Simply Decadence Ltd – A Premier Gourmet Cafe

I guess you can say I have a “thing” for cafes.  I am not too sure why but I believe it has something to do with my love for mini escapades into a world of soulful delicacies and old world charm (perhaps too much Breakfast at Tiffany’s ha ha). I am such a café fanatic that the minute I see or get whim that a new café is being launched it is inevitable that the café will be on my “must visit soon” list.  I usually visit the south land ever so often every month. Every time I notice a few changes to the scene.  Over the last few months I would see this purple and gold sign with the words Simply Decadence Ltd. Immediately, my thoughts were “oh wow a dessert café in Point Fortin finally someone did it!”  Obviously, this place made it on my list and I eventually got to stop by and get the “inside scoop” (no pun intended).

sd(Photo credit: Simply Decadence Ltd. Facebook Page)

Name

 Simply Decadence Ltd.

Location

#18 Adventure Road Point Fortin (Next to Colfire)

Product

Gourmet Food and Treats (savory and sweet)

Service

Catering for all occasions

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Coffee

Contact Information

https://www.facebook.com/SimplyDecadenceLimited/

simplydecadencedesserts@gmail.com

1.868.284.5338

1.868.745.959

When I visited the café I chatted with one of the owners, Karon Felmine. I found out that the business is family owned. They have been in the catering industry for years prior to opening the cafe.  This café was one of Karon’s dreams since 2012. In July 2016 there was an opportunity to realize this dream when the perfect spot became available. Karon and her family took advantage of the opportunity and today the community of Point Fortin and environs can enjoy being part of the dream.

Café Hours

Tuesdays to Wednesdays breakfast from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m.

Thursdays it is open from 12 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Fridays and Saturdays it is open from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Sundays it is open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

The design aesthetic of Simply Decadence Ltd is kept simple with hues of blue, cream, grey and brown. Plant centrepieces adorn  wood tables. Some candles replace the plants on the table that serves as the focal point for the lounge seating area. The lounge area heightens the rustic vibe with its basket weave elements and beige cushions. The lighting is not too bright or too dim for anyone to catch up on some reading whilst having their coffee. The design  layout strikes a balance between an earthy and a modern ambience with a daytime city skyline backdrop on one of the walls. There is also television and wifi. The café area is clean and well maintained.

sd-lounge

Lounge Area

(Photo Credit: David Wears)

Patrons can choose from continental breakfast on mornings. At other times there are local selections of Bees ice cream flavours, punches, hot drinks, smoothies, blended coffees, sandwiches, savory appetizers and decadent desserts. Karon says that they try to offer something different  from the regular menu that patrons can get anywhere else. While I was at the café peanut ice creams with toppings and a chocolate cupcake were the items purchased from the menu by the persons in my pax. They thoroughly enjoyed their orders!

sd-desserts

(Photo Credit: David Wears)

sd-cupcakes

(Photo Credit: David Wears)

sd-brioche

(Photo Credit: David Wears)

I am excited to see the development and progress yet to come for Karon and her family with this new venture. The hospitality is overwhelming and the staff is so friendly. My guests and I were complete strangers to Karon (since we had not met her before) yet we were treated like family. I will continue to recommend Simply Decadence Ltd to many persons who wish to walk in and get away from the city bustle, to celebrate a special occasion, to enjoy quality and affordable gourmet delights, to choose Simply Decadence Ltd as a potential caterer and to list them as a prime option for foreigners and locals visiting Point Fortin.

Congratulations Karon

&

Best Wishes

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The Best Weekend Ever is Not Coachella

The world over is getting ready for The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Annual Festival (affectionately called Coachella). It is held at the Coachella Valley in the Colorado Desert. It is the most talked about event for spring breakers, hippies, wannabe hippies, cultural/art enthusiasts and celebrities. It’s a time when Spring fashion trends come out of their hiatus to thrill the gawking fashionistas and stylists with inspiration. If you have no idea what I am talking about perhaps you recall North West’s first birthday bash. She enjoyed a Coachella themed party hosted by the Kardashian tribe.

kidchella

Perhaps you remember these photos of Selena Gomez and her “besties” enjoying the raves with top notch and small bands performing in genres from hip hop, rock, independent and electronic dance music whilst sparking fashion trends. Well either way this year Coachella takes place from April the 15th to April 24th 2016. So I guess it may be safe to say Coachella does not happen over the weekend so it can never be the best weekend ever (it actually spans a rough two weeks and). Moreover, the world over that has been there and done that are looking for something new to experience.

selena

Why?
Well some of you are looking for a more intimate, cultured experience. You want to expose yourselves to new culture, cuisine, creative art, music and people. Also some of you would rather relish in doing this amid the backdrop of an exotic island whilst still “doing good” by following sustainable principles and best practices there. In addition, celebrating peace, love and unity with family, old friends and new ones all in one weekend getaway may just be your ‘cup of tea.’

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Where am I taking you?
So let me introduce you to your next festival destination, a twin island state called Trinidad and Tobago. It is the most cosmopolitan island in the West Indies. It is the most southern island at the end of the chain of the West Indies close to the Amazon Forest and Venezuela. It is one of the few places on this planet where the locals are bonded by their love for culture in different ethnic cuisines, music, festivals and celebrations. This tropical island boasts of vibrant and infinite talent in their creative industry; fashion, music, art, food and even fun.

In fact, there is an organization in Trinidad called New Fire which is responsible for curating a series of musical concerts each month to showcase new music and progressive culture. New Fire is an initiative under the non-profit social enterprise called The Trinidad and Tobago Bridge Initiative. This year they are putting their mark on the local festival scene to promote a signature of theirs called New Fire Festival 2016. The team at New Fire has dubbed it, “The Best Weekend Ever”.

yoga
New Fire Festival 2016 is carded for 26th and 27th of March 2016 at Sanderson Park in Freeport Trinidad. The event promises outstanding live performances, outdoor camping (under the stars ), yoga, a midnight rave and a local shopping market featuring artisans, artists and fashion. There will be family zones, a pottery talkshop, a drum circle and musical acts from reggae to rock. All of the activities at New Fire Festival are pitted on the concept of sustainability. This includes upcycled shopping but is certainly not limited to that alone. Patrons interested in purchasing food are advised to bring reusable food containers as the New Fire team wants to reduce as much waste as they can that may harm the environment.

The partners for this event are also keepers and leaders of organizations that promote sustainability. Some of these include Wa Samaki Ecosystems (permaculture restoration), Upmarket (artisan market), Sun Eaters Organics (high quality local food products and gourmet chocolate), Soular (plantain and cocoa nibs), Sonara Sound Therapy, INIPIS (sustainable human involved planetary systems), I Am Movement (distributing information and providing workshop facilitators), Anugraha Yoga, Akasha Studio and Destination Chocolate.

fire dance

 

new fire fest

There are different types of tickets available. Persons can choose from various options the type of experiences they mostly prefer and enjoy.If you would like to find out more on tickets and about The Best Weekend Ever then please have a look at the links below.
(w): http://www.newfireworld.com/
(e): newfirett@gmail.com
(fb): https://www.facebook.com/events/430322497165733/

So whatever you decide I wish you the best weekend ever!!!

xoxo

Let’s Go Trinidad and Tobago

 

 

Arty Party TT

For far too long locals have grieved for something different to do in their free time. They are bombarded with the glitz and the glamour of uber chic parties and modern theater. However, they are now seemingly making trails to new discoveries or more intimate and self enriching experiences. One young lady who has realized this demand has decided to pair her knowledge, passion and experience in her niche to bring premium creative experiences to locals and persons visiting Trinidad. Sharon Burford, Trinidadian artist and illustrator is championing the local creative arts industry through her professional work at Studio 55 and her recent art initiative, “Arty Party TT.”

ozzy

Photo Credit:https://www.facebook.com/artypartytt

Her work at Studio 55 ranges from live drawings at events, “cartoonize yourself” options to personalized requests and custom orders of black and white, colour, water colour, digital and many more choices in art and design. However, it is her Arty Party TT that strikes me boldly! Persons attending this party pay for a package which includes a creative art exercise, light refreshments, camaraderie of the entire group, a sense of belonging, team building skills for you and your family, friends or significant other (if you decide to go as a team). Knowledge is imparted upon the group and they leave the event rather renewed and fulfilled. The opportunity to learn differently and enjoy something differently is present here. Art Parties take place in the evenings. They are usually themed. Art Parties take place once per week and persons must book in advance to secure their seats as groups are small. Persons who are unable to attend can also book an art party for their birthday or some special occasion.

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Photo Credit:https://www.facebook.com/artypartytt

Interestingly, Arty Party TT will celebrate their one year birthday on Friday 8th April with a signature Arty Party from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Gulf View Community Center. Persons who wish to attend must be mindful only 22 spaces are available for this event. The curator intends to do the theme in her version of Gustav Klimt’s “The Kiss”. There is no age restriction or art experience prerequisite. Tickets are TTD$200.00 and more information is available at their pages below.

artyparty

Photo Credit:https://www.facebook.com/artypartytt

ap val

Photo Credit:https://www.facebook.com/artypartytt

Contact Arty Party TT today!!

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/artypartytt

Instagram: ARTYPARTYTT

Mobile Contact: (868) 717-1791

Periscope: @Sharrie9

Email:  sharonburford9@yahoo.com

 

 

 

 

My Quick Picks for Valentine's Day

1.Style them – The gift of style has come to be appreciated by men and women. Your significant other does not have to be a fashionista or a fashionisto to embrace fashion. I am sure they have their own sense of style whether they fancy fitness wear, artisan jewellery, handbags, spa essentials or accessories. Perhaps they are huge fans of sustainable living and they prefer ethical wear. If this is the case then I strongly suggest you make a fashion stop at Blue Basin Stores at the Cruise Complex in Port of Spain. Another bonus here is their sale of up to 50 % on local designer menswear, women apparel and accessories. Their sale ends on February 13th 2016 so visit them to find out more.

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https://www.facebook.com/BlueBasin/info/?tab=overview

 

2. Wine them – It’s the season of love and romance is spilled from the glass of wine that runneth over; well at least for the “winos” out there. Now you can enjoy local wines aged to perfection in just five flavours: sorrel, spice, five finger, pommerac and jamun. These wines were aged for 5 years. All the wines are light to medium bodied, crisp and refreshing. They are available at Unwined Wine Bar, Trade Winds Hotel mini mart, On Deck Pub at Trade Winds Hotel, TnT Wine Cellar and of course directly from 11 Degrees North.

11 degrees north

https://www.facebook.com/11-Degrees-North-656560257809429/?fref=ts

3. Chocolate Coat them – At #37 Fitt Street, Woodbrook on Thursday 11th February 2016 Medulla Art Gallery brings you Destination Chocolate’s Pop Up Shop. There you can purchase local artisan chocolate on sale and relish in tasting the “true trini sweet hand”. Some featured products include chocolate gift bags, cocoa products, truffles, cocoa nib brittle and dark chocolates from various local sommeliers in the local chocolate industry. You can also get your tickets for my next suggestion at this Pop Up event.

pop

https://www.facebook.com/events/891391910981283/

4. Dine them – Locals love to adventure together into the realms of food. Mariposa Cafe in Lopinot Trinidad is nothing short of being an epic culinary journey. They are hosting their “Cocoa Inno Foosion” tasting event at Mariposa Gardens in Arouca on February 13th 2016. The highlights of the event include savoury and sweet cocoa creations, bean to bar demonstration and  sampling and selling of various cocoa treats. The tickets for this event are $300.00 and are on sale at Medulla Art Gallery tomorrow. So if you or your loved one may be interested in the excitement feel free to check it out.

cafe mariposa

https://www.facebook.com/destinationchocolatett/?fref=ts

These are just a few awesome local finds right here in Trinidad for the 14th February 2016!! Whether you choose fashion, food or fun or all of  them remember your dearest of them all is the gift of giving from your heart!!! Enjoy!!!

cANYAval returns for Trinidad Carnival 2016

 Carnival Monday Wear continues to dominate the Carnival fashion scene and carve out a niche of its own in Trinidad and the wider Caribbean. We wanted to know more about one particular brand that has been setting the pace for Carnival Fashion since the inception of Monday Wear that is cANYAval. We found out from the store manager of Exhibit A, Charissa Mohammed  what she has to say about the brand.

logo

Q: What is cANYAval?

A: cANYAval is a carnival inspired brand that offers an online retail platform (www.thecANYAvalshop.com) featuring apparel and accessories designed for the on the road, fete-ing and liming, with a host of contributing designers, whose lines are curated by founder, Anya Ayoung-Chee.

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Q: Is that the only role of cANYAval?

A: cANYAval is also an events production company specializing in Carnival inspired experiences, held in Trinidad and in major cities such as New York and Los Angeles. cANYAval travels the world with carnivals collaborating with the bands throughout the world, including Toronto, Los Angeles, Jamaica, Barbados, and more.

canyaval

Q: How can persons access cANYAval for purchase?

A: During the Trinidad Carnival season, Exhibit A hosts the cANYAval Pop Up Shop where all items available online are also available in store, the featured designers are hosted and carnival related activities are on constant rotation.

canyaval shop

Q: Who are the designers for this year?

A: Keisha Als makes a return as well as lots of new collaborations from Rhion Romany to Summer Jade and so many more.

summer jade x canyavalphotoshoot

Q: Where can persons find more information on cANYAval?

A:

Facebook: https://web.facebook.com/thecanyavalshop/?fref=ts

Instagram :https://www.instagram.com/canyaval/

P.S.

There is a sale on last year’s Carnival Monday Wear

so hurry to the cANYAval website while stocks last!!!

sale

Photo credits for article:

http://www.thecanyavalshop.com/

https://www.instagram.com/canyaval/

Mas’ Rebellion: The Rebirth of the Carnival Costume

Carnival costuming has largely been a part of the fashion landscape in Trinidad’s fashion history. In the 1950’s creativity, new skills, new ideas, a more involved public, tactical and strategic wire bending, movement of costumes, architecture and engineering were recognized as key tenets in the construction of these costumes. It is in that same decade that Harold Saldenha won band of the year with his choreography and design for his presentation Imperial Rome 44 B.C. to 96 A.D. Another artist, Peter Minshall was incredibly instrumental in using architecture in his designs so costumes were lighter and their movement on masqueraders could be more balanced. He also introduced the theatrical side of Carnival with story boards for each presentation. These were relative to whatever the current situation in Trinidad was whether that was controversial, social or political.

Carnival is a rough two months away but it still falls in the year of 2016. It seems to be the year of change, rebirth and innovation in the spheres of design and fashion which are not exempted here in Trinidad. Here we see the reinvention of Carnival costumes for a new band to the mas foray. The name of that band is Mas’ Rebellion. They make their debut next year. At the heart of these rebels is their refusal of mas as just a parade through the streets. Whilst Carnival costuming has evolved and many genres of old and new and many more variations currently exist this band is affirming their rebellion against the current trends. They believe in giving life to the artform that once depicted art, beauty, politricks, commentary on state, society and humanity.

mas rebellion

Heroes or Villains is the theme for next year’s presentation. Their storyboard for Carnival 2016 talks about the United States of Trinidad and it puts an interesting twist on the current political state of affairs in Trinidad. The characters in the band are all found in the story and they are either heroes or villains. You can read more about the story here http://masrebellion.com/index.php/storytime

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Their creative director Keir Roopnarine collaborates with local designer Ayodhya Ouditt for 2016.

His biography is as follows;

Ayodhya is a designer, illustrator, and writer with a passion for science and the environment. He earned a BFA in industrial design at the Rhode Island School of Design, focusing on design for social change. His earliest memories involve scrawling dinosaurs on walls, bending wire for blue devils, and acting with Lilliput Children’s Theatre. Despite filling scores of sketchbooks with creatures and characters over the years, he eventually pursued design for social change, because of a desire to solve world problems. He has co-designed prospective medical products, illustrated for NPR’s science blogs, won ADDY awards for Collier Morrison Belgrave, hosted STEAM workshops with teachers at the Korean Gifted Summer Institute (St. John’s University, NYU), designed carnival and stage costumes for Lilliput, and produced the concept art for 2015 Carnival King, “Ahtwajé”. By day he is a design consultant with his mother and uncle (also experienced designers and artists), at Studiouditt. By night, he brings the Rebellion to life, through comics and costume. Like the others, he believes that Carnival need not compromise story and spectacle for the sake of sexiness. We can have all.

ayodhya illustrated

Biography & Photograph courtesy Mas’ Rebellion

(http://masrebellion.com/index.php/about-the-rebellion?id=114)

 

The rebellion’s design candidates who are either ‘Heroes or Villains’ include the Jacka Lantern, Red Queen, Pierrot Grenade, Soucouyant, Lagahoo, Midknight and Ibis in the story. However the Carnival costumes available for registration include Angelic Ibis, Lagahoo, Bookman, Soucouyant, Midknight, Vengeful Ibis, Blue Devil Clans and Red Devil Clans. More information on registration for the costumes is available here http://masrebellion.com/index.php/hov-costumes

mas rebellion animation

Their mission and philosophy statements are as follows:

We believe in story and spectacle. You will embody a character, an idea or a concept. Your costume will be one piece of a greater whole: an epic story: told through bodies and motion; through colour, light and sound.

We believe in diversity. No one is too big or too small to be a Rebel. No one is too dark or too fair. No one is too gay or too straight. No one is too old or too young, and no one is too wassy or too stush! If you love our art and you love our costumes – you can be a Rebel! If you want to have a good time on the road – you can be a Rebel! If you want to get on bad bad bad – you can be a Rebel! If you want to stand up and take a small wine here and there – you can be a Rebel

They ask just three things from their masqueraders.

  1. Love your body and your costume on the road
  2. Respect each other and stay safe
  3. Have a great time

Mission and Philosophy courtesy Mas Rebellion

(http://masrebellion.com/index.php/about-the-rebellion)

So there you have it 2016 promises to be a really interesting year for Trinidad.

To be part of the Mas’ Rebellion experience you can also follow them here

https://www.facebook.com/masrebellion/?fref=ts

mr animae

 

 

 

"Trini" Alice in Filipino Wonderland

culture-is-the-way

The Honourable Dr. Eric Williams  invited the Filipino community to Trinidad in 1964. This was just after his trip to the Far East. He may have realized that for such a skilled nation of 7,102 islands and over 103 million people it may have been competitive for the Filipinos to find work in their own job market. He may have also realized that this community which speaks English, Spanish and dialect Tagalog of Catholic and Muslim religions may have been similar to his multicultural state of Trinidad and Tobago.  In addition, a lightning bolt idea probably struck him when he may have realized the resourcefulness and dual benefit to these citizens and to his Trinidad if he offered them employment by inviting these skilled professionals to fill the labour shortages in his country. Later they would arrive from the island of Cebu and the capital city of the Philippines, Manila to fill skill gaps as medical personnel, doctors, nurses, pharmacists and to assist with the restructuring of the then TELCO Trinidad telephone state services which were deplorable and affecting everyone including Dr. Eric Williams. Today, the estimated Filipino population in Trinidad is approximately over 1,000 persons. They are found in several skilled areas of engineering, medicine, construction, art, culture, business and culinary arts.

2014-12-06 19.59.12 2014-12-06 19.59.17 I have been fortunate to have been invited to their “potlucks” on several occasions (Birthdays and New Years Eve) to experience first hand Filipino culture.  This is a house party with lots of Filipino food ( the Filipinos attending bring a dish or more to the table), karaoke singing and family (this does not necessarily mean blood relation but friends from the Filipino community in Trinidad). Filipino food is usually steamed or stir fried. Their diet is quite healthy and they consume less oil. Although, there is almost always the roasting of a pig over an open fire! This pig is stuffed with herbs and covered in coconut oil and roasted for flavor, texture and fat reduction! It is neither too salty or too sweet or too spicy but flavorful for the palate. Even if you are not family you are treated as though you are part of their household. There is plenty laughing and though they speak Tagalog their English is quite good and the “Trini” dialect as well! They are excellent hosts as they always make sure their guests are comfortable and happy. Their hospitality emanates like a pulsating aura of love and positive, clean, happy energy throughout their home from the minute they greet you throughout your stay even until you leave and get in your car ready to leave. One can reminisce that they went to the Philippines and returned to Trinidad as this culture immersion captivates individuals each time almost like magical realism to a “Trini” Alice in a “Filipino” Wonderland fairytale!

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It is this very essence of culture immersion, adaptability and diversification that reflects how one nation, a twin island state can exist in peace with many others under one sun and one sky. Trinidad is blessed by this beautiful gem of multiculturalism. Even though we are many cultures the respect and appreciation for each other shout volumes of amplified unity and harmony as one body of a Trinbagonian identity.

So Live and Let Live,

Love and Be Loved,

Experience Culture & Respect Each Other

Represent Your Nation

Trinidad and Tobago

The True Caribbean

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 xoxo

Let’s Go Trinidad and Tobago

 

 

COCO Dance Festival

The COCO Dance Festival began in 2009 with dance professionals and founders Nancy Herrera, Sonja Dumas, Nicole Wesley and Dave Williams. This festival gives choreographers and dance professionals the opportunity to pioneer approaches to choreography and explore contemporary and post modern forms of dance. Moreover, there is much space to experiment with dance aesthetics. This festival is a dynamic force for propelling the Trinidad and Tobago Dance Industry. It fosters the development of collaborative and interdisciplinary approaches in the production of art, performance and lecture with The University of the West Indies and the University of Trinidad and Tobago’s dance programmes. Basically, it offers mentorship for emerging choreographers by giving them a professional platform for performance and experimentation with direction for development as their steward.

20141002_201807(NeoIndigenA – Santee Smith)

So far the work of founders as well as creative art and dance professionals from Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Canada and the U.S.A have been showcased. This year the festival has a guest cast of the New York Battery Dance Company (supported by the Embassy of the United States of America), The University of South Florida’s Dance Program, The University Dance Company of Texas Tech University (supported by Texas Tech University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts). The COCO screening committee also chose Akuzuru, Brittany Williams, Deliece Knights, Jacob Cino, Jelae Stroude-Mitchell, Jillene Forde, Juan- Pablo Alba- Dennis, Kinesha Charleau, Sade Chance and Santee Smith to perform. The COCO community outreach programme  has selected finalists from the Prime Minister’s Best Village Trophy competition to make their contribution. Other dance entities participating include Ibis Dance Company directed by Sherma Burke, New Edition by Jodie Daniel, Eh Beh Oui Don Don directed by Kizzy Murray. founders and directors like  Sonja Dumas and Dave Williams will also feature their work.

20141002_221723(Summer Fall – Sean Scantlebury  – New York Battery Dance Company)

The calendar of activities include a free film series( four french films in collaboration with L’Alliance Francaise), the annual COCO awards and the COCO Dance Festival programme of performances. There is also the community outreach initiative with a series of master dance classes that are being facilitated by local and foreign dance professionals at TTD$40.00 per class. The types of dance forms include contemporary modern, contemporary Amerindian, Zena Rommet Floor Barre and Modern African Caribbean techniques. The COCO Dance Festival itinerary starts on Friday October 3, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. (inclusive of the COCO Awards). On Saturday October 4, 2014 there will be outdoor/indoor spatial presentation at 6:30 p.m. However, showtime is at 7:30 p.m. On Sunday October 5, 2014 there is an outdoor/indoor spatial presentation at 5:30 p.m with showtime at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are only TTD$100.00. They are available at Alliance Francaise, The Bread Basket in St. Ann’s and Woodbrook, participating choreographers and Queen’s Hall.

20141002_203627-1(Oshe – Sherma Burke – Ibis Dance Company)

After being invited to attend the dress rehearsal for the COCO Dance Festival last evening at the Queen’s Hall we realize the commitment that this country (public and private stakeholders) has made to its creative arts industry. This is not to be taken lightly. An industry can only grow and develop further from partnership, collaboration, stakeholder relationship, excellent quality and quantity of resources, zero tolerance for laissez faire attitudes, an ambition to improve, a strong recognition for standards and their maintenance of them. They identify that dance is an art form and like true connoisseurs of this art form Sonja Dumas and her team appreciate that there is no room for sub standards. Rehearsal after rehearsal they must get it right because the international stage is watching. But this is not the only reason. Aside from the fact that this is the social media era where any click on a camera phone literally puts Trinidad and Tobago on the map Sonja and everyone participating must ensure that quality of production is up to par  because this affects end result of production.

20141002_202409(Intomergence – Jeane Travers)

The design thinking behind costumes, choreography, musical arrangements, programme structure all tie together to evoke emotions and convey the visionary’s (committee’s ) concept. Last evening, locals and foreigners performed on the same stage. There was a high rank of execution and delivery to the audience. However, there was enough clarity to distinguish among the Caribbean, American and Canadian dance professionals. Simply, each contingent owned their dance aesthetic identity which is most important in any art form. I could not choose a favourite for the night because they were all exceptional. They communicated a plethora of  undertones; love, happiness, sadness, pain, struggle, freedom,celebration and so much more which were easily identifiable. The couples, solos, trios, groups were all on point. Their exchange and collaboration made for the perfect night allowing the viewers to vicariously live through their performance. (Yes it was that authentic even though we were just observing!) Yet, it was the design management of the production that allowed for the COCO Dance Festival to be identified as such a superior creative arts brand in Trinidad and Tobago and the Caribbean.

20141002_222927(Striking – Jacob Cino)

Overall, the advent of training sessions, the exposure to foreign work and these outstanding dance personas, the support of local dance institutes, production companies, the passion for dance and the  national pride exist to promote the art form as an international brand with its distinct aesthetic. They  signify advance development for the creative arts sector in Trinidad and Tobago. The “powers that be” should carefully consider the magnanimous implications of future development and promotion of the creative arts sector. The COCO Dance Festival is already a box office hit. One can only suggest that  creative arts as a solution to the migraine of diversification in Trinidad and Tobago (an ironically already diverse destination) would result in the catapulting of a more sustainable and stronger economy.

So what are you still waiting for?

Go get your tickets!

Don’t miss out on this experience!

https://www.facebook.com/COCODanceFest

Thank you Liza Miller ( Estuary PR)

for your invite to cover

The COCO Dance Festival

xoxo

Let’s Go Trinidad and Tobago

 

 

 

Freedom for all – Emancipation Day

“On Thursday 1st August 2013 the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago celebrates Emancipation Day. This is the commemoration of freedom from a life bound by oppression and shackles of forced labour and torture of an African and Creole slave society.”

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They came  from Yoruba,  Hausa, Congo, Ibo, Rada, Mandingo, Kromanti  and Temne in Africa. They were skilled craftsmen and builders who were brought to fulfill the British Empire’s labour shortage in the colonial Trinidad and Tobago.  The slaves came at a time  when sugar estates were the main economical driving power on the islands. Their labour helped to supply the high demand for sugar in Europe. After years of being subordinate to disease and cruelty the slaves revolted in whichever way they could. These included working slowly, damaging tools and equipment as well as complaints among other things. It was only until 1838 that the slaves were all granted complete freedom. They settled in areas away from the plantations like Belmont, Arouca, Laventille, Port  of Spain and San Fernando. It was here they began their new lives executing their craft and establishing their family life.

emanimages eman drummers

Today, August 1st is a national holiday with much festivity. There is a week long celebration which includes street parades, a market area for trade of artifacts and crafts from skilled artisans. There are intellectual symposiums as well. Even international artistes from the African continent visit the country for musical performances in concert. Celebration is due as a nation upholds many achievements for the African society.  From Uriah Butler, Dr Eric Williams, George Padmore, CL R James, Stokely Carmichael renown politicians to iconic sportsmen, international music artistes, poets, esteemed academic lecturers, financial advisers, mas men and incredible fashion designers.  It is safe to say equal opportunity for all in the land of oil . The community has been able to safeguard some of its traditional religions such as Shouter Baptist and Orisha fellowships. Their crops have even migrated here today. Some of which we take for granted for eg. our pimento peppers. They have changed the demographic and added their fair share of spice and colour to the cultural landscape with their diaspora.

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ghanaplate

As a Trinbagonian Emancipation day for me heralds a triumph of a people not just an African people but all people in Trinidad and Tobago. A cosmopolitan society that is independent of any colonial ties. We have forged a way forward for ourselves to excel, to govern and to prosper. The people of Trinidad and Tobago have a voice and  this ability to demand and chart the way forward for our brothers and sisters  to excel and rise as a nation signifies a new chapter in Emancipation. Not only are the shackles of slavery abolished but the mental bounds of an oppressed society are now liberated. Trinbagonians  have emancipated themselves. Truly, they have realized how important a nation moves forward when together we aspire, together we achieve.

Live, Love & Let Live

Let’s Go Trinidad and Tobago

REPRESENT!

St. Peter’s Day

ST PETERS DAY

This weekend saw the Christian world over celebrate the 29th of June as the birthday of  Peter the fisherman and former Apostle to Jesus. This  is met with much anticipation on the Trinidad and Tobago isles of fete and frivolity! The Seafood Industry Development Company boasts that the local marine fisheries sector in 2005 contributed TT$ 63 million to the country’s Gross Domestic Product. There are 67 landing sites in Trinidad and 32 in Tobago. It is without a doubt that  episcopal church services in the Roman Catholic communities as well as its denominations continued this year with fishermen receiving their blessing from the parishes.  However, this year a 30 foot statue of Saint Peter was unveiled at newly named St. Peter’s Square in Moruga. After all Saint Peter is the patron saint of the fishermen so some recognition was definitely long overdue.

Statue

In addition, hundreds of islanders of all races and religions still turned out to the  festivities at the shores and bays of fishing villages island wide for beach parties, fun activities, delectable fish and food! The fishing village of Cedros in the south western peninsula of Trinidad is famous for this particular fete. People from all over the island come to Manmohansingh Park at St. Marie village in Cedros. The crowd thickens every year with cars lining the streets, vendors setting up shop and Dj’s on the beach hosting the inaugural “fishermen fete” Other parts of the island like Carenage had their annual cultural presentations, fish broths and danced away with frivolity, gaiety and unity. Maracas Bay is also known for its parties and their annual fishing boat race to the shores . This was another favourite this year.

pirogue

So next time you journey to the island be sure to participate in the free fun filled fisherman’s fete! You’ll be grateful!