Carib Scope

分类： entertainment

  • Casa de Campo Fashion Week brings international attention to Dominican fashion

    Casa de Campo Fashion Week brings international attention to Dominican fashion

    The Dominican Republic’s luxury hospitality landmark Casa de Campo Resort & Villas has marked a major milestone in merging high-end fashion, tourism, art and culture with the successful launch of its first-ever Casa de Campo Fashion Week. This groundbreaking four-day event, held across the resort and nearby Altos de Chavón from June 4 to 7, sets out to elevate the nation’s standing as a top-tier Caribbean destination for luxury lifestyle experiences.

    More than a traditional runway showcase, the inaugural fashion week packed a diverse program that spanned industry presentations, visual art, wellness experiences and invitation-only networking gatherings. At the core of the event were the runway collections hosted at the Marina Riverside Center, where 12 designers from across the globe revealed their newest creations to a crowd of fashion industry leaders, global press and invited guests. The lineup intentionally centered local Dominican talent, with renowned homegrown designers including Giannina Azar, JC Lagares, Jacqueline Then, Jenny Polanco, Carolina Socías, and Oriett Domenech sharing the catwalk with globally celebrated Spanish designer Custo Barcelona, a pairing that underscored the event’s goal of connecting local creativity to the global fashion ecosystem.

    Kicking off the week’s activities was a special photography exhibition at the Altos de Chavón Art Gallery by acclaimed fashion photographer Jesús Cordero. Unlike the temporary fashion presentations, Cordero’s work will remain open to public viewing through July 31, 2026, extending the event’s cultural impact long after the final runway look, and adding a lasting artistic layer to the fashion-focused gathering.

    Event organizers note that the new fashion week aligns with Casa de Campo Resort’s long-term strategic vision to expand its tourism product and cement its status as the Caribbean’s gold standard for luxury hospitality, world-class entertainment and large-scale international events. The initiative has earned official backing from the Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Tourism, reflecting the national government’s push to grow the luxury tourism and creative sectors.

    Bringing international attention to the debut event was former Miss Universe and actress Dayanara Torres, who stepped into the role of official Casa de Campo Fashion Week ambassador. One of the most talked-about moments of the week came when Torres’ son, Ryan Muñiz, joined the lineup as a guest model, marking the first time the mother-son pair have walked a runway together in the Dominican Republic.

    Following a smooth and well-received debut, event leaders plan to grow Casa de Campo Fashion Week into a leading annual platform that elevates Dominican fashion, drives international luxury tourism, and amplifies the nation’s rich creative talent to a global audience, while drawing more high-spending international visitors to the country’s shores.

  • DJ Mac-ing it!

    DJ Mac-ing it!

    The global dancehall scene is witnessing the rapid rise of one of its most exciting new creative voices: Kingston-born, Jamaica-based producer DJ Mac, born Jason McDowell. What began as a passion for connecting audiences through sound has evolved into a trailblazing career, marked by chart-topping work, industry recognition, and a groundbreaking new partnership that sets the stage for global expansion.

    DJ Mac has built his formidable reputation by crafting infectious rhythms that dominate party sets and streaming playlists alike, resonating deeply with dancehall fans across Jamaica and international markets. What sets his work apart is a deliberate, crowd-informed creative approach: he blends unorthodox, underused sonic textures with the core cultural roots of traditional dancehall, balancing vintage flair with modern innovation. As a working DJ, he brings unique insight to the production process, drawing on firsthand experience of what energizes crowds and keeps audiences engaged to guide every studio session, whether he’s building a beat from scratch or refining an existing track.

    That experimental yet audience-centric strategy has already delivered major career milestones. In 2025, DJ Mac teamed up with co-producer CrashDummy to release the breakout WYFL rhythm, a project that took both the mainstream and underground dancehall worlds by storm, earning a spot on the U.S. iTunes Reggae Songs Chart. The rhythm’s widespread popularity sparked an unprecedented wave of creativity, drawing more than 200 separate recordings from artists across the genre within just a few months of its launch. This response cemented WYFL as one of the largest juggling projects in dancehall history and turned it into a genuine cultural phenomenon.

    With the success of WYFL and other projects, DJ Mac has become one of the most in-demand producers of his generation. As his catalogue grows and attracts international attention, he recognized that creative excellence alone is not enough to build a long-term sustainable career in the modern music industry. To strengthen the business and intellectual property side of his expanding brand, DJ Mac recently signed a global publishing agreement with Hapilos Publishing, a leading publisher in the reggae and dancehall space backed by the global infrastructure of Sony Music Publishing, the world’s largest music publishing group.

    The deal covers every track in DJ Mac’s existing catalogue as well as all of his future creative work. Under the agreement, Hapilos will take on full administration of his work, including securing licensing and sync placement opportunities, managing global royalty collections, and enforcing copyright protection for his productions around the world.

    DJ Mac noted that his decision to partner with Hapilos stemmed from the company’s reputation for transparency, trustworthiness, and a proven track record of supporting creators. “Hapilos being my publisher is definitely something I would recommend. I’ve recommended it to other people as well, because I feel like it’s a straightforward process,” he explained. “They make sure to notify you on anything you release, even works that were released before. They’re on time and on point with the management of your songs. They pay on time, you get your statements, and everything is clear and straightforward. It’s an easy process to use and something I would highly recommend.”

    As the global music industry continues to shift and adapt, publishing administration has emerged as an increasingly critical pillar of a sustainable career for producers and artists alike. Beyond just collecting royalties, strategic publishing partnerships help creators maximize their earnings, unlock new revenue streams through sync placements for film, television and digital media, protect their intellectual property from infringement, and ensure their work is properly managed across global markets.

    For DJ Mac, this new partnership marks another key milestone in a career built on a foundation of passion for dancehall and a commitment to creating sounds that connect with communities of listeners. With a rapidly expanding catalogue, growing international recognition, and a leading publishing partner behind him, the young producer is well-positioned to reach even greater heights as he brings his distinctive take on modern dancehall to audiences around the world.

  • Groovy & Power Soca Semifinals lineup announced

    Groovy & Power Soca Semifinals lineup announced

    Last weekend, 80 emerging and established soca artists took the stage in Saint Lucia, competing for one of the coveted semifinal spots in the annual National Soca Monarch competition. Split evenly between the Groovy Soca and Power Soca categories, the 40 Groovy and 40 Power contenders performed for a panel of expert judges, each vying to advance in one of the most anticipated events on the Lucian Carnival calendar.

    For decades, the National Soca Monarch competition has been a cornerstone of Saint Lucia’s annual cultural celebration, drawing thousands of local and regional soca fans each year who closely track every round of the contest from preliminary performances all the way to the final showdown. After a weekend of high-energy performances that showcased the breadth of talent in the Caribbean soca scene, event organizers confirmed the quarterfinals delivered one of the most competitive lineups in recent memory.

    When the judges’ final scores were tallied, exactly half of the competing contestants earned their place in the upcoming semifinal round: 20 artists in the Groovy Soca Monarch division and 20 artists in the Power Soca Monarch division will move forward to compete for a spot in the grand finals. The semifinal showdown for both categories is scheduled to take place on June 26, 2026, giving advancing artists time to refine their performances and connect with fans ahead of the next round.

    The confirmed Groovy Soca Monarch semifinalists, alongside their competing tracks, are: Arthur Allain with *Work on Pause*, Carlton CR Roberts with *Hostage*, Danielle Du Bois with *Dancing in the Rain*, Deevon with *Momentum*, Ezra D’funmachine with *Mr Complimentary*, J’urgen with *The Other Man*, Kardo with *Finger*, Keytina with *Let Me Go*, Kisha Kay with *Done*, Mica with *Step Out*, Mighty Taker with *Where We Chipping*, MNR with *Party Count*, Nireti with *Third Party*, QPid with *Backup Plan*, Ricky T with *Not Kissing As*, Sedale with *Insane*, Shemmy J with *Everything*, Siah with *Cho*, Sly with *Captain*, and Twahzzy with *Stop It Stacy*.

    For the Power Soca Monarch division, the advancing semifinalists and their entries are: Bronx, Dhirv 2 Funny & Matta with *Mad People*, Budzilla with *Bwelay*, Carlton CR Roberts with *X-Man*, Da Great with *House Party*, Ezra D’funmachine with *Salute*, Imran Nerdy with *Today I Off*, J’urgen & Lolani with *Can’t Let You Go*, Kisha Kay with *Hot Already*, Mantius with *Fully Charged*, Mica with *Loud*, MNR with *Last Time*, Orion with *Not Going Home*, QPid with *De Fete Mad*, Ricky T with *True Colours*, Sedale, Hollywood HP & Deevon with *Bring Your Cooler*, Shemmy J with *Even If She Cryin’*, Siah with *No Brain*, Sir Lancealot with *Jusso*, Sly with *Rage (Dewange)*, and Tension with *Actimo*.

    As fans begin rallying behind their favorite artists, the countdown to the 2026 semifinal round is already underway, with expectations growing for another unforgettable showcase of Caribbean musical talent ahead of the year’s Lucian Carnival celebrations.

  • COMMENTARY: Pan in Harmony deserves a standing ovation – Kudos to Jacqui Andre and team

    COMMENTARY: Pan in Harmony deserves a standing ovation – Kudos to Jacqui Andre and team

    On the evening of Saturday, June 6, 2026, St. Gerard’s Hall played host to one of the most memorable steel pan performances in recent Dominica history, as three young ensembles took the stage for the annual “Icons on Steel” charity concert held to raise funds for the Dominica Cancer Society. The audience, made up largely of older residents alongside a smaller group of young attendees, was treated to an evening of varied, high-energy musicianship from the Convent High School Steel Pan Group, and both the junior and senior rosters of Pan in Harmony.

    The thoughtfully structured performance was split into two acts and four segments, bookended by the senior Pan in Harmony band. The Convent High School group closed the first half of the show, while the junior Pan in Harmony ensemble opened the second half after a short intermission. The evening kicked off with an opening presentation from students of Convent Prep, and drew a distinguished guest in Her Excellency President Sylvanie Burton, who attended alongside her husband. After formal opening proceedings including the playing of the national anthem, an opening prayer, and remarks from Pan in Harmony manager Jacqueline Andre, master of ceremonies Charlan Commodore guided the evening’s flow without a single hitch.

    The senior and junior Pan in Harmony bands rolled out a diverse repertoire that opened with the beloved hymn *How Great Thou Art*, before moving through iconic popular tracks including Bob Marley’s *Redemption Song*, John Legend’s *All of Me*, Elvis Presley’s *Can’t Help Falling in Love*, and hits from Bill Withers, Nasio Fontaine, and Jimmy Cliff. The show was originally scheduled to close with a medley of works from Lord Kitchener, but enthusiastic audience calls for an encore of Mighty Gabby’s *Doctor Cassandra* – which had already had the crowd tapping along in their seats – led the performers to bring the track back for a second round.

    While all three performing groups delivered stunning sets, the night was stolen by the all-female Convent High School Steel Pan Group, whose outstanding performance was made even more remarkable by the fact that this was their first public appearance, and the ensemble had only been together for seven months. The students flawlessly performed complex works including Johann Strauss II’s *The Blue Danube Waltz*, Paul Simon’s *The Sound of Silence*, and Hoagy Carmichael’s *Heart and Soul*, with a level of professionalism that more than earned a standing ovation – a honor every ensemble on the night deserved. Though most of the audience remained seated to show their appreciation, the reviewer joined front-row attendee Athie Martin in dancing along to the closing encore, capping off what will go down as one of the finest steel pan events the island nation has seen in recent years.

    That said, the extraordinary success of the grassroots event also laid bare long-running challenges facing the performing arts sector in Dominica, long-time cultural sector advocate Severin McKenzie – an architect and chair of the Alwin Bully Foundation Inc. with more than five decades of arts involvement – notes in his review. Notably absent from the audience were elected politicians from all parties, state cultural agencies, and almost all major local media outlets, with only Dominica News Online in attendance. Many other key stakeholders who hold influence over the growth and development of the performing arts were also missing from the crowd.

    Despite St. Gerard’s Hall management offering the venue for the event at no cost, the facility’s conditions are far worse than they were in the 1970s, when the People’s Action Theatre staged regular productions there. It is unacceptable, McKenzie argues, that young local performers in 2026 are forced to work in substandard conditions, while the Arawak House of Culture remains shuttered and underdeveloped after suffering damage during Hurricane Maria.

    McKenzie says the Dominica Festival Commission (DFC) and Discover Dominica Authority cannot ignore the quality of work put on display at *Icons on Steel*, and is calling for Pan in Harmony to be granted a prime-time performance slot at the 2026 World Creole Music Festival, rather than being sidelined to a low-profile fringe event. The DFC holds a responsibility not just to book global stars for the annual festival, but to nurture and elevate emerging local talent, McKenzie notes. Thirty minutes of the high-quality steel pan performance showcased on June 6 would be a electrifying addition to any WCMF lineup, he argues, giving audiences a memorable local interlude between international headliners.

    The standout performance from the Convent High School Steel Pan Group also offers a clear blueprint for education authorities looking to introduce steel pan education into national school curriculums, McKenzie adds. His observation that most local media declined to cover the event points to a broader trend in Dominica: performing arts events rarely receive public attention unless they center an expensive international artist that gets extensive promotional backing. While non-Bouyon genres including steel pan, poetry, and theater have long been sidelined with little public or institutional support, the extraordinary talent on display at *Icons on Steel* offers a spark of hope for the future of local cultural expression. For that reason, McKenzie says, Jacqueline Andre and the entire Pan in Harmony team deserve widespread public recognition and ongoing support for their outstanding work nurturing the next generation of Dominican musicians.

  • Sugar Mas 55 full schedule released as St. Kitts and Nevis prepares for biggest carnival season yet – WIC News

    Sugar Mas 55 full schedule released as St. Kitts and Nevis prepares for biggest carnival season yet – WIC News

    One of the Caribbean’s most anticipated cultural celebrations is gearing up for its 55th iteration, with the St. Kitts & Nevis National Carnival Committee officially dropping the complete event calendar for Sugar Mas 55 on June 9, 2026. Touted as the largest carnival the twin-island nation has ever hosted, the festival blends centuries-old African and European cultural traditions to create one of the region’s most vibrant annual attractions, drawing visitors from across the globe.

    Sugar Mas 55 will unfold across two overlapping tracks: national events, kicking off November 20, 2026, and running through January 2, 2027, and independently organized private events scheduled from November 28, 2026, to January 3, 2027. The core official celebration runs from December 11, 2026, to January 2, 2027, packing more than six weeks of programming that ranges from intimate cultural showcases to large-scale street parties.

    National event programming opens with the Senior Calypso Eliminations on November 20 and 21, building momentum through the Soca Monarch Eliminations on November 27 and the four-day Christmas-themed celebration *In the Spirit of Christmas* held December 7 to 10. The official opening of the carnival, the Midnight Escape, kicks off on December 11, followed by a packed lineup of competitive and cultural events: Senior Calypso Semi-Finals on December 12, Junior Calypso Finals on December 13, the Republic Bank Miss Teen SKN pageant on December 15, Folk Galore cultural showcase on December 17, Soca Monarch Finals on December 18, the Miss SKN Pageant on December 22, the iconic early-morning street party J’ouvert on December 26, the Panorama steelpan competition on December 27, Senior Calypso Finals on December 29, Junior Carnival on December 30, the much-anticipated Grand Parade on New Year’s Day 2027, and the closing Last Lap event on January 2.

    Complementing the official national lineup, the private event schedule offers even more options for attendees, ranging from family-friendly galas to exclusive cruises and brunches. Standout private events include Valour’s Masquerades Cultural Canvas and Traditional Trails Turns Two on November 28, Events R Us Ties & Tiaras Family Gala on December 5, Junior Jouvert on December 12, CaneJuice Carnival Fete on December 19, the ASAP Glow Parade on December 21, multiple holiday fetes and boat rides on Christmas Eve, a full day of events on December 27 including the Sundaze Premium All Inclusive Breakfast Fete and a BYOB catamaran cruise, the Haynes Smith Miss Caribbean Talented Teen Pageant on December 30, the Palm’s Court legendary New Year’s Eve party, and multiple wrap-up events on January 3, 2027.

    Organizers and local industry leaders are projecting that this year’s festival will deliver substantial economic benefits across the islands’ tourism and local business sectors. Hotels, restaurants, craft vendors, taxi operators, and small retail businesses are all expected to see significant revenue gains from the influx of regional and international visitors, with early booking trends pointing to record turnout for the event.

    Sugar Mas 55 has secured broad support from a coalition of corporate and institutional sponsors, including Republic Bank, First Federal Credit Union, the St. Kitts and Nevis Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the Department of Creative Economy, the St. Kitts Tourism Authority, and major local hospitality brands including Marriott St. Kitts Beach Club, Park Hyatt St. Kitts, and Royal St. Kitts Hotel.

    In a promotional post shared to Facebook, the St. Kitts and Nevis National Carnival Committee framed Sugar Mas 55 as “The Ultimate Vibe,” teasing the upcoming celebration for eager attendees. “Here’s a little Sunday sneak peek to get your blood pumping… Start packing your bags….Book those flights… Call your people…Like and Share because Sugar Mas 55 is coming and it’s going to be a VIBE!!” the post read.

  • Pretty Vee to host Rum Island Festival in Atlanta this July

    Pretty Vee to host Rum Island Festival in Atlanta this July

    ATLANTA, Ga. — June 9, 2026 — A new landmark Caribbean cultural event is gearing up to make its debut this summer in one of the American South’s most vibrant major cities, and it has locked in a high-profile host to lead the celebration. The first-ever Rum Island Festival, scheduled to take over Piedmont Park Promenade on Saturday, July 11, 2026, has named multi-hyphenate media personality, comedian and entrepreneur Pretty Vee as its official host, organizers announced this week.

    The announcement lands right in the middle of Caribbean-American Heritage Month, a nationwide observance honoring the far-reaching contributions and cultural impact of Caribbean communities across the United States. It also comes on the heels of a packed season of Caribbean cultural festivities in Atlanta, including the well-attended Atlanta Caribbean Carnival held just one month prior — a continuation of momentum event organizers call “di vibes nah stop,” as Caribbean culture grows its footprint across the city and the broader U.S.

    Caribbean cultural expressions — from music to fashion, language to daily lifestyle — have increasingly broken into the global mainstream in recent years. Genres including Dancehall and Soca dominate streaming platforms, viral cultural moments spread rapidly across social media, and Caribbean creative influence now shapes global music charts, digital trends and youth culture worldwide. Against this backdrop, Rum Island Festival arrives at a moment when Caribbean creative energy is reaching larger, more diverse audiences than ever before, cutting across entertainment, sports and digital media spaces.

    Pretty Vee, who boasts a massive following across entertainment and social media, is celebrated for her contagious high energy, sharp comedic timing and widespread cultural influence. As host, she will bring her signature one-of-a-kind charisma to every segment of the full day of live programming.

    “Listen, Atlanta is not ready! Rum Island Festival is about to bring some of the biggest Caribbean vibes the city has ever seen. The culture, the music, the rum, the food, the fashion, and everything in-between! I’m so excited to be the official host of this incredible celebration,” Pretty Vee said in a statement following the announcement. “As someone with Caribbean roots and so much love for Atlanta, this one is personal. July 11, we’re outside!”

    Pretty Vee joins a already stacked, star-studded lineup of talent for the festival. Iconic Dancehall artist Aidonia and fast-rising breakout Caribbean performer Ayetian will top the bill, with a roster of acclaimed DJs including Ricky Platinum, Yung Rage, Unique Soundz, Propa English, Boogy Ranks and DJ Fabb set to keep the crowd moving between sets.

    Built around the core ethos of “Culture. Community. Rum.”, the festival is far more than a standard music event. It is designed as a full premium cultural experience, spanning eight hours of live performances across multiple genres including Dancehall, Soca, Afrobeats and Reggaeton. Attendees will also get access to premium rum tastings, custom curated cocktail activations, immersive themed lounges and a dedicated Caribbean food village highlighting authentic Afro-Caribbean cuisine from local and regional vendors.

    Beyond entertainment, the event is rooted in intentional community impact through a formal partnership with Her Village Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on supporting families affected by poverty. A share of all ticket proceeds will go directly to the nonprofit, with additional on-site donation drives and community-focused initiatives planned to create long-term positive change that extends far beyond the one-day event.

    Organizers launched the festival in Atlanta as a starting point, with long-term plans to expand the experience to other major U.S. cities and Caribbean destinations in coming years. The goal is to build a global celebration platform centered on authentic Caribbean culture, connection and collective joy.

    Tickets for the 2026 inaugural Rum Island Festival are on sale now, and updates on the lineup and event logistics are available on the official festival website at www.rumislandfest.com.

  • Seven Delegates Officially Sashed for Queen of Carnival 2026 Competition

    Seven Delegates Officially Sashed for Queen of Carnival 2026 Competition

    One of the Caribbean’s most iconic cultural celebrations has moved one step closer to its 2026 showcase, with organizers officially confirming the seven competing delegates who will now vie for the coveted title of Queen of Carnival. This long-running pageant is far more than a traditional beauty contest; it stands as a cornerstone of Carnival heritage, celebrating the creativity, cultural pride, and community spirit that define one of the world’s most famous annual festival traditions. Each delegate selected this year has already gone through a rigorous multi-stage screening process, designed to test not only their public poise and performance ability but also their deep knowledge of local Carnival history and their commitment to ongoing community outreach initiatives. In the months leading up to the 2026 Carnival season, the seven sashed delegates will participate in a series of public engagement events, charity fundraisers, and cultural workshops across the region. These pre-competition activities are intended to help each contestant connect with local communities, refine their performance pieces for the final show, and build momentum ahead of the coronation night, which will draw thousands of spectators and millions of online viewers from across the globe. Festival organizers have noted that this year’s candidate pool represents one of the most diverse groups in recent competition history, with contestants coming from a range of professional backgrounds including education, healthcare, the arts, and small business ownership. All seven delegates have now received their official competition sashes in a formal launching ceremony that was attended by past Queens of Carnival, local government officials, cultural leaders, and thousands of enthusiastic festival supporters. As preparations ramp up for the 2026 Carnival season, all eyes will turn to these seven contenders as they work to claim the most prestigious title in the global Carnival community.

  • Tizzy Ignites Carnival 2026 With New Ep Featuring Road Anthems And A Powerful Message Of Unity

    Tizzy Ignites Carnival 2026 With New Ep Featuring Road Anthems And A Powerful Message Of Unity

    As carnival communities around the Caribbean and beyond gear up for the 2026 celebration season, breakout soca artist Tizzy has launched a highly anticipated new extended play (EP) built specifically to fuel the festivities. The seven-track collection centers on high-energy road anthems crafted to match the exhilaration of parades, street parties, and masquerade processions that define modern carnival culture.
    What sets this release apart from typical carnival projects is its intentional undercurrent of social cohesion. Across each track, Tizzy weaves lyrics that emphasize cross-community solidarity, bridging divides of class, nationality, and background that can sometimes fragment carnival spaces. In a post-pandemic era where many regional festival communities are still working to rebuild connectedness, the artist’s focus on unity strikes a particularly resonant chord with fans and industry observers alike.
    Early previews of the EP have already generated viral buzz across social media platforms dedicated to carnival culture, with listeners praising the blend of infectious, bass-heavy instrumentals and meaningful lyrical content. Festival organizers across Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, and several Caribbean diaspora communities in North America and Europe have already added multiple tracks from the EP to their official event playlists for the 2026 season. Industry analysts note that the release signals a growing shift in carnival music toward more purpose-driven content, without sacrificing the upbeat energy that keeps crowds moving through days of celebration.

  • Echoes of Waltham wins Best Video Production at CTO Media Awards

    Echoes of Waltham wins Best Video Production at CTO Media Awards

    A landmark community-led heritage documentary centered on the Grenadian village of Waltham has earned the region’s top tourism industry recognition, taking home the Best Video Production prize at the Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) Media Awards.

    *Echoes of Waltham*, which captures the personal memories, intergenerational stories and distinct cultural landscape of Waltham in Grenada’s St Mark parish, emerged from the Island Echoes cross-cultural co-production initiative. The project is led by the Caribbean Institute for EcoLiberation (CIEL) in strategic partnership with Paxton House’s Caribbean Connections programme, an effort designed to unpack the little-known historical ties between the 18th-century Scottish Borders stately home and Caribbean communities shaped by the plantation economy.

    The transatlantic collaboration traces its origins to journalist Zoe Smith, who uncovered the hidden history of Waltham Estate while investigating the region’s plantation-era past. After discovering the estate was once owned by Ninian Home, a former colonial governor of Grenada who also owned Paxton House, Smith reached out to Home’s descendants to launch a community-focused heritage project that would center local voices rather than elite historical narratives. Over the course of the project, the partnership brought together a diverse coalition of Waltham residents, community organizers, academic researchers, creative artists, young participants and heritage institutions across Grenada, Scotland and England.

    For Smith, the project’s lead, the award is far more than an industry honor—it is a validation of the community trust that made the work possible. “This award is a beautiful recognition of Waltham’s story, but more than that, it is a recognition of the elders, residents and neighbours who trusted us with their memories,” Smith explained. “*Echoes of Waltham* was never simply about making a film. It was about honouring a village, preserving living memory, and creating a bridge between Grenada’s past, present and future. I’m especially proud that this work has connected Grenada, Paxton House and the wider Caribbean diaspora.”

    Unlike traditional historical documentaries that rely heavily on archival text and external expert narration, *Echoes of Waltham* centers the unrecorded voices of Waltham’s long-term residents and elders, preserving their oral histories that might otherwise have been lost to time. Through these personal stories, the film opens critical, accessible conversations about plantation history, the value of intergenerational storytelling, and the urgent need to safeguard Grenada’s vulnerable intangible cultural heritage. The production was shaped by collective input: historian and archivist Dr. Angus Martin provided deep contextual historical expertise, Scottish Paxton House curator Dr. Fiona Salvesen Murrell contributed guidance on transatlantic archival records, and Waltham residents Laslynn Andall and Anthony Patrick brought on-the-ground community perspective that anchored the entire project.

    Dr. Salvesen Murrell emphasized that the documentary aligns with the core mission of Caribbean Connections, which seeks to re-examine Paxton House’s colonial ties through a community-centered lens rather than a traditional institutional framework. “We are delighted that *Echoes of Waltham* has received this recognition from the Caribbean Tourism Organisation,” she said. “This highly meaningful film forms part of Paxton House’s wider Caribbean Connections work, which seeks to explore our historic links with the Caribbean in a thoughtful, creative and resident-centred way. We are deeply grateful to the people of Waltham and to all the partners who helped bring this story to life.”

    The award-winning documentary is just one component of the broader Caribbean Connections programme, which also includes *Palimpsest*, a major exhibition by Grenadian-born artist Billy Gérard Frank. Frank’s work served as a central creative anchor for the partnership, illuminating the layered cultural, historical and emotional connections that bind Grenada, the wider Caribbean, and the Scottish Borders to this day. For Frank, the documentary’s award win highlights the transformative power of centering marginalized voices in shared heritage work. “This film demonstrates the power of storytelling to connect generations, preserve local histories, and deepen our understanding of the enduring ties between Grenada, Scotland, and England,” Frank said. “At its heart, *Echoes of Waltham* is a celebration of memory, place, and the voices that shape our shared heritage.”

    Beyond the recognition from the CTO, the project has already sparked new academic and community engagement. It has catalyzed expanded research into the historical links between St Mark parish and Scotland, with a team of researchers from the University of Edinburgh already conducting an on-site visit to Waltham to advance their work. The film has also been screened locally for staff, students and residents at St Mark’s Bonaire Government School, bringing the story of Waltham back to the community that inspired it.

    Looking ahead, the Island Echoes initiative is set to expand its work in Waltham, with new funding secured from the Grenada Office of Creative Affairs. The next phase of the project will deepen the team’s oral history documentation work with Waltham residents, capturing more untold personal stories, and launch an interactive digital mapping project that preserves the village’s stories, historic sites and cultural landmarks for future generations. The project’s model of cross-border, community-led heritage work has already emerged as a groundbreaking example of how to confront shared colonial history while centering the voices of those most affected by that past.

  • Eerste editie van Boeken, Bier en Meer succesvol van start

    Eerste editie van Boeken, Bier en Meer succesvol van start

    On a recent Saturday evening, the inaugural edition of the pop-up cultural event *Boeken, Bier en Meer* (translated as Books, Beer and More) launched in Souposo, marking the start of a new monthly gathering that blends literary discussion, live music, and casual community connection. The first event centered on the popular ongoing *Jazz Years* exhibition hosted by the Amsterdam City Archives, with researcher Mark Ponte leading a deep dive into the exhibition and its accompanying official book.

    Ponte’s talk shed new light on a little-recognized chapter of Dutch cultural history: the foundational contributions of Surinamese artists to Amsterdam’s mid-20th century jazz scene. He explained that the 1930s saw not only global jazz legends including Louis Armstrong, Josephine Baker and Coleman Hawkins drawing crowds to Amsterdam, but also a wave of Surinamese musicians rising to prominence in the local circuit.

    Among the pioneering artists Ponte highlighted was Lex van Spall (1903–1982), bandleader of the influential group the Chocolate Kiddies, who recorded several tracks alongside prominent African American jazz musicians Freddy Johnson and Rosie Poindexter. Ponte also noted that American saxophonist Coleman Hawkins, who resided in Amsterdam for several years, served as a key mentor to the growing cohort of Surinamese jazz artists joining the local scene. Many of these musicians adopted American stage names to boost their perceived credibility in the mainstream industry; the most successful among them included trumpeter Teddy Cotton (1912–1977) and renowned performer Kid Dynamite (1911–1964).

    Ponte’s presentation was complemented by a musical accompaniment from DJ Earl da Pearl, whose curated jazz selections enriched the discussion and set a warm, immersive tone for the entire evening. After the talk, attendees took part in an open question-and-answer session that invited guests to share their own knowledge, personal stories, and perspectives on the topic. A casual networking session followed, where visitors mingled over complimentary snacks and drinks, and had the opportunity to purchase the exhibition book – which sold out completely before the event ended.

    Reflecting on the debut, event project manager Shereen Carrot described the evening as an intimate, welcoming celebration that successfully wove together visual presentation, live music, and casual conversation. While Carrot noted that small adjustments, including technical refinements, better scheduling for event segments, and a revised opening introduction, will be implemented for future gatherings, she characterized the first edition as an overall rewarding success.

    *Boeken, Bier en Meer* is a monthly pop-up initiative organized by the Stichting Skrifi foundation, designed to bring literary conversation to accessible, informal settings. Each month, the event centers on a discussion of a selected book, alongside in-depth interviews with authors and literary experts that explore key trends and shifts in contemporary literature. Attendees can enjoy beer or wine in a relaxed, social setting, making cultural engagement feel approachable rather than intimidating.

    Beyond deepening readers’ understanding of literary topics, the event also functions as a community hub for anyone with a passion for storytelling and books. It creates space for attendees to connect with one another, discover new titles, and engage with fresh perspectives from across the literary world. The first edition has been widely described as a resounding success, seamlessly blending literature, jazz music, a cozy café atmosphere, and food and drink into a natural, enjoyable experience for all attendees. Organizers have already begun preparations for the second edition, scheduled to take place in July.