Guinell Ollivierre-Hazell is a native of Paget Farm, Bequia located in the Grenadines. Being fascinated by nature; sunsets, beautiful flora and fauna and birds from an early age, Guinell grew fond of photography which is no wonder that she spends most of her pastime going to the beach, taking photos and being adventurous.
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ECCO MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: BOMANI
5 Aug
Written by Christine “Chrycee” Charlemagne from Saint Lucia
It all but consumed him. Day and night, sweet melodies replayed in his head. Over and over. Everything he saw, touched, felt and heard, evoked within him the need to craft his thoughts and feelings into beautiful lyrical masterpieces. His fingers twitched to get it all out on paper. His lips buzzed to sing out loud the songs which radiated from his heart. As his need to create sweet music grew—to a point where it seemed to become even more important than the job he then held, and everything else in his life for that matter!—it became undoubtedly clear to Bomani that music was his true calling.
The Saint Vincent & the Grenadines born songwriter, performer and recording artiste describes himself an optimist and an adventurer who loves life and music to no end. He recalls this his love-affair with music began during his secondary school days, songwriting and singing. Upon his graduation he made a concerted effort to become aligned with musicians, composers and other songwriters in his home island.
Bomani describes his music and sound as “an eclectic Afro Caribbean Calypso/Ragga Soca blend with hints of broader music styles” which have influenced him on his journey. Truly his music reflects the essence of what it’s like to be a Caribbean native.
He draws his inspiration from the wonderful world around him—the universe, God, his environment, friends, family, the stranger he unexpectedly runs into, and even his dreams. Through his music he seeks to share a message of love and happiness for and among people.
Among his numerous music experiences to date, the Vincentian artiste says one of his most amazing moments centered around the release of his very first Album, “Deep” and the subsequent international tour. “Deep,” featured several of his earlier hits which led him to perform the world over. He adds his capturing of the St Vincent & the Grenadines 2004 Road March title and the OECS Soca Monarch title in St Lucia in 2005 as highly memorable accomplishments. A number of Bomani’s songs have also been signed to giant Caribbean music label, VP Records.
He credits his successes to date to his dedication and willingness to work hard, a formidable team and support system and an ability to remain focused on music creation and promotion even in difficult times. And there certainly have been difficult times. As a professional artiste, Bomani notes that one of his biggest challenges in establishing his music career has been a struggle for adequate radio airplay throughout the year in St Vincent. This shortfall, he says, makes it difficult for the general public to become familiar with new material. Related to his challenge is lack of performance platforms for sustainable growth and development.
Yet Bomani and his team refuse to be limited by those challenges; so they are constantly seeking alternative means of music promotion and networking, while exploring performance opportunities regionally and internationally.
With his determined spirit, soulful voice and infectious melodies we have absolutely no doubt that Bomani will achieve his ultimate goal; his music transcending time and generations, touching people across the world; inspiring aspiring artistes as those before him inspired him.
In fact if you listen to his music releases from over the years it’ll become evident to you that he’s already achieving his mission.
BOMANI Bites
ECCO: When you’re not doing music, what are you doing?
Bomani: When I’m not doing music you can find me chillin’ with friends and family at home, watching movies, or at the beach, or at any of several of the hangout spots in SVG having a few drinks and eating great food.
ECCO: What are your passions besides music?
Bomani: Visual arts, helping with the development of young people and cricket.
ECCO: What makes you laugh?
Bomani: Great stand-up comedy and political and social satire make me laugh and good jokes generally.
ECCO: Name one thing about yourself that most people won’t know
Bomani: Most people probably won’t know that I’m a picky eater.
ECCO: Who are you music mentors? Music influences?
Bomani: There have been several individuals who have mentored me over the years here in SVG, Mr Lennox Bowman, Mr Franklyn Edwards who is also my manager. I’ve had great conversations with legendary Vincentian calypsonians like Winston Soso and Becket that I consider as great council. My musical influences over the years have been wide enough to include artistes from several genres such as Peter Tosh, Berres Hammond, Stevie Wonder, Elton John, Gladys Knights, Whitney Houston, Luthor Vandross, Seal, David Rudder, the original Burning Flames, Krossfyah, Winston Soso and Becket.
Stay connected with Bomani on his Musical Journey! Follow him on Social Media
Facebook ………………. Bomani Charles (www.facebook.com/bomani.charles)
YouTube ……………….. BOMANI SONGS (www.youtube.com/channel/UCT-Fvd0kvluKyVMBi8v0lAg)
Soundcloud …………… BomaniMusic (www.soundcloud.com/BomaniMusic)
Instagram ………………. @bomani_live
Twitter ………………….. @bomani300
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Metro Caribbean Official Website
SAD NEWS AS POPULAR BAND LEADER DIES AFTER COLLAPSING AT GRAND KADOOMENT
2 AugWell known band leader, Rene Ratcliffe of Lucky Horseshoe’s Jump Promotions passed away shortly after parading through the National Stadium this morning.
Ratcliff, 40 years old of Atlantic Shores, Christ Church, collapsed during the jump up and was rushed to QEH by ambulance.
She was pronounced dead on arrival. (More in the CBCNEWS at 7pm)
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Metro Caribbean Official Website
Drake Co-Signed Soca Star Machel Montano Talks Making a Global Impact and Heading to the Big Screen
2 Aug
Whether joining Rihanna to perform “Bitch Better Have My Money” in her native Barbados or appearing in Nicki Minaj’s Trinidad-set “Pound the Alarm” video,Machel Montano is the go-to for providing island-ready assists to pop stars. Continue reading
1932 The First Aircraft To Land In St. Vincent
19 Jul
Michael Cipriani was the first pilot to land an airplane on the island of St.Vincent. Michael flew from Trinidad landed in St. Vincent on the 29th July 1932 and later continued his flight to Barbados.
The de Havilland Moth airplane was piloted by Trinidadian, Michael Cipriani, who, in the early 1930s, had become the first West Indian to use a privately-owned airplane for inter-colonial flight. In 1932, Cipriani advised the local Government of Trinidad that he would be traveling to Barbados, from Trinidad, for a week-end visit by way of Grenada and St. Vincent. Cipriani’s “Humming Bird” as his plane was called, arrived in the island on a pasture on the Diamond Estate, July 29th 1932. During WW2 that pasture was transformed into the Diamond Airport and the original terminal building still stands.
Michael Cipriani
‘Jamaican Interlude’ (c1958) by Karl Parboosingh (1923-1975).
19 Jul
In his lifetime, his simplicity of color and line were considered a breakthrough in vision and composition of the Jamaican genre scene.
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Watch Rihanna Cry While Performing ‘Love The Way You Lie’
23 JunRihanna performs during her “Anti World Tour” at Barclays Center on March 27, 2016 in New York City.
Source: BillBoard
The pop superstar was delivering “Love The Way You Lie,” her 2010 hit with Eminem, when she was overcome with emotion.
Rihanna showed a different side to herself when she burst into tears while performing for fans in Ireland.
The pop superstar was delivering “Love The Way You Lie,” her 2010 hit with Eminem, when she was overcome with emotion.
Calvin Harris’ ‘This Is What You Came For’ Video Feat Rihanna is Here: Watch
The crowd at Dublin’s Aviva Stadium on Tuesday (June 21) roared for the weeping singer, who carried on and didn’t miss a note. RiRi’s Anti World Tour makes its next stop this Friday (June 24) at London’s Wembley Stadium.
Marlon Roudette Set to Perform at Miss Carival 2016!
20 Jun
Vincentian musician, Marlon Roudette, will be the featured artiste to perform at the MISS CARIVAL 2016 pageant for Friday July 1st at Carnival city Victoria Park.
It will be Roudette’s first appearance on stage at Victoria Park, since leaving our shores and becoming an International Super Star.
Roudette who holds dual citizenship as he was born in the UK to a British father and has an OECS citizenship having resided in St. Vincent and the Grenadines with his Trinidadian mother Vonnie Roudette, is known for hits like ‘New Age’, ‘Anti Hero’ and ‘When the beats drop out’.
The British/Vincentian musician who was born on January 5 1983, is a former member of the band Mattafix and a former student of the St. Joseph Convent Marriaqua (SJCM).
His song ‘New Age’, is an international hit, reaching Continue reading
Hollywood actor credits strict Guyanese upbringing for his success – Sean Patrick Thomas.
16 Jun
Source: New Source Energy
(Caribbean Life) Award winning television and screen actor, Sean Patrick Thomas said a disciplined Guyanese upbringing definitely moulded him into the person he is today.
“My family lived in Wilmington, Delaware where we were considered different in our neighborhood because we were the only black people, who were Guyanese,” said Thomas, whose success brought him to the bright lights of Broadway in the role of Asagai in a “Raising in the Sun.”
This is the same play that got Thomas noticed at the University of Virginia, his alma mater where he was encouraged to take up acting by his drama teacher.
“We have a great ensemble cast, and when I walk off the stage after the show, fans come up to me and say I enjoy your character, I relate to the role you play. That makes me feel good that I did my job well,” Thomas said of the role alongside Denzel Washington that ends June 15.
He added, “Fans also say I enjoyed seeing you in the movie – “Save The Last Dance,” or on TV, and I am glad to see you on the Broadway stage.”
“This is very nice to hear,” added the American-born thespian.
“Playing Asagai on Broadway is satisfying for me as an actor,” noted Thomas who no doubt was born for this role in “Raisin in the Sun.” He was nominated for an Image Award in 2009, for Outstanding Actor in a mini series.
Yohan Blake ecstatic to be back in the fast lane after bitter race with injuries
14 JunYoham Blake after his third-place finish in the men’s 100m at the JN Racers Grand Prix at the National Stadium on Saturday night. The race was won by Usain Bolt, with Nickel Ashmeade second.
Source: Jamaica Observer
After missing nearly two full seasons due to injuries, 2011 World Championships 100m gold medallist Yohan Blake is in a hurry to get back in to the fast lane of global men’s sprinting.
Various injuries have restricted the 26-year-old Blake to one major appearance in 2014, where he anchored the men’s 4x100m team to victory at the IAAF World Relays in the Bahamas.
In only his third race of the season on Saturday night, he was third in the mega 100m men’s showdown at the inaugural Racers Grand Prix at the National Stadium, running a season’s best 9.94 seconds, same time as second-placed Nickel Ashmeade.
“I feel really good, God has been really working on me, it’s a season’s best,” he said of the time. “I am feeling really, really great, everything is coming along really well.”
Blake opened the season with a sensational 9.95 seconds at a meet at the National Stadium on April 16, and then ran an easy 10.03 seconds at an Adidas meeting at the Adi Dassler stadium in Herzogenaurach, Germany, on May 14.
“This is my third race for the season and I have been consistent,” he pointed out. Continue reading
Vincy Student Accepted To Harvard Med School
11 JunTiffany and her parents, Cheryl and Sus Minors. Tiffany Minors is pictured at left at her graduation from Harvard College on May 26, 2016.
Source: The Vincentian
With thousands of applicants annually to Harvard Medical School in Cambridge, Massachusetts, a Vincentian student is among an elite group who have been accepted to the prestigious institution, considered to be the top medical school in the world.
Tiffany Minors, 22, who was born in Brooklyn, New York to Cheryl Gibson-Minors, of Dauphine in the Belair/Gomea area, and Sylvanus “Sus” Minors, of Biabou, is one of 150 students to be accepted to Harvard’s medical programme, which she plans to start on Aug. 1.
“I believe I got into Harvard Med for a couple of reasons,” Tiffany told THE VINCENTIAN in an exclusive interview over the weekend. “First and foremost, I believe God has a special plan for my life, so all the glory should go to Him.
Metrocaribbean.com Scholarships
6 Jun
Being the Philanthropist that he is, the founder of Metrocaribbean.com is proud to announce his yearly Text Books Scholarship Assistance. Each year 2 primary school and 2 secondary school students from all the islands in which Metrocaribbean.com operates will be awarded full text books scholarships. The promotion will be done via a contest where entrants may compete for these scholarships.
The first country this will be implemented in will be St. Vincent and the Grenadines where the contest will be held in July 2016 for the upcoming 2016 academic school year. St. Lucia; Grenada; and Dominica Contests will commence from the 2017 academic year. Barbados; Antigua; St. Kitts; Jamaica; and Trinidad & Tobago, will benefit from the contest from the 2018 academic year.
Please note that other assistance may be given to students but will depend on a fund raising program that Metrocaribbean.com will be starting soon. However, this is at work just yet.
Stay tuned for more info.
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Metro Caribbean Official Website
Ziggy Marley talks new album, acting career
5 Jun
Source: Dre1Allianceent
Ziggy Marley is trying to push outside his comfort zone.
The 47-year-old recording artist recently tried his hand at acting — though he admits he’s not a natural on-screen. And he was more involved than ever in the recording process of his self-titled sixth studio album, released last month. Marley worked as an engineer and mixed the album at his house.
The seven-time Grammy winner, Bob Marley’s oldest son, is also getting a bit political this time around — seeding the lyrics of his reggae-pop tunes with references to U.S. politics. Even some of the sunnier songs on the album contain messages that go beyond island fun: Lead single “Weekend’s Long” includes a coded reference to acceptance of homosexuality — significant because of Jamaica’s anti-gay laws.
“Your religion can’t dictate who you love or how you love. I’m sure God will understand mon if you love somebody who the text say you shouldn’t love, you know what I say?” Marley said.
Dr Sanneta Myrie takes on gender inequality – ALL WOMAN
3 Jun
Source: Jamaica Observer
Below is a feature done by the Inter-American Development Bank with Miss Jamaica World Dr Sanneta Myrie to explore a number of development issues.
DR Sanneta Myrie started life with the odds stacked against her. Born to a very young mother, she was adopted by a single father and raised in one of Jamaica’s toughest neighborhoods, the inner-city community of Greenwich Town. Always keeping her humble beginnings in mind, Dr Myrie gives credit to her father for giving her a “second chance in life” to reach for her dreams and make the most out of every opportunity she is given. She excelled in school, went on to complete medical school — all while participating in beauty contests, which gave her an enviable platform as a role model for girls throughout the Caribbean.
Crowned in 2015 as Miss Jamaica World, Dr Myrie uses the platform to advocate for the causes she believes in, including gender equality, access to education and health care. She was recently invited to speak at the headquarters of the Inter-American Development Bank in Washington, DC, where she discussed her philanthropic efforts and shared her perspectives on non-traditional gender and occupational roles in the Caribbean.
In many parts of the world, Continue reading
Kim Collins Runs Personal Best to become fastest man in history over Age 35 years!
30 May
Source: Times Caribbean
Kim Collins demolished a formidable field in Bottrop Germany to once again sprint into the World Sprint History Books. He blazed to a time of 9.93 seconds ahead of his 2nd place competitor 10.15 seconds beating his personal best at 40! Kim Collins never stops. Sunday on the German track of Bottrop, he became the first man over forty years to drop below ten seconds in the 100m! He ran an amazing 9.93 secs (wind +1.9 m / s). Collins improved his personal best from 9.96 ran in London in July 2014. He also lowered his own National Record .
Kim Collins winning the MANCHESTER City Games …
Akimbo – an indigenous artistic experience
29 May
Featured photo of a bold piece by @alstair05 . You can find these and many other bracelets and necklaces from this amazing men’s jewelry designer at AKIMBO.
Akimbo is an old English word that means “with hands on the hips and elbows turned outwards”. It is with this identity that business partners Karen Kennedy and Kevon Foderingham enterprise on telling a Caribbean story with a fashion element. Akimbo was envisioned to be something entrenched in a community to bring about that feeling of a village. Although the initial idea was birth about three years ago, it was placed on the back burner as life happened. Then last October a space presented itself and fresh life was breathed into the idea. The platform which seeks to be an independent fashion boutique and artistic event space was launched a month later and provides an additional outlet for Caribbean makers and doers to shine.
Kevon Foderingham (co-founder of Akimbo) gives us a detailed insight into what makes Akimbo so unique.
Ken: In a few sentences, briefly tell us about yourself/team.
Team Akimbo: Kai Simmon, Jabari Simmon, Karen Kennedy and Kevon Foderingham
Kevon: I’ve always believed that to be human is to be multifaceted and that translates into having many interests but what makes it worthwhile is when these interests can come together to create one cohesive vision. That’s me in a nutshell and that’s Akimbo in a nutshell; many things coming together with the hope of adding value. I describe myself as a cultural vulture. I’ve always been on the periphery of fashion and art, both here and when I lived in London but most of the projects I have been involved in have always had the common theme of providing a platform for the makers and doers. Karen (my business partner) is a graduate of New York’s Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) and is a seasoned marketing executive and coupled with my own experience in marketing and communications, education, hospitality management and entertainment makes us a very formidable team with a perfect combination of skills. Continue reading
Did you know that – Game of Thrones’ Missandei is of Saint Lucian & Dominican Heritage? | A Must Read for Throne Fans!
27 MaySource: damajority
Game of Thrones’ Missandei is of Saint Lucian & Dominican Heritage
(Give thanks to Lancealot for the heads up!)
Nathalie Joanne Emmanuel is an English actress, known for playing Ramsey in ‘Furious 7’ (2015)_. Nathalie was born in Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England, to a father of Saint Lucian and English descent and a mother of Dominican origin. Nathalie credits her mother for the initial motivation to become an actress. At the age of 10, she played Young Nala in the West End production of The Lion King. In 2006, she made her television break by starring as Sasha Valentine in the teen soap opera Hollyoaks. Emmanuel appeared on the show until 2010, her character’s story-lines included prostitution, and heroin addiction. Nathalie presented BBC Three’s Web-sex: What’s the Harm?, investigating the online sexual habits of 16-24 year-old in the UK. Later in the same year she made her film debut in the thriller Twenty8. The following year, she was cast as Missandei, Daenerys Targaryen’s translator, in HBO’s fantasy drama series Game of Thrones. In 2015, Emmanuel was promoted to a regular cast member on the show. In the same year, she played computer hacker Ramsey in the 2015 action film Furious 7. As of April 2015, Emmanuel has completed work on The Maze Runner: Scorch Trials in which she will play Harriet.
FHM magazine ranked Emmanuel as 99th in their 100 Sexiest Women of 2013.In 2015, she appeared in the April issue of InStyle and GQ magazines.
Bob Marley’s Family Reunites for Its First Photo Shoot in More Than a Decade
25 May
Source: GQ Magazine
In a rare photo shoot, GQ Style caught up with Bob’s living legacy: the Marley sons, daughters, and grandchildren who are keeping Tuff Gong tougher than ever.
Essential Album:Conscious Party (1988), produced by members of Talking Heads
Tuxedo, $3,695, Dolce & Gabbana Shirt, $600, Jeffrey Rüdes
If the world’s expectations ever fazed Bob’s firstborn son, he’s never let it show. “I don’t carry any weight,” he says. “This is a family. Whatever we are is the same way we grow up—nothing has changed, really. Each individual role is important.” He sees himself less as a patriarch than as a “voice of reason.” Still, there’s a clear “hierarchy of the elders, the adults, which is Cedella, me, and Sharon (the oldest). Stephen is a bridge to the younger ones, who wasn’t around Bob a lot.” If anything, his siblings’ success Continue reading
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Popcaan diss Mr. Vegas after calling Drake fake
22 MaySource: Dre1allianceent
Dancehall artiste Popcaan is furious at veteran recording artiste Mr. Vegas after his recent comments about Drake.
Earlier last week Vegas blasted the Canadian rapper on social media after claiming that he only included Dancehall on his recent chart-toppingVIEWS album because it’s trending and he was just exploiting local acts such as Popcaan and Beenie Man.
“Drake the fake is just running with the hot genre right now,” Vegas said.
Related: Popcaan labelled as a sellout after sharing another photo with his Trini girlfriend Kavelle
“Because when you check it out really look how long Drake has been saying Gully before he start saying Gaza… ‘Yow Gully bigup Mavado” but never did a song with Mavado yet and still don’t do a song with Popcaan. So Drake maybe Meek Mill Continue reading
Chris Gayle could face more sexism allegations after latest interview
21 MaySource: The Guardian
Chris Gayle slogs in the Indian Premier League Twenty20 cricket match between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore. Photograph: Dibyangshu Sarkar
Chris Gayle, the West Indies batsman, could face fresh allegations of sexism following lewd remarks made to a female journalist in an interview published by the Times this Saturday.
Gayle was widely condemned at the start of the year for asking the reporter Mel McLaughlin out on a date on live television when playing in Australia’s Big Bash League, saying: “Your eyes are beautiful, hopefully we can win this game and then we can have a drink after as well. Don’t blush, baby.”
And now Continue reading
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