The Beat of the Caribbean

Big Tings A Gwan: Archive 2008

Top Stories for 2008

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Friday, October 17, 2008

Hurricane Omar Slams St. Croix & St. Maarten/St. Martin as a Category 3 Storm.

Omar made land fall in the U.S. Virgin Islands Thursday morning before moving on to St. Maarten/St. Martin causing flooding and wind damage. Authorities were trying to contain oil spills after more than 40 boats sank or washed ashore on St. Croix during Hurricane Omar.

About half the vessels lost their anchors, including houseboats, catamarans and pricey yachts and sailboats owned by tourists. The other half were tied at marinas but broke loose. Police on Friday also had to rescue three people from a 35-foot catamaran when it hit a reef and ran aground near Salt River, Carlos Fachette, enforcement director for the Department of Planning and Natural Resources, said.

The hurricane caught many local boaters off-guard because they did not take the storm seriously, according to Kim Jones of the St. Croix Yacht Club and Co-Host of "Jones Dem" in the Morning on the Mongoose 104.9FM.

Roughly 400 boats are registered in St. Croix, and about 10% have been damaged.

All St. Croix beaches have been deemed unsafe because of high pollution levels, and the Schooner Channel area of the Christiansted Harbor remained closed.

The storm caused more than US$700,000 in damages to roads in St. Croix and destroyed more than 100 utility poles in the eastern region. About half of the island's 55,000 people remained with power on Friday, said Cassandra Dunn, Water and Power Authority spokeswoman."Restoring power to some areas is going to take time," she said.

Virgin Islands Governor deJongh surveys the damage caused by Omar.

Hurricane Omar Photos 

On St. Maarten/St. Martin, Hurricane Omar blew down utility poles and power lines, uprooted trees and drenched St. Maarten/St. Martin as it brushed past the island early Thursday before heading towards the Atlantic Ocean.

As expected, St. Maarten’s Southwest areas – Cole Bay, Cay Bay, Simpson Bay and the Maho-Mullet Bay basin – were among the hardest hit. Low-lying flood-prone districts like Cul de Sac and Zagersgut were also deluged with several inches of the torrential rainfall Omar deposited as it blew through the Northeastern Caribbean.

Forecasters had predicted that the first major storm in years to bear down on the Northeastern Caribbean from the West could be disastrous for St. Maarten, despite striking a glancing blow, and for many residents it was. A few people lost roofs; some were forced to wade through knee-high floodwaters in their homes, while other homes were battered by fast-moving debris.

On Anguilla an all clear was issued at 8:00am on Thursday October 16, 2008  by the Department of Disaster Management (DDM). Air and sea ports remain closed due to minor flooding and rough seas respectively; however the Airport is scheduled for re-opening on Thursday.

The Department's preliminary report indicates minor damage to the island with some roof damage to two hotels, severe beach erosion, downed trees and utility poles. Three cargo ships and seven boats have run aground while two boats have sunk.

A Damage Assessment Needs Analysis (DANA) team is reviewing the damage and debris clearance teams are already clearing roads.

There was loss of electricity in parts of the island. The DDM reports that 95 % of the island's electricity supply will be restored within 72 hours. Mobile phones remain operational and there have been some reports of land line outage due to downed poles.

On Antigua, Hurricane Omar flooded homes and battered crops. Antiguan Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer warned of a produce shortage, saying the farming community "appears to have suffered an extensive loss of crops."

Sources: Associated Press, CDERA (Anguilla) & The Daily Herald (St Martin).

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Friday, Sptember 26, 2008

View the dangers of skin bleaching.

Despite being entirely illegal, skin lightening creams are big business both in the UK and in Jamaica.

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Friday, August 15, 2008

St Croix named: Best Island To Live On 2008 by Islands Magazine

by Jennica Peterson

Why St. Croix? We didn't have to puzzle too hard over choosing St. Croix. It's a U.S. territory (hence no immigration, work permit or property rights worries), it's English-speaking, it's affordable and it's a nonstop flight from the U.S. It also looks like that picture of Caribbean paradise -- swaying palm trees, a pale slice of beach, a blue wash of sea -- that decorates computer screensavers and cubicle walls nationwide. Read More...

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Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Ritical - Positivity (Virgin Islands)

by Andrew of CORE Magazine

The British Virgin Islands is a small country with a lot of talent and heart, soon to be showcased in a compilation CD planned for release this summer, said Menalek, a Tortola-based producer organizing the project.

First out of the scene is Ritical, a singer from Virgin Gorda who has played throughout the Virgin Islands and scored several hits in his seven year career. Love is at the base of his music. Not romantic love or lustfulness -- but the kind of love that is the foundation for families.
Days after a fire set at the Virgin Gorda Festival in late March, Ritical sat down with Core to discuss his music, his plans, and the BVI scene.

After sharing the festival’s first reggae night with VG’s own Sister Joyce and Jamaica’s Da’Ville, the 26-year-old artist said the show was irie -- but his message and music gets more respect from listeners in the USVI.

In his lyrics and words, Ritical pleaded with the crowd to recognize that love is not a game and they should be careful of their health and life. Weaving together warnings from BVI Health Department statistics and Rastafari livity, he said the only way to avoid the plague of sexually transmitted diseases sweeping through his home island is to respect the family root and banish Babylon vanity.

“I’m reaching out to people, especially the youth . . . talking to people all about principals and love and respect for each other,” Ritical said. Love is at the base of his music, he said, evident in his most recent hit “Love is the Greatest” and “Love is Worth More” that spent a month at the number one spot on WSTX’s reggae chart and was the station’s third best song of 2007.
Troy Brown, program director for the station, said he has seen all three of Riticial’s performances on St. Croix. He said he put on a high-energy show and the crowd was familiar and appreciative of his music.

“He has a unique voice that stands out among other artists,” Brown said. “He has a positive message and positive lyrics that really connect with people.”

Not many reggae artists have come out of the BVI, Brown said, but he said he is always listening to new music and artists from the Virgin Islands -- British or US -- always get first consideration for air play.

With not even a fourth of the population of the US side, the BVI does not have many producers or the resources of their neighbors, so the artists are working to make it happen themselves. Menalek and Ritical have been working together for years, and together read, studied and learned about African history, choosing a path of positive music.

Music has always been a part of Ritical’s life, but only when he began to live a spiritual life and study the livity of Rastafari seven or eight years ago did he begin to take it seriously. He’s released seven singles locally and is preparing for the next level with a video, full-length album and shows in the region and in New York.

Ritical believes there’s a lot of talented reggae musicians in the BVI that limit themselves because they are not as serious motivation and commitment it takes to make it in the music business. He said he is working hard and has faith that the Almighty will give him the opportunity to spread his message.

Recognizing his positive family-first message is outside of the mainstream music business, Ritical said he will keep making music designed to give good people comfort in their struggles. Sometimes negative forces distract good people, but love is stronger people will always return to home, he said.

“The foundation of a man’s focus and concentration is based on the tranquility of his home. And with all great men the devil came to get him through the woman” Ritical said. “There is nothing a man keeps closer to his heart than his family, and rough seas can ruin his concentration so love and respect is the most important thing in the home.”
Ritical is the most prominent artist on the 12-song compilation CD, but there are several other talents to look out for, Menalek said. All recorded with the highest standards, artists like Platinum, April and Shatta will soon be heard throughout the region, he said.
“We’re ready to show St. Thomas, St. Croix and the world what the Virgin Islands has to offer,” Menalek said. “We got a lot of talent just like him [Ritical] working on a lot of different levels. You have got to get the CD. It’s going to be hot.”
 

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Monday, April 28, 2008

Pressure "Buss Pipe" is Nominated for Most Promising Entertainer of the Year

Pressure "Buss Pipe", Jah Cure & Tarrus Riley @ Digicel's Reggae on the Hill, Barbados, April 27, 2008

NEW YORK, NY (RHONA FOX, INC.) - The most prominent faces in reggae have always hailed from Jamaica, until now. Pressure "Buss Pipe" is testimony to the new wave of reggae stars being churned out by Caribbean islands surrounding the motherland of this still underground yet globally-celebrate genre.

Now the U.S.V.I. - St. Thomas native, who just saw the debut of his sophomore album Love & Affection (Don Corleon Records, 2007), has another reason to celebrate as he is currently nominated for Most Promising Entertainer of the Year by the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA). The event takes place on Sunday, May 4th at the Apollo Theater in New York City, where numerous stars including Ky-Mani Marley, Beenie Man, Buju Banton and Shaggy will walk the red carpet, and celebrate the rich Caribbean sounds that are currently shaking up airwaves.

Pressure's breakout hit and title track from the album, "Love & Affection," composed by producing mastermind Don Corleon, has transcended cultural and racial boundaries to become one of the most-played reggae songs since its release, and is reminiscent of the same mystic formula that earned Bob Marley worldwide fans in an era of cultural and racial segregation.

On his IRAWMA nomination, Pressure states, "It's a blessing because of how hard it is to be recognized, especially coming from the Virgin Islands and doing reggae music. It's truly a dream come true just to be nominated." 

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Thursday, March 6, 2008

Ras Attitude & Tuff Lion nominated in several categories at the VA Reggae Awards (U.S.A.)

You can now vote online for two Virgin Islands reggae artist nominated for awards at the 2008 VA Reggae Awards to be held on Saturday, May 10th at MP Island Cafe in Virginia Beach. To vote online follow the link VA Reggae Awards 2008.

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Tuesday, Feb 28, 2008

REGGAE ACADEMY 2008 Winners In All Categories (Jamaica)

Best Reggae Song - She’s Royal - Omar Riley (Songwriter’s Award)

Best Solo Male Reggae Vocal Performance - She’s Royal - Tarrus Riley

Best Solo Female Reggae Vocal -  Roots - Etana (Performance)

 Beenie Man
  
Special Awardees

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Thursday, Feb 21, 2008

Mada Nile Interview  (Virgin Islands)

by: Earl “Supah” Daniel of CORE Magazine

Anyone who wants to know where the culture in reggae music has gone, I would say, it’s in St.Croix. Our Crucian artists have taken their movement far beyond the shores of the Virgin Islands by captivating many international audiences with their universal message. Recently, I sat down with Mada Nile to find out about her career. At the time Mada Nile was in the studio, and paused from recording to talk

to us.

CORE: Greetings, thanks for taking the time to speak with us, we know you’re busy, what are you up to these days?

Mada Nile: Blessings; give thanks to the Most High for the opportunities to perform these works. Well among other things Mada Nile just performed at the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, in California this past June. It was huge!

CORE: Sierra Nevada is one of the biggest annual festivals, how did you do?

Mada Nile: It was phenomenal, the vibes was right, everything was lined up properly, I gave a great performance. They have a performance rating at the end of the show, and out of 37 performers, I was rated #4. Coming from St.Croix, and performing on the same stage as some of the icons of the industry, I felt proud.

Core: How did the artist Mada Nile come about?

Mada Nile: Well I could remember building small lyrics in school and performing them

at lunchtime and after school, I was even in a all-girl group we used to call ourselves “Defense

Girls”. I took it serious when I started toasting on Doghart Sounds.

Core: What gives Mada Nile inspiration to create the music?

Mada Nile: My inspiration comes from everything around me, for example, being that I was diagnosed with laryngitis at the age of 9, I had to learn to project my vocals from my abdomen just to speak, that constant practice is the reason I can project my voice the way I do.

Plus the loss of my parents made my outlook on things more focused.

CORE: Tell us about your new cd.

Mada Nile: I like everything on it. I worked with 6 different producers on this one; who are Batch, Katalyst of A-team, Drop, O.D.C.Records, Gange, and the late Eddy Breeza, its well put together.

CORE: So is there anything we can look forward to from Mada Nile in the near future?

Mada Nile: Yes right now I’m doing some stuff with I-Grade Records and you should hear something soon.

CORE: Which do you prefer: recording or performing?

Mada Nile: Well, I’ll tell you I really prefer to perform because I love to feel the vibes I recieve from the audience.”

CORE: Tell us about one of your best performances.

Mada Nile: It was a promotion held here in St.Croix called Lava Ground, I performed with Red-I Band.

CORE: Whats Mada Nile’s long term goals?

Mada Nile: My long term goals are to be unique and the realization that the sky is the limit.

CORE: Anything you’ll like to say to the people of the Virgin Islands?

Mada Nile: Yes my meditation is more directed to the younger females in our communities of the Virgin Islands. I would like to challenge them to try harder in raising their children. Regain your religion, if it was positive in your time then work with it. Stay focused on the children’s education and input positive social behaviors so they can model themselves also for upfull living.

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Wednesday, Feb 6, 2008

IRIE FM Award Winners In All Categories (Jamaica)

COMEBACK ARTISTE OF THE YEAR: JUNIOR REID

NEW ARTISTE OF THE YEAR: MUNGA HONOURABLE

FEMALE SINGER OF THE YEAR: ETANA

MALE SINGER OF THE YEAR: TARRUS RILEY

FEMALE DJ OF THE YEAR: QUEEN IFRIKA

MALE DJ OF THE YEAR: BEENIE MAN

SINGJAY OF THE YEAR MALE: MAVADO

GOSPEL ARTISTE OF THE YEAR: PRODIGAL SON

DUO/GROUP/BAND OF THE YEAR: VOICE MAIL

BEST COLLABORATION OF THE YEAR: THIS IS WHY I'M HOT - REMIX .... JUNIOR REID, MIMS & BABY CHAM

SONG OF THE YEAR: SHE'S ROYAL - TARRUS RILEY

ALBUM OF THE YEAR: GANGSTER FOR LIFE; THE SYMPHONY OF DAVID BROOKS - MAVADO

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR: DON CORLEON

RHYTHM OF THE YEAR: GUARDIAN ANGEL - ARIF COOPER

REGGAE AMBASSADOR AWARD: JUNIOR REID

HUMANITARIAN AWARD: CAPLETON

BEST DRESSED FEMALE: D'ANGEL
 

BEST DRESSED MALE: BEENIE MAN

DANCE OF THE YEAR: TEK WHEY YUHSELF - VEGAS

STAGE SHOW/CONCERT OF THE YEAR: GT TAYLOR'S MAGNUM CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA

SLANG OF THE YEAR: TO DI WORLD - ROUND HEAD & BUNG BANG - BOUNTY KILLER

LISTENERS' CHOICE AWARD: BEENIE MAN

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Monday, Jan 28, 2008

VP RECORDS MAKES AN OFFER TO ACQUIRE GREENSLEEVES RECORDS  (London)

VP Records, the world’s leading reggae record company, has announced today that it has made an offer to purchase Greensleeves Records & Publishing from Zest Group plc, subject to the approval of Zest’s shareholders. VP Records will inherit a catalogue comprised of some of the most notable albums of the genre, from Elephant Man to Yellowman and hit songs recorded by such acts as Rihanna, Sean Paul and Shaggy.

Chris Chin and Randy Chin, respectively Chief Executive Officer and President of VP Records, further added: “Although Greensleeves has historically been our competitor, we have always had the utmost respect for what Greensleeves stood for. The label and its founders had a long term commitment to Reggae music and no one is better positioned than VP Records to understand the need to respect this legacy. We will ensure that Greensleeves remains alive as a brand synonymous with excellence in Reggae and Dancehall music.”

Olivier Chastan, Vice President of VP Records, concluded: “The addition of Greensleeves to our catalog will ensure that the genre remains an important category in music. I am incredibly excited about the accumulation of classic works such as Wayne Smith’s “Sleng Teng” and Yellowman’s “Mr. Yellowman”. Greensleeves Publishing is just as rich, with a large catalog that includes major recent hits like Sean Paul’s “Get Busy” and Wayne Wonder’s “Bounce Along” both written by Steven Marsden (p/k/a Lenky) and Donovan Bennett’s “Pon De River, Pon De Bank” written for Elephant Man among other compositions. Furthermore, Greensleeves’s unique English roots will allow VP Records to consolidate its presence in Europe.”

Steve Weltman, Zest's Chief Executive, commented: “The combination of Greensleeves and VP Records will ensure the future of Reggae music around the world. VP Records is committed to preserving the legacy of the Greensleeves label that was begun by its founders Chris Sedgwick & Chris Cracknell in 1977.”

About VP Records www.vprecords.com  – VP Records is the world’s leading reggae record label and home to global superstars such as Sean Paul, Elephant Man, Beres Hammond, Morgan Heritage and others. VP Records is also the fastest growing music publisher in the reggae and dancehall music genres.

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Monday, Jan 21, 2008

Virgin Islander, Pressure "Buss Pipe" received the nomination for "New Artist of the Year" and "Male Singjay of the Year" at the Irie Fm 2007 Awards. Pressure will be competing against Munga Honourble, Bugle, Sean, Kingston. Demarco, Mr Vegas & Mavado in the catagories.

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