. Clinique Chubby Stick Sculpting Contour Highlight, www.clinique.com

SHECARIBBEAN.COM 45

HairNews

BY EMILE WILLIAMS

Holy Rollers!

Traditional curlmakers are trending again.

Why do women cut their hair after getting married?

By the time the veil comes off, most newlyweds are keen to make a mad dash to their stylist. After researching the best products and vitamins to fast track hair growth six months before the Big Day, it’s now time for a change. The panic for long hair

The art of modifying the natural state of hair has been with us since antiquity. Throughout the ages, all kinds of tools and contraptions have been used to style hair for men and women’s personal adornment. From the grey wig worn by a British barrister, to the extremely bouffant and lacquered black wig of a Japanese geisha, setting hair has become a way of life. The 1930s saw Jean Harlow with her platinum blonde hair set, the 1940s saw Lauren Bacall with her bouncy free curl

set, the 1950s saw Marilyn Monroe, the sexy and provocative bombshell in a classic bob curls. The 1970s gave us Donna Summer and Farrah Fawcett with the big hair and long curly look. The 80s gave us Dianna Ross’s operatic Motown puffs of curl, whilst the 90s was a mixed bag of Julia Roberts and Whitney Houston’s long to medium length curly waves.

The new millenium saw Sarah Jessica Parker pounding the streets of New York in liberated windswept curls and today everyone from Beyonce to Bruno Mars is using rollers and curlers to doing their thing. This simple cylindrical tube, which comes in various sizes and materials, has been making literal waves for decades, irrespective of gender or ethnic hair type.

usually starts on the day they receive the engagement ring. That’s when the princess in every girl comes alive, with dreams of romantic up-dos and soft tendrils; and then it all comes tumbling down. This metamorphosis is the walking cliché for at least ninety percent of post-ceremony women.

Some people believe the need for such drastic measures is symbolic of embarking on a new life with new beginnings. Whatever the reasons are, hair will always be an important dichotomy on the marital journey, albeit bumpy or straight.

form of beauty sometimes unappreciated in our culture. His message: “Hair does not need to be straight to be appropriate. Your hair is beautiful, your hair is you! Your natural hair is beautiful for any and every occasion!”

Glinton worked on the series in two phases; using Facebook he asked interested women to submit headshots with incredible response. In April he published Phase One on his blog with eleven

Hair Inspires Art

By Sonia Brown • Photos by Torell Glinton

women, followed by Phase Two in November. twenty-two portraits with natural hair in various styles

Glinton felt disappointed he was unable to exhibit

and textures by Bahamian photographer Torrell

last year but is thankful it’s accomplished early this

Glinton. The ad piece immediately caught my eye,

year. His next goal?

When I first heard of The Kinky Project, I expected

entitled ‘The Original’ portraying model Ava

displays of whips and chains; to my surprise the

Turnquest with braided dreadlocks draped across one

Kinky Men but I’m not sure yet. This year my focus is

exhibit was about unrelaxed, natural Afro-Caribbean

shoulder and a lone lock on the other. Interviewing

on the vision and the creative side of photography.”

hair. Having seen an ad featuring the back profile of

Glinton, he explained how by deciding to produce

a model with one side of her head shaven with an

the beauty series in 2014, he wanted to create

overdue! We once allowed others to define our

intricate design, I knew I couldn’t miss this show! The

something outside of the usual wedding, event and

perception of beauty, now we have a perspective of

National Art Gallery of The Bahamas featured

news photography. The series would focus on a

our own.

46 SHECARIBBEAN.COM

“A lot of people have been asking for Kinky Kids or

The Kinky Project Exhibit was phenomenal, long

HairNews 1 2

SMOOTH INTENSE

L’ORÉAL PARIS ADVANCED HAIRCARE SMOOTH INTENSE SERIES delivers big time, obliterating unruly frizz with its Keratin-Infused Formula.

It’s an impressive and effective line-up.

3

HAIR THERAPHY

12

4

Love your tresses with SHE’s favourite hair care products.

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9 5 7

8

11

6

1. L’Oréal Paris Advanced Haircare Smooth Intense Series, www.loreal.com 2. Suave Professionals Sleek Anti-Frizz Cream, www.suave.com, 3. Hot American Trendy Women’s Fashion Elastic Hair Ring, www.aliexpress.com, 4. Jose Eber Pro Series 19 mm Curling Iron Giraffe, www.josecurl.com, 5. Tigi Bed Head Headbanger Spray Wax, www.ultra.com, 6. John Frieda® Brilliant Brunette® Moisturising Shampoo, www.johnfrieda.com, 7. Dr Miracle No Lye Relaxer, www.drmiracles.com 8. Dark and Lovely Amla Legend Oil of 7 Wonders, www.softsheen-carson.com, 9. Vitale Olive Oil Leave-In Conditioner with Pro Vitamin B5, www.vitaleproducts.com, 10. MATRIX Oil Wonders Amazonian Murumuru Controlling Oil, www.ulta.com, 11. L’Oreal EverSleek Precious Oil Treatment, www.walmart.com, 12. KeraCare Clear Protein Styling Gel, www.avlon.com

48 SHECARIBBEAN.COM

Attitude

#MakeitHappen

LEYANA ROMAIN

Technical Officer, United Nations Environment Programme, Grenada (UNEP) #Makeithappen: I have a great passion for ocean conservation and helping people.

My dream is to see humanity coexist with each other and nature.

I’ve been working on a project that helps coastal communities combat Climate Change. This year we plan to empower and educate the community on sustainable solutions for living and the importance of taking action. #Flawless tip: What you put into your body makes a huge difference to your skin and the way you feel.

When I juice religiously I am happier and my skin looks and feels happier too. My favorite blend is carrot, apple and ginger.

50 SHECARIBBEAN.COM

Writer and Art Director Kered Clement, asks Grenada’s most talented women how they plan to #makeithappen in their careers and share tips on how to be flawless while doing so.

IRINA KOSTKA Architect

#Makeithappen: I don’t think I will ever reach a point in my career where I will think...yes, I’ve made it.

Being able to live and practice in Grenada is already a blessing; hence my goal for 2015 is to improve my craft from conceptual design to the finished product. This is what I intend to make happen. #Flawless tip: I use homemade flax seed gel in my hair.

I start by boiling flax seeds in water, and then I add various coconut oil, Argan oil, grape seed oil and olive oil to the finished gel to keep my curls bouncy and defined.

SHECARIBBEAN.COM 51

SABRINA FRANCIS Singer, F.L.O.M (For The Love of Music)

#Makeithappen: 2014 has taught me that many things happen without your permission,whether they turn out to be beneficial or not, depends heavily on your attitude. 2015 is my year to actively work on my mental growth, performing internationally and my personal album, which will help me find my musical identity and gauge the responses to my music. #Flawless tip: Water is the answer to everything and the most organic products are the best ones. Oatmeal mixed with honey makes a great exfoliator and my skin always feels silky and smooth after.

52 SHECARIBBEAN.COM

ZELEKA PETERS Singer Songwriter

#Makeithappen: “I love music and my distinctive sound gives me the ability to make someone smile or touch their heart through song. It never gets old.

Success isn’t always about talent, in most cases it’s about connections so I’m taking advantage of whatever opportunities come my way. Look out for the releases of my original music this year! #Flawless tip: I use Shea Butter to remove make up, dark spots and even my skin tone. Wipe away the residue with a warm rag or cloth and apply a hint of vitamin E oil to prevent itching and flaking on the scalp.

TAMMY BALDEO

Singer, F.L.O.M (For The Love of Music)

SHERRY E. HAMLET Teacher and Writer

#Makeithappen: My watchword for 2015 is will, both the noun and verb. I will not give in to doubt; and my will is going to be stronger than fear of failure. I will aspire, achieve and do. This year I’m making it happen by cultivating an iron will that will not break my love for the writing process. #Flawless tip: My beauty secret is love.

Love your hair, body, skin and soul without apology. Allow yourself to be vain by winking at your reflection in the mirror, because it’s not up to anybody but you to like what you see. Also wear sunblock, sunblock is always good.

#Makeithappen: Having a positive attitude with the ability to create is helping me discover the meaning of living a purpose driven life. Making it happen with music for me begins with executing my goals with the support of my band. In January I started recording my first EP ever called Lotus Blossoms. This year is about more empowerment and magic! #Flawless tip: Happy girls are the prettiest. Every woman should try using an exfoliating salt scrub to banish dry skin, lock-in moisture and keep the skin hydrated and polished. Epsom salt is a pure mineral compound of magnesium and sulphate, which has numerous benefits.

Art Director: Kered Clement Photographer: Orlando K. Romain www.okromain.com

Make-up Artist: Divya Amarnani Noel Hairstylist: Genel Forteau SHECARIBBEAN.COM 53

SexBites

BY NASHA SMITH

IF YOU WANT IT TO BE GOOD, GET YOURSELF A

BAD GIRL It certainly won't go down in the annals of literary history next to Little Women or The Great Gatsby, but Fifty Shades Of Grey taught us one fundamental truth; that bad can be ohhhh soooo good. Now don’t get it twisted. We’re not suggesting that good girls are boring or bland but men do love the occasional dash of spice. Here are a few traits of from sweet sisters who boast dual citizenship with The Bad Girls' Club.

NAUGHTY, NAUGHTY A man doesn’t necessarily need to sleep around to satisfy his curiosity. Some are quite content with having one woman willing to be a lady on the streets and a freak in the bed. So don’t be afraid to reveal that inner wild child, willing to experiment in and out of the boudoir. Not only doesn’t he mind; he is hoping for it.

INDEPENDENT WOMEN As much as our men fancy themselves as strapping superheroes, ready to whisk us away from impending peril, it would be nice if we could handle our own business once in a while. A real man is definitely not intimidated by a woman who can fend for herself and take control of her own life. On the contrary, it’s quite the turn on.

LIFE IS MEANT TO BE LIVED FULLY AND A WOMAN WHO KNOWS THIS IS A GEM. SHE IS ALWAYS IN THE MOMENT AND READY TO GO FULL THROTTLE. 54 SHECARIBBEAN.COM

THE DIRECT APPROACH Men are not complicated creatures. What they say is pretty much what they mean. No lines to be read between and no room for interpretation. So it is not just hot, but refreshing, when a woman can be just as frank and devoid of mind games. This includes saying exactly what you want. And how you want it.

BE BOLD The days of women being submissive are done. You want a kiss? Go for it! Men do not have to be the initiators of all things amorous. Watch him melt when he realises you want him just as much as he wants you.

Don’t be afraid to unleash that inner dominatrix.

ADVENTUROUS No one likes being stuck in a rut and the same goes for relationships. Break out of the regular routine and surprise him with something out of the box. It doesn’t have to be extravagant, just different. The only thing he should be expecting is the unexpected.

CONFIDENCE It’s true. Confidence is sexy. Nothing draws a man in like a woman who is secure with who she is. She rolls with life’s punches and

emerges undeterred from the bashing. These women look good because they feel good. It creates an indescribable aura and is a surefire magnet for your main squeeze.

PASSION Life is meant to be lived fully and a woman who knows this is a gem. She is always in the moment and ready to go full throttle. No lukewarm responses from this dynamo. She relishes every experience and responds accordingly. You can hear the pleasure in every moan.

BE YOU In a world where everyone is trying to emulate someone else, the woman who is unapologetically herself is a catch; completely unafraid to voice her opinion or go against the grain because she stands firm in her beliefs.

Who doesn’t love a fearless female?

You don’t have to be an axe-wielding banshee to be bad. Just let that inner goddess come out to play. She holds a lot more power than you know.

MomtoMom

BY ELIZA FRANCIS-VICTOR

who sucks on their thumb.

Also be ready to step outside occasionally to break the monotony.

• PREPARE YOUR PRE-SCHOOLER. We often expect this group to have more control over their outbursts and we expect their attention span to be longer than toddlers. Experts in parenting and etiquette suggest preparing these children in advance if they will be in a situation that requires a particular behaviour. Role-playing can be helpful in situations where they may have made unkind comments.

PREPARE THEM FOR SUCCESS!

TACT & MANNERS Whether it’s sharing what they think about your yucky table fare or the stinky odour at a friend’s house, it’s a safe bet that every parent has been mortified at one time or another by a child’s often true but tactless comments.

O

nce the words are out, the damage is done, leaving the parent feeling helpless and the child clueless about that shock on your face. You mumble an apology, suggest the child takes after a cousin 12-timesremoved and hope the offended will be forgiving as you drag the offender away.

But what a quandary! Children are honest to the bone and will tell it as they see it. And we should encourage it, but where do we draw the line? Or should we allow them free rein? And if not, how can we impress on them that not every opinion or observation need be expressed?

Tact and manners may be two of the most important qualities a parent can teach a child.

You are helping your child become aware of what they say to avoid giving offense and how to handle difficult situations. In essence you are teaching him or her to care about others and their feelings. Of course we want to raise forthright children, but we also want them to be able to get along with others. So what to do when the inevitable happens?

• DON’T REPRIMAND RIGHT AWAY. Address the matter in private and ask the 56 SHECARIBBEAN.COM

child how they might feel if the same were said to them. Do not punish children for being frank. They are usually just being children. They make no distinction between private and public. We should not be horrified when they blurt out what we consider inappropriate comments in public. Of course the man is fat, but it isn’t always necessary to say it out loud.

On the other hand, always impress on them that their feelings are important and they should always express those in an honest and respectful way. If someone has hurt or has threatened to hurt them they should always be honest about that.

• KNOW YOUR TODDLER’S LIMITS. Their inability to express themselves fully in words plays out in inappropriate behaviour in certain public situations.

They are irrational. They scream, they cry, they kick. In short, if you take your child into an adult situation where silence is expected, be prepared to bring a toy or some other object to distract them. My 3-year old loves rubbing silky fabrics between her fingers so we walk with a ribbon; this for her is equivalent to a child

Let the child know in advance what is going to happen and what you expect.

For example, if it involves food, explain that when we don’t like something we are given to eat, we either let someone know quietly or we simply don’t eat it.

If you need them to stay quiet for a while, let your child have an energy-filled session before you leave home.

That way they may be less active when you arrive at the funeral or wedding or similar. Walk with a colouring book or a favourite storybook by all means, but leave the noisy gadgets at home.

If you want to help them learn a friendlier way to interact, use role play.

Enlist their toys and dolls and have one that makes rude and impulsive comments while another is considerate about feelings of the other toy. Your child will find it fun while learning the serious lessons behind the game.

Most importantly, be the model you wish to see.

Don’t make comments in private that will leave you scampering for cover if your child were to repeat them or say the same to someone else. If you want positive interaction with others model that behaviour yourself.

You are your child’s greatest teacher.

RealLife

REALLY YOURS? THE JOYFUL PAIN OF ADOPTION Once considered a last resort for childless couples, adoption is emerging from the shadow of stigma that has left it widely misunderstood around the region at a time when more and more children need to find loving homes. But what is it like to start a family through adoption? Dee Lundy-Charles tells a story from close to home.

C

learly, being on an adoption waiting list isn’t like being pregnant. When you become pregnant, a forty week countdown begins which is mapped out in vivid technicolour detail these days via books, magazines and a host of online parenting resources. Thanks to modern technology and improvements in public health, around the Caribbean we have seen a reduction in infant death rates, so the vast majority of pregnancies progress normally and result in a healthy baby just about nine months after conception.

There’s time to study up on birth techniques and baby’s first months; time to shop for teeny little socks and hats and the copious list of things babies need to be comfortable and safe as they enter your world and your family.

Friends and co-workers comment on your glowing complexion, your inflating bump and your sheer luck at not suffering from morning sickness, then send you off on maternity leave with an armful of adorable swag and their best wishes, expectantly 58 SHECARIBBEAN.COM

awaiting the arrival of your bundle of joy.

So far from the case of the parents who yearn for a family, trying for years to conceive, only to be given the no-news-is-good-news belly blow that there is no obvious reason why it’s not happening naturally. The joyful prospect of starting a family becomes an emotionally charged chore behind closed doors, and over the course of months, then years, life becomes an onslaught of insensitive questions and comments from unwitting friends wondering when they can expect to see the literal fruits of your labour.

Disappointment slowly envelops, optimism gradually fades and realism sets in, demanding a reevaluation of the childless status quo, and for an increasing number of couples in the Caribbean, that means considering adoption as a practical way to start a family. That giant leap taken, the registration process is time-consuming but becomes the catalyst for renewed optimism and excitement; a baby could arrive literally at any moment, and the prospective parents start to imagine the day that their family will be complete.

Then the waiting begins, and for some

SOME ADOPTIONS PROCEED SMOOTHLY AND AFTER THREE MONTHS THE PROCESS IS SIGNED, SEALED AND DELIVERED; OTHER ADOPTIONS ARE LESS STRAIGHTFORWARD, WHEN BIRTH PARENTS GO MISSING OR EMERGE FROM THE WOODWORK THREATENING TO CHALLENGE PROCEEDINGS WITH NEFARIOUS MOTIVATIONS.

WHAT IS IT LIKE BEING ADOPTED AND GROWING UP AS AN ADOPTED CHILD? A 2007 study in the USA show that adopted children grow up to be as happy and healthy as their peers. In some instances, they even seem to have more advantages and opportunities than children in the general population. In addition adopted children were more likely > to be read to every day as a young child (68% of adopted children vs. 48% of children in the general population). > to be sung or told stories every day as a young child (73% of adopted children vs. 59% of children in the general population). > to participate in extracurricular activities as school-age children (85% of adopted children vs. 81% of children in the general population).

Findings also included statistics regarding the openness of adoption, showing a strong trend supporting notions that adoptive families are increasingly becoming more comfortable with more open adoptions. The study found that 97% of adopted children ages 5 and older know they were adopted.

couples, the reconnecting process after the strains of trying to get pregnant, which for many becomes the source of emotional and marital problems. High expectations turn to disappointment and resentment sets in, unless partners learn how to communicate the very deep-seated emotions that infertility wracks on both. The promise of a tiny being to share their home and their love becomes a new lease of life in the relationship and expectations once again are raised.

And maybe that wait goes beyond the nine month human incubation period into a year, then years, but on that day when the social worker calls to say there is a baby who needs you, there’s no possible preparation for the surge of sheer joy that ripples out from adoptive mum and dad through the family circle, friends and colleagues, followed by the panic caused by the realisation that despite the months of wanting and wishing for a baby, you never actually bought the essentials for fear of jinxing your chances.

That’s when little miracles happen and practical mums turn up with cots and baskets and onesies and diapers and cute little outfits for the new addition to the family, and within

just four days you are holding a baby in your arms who is now your son or daughter, your dearest wish come true.

At that point, despite the fact that they are not entitled to maternity leave, the experience of adoptive mums and those who give birth naturally dove-tail again in many ways. as a brand new little being is foisted upon their reality and must be ‘learnt,’ bonded with and cared for in every way. Physical needs evolve in feeding and pooping routines, emotional needs are fed by an endless round of cuddles and soft, cooing words. Relationships begin the moment that child is put into your arms, and the future suddenly sparkles with promise and potential.

All well and good, except that in the Caribbean there is still a high level of ignorance and stigma around adoption, and systems are fraught with delay and confusion despite the best efforts of devoted public servants with limited resources at their disposal. Ironically, although there are many abused and virtually abandoned children in our midst, there is still a lack of understanding and empathy about adopting, which leads to a litany of inappropriate questions when a child turns up out of the blue, and the erroneous assumption that somehow an adopted child is a second choice, never quite part of the family.

The inquisition is amplified when a interracial couple such as my sister and her husband adopt a black child; that is for the white mum at least, who becomes fair game

at the supermarket for nosey acquaintances and total strangers alike.

“Is that your child?” is the least of the intrusive questions, but suffice to say there are a few stock answers that make the constant grilling easier. Then there’s the gossip mill trying to find out what you know about the birth parents, the child’s family history and why they abandoned their offspring.

Unless you’ve been through the rough and tumble of local opinion, voiced by an insensitive, skeptical society, it’s tough to

explain just how outraged it can feel as an adoptive parent to be faced with the ignorance of old-fashioned attitudes in a day and age when so many children need a loving home. I know several who stick to strategies of honesty—at least to the point where details are none of the inquisitioner’s business. Thankfully, these days more and more questions come from a place of curiosity, Enquiring minds want to know what it feels like to adopt, what the process entails and how many kids are in the system; it often surprises people to know there are many children who need families, yet remain at the orphans’ home until they are teenagers.

Some adoptions proceed smoothly and after three months the process is signed, sealed and delivered; other adoptions are less straightforward, when birth parents go missing or relations emerge from the wood-work threatening to challenge proceedings with nefarious motivations. But at the end of a heart-clenching probation period, when three months drag slowly by and the machinery moves towards a final court case, there are no words to describe the sheer joy of that moment when that child is finally yours, legally as well as in your heart, which they captured the moment you laid eyes on them as surely as if they were “really yours.”

SHOULD ADOPTION BE CLOSED OR OPEN? A 2012 study from the Evan B. Donaldson Adoption Institute titled “Openness in Adoption” cites benefits for adopted children who have continued contact with and access to their birth parents after they are adopted.

Contact with birth families allows adopted children to maintain access to medical, genealogical and family histories.

Youth in open adoptions also have a better understanding of the meaning of adoption and more active communication about adoption with their adoptive parents.

Adopted teens who had open and semi-open adoptions described a range of benefits including: > coming to terms with the reasons for their adoption. > having physical touchstones to identify where personal traits came from. > having information that aided in identity formation. > having positive feelings toward their birth mother.

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Empowerment

We are most beautiful

WHEN WE LOVE OURSELVES.

Coaching is no longer just for sports teams. Although a relatively unknown field in the Caribbean, Life Coaching has reached the islands, and for those who engage the services of a Life Coach, the effects are dramatic and practical. By Angie Montoute

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re you in a toxic relationship, suffering verbal and emotional abuse, being mistreated and unappreciated? Are you an enabler, blaming others, unable to take control of and responsibility for your life?

Life Coaching can literally transform your life.

You can learn to break the chains of toxic, reactive and emotional chaos, creating change by focusing positively on you and not on the negativity that works against you and your life.

Life Coaching is not a tool that we in the Caribbean have had much access to until recent times, and unfortunately there is the stigma that, like counseling, Life Coaching is for those who are mentally weak. But just as age and experience give you insight and wisdom, Life Coaching is a tool which enables you to better understand ‘life.’

From birth to adulthood, the process of our development is well-documented. Teaching a baby to hold its bottle and use the potty is a rite of passage, as are the challenges posed by know-it-all teenagers. But did it ever cross your mind that navigating our way through life could be a lot less painful and frightening if we were equipped with the right tools? Well, that’s what a Life Coach can provide.

One of the things that has struck me about

this part of the world is the need for women to achieve a higher level of self-esteem and self-love. Although the Caribbean has some of the most beautiful, smart, savvy, strong, hard-working and independent women in the world, overall their self-worth is low.

Many of the coping mechanisms women of this region use to work through personal issues are those used when we were young, resulting in many women constantly beating themselves up by way of self-criticism, living in abusive relationships and settling for far less than they are worth.

Although certainly not exclusive to Caribbean, women many have little understanding of the power that can be unleashed by learning to love themselves. Their love is directed outwards, towards partners, children, family and friends, the effects of which are draining.

The journey of learning to love and accept ourselves is not learnt from our enslaved historical past, a journey made more difficult for women, who have been socialised to sacrifice our needs and wants for that of our husbands, children, parents, careers, households and so the list goes on.

As a Life Coach for over twenty years, I have had the privilege of learning and teaching

From birth to adulthood, the process of our development is well documented.

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methods which have enabled clients to realise their strengths and gifts, and how this knowledge can be used to their financial and emotional advantage when applied resourcefully in their life.

Life Coaching affords the opportunity to give people clarity of thinking, whether in regard to business, family, relationships or external circumstances. It is a journey of getting to know yourself, which is paramount in achieving self-empowerment and ultimately happiness It enables transformation, which releases individuals from their confusion and longstanding emotional pain. It is the doorway to living an authentic and fully-expressed life.

Like an architect designing a beautiful building, I believe we can design our lives, but it takes honesty, self-responsibility and the courage to push through to achieve meaningful personal growth.

ABOUT ANGIE: I am passionate about women’s empowerment and the personal development of individuals. Here is a testimony of one of my clients: “Angie is an amazing Life Coach and has changed my life for the better in more ways than even she probably realises. Her multifaceted approach in coaching has provided me with the tools to take control of my happiness, make better choices and use my strengths to my advantage. She is a wonderful supportive and empowering coach and I would recommend her in a heartbeat.”

StandUp

BY TRUDY O. GLASGOW

LAW & THE SINGLE

MOTHER… In the Caribbean, being a single mother generally means that the law will treat you differently from a married mother.

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rue, you will have more say and control over your child because you are not married. In law, a single (never married or widowed) mother has full autonomy over her child’s emotional, educational, psychological, social and spiritual development and that is an awesome responsibility. A married mother shares custody and control of her child with the biological father of her child. A divorced mother is a little different. She is no longer married to the father of the child, but the biological father still has rights to the children. The court may order the mother and father to share custody of the children or grant sole custody to the mother or father, depending on the circumstances.

Regardless of the circumstances, it is important that the child has a solid support system. He or she must be raised in a loving, stable environment. This can take the form of a single parent household, but made easier if the single mother has help from her family and friends. Some single mothers are abandoned and feel isolated on their journeys to raise their children on their own.

In reality, some single mothers are alone and lonely. They have little or no support; the 62 SHECARIBBEAN.COM

fathers may have abandoned them through death, divorce or simply walked away.

In many Caribbean countries, the law provides that single men who are fathers, and fathers who have remarried, are required to pay child support or child maintenance. It does not matter whether the father was married to the mother; fathers are required to contribute to the financial well-being of their children. And of course, why shouldn’t they? The judge in divorce proceedings, however, may order fathers to pay more, depending on their financial circumstances and the special needs of the child.

Remember, the courts are looking at what is in the best interest of the child.

After a divorce or separation, if it is in the best interest of the child to be with the father because the mother has been deemed an unfit parent, the court will grant custody to the biological father or whomever the court deems a fit and proper person to raise the child.

Single mothers must be strong, take control of their lives and set good examples for their children. They have to

work while catering to their children’s needs on their own. They must be focused on their jobs and families and they cannot afford to fall apart. The single mother is the only example their children can look to for strength and commitment.

Remember that your children look up to you, observe you, and love you unconditionally. You are their first role model.

Always remember in your hours of despair, that you are not alone! In most countries, the Family Court has social workers on hand to counsel you and/or your children. Your children love and need you. And you love and need them. And if you do not have family and friends able or willing to support you, try to seek further organisational assistance through your children’s teachers and the courts.

It isn’t easy, it is a juggling act. If help is offered by friends and family—especially when your children are really young—take it!

A responsible adult looking after your child for a few hours while you get some much needed rest is a good thing. If you do not take care of yourself, you will not be in a position to take care of your children.

So to all single mothers I say, be brave! Your children will grow up and appreciate all the sacrifices that you made for them and they will love, respect and honour you.

BOOK REVIEW

By Victor Marquis

“Simply Law” is simply a work of art in its genre.

It truly is a volume that no household should be without—like a good dictionary—because inevitably, the day will come when someone in the family will need and have recourse to the information within its pages. I am fortunate because I was given my copy so I could let Trudy—and you —hear my opinion of this work.

But in all truth, had that not been the case, I would certainly have gone out and purchased one, because, for all of us who are not “learned counsellors”, if we were to have one handbook to which

we can refer when the need arises, this is it.

This is the one.

And here is the clincher and probably the best bit of legal advice Trudy Glasgow may ever impart: As you open the cover, at the bottom of the frontispiece she states, “This book is for general use only. For advice specifically about your case, please consult your lawyer.”

I feel the need to let all readers know that part of the proceeds from the sale of the book goes to the Goodwill Charity Group, Trudy’s favourite charity.

Trudy O. Glasgow, attorney, author, educator and philanthropist is much more than simply a lawyer. What else is there to say, but … go out and get yourself a copy of this treasure.

AVAILABLE AT VARIOUS OUTLETS IN SAINT LUCIA

ADVERTORIAL

Colour Me Caribbean!

Choosing a paint colour is about more than just picking your favourite hue and splashing it on the walls, so check out this expert advice before you head to your nearest Sherwin-Williams store.

Yellow captures the joy of sunshine and communicates happiness.

COLOUR ME: Perfect for kitchens, dining rooms and bathrooms, where happy colours are energising and uplifting. In halls, entries and small spaces, yellow feels expansive and welcoming.

COLOUR ME NOT: Studies show that people are more likely to lose their temper in a yellow interior, and babies seem to cry more in a yellow room, so take care where you slap on this sunshiny hue.

Blue can reduce blood pressure and slow respiration and heart rate.

COLOUR ME: Considered calming, relaxing and serene, when used for bedrooms and bathrooms. Encourage relaxation in the family room, living room or kitchens with bright shades, such as periwinkle, cerulean or turquoise.

COLOUR ME NOT: Be careful; a pastel blue that looks pretty on the paint chip can come across as unpleasantly chilly in a room that receives little natural light. Go for lighter shades as dark blues evoke feelings of sadness.

Green is considered the most restful colour for the eye.

COLOUR ME: Green is suited for almost any room in the house. In the kitchen, green cools things down; in a family room, it encourages comfort and togetherness. Green has a calming effect when used as a main colour for decorating, and is believed to relieve stress by helping people relax. Also believed to help with fertility, making it a great choice for the bedroom.

COLOUR ME NOT: We can’t think of anywhere that doesn’t suit green!

Rev up the colour wheel for accents.

PURPLE in dark tones, like eggplant, is rich, dramatic, and sophisticated. It is associated with luxury as well as creativity. Lighter purples, such as lavender and lilac, bring the same restful quality to bedrooms as blue does, but without the risk of feeling chilly.

ORANGE evokes excitement, enthusiasm and is an energetic colour.

While not a good idea for a living room or for bedrooms, it’s great for an exercise room. It will bring out all the emotions that you need released during your fitness routine.

TAKE CARE OF THE BASICS Neutrals like BLACK, GREY, WHITE and BROWN are basics for the decorator’s tool kit. All-neutral schemes fall in and out of fashion, but their virtue lies in their flexibility: Add colour to liven things up; subtract it to calm things down. Black is best used in small doses as an accent to ground the colour scheme and give it depth.

BasicCents

BY HERMINA DANZIE-VITALIS

OVE R E X T E N D E D In today’s financial climate, learning to juggle your bills and finances has become close to a fine art! Below is a guide to help ease your financial headache.

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here are significant risks associated with overextending your finances. If you don’t budget properly and manage your debt obligations responsibly, you may be faced with a reality where you are unable to meet your regular expenses.

From statistics released by the New York Fed for 2013, the average American has a credit card debt of US$15,270, together with a mortgage of US$149,925. For students without a mortgage, they join the workforce with a student loan debt of US$32,258. These are the average debt figures, which suggest that many people are paying much more when you counterbalance the number of people who have no currents debts or loans.

You will know the size of your regular income, but unless you write down a budget covering your monthly expenses, you may not know how much money you have left to spend on a specialty coffee on the way to work or taking your family out for dinner or for entertainment.

If your net income after tax is $1,000 and your expenses are around $500, then you are left with $500 to save for the future, to plan

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for larger expenses like replacing your car or a deposit on a property.

When you desire, more than need, the latest large screen smart television, there is a temptation to borrow money from your financial institution, but at what risk to you and your family?

You may decide to spend $300 of your available $500 on loans for vehicles or other family requirements, and you are now

left with $200 a month, But what happens if you are faced with an unforeseen circumstance like needing a replacement part for your vehicle or your roof begins to leak? If you don’t have sufficient funds in your savings, you may have to borrow money to pay these essential debts and suddenly find all of your income has gone towards paying loans.

Borrowing responsibly is essential for you and your family, because if you have no money left over each month for enjoyment, you will be living from one pay-cheque to the next, just to clear your debts and pay your monthly expenses.

Most banks and lending institutions have fixed criteria of how much you should be spending on loans as a maximum of your income. The figure varies between 30% and 45% of your earnings after tax and insurance. To borrow more money than this could be said to be irresponsible because you will have no room for maneuver should an unexpected financial problem arise.

When your income is steady, you can establish a maximum amount you are prepared to pay towards loans and other expenses so that you can guarantee that you have some money left over for entertainment and some redirected to your savings account for future planning.

It is critical to understand the challenges arising from overextending your finances. By prudently and responsibly managing your finances, you will find ways to live within your income and enjoy your life, because you will have budgeted and planned for circumstances that you may be faced, expectedly or not.

Hermina Danzie-Vitalis is the Country Manager (Saint Lucia) of Axcel Finance Ltd, the leading regional microfinance institution in the Caribbean region. She holds an MBA in Finance from Leicester University, U.K.

SpotLight

YEAR OF THE BOSS LADY A study released in January 2015 by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) found that Jamaica has the highest proportion of women managers in the world; at 59.3%, Jamaica is way ahead of countries like the USA and UK. In fact, the Caribbean region featured strongly, with Saint Lucia coming 3rd at 52.3%, and Bahamas (9th), Barbados (13th), Trinidad and Tobago (14th) and Cayman (16th) on the list. The study entitled “Women in Business and Management, Gaining Momentum” found that women are still under-represented at the top, although the number of women in senior and middle management positions has increased over the last 20 years. SHE is proud to profile two of the region’s top boss ladies as an inspiration to all women who are forging ahead with their careers in every field.

KAROLIN TROUBETZKOY Jade Mountain’s First Lady If Caribbean tourism even had a glass ceiling, Karolin Troubetzkoy shattered it a long time ago. This soft-spoken German woman, with a visible zeal for her craft and a self-confessed über-keen eye for detail, has risen to the top of her field after thirty years living in Saint Lucia. With an atrium full of accolades behind (and no doubt ahead of) her, Troubetzkoy exudes the optimistic enthusiasm you expect from a newbie to the realm of exceeding luxury travellers’ expectations, alongside a veteran’s grasp of what it takes to stay ahead of the pack, even when the pack seems leagues behind.

By Dee Lundy-Charles

Photos Top to Bottom: Representing not only Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet, but the destination of Saint Lucia, at trade shows around the world.

Karolin Troubetzkoy: Hotelier, Wife, Mother, Artist, Advocate and Tourism ‘Passionista.’

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arolin Troubetzkoy is truly a multi-cultural woman. Born and raised in Bavaria, Germany, she is the daughter of a Turkish father and a German mother. Even though her father was in Germany as a medical student, Germans at the time viewed all Turks as ‘gastarbeiter’—a term meaning “guest workers”—an “invited” immigrant labour force not always welcome in the country of their repatriation. Settling in Erlangen, Karolin’s dental student father was Muslim and her beautician mother was Catholic. She admits to feeling misunderstood and different because of her Turkish heritage, but credits her exposure to different religions and cultures with being instrumental in shaping her world view.

When she was small her parents divorced, and staying with her mother in Germany meant Troubetzkoy knew little of her heritage growing up. In her thirties she reconnected with her Turkish family, visiting them and calling the experience “an eye-opener.” Now, having developed strong relationships with her family and roots, she wishes she had known that part of her history earlier, but admits her upbringing is very much at the core of her self-identity as a citizen of the world.

TOURISM TRAILBLAZER That identity includes speaking four languages, an accomplishment that Karolin characteristically downplays as being requisite for the tourism industry, especially in Europe.

She grew up with neighbouring France and Italy only a stone’s throw away, so it was natural and almost expected. She also helped at an aunt’s hotel from as early as age six,

and credits her with “putting out the call, the beacon” that became Karolin’s life’s work.

Back in the 1970s, when Karolin Troubetzkoy started her career in hotel management in Munich, the hotel business was firmly in the hands of men. The profession was based on practical training.

There was no university course in Germany until the end of the 70s and Karolin was one of the earliest participants.

“One of the professors walked into a class with 75% women and 25% men,” she recalls with a smile, “and he was quite brutal in telling us that the only way for women to have a career in the industry was to marry a hotelier. I was shocked that this was the reality and to this day it has made me work five times as hard to prove him wrong.”

Although times have changed, and nowadays there are many female executives of luxury properties all over the world, in reality the industry remains a male bastion.

While she was studying, a representative from the hotel management company Steigenberger walked into her university classroom and asked for volunteers to teach German in Saint Lucia as part of a practical semester. At the time Troubetzkoy knew nothing of the Caribbean, far less the tiny island on which she would land in 1980, just days after Hurricane Allen had caused widespread damage and the closure of all but one hotel. At age twenty, she and two fellow graduates found themselves in the midst of the resulting chaos, with no reachable contacts and nowhere to stay when they arrived from Germany via Barbados, “traumatised and practically broke.”

Luckily they met some helpful locals of influence and were directed to a hotel executive who knew about the arrangement; they spent the next six months working on the island, which was a “fantastic experience” for Karolin.

“I felt immediately at home,” she recalls.

“It made me understand I was a citizen of the world, and realise I was meant for this work, so I embraced it.”

She left Saint Lucia in 1981 to “explore other places in the world,” not anticipating a return to the tiny island in the southern Caribbean. But only three months later, Karolin met Nick Troubetzkoy, owner of Anse Chastanet. Their paths had never crossed in Saint Lucia. It was a courtship conducted long distance over four years, difficult, she admits, partly because Karolin was determined to travel the world. She also did not want her destiny to be precisely what the professor had predicted—marrying a hotelier.

“I went everywhere I could think of, Polynesia, the Seychelles. I was somewhat reluctant to follow my heart, and I was independent-minded,” she reminisces. “It was a challenge, and I was determined not to become the wife walking the beach with a floppy hat. At the end of the day, love won out—but so did independence.”

The interesting work dynamic which developed between herself and her husband has been one the reasons for the property’s success, Karolin says.

“We are far from being the harmonious hotelier couple. As a matter of fact, many times we start off by not agreeing at all on the way forward but then continue our discussions until we find a common ground from which we can move forward. I can say for certain that it has never been boring.“

Photos Top to Bottom: With German Ambassador Lutz Görgens at Government House in Saint Lucia.

Meeting a group of organic farmers; Karolin is an advocate for creating agricultural linkages between the tourism industry snd local suppliers.

The SLHTA President welcoming Top Chef Runner Up and local celebrity Chef Nina Compton, who became the island’s first Culinary Ambassador in 2014 after her success on the show.

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ARTIST’S EYE, MOTHER’S HEART Her multi-cultural upbringing is also at the root of her love of the arts, and Karolin was a pioneer in bringing art to the walls of Anse Chastanet long before it became an industry trend. She has worked for many years with Saint Lucian craftspeople and artists, incorporating local paintings, sculptures, fabrics and furnishings, first into Anse Chastanet, then Jade Mountain, making the properties a living homage to local creativity.

“In my youth I used to paint but I had to make a decision about what I wanted to be.

Due to the experience of working at my aunt’s hotel growing up and the passion she instilled in me, I decided to pursue this career and not painting.”

As do many phenomenally successful women, Karolin Troubetzkoy balanced a stellar career with raising two sons, Nikolai, now a video game designer based out of Vancouver, and Yasha, who has returned to the family business since completing his qualifications in hospitality. If she has one regret, Karolin says, it is the time spent away from the kids as they grew up. She admits the tourism industry is a completely all-encompassing one, especially when both parents are involved.

“If I’m asked for advice, I tell women to find the time, make the time—and to make sure they are in at least some of the photos! In hindsight I wish I had spent more time with the kids, because you lose them so fast. Then suddenly they don’t need you anymore. I love being a professional woman and all it entails, but it is important to find that balance and spend quality time with your growing family.”

Troubetzkoy advises that scheduling and commitment to spending regular quality time is a tricky grail to chase, but recommends being disciplined about putting aside everything to focus on the family, be it weekly, monthly or even on an annual holiday. “It’s about not making excuses or getting sidetracked. It’s about commitment and consistency.”

FORGING A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE When she won the Caribbean Hotelier of the Year Award in 2012, Karolin looked at the portraits in the winners’ gallery and realised there was only a handful of women reaching the highest levels of tourism in the region. After four years as President of the St Lucia Hotel and Tourism Association, the Jade Mountain and Anse Chastanet Executive Director of Marketing and Operations wishes more women would join the ranks of this crucial regional economic driver.

There’s no doubt that with 30 years in the business and a lifetime of experience, Karolin Troubetzkoy relishes her multiple hats and the 68 SHECARIBBEAN.COM

love which has twice filmed its final, breathholding moments at the pinnacle of one of the world’s most unique and captivating resorts.

So hats off to Karolin Troubetzkoy, a trailblazing tourism “passionista” whose vision and tenacity have taken her to the top of her game. If the industry is results-driven, this Boss Lady has proven over and over that she indeed has “the right stuff.”

Boss Bites DO YOU EXERCISE? I prefer running and weights over yoga, and love to climb Gros Piton whenever I can.

WHAT CAN’T YOU LIVE WITHOUT? Definitely my iPad. WHAT’S YOUR FAVOURITE CITY IN THE WORLD? Without a doubt New York. I love the noise.

FAVOURITE BEAUTY RITUAL? You mean besides sleeping, ha-ha?

Bubble baths!

FAVOURITE WINE? You would rarely see me turn down anything sparkling. I like all light white and rose wines—they seem more palatable for a tropical climate.

influence they allow her to offer to the industry in the Caribbean. After eighteen months as Vice President of the CHTA, she is now also head of CAST—the Caribbean Association for Sustainable Tourism—which excites the devoted environmentalist, particularly in terms of the potential for cross-sector collaboration.

Her focus is not only on the environmental side of sustainable tourism, but also on the improved education of a crucial workforce to carry the industry forward, and on the strategic links between education, arts and crafts, agriculture and cuisine, which Troubetzkoy believes is a crucial strategy for the future of the industry in the Caribbean.

The accolades are important, but making a difference is much more important to Karolin who agrees her profile and that of the twin resorts have benefitted from the glowing testimony of entranced guests and visitors to Anse Chastanet and Jade Mountain. As the marketing genius behind the family business, Karolin has placed Jade Mountain high on the list of aspirational vacations, and firmly planted the Pitons in the minds of American viewers via two seasons of The Bachelor, reality TV’s search for

FAVOURITE MUSICAL ARTIST OR SONG? Stuck in the 70’s.

BEST LIME? Out on the water with good friends, enjoying the breeze, music, good food and wine and topped off with a gorgeous sunset.

WHAT’S IN YOUR HANDBAG? Three phones—it’s complicated.

Photos Top to Bottom: Recipients of the International 5 Star Diamond Award 2009 presented by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences.

As Honorary German Consul since 2007, Karolin has raised funds through the consulate for posthurricane relief and community initiatives.

When she’s not jet-setting, Karolin doesn’t shy away from a good workout climbing the Pitons.

SpotLight PETRA ROACH In her own words Barbadian Petra Roach is an iconic figure in the Travel and Tourism industry. Her gregarious personality is magnetic and her confidence is never compromised. She is the life of the party, who works hard, plays hard, and never keeps her eye off the ultimate prize of delivering successfully for Barbados and being a devoted mother to her two children, Christopher and Kristal. She describes herself as loyal, tenacious, affable, fun-loving and fair. Those who know her well would absolutely agree. By Averil Byer

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Photos Top to Bottom: Petra Roach, successful tourism practitioner and devoted mother of two young adults.

An avid diver, Petra is pictured at Grenada’s Underwater Sculpture Park.

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rofessionally, Petra Roach’s success as a tourism practitioner is well-documented and acknowledged, having received three high level awards in the United Kingdom, including the coveted British Travel Awards ‘Travel Personality of the Year’ in 2006. In 2014 she was named one of the ‘Top 60 Women Travel Executives of the Past 60 Years’ by the Association of Womens’ Travel Executives (AWTE).

Under her leadership, the Barbados UK office won ‘Top Tourist Office’ three times at the Travel Weekly Awards and six times at TTG Travel Awards, as well as twelve consecutive years as Best Destination Partnership with Virgin Holidays at their WTM Awards.

Petra has spent most of her professional life working for the Barbados Tourism Authority (BTA), now Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI). She headed the

London office from 2002 and recently led the organisation during its transition period in the restructuring of BTA to BTMI as interim CEO from May to October of 2014.

This January, she moved to New York to take over USA operations. Expectations are naturally high because of her solid track record and her supporters will tell you that she will once again work the magic she is renowned for.

With Petra’s professional attributes so well known, SHE Caribbean wanted to gain some insight into how and what she thinks about life—in her own words.

WHAT MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW I was a banker before getting into Tourism. I speak fluent German, Spanish and French and I know most people would not believe this but I get really nervous of public speaking.

achievement. But you also have to be very honest with yourself too, recognise your weaknesses and shortcomings and change your path if warranted. Changing path is not a weakness. It’s actually a big strength.

ON LOVE AND MARRIAGE

GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT TO DATE Definitely raising two very well grounded, respectful and happy children who are very confident in themselves and who are also very kind and sharing. Every decision I make is centred around them.

WHAT DRIVES HER From a child I have always been taught that there’s no such word as can’t. I was always taught that in everything I do, I should put my best foot forward. Try and try again. There are so many adages that the old people used to tell us when we were growing up that have really stuck, and for me, I really want to make a difference in everything I do. I just don’t want to do something for the sake of doing it. I want to make sure that when I look back and reflect I can say “wow,” I am proud of myself.

SPENDING HER DOWN TIME I love diving. I’ve dived a lot of places in the world, I started learning to dive twenty years ago at the Barbados Hilton and that passion has increased over the years. It has given me the opportunity to make some amazing new friends and see different parts of the world. I am also very good at just watching movies and doing nothing.

MOST INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE IN HER LIFE There are several people who were influential in my life. Maybe my head teacher Ms Adele Smith at St Matthias School, who always said to me “you are capable of great things so always believe in yourself.” And my mother, who has always been there for me through thick and thin. When you’ve got somebody who has that deep all-encompassing love for you, it gives you confidence to go forward and try, because you know you will have the support behind you.

ON FRIENDSHIP AND GIRLFRIENDS You can’t do anything without proper true friends. It is that link in the circle for a complete positive experience in life. My group of friends are very strong people so anybody looking on from the outside would say: ‘Oh my God, that’s going to be a calamity.’ But actually we don’t draw on each other negatives, we draw on each other’s positives. I have loads of friends who have

I got married at a very young age to a lovely man who is an amazing father and friend, even though we are no longer together. That friendship has played a significant role in the stability and happiness of our children. That’s something I would never want to change.

In spite of one having differences with a partner, I think it is important to be respectful and understand that against the backdrop of a very difficult and challenging situation, you have to put the family unit first and ensure that your kids do not feel the negativity that comes with your own differences. When people are adult about their problems, it works itself out whether it happens slowly or quickly. When the respect breaks down, that’s when the acrimony rears its ugly head. I’ve

“I really want to make a difference in everything that I do. I just don’t want to do something for the sake of doing it. I want to make sure that when I look back and reflect, I can say, wow, I am proud of myself.” faced adversity and come through it, or who have done amazing things with their lives. I respect everything they do and that gives me additional drive to be different and not to be afraid of the unknown. You really get out of friendship exactly what you put in and I genuinely care for and love all my friends.

been very lucky and grateful to have a cohesive and loving family, in spite of a breakup with my husband.

WHAT SHE KNOWS FOR SURE Tomorrow presents another opportunity.

ADVICE FOR YOUNG PROFESSIONAL WOMEN Never settle for mediocrity. It’s one of the worst traits you can have. I dislike when people just do the basics and think that’s ok.

Whenever you set out to do something, you should want it to be absolutely dynamite. I think we have to recognise that being a woman, we’ve got a lot of advantages we can use. We are multifaceted. We can do several things at the same time. We are intuitive. We have the ability to be open about our feelings and, generally speaking, we are not afraid to use our support network. All these positives we can take into the workplace and use to our advantage. You also have to be very clear about your goals, because you can’t achieve anything without setting a path towards that

Photos Top to Bottom: Sailing with friends off the beautiful coast of Barbados.

Enjoying a relaxed moment with daughter, Kristal and son Christopher.

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Entertainment

BY HOWARD CAMPBELL

Rita Anderson was born in Cuba to Jamaican parents. She was raised in Kingston and met a teenaged Bob Marley when he was living in the sprawling ghetto of Trench Town.

Keeping the Marley Flame Alive Rita Marley graced our SHE cover in 2001 with the headline, Rita Marley: Keeper of the Flame. She has not slowed down since, and remains the woman that has turned the Marley name into one of the most successful brands of our generation. In this 70th birthday year of Bob Marley, SHE Caribbean salutes this Caribbean woman.

L

ast November, it was announced that the family of reggae superstar Bob Marley would launch a line of marijuana products in late 2015 called Marley Natural. In tandem with Privateer Holdings, a company based in Seattle, Washington, the Marleys will “offer cannabis and hemp-infused topical products, including sun repair creams and lotions”.

Representing the Marley family was matriarch Rita Marley, who readily endorsed the latest venture to bear her husband’s name and image.

“My husband believed the herb was a natural and positive part of life and he felt it was important to the world. He looked forward to this day,” she said.

In the 34 years since his death from cancer at age 36, Bob Marley’s legacy has grown significantly. In 2014, Forbes Magazine named him among the dead celebrities whose estate consistently earns in the millions, alongside Elvis Presley, John Lennon and Jimi Hendrix.

According to Forbes, the Marley estate earned US$20 million last year, mainly from music reissues and merchandise.

Many credit the growth of the Marley empire to Rita’s business savvy. The diminutive 69-year-old, who married the struggling singer/songwriter in February, 1966, bore him three children (Cedella, Ziggy and Stephen) and toured the world with him as a member of the I Three, his harmony group.

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Since Marley’s passing in May, 1981, his name has inspired a multi-million-dollar corporation that includes a museum at his former home in Kingston, a clothes and shoe line, organic coffee, a successful play and numerous books and documentaries.

He has been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, received a Grammy Award for Lifetime Achievement and a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

Rita has been present at most of these events, flashing her trademark smile.

Judy Mowatt, her longtime friend and I Three ‘sister’, says Rita Marley has always been a businesswoman. Long before her husband made it big in the 1970s.

“I’ve heard that she was the one who put the records on her head when they (Rita and Bob) had the little shop on Charles Street (in

downtown Kingston). She was the one who promoted the music to a national level,” said Mowatt.

For all her business acumen, Mowatt does not believe Rita gets the recognition she deserves for keeping the Marley legend alive.

“For those of us who know, we really lift our hats to her,” said Mowatt.

Rita Anderson was born in Cuba to Jamaican parents. She was raised in Kingston and met a teenaged Bob Marley when he was living in the sprawling ghetto of Trench Town.

She was a recording artiste with a group called the Soulettes. She also recorded as a solo artiste and did songs with The Wailers, her husband’s group which included Peter Tosh and Bunny ‘Wailer’ Livingston.

As his fame grew, so did Marley’s reputation as a ladies' man. He fathered several children out of wedlock, some of whom his wife raised.

Today, Rita Marley lives in Ghana where oversees a number of humanitarian projects.

The government of that West African country made her an honorary citizen in 2013.

“My husband believed the herb was a natural and positive part of life and he felt it was important to the world. He looked forward to this day.”

REAL APPLES. REAL CIDER. REAL REFRESHMENT.

5% ALCOHOLIC DRINK

Entertainment shorts

BY HOWARD CAMPBELL

NOTTING HILL TURNS 49 The 49th Notting Hill Carnival is scheduled for August 30-31 in London. This year’s theme is ‘Emergence of Carnival’. One of the stellar cultural events in Britain, Notting Hill’s organisers will honour top British calypsonians in August. Notting Hill Carnival 2014 kicks off with J’Ouvert and children’s day parade. The following day (Bank Holiday Monday) is the main parade which comprises floats and revellers in costumes, showcasing Caribbean culture in the streets. The Notting Hill Carnival was first held in 1964 as an offshoot of the Trinidad Carnival. This colourful spectacle attracts thousands of Britons and tourists to the British capital.

STILL LIVE! 40 YEARS LATER It’s all about Bob Marley this year. The reggae superstar would have turned 70 in February and his family and record companies have planned a year-long list of activities to mark the occasion.

July will be 40 years since Marley and The Wailers performed at the Lyceum Theatre in London.

They did two shows which were recorded for the epic Live! album released by Island Records in December, 1975. The album contains a riveting version of No Woman, No Cry, Marley’s recollection of tough times in the Kingston ghetto of Trench Town.

GOING BACK TO THE ROOTS

Residents of a small Canadian town are hoping the filming of an historic drama there, will boost its tourism product. The Book of Negroes, a six-part mini-series starring Oscar winners Cuba Gooding Jnr and Louis Gossett Jnr, was shot in Shelburne, a sea-faring town in Nova Scotia. It aired on Black Entertainment Television (BET) in February as part of that channel’s Black History Month programming. Bill Niven, a Nova Scotia film and television producer, said it meant a lot for the town. “With the huge reach of BET in the U.S. we’re hoping that it will literally boost tourism in Nova Scotia,” Niven said. “A lot of people are going to be interested in this story and the history of it, and it carries on today because the descendants of the people who came here in 1783 are still living here and have become part of the cultural fabric of Nova Scotia.” The Book of Negroes is based on a book of the same name by Canadian writer Lawrence Hil. lt is the story of Aminata Diallo, kidnapped from West Africa and sold into slavery in 18th Century colonial America and Canada. Jamaican Clement Virgo directed the mini-series and also co-wrote its screenplay.

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Fashion

BEYOND

THE BEACH As the sun warmed our faces before sunrise on the limestone cliffs at Half Moon Bay, we knew we were embarking on a mission to rediscover Antigua. The waters of one of 365 wondrous beaches washed the shores behind us and we faced the Atlantic head-on, as a bronze glow illuminated the course of our excursion to an undiscovered destination. With the beach just the beginning, we started at the southeast coastline and traversed toward the northwest waterfront, with a stop at the Atlantic Ocean, an invigorating pause at reefs on the south-eastern seaboard, and on to Point Wharf—a fishing hub, just outside St. Johns.

Photographed By SEAN O’GARRO

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SUGAR BABY Contemporary and regal resortwear, perched atop the stone rubble of an old sugar mill, in a cotton lycra and rayon slinky sun dress by Adalia Joseph at Deshaun.

SHECARIBBEAN.COM 77

THIS PAGE: ROMANCING THE STONE The adventure-seeking mischief of the first morning-after. Still garbed in her evening gown, she wanders, explores, discovers.

Limestone and Lace: Sensuous silk lace sheath gown by Noreen Phillips OPPOSITE PAGE: BETWEEN A ROCK AND A HARD PLACE The barefooted damsel holds court between a rock and a hard place, styled in relief against the bitter sweet haunt of Half Moon Bay Hotel Sheer Delight: A whorl of chiffon in African Jaafar print by Noreen Phillips

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SHECARIBBEAN.COM 79

THIS AND OPPOSITE PAGE:

CLEAR AND PRESENT DANGER On a clear day at Devil’s Bridge, desire for reconnection with Africa is revisited. Jean Marie Thomas’s breathing-fabric resort wear, in cotton and voile, conjures up symbolic imagery of a metaphoric umbilical chord, strung straight across the Atlantic, unencumbered, to West Africa.

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SHECARIBBEAN.COM 81

THIS PAGE: THIS PAGE ROSE BETWEEN TWO THORNS Cotton band shirt, To the beat of her own drum, seven different the Antiguan woman asserts her prints combined. identity; expressing Nubian nostalgia, she postures, signaling aOPPOSITE new-foundPAGE individuality in her Antiguan affirmation.

Tunic, deep

neckline in six prints.

Neo-Afro-Caribbean: Skirtharmony with pull-out The of contrasting square patchwork afro-centric textiles, 100% cotton, authentic belt.

Nigerian print, and appliquéd sequins, beads and animal print mesh in designs by Adalia Joseph at Deshaun.

OPPOSITE PAGE: THE NAKED TRUTH With bare essentials we experience the natural beauty of Antigua. The personality, the tropical terrain, the sea, the sky, all the crown jewels of this gem of the Caribbean. Through basic copper and turquoise stones Miranda Askie transforms these elements crafting them into conversation pieces.

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THIS PAGE: OPPOSITES ATTRACT The tranquil seafront port at Point Wharf is where a cool Caribbean man is enthralled by the island charms of an exotic enchantress in Noreen Phillips Couturier.Representing the carefree as well as the cosmopolitan, this quaint setting speaks to the quintessential Caribbean mosaic, where opposites do, in fact, attract.

Art Direction Richard Young Stylist Vanda Neale Gardner Hair & Makeup John Clarke @Splinters Models from M.O.D.E.L Antigua Nicoya Henry, Nathalia Smets, Luisany Batis, Rohanna Smith, Wilma Diaz, Chevelle Barnes, Kenroy Christian, Rundell Craig, Jerome Stapleton Location Coordinator Bernard Francis

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Reportage

#BRINGBACKOURGIRLS A SPECIAL REPORT BY SHE CORRESPONDENT AIDAN COX

O

n 14 April 2014, the scorching Nigerian sun rose as it always did on the tin sheet roof of the Government Girls Secondary School (GGSS) in the village of Chibok. The school at the time was accommodating over 300 girls, all of them there to sit high school final exams, all of them there to further their education. The only difference as the sun rose on that crisp April morning was that this time, over 200 of its students were gone—kidnapped in the dark of the night before.

The girls, who could hear gunfire just hours before their kidnapping, were relieved when men entered their school claiming to be soldiers. After being led outside and assembled on the parched brown soil, their relief transformed to terror, as one escapee described, when the men started cheering, “Allahu Akbar” or “God is great.”

Rounded up en masse into trucks, the girls, between 16 and 18 years of age were driven for hours deep into the dry brush of the Sambisa Forest. Almost a year later, and after the rise and fall of one of the biggest social media campaigns ever, 219 of the 276 kidnapped are still missing. #Bringbackourgirls has done little to really bring back the girls of Chibok. Furthermore, the plight of girls living in Nigeria seems to have only been forgotten, as one of the most destructive forces in Nigeria continues to make it worse.

Better known by its colloquially used 86 SHECARIBBEAN.COM

As we celebrate the progress women are making in our region, we should keep in mind that gender victimisation continues in many parts the world. What happened in Nigeria a year ago proves women are still treated as chattels to be bartered and sold, used and abused, then discarded like so much trash. And what of the global, viral campaign that made #bringbackourgirls a trending topic worldwide?

SHE takes a look at the facts that accompanied the hype. name—Boko Haram—Jama’atu Ahlis Sunna Lidda’awati wal-Jihad was formed around 2002 in Borno State’s capital, Maiduguri, under the leadership of Muslim cleric, Mohammed Yusuf.

They remained relatively peaceful until their sudden uprising in 2009, which resulted in the killing of several police officers and 700 Boko

Haram members, as well as Yusuf, who police say was killed while trying to escape custody.

Boko Haram would later challenge this, asserting that Yusuf was extra-judicially killed.

Abubakar Shekau took up the leadership the following year and since then the group has been responsible for the death and

displacement of thousands of civilians, mostly in the northeastern region of Nigeria. However its attack on the GGSS last year, was arguably the first time the group’s atrocities received so much international attention.

Dubbed Boko Haram by the Hausa-speaking residents of Maiduguri, the name roughly translates to, “Western education is sin.” While the group’s targets for attacks have included a broad range of people, over the past two years they have focused primarily on launching assaults against students and teachers.

Amnesty International reported in late 2013 that at least 70 teachers and over 100 students had been wounded or killed in northern Nigeria since the previous year. News reports also suggest that up to 50 schools were attacked, burned or destroyed in Borno state in 2013.

The security situation in the region has become so poor that teachers and humanitarian activists have been forced to flee to neighbouring regions. As a result, dozens of schools have been forced to close down due to deteriorating security. The GGSS had itself been closed for three weeks prior to the kidnapping, and opened only to accommodate exams.

All this has served to exacerbate the challenges faced by girls living in the area. In northern Nigeria, girls made up only 22 per cent of enrollment in secondary schools in 2008. With so many families living below the poverty line, many girls are sent to work in the market. Many also become married and/ or have children early, making education an unlikely option. The Population Council of Nigeria stated that 67.4 per cent of girls in the northern region get married by the time they are 15 years old.

Since the kidnapping, the most common speculation has been that the girls have been married off to Boko Haram members and others in the market for brides and sex slaves.

Three weeks after the kidnapping, Boko Haram’s Shekau appeared in a video where he claimed responsibility for the kidnapping and summarised his plans for the girls. In it he says, “There is a market for selling humans. Allah commands me to sell. I will sell women.”

By the time Boko Haram came out saying that it was they who took the girls, demonstrations were already being held across Nigeria by parents and supporters who desperately sought recognition and help.

Besides the obvious question of where their girls had been taken, parents wanted to know what the government was doing about it. On 30 April, hundreds of women marched up to the Parliament building in the capital, Abuja,

pressuring President Jonathan’s administration to step up its role in finding the girls.

While protests were growing on Nigerian soil, a similar force was building momentum across borders. All over social networks, users from Europe to North America began discussing the 276 kidnapped girls from a small rural town in Nigeria. #BringBackOurGirls started “trending” on Twitter, as it got tweeted and retweeted thousands of times. The BBC reported on 6 May 2014 that the “hashtag” had already been used over one million times.

Soon enough, the social media activism seen on Twitter and Facebook began dying down. Other stories began taking precedence, such as the barbaric Islamic State militants who were sweeping across Iraq in June, murdering hundreds of government soldiers and civilians.

Hours of news coverage were also afforded to the Ebola outbreak in West African countries, evoking fears of a Hollywood-style biological apocalypse. Ibrahim Abdullahi, a Nigerian lawyer who created the #BringBackOurGirls hashtag, said that the majority of the cause’s supporters have “moved on,” in an interview with the Guardian last October.

The dwindling interest has been evident with recent events. On 10 January this year, a 10-year-old-girl was wrapped in explosives that were detonated in a market in Maiduguri. The attack, orchestrated by Boko Haram, killed 19. Just days earlier, the group had massacred a village, with reports saying that up to 2,000 had been killed. However, neither of these tragedies elicited as much sympathy in the media as other events at the time.

Instead, Paris was the centre of attention.

With #JeSuisCharlie dominating the discourse, Nigerian lives had seemed to become unworthy victims.

“If we’re talking about CBC or Fox News, their audience is North America and they relate more to an atrocity that happened somewhere in France… So there’s a nationalist and racist and gender bias built into the news media,” says Brett Caraway, Professor in Media Studies at University of Toronto.

Social media discourse is often informed by news media discourse. As Caraway explains, the media sometimes has a hard time with multitasking. As a result, the relevance of certain stories will take precedence over others for various reasons.

As of late, the relevance of the 219 missing girls has dropped even in Nigeria, where the struggle continues but appears weaker. Every evening a group of staunch humanitarian activists gather in Abuja to demonstrate and show support.

As the beginning of March marked the 321st day since the girls were kidnapped, the daily vigil has come to resemble a wake, as described by journalist, Jonathan Miller. Ultimately, hope for recovering the girls lies with the government. So far, soldiers have failed to bring back even one. President Jonathan has only recently announced plans for bolder moves against Boko Haram. Ironically, he had been sidestepping on the issue but presidential elections were set to take place at the end of March.

‘THE MOST COMMON SPECULATION HAS BEEN THAT THE GIRLS HAVE BEEN MARRIED OFF TO BOKO HARAM MEMBERS AND OTHERS IN THE MARKET FOR BRIDES AND SEX SLAVES.’

Left: Nigerian musical artistes P-Square wrote their message on a Saint Lucian beach and tweeted it to the world.

Top: Michelle Obama posted an Instagram photo with the caption ‘Our prayers are with the missing Nigerian girls and their families.’

SHECARIBBEAN.COM 87

RESORT FEATURE

TRAVEL: WHERE OUR LOVE STORY STARTED

M

y newly acquired husband and I had our first little tiff in a taxi on the way to the resort where we’d spend our honeymoon. It was somehow my fault he had forgotten his sunglasses at home in Tallahassee! How I was to blame? Don’t ask!

It had been a long flight and I didn’t need this. I bit my tongue and wondered if I’d made a mistake letting him book our honeymoon. He said simply: “I’m taking you to Paradise in Antigua!”

Well, he wasn’t lying! As soon as I set foot at Sandals my eyes lit up as I found myself in a postcard. In front of me were the bluest ocean, the whitest powder sand and our welcoming butler with the best rum punch I ever tasted.

Alex, my darling I love you! The experience was spectacular and Sandals Antigua exceeded every dream I could have imagined for our honeymoon. True bliss! Every moment was like a precious diamond.

Thank you, my most amazing man!

A FEW OF MY FAVOURITE THINGS: The beach could have been photoshopped, it was so perfect. The grounds at this resort are impeccable, lush and full of colourful tropical flowers everywhere. The ocean was brilliant teal and the white sand sparkled under the sunlight. I loved the beach. It was long, perfect for our romantic walks and those sunsets were truly postcard material!

1)

2)

The people were amazing, from the GM Chris Elliott – a very involved

BY LOLA ISHAC

favorite restaurant, maybe because of the lobster dishes. Alex and I love dining outside.

Of course we luxuriated in our beautiful room, ordered room service and one evening even dined on our private patio. So perfect, so romantic.

4)

I’m a workout fanatic so I dragged myself to the gym a few times for a quickie circuit. I wasn’t surprised to discover the equipment was strictly state of the art.

The Red Lane Spa was to die for and I booked two treatments during our weeklong stay.

Sheer luxury. The reflexology was at times a tad painful but the afterglow was fair compensation. My other treatment was the coffee scrub using Jamaica’s finest beans for an incredible detox. The masseuse was the epitome of island charm, with hands that worked magic on my knots.

hands-on manager with an ear-to-ear smile –to the waiters at every eatery. Literally everybody was so welcoming and hospitable, almost falling over themselves to please us.

Imagine, the GM helped load our luggage onboard the taxi!

3)

The food was yummy! Mouthwatering. There are eleven restaurants to choose from, between two resorts that merge as one (the Caribbean and the Mediterranean). We dined most at Kimonos.

I love Japanese cuisine. Then there was Mario’s, where we enjoyed the Italian dishes ever. However, Eleanor’s was my personal

5)

Last but certainly not least was our heavenly suite. We stayed on the Caribbean side, which is stunning. It featured a sumptuous four-poster bed, flat-screen TV, and a well stocked bar, plus a gorgeous view, private pool and our own butler who deserves special mention. Wendell knew what we needed, sometimes even before we knew we needed it! For instance, those fabulous long bubble baths. Did I mention the crisp, white linen on our most comfortable bed ever?

Every moment during my honeymoon in Sandals Antigua was marvelous. I kept pinching myself and even then I couldn’t be sure I was not dreaming. So what are you waiting for?

PLACE YOUR BOOKING, NOW!

1 - 8 8 8 - S a n d a l s • w w w. s a n d a l s. c o m

Travel

TREAT YOURSELF TO

SAINT LUCIA THIS SUMMER Saint Lucia is fast becoming the ‘It’ island of the Caribbean, and with so much to offer, there’s no reason why your next trip shouldn’t take in the Helen of the West Indies.

SHE PIC

7

KS

Things Lucian- To Do style!

BITE INTO MANGO MADNESS AT JADE MOUNTAIN Celebrate the season of mango deliciousness with a once in a lifetime Mango Tour of Nick Troubetzkoy’s Emerald Gardens, to be hosted on June 16th as part of the world-renowned resort’s Mango Madness Festival (June 12-17.) Starting off with a walking and tasting tour of the resort’s own Organic Garden at Emerald Estate, you will see the sultry natural habitat of the mango fields, learn why mangos are the most popular fruit in the world and enjoy a relaxed tropical snack with more mangos on the back porch of the farmhouse.

PARTY IN THE PARK Saint Lucia’s annual music and culture odyssey, the Jazz and Arts Festival takes place this year from April 30 to May 10, featuring legends like Jimmy Cliff, Arturo Tappin and Joey DiFrancesco, along with contemporary global names like Robin Thicke, Jon Secada and Flo Rida. A strong Caribbean contingent includes Beres Hammond and Krosfyah. With community events islandwide, the festival culminates in three days of partying at Pigeon Island National Park. Check stluciajazz.org for all events and artistes.

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DANCE IN THE STREET As the old Motown number says, “there’ll be swingin’, swayin’ and records playin’” at Gros Islet every Friday night of the year except Good Friday. The street party has been going strong for four decades, with a great mix of locals and visitors filling the fishing village after dark to enjoy the latest DJs and live music. Bars and restaurants line the main strip, barbecue smoke fills the air and local craftspeople display their products on street side stalls.

TAKE YOUR RIDE FOR A SWIM Galloping along a windswept Caribbean beach is another bucket list perennial which Saint Lucia can help you tick off, if fillies are your thing. Well, gentle and wise Creole horses to be exact, who ply the beaches bearing riders over the dramatic coastal pathways of the island’s northern coastline. An easy canter is fine too, as riding schools like Northpoint Stables at Cap Estate and Atlantic Shores in Vieux Fort cater for all levels of riding experience. Cool off by riding your four-legged pal into the gentle waves before dismounting for a cold beer and the ride back to town.

GET UP - MUD UP! It’s worth setting the alarm for the cool twilight of 5am to hit the legendary Sulphur Springs in Soufriere, where the mineral laden pools are hot, hot, hot and the malodorous black mud does insane things for the complexion. The trick is to immerse yourself in the murky, steaming entry pool, then emerge to the banks of the spring to smear yourself (or someone else) from head to toe with viscous black mud which miraculously dries a few shades lighter. The photo ops are endless and some tours will take you to a nearby icy waterfall to rinse off in natural style.

But be warned - do not wear your best bikini, nor anything else you don’t want ruined—the mud stains!

EVERYONE NEEDS A RUM PUNCH SUNSET CRUISE Bucket list dreams are the stuff of our daily island life, so slow down and book a sunset cruise that suits your mood. Have fun on one of Saint Lucia’s party catamarans like Endless Summer, or talk like a pirate and hit the high seas on Black Magic, a brig-style boat, complete with costumed crew and cannon fire in the bay.

Perhaps something more sedate is your thing, so step aboard Jus' Sail's charming Carriacou sloop Good Expectation, and settle down on comfy cushions to enjoy the best Saint Lucia Distillers’ premium rums at anchor in a private cove, accompanied by gourmet nibbles and the friendly company of hosts James and Pepsi.

CLIMB EVERY MOUNTAIN! Or at least put your sights on one of Saint Lucia’s iconic twin peaks, The Pitons. Jade Mountain’s Karolin Troubetzkoy calls them “my morning workout,; other less fit individuals say “wonderful views but never again.”

Either way, local guides make the challenge easier by sticking to wellestablished paths, and once you are at the summit, there’s nothing quite like looking over the island from 2500 feet above sea level, and for many visitors it’s the highlight of their stay. For the less adventurous, try the Tet Paul Nature Trail which winds up the base of Gros Piton.

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SunTempleFood

BY GERMAINE WATERS

Many people ask how Sun Temple came about.

Simple. I experienced a renaissance. I wanted to finally invoke the desire I'd had for years to truly find a way to create food using the rich resources available in the Caribbean and to trust my own instincts and knowledge rather than someone else’s to feed my body and soul. The result is the harnessing and documenting of a growth process, which I feel honoured to share.

HEALTHY FLATBREADS THE DOUGH 454g (3 c) wholewheat spelt flour 295 ml (10 oz) water 2 tbsp olive oil 1 tbsp honey/ brown sugar 1 tsp salt 1 heaping tsp active dried yeast

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1. If you have a bread machine or food-mixer with a dough attachment, then please use to combine all the ingredients and mix for 15 minutes or until the dough is elastic. If not, then I’m afraid it’s a case of elbow grease and some serious kneading.

2. Once the dough has risen to double its starting size, divide it into 16 small balls.

3. Cut into small cubes and roast any combination of butternut squash, red peppers, eggplant, mushrooms or courgettes (zucchini).

Toss the vegetables in olive oil and place in a hot

oven until they are softened and a bit brown about the edges.

4. Roll out the small balls of dough into long strips.

5. You will need to make one of the sauces for spreading from www.suntemplefood.com.

Try using mozzarella, feta, goat’s cheese or crumbled, seasoned tofu and spread under or over the vegetables.

6. Add a smattering of fresh rocket (arugula) once they come out of the oven, which is sublime.

RAW MANGO CHEESECAKE How amazing to have something this glamourous which is filled with good stuff, rather than the usual high fat, high sugar alternative. Serves 10.

more to set, so you will have to time the making of the mango layer.

THE TOP flesh of 2 medium mangoes 1 frozen banana 1 tbsp maple syrup 1 tsp grated fresh ginger juice 1 lime

THE BASE 240g (1.5 c) almonds 385g (2.5 c) dates Blitz together these two ingredients in the food processor until they stick together nicely. Press into the bottom of your waiting cake tin with removable base, then pop into the freezer while you get on with the next layer.

THE MIDDLE 300g (2 c) cashew nuts, soaked for 3 to 4 hours 2 frozen over-ripe bananas 1/2 c maple syrup 1 teaspoon cinnamon Blitz all in the food processor until the mixture is perfectly smooth. Pour 3/4 onto the base and return to the freezer. Keep the rest of the mixture for The Top. This layer needs about an hour or

Again put all these ingredients, including the 1/4 of the top layer that you held back, into the food processor and blitz until smooth.

Evenly pour over the second layer Once more, return to the freezer for at least two hours. You will need to take it out a few minutes before serving.

Place a glass under the cake pan and gently press down until the base slides up and the cheesecake is revealed. It should be all in one piece if you have left it long enough to freeze.

Tip: Don’t try to remove the base it sits upon as that might lead to calamity!

TRADITIONAL WEST INDIAN RUM PUNCH This rum punch is what my grandparents drank. It is truly the traditional, unadulterated taste of the West Indies.

The traditional rum punch recipe is: • 1 of sour (15ml lime juice) • 2 of sweet (sugar syrup) (I use only 1 at 30ml) • 3 of strong (80ml rum) • 4 of weak (water or ice) (I use only ice) • A good grating of nutmeg

Sugar syrup is simply made by boiling equal measures of sugar and water just until the sugar melts. It’s a nice touch if you put a piece of lime peel in when doing so.

For more sun temple recipes visit www.suntemplefood.com

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ADVERTORIAL

INTRODUCING . . .

Cindie Finisterre, General Manager of BLU St. Lucia

T

here’s one thing about Cindie Finisterre—she knows hospitality.

And since January 2014, the General Manager of BLU St. Lucia has had plenty of opportunity to exercise her knowledge and craft at one of the island’s most popular boutique hotels.

With a degree in hospitality management, skills ranging from accounting and housekeeping to staff-training and customer service, plus a career in small hotels dating back to 1996, there is no doubt that Cindie has a wealth of experience to draw on in her latest role.

BLU is a Harlequin Hotel in Rodney Bay, conveniently located close to the curved sweep of Reduit Beach for daytime sea and sand, as well as the action and nightlife on the island’s entertainment main drag. Proving that small is often mighty where attention to detail is concerned, the hotel boasts modern suites with private verandahs, poolside rooms, 32” flat screens TV with satellite channels,

supremely luxurious beds with cool cotton bed linens, luxury Molten Brown bathroom products, Lavazza coffee machines and complimentary bottled water on arrival.

But of course there is much more to the perfect hotel experience than nice smellies and speedy wifi, and as many passionate online reviewers willingly share, the people maketh the place. In the case of BLU’s dedicated team, the extra mile is an everyday journey and guests are consistently impressed with the “smiling team” of professionals who make their vacation memorable – led of course by their hands-on GM, Cindie Finisterre, a woman who walks the walk with them every day.

GUEST GOSSIP – Just ask BLU’s happy customers why they’re coming back for more.

• “Upon our arrival in May, Cindie and all the staff made us feel so welcome and loved. It was like coming home! Once again, we received attentiveness to our dietary

needs as well as our special requests and accommodations. Cindie and the other staff members checked on us regularly and made sure we were well taken care of throughout our stay."

• "Cindie and her staff made our 26th Anniversary dinner very romantic and special.

We ate under a romantic gazebo by the beautiful pool with pastel ribbons on our chairs and mini heart confetti! The management and staff even gave us a beautiful card!”

• “Miss Cindie Finisterre is an exceptional hotel manager, who went out of her way to make sure we had a brilliant and comfortable stay at the hotel: Your patience and helpfulness was appreciated and welcomed.”

BLU is a Harlequin Hotel in Rodney Bay, conveniently located close to the curved sweep of Reduit Beach for daytime sea and sand, as well as the action and nightlife on the island’s entertainment main drag

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without the smallest guilt. Absolutely divine!

So my favorite local hangout is Rituals Sushi.

I nearly always place the same order: Edamame (soy beans) as an appetizer (1 cup is just 76 calories), followed up with salmon

Best of all, you can scarf down fresh, light sushi and walk away without the smallest guilt.

Nothing chichi about sushi

I

fell in love with sushi years ago while living in San Diego, California. I was young, fabulous and a total fitness freak! I agreed to dates on condition we went to my favorite sushi restaurants.

Eating sushi together was a way to get to know one another. What an opportunity for effortless conversation, for unrestrained laugher as we choose the final selections to be sampled, a real icebreaker.

Fast forward to hectic life in the fast lane and still I say, there’s no better place to kill a

couple hours with close friends than a sushi bar. There’s something about the atmosphere that allows you to forget depressing realities; something that returns a girl to relatively carefree times and fun dates that even the most expensive restaurants can’t provide.

Besides, sushi does a body a lot more good that what’s on offer at those budget-killing five-star restaurants and burger joints—just remember not to overdo the tempura, the eel sauce and forget the fried rolls. Best of all, you can scarf down fresh, light sushi and walk away

sashimi (5 delicious pieces—204 calories and zero carbs.) If I’m feeling in a mood to be dangerous and don’t mind upping the carbs, then I’ll go for a California roll (5 pieces deliver 200 calories.)

Rituals Sushi is also ideally located at Rodney Bay Marina in Saint Lucia, which means it’s open air regardless of where you choose to sit.

It’s become one of my favorite sanctuaries. I’m usually there picking up a quick lunch and it’s the perfect liming spot for my girlfriends and me. And since I travel the islands so much, I can pretty much eat the same wherever I go, including St. Kitts. My BFFs will tell you the same.

So next time you and your posse want to let your hair down and still go home guilt free, you know where to go.

Oh, I almost forgot. A glass or two of white wine with your sushi will only heighten the high. MSW

WITH SIMPLICITY COMES EXCELLENCE. OUR SUSHI IS SO ROCK’N’ROLL. Japanese cuisine at its finest, a perfect fit for lunch, dinner or any occasion.

RITUALS SUSHI IGY Rodney Bay Marina Gros Islet St. Lucia 1-758.458.4344 Closed Mondays Hours: Tuesday to Thursday & Sunday 12.00pm-10pm Friday & Saturday 12.00pm-11pm

RITUALS SUSHI Frigate Bay St. Kitts 1-869.466.7874 Hours: Closed Sundays Monday to Saturday 4pm-11:30pm

Voices

Moving is such sweet sorrow One of the hardest things a person can do, along with divorce, changing jobs and bereavement, is moving home. Men do become invested in a house, but it is the woman who usually turns it into the home. Women are the natural keepers of the home, both from the physical point of cleaning and providing food for her loved ones, but possibly more important from lovingly providing the emotional husbandry.

By Germaine Waters

W

e spend years accumulating the furniture and knick-knacks of life. Then moving day comes and so many decisions need to be made. Does this or that child want this item? Should that go to charity? Really? I should throw that away!

I have now moved out of the same house twice in my life. The first time was right and fitting in that I was leaving to start my own life. This second time was much more painful as I had taken over my mother’s apron strings and was matriarch, mother, lady of the house.

My parents got married in 1955 in Trinidad and my mother shared this day with her identical twin sister. They were twenty-two, 96 SHECARIBBEAN.COM

and about to separate for the first time. After the honeymoon, my parents moved to Saint Lucia and for the next eighteen months or so lived with my grandparents in their home, which was located on the town square.

During this time, they identified a piece of land on a north-facing ridge, which at the time was where the main road ended. All that remained there from old fortifications was the foundation of a water tank and a small squarish structure no longer supporting a roof. They designed and built their home around this.

My three siblings and I were all brought up in this house. The boys shared a room and the girls

all sorts of fruit trees. To this day we refer to the garden as “the farm” Next door lived a spinster lady who, wonder of wonders, had a swimming pool. She graciously allowed us access once we scooped up the dead leaves.

A short walk down the hill took us to “Golden Sands” beach, which until the first hotel was built, we believed to be ours.

In short, we had it good. We had a cool and dry house through which the northeast trade winds blew, and which withstood many hurricanes.

My husband and I moved back into this house with our three children many years later and lived there for 16 years.

For days surrounding the actual move—the grown-up one—I felt like I was in mourning, which took me completely by surprise. I stopped sleeping properly, burst into tears at the drop of a hat and everything about the house took on a heightened meaning and look.

I had been hankering after the simpler life. I was often heard saying: “I’m tired of my possessions possessing me!” I longed to spend less time on the road and not to be responsible for a huge garden, dogs, staff and managing multiple rooms that now stood largely empty as the children were off living their lives.

In the months leading up to the big “M” we ticked off a number of “last times.” The last time we hosted the big Christmas Day dinner; the last time all three children were here together; the last time we would sit on the porch with our evening cocktail. And possibly most painful, the last time we watched our two dogs charge around the yard, knowing that they were off to live in a new home too.

IN THE MONTHS LEADING UP TO THE BIG “M” WE TICKED OFF A NUMBER OF “LAST TIMES.” THE LAST TIME WE HOSTED THE BIG CHRISTMAS DAY DINNER; THE LAST TIME ALL THREE CHILDREN WERE HERE TOGETHER; THE LAST TIME WE WOULD SIT ON THE PORCH WITH OUR EVENING COCKTAIL. did too. We even had a guest room that my brother swore was haunted by granny who spent some time there.

We learned to ride our bikes in the front yard. My brothers went through a phase of making “go-carts” and I distinctly remember finding the wheels missing off my dolly pram only to turn up . . . yup, as the smaller front steering wheels on the latest cart.

The house sits on an acre of fertile land, which my mother planted energetically with

I know it is time for a young family to move in, hopefully with their beloved dogs, to smell the breeze, climb the fruit trees, fight over the guavas and be enveloped in the loving arms of this grand dame of family homes.

I also know that I will never say to someone who moves to their dream location but seems sad and lacking sleep “but I thought you were so happy to move and that you couldn’t wait to do it?”

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