Burger Year to Year Party Give Thanks For Life 2025
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Burger – Give Thanks For Life 2025
Bottle match Bottle 2025
Saint Lucia Serenades with Stars on London’s Riverfront — Where Finance, Creativity and Travel Mingle
Last Thursday night, Saint Lucia took the spotlight in the UK’s financial capital. The temperature in London Blackfriars peaked in a warm November, on the 12th Knot Rooftop of Sea Containers. The theme was business chic, as the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) brought together creatives, global stars, travel industry professionals, cultural educators, and patrons of Saint Lucia to mix and mingle over conversation, wine, hors d’oeuvres, and cocktails.
Why, you might ask? In just six months, the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival will draw patrons to the island, where the arts will welcome visitors to pour into Saint Lucia’s economy — and the hearts of its communities.
And why London? Following London’s World Travel Market, what better place to announce the inclusion of one of the UK’s most celebrated and enduring musical performers — Beverley Knight, MBE. The MOBO and Olivier Award-winning artist attended the evening and expressed her excitement for her forthcoming performance at the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival 2026. Knight’s inclusion was announced alongside that of Grammy Award-winning Nigerian singer Tems and Saint Lucia’s own musical icon, Ronald “Boo” Hinkson.
Also present on the night was Saint Lucia’s Olympic champion and Tourism Ambassador, Julien Alfred, whose warm charisma and pure spirit mirror those of so many Saint Lucians. The island’s people truly are its greatest asset. Saint Lucian entrepreneurs and creatives of the diaspora were in attendance, including Laura Henry-Allain, MBE, Tanya Edwards, Annaliese Dayes, and Curmiah Lisette.
With the SLTA aiming to further promote community tourism and Saint Lucia’s creative industries, there is hope that momentum will continue to build — honouring grassroots initiatives that provide lasting development for local artisans and foundational cultural education for Saint Lucia’s people. Tourism, especially during times of global tension, requires earnest storytelling, a nation of people who know their roots and their power, and perspectives that nurture connection. After all, the travellers Saint Lucia seeks to attract for community tourism to flourish are those who wish to learn and honour culture — not those vulturous of it. Those who come for her story, to find or see themselves in it; to understand our unique yet shared history; or to embrace our difference, found in our Kwéyòl identity.
Hosted by Jazz FM’s Tony Minvielle, the evening featured speeches from SLTA Chairman Thaddeus Antoine and CEO Louis Lewis, who hinted at the island’s growing reputation as a wellness destination, alongside its already striking allure for romance, adventure, the arts, and its vibrant Kwéyòl culture.
Together with SLTA’s Director of Global Marketing, Dexter Percil, Alfred selected a lucky winner for SLTA’s raffle — two tickets to Saint Lucia via British Airways from London Gatwick, with on-island transfers, five nights at The BodyHoliday, and even a stop for local bread along the Micoud Highway in Thomazo.
Boo Hinkson and Christa Bailey wound down the night with smooth and sultry jazz renditions and up-tempo sounds of the Caribbean that drew the crowd front-stage in gentle waves of two-step and singalong, fostering genuine connections on this night of networking.
The Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival 2026 will run from April 30th to May 10th. Tickets go on sale in January 2026, with more stars yet to be announced for its celebrated themed nights — Opening Night, Kingdom Night, Pure Jazz, World Beats, Caribbean Fusion, and The Ultimate Celebration, as well as its dynamic Arts & the City programme.
Images – Google
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In Our Sight: Skip Marley Channels Unity, Roots, and Hope in a Time of Division
In Our Sight: Skip Marley Channels Unity, Roots, and Hope in a Time of Division
When inspiration strikes, there’s no denying its power. For Skip Marley, that spark came the moment he stepped into the studio and connected with a riddim that felt like home. Drawing from the timeless energy of classic reggae — from “Love and Happiness” to “Satta Massagana” — he crafted a song that speaks to the struggles and spirit of today. With guidance from Jah and production magic by Supa Dups, In Our Sight stands as a reminder that strength, unity, and hope can still rise through the noise. This is roots reggae, bold, conscious, and spiritually charged.
1. What was the initial spark or idea behind the song—what inspired you to write it?
I walked into the studio one day and instantly connected with the riddim — it reminded me of the reggae I grew up listening to. From that moment I knew I wanted to write something that reflects our time — where people need to feel strength, unity, and hope. The world is facing so much storm and division, but if we stand together, side by side, victory is within our sight. All things are possible when we uplift each other and keep believing that the time is now- because if not now then when
2. How did the lyrical concept evolve from first draft to final version?
Well I feel the song was what it was from the beginning. I got the inspiration- JAH send me a message to put out there so we just follow that all the way through.
3. Did any personal experiences or emotions fuel the songwriting process?
Like I said, the reality of the situation is people a bomb people ,and people just a watch and feel like they can’t make the change. Well I feel we have to be the change. Is we must change the times.
4. How did you choose the musical style or production sound for the track?
Well Supa dups had a batch of riddims, and from the “love and happiness” to the “satta massagana” to the Dennis Brown samples play it did grab my ears immediately. It had the feel, the guitar hit me right away. I could feel the rhythm of the old days but speaking to today. Working with Supa Dups, we dialed in sounds that reference classic reggae but kept the production crisp for 2025. I wanted the listener to feel the roots, hear the generation before, and still feel like this is our time. The sound had to match the message: strength, unity, victory in our sight.”
5. Were there any songs, artists or genres that influenced you while making this record?
Just reggae music itself, you know. Reggae is the peoples music; the voice of the sufferer, the ones before that paved the way. The food for the spirit.
6. What was the recording process like—was it smooth sailing or did you face unexpected challenges?
It was smooth sailing. We just feel the music and follow through with the spirit of it, and the words flowed.
7. What was your favourite moment or memory in the studio while making this song?
Several moments- when I first heard the riddim, and when I heard it after the chorus idea- it just did have the right feel. The moment we finished, and I knew we kept true to that same vibe all the way through. I just felt that we did a good job.
8. How did you approach the concept for the video—who came up with the idea, and how did you collaborate on it?
We wanted to show the reality of the situation. The consequences of those who continue to act for self instead of for the people. We show what is against us, that we need to band together. We need to be one against the injustice, against the downpressors. Big up Ruption and the team because they helped bring it to life. Couldn’t do it without the crew.
9. What were the most fun (or funniest) moments during filming the video?
Playing chess versus myself. I really liked that concept. I feel like it captured the vibe of the tune.
10. Were there any moments in the video shoot that surprised you or forced you to improvise?
When we were shooting on the roof the timing was perfect. We caught the setting sun on the horizon as we were capturing the last parts of the video, and the view of the landscape tied it all together.
11. How do you feel now hearing the final song and video side by side—did anything turn out differently than you imagined?
Well, I feel good about how it turned out. I am more interested in hearing what the people feel when they get it.
12. When you perform this song live for the first time, what kind of reaction are you hoping to get from the crowd?
The first time I played it there was a great reaction from the people. An energy surged through the place, and the spirit was all around.
13. Do you imagine a specific moment in the show when this track will shine, and how do you expect the audience to respond?
I expect them to dance and enjoy the show. At the same time, we really want them to get the message, take it with them into their own lives and live up.
14. How important is it for you to connect with the audience emotionally (or physically) through this song—what do you hope people take away?
The reality of the power of unity, the power of our voice, the power of how is we make the world go round, not the other way round.
15. What’s next for you with this release—are there remixes, alternate versions, or video-concepts you still want to explore?
Lots of possibilities- might drop a remix, or maybe go acoustic. I have a next video coming that might be a “part 2”- just have to stay tuned and see! Bless.
From playing chess with himself in the music video to capturing a perfect sunset on the rooftop, Skip brings the message full circle — reflection, resilience, and renewal. As he prepares to perform the song live, he’s less focused on the applause and more on the awakening it might spark in listeners. “It’s about unity,” he says. “It’s about knowing that the time is now — because if not now, then when?”
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The Power of Proximity: Inside The Powerlist Gala
The Power of Proximity: Inside The Powerlist Gala
For years, I had heard about The Powerlist, that revered list of Black Britons who occupy positions of serious influence, shaping culture, commerce, and policy across the UK. It always seemed like an elite circle, a world that existed behind heavy wooden doors I’d never be invited to open. Rooms filled with people whose names carried weight, whose decisions shifted industries. Rooms I didn’t imagine myself standing in, much less belonging to.
That changed in 2023 when a long-time supporter and sponsor extended an invitation. They had watched my journey – seen me breaking through barriers and championing a vision of leadership that was not only diverse but sustainable. My focus has always been clear: representation isn’t just the right thing to do, it’s smart business. That invitation became a moment of recognition, an entry point into a world I had long admired from afar.
I remember walking in for the first time feeling both inspired and humbled. For years, I had assumed that such gatherings – celebrations of Black excellence on a national scale – only existed in the United States. Yet, as I looked around that London ballroom, I realised something powerful. I hadn’t been excluded from these spaces; I had simply been too busy doing the work to look up and see the thriving, interconnected network of Black excellence already here in the UK. Now, I am honoured to be part of that circle.
To me, The Powerlist represents the best of what happens when talent meets purpose. It is not just a celebration of individual achievement but a reflection of an ecosystem – a living network of professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs who understand that real change only happens when we all play our part. From corporate boardrooms to creative studios, from policy-making halls to start-ups, each person contributes to a larger mission: driving systemic change that lasts.
This year marked the 20th anniversary of this remarkable celebration of Black British brilliance – a testament to legacy, excellence, and community.
The incomparable Afua Kyei, CFO of the Bank of England, was named the UK’s most powerful Black person. I would go further and say she is one of the most powerful women in Britain, full stop. Her story resonated deeply with me: a woman who refused to be confined by expectation, thriving across boundaries in a world that often demands that women of colour choose one lane. She has redefined what it means to lead and reminds us all that strength and grace can coexist.
Another standout honouree was Kanya King CBE, whose grace and humility continue to move me every single time. A quiet force with a loud legacy, Kanya has shaped culture for decades, giving voice and visibility to so many who came after her.
The Powerlist Gala is not simply an event – it is a moment of reflection and renewal. A celebration of collective progress. A recharging of energy for the work that lies ahead. Because while we pause to celebrate how far we’ve come, we know that there is still more to do.
Because as we all know… the marathon continues.
By – Patrice Gordon
Founder & CEO, Eminere
www.eminere.co.uk
Images By – @becauseimgarry @devantayj
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Melissa – The Storm, The Spirit”
“Melissa – The Storm, The Spirit”
We’ve seen the images, heard the cries,
All connected — with or without ties.
Devastation, crisis, pain and loss,
The Melissa invoice came at heavy cost.
Yet the Jamaican spirit — Out of Many, One People — stands tall,
With donations and love delivered to doorsteps for all.
Jamaica, Jamaica — we all feel this pain,
From hillsides and highways to every humble lane.
We’ve heard the gratitude of life still spared,
The faith, belief, and love that show we cared.
With unity and hope, we’ll rebuild what was torn —
For every dark night, a brighter day is born.
Melissa broke infrastructure, homes, and hearts,
But Jamaicans are resilient — we restart.
The worldwide support gives reason to believe,
That our strength and spirit will never leave.
So thanks to all — elected, selected, volunteers, celebs, and donors —
We greet hard times with smiles — we are destiny’s owners.
Shareholders, stakeholders, with courage that never tears,
Melissa didn’t break Jamaica — she reminded us the world cares.
Images – google.com
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Ackee & Saltfish – Short Film Review
Ackee & Saltfish – Short Film Review
The film opens with a striking image of a working-class mother in a laundromat, grounding the story in the everyday struggles of immigrant life. Subtle details hint at a setting that feels both nostalgic and modern — postcards featuring ackee suggest a time past, while the inflated prices in the corner shop reflect the realities of today, or perhaps even a near future.
Her children, fully adapted to British culture, wear England football jerseys and wave flags with pride as the national team takes the pitch. This contrast between generations highlights the tension between cultural assimilation and ancestral identity.
The mother’s attempt to prepare the traditional dish ackee and saltfish becomes a symbolic act — a tender effort to reconnect her family with their Jamaican roots. Through her, we see the struggle of holding on to one’s heritage while living in a society that often encourages forgetting it.
There are, however, some storytelling gaps that leave the audience with more questions than answers. A few scenes could have been omitted, while others — particularly those tied to Jamaican cultural pride — might have benefited from deeper exploration. Still, as a directorial debut, these shortcomings are forgivable.
Ultimately, Ackee & Saltfish succeeds in conveying a universal truth: food is more than sustenance — it is memory, identity, and connection. The film reminds us how migration can sometimes create a disconnect between generations in behaviour, mannerisms, and cultural awareness, yet also how shared traditions like a home-cooked meal can bridge that gap.
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