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Anew queen was crowned on this year’s staging of the Miss Jamaica Festival Queen Competition, Miss Kingston and St Andrew, Anjell Bryan capped the title. The Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC) Festival Queen 2014 was at the Ranny Williams Entertainment Centre in St Andrew on Saturday, where 25-year-old Bryan also won awards for Most Culturally Aware and Most Active in the Community Miss St Ann, Sharlene Codner, who was first runner-up and second runner-up, went to Miss Trelawny, Honica Brown, who also won Most Poised. The other sectional awards winners were: Miss St James, Trudy-Ann Hylton, for Most Congenial; Miss Portland Tahera Brown won Best Performer for Jamaica Song. Bryan received a $500,000 cash prize, along with other gift items and packages. Singer Romain Virgo gave a spectacular performance with his hit songs.

If channelling your innerJamie Oliver appeals and you’d like to surprise your guests with a meal that is as delicious as it is true to Caribbean tradition, why not start with some of the dazzling recipes on Caribbean Magazine? Start the experience out with a peppery fish chowder or hearty crab soup, whet your guests’ appetite further with a spicy chicken jerky and end the meal on a sweet note, surprising your guests with rich chocolate truffles, made with authentic Caribbean cocoa. Choco-Tourism in the Caribbean According to The New York Times, the Caribbean is currently a hot-spot for those seeking to hop from island to island to enjoy the very best of the Caribbean cocoa industry: “From Tobago to Dominica, Grenada to St. Vincent, the Caribbean cocoa industry, which has roots in colonial times, is being revitalized. This is excellent news economically: With free trade having all but destroyed the islands’ banana and sugar industries, fair-trade farming initiatives are a welcome boon.” The world price of cocoa has been soaring in the past few years, owing in no small part to the growing size of the middle class in emerging markets. Seekingalpha.com notes that “The emerging middle class has made chocolate into an affordable, everyday treat. Meanwhile, new products, improved transportation and better infrastructure have eased the distribution of confections.” Within the booming chocolate market, Caribbean cocoa is very much the gold standard, and there is no doubt that this dark, delicious ingredient is attracting fervent foodies from far and wide. Dark Cocoa: Chock-full of Healthy Goodness Dark (preferably raw) Caribbean chocolate is one of the healthiest foods you could possibly treat yourself with. This product is highly nutritious, boasting three times the amount of antioxidants contained in green tea. Builtlean.com notes that raw chocolate “contains many important vitamins and minerals including Magnesium and other essential minerals, including calcium, sulphur, zinc, iron, copper, potassium and manganese; polyphenols called flavonoids with antioxidant properties, Vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, B9, E; protein; and fibre.” The ‘food of the Gods’ is an ideal choice for everyone, particularly those who need a nutritional boost. Raw chocolate and other nutritional foods make up an important part of the diet of those undergoing rehabilitation for substance abuse, for instance. Addiction takes a major toll on the body, preventing users from absorbing important nutrients, and damaging both their immune systems and vital organs. This is largely because of the large amounts of toxins even common ‘soft drugs’ contain. Not only do drugs affect one’s physical state, they also affect our mental wellbeing. Rehabs.com states that “Marijuana use is strongly associated with stunted emotional development” To boost the health of our body and mind, it is vital to consume a diet which is very high in antioxidants. Raw chocolate can play a vital role in fighting free radicals and detoxifying the body. If you’d like to include a little of its magic in your daily life, try the following recipe for raw chocolate truffles… Raw Chocolate Truffles Ingredients: 1 cup Medjool dates ¼ cup hemp seeds 3/4 cup walnuts ¼ teaspoon sea salt 5 tablespoons raw Caribbean cacao/cocoa powder ¼ cup cocoa powder or icing sugar to roll the truffles in Instructions: Process the walnuts in a food processor. Cut the dates into quarters and place in a bowl. Add the processed walnuts and hemp seeds and mash until a uniform mixture is formed. Roll into balls and roll again in the extra cocoa powder, or roll lightly in icing sugar. Note: The truffles are a five-minute recipe, but if you wish to add a little sophistication to the recipe and up its health benefits, you may wish to roll the truffles in superfoods like Goji berries, desiccated or shredded coconut or finely chopped nuts. Those into essential oils love adding a tiny drop of edible essential oils like bergamot, mandarin or orange, to add a touch of chocolate orange magic to the recipe. If you are new to essential oils and wish to harness their benefits, make sure to use only therapeutic grade essential oils and use them sparingly. Just one drop of lemon essential oil in a full glass of water, for instance, has a very strong taste, so err on the cautious side when adding these oils to truffles for the first time, testing a half a drop of essential oil on a small batch of truffles before adding them to the entire mixture. By Laura Chapman .............................................................................................................................................Copyright 2014 Caribbean E-Magazine All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without credit..

Trinidadian Soca songwriter, recording artist and performer Fay Ann Lyons-Alvarez, also known as the “Lyon Empress”, “Mane the Matriarch” and the “Silver Surfer”, nicknames she claimed during her performance at the 2008 International Soca Monarch. The Point Fortin native is a three-time Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Road March champion (2003, 2008, and 2009). In 2009 she created history by becoming the first Soca artist to win the ‘triplet’ of titles, International Soca Monarch in Groovy, People’s Choice and Power category Fay Ann first wrote her name in the record books when she became the youngest female winner of the Trinidad and Tobago Carnival Road March Monarch crown, which she accomplished with her song “Display” in 2003, at the age of 22. She is now the youngest solo artist (male or female), still actively recording, and with multiple Carnival Road March wins. Fay Ann’s dominance of the 2009 Carnival season in Trinidad and Tobago is a feat the likes of which have not been observed since David Rudder swept the Carnival Road March, Trinidad Calypso Monarch and Young King Competitions in 1986. She now stands as the only female artist to win the Carnival Road March three times and the second to attain back-to-back wins in two consecutive years. Fay Ann’s compositions have earned several nominations and wins of Copyright Music Organisation of Trinidad and Tobago (COTT) music awards including Female Songwriter of the Year and she has also received honours from the Soca Awards Organization (SAO) for her music. Soca runs deep within Fay Ann’s blood, her father “Superblue”, is a Soca legend who has won the Carnival Road March title nine times and Trinidad Soca Monarch competition seven times. He was instrumental in honing her skills as a songwriter and performer. Fay Ann is a member of the Asylum band (previously known as “Censation”), founded by her husband and Soca royalty Bunji Garlin, the two got married in 2006 and the proud parents of a baby girl Fay Ann and husband Bunji Garlin Fay Ann continues to tour worldwide and will begin recording her first solo full-length album on VP Records. ............................................................................................................................................. Copyright 2014 Caribbean E-Magazine All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without credit..

“A Flower cannot blossom without sunshine and I cannot blossom without LOVE...” Trinidadian Renee Bhagwandeen is a former pageant queen who represented her country at the Miss Inter­na­tion­al Woman Beauty Pageantin Mis­si­ssauga, Ontario, Canada, where she was the second runner-up and won the Most Photogenic award. She also was Miss Trinidad International 2011, where she participated at the Miss International in China and was elected Miss Photogenic once again, becoming the first woman of colour to win the award and the only Caribbean delegate in the top 15. In 2012 she made her second attempt for the Miss Trinidad and Tobago Universe title, but was only placed in the top 10. She later moved on to represent her country at the annual Miss Jamzone International pageant. Now a model, she entered America’s Next Top Model Cycle #20 in 2013 and since then this beauty has been making waves. Bhagwandeen, 25, moved to the United States when she was six years old and currently resides in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Renee’s most notable asset might be her near-flawless skin, an attribute which has landed her on the cover of wellness magazineNew You‘s“Skin” issue. She is currently pursuing a degree in business management and is involved in charitable organizations. Here dream is to one day open food truck that sells hot dogs with wild toppings. (She loves to eat hot dog) and a non-profit organisation to help young girls turn their dreams into reality. She is quoted to say “I’d make crazy friggin’ hot dogs and experiment with weird toppings. That would be the best job ever. ” Photo credits; http://reneebhagwandeen.wix.com/reneebhagwadeen ................................................................................................................................... Copyright 2014 Caribbean E-Magazine All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without credit..

“The whole purpose is not to mix in, or blend in, the whole idea is to revolutionize and expand.” Canta Krystal Wauw...... Profound! Being of Dutch and Spanish Caribbean decent, one of my biggest challenges was to be able to “FIT IN”. The Caribbean Entertainment industry is ruled by an IRON FIST by the one island that comes to peoples from around the world as it pertains to matters of Caribbean ANYTHING – Jam-a-ica, Jamaica. Secondly, would definitely be the self-proclaimed land of ‘OIL AND MUSIC’, however, world and Caribbean proclaimed home base of the BEST Caribbean Carnival (HANDS DOWN), Trinidad & Tobago. Ayati, [HAITI] in popular opinion would most likely come in THIRD place, giving us the widely popular and the smooth sounds of KOMPAmusic and to round out what I believe to be the TOP TEN most popular islands, T&T’s fellow SOCA and CALYPSO islands, Barbados, Grenada, St. Lucia and proprietors of oh, so sweet and melodic sounds of ZOUK and French sister islands to [Haiti], Dominica and of course, our U.S.V.I’s UNITED STATES VIRGIN ISLANDS. It’s very seldom that the Spanish islands of PUERTO RICO, DOMINICAN REPUBLIC AND CUBA get recognized (or) included as part of the Caribbean. It is an even more rare that the DUTCH “ABC” & “SSS” islands (which are ARUBA, BONAIRE, CURACAO/SABA, STATIA AND ST.MAARTEN) would be in a category of being “WEST INDIAN”. I would feel so aloof and get ‘lost in the sauce’ –ESPECAILLY, when I was working event production w/ 93.5 FM IRIE JAM RADIO I fast pace conversations spoken in Jamaican patois [having to do one of those faint giggles (DON’T FRONT! You know you have done it before! When EVERYONE else in the room is laughing at something that COMPLETELY went over your head!). The feeling to ‘belong’, however, is indeed a disguise for us to be comfortable, complacent and feeds our fear of the UNKNOWN and paralyzes our ‘Leaps of Faith’. Unfortunately, those are only distractions of the unfathomable greatness that we are able to achieve, if we would just act on it, and believe. Valuable, innovative and revolutionary in her own right; Canta Krystal, Dominican gospel- child prodigy turned multi- faceted "secular" artist, Canta Krystal, responsible for the introductory quote, but, also putting "sabor nuevo" in the mainstream music industry, REPPIN for us LATINA CAREER revolutionaries everywhere. Raised by busy, but supportive, single mother, who noted her daughter's talent from the young age of 9 (along with constant reminding and at times boastful bragging from HER NEÑA tambìen) who insisted that she needs to be doing EXACTLY what her role models J.LO and BEYONCE were doing! Out of the mouths of babes, indeed! Mama Canta" immediately got young KRYSTAL involved with their church's youth ministering activities such as, the choir. Here, she effortlessly sang soprano, due to her mimicking MARIAH CAREY songs, note- for-note. Her outstanding performance landed her an invitation to participate in her industry debut on Janice Kapp Perrys’ “Me Encanta Ver El Templo” (I love to see the Temple) in the midst of singing, she also performed with major TELEMUNO live televised events through another art she hold dear to her heart and does well, dance, for the biggest Latin music artist such as Fulanito and “SUAVEMENTE” singer, Elvis Crespo, just to name a few. That only ignited and fed Krystal’s hunger to make it BIG. She was on the hunt for producers to work with. Some, due to her undeniable exotic ‘drag you in’ look, and evolving talent to match, topped with her JEFE [BOSS] self-managed demeanour, where as she puts it a waste of time. However, it’s a catch twenty-two because of those very same reasons, she landed work with the BEST OF THE BEST, as it goes for producers in the LATIN INDUSTRY such as NITIDO EN EL NINTENDO and A & X, signed artist, co-singer of/with DON OMAR and producer of famed hit ‘DANZA KUDURO’ – Theme song to FAST AND THE FURIOUS, that still to this day has EVERYONE, of all races, going LOCA in the club. Outside of singing and the Latin market, Canta Krystal has proved that she is on a train to NON-STOP ultimate success. She graced her model-esque presence in a recent cameo in NEW YORK RAPPERS Lloyd Banks and Troy Ave ‘YOUR STYLE’ as she described her experience as ‘GREAT!’ she makes it very clear that THE MUSIC, will always come first! And she makes it CRYSTAL CLEAR with her hit ‘YO SE’. STARLISA: “WHY ‘YO SE’?” CK: Why Yo Se, Because "I KNOW" That is the meaning of "YO SE" I guess that goes back in relating to men because a lot of these songs now and days are all about what men have. The big house, nice car, flashy chains ext. As women, don't we all know this already? In the song I’m letting the man shine because as his right hand, I want him to, so I'm saying I know Papi! I get more into detail on the second verse when I explain how I have it too. So it’s kind of like ’yeah… whatever’. Don’t think you’re the only one Now, TU SABES, Krystal is a TRUE New Yorker and you can #jumpinthecab and catch this CHICA hanging out at trendy WASHINGTON HEIGHTS lounge ‘MIA’ filled with great food, amazing hookah and an unique drink menu or the CLASSIC and LEGENDARY CASA DE MOFONGO. When I asked this Latina SPIT-FIRE about her love life, she candidly replied “Love life? What’s that? With work alone, I feel like there is never time. Then you involve Family and maybe one close friend and there’s no time ever if you are really dedicated. But on a more real, not like if I actually try I find myself always dating someone involved with the music. It tends to be the only thing I let myself be around anyway time wise. And, then it doesn't work out because of all the extra things that get involved in a MAN’S world with music. Groupies, Money, Power… men don't like a woman to be "MORE POWERFUL" than them in the music, Or anything for that fact. I guess egos kick in, pero, honestly, I could care less. What a DIVA, Well said. I love talking to Krystal even further as we get into more questions about our related Spanish Caribbean culture of DOMINICAN REPUBLIC, so let’s get back to the food to the two things that MAKE the DR; THE FOOD AND THE WOMEN! STARLISA: “WHAT IS ONE THING THAT DOMINICAN WOMEN CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT?” CK: The one thing a Dominican Woman cannot live without is her plate called "los 3 Golpe" which contains Platano, Queso, Y Salami. (Plantains, Fried cheese, and Salami) STARLISA: “EVERY DOMINICAN WOMAN WANT TO FEEL ____________” CK: I think every Dominican Women just likes to always look sexy and have fun. What man doesn't want to be with a woman who strives to look sexy every day and smile? Just enjoy life. STARLISA: “WHO IS CANTA KRYSTAL?” CK: The CANTA KRYSTAL BRAND is very simple. Canta means sing in Spanish. Everywhere I go People ask me to sing. Canta Krystal. My name is Krystal, but now you know which one you’re talking about. The one that sings. You better saaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaannggg, Krystal! By: SharLisa Peterson ........................................................................................................................... Copyright 2014 Caribbean E-Magazine All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without credit..

Patwa Apparel is preparing to produce its 2015 fashion line and has launched a crowdfunding campaign to help to produce the samples. According to the CEO of Patwa Apparel LTD, Heneka Watkis-Porter, the campaign aims to raise US$10,500 which would enable her to rebrand the line for a more international appeal. "To accomplish the new vision we need to secure an experienced production facility in the Caribbean to design, source fabrics, and produce samples for the new collection, the entrepreneur explained. "We've designed several perks including pieces from our collection and copies of my new book 15 Hints to Entrepreneurial Success: Lessons From A Caribbean Woman for those who contribute to the fund." "If we are unable to reach our goal, the money received will go towards re-designing the interior of the flagship Patwa Apparel Outlet at Shop # 12 Devon House to reflect an environment which is more conducive to retail." Currently Patwa Apparel is imprinted with phrases/expressions written in Jamaican patois with the corresponding English translation. Since 2007, the line has been showcased across Jamaica, in the USA, Europe, South American and China. Most recently the collection was showcased in the Dominican Republic during their Fashion Week Domincana Moda 2013. In 2012, National Bakery awarded Patwa Apparel a "Bold One"for their hard work in manufacturing. Since then, Patwa Apparel has evolved into other ventures for Heneka including two radio programs, The Entrepreneurial You on Power 106 FM and Living On Purpose and her new book. You can support the Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign by visiting www.patwaapparel.com. ...................................................................................................................................Copyright 2014 Caribbean E-Magazine All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without credit..

On Sunday (July 6th) Lillian Lightbourn, was crowned the new Miss Bermuda 2014 defeating seven other competitors for the title. The Pageant took place the Fairmont Southampton. She will be competing in the Miss World Pageant to be held in the United Kingdom in December. Lillian, who currently lives and works in New York as a fashion model also won the awards for Most Photogenic and the People’s Choice winner. Additional award winners were: Miss Hospitality being awarded toMiss Warwick Cami Caines-Bean, and Miss Congeniality being awarded to Miss Devonshire Cocy-Lynne Simmons. The pageant was hosted by Nadanja Bailey and Patrina “Power Girl” Paynter. .....................................................................................................................................Copyright 2014 Caribbean E-Magazine All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without credit.

Jamaica-born, New York-based fashion designer, Raxann Chin, is among the esteemed fashion designers to receive the Caribbean Style & Culture Award of Excellence - Fashion Innovation in Washington, D.C. on June 27, 2014, in honor of the ninth annual Caribbean American Heritage Month. The Caribbean Style & Culture Awards and Fashion Showcaseorganized by Karib Nation, Inc. celebrate and reward the excellence and remarkable contributions of fashion designers of Caribbean heritage who have significantly impacted the fashion industry. “The Award of Excellence in Fashion Innovation exemplifies the innovation of Caribbean fashion through unique and compelling designs, production and presentation,” said Cornel Jones, Chair of the Event Committee. Jones, who personally selected Chin for the award said he researched the fashion designer after seeing her work on the Maxine Tulloch TV Show in 2013 and was impressed with her designs and presentation. Jones followed the fashion line and felt compelled to acknowledge the fashion designer. The high-end fashion line, Femheka by Raxann Chin, founded May 11, 2012, graced the red carpets at both the 86th Academy Awards and Festival de Cannes in 2014, among other prestigious events. “It is truly validating and quite an honor to be recognized by an organization such as Karib Nation, especially after just making our two-year mark,” said Chin. “There is no greater feeling than being rewarded for the manifestations of a dream that I was determined to see through. I yielded. I trusted. I have found my home through fashion.” Karib Nation, Inc. was founded in 1992 in Baltimore, and as a non-profit organization, it promotes Caribbean-owned businesses. United States President Barack H. Obama declared June as Caribbean American Heritage Month. “Caribbean Americans are part of a great national tradition, descendants of hopeful, striving people who journeyed to our lands in search of a better life. They were drawn by a belief in the power of opportunity, a belief that through hard work and sacrifice, they could provide their children with chances they had never known. Thanks to these opportunities and their talent and perseverance, Caribbean Americans have contributed to every aspect of our society -- from science and medicine to business and the arts. During National Caribbean-American Heritage Month, we honor their history, culture, and essential role in the American narrative,” said Barack Obama, during his presidential proclamation of National Caribbean-American Heritage Month. Chin, who migrated to the United States with her family in 1995, joins the past awardees, which include Francis Hendy, Uzuri International, Lois Samuels, Patricia Coates, Michael Chataigne, Bill Edwards, Roger Gary to name a few. The awarded fashion designers took part in a week of activities that included networking and a wider platform for the promotion of their brands. The week of events hosted the Bahamas Consulate General Reception on Wednesday, June 25th, the Congressional Black Caucus on Capitol Hill & White House visit on Thursday, June 26th, a Fashion Show and the Karib Nation Inc. Awards Presentation on Friday June 27th, ending with Couture in the Park on Sunday June 29th. Part of the proceeds of the Fashion Showcase will benefit the Caribbean’s Children’s Foundation. ................................................................................................................................... Copyright 2014 Caribbean E-Magazine All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without credit..

Fashion company BEAU Designs has partnered with successful emerging MUA (Make-UpAriste) Nikisha Benjamin-Richardson in a sizzling summer fashion shoot last weekend. Held at the majestic Trinidad and Tobago Hyatt Regency, the shoot was an extremely successful marriage of two intrinsic and highly artistic aspects of the fashion industry, where meticulous and intricate flawlessly applied make-up complimented the bold and daring designs of BEAU. From the stylish ‘Kissed by a Rose’, a sensuous cascade of wine stained lace and flowing, crimson satin to the classically elegant ‘Secret Purple’ with smokeybrushed eyes as well as seductively parted lips glossed in full ruby, the pieces were shot around the opulent settings of the hotel by renowned fashion photographer Luis Young, who captured the many moods and beauty of both the faces and figures of the models. Sai-ann, who was contacted by Ms. Benjamin-Richardson to provide the wardrobe of the shoot, decided to feature both designs as they best represent the hidden beauty most women possess. Ms. Benjamin-Richardson was also greatly impressed by the use ofcolour in the designs, stating that they suited her own approach towards make-up. The self taught MUA strongly believes that the face should be expressed equally as the body, as this is what a woman offers to the world: an image of confidence, exquisite beauty and playful radiance. Both women were equally impressed by the designs and skills of the other and have promised to work closely and frequently with each other on future endeavors. BEAU Designs is currently preparing to release its sophomore collection geared towards the professional working woman.‘Sphinx’ comprises of twelve sophisticated, elegantly casual pieces which can be worn as stand alone items or subsequently mixed and matched for added creativity. Aptly named for the creature of Greek and Egyptian mythology and its penchant for testing travelers with riddles, the creature’s most famous answer has been creatively flipped into the line. Scheduled for a tentative release later in the year, Sphinx is Sai-ann’s second presentation at Caribe Fashions ‘Trini Styles’, which gives local designers a forum to showcase their skill in fashion design, dressmaking and accessorizing. She impressed both judges and critiques alike with her first fashion offering, ‘BEAU’, which she has subsequently expanded and now bears the name of her company. By Adrian Simmons, Freelance Writer/Press Officer. ............................................................................................................................ Copyright 2014 Caribbean E-Magazine All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without credit

Her story is as intriguing, fierce and beautiful as her sweet, sweet T & T born and bred looks and style. Cherisse, lovingly known as CHERI works relentlessly and is highly respected as a freelance journalist after working in numerous major media powerhouses all over the "Land of oil and music". Cheri from her views on taking risks and "leaps of faith", what is her favourite pastime to her featured, interviewed with a superstar that you maybe shocked that wasn't her BEST experience to her travels to New York, Miami and her home away from, my home ST. MAARTEN. A woman truly after my own heart and inspiration, enjoy CHERI in this Q&A as her pleasant and convivial personality jumps at you through the page and into your heart, leaving you humming about this media jewel from The "Hummingbird" Island. WHERE ARE YOU FROM? Born and raised in sweet Trinidad. DESCRIBE ALL THE ENTREPRENEURIAL HATS THAT YOU WEAR. WHICH IS YOUR FAVOURITE? I am a freelance journalist and have been in the media industry for the past 11 years. I started my career in television at Trinidad and TobagoTelevision (TTT) as a trainee/junior reporter. I then worked in radio at WMJX 100.5FM as a senior news editor/ announcer and then at The Trinidad Guardian Newspaper as a Senior Features Reporter. I have since won several awards for my stories. I write features, news, news features and business articles; as well as bios and promotional articles for artistes and up and coming entrepreneurs.....I dabble in everything really as I am awell rounded writer. I also do articles for various local, regional and international magazines. I am a voice talent for radio and television advertisements. During my 2 year foray as a freelancer, I have covered assignments overseas in St Maarten, Jamaica and Miami. My own media company – What’s Trending Media and Marketing Company - is also in the works. Although each experience has its pros and cons my favourite is probably print media because writing is my passion. WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME A JOURNALIST? It’s kinda weird because growing up I wanted to be a lawyer or psychologist. The media sort of happened to me, but I realized a long time ago that it is exactly what I was meant to do. I cannot see myself doing an 8 to 4. God makes no mistakes. YOU SAID YOU HAVE BEEN TO ST.MAARTEN AND HOW IT REMINDS YOU OF HOME, HOW SO? Yes. I visited St Maarten for the first time two years ago to work as a media specialist alongside my friend and Bahamian freelance journalist, Inderia Saunders, to help coordinate and launch the very first technology center in the island called Computech. It was a great experience and I loved every minute of it. St Maarten has such a Trini vibe to it - From the warmth and friendliness of the people who you meet casually in the street, to the delicious food. I visited both the French and Dutch sides...but I must say the Dutch part of the island is my favourite. "IF YOU DON'T TAKE RISKS, YOU WILL ALWAYS WORK FOR SOMEONE WHO DOES" WHAT RISKS HAVE YOU TAKEN IN YOUR CAREER THAT HAS PLACED YOU IN A MORE SUCCESSFUL POSITION? Life is all about taking risks… My biggest risk, thus far was leaving the Trinidad Guardian after 4 plus years to go it alone as a freelancer. At the Guardian (as it's commonly called) I wrote on a myriad of topics including fashion, music, health and human interest. However, I felt the urge to do more to realise my full potential. Leaving a permanent job where my salary is sure at the end of the month was deemed 'crazy' by some of my peers but I did it anyway. I have learnt a lot. I have no regrets. Cheri Interviewing Chris Brown YOU HAVE STATED THAT YOU LOVED INTERVIEWING CHRIS BROWN, LIONEL RICHIE, MAXI PRIEST AND TNT HEART THROBS KES AND THE BAND, WHO HAVEN'T YOU ENJOYED INTERVIEWING AND WHY? I have interviewed so many local, regional and international personalities - some are very pleasant, others not so much. If I had to choose one person I didn't enjoy interviewing would be Keyshia Cole. I covered her concert in Trinidad a few years ago and I went backstage to ask her some questions for my story and she wasn't very accommodating. I don’t know, maybe she was tired or something?? WHAT IS YOUR PERFECT "LIME"? This always comes as a shock to many people, but I'm not a party person at all. I have covered so many events and fetes as a features reporter, but that's just me doing my job. I prefer more laid back limes actually. My perfect lime will be anywhere with my close (crazy) friends just having fun with lots of laughter. I always say the company trumps the venue. Oh! And somewhere with plenty nice food...I love to eat! IN ONE WORD, EXPLAIN HOW YOU FEEL ABOUT BEING A BEAUTIFUL AND A SUCCESSFUL TRINIDADIAN WOMAN Empowered. By: SharLisa Peterson ........................................................................................................................................... Copyright 2014 Caribbean E-Magazine All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without credit..

Melanie Fiona's parents immigrated to Canada from Guyana in the late 1970s, a few years before she was born. She grew up in a musical household; her mother sang at home and her father was a professional guitarist. At around 16, Melaniebegan writing her own songs, and two years later, she became a member of an all-girl singing group called X-Quisite alongside Nicole Holness and Nirvana Savoury. Although the group didn't last, Melanie continued to perform, mostly in clubs in the Toronto area. In 2005, she traveled to Los Angeles in the hopes of being signed by a major record label. While working on getting her own singing career off the ground in the mid-2000s, Melanie gain work as a songwriter, co-writing tracks for Rihanna and Kardinal Offishall, among others. In 2007, she was signed toUniversal Motown subsidiary SRC Records. She went on to tour with Kanye West in his Glow in the Dark Tour. Prior to completing her debut album, Hallim met with recording artist Jay-Z and his friend Tyty She also recorded a reggae song called "Somebody Come Get Me" under the stage name Syren Hall. The song was included on the 2008 Reggae Gold compilation. Fiona is a dramatic soprano. Her voice has been referred to as being both "soulful" and "sassy." Some have praised her vocals for being "very passionate, but clean and controlled, and not over-the-top singing." Her debut album, The Bridge, was released in June 2009. The album spawned four singles in the U.S., the most successful of which, "It Kills Me," reached No. 1 on Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and stayed there for 10 weeks. In her native Canada, the biggest hit from the album was the first single, "Give It To Me Right," which reached No. 20 on the Canadian charts. After the 2010 Haiti earthquake, Fiona participated in "We Are the World 25 for Haiti" to benefit and later toured with Alicia Keys as an opening act on The Freedom Tour Her second album, The MF Life, was released in summer 2011. The lead single was titled "Gone and Never Coming Back." The single peaked at 37 on US R&B chart, becoming her second highest peaking song on the R&B chart so far. Later on that year Fiona released her second single, "4 AM" was sent to urban stations on August 30, 2011. 4am peaked on the US R&B chart at #8, the song was about a lover who had gone out and was cheating on her. The album was released on March 20, 2012 A newly independent artist, Fiona is currently planning her third album and promoting her new single "Cold Piece." ...............................................................................................................................................Copyright 2014 Caribbean E-Magazine All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without credit.

Born in Kingston, Jamaica, on February 26, 1985, Sanya Richards-Ross moved to the United States with her family at the age of 12. They lived in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, a place her parents thought would best suit their aspiring track star's career. Richards-Ross demonstrated her talents early on, scoring a silver medal in the 400-meter event and a bronze medal in the 200-meter event at the 2002 World Junior Championships. That same year, she was named the Gatorade National High School Girls Track & Field Athlete of the Year. While a student at the University of Texas, Richards-Rossbecame the 2003 NCAA 400-meter champion. That same year, she won the NCAA Indoor Championship in the 200-meter event. Competing at the 2004 Summer Olympics, Richards-Ross helped bring home gold in the 400-meter relay. Richards-Ross took the track world by storm in 2006 with two victories at the World Cup, taking the top spot in both the 200-meter and 400-meter events. At the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing, she earned two medals. She helped take the gold in the 400-meter relay, and scored her first individual medal in the 200-meter event. Richards-Ross began struggling with some health issues in 2007, and had to sit out the 2010 season because of an injury. She quickly recovered, however, and became the 400-meter World Indoor Champion in 2012. After receiving a bronze medal in 2008,Richards-Ross began to focus on achieving a personal goal: Earning a gold medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London. In August 2012, Richards-Ross achieved her goal for the gold, winning the women's 400 meters at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, and becoming a three-time Olympic gold medalist. The win marked her first independent gold medal. Sanya Richards-Ross and husband Aaron Ross Richards-Ross is married to her college boyfriend, Aaron Ross, a professional football player. He played with the New York Giants from 2007 to 2011, and is now a member of the Jacksonville Jaguars. Outside of competition, Richards-Ross runs the Sanya Richards Fast Track Program to help children in her native nation, Jamaica. Source ............................................................................................................................................. Copyright 2014 Caribbean E-Magazine All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without credit.