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TAKE ME AWAY! I’M YOUR FREE COPY TO KEEP, COMPLIMENTS OF LIAT
ISSUE 53 JANUARY - FEBRUARY 2020
5
GREAT
GLAMPSITES
STAY WILD –
IN STYLE
FREE
PLEASE TAKE
THIS MAGAZINE
AWAY!
LL
FETE FANTASTIQUE!
YOUR GUIDE TO
FRENCH CARNIVAL
DAZZLING DOMINICA
WHY EVERYONE’S TALKING
ABOUT THE NATURE ISLAND
SUNKEN TREASURE
BRILLIANT AND BIZARRE
NEW BVI DIVE SITE
New year,
new look
CARIBBEAN
DESIGNERS
WITH FABULOUS
FASHIONS FOR 2020!
HOT EVENTS FOOD INNOVATIONS NEW BOOKS MUSIC INSIGHTS
TRINIDAD
GUYANA
BELIZE
SURINAME
-
GUATEMALA
PANAMA
NICARAGUA
SAINT MAARTEN
DOMINICAN REPUBLIC
HOME • CONTENTS • MOTOR • LIABILITY • BUSINESS • TRAVEL • MARINE
NEW YEAR. NEW GOALS.
Review and Renew
your insurance polices.
CARIBBEAN ALLIANCE INSURANCE CO. LTD.
INSURANCE
POLICY
Antigua Head Office:
Caribbean Alliance House, Cnr. Newgate & Cross Streets, St. John’s • Tel: +1 (268) 484 2900
Visit our website for your local territory details
www.caribbeanalliance.com
Anguilla • Antigua & Barbuda • Ascension Island • Bahamas • Barbados • British Virgin Islands • Cayman Islands • Dominica
Falkland Islands • Grenada • Montserrat • St. Kitts & Nevis • St. Lucia • St. Maarten • St. Vincent & The Grenadines • Turks & Caicos
The Eastern Caribbean’s only Insurance Company Rated A.M. Best “A”(Excellent).
A.M. Best is a U.S. based financial rating agency that focuses on the insurance industry. A.M. Best's Financial Strength Ratings represent the company's
assessment of an insurer's ability to meet its obligations to policyholders. For further information on A.M. Best, please visit their website • www.ambest.com
MONTHLY SERVICE
TRANSATLANTIC & INTRA-CARIBBEAN
SHIPPING ROUTES
General Cargo, Project Cargoes, Heavy Lifts, Rolling Materials,
Containers, Bulk and Breakbulk Cargoes (grains, rice, scrap,
steel, wood, yachts, boats), products in Big Bags i.e. fertilizers,
cement etc.
Sheerness
Antwerp
La Pallice
Setubal
Haiti
Dominican
Republic
St. Martin
Antigua
Guadeloupe
Dominica
Martinique
St. Lucia
Barbados
Trinidad
Guyana
Suriname
French Guiana (S.L.M.)
Brazil (Macapá)
CARIBBEAN OFFICE + 596 596 38 05 59
Offices : Martinique, French Guiana, Guyana,
Guadelupe, St.Lucia, Dominica & Macapá in Brazil
EUROPE OFFICE + 33 1 40 98 03 80
Offices : Rotterdam, Paris
CONTACT
contact@carib-line.com
VISIT OUR WEBSITE
www.carib-line.com
Established in 1989 and 2010, SOREIDOM and sister company CARIBBEAN LINE
are a major leader in the shipping and trading within and towards the Caribbean area.
“We offer an efficient alternative for global integration of transport logistics. Niche
destinations are our specialty and expertise : Cargoes can be loaded 'en route' from
any Caribbean port. Experience in problem solving and flexibility are our key assets.”
X. de Moussac, CEO
ZiNG
WELCOME
Get on board!
Fly into an exciting new decade with LIAT
ZiNG CARIBBEAN IS PUBLISHED BY
GECKO PUBLISHING LTD FOR LIAT,
THE CARIBBEAN AIRLINE
COVER IMAGE:
BROWN COTTON
CARIBBEAN/
CG CREATIVE
FREE
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MAGAZINE AWAY WITH
YOU & SHARE WITH
YOUR FRIENDS
Gecko Publishing Ltd: 13 Kellys Road, Wheatley,
Oxford, OX33 1NT, United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)1844 278883 | Fax: +44 (0)1844 278893
editor@zingmag.net | www.zingmag.net
EDITORS Sarah Baxter & Paul Bloomfield
ART DIRECTOR Lisa Duke
ADVERTISING MANAGER Lara Peperell
Email: lara@zingmag.net | Tel: +44 (0)1844 278883
PUBLISHER Craig Rix
ADMINISTRATION Sherry Rix
ACCOUNTS Gavin Thomas
MANAGING DIRECTOR Iain Wallace
FOR LIAT, THE CARIBBEAN AIRLINE:
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Chelsea Road, St Michael, Barbados BB14022
Tel: (246) 227 3850 | Fax: (246) 228 3336
marketing@liatairline.com | www.liat.com
HEAD OF SALES AND MARKETING Egbert Riley
Tel: 1-246-629-0166
Happy New Year from all of us here
at LIAT! 2020 is filled with many
possibilities and we at LIAT wish you
a year filled with prosperity and travel across
the Caribbean. As your airline of choice, we
pledge to continue to improve our service to
you, so that you can fly across the region safely,
reliably and in the comfort of our ATR fleet.
This year we invite you to explore the various
destinations with us, whether for business or pleasure.
In this issue of ZiNG magazine we explore the wonders of
Dominica, which is proving to be one of the hottest destinations
for 2020. We go feteing right across the French Caribbean as we
delve into the Carnival traditions of the islands of Martinique, St
Martin and Guadeloupe. We bring you the newest styles for the
new year, and introduce the local designers you will want to
know. We also invite you to dive
under the sea in the British Virgin
Islands to discover the ‘pirate ship’
being turned into a living reef. And
we look at the best hotels to pitch
up and go camping.
So, jump into the pages and
enjoy. Don’t forget: ZiNG magazine
is complimentary and we encourage
you to take this copy with you –
and another for a friend.
As always, stay smiling and live
life to the fullest.
60
46
© Gecko Publishing Ltd and individual contributors. No part of the contents
may be reproduced or stored in a retrievable system without prior written
permission from the publishers. All advertisements and non-commissioned
text are taken in good faith. While every care is taken to ensure accuracy in
preparing the magazine, the publisher
and LIAT assume no responsibility in
effects risen therefrom. Material is
submitted at the sender’s risk and the
publishers and LIAT cannot accept
responsibility for accidental loss or
damage. ISSN: 2045-3477
JULIE REIFER-JONES
CEO
38
January - February 2020 | www.liat.com
ZiNG CARIBBEAN |
5
Unpacking your love
for adventure,
it’s in our
Nature.
Whether you’re seeking a destination
wedding, an isolated honeymoon haven, or
a romantic weekend for two, Dominica’s
unspoiled, picturesque beauty and stunning
natural wonders offer the perfect backdrop
for indulging your passions.
Plan your getaway at
DiscoverDominica.com
ZiNG
CONTENTS
g
what’s
Your window into the Caribbean – find out what’s
hot and happening across the LIAT network
LiME
14
20
22
24
28
36
HOT STUFF
Floating Bequia bar, fine
chocolate from Trinidad &
Tobago, hot pepper sauces
and Grenadian art
VOICES
Meet St Croix singer,
songwriter, producer, actor
and philanthropist Adam O
BOOKS
Award-winning Barbadian
author and film director
Shakirah Bourne discusses
her creative journey
FOOD
What to eat, buy, cook, chop
and sip around the region
– French baking, rum and
young gardeners in Barbados,
Puerto Rican craft ales, tea in
Grenada and Trini rum cake
EVENTS
Your dates for January and
February: hop to Mas Domnik
in Dominica, watch movies in
Barbados, sailing in Grenada,
run in USVI and admire
classical music in Guadeloupe
WE GATHERIN’
Celebrate the best of
Barbados in 2020
28
FEATURES
WHY DOMINICA
IS HOT IN 2020
Discover 20 reasons why
the Nature Island is one of
the most inspiring places
to visit this year – from
hiking trails and wildlife to
unique culture and musical
festivals
38 46
Top: Sail, kayak or swim out for a drink at Bequia’s only floating bar
Above: Head to Puerto Rico to watch the region’s top footballers in action
Right: Meet award-winning Barbadian writer and film-maker Shakirah Bourne
16
52
60
72
FREE
PLEASE TAKE THIS
MAGAZINE AWAY WITH
YOU & SHARE WITH
YOUR FRIENDS
5 GREAT GLAMPSITES
Bed down in the most
romantic tents and thatched
cabins across the region for
real desert-island romance
LE CARNAVAL!
Play mas with a difference
in the French Caribbean
– head to Martinique,
Guadeloupe and Saint
Martin to prance, parade
and party
NEW YEAR,
NEW STYLE
Browse the latest couture
from cutting-edge
designers across the region,
from shirts and swimwear
to dresses and accessories
POSITIVELY WRECKED
How sinking a famous boat
bar created an artificial reef
to boost conservation and
tourism in BVI
22
8 | ZiNG CARIBBEAN www.liat.com | January - February 2020
ZiNG
CONTENTS
38
46
20
Top left: Head to the most romantic cabins and campsites in
the Caribbean Left: Discover the cultures and natural wonders
of Dominica Above: Meet singer, songwriter and actor Adam O
Below: Take a front-row seat at the virtual catwalk showcasing
top fashion designers from across the region
NEED TO KNOW
LIAT
ESSENTIALS
78
80
82
83
LIAT NEWS
Read about our latest
news and get excited by
our new routes
WELCOME ABOARD
Useful info to ensure
you enjoy the best flying
experience with LIAT
FLY HEALTHY
Top tips to help you reach
your destination feeling
fresh, healthy and relaxed
ROUTE MAP &
DESTINATION
GUIDES
Need-to-know facts
about our destinations.
This issue: focus on St Kitts
PLUS…
60
90
92
96
PUZZLES
Give your brain
a workout
KIDS
Shiver me
timbers – it’s
all about
pirates!
GOOD
PEOPLE
The last in our
series of
columns
celebrates
the warm heart
of Caribbean
people
92
January - February 2020 | www.liat.com
ZiNG CARIBBEAN |
9
LIME
ADVERTISING
FEATURE
PURE GRENADA
Something
for everyone
Relax, rejuvenate, explore, connect…
Live your Caribbean dream in
Pure Grenada, the Spice of the
Caribbean. Whether you wish to
relax and rejuvenate, explore and
connect with locals or immerse
yourself in the flavourful cuisine
of the islands, Grenada, Carriacou
and Petite Martinique has
something for everyone.
There’s so much to do in just
24 hours. You can start with a
swim on the world-famous Grand
Anse beach, snorkelling at the
world’s first Underwater Sculpture
Park before lunch and hiking in
the rainforest around Grand Etang
Lake in the afternoon. Then get
ready for a great night of dining
and entertainment – enjoying the
island’s amazing musical talent.
A dream day in Grenada can
also consist of a heady mixture
of spices, rum and chocolate.
Enjoy a rum tour and include a
visit to one of our five chocolate
factories to learn more about
the bean to bar process while
enjoying delectable organic
chocolate. Grenada is famous for
its spices and they can be found
in abundance at the St. George’s
Spice Market, in the local cuisine
or luxurious spa treatments. Our
diverse list of outdoor activities
also includes dune buggy tours,
waterfalls, sulphur springs,
dive sites (including the worldrenowned
Bianca C wreck), sailing,
food and garden tours.
And don’t forget our amazing
festivals. There’s several to enjoy
in January and February….
Fishing
From 26-30 January, anglers will
converge in Grenada for five days
of competitive fishing, cuisine,
music and fun in the southern
Caribbean’s premier sport-fishing
event, the Spice Island Billfish
Tournament. Held in St.George’s,
anglers compete for bragging
rights and fabulous prizes by day
and come together to party in
cheerful camaraderie by night.
SIBT.GD
Sailing
Grenada Sailing Week, 26-31
January, combines the warmth
and charm of Grenada with ideal
sailing conditions to create the
perfect nautical event. It features
a welcome party, racing on
Grenada’s stunning South Coast,
a lay day and racing on the calm
pristine waters of the West Coast.
GRENADASAILINGWEEK.COM
Picture an electric atmosphere of
competitive sailing, music, food
and friendly people on Grenada’s
famous Grand Anse Beach. That’s
exactly what the annual Grenada
Sailing Festival Workboat Regatta
offers. The event on 1-2 February
features local sailors racing
colourful locally made wooden
Top: Pushing hard
at the Grenada
Workboat Regatta
Far left: A big
catch at the Spice
Island Billfish
Tournament
Left: A battle of
words during the
Shakespeare Mas,
Carriacou Carnival
boats while being cheered on by
their communities. You can enjoy
the races, while connecting with
locals and relishing authentic spice
infused cuisine.
GRENADASAILINGFESTIVAL.COM
Independence day
Grenada’s Independence
celebrations on 7 February are
a visual spectacle – and all are
invited. Celebrations include
a military parade, cultural
performances, island music, local
cuisine and fireworks. The highlight
is Grenadians displaying their
national pride by wearing creative
outfits in the colours of the flag:
red, green and gold.
Carriacou’s Carnival
On 24-25 February head over to
Carriacou for carnival. You can
expect to enjoy wonderfully
expressive street dances,
island music, the Jab Jab and
even the Shakespeare Mas.
This masquerade, authentic to
Carriacou, involves men dressed in
bright-coloured costumes reciting
Shakespeare verses, hoping not
to fluff their lines, otherwise
surrendering to the playful tap of
their opponent’s stick.
To plan your trip today, visit
WWW.PUREGRENADA.COM/
PLAN/EVENTS
10 | ZiNG CARIBBEAN www.liat.com | January - February 2020
All the juiciest news, reviews & interviews you need to read this month
L
, AT A
PARTY, CARNIV
THE BEACH.
LIME (v)
INFORMAL
TO HAN
these hotspots
and happenings on
the LIAT k
SOCIALISE IN AN
AND
ONE TO
WATCH
Trini designer
RisAnne Martin,
founder of Brown
Cotton Caribbean,
doesn’t just do
fashion – she creates
wearable art. “Dynamic,
Caribbean-rooted and
timeless, our products are
usually one of a kind, handpainted
and handmade,” says RisAnne.
Signature pieces include kaftan gowns,
harness tops and Carnival couture; BCC
also provides styling services for TV and
print campaigns. RisAnne likes to give back,
too: “Youth mentorship is at the heart of
everything we do, and it is our mandate to
continue our valuable work in this field.”
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/BCOSTYLE
PLUS
Hot stuff... Spicy sauce, floating bars, artistic talent Brilliant books... Shakirah Bourne
Epic events... Mas Domnik, raucous regattas, film and football Food for thought... French
baking, craft beers, rum cakes Q&A... USVI singer Adam O + Your presidential decrees
January - February 2020 | www.liat.com
ZiNG CARIBBEAN |
11
Never too old to party!
Join the fabulous festivities in Puerto Rico’s venerable capital
LIME
THE BIG
PICTURE
The heat is on in old San Juan! Puerto Rico’s
biggest celebration, the Fiestas de la Calle San
Sebastián, erupts across the capital from 15 to
19 January. The cobbled streets and handsome
plazas will be overflowing with live music,
spontaneous dancing, artisan stalls, awesome
acrobatics and much more. It sets the tone for
what promises to be a whole year of revelry:
in 2020, the UNESCO-listed city has a range of
events planned to mark the run-up to its 500-year
anniversary. San Juan was founded by Juan Ponce
de León in 1521, and this coming year the city will
mark the occasion by embracing its Taino, African,
Spanish and North American traditions.
WWW.DISCOVERPUERTORICO.COM
12 | ZiNG CARIBBEAN
www.liat.com | January - February 2020
January - February 2020 | www.liat.com
ZiNG CARIBBEAN |
13
HOTVOICE
5 minutes with…
Marlon
Roudette
We caught up with the
British-Vincentian singer,
songwriter, producer
and former vocalist for
electronic duo Mattafix
What made you want to
pursue music? I have a very
creative family. My earliest
memories are of the artists and
musicians my mother knew. We
went to watch Phase II Steel
Orchestra in Trinidad when I was
about eight, and I was hooked.
When we moved to St Vincent,
I learned to play the tenor pan
with my first music teacher,
Ashley Kirby.
Who has been influential
for you on your journey? My
basketball coach, Orlando
Ferguson, heard me rapping
outside KFC in Kingstown when
I was 15 and told me I had a
special talent. That was a pivotal
conversation. I was also a very
average basketball player!
You’ve collaborated recently
with the likes of Jamaica’s
Busy Signal and British pop
Marlon’s
must-hear
track...
‘Redemption
Song’ by Bob
Marley –
as relevant
today as the
day it was
written
star Mabel. How different is
it writing for other people?
Writing and collaborating with
other artists has given my career
a new lease of life. There is a
deep satisfaction that comes
from helping to launch someone
else’s career and changing their
lives through creativity. I can shed
some light on the successes and
also the failures, of which there
have been many!
PAUL MEYER
Where feels like home?
St Vincent & the Grenadines,
undoubtedly. A few years back
I got a flat tyre by the roadside in
Arnos Vale, and a friend stopped
to help. Some friends of ours
were coming back from the beach
in a pick-up with some drinks in
the cooler, and they also pulled
over. They cranked up the stereo,
and before I knew it more people
stopped and we had a small street
party going on. I clean forgot
about the flat tyre! This sums up
the vibe in Vincy for me, and why
I will always love it there.
Who inspires you creatively?
First, my mother, Vonnie
Roudette, who has worked in
textiles and set design, and has
taught art for many years. She’s
a successful artist in her own
right, and now runs a prison
rehabilitation programme in
St Vincent. She’s constantly
innovating and evolving. Also,
Etienne Charles, the Trinidadian
trumpet player – he puts a terrific
live band on the road for Trinidad
Carnival every year and has an
encyclopaedic knowledge of the
history of Caribbean music. Lastly,
Shake Keane, a jazz musician and
poet from St Vincent. I’ve found
his music in jazz sections in shops
across the world, which is such
an inspiring achievement from
one of my countrymen. His book,
One a Week With Water, is one
of my favourites, and documents
Vincentian daily life beautifully.
When you’re not busy being
a pop star, what do you like to
do in your free time? Travelling,
reading, collecting vinyl records
and hanging with my steel band
Mangrove whenever I can.
@MARLONROUDETTE
14 | ZiNG CARIBBEAN
www.liat.com | January - February 2020
LIME
HOT
STUFF
HOTTALENT
Madly skilled
Meet Grenadian artist Richie Modeste
HOTSPOT
Drink adrift
Sail over for a cocktail at Bequia’s only floating bar
Bar One at Admiralty Bay is an old
construction barge converted into
a trendy hangout by SVG brothersin-law
Kerry Ollivierre and Ivor
Simpson. The cocktails feature
locally grown fruits and herbs; the
ginger beer is made fresh every
morning. Getting there is part of
the fun. “Arrive via your own dinghy,
by kayak or with a short water-taxi
ride,” says Ivor. “Some customers
even swim out for their drink!”
Skinny
Coconut
Mojito
Left:
Co-founder Kerry
Ollivierre (in red)
Below:
Kayak or swim out
for your drink!
ERICA VIRVO, NICOLA CORNWELL, CANYON DUNCAN
At only 22 years old, a talented
young man from Waltham, St
Mark, has already won awards
for his work – and even gained
a royal seal of approval.
Growing up in a family that
enjoyed art, Richie Modeste
strove to become as good as
his mother and brothers, and
competed with his friends to
see who could draw the best
likenesses. “We would challenge
each other every day,” says Richie.
“There was something that made
me feel so good about drawing.
Those were some of the best
moments of my life.”
After school, Richie went on
to the New Life Organization,
where a challenge was set to
draw Prince Harry. Richie’s picture
was chosen as one of the best
and, when the prince visited the
island in 2016, Richie met him.
“When I gave him the drawing,
he was amazed,” says Richie. “He
said: ‘You have mad skills’. That
made me feel so good. I was then
encouraged to experiment with
painting. My dream is to create
an image that is full of life, that
inspires others and makes people
feel part of the moment.”
Richie won the 2018 Grenada
Festival Of The Arts painting
competition with The Nutmeg
Princess. And at last August’s
Grenada Art Council popup
exhibition, he won Most
Recognised Artist. He’s hoping to
get a job in construction to pay
the bills while developing his art
and developing his dream to set
up a home gallery for his work.
“The artists in Grenada
are amazing,” says Richie. “We
encourage and inspire each
other to be the best we can be,
and we strive towards greatness
by using our creativity to
communicate. Creativity is like
the soul of Grenada – we use it
in our everyday lives to bring our
families closer together.”
@RICHIEMODESTE6
Most popular drinks? Order a Skinny Coconut
Mojito or a Shark Bite, an adventurous mix of
Malibu, Blue Curacao, pineapple juice and lime
FACEBOOK & INSTAGRAM: BARONEBEQUIA
16 | ZiNG CARIBBEAN
www.liat.com | January - February 2020
HOTFLAVOUR
GOLDEN BALLS!
Savour the new flavours of delicious
Trinidad & Tobago chocolate
The Trinidad & Tobago Fine Cocoa
Company has created something special
for the new year. In collaboration with a
number of award-winning international
chefs, TTFCC has produced a range
of chocolate desserts, including the
‘Trinitario 24-carat Golden Nugget’, a
mouthwatering fusion of milk and dark
chocolate with a passion-fruit centre
and crisp wafer base. Launched at the
Hyatt Trinidad, the range will be sold in
Harrods, London, later in 2020.
WWW.TTFINECOCOA.COM
HOT
20 February is the
birthday of a certain
DATE Robyn Rihanna Fenty.
Why not celebrate her 32nd
year with a pilgrimage to
Westbury New Road,
on the outskirts of
Bridgetown – the street
on which she grew up,
since renamed Rihanna
Drive. Pop into one of the street’s two
rum shops and raise a glass to Ri-Ri!
January - February 2020 | www.liat.com
ZiNG CARIBBEAN |
17
LIME
HOT
STUFF
HOT FOOD
5 FIERCE
PEPPER
SAUCES
you need to try!
3ERICA’S COUNTRY
STYLE, ST VINCENT
& THE GRENADINES
Erica’s line includes a pepper jelly
and a passion pepper jelly as well
as an extra-hot yellow pepper
sauce – not for the faint of heart.
FB: ERICASCOUNTRYSTYLE
2
4
1
3
Here are just five top
tongue-tinglers. Which
are your favourites?
1 PAPAYO,
TRINIDAD
& TOBAGO
Made with habanero and
scorpion peppers, plus just the
right amount of chadon beni
(cilantro) for that hot but tasty
flavour. INSTA: @PAPAYO.TT
2OLD DUPPY,
BARBADOS
Six varieties, ranging from the
mild Zesty Jalapeño (smoked
jalapeños, lime, dill, chadon beni)
to the X, a potent combination of
scotch bonnet, Trinidad scorpion
and carolina reaper peppers.
Crowd favourite remains the
Fiery Pineapple, a smooth blend
of smoked scotch bonnets,
pineapple, mustard and garlic.
INSTA: @OLDDUPPY.BB
4 FLAURIEL,
ST KITTS & NEVIS
Flavours include Mango Passion,
Passion Fruit and Curry Coconut.
Use them to add heat to a dish, as a
marinade or in boozy cocktails.
INSTA: @FLAURIEL_FOODS
5GUN HILL
PEPPER SAUCE,
ST VINCENT & THE
GRENADINES
This flavourful sauce, which
combines savoury chunks
of pawpaw with other fresh
ingredients and a unique blend
of spices, is made fresh in small
batches. +1 784 528 273
5
NEW ANTIGUA BOUTIQUE RETREAT
HOT
HOTEL
We love the look of the new Great House Antigua,
an eight-bed retreat set in a 350-year-old stone
plantation property. Four individually styled suites
have antique furnishings and mahogany four-poster beds; four
new garden cottages also sit in 26 acres of tropical grounds.
WWW.THEGREATHOUSEANTIGUA.COM
18 | ZiNG CARIBBEAN
www.liat.com | January - February 2020
CREATING GREATER
BUILDING EXPERIENCES
For over 40 years, we have commited to
providing the highest quality in building
techniques and customer satisfaction. With a
flexible and innovative approach, we deliver
scalable solutions to meet every building need.
Hospitality
Residential
Commercial
Infrastructure
+1 (246) 439-9242
Spring Hall, St. Lucy, Barbados
inquire@jadagroup.com
www.jadagroup.com
January - February 2020 | www.liat.com
ZiNG CARIBBEAN | 19
LIME
CARIBBEAN
VOICES
Q&A: Adam O
Adam O is a singer, songwriter, producer, actor, philanthropist and
entrepreneur from St Croix, USVI. He’s St Croix’s Reigning ‘Jumpy’
Soca Monarch and was the 2019 ‘People’s Choice’ winner at the
Crucian Christmas Festival. He’s also lead singer of the Cool
Breeze Band, with whom he tours the world on a mission
to provide laughter, love and unity through music
What’s your earliest childhood
memory? Going to the beach
with my mother. And eating
almost every fruit in my
grandmother’s yard.
Tell us a secret about your
island. Point Udall on St Croix
is considered the easternmost
part of the USA. Every New
Year’s Eve people gather there
to celebrate the first US sunrise.
Wht’s your favourite place in
the Caribbean? A small island
off St Croix called Buck Island
– especially on a Sunday, when
all the boats anchor and people
just drink fellowship and enjoy
each other.
Where would you most like
to be right now? On the beach.
I love the ocean.
What’s your favourite way to
lime? I love to lime with people
who have a good vibe. If you’re
boujie or anti-social I probably
won’t enjoy your company.
Once rum, music and good
vibes is flowing, I’m good to go.
What would you choose for
your last supper? Lobster,
shrimp and steak Alfredo,
vanilla ice cream and warm,
fresh banana bread.
Who would you invite to your
dream dinner party?
All my homies. A group of
people who can make you
laugh and enjoy the time you
have, regardless of what’s going
on in the world, is priceless.
What’s your favourite word?
Blessing. Because everything
in life is a blessing to me.
The first few moments we
experience when we wake
up is a blessing in itself.
What’s your favourite
movie? One Love. It was
the movie that made
me want to truly love a
woman despite the odds.
What would your super
power be? The ability to
fly. I just want to escape
and discover new places.
Where did you fly to last?
New York.
Where are you flying to
next? St Croix.
What do you always pack?
My little studio set-up,
in case I get inspired on
the road.
What three things sum up
the Caribbean for you?
Love, unity, perseverance.
A1KING
WWW.SOULSOUNDENT.COM/ADAMOEPK; WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/
OFFICIALADAMO; TWITTER/INSTAGRAM: @OFFICIALADAMO
20 | ZiNG CARIBBEAN
www.liat.com | January - February 2020
LIME
BRILLIANT
BOOKS
BOOKS
60 SECONDS WITH…
Shakirah Bourne
The award-winning Barbadian author and
screenplay writer discusses her creative journey
What led you on a path to writing?
I’m a writer because I was a reader. I always
thought of writing as a hobby, so I never
pursued formal training. My background is
in management. When I was 21, I did
a Masterclass in Writing
conducted by George
Lamming, and it was
life-changing. I took
writing courses online,
then a screenwriting
adult education
programme at Barbados
Community College
and the University of
Edinburgh. Now I’m
a full-time freelance
writer. Crazy, right?
You have blogged
about acquiring an
agent. Briefly, what was your experience?
I got my agent via the slush pile. I did
extensive research online and selected
agents whose profile or hashtags
suggested they would be a good fit for my
diverse manuscripts, using sites such as
Manuscript WishList and Query Tracker.
I wrote cold query letters, sent sample
pages and hoped for the best. It was
SEEKING
SHAKIRAH
THREE GREATS TO TRY...
My Fishy Stepmom (2019)
A charming children’s tale
In Time of Need (2013)
A fascinating collection
of short stories
A Caribbean Dream (2017)
Movie adaptation of Shakespeare’s
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
set in Barbados
exciting when several agents responded
favourably to my work and requested to
read the full manuscript. The process took
about four months before I signed with
my current agent.
Your work has
been recognised
internationally. What
was one of the most
meaningful experiences?
In 2019 I was a selected
author at the Edinburgh
International Book
Festival. When I studied
Arts Management in
Edinburgh, I wanted to
do my placement at
that festival but it was
very competitive. To be
invited back as an author
nine years later felt surreal, especially
when I saw my name and photo in the
programme and my book in the bookstore
next to so many authors I admire. It was
like being backstage at the literary Oscars,
and so inspiring to be surrounded by likeminded
individuals in a creative space.
WWW.SHAKIRAHBOURNE.COM
PAGE BY CAROL MITCHELL, FOUNDER OF CARIBBEANREADS PUBLISHING AND
AUTHOR OF THE CARIBBEAN ADVENTURE SERIES, AMONG OTHER CHILDREN’S
BOOKS. VISIT WWW.CARIBBEANREADS.COM
3 GREAT READS
Try these diverse and diverting
new Caribbean titles
US AGAINST
ALZHEIMER’S:
STORIES OF
FAMILY, LOVE,
AND FAITH
(ARCADE) EDITED BY MARITA GOLDEN
This groundbreaking multicultural anthology
shares moving personal stories, both non-fiction
and fiction, about the impacts of Alzheimer’s
and dementia, each showing how witnessing
the disease can be both utterly devastating and
powerfully transformative. The book features
several Caribbean authors including Edwidge
Danticat, Elizabeth Nunez, Katia D Ulysse and
Lauren Francis-Sharma.
WHEN THE SKY FELL
(APOLLO) BY MICHAEL DEIBERT
A searing dissection of what
happened in Puerto Rico in the
wake of Hurricane Maria in 2017,
from the acclaimed investigative reporter
Michael Deibert. This book looks at the
island’s preparations for such an event and its
relationship with the United States as well as
the political aftermath of the disaster and tales
of ordinary people doing heroic things.
BOONOONOONOUS
HAIR!
(TRADEWINDS)
BY OLIVE SENIOR
Commonwealth Prize-winning Jamaican-
Canadian author Olive Senior and acclaimed
artist Laura James – the team who created Anna
Carries Water – have paired up again to produce
this vibrant and exquisitely illustrated picture
book. It tells the tale of a young girl who learns
to love her difficult-to-manage, voluminous and
‘boonoonoonous’ hair – a fantastic Jamaican
patois word meaning wonderful.
22 | ZiNG CARIBBEAN www.liat.com | January - February 2020
January - February 2020 | www.liat.com
ZiNG CARIBBEAN | 23
LIME
FABULOUS
FOOD
FOOD
Where to eat, drink, sip and celebrate
fabulous food across the Caribbean
region, by Janet Kipling
EAT THIS…
La Baguette
Seek out the new bakery bringing
authentic French bread and pastries
to hungry Barbadians
Nothing beats the sublime smell
of fresh baking bread. And if
you’re near St James, you can
not only feast on the fragrance
but enjoy the results thanks to
La Baguette, bringing authentic
French bread, cakes and pastries
to delighted Bajans.
After years baking in France,
Jackie and Franck Risler fell in
love with Barbados while on
vacation, and decided to set
up a boulangerie right there.
Opened in summer 2019, La
Baguette bakes a range of French
breads and pastries, from pain
au chocolat to sweet and fluffy
brioche; coffee is also available.
“It is such a pleasure when
customers come in saying how
lovely it smells,” says Jackie. “We
meet people from all over the
world, and we have many regular
customers who come every day
to get their fresh baguettes.”
Right & below:
La Baguette bakes
cakes, bread and
other treats
1 & 2 PORTERS PLACE, ST JAMES; WWW.LABAGUETTEBARBADOS.COM
24 | ZiNG CARIBBEAN www.liat.com | January - February 2020
LIME
FABULOUS
FOOD
EAT THIS…
Twin Isle Rum Cake
Trinidad’s sumptuous Twin Isle Rum Cake is the result of
years of testing and refining. Shirley Vilain Hargreaves,
a retired flight attendant-turned-caterer, launched her
first commercial rum cake in 2007. “Having spent 27
years travelling the world,” she says, “I saw the potential
for a commercial rum cake that was made by hand to
really high standards.” The rebranded Twin Isle Rum
Cake, launc
includes va
infused pre
rum. It com
chocolate,
and piña co
varieties as
well as the
delicious
original.
WWW.TWINISLERUM.COM
SAY CHEERS TO THIS…
BOQUERÓN
BREWING
COMPANY
WWW.BOQUERONBREWINGCO.COM
Former engineer Juan C Torres-
Monllor founded the Boquerón
Brewing Company in 2011. Today,
Boquerón produces 20 different
varieties and sells around
20,000 cases a year. “We want to
produce the highest quality ale
in the Caribbean, not the highest
quantity,” says Juan.
The company’s two flagship
beers – La Boquerón Blonde and
Crash Boat IPA – are available
year round; seasonal offerings
include El Sato Pale Ale and
3 Palmas Milk Stout. “We name
our beers after local landmarks
in order to create awareness
and support tourism,” says Juan.
“We’d love to see Puerto Rico
become a Caribbean craft
beer destination.”
SAMPLE THIS…
MY TRINI BOX
My Trini Box was founded
by newlyweds Che and Kelly
French. During their college
years outside Trinidad &
Tobago, they found it difficult
to buy snacks and ingredients
from home. A little idea turned
into a business, and My Trini Box
launched in August 2018.
“My Trini Box is aimed not
only at Trinibagonians living
elsewhere, but also anyone who
wishes to discover our country,”
says Kelly. “We offer monthly
subscriptions or one-time gift
boxes with no commitments.”
To date, boxes have been sent as
far as Australia, Iraq, China, the
UK and Canada.
Che and Kelly have
partnered with Trinidadian
chef Khary Roberts of Épice
Culinary Services, who has
created authentic recipes such
as breadfruit oildown, curry
crab and dumplin’ and pelau.
The boxes contain ingredients
and cooking instructions, as
well as items such as pepper
sauce, preserved plums,
Left and above:
Che and Kelly
French launched
Trini Box in 2018
Below: Boxes
include snacks and
recipe ideas
Homesick Trinis craving the flavours of their island
can now get them delivered to their door worldwide
chadon beni, Catch and Lunch
chocolate bars, and even local
music and clothes. “We like
to include local businesses to
allow them the opportunity for
international discovery through
our boxes,” says Kelly.
“The theme changes each
month,” she adds. “November’s
box had a Divali theme, while
December was Christmas.”
“We’re not just a
subscription box,” adds Che,
“our website is becoming a
growing international hub for all
things Trini.”
WWW.MYTRINIBOX.COM
January - February 2020 | www.liat.com
ZiNG CARIBBEAN | 25
LIME
FABULOUS
FOOD
DRINK THIS…
FOURSQUARE
RUM
DISTILLERY
Pay a visit to one of the
few remaining familyowned
rum distilleries
in the Caribbean
JUMP ON THIS…
Educational Gardens
How Slow Food Barbados is working to inform children via agriculture
Slow Food Barbados’s Educational
Gardens programme aims to
reconnect Caribbean youth with
the journey their food takes from
farm to plate. Since 2015, gardens
have been installed in 15 schools
and institutions around the island.
Once the gardens are established,
volunteers offer ongoing support
through workshops. Julie McNeel,
director of the programme, notes:
“We’re empowering youth to
be informed eaters, and to gain
sustainable agricultural knowledge
and skills.” Some of the schools’
canteens use the gardens’ produce
in their meals; other schools have
set up farmers’ markets to sell
their harvest.
Top & above: Kids love getting involved with the gardens at their schools – as well as
learning important lessons about where their food comes from, and how to develop
sustainable agricultural knowledge and skills
WWW.SLOWFOODBARBADOS.ORG
Barbados’s Foursquare rum has
history. It’s been wholly owned
by the Seale family for the past
25 years, and is produced on an
estate dating back over 250 years;
the old ‘still house’, designated
a property of Historical and
Architectural Interest by the
Barbados National Trust, is one
of the island’s oldest buildings.
The distillery exports
RL Seale’s 10 Year Old, the
Foursquare exceptional cask
series, the Doorly’s range of fine
rums and the Real McCoy Rum.
The distillery also produces John
D Taylor’s Velvet Falernum, a
uniquely Barbadian rumbased
liqueur.
Some of the rums are still
distilled in the traditional
copper pot. “The pot still gives
the rum greater complexity and
depth of flavour, and is truly an
artisanal small batch process,”
says owner Richard Seale.
“Other rums are distilled in the
more modern twin column,
which still allows the final blend
to have a superior balance,
both in aroma and on the
palate. Innovation means that
distillation is performed under
vacuum and thus at a lower
temperature, producing a better
quality spirit.”
26 | ZiNG CARIBBEAN www.liat.com | January - February 2020
LIME
FABULOUS
FOOD
Most rum from Foursquare
is aged in American white
oak barrels from Kentucky
that have previously been
used to mature bourbon.
Some signature blends have
also been matured in former
sherry and madeira casks.
“The warm climate in the
Caribbean means the rate of
maturation is much faster,”
adds Richard. “A rum aged for
five years in the Caribbean
will have the same maturity
as a spirit aged in Europe for
about ten years.”
Foursquare has been
named International Spirits
Challenge Rum Producer of
the Year four times (2016-
2019) and International Wine
& Spirits Competition Rum
Producer of the Year twice, in
2016 and 2018. The distillery
is open Monday-Friday, 10am-
4pm, for free tours on the
estate, which is in the southeast
of the island.
TREAT YOURSELF TO THIS…
Tower Estate Tea
Enjoy an elegant afternoon amid glorious
gardens at a historic home in Grenada
What could be more refined than
an indulgent afternoon tea served
in a historic house, surrounded
by lush tropical gardens? That’s
what’s on offer at the Tower
Estate, where a traditional English
menu features tiers of fresh-baked
cakes, cucumber sandwiches,
devilled eggs and other delicacies,
plus beautifully blended teas
using ingredients from the on-site
farm – blue butterfly pea flowers,
sorrel, lemon grass, soursop,
cinnamon – all served on and
in antique crockery.
The house was built in 1913
by the Grenadian lawyer CFP
Renwick. In 1945 Dr Leonard
Slinger bought the estate for the
then princely sum of £3,280; it has
been in the family ever since.“It
is a fine example of a West Indian
great house,” says Isabelle Slinger,
who currently manages the estate.
“It has two-foot-thick walls,
elaborately carved mahogany
ceiling, and a shingle roof that has
survived two big hurricanes.”
Listed in the book 1,001
Gardens You Must See Before
You Die, the estate’s two-acre
plot is a plant enthusiast’s dream,
with beds of evergreen and
flowering shrubs, an extensive
collection of heliconias,
bromeliads and ginger lilies,
and many tropical trees, designed
to provide year-round colour.
The estate farm also provides a
wealth of produce. “We collaborate
with Chef Belinda of Flavours of
Grenada to offer a Great House
Sunday Brunch,” says Isabelle.
“We’ve also started a farm-to-fork
culinary experience – guests pick
vegetables and fruit, and learn how
to use them to create new dishes;
they sit on rustic benches under
the mango trees and watch Chef
Belinda cooking their lunch on an
open fire.”
Afternoon tea is served
Wednesday-Friday and on the first
Saturday of the month (EC$65pp;
reservations required). Garden
tours run on Fridays (EC$40pp).
Left:
Tea is served in
antique crockery at
Tower Estate
Above:
Blended teas use
ingredients from the
garden, such as sorrel
and blue butterfly
pea flowers
FOUR ROADS;
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/
FOURSQUARE.RUMDISTILLERY.
WWW.THE
TOWERESTATE
GRENADA.COM
January - February 2020 | www.liat.com
ZiNG CARIBBEAN | 27
LIME
EXCITING
EVENTS
Mas
Domnik,
Dominica
FEB
24-25
Dominica’s Carnival is often dubbed the
‘Real Mas’ – it has very much stayed true to
the traditions of the past. Over the course of
a month, a succession of pageants, parades and
parties is held across the island: look out for
events including the Mother’s Queen Show,
Miss Teen Dominica, the National Queen
Pageant and the Calypso Monarch contest. It
all leads up to the big, two-day Street Jump Up.
Carnival Monday kicks off with early morning
J’Ouvert madness in Roseau, before the parade
of traditional costumed characters – from
Darkies to Black Devils. On Tuesday the new
Carnival King and Queen are introduced,
more mas bands take to the road and calypso
tunes fill the air.
WWW.DISCOVERDOMINICA.COM
LiME
DiARY
11 HOT HAPPENINGS NOT
TO MISS THIS SEASON...
FLY TO
DOMINICA WITH US!
LIAT flies direct to Dominica
from Antigua and Barbados
28 | ZiNG CARIBBEAN www.liat.com | January - February 2020
LIME
EXCITING
EVENTS
January - February 2020 | www.liat.com
ZiNG CARIBBEAN | 29
LIME
EXCITING
EVENTS
31 JANUARY-2 FEBRUARY
Women’s
Champions
Cup, Puerto Rico
Elite footballers from the Caribbean and
Central America will compete in this superb
tournament in Mayaguez. Follow the progress
of the most skilled soccer players from the top
women’s clubs in the Caribbean Football Union
and the Unión Centroamericana de Fútbol,
representing 38 member countries. The sport
is growing in popularity, and this event will
bring together the stars of the future, as well as
promoting and growing women’s football in the
region – and promises thrilling sport-viewing.
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/WOMENSCHAMPIONSCUP
14-19 JANUARY
Barbados Independent
Film Festival, Barbados
With a mission to ‘embrace the power of storytelling to inform,
inspire and entertain’, BIFF is a star-studded and creative tour
de force of a festival. Expect a host of screenings, from shorts
to documentaries, and even
special guest events – the likes
of Sigourney Weaver have
attended in recent years. There
are workshops and masterclasses,
and opportunities to lunch,
brunch and dine with the movies.
Awards are also part of the event:
in 2019, Harry Belafonte was
honoured as a Living Legend.
WWW.BARBADOSFILMFEST.ORG
26-31 JANUARY
GRENADA SAILING WEEK, GRENADA
This highly anticipated regatta
kicks off the sailing season in the
beautiful blue waters of Grenada.
Open to everyone, it promises
four days of fun and exciting
racing, involving some
very competitive boats,
plus spicy evenings that
see both participants
and spectators enjoy
the party. The event is
held at the prestigious
Camper & Nicholson’s
Port Louis Marina
in St George’s and
the secluded Secret
WWW.GRENADASAILINGWEEK.COM
Harbour Marina in Mount Hartman
Bay, showcasing the very best
Grenada has to offer. The final
night celebration is renowned
as an upscale spectacular.
30 | ZiNG CARIBBEAN www.liat.com | January - February 2020
St. Vincent Distillers Ltd, Mt. Bentick, Georgetown, St. Vincent & the Grenadines
www.sunsetrum.com | svdl@vincysurf.com
January - February 2020 | www.liat.com
ZiNG CARIBBEAN |
31
LIME
EXCITING
EVENTS
STEVE SIMONSEN PHOTOGRAPHY
29 FEBRUARY
8 Tuff
Miles Road
Race, USVI
This road race festival,
celebrating its 24th year in 2020,
has grown to become one of the
largest attended running events
in the region. The race, from
one end of St John to the other,
attracts serious runners as well
as those in it just for fun. You
can see why: the prizes on offer
range from college scholarship
funds to bar tabs at local
hostelries. The event also raises
funds for charity – in past years
recipients have included a range
of good causes such as Save the
Children and local pan bands.
BERNARD MARTINEZ
7-22 FEBRUARY
NUITS CARAÏBES, GUADELOUPE
This wonderful music festival brings classical
sounds to a host of gorgeous venues across
Guadeloupe. Perhaps the most beautiful and
sonorous of all is the Cathédrale Notre-Damede-Guadeloupe
de Basse-Terre – it’s a treat to
hear top-calibre talent in such an acoustically
outstanding space. The festival comes of age
this year, celebrating its 18th birthday with
style and panache. Stars set to perform include
renowned pianist Yves Henry, guitarist
Emmanuel Rossfelder, cellist Astrig
Siranossian (pictured above) and many more.
WWW.NUITS-CARAIBES.COM
NOT TO
BE MISSED
18 JANUARY
Xperience Fete,
Trinidad & Tobago
Head to Brian Lara Stadium for
this six-hour pre-breakfast fete.
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/
XPERIENCEFETE
14-16 FEBRUARY
Multihull Challenge,
Sint Maarten
Enjoy the second multihull event
with Sint Maarten Yacht Club.
WWW.SMYC.COM
19-25 FEBRUARY
Carnaval Ponceño,
Puerto Rico
Join vejigantes (folk characters),
a masquerade ball and the Burial
of the Sardine.
DISCOVERPUERTORICO.COM
22 FEBRUARY
Independence Day,
St Lucia
Celebrations include a military
march and Annou We-y parade.
WWW.STLUCIA.ORG
23 FEBRUARY
MASHRAMANI,
GUYANA
Celebrate the
anniversary of the
republic of Guyana
with parades, cooking,
music and games.
WWW.8TUFFMILES.COM
WWW.GUYANATOURISM.COM
32 | ZiNG CARIBBEAN www.liat.com | January - February 2020
954.327.2478 | sales@dacoworld.com | www.dacoworld.com
January - February 2020 | www.liat.com
ZiNG CARIBBEAN | 33
LIME
CARIBBEAN
VOICES
WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
Your point of view
“What would you do if you were president for the day?”
As 2020 begins with global affairs in a state of flux, we sent
Jeneille Lewis to find out how YOU would run the world…
AMARA
BAILEY
(AGE 4)
FUTURE
PRESIDENT,
ST VINCENT
& THE
GRENADINES
“If I was
president for
a day I would
teach people
that sharing
is caring.”
JARYL MOORE
FITNESS INSTRUCTOR,
GUYANA
“PROMOTING
HEALTH, WELLNESS
AND EXERCISE
WOULD BE MY
FOCAL AREA.
DISEASES SUCH
AS CANCER AND
DIABETES ARE ON
THE RISE, AND
WITH HUMAN
HEALTH BEING
THE PIVOT FOR
THE CREATION
OF A COUNTRY’S
WEALTH,
COMMUNITIES
NEED TO FOCUS
ON MORE
CONSCIOUS
LIFESTYLE
PRACTICES”
PH
CEO OF DE ISLAND CO
“To start the process of
has to first clean up. I’d ga
of likeminded individual
the country’s best interes
to help restructure an
internally, with in
34 | ZiNG CARIBBEAN
.liat.com | January - February 2020
JASON AUDAIN PHOTOGRAPHER, TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
“First thing, get crime under control. Then I’d try to
get youths involved in building the country, because
that’s the only way for them to appreciate it. I’d
change the way the schools teach, for example, to
give kids actual life skills.”
KAREN DEFREITAS
FASHION DESIGNER AT SOKA, ST VINCENT & THE GRENADINES
“I’D MAKE IT A DAY OF WELLNESS. IMAGINE
A DAY OF MEDITATION, PRAYER, YOGA, SELF-
LOVE AND VOLUNTEERING; A DAY WITH
LOVED ONES; A DAY IN NATURE. WE NEED
LOVE, GRACE AND COMPASSION FOR EACH
OTHER, ESPECIALLY IN THIS RAT RACE.”
BLOSSOM PAUL-MITCHELL
ACCOUNTANT, ST LUCIA
“I’d focus on gun control and
improving the mental health of
young people: I would restrict
retailers from selling weapons to
civilians and encourage the youth
to become more sociable outside
of social media through selfesteem
building programmes.”
SHAWN MAILE
CO-OWNER OF TREK
TOURS, ANTIGUA
& BARBUDA
“I would lobby world leaders
to take more drastic action on
climate change. Then I’d travel
to Antigua to go hiking and
enjoy the views from the
top of the island.”
January - February 2020 | www.liat.com
LIME
EVENTS
EXTRA
36 | ZiNG CARIBBEAN www.liat.com | January - February 2020
We Gatherin’!
Celebrate a year of homecoming, community and development in Barbados for 2020
Get ready to gather! 2020 is the year for Barbadians
– and those who love Barbados – to return to
the island, to reconnect with family and friends,
help redefine the national identity and invest in its
development. We Gatherin’ sweeps south across the island
during the year, with each parish enjoying a month to showcase
its unique cuisine, sights and sounds. Events culminate in December
with an ‘old time Bajan Christmas’ extravaganza. “Let us gather in
2020 to have conversation, fun and fellowship, tell our story, share our
passions, inspire each other and give back to make a difference in the
communities that helped nurture us,” urges Prime Minister Mia Amor
Mottley. “Let us all work together to build the best Barbados!”
BAJANS ARE
INVITED TO...
Celebrate all things Bajan: culture,
heritage, food, leaders, innovators
and more. Nominate Barbadians
who are examples of excellence in
their community, schools, churches
and across the public and private
sector. Participate in the Barbados
Hospitals national philanthropy
project by donating money, time or
expertise in the healthcare system.
Attend parish events throughout
Barbados. Create events to
celebrate We Gatherin’. Engage in
the series of national conversations
with the Prime Minister. Clean
up surroundings as part of the
national beautification campaign.
Plant at least two trees – the aim
is to plant a million trees in 2020 as
part of the Greening of Barbados
PARISH MONTH THEME
St Lucy January Faith
St Peter February Heritage
St Thomas March Nature
St Joseph April Adventure
St John May Community
St George June The Land
St Philip July Sugar
St Andrew August The Arts
St James September Cricket
Christ Church October The Sea
St Michael November Feting & Food
NATIONWIDE 30 Nov-31 Dec Friends & Family
initiative. Seedlings will be hatched
by the National Conservation
Commission, the Ministry of
Agriculture, private nurseries
and schools, and children and
community groups will plant trees
in schools, community spaces and
the National Botanical Gardens.
BARBADIANS OF
THE DIASPORA
ARE INVITED TO...
Come home in 2020 and
reconnect with family and friends
and plan reunions. Trace family
trees by visiting the national
archives department and attending
genealogy marketplaces. Give
back to Barbados by sharing
knowledge and expertise in
areas of interest. Invest in the
Barbados Hospitals project by
making a financial donation or
giving time and expertise to a
community-based project. Plant
two trees as part of the national
tree-planting campaign. Share
ideas, suggestions and insights that
will contribute to the development
of Barbados – this may be done
online or by participating in
the national dialogues being
championed by the Prime Minister.
WHAT WILL BE
HAPPENING?
There will be a series of cultural,
faith-based, food, entertainment
and sporting events throughout
the year. Events will include major
festivals as well as kite-flying
competitions, genealogy fairs,
National Service Day, national
clean-up campaigns, ideas and
investment fora, standpipe
stories and heritage tours. Each
parish will showcase its unique
characteristics, including its
produce, cuisine, attractions and
homegrown heroes. Community
projects will be taking place in
each parish, as well as major
marquee events.
JOIN THE DEBATE
The Prime Minister will have
a series of conversations with
Barbadians, especially young
people, through the ideas fora
to be held in secondary schools
and throughout communities.
These conversations will take
place in each parish around a
number of key issues that are
relevant to the island’s social and
economic development, and to
the fostering of a new national
consciousness. The Prime Minister
is keen to hear the views of young
people on issues of national
and global importance and their
perceptions of Barbados today
and their recommendations for a
Barbados of the future. Everyone
is encouraged to come and join
the dialogue to assist Barbados in
crafting a perfect vision for 2020
and beyond.
FOR INFORMATION, VISIT WWW.WEGATHERINBARBADOS.COM
January - February 2020 | www.liat.com
ZiNG CARIBBEAN | 37
DESTINATION: DOMINICA
20 reasons why
DOMINICA
is one of the hottest spots for 2020
Local expert Paul Crask explains why you should visit the Nature Island this year
38 | ZiNG CARIBBEAN www.liat.com | January - February 2020
No wonder Dominica
is known as the ‘Nature
Island’ – its lush, rugged
interior is a botanical
and wildlife wonderland,
begging to be explored
DISCOVER DOMINICA AUTHORITY
January - February 2020 | www.liat.com ZiNG CARIBBEAN | 39
DESTINATION: DOMINICA
01
IT’S A NATURAL WELLNESS DESTINATION
Wellness is one of the hottest travel trends. Millions of people around the globe are
opting to take healthy holidays – and Dominica has offered that sort of experience since
long before it became an international trend. Fresh air, rivers clean enough to drink from,
wholesome food, natural wonders, mineral spas, yoga, massage treatments, forest bathing,
outdoor exercise… all combine to make this one of the world’s healthiest destinations.
02IT’S EVEN MORE
COMMITTED TO NATURE
Dominica is known as an island apart:
it is breathtakingly mountainous and
verdant; its lush tropical forests hide
countless rivers and waterfalls; it has
three national parks (one of which is
a UNESCO World Heritage Site) plus
forest and marine reserves. In short, it is
where nature lives, a paradise for lovers
of the outdoors who want to breathe
fresh air, feel well and have their senses
stimulated. And it’s now taking extra
care of its precious environment.
On the front line of climate change,
Dominica has seized the initiative
following two extreme weather events.
Everything is undertaken with climate
resilience in mind, and single-use
plastics are banned.
03ITS HIKING TRAILS ARE
THE REGION’S BEST
No other island in the Caribbean comes
close to the diversity of Dominica’s vast
hiking network. The Boiling Lake Trail
passes through rainforest, up and down
a mountain, over rivers and across an
active volcanic caldera, ending at a
boiling-hot flooded crater. Half-day
hikes take walkers to waterfalls and
heritage sites. And the 200km-long,
14-segment Waitukubuli National
Trail winds its way across and up the
entire island, incorporating forests,
rivers, waterfalls, villages and volcanic
peaks. Attempt it in one go, camping
along the way, or pick a few individual
sections to get a taste of the journey.
New for 2020, check out the official
Hiker’s Log Book and Passport to record
your hikes and even claim prizes for
your achievements.
04
IT’S THRILLING
UNDERWATER
Where Dominica’s mountains meet the
sea, they just keep on going down. Reef
formations, dramatic walls that drop
into the abyss and submerged volcanic
pinnacles remind scuba divers of the
origins of the island. Jaw-dropping coral
reefs and sea mounts are encrusted
with diverse hard and soft corals, barrel
and tube sponges, crinoids and sea
anemones that are home to colourful
fish, seahorses, frogfish, octopus and
lobsters. Visitors to these reefs include
hawksbill turtles, large schools of
Creole wrasse, barracuda and eagle
rays. There are dive operators all along
the west coast offering daily boat and
shore diving, try-dives and tuition.
05ITS WHALEWATCHING
SEASON YEAR ROUND
Sperm whales permanently reside in
Dominica’s deep coastal waters, which
makes the chances of spotting them on
a whalewatching trip very high. Huge
pods of dolphins are also common
sights off Dominica. In addition to
sperm whales, migratory species
include pilot whales, humpback whales
and false killer whales.
06IT HAS A VIBRANT
LIVING FRENCH
CREOLE CULTURE
During colonial times, the cultural
influence of the French islands of
Guadeloupe and Martinique merged
with the traditions, folklore and
language of enslaved Africans to
create a new cultural identity that
is commonly referred to as French
Creole or just Creole. This culture
manifests itself in traditional food,
dance, art, music, dress and language.
Creole Week, in October, is a great
time to experience all forms of French
Creole culture.
07
IT HAS UNIQUE BIRDS
Dominica is home to two species
of Amazonian parrot that can be found
nowhere else in the world: the imperial
parrot (better known as the sisserou)
and the red-necked parrot, or jaco.
Though elusive, both can be spotted in
Dominica’s forested interior, especially
in the foothills of Morne Diablotin, at
1,447m the island’s tallest peak. Four
hummingbird species – purple-throated
Carib, green-throated Carib, Antillean
crested and endemic blue-headed – are
also resident here, along with tremblers,
thrashers, kingfishers, bananaquit,
magnificent frigatebirds, and many, many
more. A birdwatching trip along the
Syndicate Trail in the company of a local
expert such as Bertrand Jno Baptiste
(better known as Birdy) is a must.
08
IT IS AN ISLAND
OF VITALITY
There is a small but culturally
significant population of Rastafarians
in Dominica, who practise a way of life
that is guided by the Old Testament of
the Bible and by the purity of nature.
Bush teas, herbal medicines, Ital food,
and crops grown free of synthetic
additives are vital ingredients of the
Rasta lifestyle. Travellers can learn
about and experience this way of living
first-hand in the company of Moses
James and his family in Zion Valley
near the village of Delices in the
south-east of Dominica.
c
a
e
d
b
f
g
a. Dive among
colourful coral
and dramatic rock
pinnacles
b. Spot four species
of hummingbird
c. Discover the
music, clothes and
dance of French
Creole culture
d. Hike a diverse
range of tracks
– this is the
Freshwater Lake trail
e. The jaco is one
of two beautiful
endemic species of
parrot on Dominica
f. Watch for several
species of whale in
Dominica’s waters
g. Admire the lush
vegetation and flora
PAUL CRASK; DISCOVER DOMINICA AUTHORITY
40 | ZiNG CARIBBEAN www.liat.com | January - February 2020
DESTINATION: DOMINICA
09
ITS ACCOMMODATION SCENE IS DIVERSE
From rustic wooden forest cabins to full-service luxury eco-retreats, Dominica has
a wide range of accommodation options, spread all around the island. There are places to
suit all budgets – you can spend anything between US$50 and $1,500 a night here. Longestablished
and much-loved hotels and guesthouses are now increasingly being joined by
new lodges, retreats and boutique hotels such as Jungle Bay, Secret Bay and the Kempinski
Cabrits Resort – all new or revamped in 2019.
10IT’S A NATURAL CHOICE
FOR ADVENTURE
TOURISM
More and more people are seeking
adventurous holidays – and Dominica
is ready and waiting. Its terrain lends
itself perfectly to activities such as
canyoning with a certified operator
such as Extreme Dominica. Once
geared-up and trained, you rappel
down a series of waterfalls in a deep
river gorge in the company of two
expert guides. The journey is an
adventure, and the river canyon is
beautiful. For beginners, the journey
ends in the gorgeous Cathedral
Canyon; more advanced canyoneers
continue downriver and rappel to the
bottom of the Trafalgar Falls.
11
ITS HERITAGE
REMAINS BEGUILING
Dominica’s history and associated
heritage can be traced back through
time with the help of colonial-era sites
such as the 18th-century plantation
house of Bois Cotlette or the partially
restored fortifications of Fort Shirley
Garrison in Cabrits National Park. The
woodland trails around Cabrits reveal
forest-covered garrison ruins and silent
cannons, and the restored buildings
of Fort Shirley offer a fascinating
glimpse into the island’s colonial
past as well as fabulous views across
Prince Rupert Bay to the mountains
of the interior. Many of the island’s
sugar factories are now abandoned to
nature, but travellers can still see good
examples of factory ruins, complete
with waterwheels, at places such as
Hampstead, Geneva, Belfast, the Old
Mill Cultural Centre and Bagatelle.
Despite the impact of hurricanes, the
Botanic Gardens at Roseau, established
in the 1890s, is a national treasure. It
is a beautiful open space that was once
a living museum of domestic and
exotic plants and trees, ponds,
walkways and ornate buildings.
12
ITS ART SCENE
IS THRIVING
Dominica has a very healthy art scene,
with established painters such as Earl
Etienne and Ellingworth Moses now
being joined by a new generation
collaborating as the Waitukubuli Artist
Association (WAA). Exhibitions are
held regularly at the Old Mill Cultural
Centre and other venues around
the island, and WAA has also been
instrumental in the introduction of
colourful, imaginative and themed
street art. Less in the limelight, yet
equally impressive, are the artistic
works of expat artists who have made
their home in and are inspired by
Dominica. DOMFESTA in May offers
the chance to check out Dominica’s art
and film festivals. For a truly original
perspective on Hurricane Maria, seek
out the independent film Uncivilized,
by Michael Lees.
13
IT HAS ONE OF THE MOST
AUTHENTIC SMALL-
ISLAND CARNIVALS
Often referred to as the Real Mas,
Dominica’s Carnival parades are
vibrant, offbeat and fun. Although
small parades take place in some of
the villages around the island, the
main event is in the capital, Roseau,
beginning in the early
hours of Monday
morning with the
bacchanal of J’Ouvert,
the traditional opening
of Carnival. The
celebrations continue
throughout the Monday
and Tuesday before Ash
Wednesday, with traditional costume
displays, contemporary and artistic
costume parades, and the heaving
tee-shirt bands and live music floats.
On Wednesday, in the Kalinago village
of Bataca, the spirit of Carnival is laid
to rest during Tewe Vaval, a heartstopping
festival of fire. Catch it on
24-25 February 2020.
14
IT HAS COUNTLESS
RIVERS AND WATERFALLS
Here’s a new year’s resolution for you:
try to count the rivers on Dominica!
No one really knows how many
there are; locals like to say 365 – one
for every day of the year. Whatever
the actual number, it is likely to
be high. And since the island is so
mountainous, many of these rivers,
on their journey to the sea, have
spectacular waterfalls and cascades,
many of which can be accessed via
hiking trails or even short paths. How
many countries do you know that can
boast rainforest and twin waterfalls
within a 15-minute drive of the capital?
Notable waterfalls to visit (and splash
under) include Trafalgar, Victoria,
Middleham, Sari Sari and the Emerald
Pool. There are even waterfalls that
tumble from coastal cliffs into
the sea.
HOW
MANY
COUNTRIES
DO YOU KNOW
THAT CAN BOAST
RAINFOREST AND
TWIN WATERFALLS
WITHIN A 15-MINUTE
DRIVE OF THE
CAPITAL?
e
a
c
b
d
a. Join Moses James
to learn about
Rasta culture
b. Canyoning is a
thrilling way to
explore Dominica’s
beautiful gorges
c. Kempinski Cabrits
Resort & Spa is
one of several new
places to stay
d. Join Dominica’s
authentic Carnival
e. Admire the
thriving arts scene
e. Discover the
island’s heritage at
historic sites such as
Fort Shirley Garrison
f
PAUL CRASK; DISCOVER DOMINICA AUTHORITY; AARON HAMILTON ART/WAA
42 | ZiNG CARIBBEAN www.liat.com | January - February 2020
ZiNG CARIBBEAN | 43
DESTINATION: DOMINICA
15
IT HAS LOADS OF VOLCANOES
For such a small island, Dominica has an astonishingly dense cluster of
volcanoes. With one exception, all are dormant: the Valley of Desolation is
very much an active caldera of bubbling mud, warm water rivers, hot, colourful
rocks and countless powerful fumaroles.
16
ITS RESURGENT
INDIGENOUS CULTURE
IS REGIONALLY UNIQUE
Around 5,000 years ago, Amerindian
people from South and Central
America travelled by canoe to the
Greater and Lesser Antilles. Several
migrations of people and cultures
took place over the years before
the Europeans arrived in the region,
mistakenly believing they had arrived
in the East Indies. When Europeans
landed on the shores of Dominica,
they were met by indigenous people
calling themselves Kalinago. Today,
their descendants live in a regionally
unique, semi-autonomous area of the
island known as the Kalinago Territory.
In recent times there has been a
movement among Kalinago people to
reclaim and rediscover their ancestry
and cultural identity. Travellers to
Dominica can get a taste of Kalinago
culture by visiting the villages
of the Territory, as well as
heritage sites such as
the Kalinago Barana
Aute, a ‘model’ village
showcasing traditional
thatched buildings,
basket weaving and
canoe construction. At
Touna Aute, former Kalinago
chief Irvince Auguiste combines
tradition with contemporary life,
demonstrating how the Kalinago live in
the modern world using the skills and
knowledge of the past.
17
IT HAS NATURAL SPAS
AND TROPICAL GARDENS
Hot volcanic springs can be found
in various places in Dominica, many
of them deep in the wilderness. The
most noteworthy and accessible
are the creatively constructed and
landscaped hot spas in and around the
village of Wotten Waven in the Roseau
Valley. Ti Kwen Glo Cho and Tia’s
are well-established favourites. The
mountain village of Giraudel is known
for its flower-growers and their annual
Flower Show, usually in May. Papillote
Gardens in Trafalgar is the most
celebrated private garden, a popular
destination for horticulturalists for
many years. As well as an abundance
of tropical plants and flowers,
Papillote boasts hot volcanic pools
and waterfalls.
18
IN RECENT
TIMES THERE
HAS BEEN A
MOVEMENT AMONG
KALINAGO PEOPLE
TO RECLAIM AND
REDISCOVER
THEIR ANCESTRY
AND CULTURAL
IDENTITY
IT’S A GOT A
MARVELLOUSLY MIXED
MUSIC VIBE
International recording artists such as
Michele Henderson are accomplished
exponents of a French Creole genre,
and even the ubiquitous
bouyon music that was
born in Dominica has its
roots partly in Creole.
Bouyon bands such as
WCK and Triple Kay
International are as
popular in the Frenchspeaking
islands as they
are at home. In May each
year, the Jazz & Creole Festival
is held at the Fort Shirley Garrison
in Cabrits National Park. And on the
last weekend in October, the finale to
Creole Week, the World Creole Music
Festival takes place at Windsor Park
Stadium in the capital, Roseau. Other
popular music genres are reggae, soca,
zouk and dancehall, and concerts are
held at intimate venues island-wide
throughout the year.
19
IT STIMULATES ARTISANS
AND ENTREPRENEURS
Buying local and seasonal are in
fashion right now – and in Dominica
you are spoiled for choice in both
areas. For example, local artisans are
creating a range of excellent, additivefree,
all-natural products such as
soaps, body scrubs, essential oils, skin
cleansers, honey, bush and cocoa teas,
coconut oil and organic chocolate.
Pointe Baptiste Chocolate, produced
just a short walk from the mystical Red
Rocks coastline near Calibishie,
is among Dominica’s finest, and you
can even visit the factory to see it
being made.
20
IT HAS MOUTH-
WATERING
CREOLE CUISINE
The Creole cuisine of Dominica
combines French and African
influences, traditionally incorporating
meats, fish and crustaceans. It is usually
heavily seasoned and served with
root crops such as yam, dasheen
and tania – collectively known as
provisions – as well as vegetables,
breadfruit, green banana, plantain,
rice and peas. Traditional dishes
include callaloo soup (made from
young dasheen leaves), crabback
(made from land crabs), sancoche
(usually a codfish and coconut milk
dish) and one pot braf, a broth of
ground provisions, smoked meats
and green banana. This style of fillyou-up
cooking still prevails to this
day, with lunch usually being served as
the main meal of the day, enjoyed at
restaurants and small eateries islandwide.
Come with an appetite and
prepare to feast!●
c
e
a
d
b
a. Roam the island
among its lush and
verdant nature
b. Learn about
traditional crafts
at Kalinago Barana
Aute village
c. Catch great
performances at
the annual Jazz &
Creole Festival
d. Discover natural
spas and wonderful
tropical gardens
e. See chocolate
being made at
Pointe Baptiste
f. Cool off under
Victoria Falls
f
PAUL CRASK; DISCOVER DOMINICA AUTHORITY
44 | ZiNG CARIBBEAN www.liat.com | January - February 2020
HOT HOTELS
This page: The thatched palapa
retreats at Anegada Beach Club,
BVI, exude castaway romance – but
also feature luxurious four-poster
beds and twin deck baths
46 | ZiNG CARIBBEAN www.liat.com | January - February 2020
5 GREAT
GLAMPSITES
Looking to get closer to nature without sacrificing creature
comforts? Joe Shooman seeks out spots for really cool camping
January - February 2020 | www.liat.com
ZiNG CARIBBEAN |
47
HOT HOTELS
1
ANEGADA BEACH
CLUB, BVI
BEST FOR... CASTAWAY COOL
WHERE: KEEL POINT, ANEGADA
ROOM RATES: HOTEL FROM US$235
INFO: +1 284 346 4005;
WWW.ANEGADABEACHCLUB.COM
USP: PALM-ROOFED RETREATS ON
AN OUT-OF-THE-WAY ISLE
more standard suites with TV,
WiFi and air-con – just not quite
that deserted-island romance.
What’s the location? On the
north-west coast of little
Anegada island, a coral atoll
home to only 200 people. It’s also
an iguana preserve and has one
of the largest barrier reefs in the
Caribbean. Ferries sail to Anegada
from Tortola.
What’s the vibe? Rustic beachshack
luxe; suits couples and
families (kids over six only).
The lowdown: Beachfront, Ocean
View and Surfside palapas; access
to the beach club, with volleyball
and games, pool and restaurant
serving fresh seafood; activities
include snorkelling, kayaking, bike
hire and kitesurfing.
Extremely isolated and
extraordinarily beautiful, this
spot in the BVI will fulfil many
a castaway fantasy – without
sacrificing comfort or style.
Anegada Beach Club’s classy
thatched-roof palapa retreats
have it all: king-size canopy
beds (and extra daybeds for
stowaways), smart en suites and
raised decks where you can swing
in hammocks, gazing out at the
sea. There’s also a hotel offering
Anegada Beach Club’s palapa retreats
overlook warm turquoise waters
Laze in private hammocks and
gaze out over the Caribbean
48 | ZiNG CARIBBEAN
Wild Lotus Camp is right on the beach
2
WILD LOTUS
CAMP, ANTIGUA
BEST FOR... BEACH LIVING
WHERE: VALLEY CHURCH
BEACH, BOLANDS
ROOM RATES: FROM US$223
INFO: +1 268 788 5898;
WWW.WILDLOTUSCAMP.COM
USP: WAKE UP RIGHT ON THE SAND
You can’t sleep closer to the
Caribbean than in one of these
beautiful bulb tents – each one
is on the white sand beach, amid
exotic flowers and banana trees.
Inside you’ll find luxurious double
beds, handsome hardwood
furniture, fresh linens, solarpowered
USB ports and a feeling
of true peace as you’re lulled to
sleep by the sea. The tents are
totally off-grid, with tiki torches
and solar-powered fairy lights
illuminating the way. The stargazing
is out of this world.
What’s the location? Valley
Church Beach; there’s a gated
entrance, which is locked at
Make like James Bond at the
casino tables at Sonesta Maho
sunset (you will have keys).
What’s the vibe? Adults only. In
short, it’s utterly magical.
The lowdown: One Deluxe tent
and a handful of Luxury tents;
safes; padlocks for zip doors
and windows; private solarheated
showers; shared toilet
block; copper fire pits; breakfast
of locally sourced ingredients
available; nearby Nest Beach Bar
has music and WiFi.
3VIRGIN ISLANDS
CAMPGROUND,
USVI
BEST FOR... STRIPPED-BACK STYLE
WHERE: WATER ISLAND, ST THOMAS
ROOM RATES: FROM US$149
INFO: +1 340 776 5488; WWW.VIRGIN
ISLANDSCAMPGROUND.COM
USP: PRIVATE ECO-COTTAGES,
CLOSE TO NATURE
Hidden amid 500 acres of
verdant foliage on the smallest
of the main US Virgin Isles, these
nine sensitively designed woodand-linen
‘cottages’ are perfect
for connecting with Mother
Nature but detaching from the
world. Combining Caribbean
style and graceful simplicity,
they’re designed to have a low
environmental impact, drawing
electricity from wind power. But
they offer a little bit of luxury,
too, with queen or twin beds,
handy coolers, private porches
and sublime views.
What’s the location? Lush-green
site, five minutes’ walk from
Honeymoon Beach; seven-minute
ferry ride from St Thomas.
The eco-cottages on Virgin
Islands Campground are nestled
in lush forest on Water Island
What’s the vibe? Great for
couples and families – cottages
sleep four adults or two adults
and two children.
The lowdown: Large site;
minimalist cabins plus one
private suite attached to the
owners’ home; shared pavilion for
cooking, storage and socialising;
communications room for taking
care of business, watching TV and
checking the internet; hot tub.
January - February 2020 | www.liat.com ZiNG CARIBBEAN | 49
HOT HOTELS
5 PITAHAYA,
PUERTO RICO
BEST FOR... OUTDOOR ESCAPES
WHERE: CABO ROJO
ROOM RATES: FROM US$125
INFO: +1 787 366 5516;
WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/
PITAYAHAGLAMPING
USP: SIMPLE SITE WITH SUPER
ACCESS TO BIRDWATCHING,
BEACHES AND MORE
The five simple, soothing, spacious
tent-sites at Pitahaya sit within
the dry forest of Cabo Rojo. Made
from pale canvas and neat timber,
each sleeps up to six on comfy
mattresses. There’s electricity, fans
and lamps plus well-equipped
kitchens and private showers.
But best are the mountain views
and access to the surrounding
countryside, with great potential
for exploring. This area is amazing
for kayak tours – try paddling
through the bioluminescent
waters of Parguera. Guánica
is only a short drive away, as
are towering limestone cliffs,
gorgeous beaches and wildlifefilled
nature reserves.
What’s the location? Out of
the way, but with easy links to
Cabo Rojo.
What’s the vibe? Adventurous,
outdoorsy, family friendly.
No pets allowed.
The lowdown: Five large tents;
private kitchens; gas barbecue
area; private bathrooms with
toilet and shower; private parking;
swimming pool. ●
Kawaida Peyi’s Afro-Caribbean tent
4
KAWAIDA PEYI,
MARTINIQUE
BEST FOR... SECLUDED SLEEPS
WHERE: SAINTE-LUCE
ROOM RATES: FROM US$177
INFO: +1 696 030 585; WWW.
FACEBOOK.COM/PG/KAWAIDAPEYI
USP: ONE TENT, ONE TERRACE,
ONE TOTALLY UNIQUE EXPERIENCE
You can’t help but feel special
at this one-of-a-kind Martinique
bolthole. Kawaida Peyi has just
one spacious canvas tent, set on a
private raised sun deck surrounded
by forest, complete with a
generous double bed, outdoor
kitchen and its own jacuzzi tub.
The name means ‘unusual’ in
Swahili, and Afro-Caribbean style
permeates throughout. Breakfast
is included; lunches and dinners
can be provided on request, to
enjoy with magnificent mountain
views. Kawaida Peyi looks a million
dollars – no surprise that it’s been
a backdrop for fashion shoots.
What’s the location? A
residential area in a seaside town,
overlooking verdant scenery.
Pretty Anse Mabouya beach is
a 15-minute walk away.
What’s the vibe? Honeymooners,
lovers, secret adventurers.
Ideal for African-infused
alfresco romance.
The lowdown: A smart tent for
two; fully enclosed outdoor area
with swing chairs; private shower,
toilet and jacuzzi; basic kitchen
with fridge and microwave;
private parking available.
Above & this image: The simple,
spacious tents at Pitahaya offer
great opportunities for exploring
the surrounding dry forest
Afro-Caribbean style
Kawaida Peyi looks a million dollars – it’s no surprise
that it’s been used as a backdrop for fashion shoots
50 | ZiNG CARIBBEAN www.liat.com | January - February 2020
FETE FUN
LE CARNAVAL!
Add extra joie de vivre to your fete this season
by playing mas in Martinique, Guadeloupe and
Saint Martin. Sarah Wood gives the lowdown
on Carnival, French Caribbean style
Carnival
2020 dates
ALL OF THE FRENCH
CARNIVALS PEAK AROUND
23-26 FEBRUARY; PARADES
AND PAGEANTS BEGIN
IN JANUARY AND RUN
INTO MARCH
Nothing can prepare a firsttimer
for Carnival in the
French Caribbean.
After I arrived in
Guadeloupe, my taxi driver Laurent
urged me to sleep for 72 hours
beforehand. François recommended
stamina-boosting vitamins as he
handed me a crêpe in the L’îlet Douceur
café. Further advice was doled out from
every quarter: I was offered dancing
tips, warned against a raging thirst
and other heat-related ailments, told
to prepare for melon-sized blisters,
scolded for my costume choice (far
too modest) and told a zillion times
that “at Carnival time, anything goes”. A
Carnival veteran friend expressed real
concern that I’d not upped my cardio
work beforehand: “You’ll be gasping
for air, weak legged, fried to a crisp
and hallucinating,” she told me. “It is
super-intense. Like running a marathon
in spike heels in summer, only with neat
rum to rehydrate.”
All of these things came to
pass. For the entire week I spent in
Guadeloupe at Carnival time, I barely
slept, instead summoning Herculean
levels of energy to dance the streets
from morning to night. Back and forth I
swayed to the syncopated pounding of
snare drums. I was twirled by strangers
wearing little more than a feather or
two. I was showered in a rainbow of
confetti as the music morphed from
acoustic to soca. A troupe of oiled-up
dudes in lurex span me around in a
blur. I got tangled in a near-naked
conga and I gasped for breath as the
air filled with glitter dust and sparkles.
My toes wept, my calf muscles burned,
the zillion-watt pulse of a boomboom-boom
bassline supercharged my
chest, and my tendons tightened to
snapping point in my vertigo-inducing
heels. I’d never wiggled or jiggled so
much in my life: every inch of my
body was in constant movement, from
my ankles to the tip of my head. But
the undulating bodies all around me
showed no sign of flagging.
At one point I stopped to survey
the spectacle: it was a glorious collision
of unashamed sexiness and family
entertainment. Several bystanders were
weeping tears of joy. I, too, felt a bubble
of emotion, so with arms outstretched
I sounded my whistle, clicked my heels
and pirouetted with a smile as broad as
an over-stretched hammock. Physically,
I was high on the collective exuberance
of Guadeloupe’s crowds: the joyful
chants, the vibrant costumes and the
hip-shimmying exhilaration. Spiritually,
I felt empowered, as if fuelled by
Guadeloupe’s phenomenal life-force.
That’s why, while shaking my booty in a
froth of neon-pink feathers, I promised
myself I’d do it all again…
“You’ll be gasping for air, weak legged, fried to a crisp, hallucinating. Carnival here is super-
52 | ZiNG CARIBBEAN www.liat.com | January - February 2020
This image:
Prepare for a different kind
of Carnival in the French
Caribbean – this masked reveller
is celebrating in Martinique
intense – like running a marathon in spike heels in summer, with neat rum to rehydrate”
BERNARD ALEXANDER
January - February 2020 | www.liat.com ZiNG CARIBBEAN | 53
FETE FUN
Not sure which Frenchflavoured
place to pick?
Here’s your guide to partying
on three different islands
54 | ZiNG CARIBBEAN
www.liat.com | January - February 2020
Left:
Beauty and the beast – revellers
in Martinique don masks that are
both macabre and marvellous
MARTINIQUE
USP: CARNIVAL TAKEN TO THE NEXT LEVEL!
It is barely January when the Carnival
buzz starts in Martinique, building in
momentum over the course of several
wild weeks, with the island’s west coast
capital, Fort-de-France, the centre of
the celebrations. The explosion of
excitement requires some stamina to
maintain. Once partying claims priority,
it seems impossible to imagine a time
when the streets weren’t filled with
dancers and marching bands (groupes
à pied). A blasting horn urges everyone
out by the bayside en masse‚ dressed
in neon wigs, feather boas, fishnet
capes, bright ballerina tutus and jewelencrusted
G-strings, transforming the
street into a kaleidoscopic river of
madcap movement.
Each year’s incarnation of Vaval‚ the
enormous effigy that is Martinique’s
t a closely guarded
ning event (usually
Epiphany). This
t formed of
papier-mâché
might take any
form – everything
is fair game for
omic effect, from
ald Trump to
ministers or local
n recent years Vaval
xaggerated Viking
t of the Gauls.
s, he is booed like
the highways, but now these crazycoloured
Caribbean jalopies fill the
streets, revving loudly.
At Carnival time, the Martinican
French side is amplified. Placards
proffer a dismissive Gallic shrug to
the European Union, Coco Chanel
and the merest mention of frogs legs,
yet the populace remain, in many
respects, more French than the French.
For instance, champagne consumption
is higher here than in any mainland
department. Naughty lyrics ridicule
the French hierarchy, so expect lots of
scandalous songs about big noses and
snobbery. Costumes poke fun, too,
mimicking bouffant-haired Parisian
ladies right down to their poodles.
Every citizen, every age, in every
community celebrates in their own
way: from those who gently sway and
shuffle, to flame-throwing calypso
dancers on stilts. Towers of monster
speakers blast throbbing basslines into
Fort-de-France’s backstreets. Musicality
and rhythm is endemic here – nobody
misses a single beat.
On the final day, Martinicans flit and
flutter like moths to a lantern as the
music ramps up and the dancing gains
even more fervour. Rhythms overlap
in a heady mishmash of zouk, biguine,
samba and reggae and, while singing
in French under tricolour flags, crowds
unify in a surge of national identity.
“THERE’S A MAGIC
ABOUT CARNIVAL
IN MARTINIQUE THAT IS
TOTALLY BEWITCHING, YOU
FEEL IT FROM THE MOMENT THE
FIRST CHORD PLAYS. THE MAGIC
NEVER ENDS, EVEN AFTER VAVAL
IS CREMATED – IT STAYS WITH
YOU ALL YEAR UNTIL THE
PARTY STARTS AGAIN.”
PASSI GERAULT,
MARTINICAN GUIDE
Carnival is a most magnificent
ode to the joy of living. Every
evening, candlelit prayers are recited
in thanks. During these moments
of quiet reflection, you can still
feel the drum beat in your bones
as choreographed limbs continue
dancing non-stop in an effervescent
multi-mile loop.
Before long, time is up for Vaval.
Once funeral rites are given, a very
public cremation is held on Ash
Wednesday, as penance for the
Carnival’s wild behaviours. Faux
tears of mourning accompany the
Martinican sunset as the giant Vaval
effigy turns to dust – and Carnival
draws to a close. Street cleaners
gather up rum bottles and feathers,
and persuade lingering revellers
to head home to bed. No need to
feel too bad for Vaval, though: he’ll
emerge in another guise next year.
ly garish are the
painted cars
as bradjacks)
d especially for
. Typically, French
nd Citroëns clog
TIP Join the first parade at daybreak – pyjamas are de rigueur. Pack something
black or white for Vaval’s funeral on Ash Wednesday.
IT’S UNIQUE Instead of steel drums, Martinicans play a kind of deconstructed
drum set, with chachas (sand-filled bamboo shakers) to make a ‘shooooka
shooooka shooooka’ sound.
January - February 2020 | www.liat.com
ZiNG CARIBBEAN | 55
FETE FUN
GUADELOUPE
USP: SUPER HIGH-OCTANE FULL-ON FUN
Guadeloupe’s Carnival fever is
infectious, interrupting the daily grind
to preoccupy an entire island for two
long weeks. Jobs are left half finished
and factory lines are static so that
the mundane can’t interfere with
the partying. There is much excited
anticipation in the months, weeks and
days that lead up to the main event.
During this time, processions take
place every Sunday island-wide, as
each village elects a Queen and Junior
Queen. Then it’s time for the island to
erupt with increasing intensity. Teams
of rabble-rousers encourage people to
let their hair down and armies of ‘Party
Police’ threaten anyone resting with
handcuffs and a night in the cells.
Dimanche Gras (Fat Sunday)
heralds the official start of festivities.
Guadeloupe’s parade-goers start
congregating hours ahead of the
first procession, called by the conch
to gather by elaborately decorated
floats, food vans and growing crowds
of dancers. The open-bed pick-up
trucks start testing their speakers
before 2am and, long before it’s
light, the crowds make way for guys
draped in cow-hides, cracking whips
against the pavement and beating tin
cans loud enough to raise the dead.
Pummelling goatskin drums and
plastic barrels is a ritual that will drive
away evil spirits.
Guadeloupe’s Carnival features
a comical interpretation of the
‘burlesque wedding’: a Monday parade
that depicts role-reversal marriages.
Men wear wigs, heels, gowns and
make-up to dress as brides, while
women don tuxedos. Each year this
procession has become increasingly
daring and politically motivated. It has
also slammed domestic violence and
poked fun at the one-sided union of
France and its islands.
Tuesday is the Red Devil’s
Parade, which is a byword for
mischief and naughtiness as
scarlet-clad revellers rampage through
the crowds. Tales vary across the
French Caribbean, but Guadeloupe’s
devil and similarly frightening
characters serve as a jokey warning not
to upset Catholic Church elders.
African ancestors and French
colonial forefathers are targets for
honour or mockery, too. The dancers
smeared in red clay, the nègs gwosirop
(revellers covered in sugar and
charcoal) and the mariann lapo fig
clad in banana leaves – all represent
stories of slave oppression,
rebellion and emancipation. Then
there are the Moko-zombi, a
tambourine-slamming troupe
of bare-chested ghosts on
stilts who pass around a jug
of super-strength rum.
TIP
Prepare for
some serious
partying – you’ll
have a more
enjoyable time
if you put in
the training
beforehand.
IT’S UNIQUE
Burlesque
marriage on
such a scale
– each year,
the procession
has become
more risqué, to
highlight issues
of gender and
LGBT rights.
“FOR ME,
THE MIX OF
MODERN AND RISQUÉ
AND TRADITIONAL
AFRICAN-FRENCH IS JUST
RIGHT. IT UNDERPINS THE
REVELRY AND GIVES
THE NON-STOP
PARTY-PARTY-PARTY
VIBE CONTEXT.”
HUGO MARTIN
FRENCH TOURIST
Right:
Ruffling feathers:
a dancer in glittering
costume shakes her
stuff in Pointe-à-
Pitre, Guadeloupe
AWL IMAGES
56 | ZiNG CARIBBEAN
www.liat.com | January - February 2020
January - February 2020 | www.liat.com
ZiNG CARIBBEAN | 57
FETE FUN
SAINT MARTIN
USP: A FRIENDLY, LESS-FRANTIC PARTY, WITH FAMILIES AT ITS HEART
Locals plan all year for the Saint
Martin Carnival, painting masks,
mending costumes, stitching sequins
and ensuring each event retains its own
pizzazz. Parades start in January before
the Mardi Gras, and run for weeks,
including pageants for the crowning of
Miss Pitchounette (Little Miss Carnival).
Children as young as two take part
in parties, parades and promenades,
learning early that it is a true test of
stamina – especially the Jouve Jump
Up, which starts at 4am.
In Carnival circles, Saint Martin’s
intimate celebrations are much-loved
for their family focus: there
is less liquor-drenched
boisterousness here.
Instead, celebrations
pay homage to the
island’s rich history,
drawing close-knit
communities to
Marigot’s beautiful
bay-front.
With thinner
crowds and fewer
all-night hedonist bangers,
most parades start at a godly hour
(lunchtime is préféré). Even the music
truck and speaker towers enjoy some
daily down time. There is also plenty
of time to eat – really eat, not just
soak up the rum – thanks to Saint
Martin’s well-stocked French larder.
For sustenance when exhaustion sets
in, order a plate of salt cod fritters
and grilled lobster washed down
with a carafe of rum punch – so
exquisite that it sends gastronomes
from Toulouse into a spin. You’ll find
bottles of sancerre, beaujolais and
muscadet wines throughout Marigot,
plus enough French cheeses to satisfy
pre-Lenten gluttony. Street chefs in
“CARNIVAL
DOESN’T
DISCRIMINATE – IF YOU
LOVE MUSIC, GOOD VIBES
AND OUR CULTURE, THEN
THE CARNIVAL WELCOMES
YOU. COME PARTY IN
SAINT MARTIN TO FEEL
THE WARMTH OF OUR
COMMUNITY.”
MIMI DJOUGINE
RESIDENT
Marigot cook
without the
gastronomic
pretentiousness of
the motherland, with
matoutou de crabe (herby
seasoned crab) a particular
Carnival favourite – c’est délicieux!
Water stations and puppet shows
keep young children comfortable.
Parties have a friendly vibe, with
dancing that strikes a subtle tone –
sure, it’s high-energy sexy, but not
downright dirty, with only a few
songs that will make the clergy blush.
Costumes are elaborate, crafted to
perfection with shimmering tulles,
feathers and sequins. Only the
engulfing flames of King Moumou
are brighter, heralding the end of
Carnival to the sound of screeching
fireworks and a few final pounding
soca rhythms. ●
TIP Suss out where the cooling stations are for access to iced water and snow cones.
IT’S UNIQUE Crabs are collected for weeks beforehand in order to make Carnival
delicacy matoutou de crabe; the crabs are even fed spices and seasoned vegetables
so that the dish is extra tasty!
Above: Miss Pitchounette celebrates her success at Saint Martin’s family-friendly Carnival
TIPS FOR CARNIVAL
Go with the flow of the crowd –
parades will take as long as they take,
so don’t try to rush
Dress up! Better make it sparkly, glitzy
and outlandish
Prepare for a long day – hydrate,
eat, and pack emergency flat shoes and
sticking plasters for blisters
Pace your drinking – the rum starts
flowing at daybreak
Forget personal space – Carnival is
up-close and very personal!
Nap like a newborn – grabbing
30 minutes here and there is better
than no sleep at all
Pack earplugs – the parade music is
insanely loud.
Follow the lead of the locals –
Carnival is a time to let loose without
judgement.
Finally: enjoy!
ALAMY
58 | ZiNG CARIBBEAN www.liat.com | January - February 2020
FASHION SPECIAL
NEW
YEAR ,
NEW
STYLE
60 | ZiNG CARIBBEAN www.liat.com | January - February 2020
Celebrate the next
decade by embracing
the talents of eight upand-coming
Caribbean
designers. Jeneille Lewis
introduces a roster of
exciting young creatives
on the scene who’ll help
you look hot for 2020
This image:
Discover the colourful
tropical vibes of Island Fella
from Trinidad & Tobago
BERNARD ALEXANDER
January - February 2020 | www.liat.com
ZiNG CARIBBEAN |
61
FASHION SPECIAL
LA VERNI
BARBADOSI
DESIGNER:I
MELANIE THORPEI
Style in three words:
Seductive, detailed, wild
About La Vern: My focus is
on women: how they feel in
my pieces and how my pieces
feel on them. I focus a lot on
custom sizing.
Unique selling point: A deeply
sensual yet tasteful aesthetic.
I want my babes to feel sexy
and know that they can take
on anything. All women are
welcomed here; because of
that, there’s this beautiful
community of women. It
isn’t just a brand, it’s a babe
movement – a brand made by
women for women.
What are you doing
differently? Choosing the
most sensual aspect of fashion
in a conservative society.
I love showcasing women in
powerful pieces. Every visual,
every film, every concept,
is a chance for me to move
women somehow.
Plans for 2020: My SS19
collection represented how my
design process has been going:
unpredictable! There’s no rule
book I follow when it comes
to design, but I’m inspired by
the detail in haute couture and
the limitless possibilities of
asymmetry. One is glamorous,
the other rigid; used mindfully,
together they create beauty.
What will be hot this year?
Lots of solid colours and
artistic prints. I don’t think
animal print has run its
course yet.
Info: www.lavernbymr.com;
Instagram @lavernbymr;
info@lavernbymr.com
FASHION SPECIAL
KIMMYSTIC.CLOI
ST VINCENT &I
THE GRENADINESI
DESIGNER:I
KIMON BAPTISTEI
Style in three words:
Functional, timeless, versatile
About Kimmystic.Clo: We
produce ready-to-wear
clothing and custom-made
bridal, prom and evening
gowns for women aged 25 to
45; our woman is a graduate,
an employee, a mother, a wife.
She doesn’t get out often, but
when she does she cleans up
nicely. She is comfortable in
her own skin and wants to be
comfortable in her clothing.
Unique selling point:
The quality of our product.
We use natural fibres such as
linens and cottons, and the
finest brocades, beads and
sequinned lace.
What are you doing
differently? We are 100%
committed to doing what
is right for our customers.
Marketing is more than
advertising; it’s understanding
consumer buying trends, being
able to anticipate distribution
needs and developing business
partnerships that improve our
market share. We work hard to
stay ahead of the competition.
Plans for 2020: There will
be a new collection, more
than likely including frills and
ruffles – they have become my
signature as I find interesting
ways to incorporate them.
What will be hot this year?
The long white dress will
always be on trend; magenta
and burnt yellow will also
be hot.
Info: Instagram @kimmysticclo;
kimon.baptiste@gmail.com
64 | ZiNG CARIBBEAN
ZiNG CARIBBEAN | 65
FASHION SPECIAL
POSHELLE: CALVERT JONES
ISLAND FELLAI
TRINIDAD & TOBAGOI
DESIGNER:I
KERN RYANIMOLLINEAUI
Style in three words:
Functional, comfortable, cool
About Island Fella: We design
simple, loose-fitting cotton
shirts and long-line T-shirts
and tanks that allow freedom
of movement and give off an
air of casualness.
Unique selling point:
Adaptability and a focus
on comfort. We are big on
the personal touch because
relationships matter – every
customer gets a handwritten
note with their piece. Also,
no more than 15 shirts in each
style are available at any point,
and each is tailored to you.
What are you doing
differently? We are very
focused on composition and
aesthetic, and our photos
capture a sense of relatability.
The idea was to juxtapose the
island vibe of the fabric with
urban backgrounds, to pull
away from the typical island
clichés. We have collaborated
with creative minds – for
instance, filmmaker Maya
Cozier played an important
role in early concepts.
Plans for 2020: We see Fella
as a lifestyle brand, so we’ll
be flowing with it. The last
line was inspired by my aunt’s
dry-cleaners: I saw a shirt there
that had to be 15 years old.
What will be hot this year?
The Caribbean as a whole is an
exciting hub of creativity, and
it’s amazing to envision what
the future has lying ahead for
us all as a collective.
Info: Instagram @island_fella;
islandfelladesigns@gmail.com
POSHELLEI
ST VINCENT &I
THE GRENADINESI
DESIGNER:I
LISA CORDICEI
Style in three words: Feminine,
glamorous, island-chic
About Poshelle: Contemporary
and unique fashion for women
of all shapes and sizes, with
ready-to-wear, haute couture
and bespoke options.
Unique selling point:
Inclusivity and representation.
Poshelle’s mission is to create
glamorous women’s fashion,
while not sacrificing fit for style.
What are you doing
differently? We don’t
outsource any part of the
fashion process. I come up
with the creative concepts.
I sometimes create the actual
fabric, if the design depends on
it. Lately, I’ve been getting into
a lot of hand-painting, tie dyes
and batik, and I’m working to
create fabric from fusions of
non-traditional textiles. I create
my own samples, and I sew
and refine them. We’ve also
been commended for using
non-traditional models in our
campaigns; we use some of our
own clients. Everyone should
be able to see themselves
wearing Poshelle.
Plans for 2020: It’s all about
mindfulness, finding balance
and maintaining harmony.
My plan is to integrate my art
with textiles to create unique,
eye-catching prints inspired by
nature, in cool, relaxing colours,
to capture the essence of the
‘zen’ experience.
What will be hot this year?
I can see monochromatic
colours dominating. Also
Asian influences, statement
accessories and ‘snatched’ and
belted waistlines.
Info: www.facebook.com/
irockposhelle;
Instagram @irockposhelle;
irockposhelle@gmail.com
POSHELLE: CALVERT JONES
66 | ZiNG CARIBBEAN
ISLAND FELLA:
BERNARD ALEXANDER
FASHION SPECIAL
SUGA APPLE SWIMI
BARBADOSI
DESIGNER:I
KIM ANGOYI
Style in three words:
Simple, sexy, fun
About Suga Apple Swim: We
offer a wide range of swimsuit
styles for different occasions.
Tanning, boating, playing on
the beach or just lounging –
we have a style for all.
Unique selling point: Our
cuts, prints and colour
combinations. Customers
also know that they will
never find 300 people with
the same swimsuit. For more
conservative clients we
can tweak the designs – all
of our pieces are carefully
handcrafted on the island.
What are you doing
differently? We celebrate all
that encompasses femininity,
regardless of size, shape,
colour or age. We have had
so many women tell us how
sexy and confident they feel in
our pieces. There is no better
feeling than this as a designer.
Whenever we create a style
that can be reversed, we do.
This allows our women to get
the most out of each piece.
Plans for 2020: There
will definitely be a 2020
collection! Expect some
braiding, fringes and shells.
Our ‘Ri-Ri’ or ‘X-me Sexy’ style
has been a heavy hitter since
the style was worn by Rihanna
a few years ago. We never have
enough of this style.
What will be hot this year?
I think we can expect to
see frills and trims, and a
bohemian-type flair. Plus
lots of natural and
sustainable materials.
Info: www.sugaappleswim.com;
Instagram @sugaappleswim
FETE-ISHI
ST LUCIAI
DESIGNER:I
KAYLE CASSIUSI
Style in three words: Standout,
functional, ‘trend-lightly’
About FETE-ish: Footwear to
be noticed – not just beautiful
but strong.
Unique selling point: FETE-ish
offers footwear characterised
by stand-out beauty and high
quality, so that every pair
can be enjoyed for a long
time. The brand is also about
personal creative expression.
What are you doing
differently? Demonstrating
a clear commitment to my
personal values. Also, I believe
in collaboration – I enjoy
collaborating with other
creatives and customers;
I believe there is a designer in
everyone. Whenever
I co-design, I always end up
with something special. I want
to encourage more people to
express their individual style
by having input into the design
of their shoes.
Plans for 2020: ‘Building
Blocs’ was my first attempt
at putting together a
‘collection’. I applied the
foundational concepts of my
mostly self-taught and ongoing
education in high-heel
making and in bold colour
blocks. It consists of mid- and
high-heel sandals, all with
chunky or block heels.
What will be hot this year?
I think we’ll see more focus
on design elements on or
in shoe heels as well as
unconventional heel shapes.
Info: www.myfeteish.
com; www.facebook.com/
myfeteish; Instagram @feteish
ZiNG CARIBBEAN | 69
FASHION SPECIAL
RECLAIMED ISLANDI
DESIGN STUDIOI
ST VINCENT &I
THE GRENADINESI
DESIGNER:I
SHARA BALCOMBEI
Style in three words: Tropical,
boho, chic
About Reclaimed Island: We
turn post-consumer products
and reclaimed materials into
fab home décor in imaginative
and environmentally
conscious ways.
Unique selling point: We
rescue and re-invent it so you
can relish it. We take old or
unwanted things, and create
something totally different
and chic.
What are you doing
differently? We’re not
just working with one
material. We’ve used bottles,
newspaper, salvaged coral,
concrete. It’s about what any
given material can become.
Plans for 2020: There is a new
collection in the works – I
plan to create pieces that are
a bit more ornate. My last
collection was inspired by
Caribbean living, nature
and gardening.
What will be hot this year?
Trends like minimalism and
eco style will run into 2020
and beyond, especially as
people have become more
environmentally conscious.
Info: Facebook: Reclaimed
Island Design Studio;
Instagram @reclaimed
islanddesigns; reclaimedisland
designstudio@gmail.com
D’PUNCHLINEI
TRINIDAD & TOBAGOI
DESIGNER:I
GABRIELLE PUNCHI
Style in three words: Simple,
functional, fashionable
About D’Punchline: Original,
handcrafted leather goods
including journals, wallets,
shoulder bags and backpacks.
D’Punchline represents my
country and myself: Caribbean,
one-of-a-kind, high quality,
classy yet funky, colourful,
innovative, authentic, even
imperfect at times.
Unique selling point? I create
one-off pieces – there’s no
mass production. When a
customer purchases one of my
pieces, they know they’re the
only person in the world who
has it. Most of my creations
are unisex or gender inclusive.
If you’re a man, and you like
a purple cross-body tote I’ve
made, just buy it!
What are you doing
differently? I’ve expanded
beyond the kind of brown,
hard, cow-leather goods
you typically find in tourist
shops in the Caribbean. My
pieces are made from soft
and luxurious leathers, and are
available in a range of colours.
Plans for 2020: I’m looking
at collaborations with
fellow creatives. Thus far I’ve
worked with photographers
Rachel Lee Young and James
Solomon, and soy candle
artisans Galt & Maree,
combining my leatherwork
with their products to form
unique pieces and packages.
What will be hot this year?
I see more funky and modern
waist pouches, cross-body
chest pouches and backpacks
available in every colour.
Info: www.facebook.com/
dpunchlinett; Instagram
@dpunchlinett ●
www.liat.com | January - February 2020
TRINIDAD
+1 (8 6 8 ) 6 2 5 336 6
b ook ings@ rp ost h ot el .com
www.radisson.com/t rinidad
Waterfront City Centre
Port of Spain
January - February 2020 | www.liat.com
ZiNG CARIBBEAN | 71
CREATIVE CONSERVATION
This image:
Steel sculptures added
to the Willy T have made
it into a pirate-themed
underwater artwork
Opposite:
A dedicated team of
experts in multiple
disciplines worked hard to
prepare the boat
for sinking
POSITIVELY
WR CK D
Hurricane Irma wreaked devastation on
the BVI. But Beyond The Reef is creating
opportunity out of crisis, turning ships and
planes into dive sites that will help tourism,
local children and Mother Nature...
CREATIVE CONSERVATION
IN AUGUST LAST YEAR, BVI NONPROFIT BEYOND THE REEF
sank the Willy T, the famous BVI floating bar and party barge that
had been destroyed by Hurricane Irma. In the months before it
was sunk, Willy was converted into an interactive pirate-themed
underwater artwork, with masts and sails, a crow’s nest, a dozen
pirates (made from recycled materials), a bar and card table for
divers to sit at, a treasure chest and cannons strewn about the sea
floor. We asked Kendyl Berna, Beyond The Reef co-founder: why?!
QThis project sounds brilliantly
crazy – why are you doing it?
First, we want to recycle derelict vessels
that would otherwise be discarded as
waste (and would be costly to dispose
of in landfill), creating artificial reefs
in areas that are in need of additional
habitat for fish species and coral
growth. We also hope it creates positive
tourism publicity for the BVI in a
visually interesting way while increasing
the number of dive sites.
But the main goal is to generate
revenue to benefit local children. We
hope that a donation of US$5 will be
collected from every diver on the site,
which will go directly towards teaching
BVI children how to swim. If an average
of 30 people dive these sites each
day, and each donates the suggested
US$5, we will have generated almost
US$55,000 in just one year.
Why is teaching kids to swim so
Q important? Not only is swimming
a fun, social and confidence-boosting
activity that all children should be
comfortable doing (especially when
you live next to some of the world’s
most beautiful beaches), it’s also an
important skill to ensure safety when
living on an island chain.
It’s thought that fewer than a third
of children in the BVI know how to
swim – it might even be closer to one in
ten. This is unfortunate for recreational
and safety reasons, and also narrows
job opportunities in BVI. The ocean is
the BVI’s greatest resource for tourism,
and our hope is that, once local children
become comfortable swimming, they can
benefit from lucrative careers, becoming
boat captains, scuba-diving instructors,
sailing instructors, paddleboarding guides
and surf instructors. Better yet, if kids
learn from a young age that some of the
most fun and lucrative jobs are in ocean
ecotourism, they will be more likely to
protect natural resources.
How did you choose where to sink
Q the Willy T? The boat was sunk in
65 feet of water in Key Bay, Peter Island.
This is a beautiful, peaceful spot only
a short ride away from Road Town, a
sheltered bay with minimal current that
can be dived any day of the year. It’s also
a barren, sandy spot next to a reef that
could use an ecosystem boost. Chris
Juredin (co-founder of Beyond The Reef)
is a ship-sinking mastermind and sank
Willy T perfectly so that the end of the
plank sits about five feet away from the
coral wall. We also situated cannons on
74 | ZiNG CARIBBEAN www.liat.com | January - February 2020
the seabed between the coral heads in
a gully, pointing towards the wreck to
bring the divers in, so the experience
can start before they even see the boat.
Key Bay is also ideal as we want to
expand the project and create a sort of
underwater artificial reef theme park,
and we can continue to build on it here.
How did you do it? It took eight
Q months to get all the necessary
approvals to sink four vessels in total
(Willy T plus three planes that we are
converting into sharks). The government
and the local community are on board.
Everyone is so enthusiastic.
After Irma, the boat had been
stranded on the beach at Norman
Island for nearly two years, during
which time it had got really stuck –
the entire keel was buried deep, and
the bow was dry on the sand. Once
commercial divers had welded the boat
back together so that it would float, it
took three attempts to pull the boat off
the rocks. We had an excavator on land
digging the sand from under it while a
crane on a barge lifted the ship and a
tug pulled it. Eventually it came off!
After that the Willy T was stripped
of all hazardous materials, then there
was an intensive period of adding
pirate-themed artwork. We also
cut holes in the boat – this time
purposefully! We used underwater
metal-cutting gear to create ports
to provide diver access, and capped
them so that, on the day of the sink,
we could easily unscrew all of the caps
and flood the boat evenly.
Before towing Willy T to its final
resting place, divers installed lift-bags
filled with air throughout the boat that
essentially acted as giant balloons to
set the boat upright if it began to keel
over. The final precautionary measure
for ensuring the boat sank upright
in the right location was to install a
four-point mooring system using large
ship anchors and chains. During the
sinking process these moorings were
constantly adjusted to align the vessel
with the reef and stop it drifting or
favouring one side. Luckily all of this
worked and the boat sank perfectly
upright exactly where we wanted it!
What has been the reaction
Q so far? Divers keep coming back,
raving about the attention to detail
and the ‘underwater theme-park’
experience. The BVI has some of the
most amazing pirate history in the
Caribbean, and we hope that building
awareness through the wreck site will
bring further attention to this rich and
somewhat forgotten history. Involving
the local community has also generated
excitement, as well as awareness about
our marine environment.
How does this help the ocean?
Q We aim to enhance ocean life
by creating artificial reef systems for
aquatic species to inhabit and thrive
Above:
Once the artistic
elements on
the boat were
completed, careful
preparations were
made to ensure that
the Willy T sank in
exactly the right
place and settled at
the right angle
January - February 2020 | www.liat.com
ZiNG CARIBBEAN | 75
where the seafloor is desolate or
damaged by storms or human activity.
We are using steel and concrete
only as materials for the wreck. We’ve
added rebar (steel) structures onto
the boat, which is itself steel, and
we believe that, with the amount of
welding we did prior to sinking, the
boat will hold enough of a low-voltage
charge of electricity that electrolysis
will immediately begin and increase
calcification. The other material we use
is concrete, which is one of the best
materials for creating an artificial reef
because its composition is close to
natural coral limestone.
It’s hard to gauge exactly, but we
may start seeing some calcification
within the first year; it will then increase
year by year after that. In, say, 150 years’
time, the Willy T will start to blend in
with the natural environment, but you
will still be able to see that it’s there.
It sounds like a huge project.
Q Did you have a lot of help?
There’s a huge amount of expertise
in the Beyond The Reef team. We are
guided by an underwater engineer, an
oceanographer and an environmental
filmmaker, and were lucky to be able
to employ numerous welders,
commercial divers, and barge and crane
operators who all brought together
unique knowledge to get the project
done successfully. Our co-founder,
Chris Juredin, also owns the local
companies Commercial Dive Services
and We Be Divin, which donated time,
experience, heavy machinery and
materials, without which it would have
been nearly impossible to get this
project done.
Chris and Commercial Dive Services
were also heavily involved in the 2017
sinking of the Kodiak Queen ship to
create an artificial reef, and we were
able to bring back and collaborate with
several of the brilliant minds from that
project, including lead welders and
artists Drew Shook and Josh Wilson,
as well as Aydika James from Secret
Samurai Productions for fundraising
help and art direction.
We also had help from EarthEcho
3
International, Philippe Cousteau’s USbased
nonprofit, which has a similar
mission to empower youth in marine
science. Philippe had visited the BVI
while filming a show called Caribbean
Pirate Treasure in 2017 (a few months
before the hurricane), and loved the
Willy T and the diving here. When I
told him about the good that could
come from recycling it and converting
it into an artificial reef to increase dive
tourism and fund teaching children how
to swim, he wanted to be involved.
What’s next? We have further
Q expanded the art-reef with the
three planes-come-sharks. The planes
are going back into an already amazing
dive spot called the Coral Gardens off
Above:
The process of
sinking the Willy T
was a tricky job
– but now it’s on
the seabed in Key
Bay, Peter Island,
it provides a fun
playground for scuba
divers at all levels
Right:
What might you spy
underwater in the
warm, clear seas of
the BVI?
WWW.1BEYOND
THEREEF.COM;
@1BEYONDTHEREEF
Great Dog Island. They will sit about 40-45
feet deep in beautiful, gin-clear water with
scattered coral heads and a good amount
of marine life – a perfect spot for new or
highly experienced divers alike.
Before the storm, there were already
airplanes there. We wanted to replace
them so that people could continue
to enjoy this awesome dive spot, but
when given the opportunity to start
from scratch with new (hurricanedamaged)
airplanes, we had the crazy
thought that they have a similar shape
to sharks, so could be easily converted
to become half-shark half-airplanes!
They are already being referred to
as ‘sharkplaneos’. Beyond The Reef’s
mission also includes raising awareness
of threatened species across the globe,
and we hope that creating something
fun and silly like the shark airplanes can
communicate a message encouraging
people to be enthusiastic about sharks
and their conservation.
We have spent several months
working to prepare the airplanes, which
has included removing and relocating
them from the airport, stripping them
of all environmental hazards and
finally working to complete the shark
conversion. We hope to sink all three in
the first week of December [after this
magazine went to press] during the BVI’s
Wreck Week, a week-long annual event
remembering the old and celebrating the
new shipwrecks of the BVI. ●
76 | ZiNG CARIBBEAN www.liat.com | January - February 2020
CREATIVE CONSERVATION
LIAT NEWS & EVENTS
LIAT
Events & news across our network
LIAT NEWS PAGE 78
WELCOME ABOARD PAGE 80
HEALTHY TRAVEL PAGE 81
ROUTES PAGE 83
ISLAND GUIDES PAGE 84
FOCUS: ST KITTS & NEVIS PAGE 88
MEET THE TEAM
INETA GRAHAM SAMUELI
DUTY MANAGER, CALL CENTRE
Nationality: Antiguan
How long have you been
working at LIAT? I started
on 30 November 1979,
so that makes 40 years
with LIAT. I’ve worked at
the traffic department, at
ticketing and now at the
Call Centre.
What do you love about
your job? My job is much
more than a pay cheque.
I get to assist, interact and
collaborate with some
awesome people – my
external and internal
customers. I am very
thankful for their loyalty.
And with team work, I
get to provide a solution
to their problems, which
motivates me to serve.
Favourite LIAT
destination: San Juan,
Puerto Rico – it’s my
gateway to more US
territories.
Favourite Caribbean
food: Seafood, any style,
and pepper pot and fungi.
OUR FLEET
LIAT currently operates a fleet of ten ATR aircraft
– five ATR 42-600 and five ATR 72-600 – improving
comfort and efficiency. These aircraft provide safe,
economical and reliable services for the frequencies
and ranges of our Caribbean routes.
ATR 42-600
Crew: 2+1
Passengers: 48
Engines: Two PW127M
turboprop
Power: 2160shp
Cruise speed: 300
knots (556km/h)
Maximum range: 1484km
Maximum take-off
weight: 18,600kg
Average cabin noise
level: 79dBA
ATR 72-600
Crew: 2+2
Passengers: 68
Engines: Two PW127M
turboprop
Power: 2500shp
Cruise speed: 275
knots (510km/h)
Maximum range: 1825km
Maximum take-off
weight: 22,800kg
Average cabin noise
level: 79dBA
FOR SCHEDULES, SPECIAL OFFERS,
DEALS OR TO MAKE
RESERVATIONS,
VISIT LIAT.COM
FLYING
WITH WORDS
Last semester the students at the
Springer Memorial School in Barbados
were engaged in the LIAT ‘Fly with
Words’ Essay & Speech Competition.
Progress continues on
the Caribsky project,
which aims to connect
travellers across the
region. LIAT is working
with Air Antilles and
WINAIR to seamlessly
connect travellers to
destinations in the
combined network,
which spans over 35
airports, with the ease
of using one ticket.
CARIBSKY CONTINUES
The competition was aimed at getting
students to write or speak about any
of the other 14 destinations in the LIAT
network. First, Second and Third formers
were asked to write an essay while Fourth,
Fifth and Sixth formers were asked to do
a creative speech. Special congratulations
to Myeisha Bryan and Danica Estophile-
Duncan who won the essay competition
and speech competition respectively!
Myeisha and Danica each won four tickets
to any LIAT destination of their choice.
LIAT continues to support initiatives
such as these that help young persons to
explore and learn more about the region
they live in.
78 | ZiNG CARIBBEAN www.liat.com | January - February 2020
A YEAR OF
PARTNERSHIPS
LIAT continues to work with destinations across the region
Last year was a successful year of
partnerships between LIAT and several
destinations. LIAT partnered with Antigua
& Barbuda for its #WhatCoolLooks
LikeCampaign. This saw more regional
travellers experiencing what Antigua
has to offer, and Antigua recorded
an increase in the number of regional
arrivals for 2019.
LIAT also partnered with
Barbados for several events including
#NoCrewLeftBehind for Crop Over, the
Barbados Open Water Festival and the
Run Barbados Marathon.
Egbert Riley, Head of Sales &
Marketing, noted that these partnerships
were beneficial to both LIAT and the
destinations: more Caribbean travellers
were experiencing what the region has to
offer, and getting there more easily with
great LIAT connections.
CLICK
AHEAD
Go to LIAT.COM. To
save time, book online.
STEP 1:
Choose a
One-Way or
Round-Trip
Flight
Select your
starting point and your
chosen departure date
Enter your destination
(and return date if
applicable)
Select the number
of people travelling in
your party and click
‘Find Flights’
STEP 2:
You will be shown
the available flights
for your selection
and the fare
Select the flights you
wish to take, confirm
that you have reviewed,
and agree to, the
pricing and policies
on this page, and
click ‘Select and
Continue’
STEP 3:
Complete the details
of each person travelling
in your party
Complete your
contact information
STEP 3:
Select whether
you wish to take out
travel insurance
A total package
price is displayed
Complete credit card
details to make payment
STEP 5:
Confirmation of your
payment and an itinerary
will be displayed. That’s
it – all done!
GIVE US A CALL
Booking is even easier with our
Reservations Call Centre
It’s now simpler than ever to book your
LIAT flight. In 2019 our Reservations
Call Centre went through several
technological upgrades to ensure
easier access for calls from across
the region. The Call Centre has also
improved its coaching programme and
staff have undergone several training
programmes to boost their skills. So
your next call to us will be the best,
whether it’s to make a reservation or
get information on your LIAT flight.
January - February 2020 | www.liat.com ZiNG CARIBBEAN | 79
LIAT TRAVEL GUIDE & INFORMATION
WELCOME
ABOARD
Useful information to ensure the
best possible flying experience
CHECK-IN
• ARRIVAL
We recommend that you arrive at the airport to check in
a minimum of two hours prior to your scheduled time of
departure. Check-in closes 45 minutes before departure,
at which point LIAT reserves the right to cancel the
reservations of any passenger who has not yet checked in.
• CONNECTING FLIGHTS
It is the passenger’s responsibility when making
bookings to allow adequate time for baggage collection
and rechecking if connecting to another carrier. We
recommend at least 180 minutes between international
connecting flights.
• DEPARTURE GATES
Once checked in, passengers must present themselves
at the departure gate and be ready to board their flight
no later than 30 minutes prior to departure. Passengers
not in the boarding area by this specified time prior to
scheduled departure are subject to seat cancellation.
DOCUMENTATION
Travelling on the LIAT network is considered international
travel. All customers are required to present proof of
identity, such as a valid government-issued photo ID, and
proof of citizenship, such as a passport, at the LIAT check-in
counter. Passengers must also be in possession of a copy of
their itinerary as proof of their onward or return journey.
BAGGAGE
• LUGGAGE
The free baggage allowance for all LIAT services is a
maximum of one bag weighing 50lbs (23kg) per adult or
child passenger. The maximum overall length is 62 inches
(157cm). LIAT will not accept any baggage item that weighs
more than 70lbs (32kg).
of cabin baggage at a maximum weight of 15lbs (7kg) and
maximum overall dimensions of 21 inches x 14 inches x
8 inches (53 x 35 x 20 cm). These dimensions include
wheels, all pockets and handles.
• FREE BAGGAGE
There are a few select smaller items which LIAT
will allow to be carried onboard in addition to the
allowances above. These include, but are not limited
to, items such as a laptop, lady’s handbag or purse,
overcoat, umbrella, walking stick, cane and camera.
A child’s push-chair is also permitted.
• EXCESS BAGGAGE
Pieces exceeding the above allowance will
be subject to excess baggage charges and
will be accepted on a space available
(standby) basis.
• EMBARGOES
During particularly busy periods LIAT places
additional limitations on checked baggage on
certain routes. System-wide embargo periods are
1 December-15 January and 1 July-10 September.
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
AND PERSONAL DEVICES
All portable electronic
devices must remain off
and properly stowed
during taxi, take-off,
approach and landing until
the plane is at the gate and
the seatbelt sign is turned
off. Your flight attendant
will tell you when you may
use approved portable
electronic devices in-flight.
Devices with transmitting
capabilities (combination
cell phones/PDA devices
or laptop computers
with wireless capabilities)
may only be used if the
transmit capability is
turned off and can be
verified as such by the
flight attendant.
The use of cell phones
(to make or receive calls),
two-way pagers, radios,
TV sets, any remotecontrolled
equipment
(DVD, CD, games or
toy remote controls), a
cordless computer mouse,
commercial TV cameras or
Global Positioning Systems
is prohibited during flight.
Radio transmission using
personal communications
and navigation systems
(walkie-talkies, twoway
pagers, or wireless
headphones) is prohibited,
as it may interfere
with the aircraft’s
communication and
navigation systems.
Devices that could cause
damage to equipment
or that may diminish
the design, function or
capability of the aircraft
may be prohibited.
You may use audio and
video devices only with
the headset.
Use of still and video
cameras, film or digital,
is permitted only for
recording personal events.
Photography or video
recording of the airline
personnel, equipment
or procedures is strictly
prohibited.
• HAND BAGGAGE
Space in the overhead lockers on the aircraft is limited so,
for comfort and safety, customers are allowed one piece
FOR SCHEDULES, SPECIAL OFFERS, DEALS OR
TO MAKE RESERVATIONS, VISIT LIAT.COM
80 | ZiNG CARIBBEAN www.liat.com | January - February 2020
• PACKING
Lock and label your baggage inside and out. Do not pack
any prohibited materials and never accept a package from
someone you do not know. Ensure bags are secure and in
good condition. For full information please refer to our
Baggage Acceptance Policy on liat.com.
SECURITY
Your checked and carry-on baggage may be subject
to security screening. There are some items that are
prohibited in carry-on baggage and some items which
are prohibited in checked baggage. Generally you are
prohibited from carrying dangerous goods, restricted
items such as flammable liquids, compressed gases,
corrosive, magnetised or radioactive materials, toxic
and infectious substances and sharp or other dangerous
objects. To avoid delays during the passenger screening
process, we recommend that you place items such as
jewellery, keys, cell phones etc. in your carry-on baggage.
BOOKING AMENDMENTS
LIAT now offers five fares, ranging from great-value Web
Saver fares to Fully Flexible fares. Changes may be made
to reservations before the scheduled departure time of
an intended flight, depending on the fare chosen; fees for
cancellations or making changes also vary according to
fare. Changes can be made online or by contacting LIAT at
reservations@liat.com or by calling 1-888-844-5428.
INFANTS/CHILDREN/MINORS
One infant over seven days old and under 24 months not
occupying a seat is carried at a fee of US$20 per segment
when included in the booking of the accompanying adult
passenger. Accompanying children aged two to 11 will be
charged the applicable child fare for the flight.
• UNACCOMPANIED MINORS
LIAT’s Unaccompanied Minor (UM) Policy caters primarily
for children from five to 11. Parents wishing for a young
person (YP) of 12 to 15 years to travel with supervision will
be allowed to do so as per UM policy. An unaccompanied
minor will be charged the applicable child fare for the
flight in addition to a service fee of US$50 per segment.
For full terms of acceptance, view our Unaccompanied
Minor Policy at liat.com.
PETS
Pets include dogs, cats and domestic birds. LIAT will
accept pets for carriage in the aircraft checked baggage
compartment only. Prior notice of at least 24 hours must
be given. Transportation of pets requires import/export
licences and veterinary clearances.
FLY
HEALTHY
Follow our top 12 tips
to help you reach your
destination feeling fresh,
healthy and relaxed
1 HYDRATE
The low cabin humidity in planes
can cause dry eyes, nose and throat,
especially on longer journeys. Drink
plenty of water and fruit juice and
keep alcohol, tea and coffee to
a minimum as these can lead to
dehydration. Apply skin moisturiser
and lip balm and, if possible, remove
contact lenses.
2 BE RESTED
Get a good night’s sleep before you
travel, eat a light meal – nothing too
heavy or rich – and do some gentle
exercise(s) before leaving.
3 DRESS COMFORTABLY
Wear cool, loose-fitting clothing and
shoes that are not too restrictive.
4 UNDER PRESSURE?
If your ears feel blocked during
take-off and landing, ease the
pressure by yawning, swallowing,
or by sucking a sweet.
5 KEEP MOVING!
Keep your circulation going by
repeating some of our recommended
exercises at regular intervals.
6 KEEP IT HANDY
Pack essentials in your carry-on bag
for quick, easy access. Don’t forget
medication, your glasses or contact
lens case, and a toothbrush and some
wet wipes to keep you fresh and to
clean up any spills! For clarity as to
what can be carried on board, see the
information to the left.
7 EAT PROPERLY
Eat a light, well-balanced meal before
you travel, avoiding excessive salt,
sugar and dairy products. Try to steer
clear of fizzy drinks and gaseous food.
Eating and drinking in excess (except
water!) or consuming the wrong type
of food can lead to indigestion and
uncomfortable bloating.
8 STAY FOCUSED
If you are prone to motion sickness
during take-off, landing or in the
event of turbulence, try to focus on
a fixed object. Some people also
believe that applying pressure to your
earlobes can reduce nausea.
9 BREATHE EASY
The sinuses are air-filled cavities
located around the nose. As the
aircraft climbs, the air expands and
escapes through a tube leading into
the nose. If any sinus is blocked, the
air will be trapped and will press on
the surrounding tissues as it expands.
To ease sinus pressure, try an inhalant
such as Karvol which contains menthol
and the essential oils of the thyme
plant. This should be sprinkled over a
pillow or handkerchief, and then held
close to your nose while you breathe
in deeply. Aromatherapy oils such as
peppermint or eucalyptus will also
help clear congestion and can be used
in the same way.
January - February 2020 | www.liat.com
ZiNG CARIBBEAN | 81
LIAT TRAVEL GUIDE & INFORMATION
10 TRAVELLING WITH INFANTS?
Feed your baby during take-off and
landing to reduce discomfort caused
by changes in cabin pressure. Ask flight
attendants for any help you require.
11 INSIDER KNOWLEDGE
Abdominal pain during flight is often
caused by the expansion of gas in the
stomach or intestines. To lessen the
chances of stomach pain, don’t consume
too many gas-inducing foods before
flying, such as peas, beans and cauliflower,
and avoid too many carbonated drinks.
Chewing gum can also cause discomfort
EASY
EXERCISES
Keep your circulation going
with these in-seat exercises:
as it makes you swallow air. Whatever you
consume, try to eat and drink slowly.
12 BOOST YOUR IMMUNE
SYSTEM
A study in the Journal of Environmental
Health Research says you may be 100
times more likely to catch a cold on a
plane than in normal life. To reduce the
risk of picking something up, wash your
hands often, don’t smoke (as this irritates
the airways, increasing the chance of
infection) and pack a lemon in your bag
which you can then squeeze into water
for a vitamin C boost on board.
CONTACT US
RESERVATIONS
1-888-844-LIAT (5428) for customers calling
from most destinations in the Caribbean region
866-549-5428 for customers calling from
Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands
480 5582 for customers calling from Antigua
(268) 480-5601/2 if calling from any other country
Email: reservations@liat.com
SHOULDER
ROTATION
Raise your shoulders up
and rotate back to front.
Repeat several times in
each direction.
FINGER/TOE
STRETCH
Clench fingers inward
towards palms, then
stretch outwards.
Repeat several times
and do the same with
your toes.
ANKLE ROTATION
Lift one foot off the
floor, keeping your leg
stationary. Move it in
small circular motions in
each direction. Repeat
with other foot.
FOOT FLEX
With heels on the floor,
lift your toes upward
as far as possible, hold
for several seconds,
then relax and repeat
several times.
HEEL LIFT
Lift one heel as high as
possible while keeping
toes on the floor,
then relax heel to the
floor. Repeat while
alternating right and
left heels.
NECK ROLL
Bring chin to chest,
then slowly rotate
head clockwise several
times. Repeat in the
other direction.
TOP TIP!
DRINK PLENTY
OF WATER
AND FRUIT
JUICE AND KEEP
ALCOHOL, TEA
AND COFFEE
TO A MINIMUM
AS THESE
CAN LEAD TO
DEHYDRATION
BAGGAGE
Tel: (268) 480 5705 for queries in Antigua only
Email: baggage@liat.com. When contacting
us with a baggage enquiry, please have the
following information at hand or in your email,
so we can follow up on your query efficiently:
Name of passenger(s) Nature of problem/
complaint Date of incident, flight
information, island where incident occurred
Amount of expenditure incurred, if any
Mailing address
Please keep receipts for any expenditure, the
passenger receipt from your ticket and the
baggage sticker given to you by the check-in
agent. For full contact details for the baggage
station nearest you, visit liat.com
QUIKPAK
Sending small packages by air? Use our freight
service by contacting: Tel: (268) 480 5733/4/5
FOR A FULL SET OF CONTACT
DETAILS FOR ALL OFFICES IN THE LIAT
ORGANISATION, PLEASE VISIT LIAT.COM
82 | ZiNG CARIBBEAN
www.liat.com | January - February 2020
PUERTO RICO
TORTOLA
ST THOMAS
ST MAARTEN
ST KITTS
ANTIGUA
GUADELOUPE
DOMINICA
COME FLY
WITH US!
Linking so many destinations across the
Caribbean, LIAT makes exploring the
region easy. Hop on and enjoy the ride...
MARTINIQUE
ST LUCIA
ST VINCENT
BARBADOS
FOR SCHEDULES, SPECIAL OFFERS AND
TO MAKE RESERVATIONS, VISIT LIAT.COM
GRENADA
TRINIDAD
bove: Spot cock-of-the-rock in Guyana
Middle: Hike the Pitons, St Lucia
Right: Browse the markets of Martinique
GUYANA
ST LUCIA TOURIST BOARD
January - February 2020 | www.liat.com ZiNG CARIBBEAN | 83
LIAT TRAVEL GUIDE & INFORMATION
DESTINATION
GUIDE
Essential information for when you fly
The diversity of the Caribbean makes it a
wonderful region to explore whatever your
tastes or interests. Across all our destinations
there really is something for everyone, but if the
choice seems almost overwhelming, fear not:
this comprehensive country guide will help you
discover the basics about each of the fantastic
locations LIAT flies to, and we’ll focus on one
particular island in more detail in every issue.
We’d like to show that although the Caribbean
may be known across the globe for its beautiful
beaches, travellers shouldn’t underestimate the
range of opportunities to learn more about
the culture and lifestyle of each destination,
or to indulge in a favourite pastime or passion.
Eating out across the region is a real experience
as well, and festivals or special events can
turn a simple night out into an evening full of
memorable entertainment. Every country has its
own special appeal, and on the following pages
you can read the key facts about each, gain
some insider tips, see what’s new and discover
the key highlights to look out for. Use these
guides and consult the map on the previous
page to help you plan your itinerary.
INFORMATION COURTESY OF THE
CARIBBEAN TOURISM ORGANIZATION
WWW.CARIBBEAN.CO.UK
SCHEDULE WATCH:
KEEP AN EYE ON OUR SCHEDULES TO ALL
DESTINATIONS, AND FIND
INFORMATION ABOUT
NEW ROUTES, BY VISITING
LIAT.COM REGULARLY
ANTIGUA
AND BARBUDA
WHAT’S HOT? Take an
off-road Land Rover Island Safari to
explore local villages SIZE: A 108 sq miles/
B 62 sq miles CURRENCY: EC dollar
POPULATION: 86,295 LANGUAGE: English
MAIN CITY: Antigua: St John’s; Barbuda:
Codrington LOCAL RUM: English Harbour
five-year-old rum DISH OF THE DAY:
Ducana, a savoury mixture of grated
sweet potato, coconut, sugar and spices
INSIDER TIP:
“Kiteboarding in Antigua is a
hidden gem. If I just want to
hang out I love Half Moon
Bay’s natural beauty. My
favourite place to eat is
Papa Zouk’s in St John’s.”
ANDRE PHILLIP,
PRO KITEBOARDER,
BORN IN ANTIGUA
WWW.VISITANTIGUABARBUDA.COM
DOMINICA
WHAT’S
HOT?
Portsmouth
Go whalewatching –
Dominica is the only
country in the world to
have a resident population
of sperm whales
SIZE: 289 sq miles
CURRENCY: EC dollar
Salisbury
POPULATION: 71,293
LANGUAGE: English
MAIN CITY: Roseau LOCAL
BEER: Kubuli DISH OF THE DAY:
Broth, a delicious one-pot meal
including fish, smoked meat or
chicken, ground provisions (often
cassava) and dumplings DESTINATION
HIGHLIGHT: Visit Kalinago Barana
Aute, where you can tour a model
Kalinago village, experience a herbal
medicine garden and see artisans build
canoes and weave baskets.
WWW.DISCOVERDOMINICA.COM
Goat Point
BARBUDA
Codrington
Martello Tower
Deep Bay VC Bird Airport
St John s
Nonsuch Bay
Jolly Harbour All Saints
ANTIGUA
Nelson's Dockyard
Mt Diablotin
Canefield Airport
Roseau
English Harbour
Melville Hall
Airport
Marigot
Rosalie
Morne Trois
Pitons NP
Grand Bay
Scotts Head
84 | ZiNG CARIBBEAN www.liat.com | January - February 2020
BARBADOS
WHAT’S HOT? Grab your swimsuit and chill at one of
the island’s newest beach bars – Sea Shed, La Cabane,
Blue Pineapple or One Eleven East SIZE: 166 sq miles CURRENCY:
Barbadian dollar POPULATION: 275,000 MAIN CITY: Bridgetown
LOCAL BEER: Banks DISH OF THE DAY: Flying fish and cou cou
North Point
Speightstown
Holetown
Bridgetown
Gun Hill
Bathsheba
Grantley
Adams Airport
INSIDER TIP:
“I always love Oistins. Going there
for the fish fry, it’s great –
the live music, grilled fish all
cooked to order, a few rum
cocktails. I think it just really
shows the perfect side of
Barbados and what
it’s all about.”
Ragged Point
TOM AIKENS,
ENGLISH MICHELIN
STAR CHEF, OWNER
OF TOM’S KITCHEN
WWW.VISITBARBADOS.ORG
Elizabeth Bay
Jost Van Dyke
Cane Garden Bay
Terrance B
Road Town Lettsome Airport
Long Bay Sage Mountain
Soper's Hole
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
WHAT’S HOT? Feast on Anegada spiny lobster – curried,
barbecued, grilled, as ceviche or in fritters SIZE: 60 islands
CURRENCY: US dollar POPULATION: 32,800 LANGUAGE: English MAIN
CITY: Road Town LOCAL RUMS: Arundel, Soggy Dollar DISH OF THE
DAY: Fish and fungi DESTINATION HIGHLIGHT: Sailing! BVI is a sailor’s
paradise, with consistent trade winds, clear blue water and sunny days.
CARIBBEAN CHALLENGE: Book a catamaran with your very own captain
onboard or go bareboat. Be spontaneous and have breakfast on Tortola,
lunch on Jost Van Dyke, dinner on Virgin Gorda…the choice is yours!
WWW.BVITOURISM.COM
Peter
Norman
Anegada
Virgin Gorda
Spanish Town
GRENADA
WHAT’S HOT? Snorkel the world’s
first Underwater Sculpture Park
SIZE: 133 sq miles CURRENCY: EC dollar
POPULATION: 109,000 LANGUAGE: English
MAIN CITY: St George’s LOCAL BEER: Carib
DISH OF THE DAY: Oil down – a one-pot
dish of breadfruit, dumplings,
RONDE
salted meat and vegetables
stewed in coconut milk
Concord
Maurice
Bishop
Airport
St George s
Sauteurs
ictoria
Paradise
Grand Etang Lake
La Sagesse
Nature
Reserve
CARRIACOU
PETIT MARTINIQUE
INSIDER TIP:
“Take a few lungfuls of air:
you can smell the spices
in the breeze. Stop at the
Spice Market in St George’s
then walk along the
Carenage waterfront before
a seafood lunch. Drive into
the rainforest and walk to a
waterfall, then head to the
beach for sunset.”
JOHNSON BEHARRY VC
WWW.PUREGRENADA.COM
Deshaies
BASSE-
TERRE
Port Louis
GRANDE-
TERRE
La Soufriere Volcano
Marigot
Basse Terre
LES
SAINTES
GUADELOUPE ISLANDS
WHAT’S HOT? Explore the fascinating Mémorial ACTe,
a cultural centre dedicated to the memory and history
of the slave trade in the Caribbean SIZE: 660 sq miles CURRENCY:
Euro POPULATION: 451,000 LANGUAGE: French, English and Creole
are widely spoken MAIN CITY: Basse-Terre LOCAL BEER: Gwada Gold
DISH OF THE DAY: Queen conch fricassee DESTINATION
HIGHLIGHT: Climb La Soufrière volcano, highest peak in the Lesser
Antilles, and hike in Guadeloupe National Park, stopping at
La Cascade aux Écrevisses for a refreshing splash.
WWW.LESILESDEGUADELOUPE.COM
Le Raizet Airport
Pointe-a-Pitre
MARIE-
GALANTE
Saint Francois
LA DÉSIRADE
January - February 2020 | www.liat.com
ZiNG CARIBBEAN | 85
LIAT TRAVEL GUIDE & INFORMATION
GUYANA
WHAT’S HOT? Sustainable tourism – many lodges
and communities embrace low-carbon lifestyles
SIZE: 83,850 sq miles
CURRENCY: Guyanese dollar
POPULATION: 741,908
LANGUAGE: English, Arawak,
Carib and Guyanese Creole
MAIN CITY: Georgetown
LOCAL BEER: Banks
DISH OF THE DAY:
Cookup rice (rice and
peas boiled in coconut
milk with meat)
INSIDER TIP: “It was truly one of the most
beautiful things I’ve ever done. It really
makes you understand how much you
do not need on a daily basis.”
CHANNING TATUM, AMERICAN ACTOR,
AFTER TAKING A 16-DAY BUSHMASTERS
RIVER TRIP IN GUYANA
WWW.GUYANA-TOURISM.COM
Mabaruma
Cheddi Jagan Airport
Lethem
Kaieteur Falls
Georgetown
New
Amsterdam
Linden
Rupununi Savannah
Grand Riviere
MARTINIQUE Saint Pierre
WHAT’S HOT?
Culinary workshops
are available for
guests who would like
to discover the most
authentic dishes with Ma
Fort-de-France
Cuisine Créole. SIZE: 1100 sq miles
CURRENCY: Euro POPULATION:
403,000 LANGUAGE: French
MAIN CITY: Fort-de-France
Grand Anse
LOCAL BEER: Lorraine
DISH OF THE DAY: Colombo
of chicken with white rice
DESTINATION HIGHLIGHT: Follow La Route du Rhum (the
Rum Route), a trip through the history of sugar cane and
rum. Martinique has 11 distilleries, seven still in operation. All
Martinique rums have the AOC label, the world’s only rums
to have been awarded the prestigious French accolade.
WWW.MARTINIQUETOURISME.COM
Basse-Pointe
Marigot
Sainte-Marie
Aime Cesaire Airport
Vauclin
Marin
Point des
Salines
ST LUCIA
WHAT’S HOT?
Roam the Tet Paul Nature
Trail, which combines culture, history,
horticulture and spectacular landscapes
SIZE: 238 sq miles CURRENCY: EC dollar
and US dollar POPULATION: 171,000
LANGUAGE: English MAIN CITY:
Castries LOCAL BEER: Piton Beer
DISH OF THE DAY: Green
fig and saltfish DESTINATION
HIGHLIGHT: Board a
catamaran, taking in the
beautiful west coast en
route to the island’s
south – home to the
Pitons, and to a chocolate
hotel and plantation.
Then visit one of the
world’s only drive-in
volcanoes and dip in
healing mud baths.
WWW.STLUCIA.ORG
Soufriere
Petit Piton
Gros Piton
Pigeon Point
Rodney Bay
George FL Charles Airport
Castries
Marigot Bay
Mt Gimie
Laborie
Grand Riviere
Praslin
Maria Islands
Nature Reserve
Grande Anse
ST VINCENT &
THE GRENADINES
WHAT’S HOT?
With steel pan, soca and a carnival
queen, Vincy Mas (June-July)
is one of the hottest carnivals
Layou
in the Caribbean!
Kingstown
SIZE: 133 sq miles
CURRENCY: EC dollar
POPULATION: 109,022
LANGUAGE: English
MAIN CITY: Kingstown
LOCAL BEER: Hairoun
DISH OF THE DAY:
Jackfish and breadfruit
CARIBBEAN CHALLENGE: Take the
tiny ferry to Young Island to relax on
this private outcrop. Then catch the
ferry to Bequia to explore its unspoilt
charm. Next, hail a fishing boat to visit
Mustique before finishing up on cool
Canouan – phew!
WWW.DISCOVERSVG.COM
CANOUAN
Fancy
Chateaubelair
ST VINCENT
La Soufriere
Georgetown
Biabou
Mesopotamia
Argyle Airport
BEQUIA
MUSTIQUE
TOBAGO CAYS
UNION ISLAND
86 | ZiNG CARIBBEAN
www.liat.com | January - February 2020
Rincon
Arecibo
San German
Ponce
Bosque Estatal de Guanica
WWW.SEEPUERTORICO.COM
San Juan
Luis Munoz Marin Airport
Caguas
Patillas
PUERTO RICO
WHAT’S HOT? Visit the Toro Verde Adventure Park and
conquer ‘The Beast’, one of the longest and highest
ziplines in the world SIZE: 3435 sq miles CURRENCY: US dollar
POPULATION: 3.9 million LANGUAGE: Spanish and English
MAIN CITY: San Juan LOCAL BEER: Medalla DISH OF THE DAY:
Mofongo (mashed plantains with seafood, meat or vegetables)
INSIDER TIP:
“A walking tour of Old San Juan is a must-do. With its distinctive blue
cobbled streets, Spanish-influenced open plazas and small boutiques,
Old San Juan is the perfect place for an afternoon stroll.”
CAROL SMITH, CO-OPERATIVE PERSONAL TRAVEL ADVISOR
El Yunque
VIEQUES
CULEBRA
SINT MAARTEN / ST MARTIN
WHAT’S HOT? Flyboarding: water-jet-powered flying
above the waves! SIZE: 37 sq miles CURRENCY: Euro/
US dollar/guilder/florin POPULATION: 70,000 MAIN CITY:
Philipsburg LANGUAGE: English, French, Dutch DISH OF THE DAY:
Conch and dumplings CARIBBEAN CHALLENGE: Stop by the
botanical garden where the Rastafarian community grow fruit,
vegetables and medicinal plants, or
shop till you drop, enjoying duty-free
prices on a range of items from
perfumes to jewellery and
clothing to electronics.
TERRES
BASSES
Maho Bay
Marigot
Princess Juliana
Airport
Simpson Bay
WWW.STMARTINISLAND.ORG
WWW.VACATIONSTMAARTEN.COM
Grand Case
ST MARTIN
Paradise Peak
SINT MAARTEN
Orleans
Philipsburg
Orient Beach
Guana Bay
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
WHAT’S HOT? Stand-up paddleboard with
bioluminescence – magical! See www.standuppaddle
tobago.com SIZE: Trinidad 1850 sq miles; Tobago 182 sq miles
CURRENCY: TT dollar POPULATION: 1.5 million LANGUAGE:
English MAIN CITY: Trinidad: Port of Spain; Tobago: Scarborough
LOCAL BEER: Carib DISH OF THE DAY: Hot roti – a delicious
curry-filled pasty
INSIDER TIP:
“Check out one of the
many pan yards around
Port of Spain where
locals practise.
These often
turn into night spots
where fans can have a
drink and listen to music.”
RUDOLPH WALKER OBE,
EASTENDERS ACTOR
WWW.GOTRINIDAD
ANDTOBAGO.COM
Maracas Bay
Port of Spain
Piarco Airport
San Fernando
Pitch Lake
Siparia
Chaguanas
TRINIDAD
Moruga
TOBAGO
Scarborough
Toco
Matura
Sangre Grande
Manzanilla
Beach
Rio Claro
Cyril E King Airport
USVI: ST THOMAS
WHAT’S HOT? Flipper yourself along the 250m-long
underwater snorkel trail at Trunk Bay – it’s great
for beginners, with plaques providing information about the
marine life along the trail SIZE: 32 sq miles CURRENCY: US
dollar POPULATION: 51,600 LANGUAGE: English MAIN CITY:
Charlotte Amalie LOCAL RUM: Cruzan DISH OF THE DAY: Callaloo
DESTINATION HIGHLIGHT: The iconic, white-sand Magens Bay is
an ideal retreat for watersports or simply relaxing. Try standup
paddleboarding, rent a kayak, explore the coconut grove or
zipline through the nearby treetops for great views over the
beautiful bay.
WWW.VISITUSVI.COM
Magens Bay
Charlotte Amalie
Ferry Dock
January - February 2020 | www.liat.com
ZiNG CARIBBEAN |
87
LIAT TRAVEL GUIDE & INFORMATION
St Pauls
F CUS ON…
ST KITTS
St Kitts is the
quintessential
Caribbean. On this
intoxicating island you’ll find
ecological wonders, genuine
hospitality, beautiful and
uncrowded shores, active
adventures and a rich cultural
heritage. If you’re looking for
a slice of laid-back paradise,
you’ve got it: spend days
swimming in
turquoise waters
and relaxing in
characterful
beach bars. But
you can also
delve deep into
the history of the
island, visiting centuriesold
forts and staying at
elegant plantation houses.
Much of St Kitts’ dramatic
interior is cloaked in verdant
rainforest, offering fantastic
opportunities for hiking
up volcanoes, exploring by
quadbike or on horseback,
or skimming the treetops
on a zipline. The coastline
is a dream, too. The water is
dazzling, the beaches never
feel too busy and there’s
a near-endless menu of
watersports. Try flyboarding,
kiteboarding, wakeboarding
and paddleboarding, or go
BOOK
NOW!
25-27 JUNE 2020
24TH ANNUAL
ST KITTS MUSIC
FESTIVAL
STKITTSMUSIC
FESTIVAL.COM
Mt Liamuiga
Brimstone Hill
Tabernacle
Old Road Town
Robert L Bradshaw Airport
snorkelling or diving on the
colourful reefs. There are superb
sailing options, too, from sunset
cruises to whalewatching trips.
History buffs can learn all
about St Kitts’ fascinating past.
A visit to the well-preserved
remains of Brimstone Hill
Fortress is a must, as is a
ride on the doubledecker
carriages of
the old sugar train.
Indeed, there are
remnants of the
island’s sugary past
dotted across the
hillsides – watch for
abandoned chimneys poking
out amid the tropical flora.
St Kitts is an island that caters
to all sorts of travellers. But
whether you’re dancing away at
Carnival, drinking champagne at
Ottley’s Plantation or enjoying
the lime at Mr X’s Shiggidy Shack
Beach Bar, you’ll be bowled
over by this warm, welcoming,
wonderful island.
WWW.STKITTSTOURISM.KN
LIAT flies direct to St Kitts
from Antigua and St Maarten,
with connections from other
destinations in the region
Conaree Beach
Basseterre
South Friar’s Bay
Southeast
Peninsula
The
Narrows
TOP 5
HIGHLIGHTS
1Ride the Caribbean’s last sugar train
The St Kitts Scenic Railway chugs through the
island’s sweet history and spectacular landscapes.
2Explore the Eco-Park Learn all about the local
plants and take in the lush island views.
3Hike to the top of Mount Liamuiga
This dormant volcano is the highest point on the
island – follow trails leading up to the crater.
4Visit Brimstone
Hill Fortress This
UNESCO-listed site dates
back to the 17th century
and gives a great insight
into Kittitian history.
5Hop over to Nevis
St Kitts’ sister isle is just
a short ferry ride away!
Top: Ride the St Kitts Scenic Railway
through lush landscapes
Above: Explore the highlands –
including mighty Mt Liamuiga
Right: Discover the island’s history at
Brimstone Hill Fortress, and modern St
Kitts in settlements across the island
FACTFILE
MAIN CITY: BASSETERRE AIRPORT: ROBERT L BRADSHAW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (SKB),
FORMERLY GOLDEN ROCK SIZE: 69 SQ MILES LANGUAGE: ENGLISH CURRENCY: EAST
CARIBBEAN DOLLAR POPULATION: 34,785 LOCAL BEER: CARIB DISH OF THE DAY: STEWED
SALTFISH WITH SPICY PLANTAINS, COCONUT DUMPLINGS AND SEASONED BREADFRUIT
88 | ZiNG CARIBBEAN www.l
+1 (473) 444-4371
www.radisson.com/grenada
Located on Grand Anse Beach
Free high-speed Internet
Conference Centre
January - February 2020 | www.liat.com
ZiNG CARIBBEAN | 89
ZING LITE
Want to give your brain a quick workout? Try
our selection of puzzles to test your mastery of
numbers and words. The solutions are on page 94…
WORD
SEARCH
Find the following
words, hidden in
either horizontal,
vertical or
diagonal lines:
BOUTIQUE
CAMPING
CANVAS
COUTURE
CRAB
CREATIVE
DOMINICA
FAMILY
FLOATING
HABANERO
HEALTHY
MONOCHROME
PLANTATION
PORTRAIT
REEF
RUFFLE
SANTA
SPONTANEOUS
VIBES
WATERFALL
D L B H A B A N E R O V G V S
M W V E B A R C A B S R N F I
F G N I P M A C A F S Y I R R
S G M O N O C H R O M E T W E
A U R U F F L E A S U I A B P
I B O U T I Q U E D B T O R O
I I S E Z S U F O J E A L Z R
T Y E V N B U M R R I R F C T
E H D F S A I A F Z R S A S R
R T P L A N T A T I O N Q A A
U L V F I M L N S R V U M N I
T A A C E L I L O A A L E T T
U E A T O E U L S P U O A A O
O H R T E Q R T Y L S E B I V
C P E V I T A E R C T T X Z F
SUDOKU
Fill in the game board so that the numbers 1 to
9 appear exactly once in each column, row and
3x3 box. The numbers can appear in any order
and diagonals are not considered.
PUZZLE 1
4 6 1 5
9 1
7 4 9
5 3 6 8
1
2 4 3 5
4 5 8
3 4
3 7 2 1
PUZZLE 2
8 7
3 6 1 8
6 3 2
7 9
1 4
8 1
4 3 5
1 6 9 2
9 8
KRISS KROSS
Fit the words in the list
below into the correct
positions on the grid:
3 LETTERS
ART
ASH
SEA
TEA
TWO
YOU
4 LETTERS
BOTH
HAIR
HALF
MYTH
SLOT
TYPE
5 LETTERS
ELECT
HARSH
HEAVY
LASER
TITLE
TOUCH
UNTIL
YOUTH
7 LETTERS
ANYBODY
IMPROVE
FOR
ANSWERS
SEE PAGE
94
WORKED
ON THE
PUZZLES?
PLEASE TAKE
THE MAGAZINE
HOME WITH YOU
IT WILL GET
REPLACED WITH
A FRESH COPY
90 | ZiNG CARIBBEAN
LOMBOK STRAIT
BALTIC KLIPPER
ATLANTIC KLI PER
LUZON STRAIT
Antigua (St John’s) – Barbados (Bridgetown)
Dominica (Roseau) – Dominican Republic (Manzanillo)
Grenada (St Georges) – St Kitts (Basseterre)
St Lucia (Castries) – St Vincent (Kingstown)
ZING KIDS
ENJOYED
THESE PAGES?
TAKE THIS
MAGAZINE HOME &
SHARE WITH YOUR
FRIENDS
Well, shiver me timbers! Let’s start the new
year with some pirate-flavoured fun!
What is a pirate? Today, many of us
associate them with times long past,
wearing eyepatches and wielding
cutlasses, with parrots on their shoulders.
They were rough and mean and obsessed
with treasure chests spilling over with stolen
booty. The main era of piracy in the Caribbean
occurred between around 1650 and 1720.
During this period there was a lot of trade in
the area, which meant lots of ships carrying
valuable cargo – and lots of pirates trying to
steal it. However, piracy still happens around
the world today: modern-day pirates prowl
international waters, making it harder to
bring them to justice.
JUST FOR
LAAAAAAARRRGHS
How much does it cost for a pirate to get
his ears pierced? A buck-an-ear!
Why can’t pirates learn the alphabet?
Because they can spend years at ‘C’!
Why did the pirate buy an eye patch?
Because he couldn’t afford an iPad!
What do you call a pirate with three eyes?
Piiirate!
92 | ZiNG CARIBBEAN
www.liat.com | January - February 2020
Pieces of eight! 8 fun pirate facts
01
Can you find all the words in our grid? Remember to look
up, down, across and diagonally!
AHOY | BOUNTY | CAPTAIN | CREW
FLAG | JOLLY ROGER | OCEAN | PARROT
SEA DOG | SHIPWRECK |
J O H F Y U A C Y R
02
06 t
Y O L U E T A R O L
E A L O R P N R H P
G A V L T I Q U A N
R O K A Y J R P O V
03
o
07 i
S H I P W R E C K B
E N W E R C O J Q I
0
08
T O R R A P L G A I
S E A D O G T Z E Z
P L I N A E C O A R
05 O f
Mast maths
+28=
÷2=
+17=
End
Can you divide,
subtract, multiply
and add to find the
final number at the
end of this sum?
Write the figures in
the circles as you
go along to help
you work out the
answer...
Solve the clues to complete our word puzzle!
Solutions to puzzles on page 94
÷8=
-6=
=2x
Start
11
ACROSS
1 Riches that
pirates want to
get hold of (8)
6 Manages (5)
7 Assesses
performance (5)
8 Periodic
movement
of the sea (4)
10 Mammal related
to the llama (6)
12 Permits (6)
14 Smudge (4)
17 Small seat (5)
18 Tiny mammal
resembling
a mouse (5)
19 What a pirate
typically wears
over part of their
face (8)
DOWN
2 Swift (5)
3 Too; in addition (4)
4 Open out or
unfurl (6)
5 Additional (5)
6 Curved sword
associated with
pirates of old (7)
8 Jack ___ : main
character in Pirates
of the Caribbean
films (7)
11 Ten plus two (6)
13 Not tight (5)
15 Word or words
in a song (5)
16 One of the
continents (4)
January - February 2020 | www.liat.com
ZiNG CARIBBEAN | 93
Advertisers
INDEX
When contacting our advertisers,
please tell them you saw their
advertisement in ZiNG Caribbean
Angostura Bitters 59
Antigua Sailing Week 4
Barbados Tourism
Inside Back
Captain Bligh/St Vincent Distillers 31
Caribbean Alliance 1
Caribbean Line 2-3
CS Global Partners
Outside Back
Daco Worldwide 33
Delta Petroleum 21
Discover Dominica Authority 6-7
Fortress Fund Managers 17
Geest Line 91
Grenada Tourism 10
Jada Group 19
LIAT 89 & 95
Princess Hotel and Casinos Intl. Inside Front
Radisson Grenada Beach Resort 89
Radisson Trinidad 71
Republic Bank 51
Rubis 31
St Kitts Music Festival 15
Sol Petroleum 23
Solar Dynamics 71
Southern Medical Clinic 19
Structural Systems 23
SOLUTION TO SUDOKU PUZZLE 1 PAGE 90
4 6 1 8 5 9 3 7 2
9 2 5 6 7 3 1 4 8
3 8 7 1 2 4 9 5 6
5 3 2 9 6 8 4 1 7
7 4 6 3 1 5 2 8 9
1 9 8 2 4 7 6 3 5
2 7 4 5 9 1 8 6 3
6 1 3 7 8 2 5 9 4
8 5 9 4 3 6 7 2 1
SOLUTION TO WORD SEARCH PAGE 90
SOLUTION TO
MAST MATHS
PAGE 93
+28=
30
÷8=
2
16
÷2=
15
-6=
+17=
22
32
End
=2x
Start
11
SOLUTION TO SUDOKU PUZZLE 2 PAGE 90
2 1 4 5 9 8 3 6 7
3 5 9 6 7 4 1 2 8
6 8 7 3 2 1 5 4 9
7 2 3 4 1 5 9 8 6
5 9 1 2 8 6 4 7 3
4 6 8 9 3 7 2 5 1
8 7 2 1 4 3 6 9 5
1 4 6 7 5 9 8 3 2
9 3 5 8 6 2 7 1 4
SOLUTION TO KRISS KROSS PAGE 90
T E A H E A V Y
O R A N O
U N T I L Y O U
C F B T
H A I R B O T H
M
D
T Y P E M Y T H
I R S A
T W O L A S E R
L V O E S
E L E C T A S H
ANSWERS
…to the puzzles on pages 90 and 93
SOLUTION TO WORD SEARCH PAGE 93 SOLUTION TO OUR CROSSWORD PAGE 93
PUT SOME
ZiNG IN YOUR
MARKETING
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LIAT’s readers, contact
lara@zingmag.net
J O H F Y U A C Y R
Y O L U E T A R O L
E A L O R P N R H P
G A V L T I Q U A N
R O K A Y J R P O V
S H I P W R E C K B
E N W E R C O J Q I
T O R R A P L G A I
S E A D O G T Z E Z
P L I N A E C O A R
94 | ZiNG CARIBBEAN www.liat.com | January - February 2020
LIFESTYLE: JAMES FULLER
Iremember the first time I met Elsie, who was on her
doorstep, as she greeted a naïve English lad fresh from
the airport many years ago. “Welcome Jayyyymes, I’m
Elsie Gopaul. Welcome to my home and to Trinidad.
I hope you’ll be very happy here.”
‘A character’ is how many describe her. I’ve been writing
this column for the better part of ten years and, as this will
be my last, it feels appropriate to write about someone who
became a big part of my love for the Caribbean. We should
all take time to celebrate the characters in our lives – those
special, ordinary people who
make life and its passing more
meaningful and enjoyable. So
Elsie, this one’s for you.
It became apparent to me
The
early on that dance, mango and
family were central to my future
mother-in-law’s life, even if her
GOOD
love affair with dance wasn’t
immediately reciprocated.
At the Christmas prize-giving
following one formative year
PEOPLE
of dance, she was awarded the
ambiguously titled trophy of
‘Most Persistent’.
in life
Widowed at an early age and
left with four daughters to raise,
Elsie had suffered misfortunes,
but still her default was fun. You
weren’t long into a chat with
Elsie before you were laughing
at one of life’s absurdities.
“Oh my gosh Jaymes,
Living
I remember ah nex’ story
from when I was small,” Elsie lif
recounted as we sat on her
porch. “I remember this one
time when my father had
bought a cattle. It was raining and I had to go move it
from one spot to the nex’. As I untie the rope, the cattle
started to pull and run. Well, my foot get tangle up in de
rope, and it drag meeee.” Elsie turned to me with a look
of utter horror, hand to mouth. “Oh how it drag meeee
Jayyyymmmmes, on my bottom, 30, 40 feet or more.
And the place tick wid all kinda twigs and scrub...”
One of her happiest places was the garden. Every
morning she would rise before dawn and be picking,
plucking, sowing and hoeing by daybreak, singing as she
went. Her mango trees were a source of near obsessive
pleasure. Like a mother hears her baby’s cry above all else,
so Elsie could discern the thud of a fallen Julie from any
other noise. In the midst of an in-depth phone call about
a ‘neighbour daughter problem husband’, her ear would
twitch, her head turn, and in a blur she would be gone,
leaving conversations hanging and callers talking to thin
air. Time was of the essence, because birds coveted mango
nearl uch as she did.
As newlyweds, my wife and
I lived briefly with Elsie. One
day, she married a conversation
about how it was time we
got our own place with a
demonstration of how to split
a coconut with a long-handled
axe. She talked me through the
splitting process as she threw
the axe blade high and brought
it down on the coconut resting
on the path: “Thwack.”
Dressed in her housedress,
this diminutive woman was
a vision quite at odds with
the lumberjack strength she
displayed. The axe was nearly
as big as her, but the speed and
unerring accuracy with which
she delivered chop after savage
chop convinced me that it
was indeed time to check the
rental ads.
I have a picture that shows
Elsie and me on the porch at
her brother’s house. I’m clearly
struggling to make a point, a
smile breaking out on my face;
Elsie is already mid-laugh – that wonderful, scandalous
laugh. I have no idea what we were discussing – it scarcely
matters – but it’s how I will remember her always, because
I recently received a phone call bearing bad news.
“Elsie pass,” said my cousin. Two words that marked
the end of a life that, for me, represented a substantial
part of what I held dear about the Caribbean. She
was dancing just three weeks before the end, ‘most
persistently’ I like to think. ●
“WE SHOULD ALL TAKE TIME TO CELEBRATE THE CHARACTERS IN OUR LIVES – THOSE SPECIAL,
ORDINARY PEOPLE THAT MAKE LIFE AND ITS PASSING MORE MEANINGFUL AND ENJOYABLE”
96 | ZiNG CARIBBEAN www.liat.com | January - February 2020