Carib Scope

分类： entertainment

  • Royalton Antigua and Tamarind Hills Antigua Among USA TODAY 10BEST Caribbean Winners

    Royalton Antigua and Tamarind Hills Antigua Among USA TODAY 10BEST Caribbean Winners

    The Caribbean island nation of Antigua has demonstrated its formidable standing in global tourism with two of its premier resorts earning distinguished recognition in the highly anticipated 2026 USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards. This accolade serves to underscore the destination’s escalating appeal and competitive edge in the luxury travel market.

    In a significant achievement, Royalton Antigua clinched an impressive third place in the fiercely competitive ‘Best All-Inclusive Caribbean Resort’ category. Simultaneously, Tamarind Hills Antigua garnered notable acclaim, securing the seventh position among the elite ‘Best Caribbean Resorts’.

    The selection process for these prestigious awards embodies a democratic and expert-driven methodology. Initial nominations are curated by a panel of industry specialists, after which the final rankings are determined through an extensive period of public voting. This dual approach ensures that the results reflect both professional endorsement and genuine traveler satisfaction, providing a comprehensive measure of quality.

    The Antigua and Barbuda Hotels and Tourism Association (ABHTA) formally extended its congratulations to the winning establishments. In an official statement, the association emphasized that these honors are far more than mere trophies; they are a powerful affirmation of the nation’s status as a premier Caribbean destination. “These accolades are a testament to the unwavering commitment of our entire hospitality sector to achieving excellence and crafting uniquely memorable experiences for every visitor,” a representative from the ABHTA commented.

    This international recognition strategically positions Antigua and Barbuda alongside the most celebrated and sought-after tourism destinations in the region. The dual triumph highlights the diversity of the nation’s offerings, showcasing its ability to excel in providing both opulent luxury escapes and comprehensive all-inclusive vacation packages, thereby catering to a wide spectrum of international traveler preferences.

    The awards are expected to significantly boost the destination’s profile, reinforcing its marketing message of quality and exceptional service. For further details on the complete list of winners and the award methodology, the official USA TODAY 10BEST website remains the primary resource.

  • Dominica hosts seven creatives for groundbreaking residency designed to reshape regional narratives

    Dominica hosts seven creatives for groundbreaking residency designed to reshape regional narratives

    Dominica becomes the epicenter of Caribbean cultural innovation as it hosts the landmark L’Orizon artistic residency from January 5-13, 2026. This transformative gathering brings together seven distinguished creatives from Dominica, Martinique, and Saint Lucia to collectively reimagine the region’s storytelling traditions through multidisciplinary collaboration.

    The residency, organized under the An Ba Lanmè initiative—a trilateral cultural cooperation project—challenges conventional narratives by exploring how Caribbean identities are constructed and shared. Participants including Caribbean Afro-futurism writer Michael Roch (Martinique), performer Ethan James (St Lucia), and circus artists Serena Williams, Irina Khade Elwin, and Russel Raymond (Dominica) will engage in intensive dialogue and creative exchange in Cochrane village.

    Central to the program is examining whose perspectives dominate Caribbean storytelling, which heritages receive emphasis, and what realities define the contemporary Caribbean experience. The initiative uniquely integrates circus arts and performative practices alongside visual and literary arts, recognizing the region’s rich tradition of embodied storytelling that transcends linguistic barriers.

    Beyond artistic exploration, the project addresses urgent regional concerns including climate change impacts, economic diversification, and sustainable development. Organizers emphasize that narrative reconstruction directly influences economic prospects, as traditional tourism imagery becomes increasingly incompatible with environmental realities like seaweed invasions, natural disasters, and coastal erosion.

    The residency features extensive community engagement, including movement workshops led by N’jelle Thorne, exhibitions by the Waitukubili Artist Association, and conferences on cultural industries’ role in education and economics. Critical youth involvement includes January 7 workshops with Goodwill Secondary School students envisioning new Caribbean futures and January 9 theatrical improvisation sessions in Cochrane.

    Nicolas Derné, Artistic Director of Zofi Association, states: ‘This residency creates shared expression space for Caribbean artists and structures a sustainable cultural ecosystem. New narratives emerge from interdisciplinary intersections across the Caribbean—this diversity sustains a creative ecosystem that becomes a development lever for our territories.’

    The program culminates years of planning under An Ba Lanmè’s mission to revive historical and cultural connections between Caribbean islands, operating on the principle that ‘the sea connects more than it separates.’

  • Elijah Anatole’s Omyra headed to three international film festivals

    Elijah Anatole’s Omyra headed to three international film festivals

    Saint Lucian filmmaker Elijah Anatole has achieved remarkable international recognition as his short film ‘Omyra’ secures official selection in three prestigious film festivals across the globe. The thriller, entirely shot in Saint Lucia, will screen at the ÂME International Film Festival in Australia, Chandler International Film Festival in Arizona, and Sundarban International Film Festival in India throughout 2026.

    Anatole, who wrote, directed, produced, and operates through his Artlas Studios, created ‘Omyra’ under typically challenging Caribbean filmmaking conditions characterized by limited funding, minimal access to high-end equipment, and absence of structured industry support. Despite these constraints, the film has earned its place alongside international productions with substantially larger budgets.

    The festival journey begins January 25, 2026, at the ÂME International Film Festival, which celebrates filmmakers who push creative boundaries and amplify diverse voices. The Chandler International Film Festival will feature ‘Omyra’ in its Best Short Film Block C category on January 31, 2026, at Regal Gilbert in Arizona. February brings the Sundarban International Film Festival in India, which focuses on bridging audiences with arthouse cinema that combines aesthetic excellence with philosophical depth.

    Anatole expressed profound gratitude for the international recognition, noting that each selection reinforces the value of meaningful, human-centered cinema. ‘I am grateful for the recognition and for a jury that connected with this story beyond borders,’ he stated, adding that he awaits responses from several additional festival submissions.

  • Paris Coutain shows off his versatility in new releases

    Paris Coutain shows off his versatility in new releases

    At just 22 years old, Trinidadian artist Paris Coutain is demonstrating extraordinary artistic range through his latest musical releases and compelling stage presence. His newest soca single “Brush” represents a deeply personal project, produced by Richard Gosine with mixing and mastering handled by Nikholai Greene. Coutain co-wrote the track alongside Emmanuel Rudder and Yohann Niles, describing it as “a smooth, sweet melodic vibe that invites someone to hold and dance with.”

    Simultaneously, Coutain showcases his versatility with the chutney soca track “Magic in the Air” on the Soca Love Story Riddim, which he composed with production by Motto. This dual-genre approach reflects his fundamental artistic philosophy: “I could never envision myself confined to a single genre. My passion spans across multiple genres, so versatility is my goal as an artist.”

    Hailing from Arouca, Coutain credits his mother’s protective upbringing and musical influence as foundational to his development. “My mother is a huge Michael Jackson fan,” he shared, “so from the moment I learned about him at the age of five, I decided that I wanted to be an artiste and performer.”

    This early inspiration was formally cultivated through his education, culminating in a bachelor’s degree in performing arts from the University of Trinidad and Tobago in 2024. His academic training taught him “to fully commit to my performances and to be adequately prepared for shows.”

    Coutain’s competitive achievements include winning both Mr NGC Sanfest in 2019 and the Junior Chutney Soca Monarch in 2020, followed by placements in the Intellectual Chutney Monarch (5th in 2024) and Ultimate Soca Champion (4th in 2025). He views these competitions as strategic platforms for exposure and growth rather than mere contests.

    Beyond music, Coutain has built a substantial digital presence with over 164,000 TikTok followers through comedy skits and musical content. “It all began when I was quite young; I aspired to be an artiste, so I started creating skits and building a fanbase,” he explained, noting that making others laugh brings him “immense joy.”

    Looking toward Carnival 2026, Coutain plans to audition for the Chutney Soca Monarch while preparing additional releases, including a collaborative track with another artist. His long-term vision extends beyond Trinidad’s shores: “Becoming an international artist is my aspiration,” he stated, aiming to break into global markets with pop, R&B, and hip-hop while remaining true to his Caribbean roots.

  • Vegas, Sly Dunbar, Leroy Sibbles to be honoured at Reggae Genealogy 2026

    Vegas, Sly Dunbar, Leroy Sibbles to be honoured at Reggae Genealogy 2026

    Plantation, Florida prepares to host an extraordinary celebration of Caribbean musical heritage as the Reggae Genealogy® Music Festival returns on February 7, 2026. Under the evocative theme ‘Lights. Camera. Reggae.’, Volunteer Park will transform into an immersive sound stage exploring reggae’s profound influence across film, television, gaming, and global popular culture.

    Produced by Island SPACE Caribbean Museum (Island Society for the Promotion of Artistic and Cultural Education), this large-scale outdoor production anticipates welcoming over 3,000 attendees for an evening of musical excellence and cultural storytelling. The festival serves as the official commencement of South Florida’s Reggae Month celebrations, representing the most ambitious production to date through its fusion of high production values and artistic tribute to reggae’s cross-generational impact.

    The event boasts an impressive lineup of reggae royalty. Clifford ‘Mr Vegas’ Smith, whose 1997 breakout hits ‘Nike Air’ and ‘Heads High’ propelled him to international stardom, brings his unique fusion of dancehall, reggae, and gospel influences. The MOBO Award-winning artist continues to push creative boundaries with his message-driven music and irresistible rhythms.

    Legendary drummer Sly Dunbar, half of the iconic production duo Sly & Robbie, brings over four decades of musical innovation. The two-time Grammy Award winner, widely regarded as reggae’s most recorded drummer, has fundamentally shaped the genre through his work with Bob Marley, Grace Jones, and countless other artists.

    Leroy Sibbles, celebrated voice and bassist of The Heptones, represents the foundational architecture of reggae music. As lead singer on classics like ‘Book of Rules’ and ‘Fattie Fattie,’ and as the session bassist who created enduring rhythms including ‘Full Up,’ Sibbles’ contributions to the evolution from ska to reggae remain unparalleled.

    Executive Director Calibe Thompson describes the production as ‘a love letter to the soundtracks of our lives,’ emphasizing the festival’s mission to honor cultural moments that brought reggae into global consciousness. The evening opens with a special tribute to film and reggae legend Jimmy Cliff, establishing the narrative tone for the musical journey ahead.

    Additional confirmed performers include Tifa, Phil Watkis, Roy G, and Bobby Rose, backed by the Code Red Band. The main stage will be hosted by acclaimed actress Audrey Reid of ‘Dancehall Queen’ fame, with musical support from Bigg G, DJ King Mega, and pre-show host Frank!e Red.

    Beyond the musical performances, the festival offers diverse cultural experiences including an intimate fireside chat with Leroy Sibbles, dedicated children’s play zone, culinary offerings from food trucks, artisan vendors, and a corporate circle designed to foster community engagement. Gates open at 4:00 PM for this comprehensive celebration of reggae’s enduring legacy.

  • Tasty Bites @ Footeprints Hotel Negril

    Tasty Bites @ Footeprints Hotel Negril

    Nestled along Jamaica’s iconic coastline, the town of Negril reveals its treasures not through grandeur, but through gradual immersion into its unique rhythm of life. This seaside paradise has mastered the art of understated elegance, where luxury manifests in ocean breezes, panoramic views, and the freedom of authentic existence.

    At the heart of this experience stands Footeprints Hotel, a 32-room beachfront sanctuary that embodies Negril’s philosophy through culinary excellence and genuine Jamaican hospitality. The property, named after the founding Foote family, transforms the conventional hotel stay into a familial journey, with each space bearing the name of family members and extending that warmth to every guest.

    The culinary landscape at Footeprints represents a masterclass in diverse dining experiences. Gatsby’s Restaurant elevates island flavors through contemporary Caribbean cuisine, where Executive Chef Shawn Sawyers—a 16-year veteran with pastry expertise and visual arts background—orchestrates a fusion of local and international dishes. His culinary canvas spans Asian, Jamaican, Indian, and Mexican influences, featuring standout creations like Westmoreland curry goat and lobster.

    For toes-in-the-sand relaxation, Blushy’s Beach Bar offers fresh seafood and vibrant cocktails crafted to complement the rhythm of the waves. Meanwhile, Finkel’s Eatery provides laid-back dining without compromising quality, satisfying cravings with effortless elegance.

    General Manager Ramoy McFarlane emphasizes the property’s commitment to creating memorable experiences beyond dining: ‘We welcome guests into our family, offering amenities like the skywalk with breathtaking views and the infinity pool. Ultimately, we want Footeprints synonymous with exceptional food, wine, and music.’

    The beverage program showcases mixologist Andrumar Mendez’s artistry through signature cocktails like the Tipsy Daze—a sophisticated blend of overproof white rum, vodka, coconut rum, and tropical juices—and the visually stunning Blue Hawaiian. Each drink reflects the vibrant spirit of Jamaican mixology.

    From gourmet pizzas with jerk chicken toppings to signature lobster rolls and breakfast burritos featuring callaloo and bacon, the culinary team demonstrates relentless innovation. Even traditional desserts like bread pudding with vanilla ice cream receive transformative treatment, embodying Chef Sawyers’ philosophy: ‘We have no limits—wherever inspiration comes from, we’ll tweak it and add it to our canvas.’

    Footeprints stands as a testament to Negril’s evolving narrative—a destination where luxury isn’t announced but discovered, where every meal tells a story, and where the footprints left behind are those of culinary excellence and genuine human connection.

  • Kes’ and Etienne Charles’ Unity Jazz Festival at NY Lincoln Center sold out

    Kes’ and Etienne Charles’ Unity Jazz Festival at NY Lincoln Center sold out

    Caribbean music has achieved a monumental milestone as Kes the Band, in collaboration with renowned Trinidadian trumpeter Etienne Charles, has completely sold out their two-night Unity Jazz Festival at New York’s prestigious Jazz at Lincoln Center on January 8-9. This extraordinary achievement underscores the growing global appreciation for Afro-Caribbean musical traditions.

    The festival represents a watershed moment for Caribbean artists, marking their ascendancy onto one of the world’s most iconic cultural stages. The event forms an integral part of Jazz at Lincoln Center’s 38th season programming, which celebrates ‘Mother Africa’ and honors the profound influence of Afro-diasporic music across jazz and related musical traditions.

    Adding to their acclaim, the band received prominent feature coverage in the January 7 edition of The New York Times, further validating their artistic significance. The performances will showcase specially reimagined arrangements from Kes the Band’s extensive catalog, creatively blending soca, calypso, jazz, and soul genres into intimate musical storytelling experiences.

    Trumpeter Etienne Charles, celebrated for his mastery of Afro-Caribbean musical language, will serve as special guest collaborator, enhancing the festival’s core message of cultural unity and artistic exchange. This landmark event follows the massive international success of the band’s latest single, ‘Rum And Coca Cola,’ which achieved record-breaking chart debuts on Apple Music’s Top 100 in over twenty countries and accumulated hundreds of thousands of streams and YouTube views.

  • Machel Montano to defend Chutney Soca Monarch title

    Machel Montano to defend Chutney Soca Monarch title

    Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural landscape is set for a vibrant transformation as the Chutney Soca Monarch (CSM) competition announces groundbreaking changes for its 31st edition. Reigning champion Machel Montano has confirmed he will defend his title at the February 8 finals in Skinner Park, San Fernando, following his 2025 victory with the collaborative hit “Pepper Vine” featuring Lady Lava and chutney legend Drupatee Ramgoonai.

    The official launch event at GML Labs on January 7 marked a significant evolution for the long-running Carnival tradition. CEO George Singh unveiled substantial format innovations, including relocating the semi-finals to Port of Spain’s Queen’s Park Savannah Carnival Village—a historic shift from the competition’s traditional southern base. Artist selection will now feature a live screening process reminiscent of ‘America’s Got Talent,’ with semi-finalists announced thereafter.

    A landmark media partnership between promoters Southex and Guardian Media Limited officially brings the competition home to Sangeet 106.1 FM. Brand manager Shareeza Ali emphasized the collaboration extends beyond media support to create meaningful spaces for artistic and cultural expression.

    The 2026 edition introduces a third competitive category: the Traditional Chutney Monarch title joins the existing Chutney Soca Monarch and Queen of Chutney Soca crowns. Singh described this addition as crucial for honoring the genre’s foundational elements while celebrating its evolving identity.

    Scheduling changes see the grand finals moving to Sunday with adjusted hours (4 PM to midnight), replacing the traditional Saturday night event that typically extended into early morning. Singh reaffirmed the event will remain free to the public for the eleventh consecutive year.

    Looking beyond Carnival, Singh announced developmental workshops for the 2026-2027 season focusing on artist development, social media strategy, stage performance, and media engagement. The competition continues to gain international traction, with significant followings in Guyana, Suriname, and diaspora communities across North America, while recent expansions into Holland and South Africa demonstrate the genre’s growing global influence.

  • Local media professional publishes romance book titled, Forgive Us

    Local media professional publishes romance book titled, Forgive Us

    Grenadian media professional Sorana Mitchell has unveiled her second literary work, the romance and erotica collection titled ‘Forgive Us,’ marking a significant milestone in her writing career. The book launch on December 27, 2025, gathered friends and supporters to celebrate Mitchell’s bold entry into sensitive literary territories.

    The collection comprises three distinct novellas set against Grenada’s vibrant backdrop, representing creative concepts that first emerged approximately fifteen years ago. Mitchell reveals these stories began taking shape following her bipolar disorder diagnosis, serving as an outlet for the persistent narratives occupying her thoughts. “Rather than being continuously bombarded by these storylines in my mind,” Mitchell explained, “I channeled them into writing.”

    Mitchell’s affinity for romance literature traces back to her teenage years when such novels provided escape from personal challenges. She humorously recalls being among secondary school students disciplined for reading forbidden romantic materials, highlighting the genre’s controversial history in conservative educational environments.

    Her philosophical approach to romance centers on mutual choice and partnership. “The concept that two people can meet, choose each other, and collaboratively build a life together represents something profoundly beautiful,” Mitchell reflected. “It’s about no longer facing the world alone.”

    The decision to publish these particular stories involved considerable internal conflict, primarily due to their inclusion of intimate scenes considered taboo within some social circles. Mitchell acknowledged initial concerns about public perception but ultimately embraced her creative vision. “I wrestled with hesitation before stepping into my true being to fully own my creation,” she stated.

    Financial constraints and unforeseen delays temporarily postponed the publication, though Mitchell persevered to complete the project. Demonstrating her commitment to community collaboration, the author intentionally incorporated references to local Grenadian businesses within her narratives. “On a small island like ours,” Mitchell emphasized, “small businesses must find innovative ways to collaborate. I featured their products in my book and even included sensual items from local entrepreneurs in special launch packages.”

    The trilogy begins with ‘Unexpected,’ exploring a romance between a woman in her mid-forties and a younger man. ‘His Pretty Girl’ addresses themes of class stratification, physical appearance, and societal acceptance, particularly regarding weight-related prejudices. The titular novella ‘Forgive Us’ delves into forbidden romance between a priest and his childhood sweetheart.

    ‘Forgive Us’ follows Mitchell’s previously published memoir ‘Still Smiling,’ with both works available through Amazon’s global distribution network.

  • NO LIVE STREAMING at the One Nation Caribbean Music Festival

    NO LIVE STREAMING at the One Nation Caribbean Music Festival

    The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission has implemented stringent broadcasting restrictions for the upcoming One Nation Caribbean Music Festival, prohibiting all live streaming during both nights of the event. This policy stems from contractual obligations with international performing artists whose agreements explicitly limit digital distribution rights.

    Media organizations seeking coverage must acquire official footage through the nation’s state broadcaster, ABS TV, which will serve as the exclusive distributor of professional-grade content. This centralized approach ensures consistent visual quality and perspective across all media outlets.

    While attendees are permitted to capture personal photos and videos using mobile devices for non-commercial purposes, any attempt to live broadcast performances will result in immediate ejection from the venue. Festival security personnel will actively enforce these protocols throughout both evenings.

    The commission emphasizes that these measures align with international entertainment industry standards for protecting intellectual property and artistic rights. By controlling distribution channels, organizers aim to maintain the value of performers’ content while delivering a premium experience for physical attendees.

    These protective measures ultimately serve to honor artistic agreements while preserving the exclusive nature of the live event experience. The commission expresses gratitude for public cooperation in upholding these professional standards within the Caribbean music industry.