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When it comes to sex do not be afraid to explore with your partner. There is no glass ceiling when it comes to pleasure. Even if you're already pro in the bedroom, there's always room for growth. TRY EVERYTHING ONCE: If you're in a long-term relationship you need to be more adventurous, as doing the same things over again can become stale. Change things up a bit now and then . There is nothing more exhilarating than the unexpected, so experimenting with different positions or introducing a toy might be all that is needed to put the "oh yes!" back into your lovemaking. TALK ABOUT IT: Do not be afraid to let your partner knows what you want. In subtle way say, “I wish you would...." Or, if talking is difficult, use one of the books you bought and circle a position or chapter or story that indicates what you want.. TRY A DIFFERENT POSITION EVERY MONTH: While the missionary position is the most comfortable position, think outside the box. Think of creative positions that both of you will enjoy doing . Some positions to try up against a wall, doggy-style or leaning over a chair. Get erotica, sex positions books, Kama Sutra for more detail positions NEW LOCATION: Leave the bedroom along for a while, and try to pick a place that you haven't have sex before as this will aid in the excitement and add an additional rush element to it. Head for the kitchen, the laundry room and maybe even your car. QUICKIES: A really fun way to spice up your relationship is to engage in quickies. These are great because there will definitely come a time when you don't have 30 minutes to an hour to space or you're simply just too exhausted to give it your all. However, they can be a little tricky. They are supposed to be spontaneous, but there are definitely ways to help them go more smoothly. HAVE AN AFFAIR WITH YOUR SPOUSE: This about making sex with your spouse playful, a game to be played to keep up the intimacy, fun and the connection. To start, all it takes is one simple steamy text message or note, or doing something completely different and unexpected. Start flirting with your spouse like you used to. Give compliments and stand in awe when he or she walks in the room. Meet each other in hotel rooms and make out in the back seat of a car. Life is short. Sex is fun. Go do it!

Machel Sandy a very vibrant and positive person took the opportunity to be interviewed and his excitement grew when I asked him the first question. How it all started? He responded without hesitation by proudly exclaiming his mother is his main influence. Machel as a young boy among a dominantly female home was eager to learn from his mother’s natural gift. He admired his mother’s craft as one of the best wedding seamstress in Guyagagri. His love for fashion budded when he took his mother scraps of cloth and created his own ideas of creation. Apart from his mother his sister was quite active in the fashion and pageant world (Miss Trinidad & Tobago 2000) who also is his role model. It was at that pageant Machel felt motivated after meeting Heater Jones & Peter Elias for the first time. Machel’s first design was constructed at age 13 for his cousin’s graduation. Thereafter he added his designs to his village Emancipation shows, Cari Vogue. It was not long after he became passionate about designing for pageants which out of four pageants he captured three best evening gowns. Machel got so excited talking about his journey he said the audience reaction to his pieces is what motivates him. At this time Cari Vogue showed a tremendous amount of interest in him and offered him the opportunity to go to London to train him. His options were thin he had no choice but to finish secondary school. One of his disadvantages was the stigma as a young male designer. It added some peer pressure but Machel boldly past that phase without being discouraged. His education is a priority he is presently finishing his Business degree at the University of the Southern Caribbean. In 2006 La Revier was the talk of the season; his anticipation was taking a very positive turn in his life. It was his first national showing of his work, at this point he was competing against top local designers. Swimwear by: Machel Sandy Social media became the new marketing tool for Machel which actually was like a re-birth to his vision. It was time to give a name to his brand. Fascinated with Japanese culture Masheru was an abstract combination of Machel and Japanese. Now working out of Sande Grande, he describes his designs as urban chic” cross between urban & couture. His bathing suits line delivers a beautiful fuchsia array of colours with deep and daring cuts. Mr Sandy is seemingly the wonders of fashion he not only culminates the talent of designing he also can do make-up artistry, hair stylist and the Managing Director of modelling agency Image Caribe’. Machel felt if he did not attempt his passion he would have living his life full of regrets. He has worked local photographers such as: Sancho Francisco, Randy Paradox, International photographer - Lang Xiao of LX Studio Machel admires local designer Peter Elias and international designers such as Alexander mac Queen, Roberto Cavali and Heatherette. Machel currently produce every Fridays at a popular spot downtown Port-of –Spain Trinidad themed type fashion shows called Elite Fridays. His advice to young upcoming fashion designers is to “be you no matter what” Don’t allow people to break your spirit.

Chardelle Moore is a multi-talented television host, broadcast journalist, motivational speaker, activist, model, and poet originally from the Grandbay Dominica. Currently a Washington DC native Chardelle has worked for top media companies including BET, CBS Radio, Kali TV, and CW affiliates. She now works an anchor/host for Kali TV, where she anchors This Week Around Town and host of Diaspora Top 6 show. Chardelle is also a host for DC Hot Spots, a CW Network Affiliate. From award shows and political events, the red carpet host has interviewed a veritable “who’s who” in entertainment and politics. She has interviewed a diverse list of A-list subjects including Claire Danes, Geo Gonzalez, Meagan Good, Gabrielle Union, David Arquette, Lisa Leslie, Chaka Khan, United States Congresswoman Karen R. Bass, United States Senator Orrin Hatch, former Congressman Ron Pall, and many more. Also a respected Caribbean Journalist Chardelle as interviewed and host concerts for some of the biggest names in Caribbean music industry. She has worked with Konshens, Capelton, Chronixx, Junior Reid, Gramps Morgan, Machel Montano, Stephen Marley, just to name a few. A former Miss Caribbean Metro USA, where she served as a spokesperson for the Caribbean American community. This 5’10 beauty is an international cover model and an award winning community activist and motivational speaker. She is a frequent guest speaker at Caribbean events, high schools, colleges, workshops, and nonprofit organizations. As a spoken work artist, Chardelle empowers her audiences about the importance of cultural heritage and self-esteem. She often performs in her Wob Dwiyet, Dominica’s national wear. This year Chardelle was selected as the global ambassador for Black Girls Ignite Africa, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the empowerment and healthy development of African women and girls. She recently spoke at The White House National Caribbean Heritage Month event and hosted the world movie premiere of ‘One Night in Vegas’, which received the ‘Best Film in the Diaspora’ at the 2013 NAFA African Oscars Awards. Chardelle has been featured in numerous publications such as FunTimes Magazine, DC Modern Luxury, Zen Magazine, Scholastic, Vibe Vixen, and many more. She holds a Bachelors Degree in Communications with an emphasis in Broadcast Journalism and Public Relations from Marymount University in DC. While she was at university she held several leadership positions including co- founding the African Caribbean Student Association and the Community Outreach Director for Black Student Alliance. She received the Senior Leadership Award for demonstrating excellence in her community outreach initiatives in the metropolitan area and inspiring others students to take her leader. When she is not in front of the camera, you can find the media powerhouse working in promotions for CBS Radio. A glow of positive energy and inspiration to others, this is only the beginning for the empowering entertainer!

Women think men love to play guessing games when it comes to love and relationship, but it is not always the case. A guy may be crazy about you but he tries to hide his feelings because he is not ready to confess them. The signs that a man is into you may be right in front of you but you often fail to recognize it. Knowing what he's thinking and how he feels about you without asking him could erase all the confusion. Although every man is different, there are common signs he is romantically interested in you. So what are the tell-tale signs that a guy is interested in you? He calls you without a reason If your guy is really into you, he doesn’t wait a week after a date to call you. Instead, he calls you whenever he feels like it, even if it’s just to say hi and see how your day is going. He always wants you around When a guy is into you, he makes the effort to see you as often as possible. When a guy genuinely likes you, he wants to spend time with you, regardless of what you do together. He might call you just to hangout and watch movies at his place, get dinner after work, or meet just to see your face. He always makes time for you He will never too busy to call you or come to see you, he makes time for you. So if he calls you before heading out of town for a trip telling you he wants to see you before he leaves. He is definitely into you. Introduced you to his friends When a guy is really into you, he includes you in his entire life, that means you get to meet his clan. When he is really into you he will introduce you to his mother. Constant Eye Contact The eyes never lie, one of the signs that he is romantically interested in you can be seen in his eyes. If a guy has ulterior motives or just isn’t interested in who you really are, he won’t bother looking you in the eyes. You often caught him looking at you while you are doing something or when he thinks you are too busy to notice him gazing at you. He immediately looks away or does something if you caught him staring at you. He Listens If the conversation is always all about him or doesn’t ask you questions, seek out your opinion, and genuinely seem interested in what you have to say, then he has no interest in you. When a guy is really into you, he not only makes you a part of the conversation, but he also asks for your opinion, listens and responds appropriately. He is affectionate A man shows his interest through his body language. He will routinely touch your arm when he is talking, stroke your back reassuringly, and hold your hand when the time is right. These displays of affection show respect, intimacy, and interest. On the other hand a player may engage in inappropriate levels of PDA, a guy who’s really into you may be less demonstrative. Gets to know you If he makes an effort to know more about you, it is one of the signs he is romantically interested in you.

Machel Sandy a very vibrant and positive person took the opportunity to be interviewed and his excitement grew when I asked him the first question. How it all started? He responded without hesitation by proudly exclaiming his mother is his main influence. Machel as a young boy among a dominantly female home was eager to learn from his mother’s natural gift. He admired his mother’s craft as one of the best wedding seamstress in Guyagagri. His love for fashion budded when he took his mother scraps of cloth and created his own ideas of creation. Apart from his mother his sister was quite active in the fashion and pageant world (Miss Trinidad & Tobago 2000) who also is his role model. It was at that pageant Machel felt motivated after meeting Heater Jones & Peter Elias for the first time. Machel’s first design was constructed at age 13 for his cousin’s graduation. Thereafter he added his designs to his village Emancipation shows, Cari Vogue. It was not long after he became passionate about designing for pageants which out of four pageants he captured three best evening gowns. Machel got so excited talking about his journey he said the audience reaction to his pieces is what motivates him. At this time Cari Vogue showed a tremendous amount of interest in him and offered him the opportunity to go to London to train him. His options were thin he had no choice but to finish secondary school. One of his disadvantages was the stigma as a young male designer. It added some peer pressure but Machel boldly past that phase without being discouraged. His education is a priority he is presently finishing his Business degree at the University of the Southern Caribbean. In 2006 La Revier was the talk of the season; his anticipation was taking a very positive turn in his life. It was his first national showing of his work, at this point he was competing against top local designers. Social media became the new marketing tool for Machel which actually was like a re-birth to his vision. It was time to give a name to his brand. Fascinated with Japanese culture Masheru was an abstract combination of Machel and Japanese. Swimwear by: Machel Sandy Now working out of Sande Grande, he describes his designs as urban chic” cross between urban & couture. His bathing suits line delivers a beautiful fuchsia array of colours with deep and daring cuts. Mr Sandy is seemingly the wonders of fashion he not only culminates the talent of designing he also can do make-up artistry, hair stylist and the Managing Director of modelling agency Image Caribe’. Machel felt if he did not attempt his passion he would have living his life full of regrets. He has worked local photographers such as: Sancho Francisco, Randy Paradox, International photographer - Lang Xiao of LX Studio. Machel admires local designer Peter Elias and international designers such as Alexander mac Queen, Roberto Cavali and Heatherette. Machel currently produce every Fridays at a popular spot downtown Port-of –Spain Trinidad themed type fashion shows called Elite Fridays. His advice to young upcoming fashion designers is to “be you no matter what” Don’t allow people to break your spirit.

Many women tend to shy away from wearing leggings because they are afraid of getting a camel toe. However, leggings is a good choice you just have to learn how to wear it. Finding the right leggings is easy, just stick to these four rules: Thick, unshiny fabrics like double knits don't show bulges. Layering is crucial. Think of leggings as tights rather than pants; put them under skirts, dresses, or tunics. 3. Leggings can look tacky with the wrong footwear. I prefer flats, boots, or a low heel. 4. Avoid patterned leggings.

Whether classic or edgy boots this season footwear must be comfortable and chic. Boots make dresses and skirts wearable and give polish to jeans. Here are great boots for the HOLIDAY season.

Iberostar Grand Bavaro Hotel - Punta Cana, Dominican Republic On the mythical Bávaro de Punta Cana Beach, in the Dominican Republic, a spectacular 5-star, adults-only “all-inclusive” resort & spa with personalized services in fantastic facilities: the Grand Hotel Bávaro. Bathed by the waters of the Caribbean Sea, the Grand Hotel Bávaro is an elegant hotel complex, designed for an exclusive tourism seeking luxury vacations, a memorable celebration, or a few special working days. The Grand Collection line was created to be a true ‘Hotels’ Hotel,’ where the words splendor, attentiveness, relaxation, spa, suite, gastronomy, sports, and comfort take on a whole new meaning. Beaches Turks & Caicos – Providenciales Beaches Turks & Caicos is an all-inclusive resort vacation for the whole family. A 45,000 square-foot waterpark; three magnificent villages, boasting the architecture and ambiance of Italy, France and the Caribbean; a 12-mile beach lapped by clear turquoise waters; endless fun activities for everyone, from tots to tweens and teens, featuring Sesame Street® characters, the new Xbox 360® Game Garage and a sizzlin' teen disco, Liquid at Beaches-all located on one of the world's best beaches Iberostar Grand Rose Hall - Montego Bay, Jamaica The Iberostar Grand Rose Hall consist of 189 Grand Suites with sea or garden views, 104 Grand Suites with direct beach access and 2 beautiful Presidential Suites, each equipped with king bed, European linens, sheet menu, marble bathroom with hydromassage bath, coffeemaker, security box, satellite TV, DVD player, iPod/MP3 docking station, high-speed Internet access, and fully-stocked mini-bar with food and beverage list, subject to availability. This is an all-inclusive adult only hotel. Enjoy romantic dinner at a buffet or themed a la carte restaurant. The Music Bar features live entertainment nightly. The Palms at Pelican Cove - St. Croix This family-friendly resort consist of 40 beach front guest rooms that are clustered in two freestanding buildings designed with your comfort and privacy in mind. Each and every guest room has its own separate patio or balcony, complete with a sea breeze and infinite view of the sea or garden In addition to a restaurant, The Palms at Pelican Cove features an outdoor pool. Other amenities include a bar/lounge and complimentary wireless Internet access. Seven Stars Resort – Providenciales Turks Seven Stars Resort features a variety of suite configurations to meet the needs of every traveler. Housed in three oceanfront buildings, the resort’s 107 guest accommodations range in size from spacious junior suites to spectacular four-bedroom suites. Catch some rays at the beach or spend the day relaxing at Seven Stars Resort's full-service spa. Then enjoy a meal at one of the resort's 3 restaurants. This Providenciales resort is set on the beach a short distance from The Regent Village Shopping Mall, Sibonne Beach, and Salt Mills Plaza. Area attractions also include Turtle Cove. Doubletree by Hilton San Juan - Puerto Rico Situated in the coveted Condado district of San Juan, the Doubletree by Hilton San Juan hotel is located just four miles from San Juan’s Luis Muñoz Marin International Airport and three miles from the historic Old San Juan district. Relax in their ergonomically-designed furniture and be soothed by a combination of ambient and natural lighting. Whether traveling for business or for pleasure, Doubletree by Hilton San Juan hotel is committed to providing everything you want and need to make your trip to San Juan as perfect as it can be. DoubleTree by Hilton San Juan offers 3 lunch and dining options: international cuisine at Cafe Pierre, American dishes at Under The Trees, and Asian fusion and sushi at Silk. Ritz-Carlton Grand Cayman- Seven Mile Beach Grand Cayman The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman is an exclusive oceanfront hotel catering to those who seek a grander level of relaxation and luxury. From romantic strolls on the picturesque white sands of 7 mile beach to hand-crafted sunset cocktails poolside, your Caribbean escape beckons. Highlights at this Ritz-Carlton hotel include a La Prairie Spa, a restaurant created by the chef of New York's celebrated Le Bernardin, free wireless Internet access, a tennis center, and Jean-Michel Cousteau's Cayman environmental adventure. Sit back and relax on the beach with cabanas (surcharge), umbrellas, and sun loungers. Enjoy a summer holiday at The Ritz-Carlton, Grand Cayman, where you can work on your swing at the golf course or spend a pampering afternoon at the full-service spa. Crystal Cove Beach Resort on Sapphire Bay - St. Thomas Located on the east end of the island of St. Thomas and situated on 1,200 feet of sparkling Sapphire Beach, Crystal Cove Villas luxury resort will be your home away from home in the Caribbean. Escape to your own private retreat when you stay in one of our fully equipped condo villas with spectacular beach and ocean views. Whether you’re relaxing by the pool or gazing upon a gorgeous sunset as you dine on fresh seafood, your experience here will leave you wanting more. At Crystal Cove Beach Resort by Antilles Resorts, relax by an outdoor pool or hit the beach where you can enjoy snorkeling. Jamaica Inn - Ocho Rios, Jamaica Located in Ocho Rios on one of the premier private beaches in Jamaica, the hotel features just 52 suites and cottages, each with a view of the Caribbean Sea. No TVs, radios, or clocks intrude between guest and rest. Low-key diversions include sailing, snorkeling, kayaking, and treatments at an on-site health spa. Guests can enjoy a meal at the onsite restaurant. Complimentary wireless Internet access is available in public areas. Additional amenities at this 4.5-star resort include an outdoor pool and a fitness facility. Complimentary valet parking is available onsite for guests. The Jewel Dunn's River Beach Resort & Spa- Ocho Rios, Jamaica The Jewel Dunn's River Beach Resort & Spa, a new premium Jamaica all-inclusive, adults-only resort located mere moments from one of Jamaica's top attractions - spectacular Dunn's River Falls. Located in beautiful Ocho Rios, The Jewel is the perfect destination for a tropical getaway. All-inclusive adults-only resort with 6 restaurants, 6 bars, airport transfers, water sports such as snorkeling and kayaking, plus 9-hole pitch-and-putt golf course, tennis, 2 pools, fitness center, and a full-service spa and salon. Hotel El Convento - Puerto Rico Featuring handcrafted antique-style furniture, Hotel El Convento's 58 guestrooms (all non-smoking) include complimentary high-speed Internet access, 32-inch LCD TVs, and Bose CD-player sound systems. Located in the heart of Old San Juan, Puerto Rico, Hotel El Convento has three diverse restaurants, serving cuisine ranging from Spanish tapas to traditional Puerto Rican fare. Fringed by bougainvillea, El Convento's rooftop sundeck offers a plunge pool, spa tub, and sweeping views of Old San Juan. A spacious interior courtyard provides respite under a 350-year-old tree Bucuti & Tara Beach Resorts Aruba - Eagle Beach, Aruba Situated on 14 acres of powder white sand, and published as one of the few “Dream Beaches of the World”. Enjoy breathtaking views of the sparkling-clear blue-green sea, feel the warm trade winds and marvel over the stunning tropical sunsets – it’s all here, waiting for you. Bucuti & Tara Beach Resorts is Aruba’s most romantic Adults Only oasis and island paradise. Comprising just 104 rooms and suites, the 14-acre Aruba beach resort supplies ample room for uncrowded relaxation and features a 200-by-150-yard section of renowned Eagle Beach.

In 2006 Shottas officially entered the begin screen, now the sequel Shottas 2 is currently in production and officially started filming on Friday April 20. Dancehall entertainer David ‘Mavado’ Brooks, joins the cast, Writer-director Cess Silvera confirmed via Twitter that, in addition to Mavado, the cast will include Ky-Mani who reprises his key role of Biggs. According to Silvera, everything is now in place to bring the long-awaited sequel to life. Shottas was considered the Jamaican version of "Scareface" about organized crimes in Kingston about two young men, Wayne (Spragga Benz) and Biggs (Kymani Marley), who grow up together on the tough and dangerous streets of Kingston, Jamaica. As young boys, they begin a life of crime, eventually moving to the U.S., where they begin a ruthless climb from the bottom to the glittering top of a criminal enterprise in a Miami filled with fast cars and gorgeous women. The two men remain fiercely bound by their shottas loyalty as they aggressively take control of the Jamaican underworld. The release for Shottas 2 is October 2014

Born in Anguilla, singer songwriter, Omari Banks is on a musical mission to spread messages of love and consciousness with his assimilation of traditional Jamaican Reggae music accentuated with Rock and Blues backbeats, in an adult contemporary fusion that he blends seamlessly with Lovers Rock and R ‘n’ B Since his unexpected retirement in 2012 from a successful, professional cricket career, Omarihas dedi-cated himself to his music and is now ready to unleash his first message to the world with his debut album, Move On. The 10-track album recorded in Jamaica, Houston, Texas and at home in Anguilla, is a melange of Om-ari’smusical influences and what he likes to call his “contribution to a legacy his dad (Bankie Banx) started in the early 70s.” Omari was only five years old the first time he performed on stage with his father at a concert in Italy. Thus, in many ways he has come full circle and is now able to forge ahead on his musi-cal journey. He currently performs four to six times a week around his native land with his band, Eleven, or in simpler acoustic sets. Like most of the album, Omari wrote both the lyrics and the music on the title track, which was produced by Stanley Stevens. Renowned musicians Junior Jazz, Glen Bowne, Robbie Lyn and Sly Dunbar accompany Omari on this autobiographical song about his transi-tion from cricket to music. Locally, the soft release of the single, Move On, gar-nered airplay on all of Anguilla’s radio stations in-cluding 92.9 Klass FM, 95.5 FM Radio Anguilla, 97.7 FM Up Beat Radio and 103.3 Kool FM. On February 22, 2013, Omari Banks returns to the Caribbean’s largest privately owned music festival, Moon Splash to perform songs from his debut album. Omari Banks is a man with a message and the desire to succeed; his brilliant cricket career is a testament to Omari’s drive and determination, but his musical journey has only just begun. “I want to take my music to an international market because I have an opinion based on knowledge and information. I want to use the gifts I’ve been blessed with to have a positive influence on people. Being someone who has already travelled the world with sports, I’m able to have a broader perspective than a lot of other people. I can communicate to all levels of thinking from a child to an adult and my music is ageless and really touches lives because the stories are true and talk about what’s really going on.” Such tracks include Still The Youth, Oh Africa and Jehovah’s Message. His music is food for the soul. His narrative ballads tell stories about society and relationships that convey lessons learned while others, filled with inspiration and hope, support his musical recipe where love is always the key ingredient. “It’s message music and I speak through the song” explains Omari, “once I’ve decided on the concept (something I’m passionate about), I go within myself to paint the best picture about what I’m really feel-ing…the music also has to fit the concept of the song. The chords need to convey the right attitude to evoke the right meaning. I’m very honest, very genuine and very personal, and I think that’s what people connect to because I say things that people are afraid to say. I’m not afraid to say how I’m truly feeling and I put my emotions out there.” Although he dabbles with bass occasionally, Omari’s instrument of choice is the guitar and unlike his con-temporaries, Omari plays, sings, and writes his own songs. He also writes, arranges and produces the mu-sic that is filled with rich horns, snare drums, heavy bass and electric guitar chords and melodies, that bring Omari’s words to life, setting Omari Banks apart from most contemporary Reggae artists. In his own words.......... “I want to take my music to an international market because I have an opinion based on knowledge and information.”

Trinidad Carnival is serious business. No, really. The star-studded annual bacchanal kicking off next week, attracting upwards of 40,000 revelers, including the likes of Jay-Z and Richard Branson, is an intricately staged set of sumptuous events beginning just after Christmas and lasting through the grand parade on Carnival Tuesday. It’s said to generate over $30 million in revenue, and for creative entrepreneurs in fields ranging from music to fashion and art, this means opportunity: to build brands and launch empires. Enter ten Trinidadian masterminds who not only make Trinidad Carnival the magnificent celebration of life that it is, but have lately begun carrying their brands throughout the Caribbean and its diaspora, all in the aim of making the world a better place: Whatever time of year it is, it ought to be Carnival somewhere. THE ENTERTAINER: Machel Montano Carnival without music is like a car without gas. The man who’s consistently supplied the best of this music for 33 years now—he’s the undisputed king of soca: the studio-produced, fast-paced descendent of calypso—is Machel Montano, a star since age ten. Notice I dubbed him an entertainer, not simply a musician; attend one of his dozens of live performances during the Carnival season and your jaw will drop at the stunningly high-voltage show he delivers, fete after fete. Dare I say that no one—in any genre—entertains more exhaustively? I dare. Machelmontano.com THE BAND LEADER: Dean Ackin Many Carnivalgoers want this man’s head on a platter. Why? Because he runs Tribe, aka the Carnival band: the one you’d sell your first born to get into, the one that sells out instantly, that simply has to attach its name to something to turn it trendy. Eleven years ago Ackin invented the concept of an all-inclusive Carnival band: For two days on the streets of Port of Spain, some 5000 Tribe revelers sport sexy costumes and follow massive music trucks, cared for by top-notch security and fast-on-the-draw bartenders. Included in the two-day package are costumes, an open bar, meals, cool-zone trucks, mobile restrooms and more. The band has hosted the likes of Richard Branson and actor Malik Yoba, and it’s popular enough to launch spinoff bands: Bliss, catering to a more upscale, smaller crowd, was born in 2011; this year marks the debut of The Lost Tribe, with costumes that look beyond the beads-and-bikini style of modern-day Carnival and allow designers to get extra funky. Carnivaltribe.com THE HOTEL MANAGER: Russell George There was one Carnival during which I did not stay at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad. Never again. Since its opening in 2008 as the island’s first new full-service hotel in 48 years, the well-appointed 418-room property along the Port of Spain waterfront has changed the hospitality game in Trinidad. Carnival is when the hotel truly comes alive, thanks to daily soca-driven parties at the infinity pool, a stellar staff that will all but sew your costume on you if you need them to, a diverse crowd of Carnival revelers perpetually on hand for spur-of-the-moment fetes on the waterfront terrace and, on the Wednesday before Carnival, the Hyatt’s very own all-inclusive fete, LIME, arguably the season’s most extravagant. Wear white or lime and be prepared for top-notch soca performances, a dazzling setting, a sexy crowd and an array of food and drinks that borders on downright gluttonous. Trinidad.hyatt.com Hyatt Regency Trinidad THE STYLE GURU: Anya Ayoung-Chee She’s a former Miss Trinidad and Tobago and the 2011 winner of hit TV show Project Runway. More than that, though, Ayoung-Chee is a full-on creative force. For five years now the designer has branded her own section in the band Tribe, and this year she’s also co-creative director of its new offshoot, The Lost Tribe. Her pop-up cANYAval shop is the place to pick up your Carnival fashion statements, particularly for Carnival Monday, a day on which most revelers eschew full-on costumes for barely-there getups of their own making. The shop is located at Exhibit A, a showroom for young designers curated by Ayoung-Chee, and it’s all part of HOME, another Ayoung-Chee endeavor: The Caribbean’s only shared work space is really a creative hub boasting a café and an impressive calendar of arts-related events. Last but certainly not least, her annual pre-Carnival cANYAVAL Fete is the celebrity bash of the season, having hosted the likes of Will Smith and Selita Ebanks. Anyaayoungchee.com Anya Ayoung-Chee attends HP Project Runway Designer Reunion at Empire Hotel in New York (Photo by Larry Busacca/Getty Images for HP) THE KING OF FETE: Kwesi “Hypa Hoppa” Hopkinson Look up “fete” in the Carnival dictionary and you’ll surely spy the Scorch logo. A Carnival fete, see, is more than a simple party—it’s a full-on production, often including food and drinks, usually featuring hyperactive performances. And a Scorch fete is more than just any old Carnival fete—it’s the sort of event where quite literally the only ones not dancing are working, where the energy level is enough to make even the hottest big-city club look tame. The man behind Scorch—and a host of related endeavors, from Scorch’s magazine, TV show and music label to his own restaurant, Mr. Hops—is Kwesi Hopkinson, better known by his DJ name, Hypa Hoppa. He’s made the Scorch name go global, staging the most popular events at Carnivals across the globe, from Miami and Jamaica to London and Grand Cayman. Thescorch.com THE ARMY GENERAL: Jules Sobion It’s an army whose weapon is paint and fuel is rum—a peaceful, joyous army. Picture hundreds of people deep in a cane field or in a deserted Caribbean cove at 4 in the morning, dancing behind mobile music trucks until the sun comes up, dousing themselves and each other in paint, then being hosed down with water while breakfast is served and not a single soul stops dancing. That, in a nutshell, is the stunningly well-coordinated Caeser’s Army, launched in Trinidad and now a staple feature of Carnivals around the Caribbean, from Barbados to Jamaica. Caesarsarmy.com Aerial view of Caesar’s Army A.M.BUSH THE PHOTOGRAPHER: Colin Williams It’s tough to take a bad picture of Carnival. But the really special ones, the ones that capture not just pretty girls in pretty costumes but the traditional elements and touching moments that embody the depth, history and spirit of Carnival—for these turn to New York-based, Trinidad-born photographer Colin Williams. He’s shot everything from supermodel headshots to Adidas ads, but his real passion is on display in his Carnival photographs, showcasing an eye for quirk and nuance that’ll take your breath away. Colinwilliamsphotography.com Carnival photo by Colin Williams THE MAN WITH THE MIX: DJ Private Ryan Before getting to Carnival, you’ll want to get a taste of the soca music you’ll be dancing to for days on end. And when you will leave, you will be utterly addicted to that new music—to the point where not hearing it for a full day will leave you in states of withdrawal. Private Ryan knows this. The popular radio DJ doles out pre-Carnival mixes to get you up to speed, also serving up free instant classics in the form of his “Soca Brainwash” mixes (the name is no hyperbole). They’re so popular—his downloads regularly exceed one million—that they spawned the DJ’s annual eponymous pre-Carnival fete, over which he presides. It is, naturally, one of the must-attend parties of the Carnival season. Djprivateryanmusic.com THE DOCUMENTER: Andre Choo Quan Call it the Carnival version of “Where’s Waldo”: “Where’s Andre?” The founder of Trinijunglejuice.com—the be-all-and-end-all website for Carnivals worldwide, featuring exhaustive fete calendars, photo galleries and its own TV show, Destination Carnival: Your Guide To Carnivals Around The World—is such a staple at Carnival events, you’ll wonder how he manages to be in more than one place at one time. The team also hosts events at Carnivals around the world, from Berlin to Bermuda. TriniJungleJuice.com Andre of TriniJungleJuice at Berlin Carnival THE EMPRESS: Jeanille Bonterre She’s not literally an empress. But the TV personality—recognized island-wide as the face of the Caribbean, ever since she made her international TV debut on MTV’s Caribbean channel, Tempo, in 2005—has the effervescent grace of one. She’s hosted and produced shows for such international TV stations as BET, Tempo and, currently, CBS affiliate One Caribbean TV, home to her travel show Island XClusive. The Trinidad-born, St. Lucia-based beauty has also acted in Caribbean productions and lent her time and face to a host of charities across the region. Jeanillebonterre.com Jeanille Bonterre (PHOTO: Stephen Clarke) GETTING THERE One airline has, to the benefit of us all, conquered the Caribbean: Jetblue. With daily flights and well-curated getaway packages to nearly every island, from Trinidad and Grenada to St. Maarten, Barbados–it recently launched its premium “Mint” service on this route–and, as of late last year, Cuba, the airline is your direct connection to all Caribbean carnivals. And unlimited Amazon content streaming on most flights means you’ll be fully entertained the whole way there. Jetblue.com .............................................................................................................. About the Author Contributor Baz Dreisinger Travel Tales: Where Luxury Meets Local & Wanderlust Meets Culture-lust Full Bio « I am: writer, globetrotter, professor, culture-hound. Born and raised in New York City, with one foot fixed in the Caribbean, I have written about travel, the arts and identity politics for the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Wall Street Journal and many more; I produce on-air segments about global music and culture for National Public Radio (NPR). I am ceaselessly curious, fearless in my journeys, relentlessly ravenous to see and learn more. My global routes marry luxury with local, which is the essence of this travel blog: Welcome to a place where wanderlust meets culture-lust, where otherworldly high-end meets rootsy down-home.

New Single From Tarrus Riley "Jah Jah Runs Things" Produced By DJ Frass Video Directed & Edited By Dameon Gayle @tarrusrileyja @jwonder21