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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

PLEASE TAKE THIS

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:

Commercial Department, Top Floor, Chelsea House,

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

To promote your company to

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


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