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Nicole Hylton, Barrie Hype, Calibe Thompson and Chef Irie – Photo by Addy Chin. On April 27, 2015 Blondie Ras Productions hosted the Watch Party for the South Florida premiere of their history-making series “ Taste the Islands with Chef Iri e”. Throughout the course of the evening over 500 guests passed through Fusion Cafe, where attendees watched the first South Florida broadcast of the show along with the cast and production team. The star studded affair was attended by celebrity guests Kevin Lyttle, Ato Boldon, Inner Circle and Honorebel, dignitaries including Jamaican Consul General Franz Hall, former US Consul to Jamaica Ward Morrow and Mrs Carmen Morrow (Karmen’s Collection), Miramar Mayor Wayne Messam and former Miramar Commissioner Alexandra Davis, stars of the show Hugh “Chef Irie” Sinclair and Nicole Hylton, Executive Producer Calibe Thompson, Associate Producer Lukkee Chong, sponsors including Caribcast’s Tyrone Robertson, Jamaicans.com’s Xavier Murphy, the Jamaica Tourist Board, Victoria Mutual Building Society and more. Executive Producer Calibe Thompson announced that in addition to the over 130 public television stations that will broadcast “Taste the Islands” around the United States, the show will premiere nationally on the Create TV Network as of June 29, 2015 reaching over 230 million potential viewers. Find out where to watch Taste the Islands in your neck of the woods

Pwason Gwo Sel is eaten all over Haiti. The best version of this dish can be found in the south as they have a lot of seafood readily available in the coastal cities. This dish is especially popular on Good Friday, because 90% of Haitians are not eating meat on that particular day. I personally prefer to season the fish with my epis/green seasoning. But you may choose to simply marinate the fish with salt, as the broth is pretty flavorful. 2 whole snappers (scaled, cleaned and gutted) 3 cups of water 1/2 cup of green seasoning 3 Limes 3 shallots julienned 1/2 green pepper julienned 1/2 red pepper julienned 1/5 cup of olive oil 1 stalks of chopped scallions 1 scotch bonnet pepper 2 tablespoon of butter 1 sprig of parsley 1 sprig of thyme 6 cloves 6 garlic cloves(whole) sea salt In a medium bowl, place snappers and cut 2 slits on each side of fish about 1 inch apart. Wash fish with cold water and the juice and rind of 2 limes. Rinse. Sprinkle sea salt liberally along with the juice of 1 lime. Season Fish with Epis** and coarse sea Salt. Let marinade for at least 2 hours preferably overnight. Reserve liquid that collects in the bowl. On medium heat, in a deep skillet pan, add olive oil 3 cups of water, scallions, green pepper, scotch bonnet pepper, shallots, thyme, cloves, garlic cloves, and parsley. Bring to a boil. reduce heat to medium. Add reserved fish liquid and butter, and then reduce to a simmer for ten to 12 minutes. **Many believe that Pwason gwo sel should only be seasoned with salt. I added epis to this recipe because I find that gives it a deeper more pronounced flavor. but feel free to try it both ways. About the CHEF Nadege Fleurimond is a chef and owner of Fleurimond Catering Inc. She is also author of Haiti Uncovered: A Regional Adventure Into the Art of Haitian Cuisine, a culinary cookbook that embraces every region in Haiti

Residents witnessed another round of steel pan talent as students showcased their skills at a packed Mary Miller Memorial Hall on Wednesday evening. Judges Angharad Parkes, Dawn Batson and Ken Figuero sit among hundreds of residents who supported the Amin Mohammed Memorial Steel Band Competition at Mary Miller Memorial Hall in Red Bay Wednesday evening. - Photo: Jewel Levy Schools throughout Grand Cayman and Cayman Brac participated in the Amin Mohammed Memorial Steel Band competition, part of the National Children’s Festival of the Arts. Nine bands competed in three categories – junior, junior high, and senior. There were also seven pan solos and two duets. A new addition to the competition was an open category in which a number of the bands participated. Pan ‘n’ Riddim’s Abby Onfroy won the steel pan solo competition and was chosen as an entrant in the upcoming Young Musician of the Year contest. Other winners were: Mark Plowright of John Gray High School, who took first place in the junior steel pan solo; Pan ‘n’ Riddim’s Natari Levy, who placed first in the open category; and Cayman Prep and High School’s Jaden Francis and Artemis Deslandes-Hydes, who were first in the steel pan duet category. The steel band junior winner was Prospect Primary School. Cayman Prep and High School’s Panjammers won both the junior high and senior high categories. UCCI’s Pandemix won the senior category, and Cayman School for Pan won the open category. The Amin Mohammed Memorial Steel Pan Competition is named after a former senior vice president of Cayman National Bank, which sponsored the event. Avolyn Howell , a Cayman National Bank representative, said that during Mr. Mohammed’s tenure with the bank, he shared his love of steel pan music and through this many at Cayman National Bank had learned to appreciate the beauty of steel pan. Welsh cellist Angharad Parkes, music director and conductor Dawn Batson, and steel pan enthusiast Ken Figuero were the judges. Acting Chief Education Officer Lyneth Monteith said the competition continues to showcase the tremendous musical talent in the schools and it was an exciting night for all attending. In her remarks, she called for a moment of silence in the memory of Perry George, dean of administration at the University College of the Cayman Islands, who passed away this week. http://www.compasscayman.com /

International recording artiste Demarco presently preparing for a triple concert stint this weekend in Haiti, New York and Guyana has yet another career milestone to celebrate amidst his hectic tour schedule. Though unable to attend due to other professional engagement the 'Bun Up Road' singer was the recipient of the ' Lifetime Achievement Award ' at the 5th staging of the annual Music Industry Achievers Awards (MIA) held at the Courtleigh Auditorium, New Kingston last Friday. The singer was also nominated for 'Male Artiste of the Year' and 'Song Of The Year' with 'Good Book'. Known for being instrumental in some of the biggest music projects locally Demarco says he is very pleased that an organization such as the MIA sees it fitting to recognize him for him body of work throughout the years. Unknown to many Demarco has worked with a plethora of international superstars such as Busta Rhymes, French Montana, Machel Montano, Eve, 3six Mafia, Olivia (formerly of G-Unit). M.O.P., Timbaland, Missy Elliot and Shaggy among others. He has toured extensively across the globe accumulating a surfeit of accolades namely: The first Dancehall act to grace the cover of ‘Infuzion’, an Arabian magazine; Nominated for 2014 Afro Song of the Year in Australia for ‘Summer Time’ with Ghanaian star Samini; First Dancehall act to perform in Ethiopia, Nominated for ‘Best Reggae Act’ in Europe’s 2013 & 2014 Urban Music Award; Performed for Ugandan dignitaries; Given the Key to the City of Belize; Performed for the Haitian Government, Uganda and Israel annexed to appearances at almost all the major Reggae and Dancehall festivals across the globe. The multifarious entertainer is also known for concocting some of the most successful projects in the Dancehall sphere over the last decade namely: Mission Rhythm, Shoot Out Rhythm, Side Walk University Rhythm, Gang War Rhythm, March Out Rhythm, Warning Rhythm and Pon Di Edge among others. His most recent hits includes: Lazy Body, Continue Whine, Love Yuh Wah Love, Ride, 'Bun Up Road', 'Puppy Tail' and the heavy hitting street anthem ‘Good Book’.

Veteran Children’s Theatre Company Makes History As One Of Trinidad And Tobago’s Oldest Children’s Performing Arts Organisations Backstage during the 1985 staging of the original Lilliput production, Marriage of the Samaan. Photo courtesy Martica Thomas Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago … Four decades ago, two friends and colleagues, Noble Douglas and Tony Hall , embarked upon the groundbreaking task of creating Trinidad and Tobago's first children’s theatre company. Their foresight led to the establishment of the Lilliput Children’s Theatre, Trinidad and Tobago’s seminal children’s arts institution. This year, Lilliput marks that milestone with its 40th anniversary production, BIG, on May 15, 16 and 17, 2015 at Queen’s Hall. With its signature approach to drama instruction, the company harnesses the performing arts as a medium to help shape and build character while encouraging self-confidence through the challenge of theatre, game play and imagination. “We strive to do this one child at a time,” reflected Douglas. “We have succeeded in using culture to build the character of every Lilliputian. No matter their discipline or profession, Lilliputians are excelling in their fields today.” An animated moment during Lilliput’s 2013 original production, EIEIO Animal Farm, which was an adaptation of George Orwell’s, Animal Farm. Photo courtesy Mark Gellineau. The veteran company is known for staging thought provoking productions that challenge audiences to countenance alternative political, social and cultural views. Annually, the young thespians are charged with creating and scripting a play from the creative concepts of costume designer, Merylle Mahabir. In this process, journal writing is used to explore intricate ideas as an integral part of their writing process. Under the direction of Hall, Greer Jones-Woodham, Che Rodriguez, John Isaacs and Wendell Manwarren, Lilliput’s past productions have included published plays such as Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and Derek Walcott’s Ti Jean and His Brothers as well as original productions including the inaugural, Cinderella Strikes Again, Flew and EIEIO Animal Farm. To date, Eye Eye Eye, which chronicled the plight of street children, remains one of Lilliput’s most critically acclaimed and insightful presentations. This year’s celebratory production will again challenge audiences as the company looks at the impact of BIG issues on the lives of little people. For more information, join the BIG Facebook (FB) event page at http://x2t.com/3/BIG or connect with Lilliput on FB at www.facebook.com/lilliputchildrenstheatre or on Twitter @NDLFA or email liza@estuaryPR.com. A young masquerader in the section MARRY ME from Lilliput Children’s Theatre’s 2015 Kiddies Carnival presentation, BIG, designed by Merylle Mahabir. Photo courtesy Roba Ofili. WHAT: Lilliput Children’s Theatre’s 40th Anniversary Production, BIG WHO: Lilliput Children’s Theatre WHEN: Friday May 15, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. Saturday May 16, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. Sunday May 17, 2015 at 5:30 p.m. WHERE: Queen’s Hall, St. Ann’s, Port of Spain TICKETS: Children and adults - $120.00 Crosby’s Music Centre, St. James – (868) 622-SOCA(7622) Students of Lilliput Children’s Theatre From Monday May 11, 2015 - Queen’s Hall box office – (868) 624-1284

Jamaican born novelist Marlon James critically acclaimed novel, “A Brief History of Seven Killings,” may soon be coming to the small screen. HBO has bought the screen rights to the book that was inspired by the 1976 assassination attempt on the life of reggae icon Bob Marley. The novel also touches on the violence and unrest that ruled the Jamaica for decades. This is the third novel for James , an English professor at Macalester College. His debut was “John Crow’s Devil,” about a Biblical spiritual battle in 1957 Jamaica. His sophomore effort, “The Book of Night Women,” was a slavery-era work often likened to Toni Morrison with splashes of magical realism. “Night Women” was optioned by Samuel Jackson’s production company, an option that was recently renewed. James will be doing his own adaptation, with the help of screenwriter Eric Roth, who won an Academy Award for “Forrest Gump.” Recently James won this year’s Anisfield-Wolf fiction prize, which is given to books that deal with issues of race and diversity. James is currently working on a fantasy novel based on African myths and legends. He describes it as “a Yoruba Game of Thrones.

Kola Restaurant & Ultra Lounge , Metro Detroit’s premier cultural destination, home to the best of #Afrobeat & #Reggae music, hosts Reggae sensation, ETANA on Friday, May 22, 2015. This special edition of “ Tropical Fridays ” will feature Reggae music’s spirited and soulful singer/songwriter on the US tour of her chart topping album “I RISE”. ETANA’s latest album, I Rise recently won World A Reggae’s Album of the Year 2014, and features the hit single Richest Girl. The concert will be hosted by VDJ Wada and opens at 8PM with a performance by Metro Detroit’s own “Uprizin Steel Drum Band”. Since she first came on the scene in 2007 with her debut single, “Wrong Address,” Etana has been one of reggae’s strongest female voices. It’s easy to see that a lot of care went into the making of this latest offering. There’s hardly a wasted moment to be found on I Rise. Etana has a way of capturing lightening in a bottle while shaking off all pretenses. The instrumentation of strings, percussion, and synth cords works throughout the record as a great complement to Etana’s soul-drenched vocals. Kola Lounge owner/restauranteur, says we continue to work very hard to establish Kola as a cultural and culinary destination. “Etanas’ management’s selection of Kola as a venue solidifies what we’ve worked so hard to accomplish,” says Dr. Ekpenyong. Kola’s delectable fare has gone over big with patrons while its elegant selection of wine and spirits satisfy more delicate palates. Domestic and imported beers are also available to go with the lively gnash and entertainment. It’s a big-hearted restaurant that serves food as good as the live entertainment. Tickets can be purchased at Kola Restaurant & Ultra Lounge at 32523 Northwestern Highway in Farmington Hills or online by logging onto http://etanakolalounge.eventbrite.com. By AJ Williams, Michigan Chronicle Web Editor

Caribbean Style Week will feature Caribbean Fashion, Designers, Models and Stylist during Caribbean American Heritage Month 2015. The event will be hosted by Miss Universe Jamaica, Kaci Fennell and runs from June 25-28. With Caribbean fashion on the rise, a stage to showcase the regions talent is necessary, and what better a location than sunny South Florida. On Thursday June 25th, CSW will kick off with a VIP Welcome Reception, featuring the who’s who of Caribbean Fashion in attendance. The week will feature panels, workshops, runway shows and special events, all fashion driven. CSW closes on Sunday June 28th with a sexy swimwear fashion show titled, Brunch & Bikinis. The invitation only event will feature both popular swimwear designers as well as the current hot topic in Caribbean fashion, “Monday Wear”. CSW 2015 is made possible with the support of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau. For more information the week’s event, please visit www.caribstyleweek.com

In his earlier days, he was called Rabbie Ocean with one of his most popular tune, “ Carry On .” These days, he goes by the name Phil Nessy and is a St. Lucian musician based in the USA steadily rising on the music scene. Nessy recently released a music video for the tune; “ My Life” which coincides with a “ Love Your Life ” campaign which he is currently undertaking. The Hospital Road, Castries born musician describes himself as a simple individual who enjoys singing, football and swimming. Nessy proudly describes his musical influences as the best in the business. Just listening to his music for the first time, one can easily associate his vocal ability and writing talents with that of his musical influences: Peter Tosh, Michael Jackson, Bob Marley, Marvin Gaye and Barry White. Some of his fans also link his melodious tone to Dennis Brown, Bankie Banx, Tarrus Riley, Peter Tosh and Beresford Hammond. Wherever and whenever Nessy performs, he is sure to have the crowd dancing and singing along to his positive and inspirational vibes. To date, Nessy has released three albums - Forward, Playing and Unchained . He is already working on his fourth album which is due to be released this summer. See link for “My Life” video. www.philnessy.com

Girls 'N Cocktails, a talkshow for the ambitious Caribbean woman, will premiere on Tempo networks on the 29th of april @ 7pm Eastern time! Watch the trailer here : The show The show is hosted by three women, and is recorded in a high-end cocktail bar. Along with the audience the ladies discuss relevant actualities such as, Beauty and Double standards when it comes to Black and White women in media/entertainment, or debate on why Black people are Christians, when history clearly shows that this religion was forced upon us during slavery. A positive representation of Caribbean women in international media The show is about Caribbean women speaking their mind and debating with each other in a respectful and smart manner. As the executive producer of the show, I really feel that we are underrepresented in international television and media platforms when it comes to our intelligence, ambitions and well-formed opinions. With Girls 'N Cocktails, I aim to fill that gap. A European production The recordings of Girls 'N Cocktails take place in the Netherlands and the majority of the audience in the show exists of Afro-Europeans hailing from the Caribbean and Africa, but our target is the Caribbean woman globally. Where to watch? Our broadcaster is Tempo Networks.

Women really hate their stretch marks and they look for all sorts of ways to get rid of them. Stretch marks appear from rapid stretching of your skin. They are a form of scaring of the skin and it can be really difficult to get rid of them. They mainly appear on the stomach, thighs, knees and breasts. There are so many expensive products on the market that guarantee they’ll help you get rid of your stretch marks but don’t get fooled and don’t waste your money. Here are the best natural products for treating stretch marks: Naturals Oils for Stretch Marks 1. Olive and Coconut Oil The best way to treat your stretch marks is to use olive and coconut oil. They’ll keep your skin hydrated and tight and they’ll make your stretch marks less visible. 2. Rosemary Oil Rosemary oil is also great for stretch marks. Put some oil on your stretch marks and massage for 15 minutes. Rosemary oil will tone your skin and will give her a nice glow. 3. Almond Oil Apply some almond oil on your stretch marks and massage the areas. Almond oil is great for every skin type. It contains vitamin B, A and E that will keep your skin hydrated and healthy. 4. Wheat Oil Wheat oil is rich in vitamin E, which is a natural antioxidant. Mix this oil with some rose petals oil and apply this oil mixture on your stretch marks. They’ll help you reduce redness and skin irritation and will keep your skin healthy. Source: womendailymagazine.com

CaribbeanTales Worldwide Distribution (CTWD) has recently amped up its efforts to boost the global Caribbean film industry via new acquisitions to its growing film roster. The initiative is an integral part of CTWD’s ‘3D Distribution Project’, financed by the EU’s ACPCultures+ Program. The new acquisitions include feature length films, documentaries, short-films, and episodic TV series, such as the hit Barbadian series ‘ Keeping up with the Joneses ’ (2014), created and directed by Rommel Hall and Shane Holford, tells the story of the Jones family that reluctantly becomes the subject of a reality TV show. Over 15 episodes, the audience follows the Joneses through entertaining, awkward, and embarrassing moments. CTWD has acquired the rights to all three seasons of the series, the spin off feature film, ‘Keeping up with the Joneses - The Movie’, and the 2014 Christmas special. The cast of Barbadian reality series ‘Keeping up with the Joneses’. Three powerful films from US-based award winning documentarian, Andrea Leland, have also been added to the roster: CTFF 2014 Best Documentary Winner, ‘Yurumein - Homeland, The Caribs of St. Vincent’ (2014), which recounts the painful past of the Caribs of St. Vincent, their history, trials and tribulations and the movement to revitalize the remnants of their culture known as Garifuna; Leland’s 70-minute documentary, ‘Jamesie – King of Scratch’; and her 46-minute film, ‘The Garifuna Journey’. Photo from 'Yurumein - Homeland, The Caribs of St. Vincent’ Other highlights are new work by iconic, pioneering Trinidad & Tobago filmmaker, Christopher Laird, including: award-winning ‘No Bois Man No Fraid’(2013), which documents a journey of two young T&T martial arts experts as they set out to learn the local art of stick fighting; the feature documentary ‘Public Spaces’, an exploration of the work of Laird’s father, the architect Colin Laird; and the short documentary ‘Hinkson’, about the artist Jackie Hinkson. A fighting scene from 'No Bois Man No Fraid’ by noted Trinidadian director Christopher Laird Also joining the CTWD family are feature films: ‘The Gift Everlasting’ by Judith Faloon-Reid (Jamaica, 2014), ‘Thick’ by Cheryl Brown and Anthony Greene from Skyrocket Productions (USA, 2012), ‘Fire Burn Babylon’ by Sarita Seigal (UK, 2011). New shorts include: ‘After Mas’ by Karen Martinez (UK/T&T, 2013), ‘Punta Soul’ by Nyasha Laing (Belize, 2008). Original series include: ‘A Day in a Bajan Life’ (Barbados, 2012), ‘Illegal Aliens’ (USD/Jamaica, 2013),‘Life with the Ramsinghs' (T&T, 2013). CTWD’s extensive marketing and outreach strategy to maximize revenue for filmmakers will include attendance at markets across North America, Europe, and Africa, such as the American Film Market (AFM) and the Marché Internationale de Programmes Communications (MIPCOM) in Cannes, France.