Joe Lick Shot, a pivotal figure in the vibrant dancehall scene of the 1980s, passed away on November 11 in Kingston at the age of 70. Born Harold Jackson, he was affectionately known as the ‘vibes man’ for his unique ability to energize crowds and introduce top-tier artists. His signature mimicry of gunfire became a hallmark at dances, earning him respect and admiration across the industry.
分类： entertainment
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Tourism Awards Nominees Announced for Chef of the Year and Young Chef of the Year
The Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association has unveiled the nominees for the prestigious 2025 Tourism Awards, spotlighting exceptional culinary talent in the Chef of the Year and Young Chef of the Year categories. This annual event honors professionals whose expertise, creativity, and commitment elevate the nation’s tourism industry. The nominees represent a roster of Antigua’s premier hospitality establishments, including Blue Waters Resort & Spa, Cocobay Resort, Hermitage Bay, Jumby Bay Island, Keyonna Beach Resort, Royalton Antigua, Sandals Grande Antigua, The Verandah Antigua, and Trade Winds Hotel. The winners will be revealed on November 29 at the Tourism Awards Gala, hosted at Sandals Grande Antigua. This year’s gala, themed ‘Mirror Ball Gala – A Night to Reflect and Shine,’ is a collaborative effort between the Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association, the Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Transportation and Investment, and Antigua and Barbuda Tourism. The event underscores the vital role of culinary professionals in enhancing the country’s tourism appeal.
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Central Bank governor among GUBA Award honourees
The 16th edition of the Grow, Unite, Build Africa (GUBA) Awards, themed ‘Reclaiming Our Atlantic Destiny: Build. Connect. Renew.’, marked a historic milestone as it was held for the first time in the Caribbean. The prestigious black-tie event took place at the Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lords Castle Hotel, attracting distinguished guests such as Barbados President Dame Sandra Prunella Mason, Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, and Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell. His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II emphasized the significance of the event, calling it a ‘historic moment’ and a ‘reunion long overdue.’ He highlighted the theme as a collective mission for resilience, opportunity, and shared prosperity. Lady Dentaa Amoateng, founder of GUBA Enterprises, underscored the importance of representation and unity between Africa and the Caribbean, stating that representation is a responsibility, not a luxury. She emphasized its role in shaping inclusive policies and equitable opportunities. The evening honored outstanding individuals, including Dr. Kevin Greenidge, Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados, who received the Black Star of Excellence for Vanguard Economic Leadership. Other awardees included autism activist Maya Kirti-Nanan, cricket legend Sir Clive Lloyd, and global icon Sir Richard Branson. The event also featured performances by British-Ghanaian singer Fuse ODG and a TrufacebyGrace fashion show, blending traditional and contemporary Afro-Caribbean designs. Since its inception, the GUBA Awards have been hosted in the UK, USA, Ghana, and Rwanda, with Lady Dentaa hinting at a potential return to the Caribbean in 2027.
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Antigua and Barbuda’s National Culinary Team Arrives in Barbados for Regional Competition
The National Culinary Team of Antigua and Barbuda has made a grand entrance in Barbados, gearing up for the highly anticipated Taste of the Caribbean competition, hosted by the Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association. The event, scheduled from November 16 to 18, will see the team showcase their culinary prowess against regional rivals. Upon their arrival on Friday, the chefs and bartender were welcomed with a Barbados Transport Board bus adorned in Antigua and Barbuda branding—a gesture orchestrated by the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority. This initiative not only supports the team’s participation but also serves as a vibrant promotion of the nation’s culture and pride. Officials highlighted that the branded transport symbolizes a strong sense of national identity as the delegation embarks on their competitive journey. Over the three-day event, the team will face off against culinary experts from across the Caribbean, aiming to bring home accolades and further elevate their country’s reputation in the culinary arts.
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Joyful Noize Gospel Karaoke: A New Platform for Faith, Unity, and Community Engagement in Antigua
St. John’s, Antigua — Antigua’s vibrant community and faith-based entertainment landscape is poised for a transformative experience with the launch of Joyful Noize Gospel Karaoke. Scheduled for Saturday, December 7th at the renowned Sun City Bar & Restaurant, this event, spearheaded by the distinguished Dr. Stanshaw Cornelius, promises to blend worship, performance, and fellowship into a unique celebration of faith, gratitude, and unity.
Petron Thomas, a prominent entertainment manager, emphasized the event’s significance, stating, ‘Such initiatives are vital for fostering community cohesion, creating shared positive experiences, and offering a creative outlet for individuals to express their faith.’
In a strategic move to ensure sustained impact, organizers have announced that Joyful Noize Gospel Karaoke will become a monthly tradition, held on the first Sunday of each month. This recurring event aims to serve as a consistent platform for spiritual engagement and cultural enrichment, bringing together churches, youth groups, families, and the broader public.
Key Highlights of the Event:
– Inspirational gospel karaoke performances
– Uplifting spiritual encouragement and fellowship
– A family-friendly atmosphere conducive to community networking
– Exclusive food and beverage offerings by Sun City Bar & RestaurantAdmission is free, and attendees are encouraged to reserve tables early to secure their spot. Joyful Noize Gospel Karaoke transcends mere entertainment, evolving into a dynamic platform for faith, culture, and unity in Antigua. It stands as a cornerstone for community engagement and spiritual celebration, with the potential to positively influence local dining, hospitality, and tourism sectors.
For media inquiries, partnerships, or reservations, please contact Sun City Bar & Restaurant at (268) 781-7199 or 781-5296.
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Antigua and Barbuda Showcases Culinary Talent at Twin UK Dining Events
The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority (ABTA) recently hosted a series of exclusive culinary events in the UK, spotlighting the vibrant flavours and rich heritage of the twin-island nation. Held during the World Travel Market 2025, the events featured Antiguan-born Chef Kareem Roberts and Barbudan-born Chef Keshia Sakarah, both celebrated for their innovative contributions to the UK culinary scene. Organized by Cherrie Osborne, Director of Tourism UK & Europe, the back-to-back dinners aimed to elevate Antigua and Barbuda’s profile as a premier destination for gastronomy and culture. The first event took place on November 6th at The Burleigh Arms in Cambridge, where Chef Roberts curated a bespoke tasting menu blending traditional Antiguan ingredients with modern techniques. Guests were also treated to an exclusive preview of his debut cookbook, *Cassava & Cardamom*, which delves into the heart of Antiguan cuisine. The following evening, Chef Sakarah hosted a second intimate dinner at The Pilgrim Hotel in Paddington, presenting a pan-Caribbean tasting menu inspired by her travels and ancestral roots. The event coincided with the release of her acclaimed cookbook, *Caribe: A Caribbean Cookbook with History*, praised for its rich storytelling and contemporary approach to traditional dishes. Colin C. James, CEO of ABTA, emphasized the importance of these collaborations in showcasing the islands’ authenticity, creativity, and cultural pride. These events not only highlighted the culinary talents of Antigua and Barbuda but also reinforced the islands’ reputation as a destination where world-class cuisine, innovation, and culture thrive alongside their natural beauty.
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GHTA National Culinary Team at 2025 Taste of the Caribbean Competition
The Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association (GHTA) has announced with great enthusiasm that its National Culinary Team will represent Grenada at the 2025 Taste of the Caribbean Competition. This highly anticipated event, organized by the Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association (CHTA), will be held in Barbados from November 16 to 18, 2025. The competition is a prestigious platform where top culinary talents from 12 Caribbean destinations converge to showcase their skills and celebrate the region’s diverse flavours. Grenada’s team, led by Team Captain Chef Andre Church of RTA Services, includes a stellar lineup of culinary experts such as Team Logistics Manager Chef Belinda Bishop of Flavours of Grenada, Senior Chef Elvis George, Junior Chef Rashid Cromwell, Pastry Chef Sasha Lessey, and Mixologist Antonio Bayne. Under the leadership of GHTA CEO Arlene Friday, the team is poised to highlight Grenada’s unique culinary heritage and creativity on a regional stage. Friday expressed her pride in the team’s formation, stating, ‘It has been a dream of mine to re-establish our National Culinary Team. I am excited to see our team represent the rich and diverse flavours that define Grenada’s cultural identity.’ The GHTA also extended gratitude to its sponsors, including the GHTA Tourism Enhancement Fund, interCaribbean Airways, and numerous local businesses and institutions, for their support in making this participation possible. Special recognition was given to Coach and mentor Chef Ramces of Six Senses La Sagesse for his invaluable guidance.
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From scratch: The joy of baking
Baking at home offers a therapeutic escape and a delightful way to spend your time. This weekend, why not dive into the world of baking from scratch with some mouth-watering recipes? Here are a few to get you started:
**Chocolate Swirl Banana Bread**
This recipe combines the rich flavors of chocolate with the natural sweetness of bananas. Start by mashing two large overripe bananas and mixing them with coconut oil, eggs, and brown sugar. Combine flour, salt, baking soda, nutmeg, cinnamon, and tonka bean, then stir into the banana mixture. Add cocoa powder to a portion of the batter and swirl it into the main mixture before baking at 350°F for 50 minutes.**Traditional Sponge with Lime Meringue Frosting**
For a classic treat, prepare a sponge cake by creaming butter and sugar, then adding eggs, vanilla, and milk alternately with sifted flour. Bake in greased pans at 350°F for 35-40 minutes. Top with a lime meringue frosting made by beating egg whites, adding a sugar syrup, and incorporating lime peel.**Coconut Lime Crunchies**
These cookies are a zesty delight. Mix melted butter, sugar, grated coconut, flour, baking powder, baking soda, cream of tartar, vanilla, and lime zest. Roll into balls, press gently, garnish with cherries, and bake at 350°F for 12-15 minutes.**Date Walnut Bran Muffins**
Combine all bran cereal with buttermilk, then mix with sugar, flour, baking powder, baking soda, walnuts, cinnamon, vanilla, eggs, dates, and vegetable oil. Spoon into muffin tins, top with a butter, walnut, flour, and sugar mixture, and bake at 375°F for 30 minutes.These recipes are perfect for a cozy weekend baking session, offering a variety of flavors to satisfy any sweet tooth.
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Kes The Band lends voice to Jamaica’s rebuild
In a heartwarming display of solidarity, Trinidad and Tobago’s Kes the Band will join a constellation of international stars at the Jamaica Strong Benefit Concert on December 12. This star-studded event, featuring luminaries such as Shaggy, Sean Paul, Tessanne Chin, TOK, Mikey Spice, Richie Stephens, and Inner Circle, aims to raise funds for Jamaica’s recovery following the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa on October 28. The Category 5 storm left a trail of devastation, claiming 45 lives, displacing 30,000 households, and causing an estimated $6-$7 billion in damages. Thousands remain in emergency shelters, underscoring the urgent need for relief efforts. Beyond the concert, celebrities like Jamaican dancehall queen Grace “Spice” Hamilton have been actively involved in on-the-ground support, distributing essential supplies and aiding in infrastructure repairs. The Jamaica Strong Benefit Concert, set to take place at the UBS Arena in Elmont, New York, symbolizes a collective commitment to rebuilding and resilience.
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Reynolds Entertainment rejects ‘unprofessionalism’ allegation by Allison Hinds after Cayman Fiesta non-appearance
A public dispute has erupted between soca star Alison Hinds and Reynolds Entertainment Agency following her absence from the Cayman Fiesta, a three-day party event held in the Cayman Islands from November 7 to 9. Hinds, known as the ‘Soca Queen,’ took to Instagram to defend herself, claiming that the agency’s ‘unprofessionalism, disorganization, and disrespect’ prevented her from performing. She alleged a breach of contract, stating that her agreement required all business matters to be settled before she could take the stage. Hinds apologized to her fans for the missed performance but placed the blame squarely on the promoter.
Tameka Reynolds, head of Reynolds Entertainment Agency, vehemently denied Hinds’ accusations, labeling them as ‘lies, half-truths, and innuendo.’ Reynolds asserted that her agency fulfilled its obligations and attempted to resolve issues amicably. She revealed that due to low attendance at the soca night, which drew only 150 patrons, she offered to pay 50% of the outstanding balances to the artists, but Hinds refused. Reynolds also countered claims that her agency failed to cover airline tickets and hotel expenses, attributing the mishaps to external factors such as airline cancellations and hotel authorization delays.
Reynolds further criticized Hinds for her lack of professionalism, citing her refusal to promote the event through radio interviews and social media posts. She argued that Hinds’ actions damaged both her own brand and that of the agency. The Cayman Fiesta, which featured rap star Rick Ross on a separate night, attracted 1,500 attendees, highlighting the stark contrast in turnout between the events. The clash underscores the challenges of event planning and the delicate relationship between artists and promoters in the entertainment industry.