The Cultural Center of Suriname (CCS) was abuzz with youthful energy on Friday as it hosted the National School Choir Festival 2025. Organized by the Directorate of Culture under the Ministry of Education, Science, and Culture (MinOWC), the event featured performances from eight primary schools and was part of the Srefidensi celebrations. President Jennifer Simons inaugurated the festival, emphasizing the transformative power of music in child development. She highlighted how music fosters creativity, cognitive growth, and academic success, urging schools to integrate music education into their curricula and encouraging students to nurture their talents. AVO Director Helima Poese also addressed the young performers, thanking parents and teachers for their dedication. She underscored the holistic benefits of singing, dancing, and sports, noting their role in promoting health and resilience. Charmain Belfor, Director of the Suriname Conservatory, described the festival as a cornerstone of initiatives aimed at inspiring youth to pursue music education. The event, targeting children aged 8 to 12, also provided practical opportunities for music students to gain experience. The festival marks the beginning of a celebratory period leading up to the Suriname Conservatory’s 15th anniversary in November 2026, with preparations now officially underway.
分类： entertainment
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New York Independence Gala Honours Musical Icons and Announces Diaspora Initiative
The annual Independence Gala, hosted by the New York Offices of Antigua and Barbuda, became a grand celebration of both national pride and musical excellence this year. The event paid a heartfelt tribute to the Burning Flames, a legendary family band whose revolutionary sound has left an indelible mark on Caribbean music. On the occasion of Antigua and Barbuda’s 44th Independence Day, the band members—Sir Toriano ‘Onyan’ Edwards, Sir Clarence ‘Oungku’ Edwards, Sir David ‘Bubb-I’ Edwards, and Sir Rone ‘Foxx’ Watkins—were honored with some of the nation’s highest accolades. Their contributions to music and culture have not only made their small nation proud but also showcased their talent on the global stage. The gala, themed “Solid, Stable, Soaring,” celebrated the nation’s progress and unity, while also recognizing the band’s enduring legacy. In a touching gesture, the band received gold records and a new set of musical instruments from their super fan, Eugene “Bobadilla” Otto, and other supporters. Sir Clarence, the bandleader, expressed gratitude for the recognition and revealed plans to display the instruments in a proposed museum at their former band house in Potters. The event also featured inspiring speeches from Antigua and Barbuda’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, H. E. Walton Aubrey Webson, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. E. P. Chet Greene. Minister Greene announced the upcoming “Solid, Stable, Soaring: Diaspora Investment Conference,” aimed at engaging the diaspora community in national development projects. The evening concluded with vibrant celebrations as attendees danced to the music of the Burning Flames, eagerly anticipating next year’s 45th Independence milestone. The New York Offices extended their gratitude to event sponsors and partners for their unwavering support.
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Memoirs of a Russian ballet master at Saturday Book Fair in Cuba
In a captivating new memoir, the acclaimed choreographer and brother of legendary ballerina Maya Plisetskaya offers a profound glimpse into the 20th-century art world and the luminaries of Russian ballet. His narrative weaves through a life deeply connected to dance, particularly in Cuba, where he left an indelible mark. In 1963, under a cultural agreement between the Soviet Union and Cuba, he was appointed as the principal partner of Alicia Alonso at the National Ballet of Cuba, a role he held for eight of his ten years in the country. During this transformative period, he not only performed but also taught at the Havana Ballet Academy, honing his craft as a choreographer. His creative genius gave birth to iconic ballets such as *La Avanzada* (1964), *Primer Concierto* (1971), and his magnum opus, *Canto Vital* (1973). These works remain staples of the Cuban repertoire and have been embraced by ballet companies worldwide, cementing his legacy as a pivotal figure in the global dance community.
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Miss DSC Mas Jamboree back after five-year hiatus, contestants revealed
Dominica State College (DSC) has officially introduced the six young women vying for the coveted Miss DSC Mas Jamboree 2026 title. The announcement was made during a sashing ceremony held on November 20, marking the official commencement of the pageant journey. The event served as a platform for the contestants to present themselves to the college community and select their competition numbers, which will determine their order during the show. The contestants include Kalie Clarke (#1), Nina Browne (#2), Mikkedia Joseph (#3), Nathalia Christmas (#4), Sherkhia Andrew (#5), and Kenisha Demezin (#6). This year’s competition will feature six distinct stages, including a formal interview, allowing participants to demonstrate their personality, cultural pride, talent, confidence, and public speaking abilities. The 2026 edition marks the return of Miss DSC Mas Jamboree to Dominica’s Carnival lineup after a five-year hiatus, underscoring DSC’s commitment to student development, cultural celebration, and youth empowerment. The college is encouraging local businesses, organizations, and individuals to sponsor contestants by contacting the DSC Student Affairs Department. DSC extended its best wishes to all participants as they embark on their journey to claim the prestigious crown.
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So, Was This Year’s Miss Universe Rigged?
The Miss Universe 2025 pageant, held on November 21, 2025, concluded with Miss Mexico, Fatima Bosch, being crowned the winner. However, the event was overshadowed by allegations of rigging and resignations from key figures involved in the competition. Hours before the grand finale, Isabella ‘Bella’ Zabaneh, representing Belize, was celebrated by her parents for her achievements, regardless of the outcome. Her father emphasized that Bella had already made Belize proud by becoming Miss Belize Universe and serving as an ambassador for the nation. Bella’s mother shared how she managed the pressure through prayer and support from her community. Despite not winning, Bella’s journey united Belizeans behind her cause, as seen on social media. Behind the scenes, controversy erupted when French judge Omar Harfouch resigned, claiming the competition was rigged. In an unreleased HBO interview, Harfouch alleged that Miss Universe owner Raúl Rocha pressured him to vote for Fatima Bosch due to business interests, including a connection to Bosch’s father. Harfouch declared Miss Mexico’s victory as illegitimate in a social media post. Fatima Bosch’s path to the crown was also marred by a viral incident where she walked out of a sashing ceremony after a confrontation with Thai executive Nawat Itsaragrisil. Following the crowning, former Miss Universe Natalie Glebova, who remained on the judging panel, announced her resignation and called for the reinstatement of independent auditors, citing her own experience in the 2005 pageant. The allegations have cast a shadow over the integrity of the Miss Universe 2025 competition, leaving many to question whether the results were truly fair.
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Miss Mexico wins Miss Universe
In a night filled with unexpected twists and controversies, Miss Mexico Fatima Bosch emerged victorious at the 2025 Miss Universe pageant held in Nonthaburi, Thailand. The event, one of the world’s most prestigious beauty competitions, saw Bosch triumph over contestants from Ivory Coast, the Philippines, Thailand, and Venezuela, who were selected from over 120 participants. However, the road to her coronation was anything but smooth. The pageant was marred by a series of dramatic incidents, including a walkout by Bosch after she was publicly criticized by Miss Universe Thailand director Nawat Itsaragrisil. The confrontation occurred during a livestreamed meeting where Nawat accused Bosch of failing to promote the event on her social media accounts. Bosch, supported by Miss Iraq, left the room after Nawat called for security, sparking a moment of solidarity among other contestants. Bosch later addressed the media, stating, ‘What your director did is not respectful: He called me dumb. The world needs to see this because we are empowered women and this is a platform for our voice.’ Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum praised Bosch as an ‘example of how we women should speak out’ in the face of aggression. Nawat later apologized and congratulated Bosch during a press conference. The pageant also faced allegations of rigging, with two judges resigning, one claiming an ‘illegitimate vote’ had taken place. Additionally, Miss Britain Danielle Latimer tripped during the costume round, and Miss Jamaica Gabrielle Henry was hospitalized after falling off the stage during the evening gown showcase. Despite the chaos, Bosch expressed her desire to be remembered as ‘a Miss Universe that wasn’t afraid to be herself’ and someone who ‘changed, a little bit, the prototype of what is a Miss Universe.’
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Irish fashion designer Paul Costelloe dies aged 80
LONDON, United Kingdom—The fashion world mourns the loss of Paul Costelloe, the renowned Irish-American designer who served as Princess Diana’s personal stylist for over a decade. Costelloe passed away at the age of 80 in London, surrounded by his wife and seven children, following a brief illness, his family confirmed in a statement on Saturday. Born in Dublin in 1945, Costelloe honed his craft as a design assistant in Paris before joining British retailer Marks and Spencer in Milan. His career reached new heights in 1983 when he was appointed as Princess Diana’s personal designer, a role he held until her tragic death in 1997. Reflecting on his time with the Princess, Costelloe once described her as approachable and down-to-earth, sharing anecdotes of her making tea and scones during their meetings. A fixture at London Fashion Week since its inception in 1984, Costelloe was celebrated for his romantic, tailored designs that blended classic styles with modern innovation, often featuring bold colors, tweed patterns, and floral motifs. His latest collection, inspired by the 1960s and titled ‘We stroll down Rodeo Drive,’ was showcased at London Fashion Week in September. Costelloe’s brand remains a family affair, with his son William serving as design director. In a 2024 interview with Vogue, Costelloe expressed his desire to eventually retire from fashion to travel and paint in France.
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Promoters aim for US$1m goal with all-star Jamaica Strong relief concert lineup
The Jamaica Strong benefit concert, scheduled for Friday, December 12, at the UBS Arena in New York, is set to bring together a star-studded lineup to raise $1 million for hurricane relief efforts in Jamaica. Organized under the ‘I Love Jamaica Concert Series’ in collaboration with the Government of Jamaica, the event aims to provide critical support to families and communities affected by Hurricane Melissa. Headliners include Shaggy, Sean Paul, KES, Inner Circle, Ky-Mani Marley, Tessanne Chin, Aidonia, Chronic Law, TOK, Gramps Morgan, Richie Stephens, Mikey Spice, Marcia Griffiths, I-Octane, and gospel singer Kevin Downwell. Kacy Rankine, CEO of Roadblock Radio, emphasized the unity of the diaspora, stating, ‘This is New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania… the whole USA coming together. We’re going to send something big to Jamaica.’ George Crooks, CEO of Jammins Entertainment, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the urgency of the crisis and the diaspora’s commitment to supporting their homeland. Net proceeds from the concert will be transparently distributed to approved beneficiaries, including the nation’s official hurricane relief fund and other registered charities. Tickets are now available on Ticketmaster.
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Miss Mexico crowned Miss Universe following insult from organizer
In a dramatic turn of events, Fatima Bosch of Mexico has been crowned the new Miss Universe, capping off a pageant marred by controversy and tension. The competition, held in Thailand, was overshadowed by a heated confrontation between Bosch and Nawat Itsaragrisil, the head of Miss Universe Thailand. The incident reportedly began during a meeting where Nawat publicly criticized Bosch for insufficient social media promotion of the host nation, escalating when he allegedly called her ‘dumb.’ This sparked outrage, leading Bosch and several other contestants to walk out in protest. The fallout extended further as two judges, former Chelsea footballer Claude Makelele and musician Omar Harfouch, resigned. Harfouch accused the competition of being rigged, adding to the turmoil. Amid these controversies, the pageant continued, with Miss Thailand Praveenar Singh and Miss Venezuela Stephany Abasali securing the runner-up and third-place positions, respectively. Despite the drama, Bosch’s victory marked a triumphant conclusion to a contentious event.
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Dominica’s Cadence-lypso Queen Ophelia invited to major women’s leadership forum in Burkina Faso
Dominican music legend Ophelia has been invited to perform at the 14th edition of the Forum International des Femmes Entreprenantes et Dynamiques (FIED) in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, from November 25–30, 2025. This prestigious invitation follows the release of her reggae anthem ‘Burkinabe Rise,’ a powerful tribute to the resilience and aspirations of the Burkinabe people. FIED 2025, a leading pan-African event, focuses on women’s leadership, industrialization, and the promotion of local products as key drivers of Africa’s economic future. The forum will host women entrepreneurs, investors, policymakers, and development partners for panels, workshops, exhibitions, and networking sessions aimed at advancing women’s economic empowerment across the continent. Ophelia’s performance of ‘Burkinabe Rise’ will be a highlight of the forum’s cultural program, symbolizing unity between Africa and its diaspora. Known as Dominica’s ‘Queen of Cadence-lypso,’ Ophelia has long been celebrated for her socially conscious music and unique Creole vocal style. Her participation in FIED 2025 is expected to strengthen cultural and economic ties between the Caribbean and West Africa while showcasing Dominica’s rich musical heritage. Ophelia described the invitation as a ‘bridge between Roseau and Ouagadougou,’ emphasizing the song’s message of solidarity with Africa’s fight for justice, economic freedom, and cultural pride.