Carib Scope

分类： entertainment

  • Calypso Monarch Finalists Named for Antigua Carnival 2026

    Calypso Monarch Finalists Named for Antigua Carnival 2026

    The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission has officially named the 12 talented competitors who will advance to the highly anticipated 2026 Cavalier Rum Calypso Monarch, a marquee highlight of the annual Antigua Carnival celebration.

    This year’s final lineup brings together a diverse mix of established calypso artists and rising standout performers, including Lyrical Reds, Queen Gee Bee, Lady Melody, Di Dacta, Peetron, King Zacari, Willie Wawa, Dr. Solo, Queen Thalia, Faithful, King Young Destroyer and King Fiah.

    In an official statement following the announcement, the Commission extended warm congratulations to all 12 advancing acts, acknowledging the hard work and creativity that earned each performer a spot in the final round. The commission also shared expectations that the final competition will deliver an unforgettable evening of dynamic, top-tier live performance for attendees.

    As one of the most iconic and beloved signature events of Antigua Carnival, the Calypso Monarch competition holds deep cultural significance for the nation. Unlike general performance contests, the competition centers exclusively on original lyrical compositions, rooted in the centuries-old calypso tradition that weaves sharp social commentary, vivid cultural storytelling, and engaging entertainment into a unique artistic experience.

    When the final winner is crowned, they will take over the prestigious national title from the current reigning monarch, claiming the 2026 Calypso Monarch crown as their own for the coming year.

  • Antigua and Barbuda Considering Pay-Per-View Carnival Streams for 70th Anniversary

    Antigua and Barbuda Considering Pay-Per-View Carnival Streams for 70th Anniversary

    As the twin-island Caribbean nation of Antigua and Barbuda prepares to mark the 70th anniversary of its iconic annual Carnival, event organizers are actively evaluating a proposed pay-per-view streaming model to broadcast the celebration to a global audience. For seven decades, Antigua and Barbuda’s Carnival has stood as one of the region’s most vibrant cultural gatherings, blending colorful parades, calypso competitions, pageantry, and traditional folk performances that draw tens of thousands of in-person visitors to the islands each year. This year’s milestone anniversary, however, has prompted organizers to rethink accessibility, responding to growing demand from international fans and diaspora communities who are unable to travel to attend the landmark event. The proposed pay-per-view model would offer high-definition live streams of the festival’s flagship events, including the Parade of Bands, the Calypso Monarch final, and the Carnival Queen pageant, granting remote viewers access to the full slate of celebration from anywhere in the world. Organizers note that the digital model would not replace in-person attendance, which remains the core of the Carnival experience, but would serve as an additional revenue stream to fund future events, improve infrastructure for attendees, and support local artists and cultural groups that rely on Carnival for income. Early discussions have centered on balancing affordable pricing for remote viewers with fair compensation for the performers and production teams that bring the anniversary event to life, with a final decision on the streaming plan expected to be announced in the coming months. This move reflects a broader trend across Caribbean cultural events, where organizers are increasingly embracing digital distribution to expand their global reach while preserving the authenticity of the region’s most beloved cultural traditions.

  • Nevisian artist Vaughn Anslyn featured on WINAIR’s inflight magazine cover – WIC News

    Nevisian artist Vaughn Anslyn featured on WINAIR’s inflight magazine cover – WIC News

    Acclaimed Nevisian visual artist Vaughn Anslyn has reached a new career high, with his work selected to headline the July–December 2026 edition of Windward Islands Airways (WINAIR)’s inflight magazine, marking a major milestone that brings his Caribbean-centered work to an international audience of air travelers.

    The issue opens with a cover featuring one of Anslyn’s signature pieces, a work that showcases his trademark bold color palettes, intricate layered patterns, and unmistakeable Caribbean cultural identity. Inside, a three-page featured profile titled *Painting the Spirit of Nevis* traces Anslyn’s creative evolution, breaks down his unique artistic philosophy, and explores the profound impact his work has had on the cultural landscape of St. Kitts and Nevis.

    Central to the profile is Anslyn’s explanation of his rooted creative inspiration, drawn entirely from the natural and cultural heritage of his home island. “Nevis is a beautiful place. Everywhere I look, the island feels like a postcard. But it goes much further than landscapes and seascapes. The marine life, the birds, goats, donkeys and monkeys are all willing subjects. Then there is the history. Sugar plantation ruins dot the island, making me feel a deep responsibility to preserve this history,” Anslyn shared in the interview.

    Anslyn’s body of work spans an extraordinarily diverse range of mediums and scales, from large-scale public murals that transform community spaces to detailed wildlife portraits, sculptural works, and collaborative community art initiatives. While his pieces are permanently displayed across public and private collections in his home country of St. Kitts and Nevis, his work has also earned international exhibition placements in major global cultural hubs including London, Miami, New York, and Dubai.

    This latest feature from WINAIR arrives amid a string of growing international recognitions for the artist. Earlier in 2026, one of his most celebrated works, *Mosaic – A Woman of Power in an Everyday World*, was selected as the official poster for the Organization of American States’ IX Inter-American Week for People of African Descent. Following the event, the piece was acquired for the permanent collection of the Art Museum of the Americas in Washington, D.C., cementing his status as a leading voice of Caribbean contemporary art.

    In a public post shared to his personal Facebook page following the magazine’s release, Anslyn expressed gratitude and excitement for the honor: “I am so proud to see my art on the cover of WINAIR magazine as well as a 3 page article inside. Thank you so much.”

    Beyond marking a personal win for Anslyn, the feature is being celebrated as a point of national pride for the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, offering a powerful opportunity to showcase the country’s rich cultural talent and the broader diversity of Caribbean art to a global audience of travelers.

  • Leisure : Did you know ? #41

    Leisure : Did you know ? #41

    As part of its popular biweekly general knowledge quiz series, “Did You Know?”, local online media outlet HaitiLibre has shared a fascinating new fact about one of the Caribbean island of Hispaniola’s most critical natural resources: the Artibonite River.

    Stretching roughly 320 kilometers from source to sea, the Artibonite holds the title of the longest waterway on the entire island, which it shares between the Dominican Republic and Haiti. The river begins its journey in the Dominican Republic’s Central Mountain Range, crosses the international border into Haitian territory, and eventually drains into the Gulf of Gonâve.

    Far more than just a geographic landmark, the Artibonite River serves as the foundational lifeline of Haiti’s agricultural sector. It provides consistent irrigation for the sprawling Artibonite Plain, Haiti’s top domestic rice growing region that underpins much of the country’s food production. Beyond agriculture, the river also plays a central role in Haiti’s energy sector: the Péligre Dam, constructed along the Artibonite, creates one of the nation’s largest man-made reservoirs and generates a significant share of the country’s electricity supply.

    Despite its outsized importance, the Artibonite River currently faces pressing environmental threats, including widespread siltation that reduces its water capacity and growing pollution from human and industrial waste. Because the river crosses the international border between the two nations that share Hispaniola, coordinated binational management of the waterway remains a core strategic priority for advancing sustainable development and protecting food security for both countries.

    This fun educational fact is the 41st entry in HaitiLibre’s ongoing “Did You Know?” series, which forms a core part of the outlet’s Quiz.HaitiLibre platform. Launched to help audiences build general knowledge about Haitian and global topics, the quiz platform recently completed its monthly content update on July 1, 2026, adding 31 new quiz games to its library. That brings the total number of available quizzes to 180, with new content added on a monthly basis to keep the platform fresh for returning visitors.

    Unlike many online quiz services, Quiz.HaitiLibre offers all of its exclusive games completely free of charge, with no account registration required to play. The platform is designed to accommodate learners of all ages and skill levels, with every quiz offering three distinct difficulty tiers: easy, intermediate, and hard. All content is available in both French and English to serve a broad audience across the Caribbean and the global Haitian diaspora.

    Visitors are invited to explore the full range of quiz topics, test their knowledge, and share the platform with family and friends. Feedback is also encouraged via a simple access form available at the conclusion of every quiz, helping the platform’s developers refine existing content and plan future updates. For new visitors unsure of an answer, the platform frames every incorrect guess as a learning opportunity, encouraging persistence to build new knowledge that audiences can share with their own circles.

  • Tian Winter to Lead Team Antigua at FACE OFF Following Sir Oungku’s Health Setback

    Tian Winter to Lead Team Antigua at FACE OFF Following Sir Oungku’s Health Setback

    Organizers of the highly anticipated musical battle event FACE OFF have confirmed that performer Sir Oungku’s health and personal well-being will always take precedence over scheduling and performance commitments, as the beloved entertainer faces an unexpected health challenge. The entire FACE OFF organizing team has extended its deepest support to Sir Oungku and his loved ones during this difficult period, sharing messages of hope for a smooth, complete, and rapid recovery. The team also expressed their eagerness to once again welcome Sir Oungku to the stage, where he has built a reputation for delivering electrifying, joy-filled performances that leave lasting memories for audiences across the globe.

    For fans and followers who have reached out with questions about the future of the event, organizers have moved quickly to reassure the public that FACE OFF will proceed as planned. Stepping into the leading role to fill the gap left by Sir Oungku is experienced performer Tian Winter, who has stepped forward willingly to take on the high-stakes musical battle against Dominica’s most acclaimed talent, Triple K.

    To honor Sir Oungku’s legacy with the event and reinforce Team Antigua’s competitive standing, Winter will be joined on stage by a roster of some of the biggest and most influential names in Antigua and Barbuda’s music industry. Together, the group will prepare to represent their nation with pride and carry Sir Oungku’s spirit into the upcoming clash.

    In a public message shared ahead of the event, Winter called for unity among fans and supporters across Antigua, emphasizing that now is the moment to come together to keep the event’s energetic momentum alive, grow the pre-show excitement, and deliver an unforgettable evening of entertainment that honors the event’s original vision. Winter stressed that standing united, representing Antigua with national pride, and honoring Sir Oungku’s contributions are the top priorities for the entire team heading into the battle. The message closed with a note of dedication: this edition of FACE OFF is not only for the people of Antigua, but for Sir Oungku himself, and the team extended an open invitation for all fans to join them for what promises to be a historic night of music.

  • Art Week 2026 announces new public art installation, expanded exhibitions and immersive experiences

    Art Week 2026 announces new public art installation, expanded exhibitions and immersive experiences

    The twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda is gearing up to welcome art lovers and travelers for the fourth iteration of its popular Antigua and Barbuda Art Week, scheduled to run across the country from November 11 to 18, 2026. The full preliminary program was revealed earlier this year at an official media launch hosted at Quay Studio, located in the historic Redcliffe Quay district, where organizers introduced a slate of fresh initiatives designed to deepen engagement between local creatives, residents and international visitors.

    At the heart of the new programming is ‘Dual Thresholds’, a one-of-a-kind public art installation developed by Quay Barracks Art Galleries. The concept reimagines reclaimed wooden doors as canvases, with each transformed artwork drawing inspiration from the islands’ people, vibrant culture, sweeping coastal landscapes and everyday local life. During the launch, Tourism Authority representative Spencer joined acclaimed visual artist Dylan Phillips to preview two vividly painted doors that will anchor the exhibition — these opening pieces were co-created by Phillips and celebrated local artist Heather Doram, MFA, GCM. In total, the exhibition will showcase 28 freestanding, double-sided door works, all crafted by artists based in Antigua and Barbuda.

    Notably, the installation will make its first public appearance ahead of Art Week, during the 2026 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM), which Antigua and Barbuda will host from November 1 to 4 that year. It will remain on display for general public viewing throughout the official Art Week program.

    Another centerpiece of the 2026 event is a career retrospective honoring the late Maria Ross Iztueta, a foundational figure in Antigua and Barbuda’s art scene who lived from 1934 to 2024. The exhibition will be the flagship show at The Barracks Gallery, and the announcement was made jointly by curator Stephen Murphy and Iztueta’s daughter, Amaya Ross, at the launch. Murphy emphasized Iztueta’s outsized impact on the local creative community, noting that the retrospective will introduce her groundbreaking work to a new generation of audiences during the week-long event.

    The full 2026 Art Week lineup brings a diverse range of experiences beyond the two flagship exhibits. Highlights include the popular ‘Art in the Quay’ showcase, the return of the fan-favorite ‘Art and Cultural Village’, open access to private studios and public galleries paired with intimate ‘Meet the Artist’ sessions, a cross-island ‘Art Trail’ with a new interactive ‘Art Trail Passport’, ‘Flavours & Canvas’ — an immersive experience that blends local culinary arts with open-air painting — a live competitive ‘Art Battle’ where artists create works in real time, curated fashion presentations, and multiple additional pop-up and solo exhibitions. Organizers note that full schedule and ticketing details will be released incrementally in the months leading up to the November 2026 event.

    Attendees at the launch event, which included tourism and culture officials, working artists and invited community guests, were treated to two special preview performances tied to Art Week 2026’s overarching campaign theme: ‘Every Destination Has a Story. Ours is Told in Colour.’ These included the world premiere of the first entry in Art Week’s new ‘Meet the Artist’ video series, featuring Heather Doram, as well as a moving dub poetry performance by renowned local poet O’dane Doyley. Several prominent local visual artists, including Emile Hill, Stephen Murphy and Dylan Phillips, also delivered remarks urging fellow creatives across the region to take part in the 2026 event.

    The Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority has extended an open invitation to artists based in Antigua and Barbuda and across the wider Caribbean to apply for the event through the ongoing ‘Call for Artists’ process. Submission portals will remain open until July 30 of this year, with the online entry form available on the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority’s official Art Week webpage. Organizers are also welcoming involvement from local businesses, nonprofits and community partners through sponsorship opportunities and collaborative programming. For the ‘Dual Thresholds’ initiative specifically, the Tourism Authority is asking local businesses, contractors and community members to donate gently used, structurally sound wooden doors to the Quay Barracks Art Galleries in Redcliffe Quay for participating artists to transform into original works.

  • Belizean Musicians Prepare Tribute for Kendoyll Simpson

    Belizean Musicians Prepare Tribute for Kendoyll Simpson

    July 15, 2026 — Belize’s tight-knit music community is navigating a dual moment of grief and gratitude this week, following the passing of beloved local producer and artist Kendoyll Simpson, widely known by his professional moniker KSBEATS. After a two-year courageous fight against cancer, Simpson left the world on Sunday, leaving behind an indelible mark on Belize’s cultural and musical landscape that peers, protégés, and fans are already working to honor permanently. The National Institute of Culture and History has partnered with Simpson’s family and close friends to organize a meaningful tribute that celebrates his life, creative vision, and far-reaching contributions to the Belizean sound.

    Over a career spanning more than two decades, Simpson worked largely behind the scenes, crafting countless tracks that became the soundtrack to ordinary and extraordinary moments across Belize. Whether refining tracks in a small recording studio, performing live on local stages, or mentoring the next generation of Belizean creative talent, KSBEATS built a reputation for uncompromising dedication to quality paired with a generous, encouraging spirit that lifted up everyone he worked with. His passing has left a gaping hole in the local music ecosystem, felt most deeply by those who shared a stage and a life with him.

    Horace Bryce, Simpson’s oldest friend, recalled their decades-long creative bond that began in their childhood church days, where both cut their teeth as musicians on the congregation’s praise team. “We started our musical journey in church where we were on the praise team. We were musicians, you know, Kendoyll playing the drums, I’m singing or playing the bass. I helped out Kendoyll with the drums when he was little, you know, when his foot couldn’t even touch the pedal. He had a smile to die for. I mean, everything that he did, he was smiling. He plays the drums, he was smiling. Whatever instrument he was on, he was smiling. Even when we hung out talking, he was smiling. So I will miss his smile. I will miss him always teasing me, you know, and stuff like that,” Bryce shared.

    Renowned Belizean vocalist Jackie Castillo collaborated with Simpson for nearly 20 years as a fellow member of the popular Center Stage Band, and remembered his gentle but firm commitment to bringing out the best in every artist he worked with. “Whenever you would be off-key, Kenny would be like, ‘You no hit the note. You need to hit the note.’ I always see that in my mind since I’ve been thinking about him. He would tell you quietly and sweet that you are not hitting the note properly, and he will insist that you hit the note. So he brought a lot of my best qualities and my best vocals in my recordings, because he ensured that it was top quality. I will always remember and appreciate him for that,” Castillo said.

    That unwavering dedication to excellence ran through every project Simpson touched, from local pop to roots genres that crossed both genre and national borders. He worked with many of Belize’s biggest mainstream music names, including acclaimed artist Melonie Gillett, who recorded more than 30 tracks with the producer. “I want people to remember him as a musical genius, that’s for sure, and a pioneer in the Belizean music industry. Innovative and so smart, talented, and always, always willing to help. I was going through some of our messages and trying to piece everything together because all of this just makes no sense to me, you know, that he’s gone,” Gillett reflected.

    Though Simpson’s live drumming has fallen silent, the body of work he leaves behind ensures his creative spirit will continue to resonate through Belize’s recording studios, local concert stages, and personal playlists for generations to come. This report was prepared by Shane Williams for News Five.

  • KTV The Remix Heats Up with Reggae and Caribbean Night

    KTV The Remix Heats Up with Reggae and Caribbean Night

    On the eve of July 14, 2026, the popular singing competition KTV The Remix brought its second week of competition to the iconic Bliss venue, and organizers shook up the competition with a vibrant theme: Reggae and Caribbean Night. What was set to be another standard week of performances quickly evolved into a lively, culturally rich celebration of Caribbean musical heritage, turning the venue’s stage into a colorful hub of island rhythm and soul.

    Ten remaining contestants took on the challenge of the night, which carried two layers of difficulty. First, each participant was required to deliver a performance rooted in the distinct stylings of reggae and Caribbean music, pushing many vocalists outside their comfort zones to adapt to the genre’s characteristic off-beat cadence and storytelling lyricism. Second, the competition introduced an unexpected twist: it was also duet night, requiring contestants to pair up and collaborate on joint performances that tested not just their individual vocal talent, but their ability to work as a cohesive team on stage.

    Many of these collaborative duet sets ended up becoming the most talked-about and memorable moments of the entire evening, with surprising on-stage chemistry turning in standout renditions of classic Caribbean hits. As the competition progresses, the race for the $10,000 grand prize is already growing more intense with each elimination round. Contestants are under growing pressure to demonstrate range in their vocal abilities and command over the stage, as every performance now carries higher stakes for securing a spot in the next round of the competition. Local entertainment correspondent Britney Gordon has prepared full highlights of the night’s performances, which will be included in the full televised and online broadcast of the newscast. This article is a direct transcript of an evening television news segment, with Kriol language portions transcribed using a standardized spelling system for accessibility. Readers can access the full newscast via the link included in the original report.

  • Sir Clarence Edwards Announces Cancellation of Carnival 2026 Performances Due to Illness

    Sir Clarence Edwards Announces Cancellation of Carnival 2026 Performances Due to Illness

    In an official statement released this week, legendary frontman Sir Clarence Leonard Emmanuel Edwards has announced the cancellation of all upcoming scheduled performances with his iconic band Red Hot & Burning Flames, following an unexpected acute medical incident that required urgent inpatient care.

    The veteran performer shared that after extensive discussions with his specialized medical care team and a full round of diagnostic evaluations, clinicians have issued a clear mandate: he must step away from all strenuous performance-related activities for a mandated recovery period of four to six weeks. This clinical recommendation is rooted in a priority to safeguard Edwards’ long-term health and lay the groundwork for a full, sustainable return to live performance down the line.

    Edwards emphasized that the call to cancel shows was one of the hardest he has ever had to make. With the high-demand carnival season just around the corner – a period that traditionally draws some of the band’s biggest live audiences and most high-profile sets – the musician expressed profound regret over the inconvenience and disappointment this announcement will bring to loyal fans, event promoters, and the band’s long-standing industry partners.
    Despite the unexpected disruption to the band’s touring schedule, Edwards said he has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of public support from across the entertainment industry and fanbase. He acknowledged that stepping back from the stage at a peak point in the seasonal calendar is challenging, but stressed that full focus must now turn to prioritizing his recovery. The performer added that he is eager to get back in front of audiences and create new shared live memories as soon as his medical team clears him to return to work.

    Closing his statement, Edwards extended a heartfelt thank you to everyone who has sent well wishes, messages of support, and expressed patience during this period. He noted that the encouragement he has received means more than he can put into words, and every gesture of kindness is deeply appreciated.

  • Dominica to launch inaugural Gouté Domnik culinary festival this evening

    Dominica to launch inaugural Gouté Domnik culinary festival this evening

    The Caribbean island of Dominica is set to unveil its first-ever celebration of local food culture, the Gouté Domnik culinary festival, with a public kickoff event scheduled for the evening of July 15 in the capital city of Roseau. Hosted at the In De Yard community space on Cork Street, the launch opening at 5:00 p.m. welcomes both local residents and visiting travelers to get an early look at the week-long festival’s full lineup, sample preview bites of local cuisine, enjoy live local performances, and connect with organizers and participating chefs ahead of the main event.

    Organized jointly by Dominica’s Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA), the first iteration of Gouté Domnik will run from July 19 to 26, anchored by the overarching theme “Where Flavour Meets Nature” that ties the island’s famous pristine natural landscapes to its homegrown culinary identity. In a public press statement, event organizers framed the new festival as a strategic response to shifting global travel trends that have positioned culinary tourism as one of the fastest-growing segments of the international tourism industry.

    Recent global travel data underscores this shift: research shows 77 percent of international travelers now prioritize food and dining experiences when selecting a travel destination, while Hilton’s 2025 Global Travel Trends Report found that nearly 20 percent of travelers plan entire trips specifically to explore new regional cuisines. For Dominica, a small island nation already known for its eco-tourism offerings, these trends open a new pathway to highlight its unique local ingredients, centuries-old distinctive flavor profiles, and talented local culinary community to the world.

    The 2026 inaugural festival centers on two flagship events that cater to both diners and competitive cooking enthusiasts: a week-long Restaurant Week and the one-day Friendly One Pot Challenge. Restaurant Week will run throughout the entire festival, from July 19 to 26, with 18 participating restaurants across the island creating custom, limited-edition menus that highlight local produce and traditional recipes to deliver one-of-a-kind dining experiences for guests. The full list of participating venues includes Calabash Restaurant at Jungle Bay Dominica, Leather Back Restaurant at Rosalie Bay Eco Resort & Spa, Pride de la Dominique, The Pallet, Palisades Restaurant at Fort Young Hotel, Bwa Denn at Secret Bay, Steakhouse Restaurant, Soursop Bar & Grill, Manoe’s Cornerstone Restaurant, Le Petit Paradis, Banana Tree, Nets of Reef, Harbour Bites, Chez Wen, Petit Bistro, The Vibe, Belle Hall, and Hi Rise.

    To encourage diners to explore as many local culinary spots as possible, the DDA has introduced the official Gouté Domnik Food Guide. Diners can use the guide to collect an official stamp from each participating restaurant they visit during Restaurant Week. At the end of the promotion, the guest who collects the highest number of valid stamps will win a special prize sponsored by the DDA.

    The festival’s second signature event, the Friendly One Pot Challenge, will take place on July 19 in the coastal town of Layou. The competition brings together teams of local cooks to create creative, flavorful one-pot dishes using only ingredients sourced from local Dominican producers, giving teams a chance to showcase their skills and creativity to attendees and judges.

    Marva Williams, Chief Executive Officer and Director of Tourism for Dominica, emphasized that the new festival does more than celebrate local food: it creates tangible economic opportunities for local restaurants, chefs, small food businesses, and producers across the island. “Food has become an important part of how travellers experience a destination,” Williams explained. “Gouté Domnik gives us an opportunity to celebrate the people, flavours and stories behind Dominican cuisine while creating new opportunities for our restaurants, chefs and local businesses. We invite everyone to join us as we launch this exciting new initiative and celebrate the rich culinary experiences that make Dominica unique.”

    Organizers are encouraging all guests planning to take part in Restaurant Week to download the official Gouté Domnik Food Guide ahead of time from the Discover Dominica official website. Additional updates, full event schedules, and behind-the-scenes content are posted to the official Discover Dominica and Dominica Festivities Facebook and Instagram social media pages for anyone seeking more information.