Carib Scope

分类： entertainment

  • Former monarchs, fresh talent advance to calypso semis

    Former monarchs, fresh talent advance to calypso semis

    One of Saint Lucia’s most cherished cultural competitions is gearing up for a thrilling next stage this weekend, with calypso enthusiasts across the island already counting down to a tense, talent-packed semifinal showdown. The 2025 National Calypso Monarch competition has drawn a remarkably varied field of competitors, blending rising young stars, past titleholders, and fan-favorite artists making their return to the national stage, all vying for a shot at the coveted crown.

    Last weekend, the quarterfinal rounds brought the preliminary competition to a close, culling the initial field down to 18 standout calypsonians who have earned their spot in the Sunday, June 28 eliminator. All semifinal performances will take place at the island’s iconic National Cultural Centre, where judges will narrow the group one step further ahead of the grand final.

    Hundreds of attendees from across Saint Lucia traveled to attend the quarterfinal events, which organizers say highlighted the incredible depth and diversity of calypso talent growing on the island. Throughout the preliminary rounds, performers won over crowds with sharp, thoughtful tracks covering a wide range of topics: from breaking current events and stirring odes to national pride, to incisive commentary on pressing social issues and quick-witted satire that showcased the genre’s signature creative wordplay and lyrical skill.

    This year’s competition draws participants from four of the island’s active calypso tents: South Calypso Tent, KPT, Fire One, and Soca Village/Take Of Tent (TOT). The 18 qualified semifinalists split across these groups are: three from South Calypso – Lushane, Menelle, and Gumption; four from KPT – Anwar, Blaze, Devine, and TC Brown; seven from Soca Village/TOT – Ashe, Carlton Roberts, Herb Black, John Gotti, Mica, Narcheal, and Ti Caro; and four from Fire One – Walleigh, Snow, Ready, and Educator.

    When the semifinal judging concludes this Sunday, nine of these 18 competitors will move forward to the national final. There, they will face off against the reigning National Calypso Monarch, defending champion Dezral, who automatically advances to the final round to protect his title. Industry observers and long-time fans alike are already predicting one of the tightest, most competitive finals in recent years, thanks to the wide range of experience and fresh perspective brought by this year’s qualified field.

  • Roberto Ángel Salcedo opens CAACI Audiovisual meetings in Dominican Republic

    Roberto Ángel Salcedo opens CAACI Audiovisual meetings in Dominican Republic

    The coastal town of Juan Dolio, Dominican Republic, has become the epicenter of Ibero-American cultural collaboration this week, as the country officially opened two landmark gatherings for regional audiovisual and film governance: the 49th Ordinary Meeting of the Conference of Audiovisual and Cinematographic Authorities of Ibero-America (CAACI) and the 29th Extraordinary Meeting of the IBERMEDIA Program’s Intergovernmental Council. The event draws together senior industry delegates from 22 nations across the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking region, all aligned to deepen collective progress for the audiovisual and film sector.

    The official opening ceremony was led by Dominican Republic Minister of Culture Roberto Ángel Salcedo, who was joined on stage by key regional and national industry leaders. These included Marianna Vargas Gurilieva, Director General of the Dominican Republic’s Directorate General of Cinema (DGCINE); Luís Chaby Vaz, President of Portugal’s Instituto do Cinema e do Audiovisual and Executive Secretary of CAACI; and Marcio Migliorisi, representing the interim presidency of the IBERMEDIA Intergovernmental Council, a role currently held by Uruguay’s ACAU.

    Across the three-day meeting schedule, which runs from June 23 to 26, participating authorities will work through a packed agenda focused on actionable strategies for deeper regional integration. Key discussion topics include the exchange of evidence-based industry best practices, the co-design of supportive policy frameworks, and the alignment of priorities to drive long-term, sustainable growth for the entire Ibero-American film and audiovisual ecosystem.

    In her opening remarks, Marianna Vargas Gurilieva underscored the Dominican Republic’s expanding footprint in regional cultural cooperation. She noted that hosting delegations from 22 countries underscores the nation’s firm commitment to building a more interconnected, globally competitive regional audiovisual industry. Vargas also emphasized that cross-border knowledge sharing and strategic alliance building are critical to unlocking new professional and creative opportunities for creators and industry workers across the region.

    Luís Chaby Vaz echoed these sentiments, praising the Dominican Republic’s consistent and active engagement in regional cultural governance bodies. He stressed that ongoing collaborative effort remains the single most important factor in strengthening the Ibero-American audiovisual network and delivering shared, inclusive growth for all member nations.

    During the opening proceedings, Minister Salcedo reaffirmed the Dominican government’s long-term commitment to nurturing the domestic film industry. He also used the platform to announce a major new funding initiative under the country’s existing Film Promotion Fund (FONPROCINE): the Support Line for National Premieres in Alternative Spaces. This new program will allocate up to RD$200,000 (Dominican pesos) to as many as four projects each year, with the explicit goal of expanding access to Dominican cinema by screening films in cultural centers, educational institutions, and community venues that fall outside the traditional commercial cinema circuit.

    The initiative is designed to address gaps in domestic film distribution, grow domestic audiences for local content, and strengthen alternative film exhibition networks in partnership with the Dominican Republic’s national Network of Audiovisual Spaces (RESCAD).

    Salcedo also took the opportunity to reflect on the remarkable transformation of the Dominican film sector over the past decade and more, following the passage of the country’s foundational film legislation, Law 108-10. He noted that the industry has evolved from a largely informal, scattered collection of projects into a fast-growing, recognized sector that earns increasing acclaim both at home and on the global stage.

    Beyond internal industry progress, the 2024 CAACI and IBERMEDIA meetings solidify the Dominican Republic’s standing as a leading regional hub for audiovisual cooperation and cross-cultural exchange across the entire Ibero-American community, setting the stage for new collaborative projects and policy progress in the years ahead.

  • Merrymen co-founder hailed as cultural pioneer after death

    Merrymen co-founder hailed as cultural pioneer after death

    Barbados has lost one of its most influential cultural ambassadors after the passing of Sir Charles Emile Straker, the legendary singer, songwriter and guitarist who took the island’s homegrown music to a global audience. The 90-year-old, who had been in poor health for an extended period, died in the early hours of Friday.

    Straker was the last surviving original founding member of the Merrymen Trio, the group he co-established in 1962 alongside fellow musicians Robin Hunte and Chris Gibbs, which would later become widely known simply as The Merrymen. His death prompted an outpouring of tribute from across the country, including from the political group Friends of Democracy (FOD), which honored his decades-long legacy of shaping Barbadian cultural identity.

    In an official statement released to the public, Ricky Williams, FOD’s spokesperson for sports and culture, celebrated Straker as a towering figure in Caribbean music whose work left an indelible mark on generations of listeners both at home and abroad. Over his decades-long career, Straker wrote and performed dozens of chart-topping hits, the most famous of which is the global fan favorite “Big Bamboo”. Williams confirmed that the track earned unprecedented international acclaim for Barbadian music, holding the number one position on multiple European music charts for 18 straight weeks.

    A defining feature of Straker’s artistry was his instantly recognizable vocal style, and his commitment to centering Bajan culture in the group’s work. A key innovation he brought to The Merrymen’s song catalog was integrating the traditional pennywhistle into their arrangements, reimagining the instrument to fit distinctly Barbadian musical styles. Beyond his crossover hit, Straker crafted many tracks that celebrated local life and Barbadian heritage, including fan favorites such as *Beautiful Barbados*, *Nutseller*, and *Gary Sobers*.

    Williams also highlighted how The Merrymen broke new ground for Caribbean culture on the global stage, booking performances at some of the world’s most iconic and prestigious performance venues. These included New York’s legendary Madison Square Garden, and two of London’s most celebrated cultural spaces: the Royal Festival Hall and the Royal Albert Hall. The group’s trailblazing global tour culminated in a landmark performance as the half-time entertainment at Super Bowl XIII in 1979, one of the most-watched sporting events in the United States at that time. Playing for a live stadium audience of 80,000 people, the band introduced Barbados’ unique indigenous folk music to millions of television viewers tuning in from across the globe.

    “In passing of this giant, we have been left with an irreplaceable vacuum,” Williams said in his statement. “Sir Charles will be deeply missed by all who loved his music and the work he did for our country. On behalf of Friends of Democracy, we extend our deepest condolences to Sir Charles Emile Straker’s family and loved ones at this difficult time. May he rest in peace.”

  • Ministry of Tourism and DDA to host inaugural Wellness Fair on July 4

    Ministry of Tourism and DDA to host inaugural Wellness Fair on July 4

    The Caribbean island of Dominica is preparing to launch its first ever public Wellness Fair, a landmark event jointly organized by the country’s Ministry of Tourism and the Discover Dominica Authority (DDA) to celebrate the island’s growing reputation as a global nature-centric wellness destination.

    Scheduled for Saturday, July 4, 2026, the full-day event will run from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the UWI Global Campus, and carries the fitting theme “Be Well in Nature”. As the flagship activity of the 2026 Tourism Awareness Program — which itself operates under the broader banner “Wellness by Nature” — the fair will unite a diverse cross-section of stakeholders, from independent wellness practitioners and local wellness businesses to certified service providers and community wellness organizations.

    At its core, the initiative is designed to integrate holistic wellness practices into daily life for attendees, highlighting the interconnected roles of preventive healthcare, regular physical movement, balanced nutrition, intentional stress management, and deep connection to the natural world in supporting long-term well-being. Beyond positioning Dominica as a leading wellness travel hub, the fair also carries a domestic mission: to empower local residents to adopt and sustain healthier daily habits, while showcasing the full breadth of homegrown wellness talent and offerings available across the island.

    Attendees can expect a packed schedule of complimentary activities and experiences tailored to all levels of wellness interest. The lineup includes free basic health screenings, one-on-one wellness consultations with local experts, live fitness demonstrations, high-energy cardio jam sessions, open-level yoga classes, and interactive educational exhibits highlighting the local wellness sector. Unlike many industry events, the fair creates dedicated space for direct conversation between attendees and practitioners, giving visitors the chance to ask questions, explore local products and services, and connect with ongoing wellness resources available year-round in Dominica.

    A key highlight of the event is a series of educational informational sessions led by local specialist speakers. Topics cover the full spectrum of holistic health, including evidence-based nutrition guidance, practical stress reduction techniques, mindfulness practice, chronic disease prevention, physical fitness planning, personal development, and emotional wellness. Organizers designed these sessions to deliver actionable, practical knowledge that attendees can immediately implement in their own daily routines, rather than focusing solely on abstract discussion.

    To add an extra layer of excitement for attendees, the event will also host multiple prize giveaways through public draws. Grand prizes include round-trip airfare donated by two regional carriers, FRS Express des Îles and Sunrise Airways. Additional high-value giveaways include tickets to the 2026 World Creole Music Festival, one of Dominica’s most anticipated annual cultural celebrations, giving winners the chance to experience the island’s iconic cultural scene alongside their wellness-focused visit.

    Marva Williams, CEO and Director of Tourism at the Discover Dominica Authority, emphasized that the fair reflects the shared commitment of the DDA and Ministry of Tourism to embed wellness into both the island’s tourism identity and local community life. “Wellness is one of the defining experiences that sets Dominica apart. Through Wellness Fair 2026, we are creating an opportunity for residents and visitors to connect with local wellness professionals, learn practical ways to improve their well-being and experience the many ways wellness is naturally woven into life on the Nature Island,” Williams said. “We encourage everyone to join us on July 4 at the UWI Global Campus and take advantage of the free services, information sessions and activities available throughout the day.”

    Admission to the 2026 Wellness Fair is completely free and open to all members of the public, with both local residents and traveling visitors welcome to attend all activities. Organizers have noted that spaces in the specialized informational sessions are limited, so interested guests are encouraged to reserve their spots in advance via the official registration link: https://forms.gle/RcWAuJ1aJB6T5HvV8.

  • From Antigua to London: Windrush descendant shares powerful story of separation, identity and legacy

    From Antigua to London: Windrush descendant shares powerful story of separation, identity and legacy

    On June 20, 2026, London’s Jacksons Lane Arts Centre opened its doors to the 78th Windrush commemoration, hosting a special exhibition and event titled *Windrush Stories: Portraits & Voices* inside the venue’s Studio 1 in Highgate. At the gathering, established Antiguan and Barbudan author William took the stage to share a raw, deeply personal account of how his experience of migration, familial separation and fractured belonging has shaped every layer of his literary work to this day.

    William’s journey begins in the small New Winthropes Village of Antigua and Barbuda, where he spent his entire childhood without any connection to his parents. As part of the mid-20th century Windrush migration wave that saw thousands of Caribbean citizens move to the United Kingdom to fill post-war labor gaps, William’s parents had relocated to Britain years before he was born. It was not until 1970, when William was just an unaccompanied minor, that he made the transatlantic crossing to reunite with them – a meeting that marked the first time he had ever laid eyes on the people who gave him life. Growing up, he had never even seen a photograph of his parents or heard the sound of their voices, making the transition to a new life with strangers in an unfamiliar country all the more disorienting.

    In his address to attendees, William unpacked the layered emotional weight of that life-altering journey, while also pushing back against gaps in how the Windrush generation is often historicized. He pointed out that mainstream narratives around Windrush almost exclusively center the pioneers who made the initial voyage to Britain, leaving the lived experiences of their children and subsequent descendants unacknowledged and sidelined.

    “Our voices matter too, and it is long past time they got the same attention as those of the first generation,” William told the crowd. He explained that every piece of his writing is crafted specifically to reframe the Windrush story through the lens of the descendants who came after the initial migration.

    This mission is embodied in his published work *Betwixt 2 Shores*, a book centered entirely on the unique perspective of Windrush descendants. The text dives deep into themes of fractured identity, forced displacement, and intergenerational cultural memory, seeking to expand public understanding of the Windrush legacy beyond the common focus on arrival stories. For William, the most important story to tell is that of generations who grew up caught between two distinct cultural worlds, navigating the everyday realities of belonging to neither fully.

    A tangible, evocative symbol of William’s decades-long journey is the worn small suitcase, called a “grip”, that he carried with him when he left Antigua more than 50 years ago. Today, the tattered case is preserved as a personal historical artifact, one that William says carries every ounce of his experience: the pain of leaving his childhood home behind, the struggle to adapt to a new country, and the quiet resilience that carried him through.

    “The grip holds everything I went through,” he shared. “It is proof of what it means to leave one entire life behind and build another from scratch.”

    The 78th Windrush celebration and accompanying *Windrush Stories: Portraits & Voices* exhibition are part of a broader, ongoing push to protect and amplify under-told Windrush narratives. Through visual portraiture, firsthand testimony, and creative literary expression, organizers work to ensure that both the original Windrush pioneers and their descendants are formally recognized as core parts of Britain’s ever-evolving cultural history.

    For William, the 2026 commemoration was more than a moment to look back on his own story. It was another step forward in his lifelong mission: to pull the voices of Windrush descendants out of the margins of history and place them firmly at the center of the full Windrush narrative.

  • Oprichter en leadzanger van The Merrymen overleden

    Oprichter en leadzanger van The Merrymen overleden

    Barbadian music icon Sir Charles Emile Straker, the founder and creative core of internationally celebrated Caribbean band The Merrymen, passed away on Friday, June 19, 2026, at his beloved Caribbean home island at the age of 90. Knighted for his contributions to culture in 2019, Straker leaves behind a decades-long legacy that reshaped global perceptions of Caribbean music, even amid longstanding industry controversy over his work.

    Straker launched his professional music career in 1961 in Canada. Just one year later, he returned to his native Barbados and co-founded The Merrymen alongside Robin Hunte, who played tenor guitar and electric mandolin, Stephen Fields on guitar and vocals, and Chris Gibbs on bass and vocals. Straker himself took on guitar and steelpan duties, serving as the band’s lead vocalist with his iconic golden voice and signature whistling, while also emerging as a prolific songwriter for the group. Shortly after the band’s founding, drummer Robert Foster joined to complete the original lineup. Today, only Stephen Fields survives from the 1962 founding roster, and he currently lives with dementia.

    As part of a generation of Caribbean artists bringing regional genres like calypso and soca to global audiences, The Merrymen faced sharp criticism from Black Caribbean musicians, who framed the group’s take on these Afro-Caribbean styles as too “white,” dismissing the band as so-called “wannabe calypsonians.”

    The most prominent critic was legendary Trinidadian calypsonian The Mighty Sparrow, who publicly condemned the global success The Merrymen found with their lighter, more accessible style of “white calypso” at a time when he and other Black calypsonians struggled to break through to international audiences. In 1967, Sparrow released his album *Spicy Sparrow*, which included a satirical track mocking The Merrymen’s take on calypso. Originally titled *Bajan Dolphus* (a reference to the demonym for Barbadians, which also describes the island’s local culture and language), the track was renamed *Sing Dolphus Sing* for its official release, with lyrics mocking the band’s popularity and credibility in the calypso space.

    Despite this controversy, The Merrymen racked up one international hit after another through the 1960s and 1970s, particularly in the United States. The band also earned a particularly devoted fanbase in Suriname, where generations of older listeners grew up hearing their tracks played repeatedly on national radio. Beloved hits that still remain cultural touchstones across the Caribbean and global diaspora include *Ring Ting Ting*, *Big Bamboo*, *Sugar Bum Bum*, *Archie*, and the fan-favorite melancholic standard *Yellow Bird*. The band developed a distinct sound they dubbed “Caribeat,” and toured across more than 100 countries, turning Barbados into a household name for music fans around the world.

    In a statement shared by the *Jamaica Observer* following Straker’s death, Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley paid tribute to the legendary musician’s far-reaching impact. “He helped put Barbados on the map far beyond our shores,” Mottley said. “Long before hashtags, marketing campaigns, and global social platforms, Sir Emile and The Merrymen brought our island to the world: on hotel stages, in concert halls, on records that tourists carried home with them, and in the hearts of people who kept returning to Barbados because his music made them feel they already belonged here.”

    Late in his career, in November 2023, Straker released his autobiography *My Island and Me*, edited by John Roett. The project was supported by the Barbados National Cultural Foundation and Prime Minister Mottley’s office, with Straker handing over the first published copy of the memoir to Mottley shortly after its completion.

  • Rum Island Festival makes ATL Live television debut as excitement builds for inaugural July 11 celebration at Piedmont Park

    Rum Island Festival makes ATL Live television debut as excitement builds for inaugural July 11 celebration at Piedmont Park

    ATLANTA, Ga. – June 23, 2026 – As anticipation builds for the first-ever Rum Island Festival set to kick off July 11 at Atlanta’s iconic Piedmont Park Promenade, the brand-new Caribbean cultural celebration made its first television appearance this week on ATL Live, Atlanta News First’s top-rated lifestyle and entertainment program.

    Founded by Atlanta-based event creator Marc Walcott, Rum Island Festival was conceived to center the vibrant, expanding Caribbean diaspora in Georgia’s capital, while opening a welcoming space for attendees of all cultural backgrounds to engage with authentic Caribbean traditions. During the televised segment, Walcott walked viewers through the festival’s core mission: to deliver an immersive, community-focused celebration built on three foundational pillars: culture, connection, and rum.

    “Atlanta is home to a large, fast-growing Caribbean community, and we saw an opening for something new and energetic that truly honors that heritage,” Walcott explained during the live broadcast. “Our goal is to create a space where everyone can connect to Caribbean culture through food, music, shared experiences, and celebration.”

    The television segment gave home audiences an early preview of what attendees can expect on festival day. A live culinary demonstration from festival partner Tropics Jerk Center showcased beloved regional dishes including jerk chicken, rice and peas, fried plantains, and Caribbean-style chow mein, while Walcott walked viewers through the preparation of the festival’s signature rum punch to tease the high-end food and beverage offerings available at the event.

    Beyond food and drink, Walcott emphasized the festival’s commitment to intentional community impact and diverse cultural representation. The full entertainment lineup blends a range of diasporic sounds, from Dancehall and Soca to Afrobeats, Reggaeton, and Amapiano, and the event has partnered with Her Village Inc., a local nonprofit that supports families navigating financial hardship, to advance meaningful community good.

    To cap off the studio appearance, carnival performance troupe Musas Do Sol brought the vivid energy of Caribbean Carnival to the ATL Live stage with a colorful, high-energy dance routine, giving viewers a taste of the pageantry and excitement planned for the July event.

    Helmed by host Pretty Vee, a well-known media personality, comedian, and entrepreneur, the one-day festival will feature a stacked lineup of talent: headlining Dancehall artist Aidonia, breakout Caribbean performer Ayetian, and a roster of all-star DJs including Ricky Platinum, Yung Rage, Unique Soundz, Propa English, Boogy Ranks, and DJ Fabb, among others. Over eight hours, attendees will have access to continuous live entertainment, premium rum tastings, custom cocktail experiences, interactive cultural installations, and a dedicated Caribbean food village highlighting flavors from across the global diaspora.

    Buoyed by widespread support from Atlanta’s Caribbean community and growing regional media attention, the Rum Island Festival team has outlined long-term plans to expand the event to major U.S. cities and Caribbean destinations in coming years, positioning it as a leading cultural event platform for the Southeast. Tickets, full lineup updates, and additional event details are available now on the official Rum Island Festival website.

    Founded in Atlanta and built as a touring cultural experience, Rum Island Festival positions itself at the intersection of world-class live music, artisanal rum culture, authentic Afro-Caribbean cuisine, and community connection. The festival is already recognized as one of the most culturally intentional new event platforms in the Southeast, featuring confirmed A-list talent, celebrity guests, and organic brand activations rooted in community.

  • ABFC Launches Panorama 2026, Presents $165,000 to Pan Association

    ABFC Launches Panorama 2026, Presents $165,000 to Pan Association

    After a wildly successful staging of the beloved preliminary cultural showcase *Pan in the City*, the Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission (ABFC) has formally launched the 2026 edition of the State Insurance Company Limited Panorama, one of the nation’s most cherished cultural traditions. The opening event included a major milestone: the presentation of a $165,000 cheque to the Antigua and Barbuda Pan Association, disbursed as part of a three-year collaborative agreement between the two organizations that is now entering its final year. This funding installment underscores the ABFC’s long-standing commitment to growing and strengthening the country’s iconic steelband movement, marking a substantial new investment in cultural heritage and officially opening the 2026 Panorama season.

    *Pan in the City*, which turned downtown St. John’s Redcliffe Street into a lively hub of Caribbean rhythm, community connection, and cultural celebration, featured performances from all nine competing steelbands. Each ensemble represents a different community across Antigua and Barbuda, turning every performance into a demonstration of local pride and artistic skill. The event’s infectious energy drew crowds of locals and visitors alike, building widespread excitement ahead of the 2026 Panorama Finals scheduled for August 1.

    Speaking at the launch ceremony, Hon. Dwayne George, Minister of Sports and Creative Industries, highlighted the far-reaching impact of corporate partnership in cultural preservation. He extended public gratitude to lead sponsor State Insurance Company Limited (SICL), noting that the firm’s support goes far beyond traditional event sponsorship. “Their support over the years has gone beyond sponsoring an event; it has been an investment in our people, our communities, and our culture,” George stated.

    The minister also emphasized the unique role that pan yards play in Antigua and Barbuda’s cultural ecosystem: “Every pan yard is a space where talent is nurtured, friendships are formed, and our cultural heritage is preserved for future generations.” Looking ahead to the future of the steelband movement, George shared an ambitious growth vision, saying he expects to see 10 competing bands in coming years, including the first ensemble from the St. Mary’s community.

    Aarion Nicholas, Chief Executive Officer of SICL, echoed that sentiment, expressing his company’s pride in its ongoing multi-year partnership with both the ABFC and the Antigua and Barbuda Pan Association. “At State Insurance, we believe in investing in the people, traditions, and institutions that strengthen our nation,” Nicholas explained. “Panorama is more than a competition; it is a celebration of discipline, creativity, community pride, and cultural excellence. We are proud to continue our partnership as we help preserve and grow the steelpan movement for future generations.”

    Organizers have confirmed that the State Insurance Company Limited Panorama Finals will kick off at 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Carnival City. Tickets are currently on sale for $40 each at official outlets across the island, and the ABFC has issued a call to the entire nation to turn out to support the competing steelbands as they showcase the artistry and passion that has made Panorama a staple of Antigua and Barbuda’s cultural calendar. The commission also extended thanks to all stakeholders who contributed to the success of *Pan in the City*, including SICL, the Pan Association, participating bands, vendors, secondary sponsors, and attendees.

  • DHTA closes successful Hike Fest 2026, sets sights on expanded experiences next year

    DHTA closes successful Hike Fest 2026, sets sights on expanded experiences next year

    After six packed weeks of guided outdoor exploration that drew the largest crowd in its event history, Hike Fest 2026 has officially drawn to a close, organized by the Dominica Hotel and Tourism Association (DHTA). The annual event, designed to encourage both local residents and international visitors to uncover the hidden, underpromoted corners of Dominica—widely known as the Nature Island—blended rugged natural adventure with immersive cultural and historical education this year, delivering a standout experience that left participants raving.

    The festival’s closing chapter, a special themed hike titled “Echoes of the Maroons” held at Jaco Flats, took place on June 13, 2026, after organizers rescheduled it from its original May 23 date. This final route guided attendees through one of Dominica’s most culturally significant landscapes, a site deeply tied to the island’s historic Maroon communities of formerly enslaved people who fought for and won their freedom. Beyond the scenic tropical vistas that line the trail, the hike invited participants to reflect on the legacy of resistance, resilience, and self-determination that defines the area. Following the walk, attendees wrapped up the day with a refreshing river dip and a shared traditional one-pot meal, creating space for casual connection, story-swapping, and celebration of the festival’s success.

    Over the six-week run, the festival offered a diverse lineup of hikes across the island, catering to a range of skill levels and interests. Featured routes included iconic treks like the world-famous Boiling Lake trail, as well as less traveled paths to Boeri Lake, Trinity Lakes, Segment 11, the Charles Warner trail, and the popular Sylvania-to-Middleham Night Hike. Each excursion was curated to highlight a different facet of Dominica’s extraordinary natural biodiversity, while also advancing core DHTA goals: encouraging active, healthy lifestyles, boosting public environmental awareness, advancing sustainable tourism practices, and fostering deep, meaningful connections between visitors and the natural world.

    Hubert Winston, a member of both the DHTA Board and the Hike Fest organizing committee, called the 2026 edition a resounding success, noting that this year marked a historic turnout for the event. “This year’s Hike Fest saw our largest turnout ever. Several hikes, including Jaco Flats, offered participants a unique opportunity to connect with Dominica’s rich history through newly discovered sites, ruins, and relics. It was a meaningful experience to walk in the footsteps of our ancestors. We’re excited for next year and look forward to delivering even bigger, better-promoted events with enhanced experiences for participants to enjoy,” Winston shared in DHTA’s post-festival press release.

    DHTA President Kitwani Ferreira echoed this enthusiasm, emphasizing that Hike Fest’s impact extends far beyond recreational hiking. “What makes Hike Fest special is that it goes beyond hiking. It creates opportunities for people to discover hidden corners of Dominica, learn about our history and culture, and develop a deeper appreciation for the island’s unique assets. The response from participants this year confirms that experiential tourism continues to resonate strongly with both locals and visitors,” Ferreira said.

    Participant feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many attendees highlighting the event’s strong organization and unique blend of nature and culture. Mervin Wallace, a Dominican expatriate taking part in the festival for the first time, described checking the iconic Boiling Lake hike off his personal bucket list as an unforgettable milestone. “I did the Boiling Lake Hike and it was overall a great experience. I convinced my son to do it with me as it was something off my bucket list. The hike itself was challenging, but the event was well organized. I will be back next year with some of my colleagues who wish to take part in Hike Fest,” Wallace said.

    Ibrahim Brohim, a representative of the Dwivayez Hiking Club, echoed praise for the festival’s planning, adding that the event reinforced why Dominica has earned its nickname as the Nature Island. “The organization was excellent from start to finish. Hike Fest reminded me why Dominica is known as the Nature Island. The final hike felt like a celebration of everything the festival represents—adventure, history, community, and appreciation for our natural environment,” Brohim noted.

    DHTA closed its announcement by extending gratitude to all partners and contributors who made the 2026 festival possible, including certified trail guides, volunteer groups such as Next Level Hikers, event sponsors, community partners, emergency response teams, and every participant who joined the six-week series. The association reaffirmed its long-term commitment to developing sustainable tourism offerings that showcase Dominica’s unique natural beauty, while also protecting the island’s irreplaceable cultural and environmental heritage.

    Looking ahead, DHTA has already announced plans for a new series of guided hikes to be held during Dominica’s Independence season in November 2026, and early preparations for Hike Fest 2027 are already underway. Organizers are aiming to expand the event further next year, welcoming more attendees while continuing to introduce new trails, hidden historical and natural gems, and elevated immersive experiences across the island.

  • AI cloud over writing prize

    AI cloud over writing prize

    A major controversy over allegations of artificial intelligence-assisted writing has pushed one of the world’s most respected literary magazines to walk away from a long-running partnership with one of the most prominent short fiction awards in the Commonwealth. London-based literary publication Granta has formally announced it will cease publishing winning entries of the annual Commonwealth Short Story Prize, after 2026 Caribbean regional winner Jamir Nazir, a writer from Trinidad and Tobago, faced widespread public accusations that his winning submission relied on AI generation.

    In an official statement shared with *The Guardian* of the UK, Granta clarified that its decision centers on preserving its own editorial integrity by stepping back from external publishing partnerships where it holds no final editorial control. “The 2026 selection of the regional winners of the Commonwealth prize caused a great deal of controversy, based on the speculation that one or more of the stories may have been at least partially AI-generated, accusations that were strongly rejected by the authors,” the magazine said. “For the sake of our own editorial integrity, the Granta Trust board has now taken the decision that we will no longer engage in external publishing partnerships. We will keep the Commonwealth prize shortlisted stories on our website in the public interest, and wish our former partner, the Commonwealth Foundation, all the best in its work.” As of the latest reporting, the Commonwealth Foundation has not issued a formal response to Granta’s decision or requests for comment from *The Guardian*.

    The controversy ignited immediately after Nazir’s winning entry *The Serpent in the Grove* was published on Granta’s platform, drawing allegations of AI assistance from literary circles both in the Caribbean and across the globe. Kevin Jared Hosein, a Trinidadian author and former overall winner of the Commonwealth Short Story Prize, was one of the most vocal critics, declaring the prize “dead” in a May social media post, framing Nazir’s AI-linked win as the “first blow” to the award’s credibility, with the Commonwealth Foundation’s subsequent support for the writer and the judging panel as the second.

    Hosein argued that the story’s craft is fundamentally weak, claiming none of its metaphors or similes serve its core characters or narrative arc. While he acknowledged that proving AI use legally is nearly impossible, he contended that AI-assisted writing lacks the intentionality that defines meaningful, original literature. He also pointed to what he calls a “disappointing linguistic homogeneity” that repeats consistently across AI-generated fiction, a pattern he says is visible in Nazir’s work. After Granta announced its exit from the partnership, Hosein doubled down on his stance in a new Facebook post, writing: “I said it here first. For any serious writer: The Prize is Dead. This is such a terrible loss for emerging writers in so many regions. People who tried to defend the Serpent and criticise my stance on it ought to read the room. There is no appropriate response to this other than ferocious rejection. Granta is correct to do this.” He also criticized the Commonwealth Foundation’s inaction, calling the controversy “a very important lesson for any literary institution or competition going forward” that demonstrates “what inaction and negligence leads to.”

    Criticism of Nazir’s work spread to international academic circles shortly after publication. Ethan Mollick, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania, posted on social platform Bluesky that a “100% AI generated story just won the Commonwealth prize for the Caribbean region.” Discussion of the story picked up steam on X and Bluesky in mid-May, with critics pointing to what they call “obvious markers” of AI generation, including the story’s repeated use of three-part structural arrangements and “not x, but y” sentence constructions. Specific lines, such as “Sun on galvanise is a cruel instrument” and “She had the kind of walking that made benches become men,” were singled out as evidence of AI-generated prose.

    Nazir has repeatedly and forcefully rejected all claims of AI use, defending the full originality of his work and tying its style to his personal background and unique writing process. In a May statement posted to LinkedIn, he wrote: “I am directly addressing the baseless claims regarding my Commonwealth story. To be pellucidly clear: this work was entirely written by me, drawn from childhood memories of growing up in rural Trinidad.” He has also pushed back against the reliability of AI detection tools, noting that they frequently produce false positives when assessing carefully polished writing. In an email interview with *The Observer* UK in late May, Nazir explained that his unorthodox writing process – conducted entirely on an Android phone via speech-to-text, followed by minimal keyboard editing – is a necessity driven by chronic health conditions that make long periods of desk-bound typing physically impossible. “I have used this in my professional life and also to produce my story for the Commonwealth competition,” he added.

    The Caribbean regional judging panel praised Nazir’s work, with judge Sharma Taylor describing *The Serpent in the Grove* – a story following a struggling farmer, his silenced young wife, and a rural grove that holds forgotten secrets – as “polished and confident, with a melodic voice that lingers long after the final line. Jamir Nazir’s prose pulses with a voice of restraint and quiet authority.”

    The Commonwealth Foundation has stood by the 2026 winners from the start of the controversy. In an earlier official release, the organization said it takes AI allegations seriously, but after reviewing all available evidence, it continues to support all shortlisted and winning writers. It also acknowledged the “rapidly evolving challenges” generative AI poses for literature and creative fields, and announced it would conduct a full review of its judging processes to address future concerns. On May 19, Commonwealth Foundation Director-General Razmi Farook confirmed that all shortlisted writers had formally confirmed no AI was used in their submissions. “We place our confidence in the integrity of our contributors and the calibre and experience of the judges and Chair of the Judging panel, and stand by the assurances given by our authors as part of our process,” Farook said, adding that AI detection tools are widely known to be “not unfailing or infallible.”

    Founded to recognize outstanding unpublished short fiction from writers across Commonwealth nations, the Commonwealth Short Story Prize awards £2,500 to each regional winner and £5,000 to the overall winner. The 2026 competition drew 7,806 entries, the second-highest total in the award’s history. Alongside Nazir, the 2026 regional winners are Lisa-Anne Julien (Africa region, born in Trinidad and Tobago, based in South Africa), Sharon Aruparayil (Asia region, India), John Edward DeMicoli (Canada and Europe region, Malta), and Holly Ann Miller (Pacific region, New Zealand). The overall winner is scheduled to be announced on June 30.