Carib Scope

分类： entertainment

  • Antigua and Barbuda Congratulates Kia Kirwan on First Runner-Up Finish at Miss OECS 2026

    Antigua and Barbuda Congratulates Kia Kirwan on First Runner-Up Finish at Miss OECS 2026

    The twin-island nation of Antigua and Barbuda has extended its heartfelt congratulations to its national representative, Kia Kirwan, for her remarkable achievement as the first runner-up in the recently concluded Miss Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) 2026 pageant. Kirwan’s impressive performance on the regional stage has been met with widespread national acclaim, highlighting her as a distinguished ambassador of Antiguan and Barbudan culture and beauty.

    The Miss OECS competition, a premier event showcasing the talent, intellect, and grace of young women from the Eastern Caribbean, saw Kirwan excel through multiple rigorous segments. Her articulate responses during the interview portion, creative presentation in national costume, and poised demeanor in the evening gown segment were particularly noted by the panel of judges and audiences alike. This prestigious placement signifies one of the highest accolades achieved by a contestant from Antigua and Barbuda in the history of the competition.

    Government officials, including the Prime Minister’s office, and the Ministry of Culture have publicly commended Kirwan for her dedication and for representing the nation with exceptional poise and intelligence. Local media outlets and community groups have been abuzz with pride, celebrating her success as a testament to the nation’s vibrant youth and rich cultural heritage. Kirwan’s achievement is viewed not merely as a personal victory but as a moment of collective national pride that enhances the country’s profile within the OECS regional bloc and beyond.

  • Hermitage Bay Named to Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Gold List

    Hermitage Bay Named to Condé Nast Traveler’s 2026 Gold List

    Luxury travel publication Condé Nast Traveler has unveiled its prestigious 2026 Gold List, with Antigua’s exclusive Hermitage Bay securing a distinguished position among the world’s elite hospitality properties. The adults-only resort received this honor in the publication’s 32nd annual awards ceremony, which celebrates exceptional achievements across multiple hospitality dimensions including service excellence, architectural design, gourmet cuisine, and comprehensive guest experiences.

    Nestled along Antigua’s picturesque coastline, Hermitage Bay presents 30 meticulously designed villa suites cascading down a tropical hillside. Each suite features a private infinity pool blending seamlessly with Caribbean vistas, complemented by direct access to a pristine white-sand beach. The resort’s culinary program has garnered particular acclaim, featuring sunset cocktail hours and sushi presentations crafted by chefs trained at world-renowned Nobu establishments.

    The property entered a new chapter in 2024 when Daniel Shamoon, co-owner of Luxury Hotel Partners, acquired the resort. The hospitality group manages Spain’s iconic Marbella Club and numerous Nobu Hotels globally. This acquisition signals broader expansion plans, with a new Nobu hotel scheduled to debut on neighboring Barbuda island in 2026.

    Other Caribbean destinations receiving Gold List recognition include Harbour Island’s Coral Sands Inn and Cottages in The Bahamas, celebrated for its distinctive pink sand beaches and recently reimagined interior spaces.

  • Kia Kirwan Takes First Runner-Up at Miss OECS 2026 Pageant

    Kia Kirwan Takes First Runner-Up at Miss OECS 2026 Pageant

    In a dazzling display of grace and intellect, Kia Kirwan has achieved the distinguished position of first runner-up at the Miss OECS 2026 Pageant. The highly anticipated event, which showcases the cultural richness and emerging talent from the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, concluded with Kirwan’s remarkable accomplishment placing her just steps away from the coveted crown.

    Kirwan’s journey through the competition was marked by her exceptional performance across multiple segments, including the traditional evening gown presentation, a probing question-and-answer segment that tested contestants on current regional affairs, and a vibrant cultural display that highlighted the unique heritage of her represented territory. Her articulate responses and poised demeanor throughout the competition earned her widespread acclaim from the panel of international judges and audience members alike.

    The pageant, which serves as a significant platform for promoting tourism, cultural exchange, and youth empowerment across the Eastern Caribbean, drew contestants from all member states. Kirwan’s achievement is not merely a personal victory but is celebrated as a national triumph, bringing positive recognition to her home country and inspiring a new generation of young women across the region to pursue their ambitions with confidence and grace.

    While the title of Miss OECS 2026 was awarded to another deserving delegate, Kirwan’s first runner-up finish establishes her as a formidable ambassador for the OECS. In this role, she is expected to undertake a series of diplomatic and charitable engagements throughout the year, focusing on key regional issues such as environmental conservation, education advocacy, and community development.

  • Fort Young Hotel and Secret Bay set to debut new art exhibitions

    Fort Young Hotel and Secret Bay set to debut new art exhibitions

    Dominica’s cultural landscape is set to be enriched by two significant art exhibitions opening in February 2026, showcasing the profound works of contemporary Caribbean artists. The Fort Young Hotel’s Old Oven Art Gallery will host ‘Catharsis – The Blues’ by Pauline Marcelle, while Bwa Denn at Secret Bay presents Marica Honychurch’s ‘Salt and Soul’ exhibition.

    Pauline Marcelle’s ‘Catharsis – The Blues’ exhibition, running from February 5 to April 30, 2026, employs the color blue as a powerful symbolic medium to explore complex emotional landscapes. The collection serves as an artistic investigation into themes of mourning, emotional release, and ecological consciousness. Marcelle’s works, including notable pieces such as ‘The Chamber’ and ‘A View Point,’ create a contemplative environment where viewers can engage with the interconnectedness of human experience, memory, and environmental concerns. The exhibition transforms the gallery space into a visual dialogue about resilience and healing amidst personal and planetary challenges.

    Concurrently, Marica Honychurch’s ‘Salt and Soul’ exhibition at Bwa Denn, Secret Bay, will run from February 9 to May 5, 2026. This solo presentation celebrates Dominican cultural heritage, paying tribute to local communities, their traditions, and the enduring spirit of island culture. Honychurch’s artworks, including ‘Fiere’ and ‘Wob&Dasheen,’ explore the deep connections between people, their land, and ancestral practices that continue to shape contemporary Dominican identity.

    Both exhibitions offer distinct yet complementary perspectives on Caribbean artistic expression. ‘Catharsis – The Blues’ operates daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, while ‘Salt and Soul’ welcomes visitors from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily. These concurrent shows demonstrate the vitality of Dominica’s art scene, providing immersive experiences that bridge personal emotion with collective cultural memory, and offering visitors profound insights into the region’s creative vitality.

  • Grammy win was real career boost — Gramps Morgan

    Grammy win was real career boost — Gramps Morgan

    A decade after their landmark Grammy victory, the members of Morgan Heritage are reflecting on how their 2016 win for Best Reggae Album transformed their musical legacy. The prestigious award for ‘Strictly Roots’ arrived at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards ceremony held at Los Angeles’ Staples Center on February 15, 2016, marking a career-defining moment for the seasoned reggae ensemble.

    Roy ‘Gramps’ Morgan recently recounted the unexpected nomination announcement in December 2015. ‘The nomination definitely caught us by surprise,’ he shared with the Jamaica Observer. ‘For many years we simply created music, enjoyed recording albums, and planned tours. It was business as usual—we never anticipated such recognition.’

    The emotional climax arrived when the group was announced as winners. Gramps described being ‘overcome with emotion’ and immediately sharing the triumph with family members, particularly his father who had provided their musical foundation. ‘Being nominated for a Grammy represents one of the highest achievements in music,’ he emphasized.

    The Grammy recognition fundamentally altered the band’s trajectory. ‘The world reexamined our band after numerous albums,’ Gramps noted. ‘People began taking us seriously despite our extensive collaborations and production work. The Grammy Award-winning designation enhanced our branding, but maintaining our legacy for future generations remains our ongoing mission.’

    ‘Strictly Roots,’ released March 31, 2015 through CTBC Music Group, featured twelve tracks with notable collaborations including Chronixx, Jo Mersa Marley, Eric Rachmany of Rebelution, and J Boog. The album prevailed over strong contenders including works by Barrington Levy, Luciano, Jah Cure, and Rocky Dawuni.

    Gramps characterized the album’s creation as ‘a calm, fun process with a collaborative mentality.’ The recording incorporated musicians from Stephen Marley’s and Shaggy’s bands, alongside UK contributors including members from UB40. Promotion relied heavily on grassroots marketing strategies both domestically and internationally, with Gramps acknowledging the enduring support of Jamaican media throughout their career.

    The retrospective emerges as the music community prepares for the 2026 Grammy Awards, scheduled for February 1 at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. The upcoming Best Reggae Album category features nominees Lila Ike, Keznamdi, Mortimer, Vybz Kartel, and Jesse Royal, continuing the tradition that first brought Morgan Heritage to Grammy prominence.

  • ‘Sanford and Son’ actor Demond Wilson dies at 79

    ‘Sanford and Son’ actor Demond Wilson dies at 79

    The entertainment world mourns the loss of Grady Demond Wilson, the celebrated actor who brought to life the beloved character Lamont Sanford in the iconic 1970s sitcom ‘Sanford and Son.’ Wilson passed away at his California residence on Friday, concluding a private battle with cancer. He was 79 years old.

    With his passing, the final surviving principal cast member of the groundbreaking Norman Lear-produced series is gone. Wilson’s character, Lamont, served as the exasperated yet devoted son to Redd Foxx’s irascible junk dealer Fred G. Sanford. Their comedic chemistry became a cornerstone of American television, offering a unique portrayal of a working-class Black family that resonated deeply with audiences.

    Wilson’s path to ‘Sanford and Son’ was paved by a memorable guest appearance as a burglar on another Lear classic, ‘All in the Family.’ His performance caught the eye of executive producer Bud Yorkin, who was then developing the American adaptation of the British series ‘Steptoe and Son.’ This led to the career-defining role that cemented his place in TV history.

    Beyond his most famous part, Wilson enjoyed a versatile career with guest roles in numerous other sitcoms such as ‘Baby…I’m Back!,’ ‘The New Odd Couple,’ and the early-2000s hit ‘Girlfriends,’ demonstrating his enduring talent and adaptability across decades of television evolution. His contributions to the genre and his portrayal of Lamont Sanford leave an indelible mark on the cultural landscape.

  • LIVE ON DNO Pay-per-view coverage of the Calypso Semi-Finals and Calypso Finals

    LIVE ON DNO Pay-per-view coverage of the Calypso Semi-Finals and Calypso Finals

    Music enthusiasts worldwide can experience the vibrant rhythms of Caribbean culture this Saturday evening through an exclusive live broadcast. Dominica News Online, in partnership with ComeSeeTv, will stream the highly anticipated Calypso Semi-Finals starting at 8:30 PM local time.

    The event marks a significant moment for the preservation and global promotion of calypso music, an art form deeply rooted in the cultural heritage of Dominica and the wider Caribbean. This pay-per-view arrangement represents a modern approach to celebrating traditional music, allowing the diaspora and international fans to participate remotely.

    ComeSeeTv’s technological infrastructure will facilitate the high-quality digital transmission, ensuring viewers receive an immersive auditory and visual experience. The semi-finals serve as a crucial competitive platform for calypso artists, who use their musical prowess to comment on social issues, celebrate history, and entertain through witty lyrics and infectious melodies.

    This digital accessibility initiative demonstrates how traditional cultural events are adapting to contemporary viewing habits while maintaining their artistic integrity and significance.

  • Nicki Minaj Gets Trump “Gold Card,” paving her way to U.S citizenship

    Nicki Minaj Gets Trump “Gold Card,” paving her way to U.S citizenship

    Rapper Nicki Minaj has ignited widespread speculation about her immigration status after publicly sharing an image of what appears to be President Donald Trump’s premium ‘Gold Card’ initiative. The controversial post emerged mere hours after Minaj joined the former president at a promotional event for his ‘Trump Accounts’ program, which establishes tax-advantaged investment vehicles for American minors.

    The Trinidad-born artist, who relocated to the United States during her childhood, maintains legal permanent residency status despite having paid millions in U.S. taxes. During the financial summit, Minaj enthusiastically declared herself ‘probably the president’s number one fan,’ while Trump revealed her substantial six-figure investment in his accounts initiative.

    This political alignment has generated significant backlash from portions of her fanbase, particularly following her December appearance at a Turning Point USA event where her comments on gender and faith drew accusations of transphobia. This represents a notable shift for the artist, who previously positioned herself as a LGBTQ+ ally and vocal critic of Trump’s immigration policies during his first term.

    The premium immigration program reportedly plans to introduce an even more exclusive ‘Platinum Card’ tier, requiring a $5 million contribution and granting holders extended U.S. stays without taxation on foreign income. Minaj has not confirmed whether she formally applied for or obtained the Gold Card, leaving her intentions and immigration status ambiguous.

  • On the next Mas & Melody DNO exclusive interview with reigning Calypso Monarch Joy Stoute

    On the next Mas & Melody DNO exclusive interview with reigning Calypso Monarch Joy Stoute

    Reigning Calypso Monarch Joy Stoute delivered an emotionally charged and deeply personal interview this week on Dominica News Online’s flagship carnival program ‘Mas & Melody.’ The celebrated artist offered unprecedented access into her world, discussing both her artistic evolution and profound personal challenges with remarkable candor.

    Stoute’s conversation touched on the recent passing of her father, revealing how this significant loss has shaped her creative process and personal perspective. The calypso queen disclosed her ongoing work on a therapeutic literary project—a healing book that serves as both personal catharsis and potential guidance for others navigating grief.

    Beyond her personal journey, Stoute elaborated on her musical development, detailing the artistic evolution that has cemented her status within Dominica’s vibrant carnival scene. Her insights provided a unique window into the creative mindset of a performer at the peak of her craft while facing life’s most difficult challenges.

    The interview stands as a testament to the resilience of cultural artists who balance public celebration with private hardship. Stoute’s willingness to share her complete journey—from triumph to tragedy and back again—represents a significant moment of humanization within the often-glamorized world of carnival performance.

    Viewers can anticipate the next installment of ‘Mas & Melody’ scheduled for broadcast tomorrow evening, exclusively on Dominica News Online platforms.

  • Skillibeng talks success

    Skillibeng talks success

    Jamaican dancehall sensation Skillibeng is experiencing a remarkable surge in international recognition, propelled by a series of platinum-certified collaborations and his own hit records. The artist’s feature on Tyla’s 2024 viral track “Jump” (alongside American rapper Gunna) has achieved gold certification across multiple major markets including the United States, Canada, New Zealand, and Brazil, while also securing platinum status in South Africa and silver in the United Kingdom.

    This success follows another major career milestone: his collaboration with Shenseea on the Moliy and Silent Addy remix “Shake it to the Max (Fly).” This global phenomenon penetrated numerous international charts, including the prestigious US Billboard and UK charts, earning gold certifications in New Zealand, Greece, and the UK, plus platinum recognition in France.

    In an exclusive interview with the Jamaica Observer’s Splash, Skillibeng identified the overwhelming response to “Shake it to the Max” as a definitive highlight of his past year. He revealed prior familiarity with Moliy’s work before joining the remix, crediting both her promotional efforts and his manager’s recommendation for his involvement. A particularly memorable moment was performing the hit at the MTV Video Music Awards, which he described as “a big deal for us.”

    Beyond collaborations, Skillibeng’s solo project, the summer 2023 album “International,” represents another significant achievement. The 11-track collection features an impressive roster of artists including Vybz Kartel, Ty Dolla $ign, Major Lazer, and Tokischa. Skillibeng described working with dancehall icon Vybz Kartel as a “dream come true,” a collaboration he still finds unbelievable. The album’s creation involved both in-person studio sessions, like those with Moliy, and virtual recordings with other featured artists.

    Now carrying this momentum into the new year, Skillibeng has released a fresh single titled “So Phenomenal.” Produced by his long-time collaborator Gutty Bling Music (the producer behind his first hit “Brick Pon Brick”), the track was inspired by life itself and crafted with the intention of creating an irresistible dance track for female audiences. The artist emphasized the authentic and organic creative dynamic he shares with his producer, underscoring their successful long-term partnership.