February 19 - 25, 2011
TURKS AND CAICOS WEEKLY NEWS
15
NATIONAL
If music be the food of love, play on By Rebecca Bird
Photos by Jeni Legere
LOVE was in the air this weekend as song, dance and food combined to create a heavenly evening under the stars. Saturday’s ‘Hopelessly Romantic’ event at the Stargazer Villa showcased a host of island talent all while raising funds for the arts. Culinary and creative skills were put to the test in front of hundreds of guests – and no one went home without a full belly and heart. The fun event was organised by the Turks and Caicos Friends of the Arts Foundation (TCFAF). TCFAF spokesperson Barbara Pankhurst said: “The evening proved to be utterly delightful for everyone and a successful fundraiser for the Friends of the Arts to continue in its mission of providing arts encouragement, entertainment and education for TCI.” Guests arrived at the luxury Providenciales villa from 7pm and were immediately handed a glass of champagne and a chocolate covered strawberry to set the tone of the evening. It was not long before the entertainment began – more than a dozen local artists took turns in front of the microphone and warmed the hearts of the attendees with an array of love songs. They were Gabriella Aquino, Candy Barrotti, David Been, Nikko Clarke, O’Brien Forbes, Julian Garland, Wendy Hayward, Marvin Henfield, Brusnite Jean Louis, Christma Jean Louis, Barbara Johnson, Janardo LaPorte, Alan Lenathen and the AJs, Cora Malcolm, Josie Smith, Addison Stoddard and Christina Zaccheo. Marvin Henfield hosted the evening and the artists were accompanied on the piano by Wendy
Hayward. Meanwhile guests were encouraged to sample a range of delicious dishes cooked up by local chefs. Among the delights were barbecued chicken wings by Mango Reef chef Florent Sourmont, cannelloni and croquettes from Amanyara chef Fritz Zwahlen, homemade bread from Chef Amy Caffarel of Pine Cay’s Meridian Club and fish tacos and quesadillas from Somewhere on the Beach’s Luis Fabara. There were also delicious desserts including rose water panna cotta with strawberries and champagne gelee and milk chocolate mousse with pecan, peppercorn and caramel from Amy Caffarel and chocolate cake from Caicos Bakery’s Eric Cuvillon. All entries were judged for a culinary competition on innovation, artistry on the plate, taste, and relevance to the love theme. First place went to Amy Caffarel from Pine Cay’s Meridian Club for her small seductive desserts. While second place went to Tiki Hut’s Derrick Carter for his mille feuille shortbread with Chantilly crème and shaved chocolate. Taking third place was Annick Vernay with the delicious vegetable skewers, followed very closely by Fritz Zwahlen’s small plates of cannelloni and croquettes. Barbara said: “All in all, the food was delicious, and TCFAF was very grateful to all the participating chefs. “The judges thought the culinary competition a terrific idea and loved their job.” All attendees at the evening’s event were put on the membership list for the TCFAF and given membership cards. TCFAF is run exclusively by volunteers who all donate their time and talent to keep art alive in the TCI.
DUET: Christina Zaccheo and Addison Stoddard wowed attendees with their pairing
SONGBIRD: Barbara Johnson lived up to her name
DANCING IN THE MOONLIGHT: Guests enjoyed a dance beneath the stars
TASTE TEST: The judges thought the culinary competition a “terrific idea” and loved their job
Drivers urged to use common sense at hospital
DRIVERS using Provo’s hospital are being warned about illegal parking. Hospital bosses have promised to get tough with motorists who break the rules at the Cheshire Hall Medical Centre. And cars that flout the one-way and emergency vehicle-only zones are also being targeted in the crackdown by InterHealth Canada. Chief of support services Jim Trainor said lives are being put at risk by what he calls “inconsiderate drivers”. “On the whole the parking and road system at Cheshire Hall works very well,” he said.
“But unfortunately there are a small minority who spoil things. Initially drivers claimed that our road signs were too small but signage has now been enlarged to counter this. “In terms of parking I would urge people to park properly between the guide lines and not take up two spaces, causing danger and inconvenience to others. “Also, patients are reminded that the disabled bays at the front of the centre are for people who have driven themselves to hospital but have personal mobility problems. These are generally dialysis and physiotherapy patients and security officers will be checking
in future.” He added: “Those who are transporting others to the centre are quite entitled to use the drop off area by the main doors but please can drivers not leave vehicles unattended and never park on the pedestrian crossings.” Mr Trainor said that his biggest concern was cars using the emergency vehicles-only road, leading to the emergency department. He explained: “There is a clear one way system around the site and people must keep to it. They must also watch their speed and use their common sense. “Also please remember that the only
vehicles permitted to park at the Emergency Department are emergency vehicles and it is also imperative that motorists do not use the emergency vehicles-only route. “This route is for exactly what it says it’s for and not if you are transporting something with a minor complaint. Using this route could put people’s lives at risk and so I’d urge everyone to be both sensible and patient.” He added: “The rules and regulations are there for a reason. It’s not us being awkward. It’s because it’s important that all patients, visitors and staff are safe and have easy access in and out of the centre, 24 hours a day.”