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Today September 27 is World Tourism Day; a day one would imagine holding some significance for our Caribbean region, as many of our beautiful isles offer their intriguing treats to peoples from around the World for the mutual benefit of both parties. So why ever would KarryOn Caribbean want to be messing with TOURISM and on this day of all day? Here’s why: More so now than ever, given our low economic period, the Caribbean isles must find ways to remain viable; one such way is via tourism. So the rant has been heard in some circles the Government needs to “promote tourism.” Okay! That being accepted let us now mess with Tourism on another level. A tourist is seeking a destination for pleasure. Pleasure here also includes peaceful and tranquil or safe. How do you as a resident of your isle contribute to the peace tranquility and safety of your isle in these times where we need to “promote tourism?” Reputations do not only go before people, reputations also go before places. In your interaction with others from other locations do you help create an interest within them about this place that you are from? Honestly, I’ve visited many neighbouring islands and countries after someone from the place sparked my curiousity. And Tourism is defined as the business of organizing visits to places of interest. Just getting started! How about we start messing with Tourism on some unimaginable levels! As an employee of an organization each day you go about your daily tasks. Truth told the viability of the organization is your viability. How does your daily approach to your designated task “promote tourism” for your organization? Oh, yes, have heard the cries of unfavourable work conditions impacting approach to work. But guess what, you still work there and there are avenues to address that. The day persons no longer consider your ‘home’ organization a place of interest, all are impacted. So why not remember to think outside the box and promote organizational tourism today. Before wrapping up our time here on KarryOn Caribbean messing with TOURISM we must remember me and you. Hmm, what about me and you you ask? Well, simple, for those of us occupying ‘Single Town’ like myself, have you considered how it is going? How it is going in terms of your tourism promotion, promoting yourself as a person of interest for desirable suitors. Worth a mention we are not talking here about cheap tourism tricks where you pretend to be what you are not. No! We are taking about a personal development campaign, continually improving you, doing things you enjoy and so increasing your appeal and interest. No worries, have not forgotten those in ‘Paired Village’ if you are part of a couple your task might be a bit more challenging. Sure you might have heard what they say about familiarity. Well. Just remember that you are catering to your partner, your local tourist. For local tourists the appeal is visiting somewhere they have never been before. Please remember then to keep on your own personal development programme also. And also to sometimes you might have to be proactive and invite your local tourist to some unknown or little explored territory. Whether you are from ‘Single Town’ or ‘Paired Village’ it remains important to keep promoting tourism. After all that messing with TOURISM, let us KarryOn Caribbean better than ever in our promotion of TOURISM! By Kerriann Toby: CONTRIBUTOR KarryOn Caribbean

ISHA Williams was a toddler in the early 1990s, a period of cultural awareness in dancehall led by a phalanx of artistes, including her father, Everton Blender. Strongly influenced by his message, she followed his path into music as Isha Blender. Her first EP, Epiphany, will be released in October. It contains seven songs with Don’t Be Used, an acoustic number, being the lead. Blender first recorded at age 12. That song was Bad Boy, produced by her father for his Blend Dem label. She continued to record sporadically while attending Garvey Maceo High School in her native Clarendon. Shortly after graduation, she migrated to the United States, settling in South Florida where she is a registered nurse. “Because my dad’s an entertainer, people think you have to do the same thing, but it doesn’t have to be,” she said. “I kept going away from music, but I was pulled back like magnet to steel.” Epiphany also contains Testimony, a duet with Capleton, Tonight, Joy and Babymother. Capleton and Everton Blender were part of the roots renaissance of the 1990s that was led by Yasus Afari, Garnet Silk and Tony Rebel. Everton Blender had a series of big hits back then such as Lift Up Your Head, Family Man and Blend Dem. While she counts the ‘old man’ among her biggest influences, Isha Blender says she gets a different vibe listening to different genres. Neo-soul artistes Erykah Badu and Jill Scott, as well as homegrown acts Nadine Sutherland, Etana, Tessanne Chin and Ikaya are also favourites. She is hoping Epiphany will be a career definer. “I want to be an household name as Isha Blender. At the same time I want my songs to uplift and motivate like my Dad.”

Bounty Killer and Ward 21 group member and music producer Kunley McCarthy are both currently enjoying some serious success globally in the TV world. Both have been featured on and have a publishing interest in the Santigold single "Kicking Down Doors". The song is currently being used in the world-wide NIKE/Olympic TV advert according to a release as well as, is going to be used in the new major network TV show "At Home With The Hones'. Both Bounty and Kunley have also been featured on Major Lazer's recent multi-platinum album. These deals were put together by publisher Othman Mukhlis (Abood Music / Jamdown). Abood Music represent a large number of Jamaican and international artists and producers including DSR, Skatta, the Jacksons. Daz Dillenger and many many more...

Tier 2 Films have teamed up with Blu Kolla Dreams to produce Hollywood Hearts, a romantic drama set to release on BET networks on October 8, 2016 at 8:00PM ET/ 7:00C. The trailer releases today (assets enclosed below). Award winning singer/ performer, Bobby V, leads the cast in a complicated love story that is all too real to many who come-of-age in the world of entertainment. Hollywood Hearts is about a music artist who's engrossed with his music industry lifestyle and finds it difficult to give up his ways for the woman that he loves, the life he wants to build and the ego he can't let go of. However, after a tragic turn of events and real friend interventions, he finds himself realizing that the industry will come and go but true love doesn't come around but once in a lifetime. Hollywood Hearts is Directed, Written and Executive Produced by African-American visionaire Tangie B. Moore of Tier 2 Films. Since co-founding Tier 2 Films, Tangie has been able to ink several deals and placements with Discovery Studios, WEtv, EOne, Sprite, BET Entertainment/Viacom & Samsung. Throughout Bobby V's music career he has had multiple No. 1 singles, platinum and gold albums, toured the world and appeared on songs with Lil Wayne, Ludacris, Nicki Minaj, R Kelly, 50 Cents amongst many others. Ten years into a remarkable solo career, Bobby V (formerly Bobby Valentino) has experienced the best the music industry has to offer while working with some of the industry's elite and is excited to transition into the world of TV and Film. BET Networks has selected Hollywood Hearts as a one of their premiere films to debut this Fall. The films cast includes: Bobby V, DC Young Fly, Lyfe Jennings, Benzino, Carl Payne and more. Tune in to BET on Saturday, October 8, 2016, at 8:00PM/ 7:00C to view Hollywood Hearts. To join the viral conversation follow @BET @BobbyVshow @TangieBMoore @RicAtari #HollywoodHeartsFilm #Tier2Films #BluKolla FILM ASSETS Direct assets for the downloadable film trailer (embed code) for media use is available upon request included for media publishing enclosed below. HOLLYWOOD HEARTS | WRITER & DIRECTOR Tangie B. Moore HOLLYWOOD HEARTS | WRITER Ric Atari Tangie B. Moore HOLLYWOOD HEARTS | CAST Lead - Bobby V - Bobby V Lead - Walnette Santiago - Jamie Patrice Fisher - India Willie Hyn - Hyn Benzino - Benzino Carl Payne - Rick Asia Sparks - Hunter Mayo Lyfe Jennings - Dakari DC Young Fly - Wonder-the-Truth HOLLYWOOD HEARTS | EXECUTIVE PRODUCERS Ric Atari Tangie B. Moore Bobby V. Courtney Stewart

In preparation for their upcoming Migratory Bird Festival, Les Fruits de Mer have released a free ebook, Pond Life. With vivid photography and fascinating facts, the book showcases seven bird species that are found on St. Martin's ponds. Pond Life is available for free download on the association's website. "St. Martin's ponds are perhaps the best place on the island to observe birds and other wildlife, especially during the peak of the migration season in early fall," commented Pond Life author Mark Yokoyama. "When our resident wetland species are joined by seasonal migrants, our ponds are incredibly vibrant with a mix of birds that can change daily." Ponds are ideal for birdwatching because they offer unobstructed views, and several dozen species live and forage there. On St. Martin, birdwatching is not only a fun hobby, but also a potential tourism market. A recent study in the United States found that $17 billion was spent annually on travel for bird and wildlife watching. St. Martin is well-positioned to benefit from this market because its best birding locations—like the Great Salt Pond, where the Migratory Bird Festival will be held—are so easily accessible. "The annual migration of birds from North America to the Caribbean is one of the most incredible and inspiring stories about nature in St. Martin, and the Pond Life ebook is a great way to learn about it," explained Les Fruits de Mer President Jenn Yerkes. "The Migratory Bird Festival is another, and we're putting together a fantastic program this year." The ebook Pond Life and the details about this year's Migratory Bird Festival are available at http://www.lesfruitsdemer.com. The festival will be held from 9am to noonon Sunday, October 16th at University of St. Martin on Pond Island in Philipsburg. The festival, now in its fourth year, is free to the public and all are invited.

Rita Marley, the widow of Bob Marley, has been admitted to a Miami hospital after suffering a major stroke last night. Marley was to have made an appearance at an invite in Miami which had to be cancelled. Rita, who is 70 years old had previously suffered a mild stroke. The story is developing.

After a nine year hiatus fourteen beauties will be vying for the coveted title of Miss Universe Barbados 2016 which will be crowned on September 17th at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre. The winner will represent Barbados at the Miss Universe Pageant which will be held in January 2017 in the Philippines. The finalists in this year's Miss Singapore Universe pageant are: Ukweli Wilson Age : 22 Height : 5'8" / 172cm Parish : St. James Occupation : Public Relations Representative Emilomo Akpevwiehor Age : 21 Height : 5'7" / 170cm Parish : St. Michael Occupation : Student - Tourism Management, UWI Christina Yearwood Age : 21 Height : 6' / 182cm Parish : St. Thomas Occupation : Student - BSc. Environmental Studies -UWI Angelica Neira-Anderson Age : 19 Height : 5'5" / 165cm Parish : Christ Church Occupation: Retail Sales/Yoga Instructor Tristina Grant Age : 19 Height : 5'6" / 167cm Parish : Christ Church Occupation : Restaurant Hostess / Student Jamilah Forde Age : 25 Height : 5'8" / 172cm Parish : Christ Church Occupation : Doctor (General Practitioner) Erin Griffith Age : 24 Height : 5'9" / 175cm Parish : St. James Occupation : Radio Personality / Model Renée Robinson Age : 20 Height : 5'7" / 170cm Parish : St. Thomas Occupation : Tourism Agent Danaé Brathwaite Age : 18 Height: 5'5" / 165cm Parish : St. Philip Occupation: Student –Hospitality Institute Melanie Thorpe Age : 20 Height : 5'6" / 167cm Parish : St. Michael Occupation : Fashion blogger / Retail Sales Anique Herbert Age : 24 Height : 5'6" / 167cm Parish : St. James Occupation: Guest Relations Officer/Calypsonian Shannon Harris Age : 21 Height : 5'10" / 177cm Parish : Christ Church Occupation : Model / Entrepeneur Julia Trotman Age : 24 Height : 5'9" / 175cm Parish : Christ Church Occupation : Clerical Officer, Law firm Kenya Bhola Age : 23 Height : 5'6" / 167cm Parish : St. Michael Occupation: BSc. Student – Management Studies/Retail Sales Jewel Garner was the last Miss Universe Barbados to be crowned. Who will be NEXT?

Known for her thought provoking reggae love songs, the Love Don't Hurt songstress who's music is a continual empowerment for women has found another relatable topic on the subject of relationship goals to sing about. Overcoming obstacles and maintaining a healthy relationship has been the focus of this queen's message from day one and she is so blessed to be able to effectively convey her thoughts in the manner in which she does. Sophia Squire's music is sheer reality and it's that rawness that makes her the powerhouse she is. Fresh off a recent performance in Germany at Reggae Jam the most anticipated reggae festival of the year, Sophia's delivers on her first recording the new joint, Love and Conflict. According to her, this song, "just came to me upon hearing the riddim" and, "was recorded during one of my best moments in the studio." As for her energy at the time of recording the track she said reminiscing on how the crowd accepted her full performance at Reggae Jam, "was still fresh in my mind" and brought her to a place where she felt comfortable doing what she feels is her god-giving purpose. "Nothing feels better than performing. It's a joy to see people happy and that's what I live for and what I appreciate about my job. I put a smile on someone's face or help another person come face to face with their fears and that's rewarding" she said. As radio pumps the Love and Conflict track the hook, "love and conflict cant share the same house like an angel with the devil as a spouse, no peace one must get thrown out.." sticks, and some have started to question the former back-ground vocalist of the late Gregory Isaac own personal relationship which she manage to keep a secret for a long time. This question made her laugh hard saying in between coughs, "I'm a lover, and that's all I will say about that." Still in the dark? Well don't be no more, listen to Love and Conflict by Sophia Squire.

Are we caught up in The Matrix? Socially conscious and outspoken reggae artist ORieL ponders the question on "Wake Up", his latest single and video. A tale as old as times, intentional control and manipulation from both church and state. In today's ever changing world and technology, the powers that be have access to more invasive tools to control, alter and shape facts. Historical facts have been reformed and doctored, individuality being erased for conformation. Our mind, bodies and souls are in dire peril. "The Matrix in my opinion is the subliminal subconscious and conscious control that we have all been exposed to by church, state, private sector, educational systems,etc. Anything that's seeks to control and manipulate our thoughts and our ability to think free." - ORieL Written by ORieL, produced and created by ORieL, Lloyd Willacy and Ludwig Grant for Afar Music Group, the single has been paired with visuals taken from the 1999 movie. " We basically paired the Matrix movie to the song, the movie and the song are speaking to the same issues and ideas, so it was simple and straight forward in using the movie to conceptualize the song ''WakeUp'' explained AMG's Shem. Watch ORieL's "Wake Up" Spearheaded by Linval 'Shem' Brown, Oriel 'ORieL' Barry and Michael Wilson, Afar Music Group comprised of acclaimed label and concert promotional company proudly stands by their 'Music Is The Mission'' motto . Afar Music Group is a division of the Afar Group Of Companies that includes Afar Clothing, Afar Marketing/Promotions and Afar Vision.

Kingston, Jamaica the birthplace of Ska and Rocksteady music, two of the most popular musical genres played around the world today, will host the 1st Annual One World Ska & Rocksteady Music Festival on Saturday and Sunday, November 26 and 27, 2016 at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre, in Kingston. Some of the leading entertainers of these two genres will be in performance from 3 PM to 3 AM on the first day. A symposium on the originators of Jamaican music, two tours to Culcha Yard in Trench Town, and Downtown Kingston Music Heritage sites, and two documentaries on the genres will be on from 10 AM to 7 PM, on day 2. Ska music, which was first played in 1963 by the Skatalites band in the Kingston recording studios, and night clubs, is today played by thousands of bands in the U.S.A., Europe, Japan, Africa, Australia, New Zealand, and South America. It will be the first time a music festival of this kind will be held in the birthplace of the music. Artistes performing include The Skatalites (USA), Soweto Ska Band (Spain), Marcia Griffiths (Jamaica), B.B. Seaton and the Gaylads (UK), Sparrow Martin and Skasonic (Jamaica), Brooklyn Attractors (USA), Leroy Sibbles former lead singer of the Heptones (Jamaica), Hugh Roy, the King of the Jamaican toasters, Derrick Morgan, the King of Ska music (Jamaica), and Stranjah Cole (Jamaica). Also in performance are some emerging ska and rocksteady bands; Yard Beat, Earth Cry, and the Alpha School Band, made up of students of the school that produced many of Jamaica’s great musicians, such as Dizzy Reece, Harold “Little G” McNair, Joe Harriot, Tommy McCook, Don Drummond, and Rico Rodriguez. Sound system selectors are Dexter Campbell “the Ska Professor”, and Roy Black of KLAS the Saturday Night Alternative, two leading musicologists. Other acts are expected to perform. The festival is a production of Sounds & Pressure Foundation, in association with Fiwi Productions Inc. The Jamaica Tourist Board, and National Integrity Action are the major sponsors. Other sponsors are KSAC/UNESCO Creative Cities, Knutsford Court, the Courtleigh, and Pegasus Hotels, Happy Ice, POWER 106, KOOL FM, The Gleaner Company, Happy Ice, and Jamaica Cultural Development Commission. “The 1st Annual One World Ska & Rocksteady Music Festival is a tactical move of Sounds & Pressure Foundation to position Kingston as a cultural tourism destination, and we have been working on it now going three years. Jamaica is the only country apart from the United States that has given the world multiple musical genres, in Jamaica’s case, four popular genres, Ska, Rocksteady, Reggae, and Dancehall, and we believe this is of great cultural value as they all have impacted world culture. We therefore, want to bring world attention to Kingston, where Jamaica's popular music was born, and Ska, in particular has evolved into becoming far bigger and more accepted in several other countries, away from Jamaica,” stated festival director Julian “Jingles” Reynolds, CEO of both Sounds & Pressure Foundation, in Jamaica, and Fiwi Productions Inc. in the United States, at the festival launch recently in Kingston. “Ska and rocksteady represents a great period of our renaissance…they are the cradle of that process...it is bringing back something we have been losing in this society… and so to identify with a music festival that celebrates that beginning and accentuates the role that that particular period has played in the development of our civilization today is very, very critical to us in tourism……it is building out the music experience as a discrete product for the world to come and enjoy, and pay for,” stated Jamaica tourism minister, the Honourable Ed Bartlett. The launch was also addressed by the Minister of Culture and entertainment, the Honourable Olivia “Babsy” Grange. Kingston, the capital city of Jamaica was designated last December a UNESCO Creative City for its music. Both the government of Jamaica, and the local government of Kingston, the Kingston and St. Andrew Corporation (KSAC) are expecting to see the city benefit from this drive of cultural tourism. It’s stated by the World Tourism Organization (WTO) that over 10 million music lovers travel the world annually attending music festivals. As visitors go to Jamaica this Thanksgiving Holiday weekend in the United States, to absorb the music, culture, food and the people, let it be a great experience for all. This year’s festival is dedicated to Clement “Coxsone” Dodd, Arthur “Duke” Reid, Cecil “Prince Buster” Campbell, Chris Blackwell, Don Drummond, Rico Rodriguez, Marcia Griffiths, and the Alpha Boys School, who have all made major contributions to the development of Jamaican music. Presentations will be made. Contact our website or email

The 15th annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival promises to be a “Boombastic” day with international reggae artist Shaggy! Clear your calendars for the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival on Sunday, November 13, at Markham Park in Sunrise, Florida. Get your tickets early and plan to enjoy a “Boombastic” day of family fun with fantastic events, games, cooking contests, celebrities and mouthwatering jerk foods. With 14 successful festivals under their belt, the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival organizers will be upping the ante for the 15th annual event. Eddy Edwards, CEO of Jamaican Jerk Festival USA, Inc. said, “This is our 15th year and we are planning to make it a memorable festival with an out-of-this-world experience for our patrons.” Known to deliver only the best for the largest Caribbean Food Festival in the United States, Edwards is making a promise he will definitely keep, starting with an awesome headliner for the festival’s Main Stage, Mr. Boombastic himself. “We have signed Shaggy to perform on the Main Stage and are in negotiations with other performers to be announced shortly,” said an exciting Edwards who is totally psyched about the upcoming event. World-renowned for hits such as “Oh Carolina,” “Boombastic,” “Angel,” and the worldwide anthem “It Wasn’t Me,” Shaggy joins a long list of top-tier performers to headline at the Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival. Chef Eddie Jackson, ready to turn up the heat at this year’s Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival, November 13 at Markham Park, Sunrise, Florida Attendees can also expect to see Chef Eddie Jackson, “Next Food Network Star” winner (Season 11) and Andre Fowles, Food Network’s “Chopped” two-time champion, who will make their appearance in the Publix Cook-Off Pavilion, and wow festivalgoers with their culinary delights. Year after year, jerk lovers attend this all-encompassing festival seeking out the best jerk foods, friends they haven’t seen in forever and a multitude of events that offer something for everyone – from the gates open at 10 a.m. till the headliner closes out on the Main Stage at 10 p.m. Edwards is encouraging patrons to take advantage of the $25 Early Bird discount tickets on sale online at jerkfestival.com now through Sept. 14. General admission tickets go on sale for $30 from Sept. 15 and for $35 at the gate. For those who want to enjoy the festivities with a little more flair, get ahold of the Early Bird All-Inclusive VIP tickets available now for $120. Visit www.jerkfestival.com or call 754-273-9166 for vendor booth availability and general festival information. The 15th Annual Grace Jamaican Jerk Festival is presented by Jamaican Jerk Festival USA, Inc. in association with Partners for Youth Foundation. Sponsors are Grace Foods, Publix Supermarkets, Western Union, 1-800-411-PAIN, Digicel, The Jamaica Tourist Board, Hot105, 99Jamz, WSVN7, National Weekly and Jamaicans.com.