Up Close & Personal with Jamarkie

Jamarkie upcom-ing artist outta the Diamond Crown Ent. Family is about to take the music world by storm. Pellau Mag-azine always on top

of the game caught up with him to see whats up and get to know him a little better. People so remember when meh boy get rel big remem-ber we link yah on him eh ……

PM: What genre of music do you do?JM: All genres, dance-hall, R & B, hip hop, reggae, you name it.PM: What about country?JM: If you put it to me I sure I could do it, but I never tried.

PM: Who inspired you to o music?JM: An artist from Tobago by the name of Dandymight, not a popular artist but he bad as hell.

PM: Who is your favorite international

artist?JM: Stevie Wonder

PM: Who is your fa-vorite local artist?JM: Jahmelody

PM: What struggles did you go through or are you going through in the music world?JM: No radio play. Doing music and not getting the support that is needed from our own local music industry.

PM: So what do you think can be done for upcoming artist to get on the radio cause its always who knows who out here.JM: Nah I don’t think I can answer that

PM: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?JM: International Music Career

PM: What have you done to market yourself?JM: Made bio’s with singles when releas-

ing …………. Have parties on my own where we showcase talent

PM: How many songs have you released?JM: About 3 professionally

PM: Do you write your own music?JM: Yes I do

PM: If you can collaborate with anyone dead or alive, who would you pick?JM: Stevie Wonder, Jahmelody, Lil Wayne,

Drake

PM: If someone wants to book you for a show, how can they contact you?JM: jamarkiemelodys@hotmail.com, http://www.myspace.com/jamarkie, facebook: Marc Jarmarkie Monsegue.

Listen to some of Jamarkie’s music: Ridiculas feat Jamarkie-Wine Down

LowJamarkie feat. Diamond Squad- It’s A

Dancing Thing

article by:Candace Willett

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1. Full name:

Kabir-Jesus John Joseph

2. Age:

19

3. Hobbies:

Archetypical adolescent activity: “limin’”, reading, yoga,sleeping, football, blogging (my blog:http://purplemagenta.tumblr.com/) downloading pictures from Google Images, lis-tening to music, the engagement of romantic indulgences.

4. Inspiration for exhibit:

My muse, she’s an inspirational, motivational engine in my life perpetually propelling me progressively forward.

5. How did you get your start in photography?:

Naturally it was the next stop for my evolu-tionary elevator; from drawing fictional charac-ters to documenting actual characters.

6. Do your photographic goals include earning a living or is this just a creative outlet?:

Of course! The professional career path that I pursue is that of the artist & the liberty & luxury the lifestyle affords.

7. What does photography mean to you?:

Photography is like a relationship; a snapshot of infatuation, a flash of passionate romance & before you can say ‘cheese!’ you’re trapped. Essentially photography is the insecure off-spring of memory.

8. How does your personality change when you look through a camera?:

I’d like to believe that I’m not that bipolar & my personality doesn’t change when I look through a camera. (lol)

9. Are you concerned with failure?:

Nope. But he seems to be concerned with me.

10. What is the biggest challenge you’re faced with?:

Establishing equilibrium.

11. What has been the most surprising reaction to your photographs?:

Collective euphoria & spontaneous orgasm.

12. How do you feel about using digital manipulation?:

Everything in due portion. Sometimes it’s necessary & at others it’s over done.

About Kabir Joseph

Of course! The professional career path that I pursue is that of the artist & the liberty & luxury the lifestyle affords.

7. What does photography mean to you?:

Photography is like a relationship; a snapshot of infatuation, a flash of passionate romance & before you can say ‘cheese!’ you’re trapped. Essentially photography is the insecure off-spring of memory.

8. How does your personality change when you look through a camera?:

I’d like to believe that I’m not that bipolar & my personality doesn’t change when I look through a camera. (lol)

9. Are you concerned with failure?:

Nope. But he seems to be concerned with me.

10. What is the biggest challenge you’re faced with?:

Establishing equilibrium.

11. What has been the most surprising reaction to your photographs?:

Collective euphoria & spontaneous orgasm.

12. How do you feel about using digital manipulation?:

Everything in due portion. Sometimes it’s necessary & at others it’s over done.

13. Do you use it?:

As I see fit in due portion.

14. Who is your role model and why?:

There are two (both local), admittedly they’re on opposite ends of the spectrum but they both personify the potentialities of persistence . Peter Minshall & Troy Hadeed. (bomb drops) Minshall for the confidence to be as unique as your finger print suggest & Troy because if you ever need a self-esteem stimulus pack-age just think of his idea to open a store called ‘Mystic Hemp’.

15. Any advice for aspiring artist?:

Sure. You’re better than this! Avoid the anxieties of the artist & do something else with your life.

About Kabir Joseph

article by: Khadija Willaims

About Ruben Ashby1. Reuben Ajaka Emmanuel Seven Rose-Ashby

2.18 years young

3.Art,Video Games,Love and almost anything to do with the enhancement of this experi-ence we call life.

4.Inspiration for the exhibition would prob-ably have to be the desire to be recognized as an artist......Everything elseI believe, Show-casing my artwork, Using Photography as a medium of expression, Bringing a vision to fruition, All fall under the desire to be recog-nized as an artist.

5.My true passion is for filmmaking and I literally just decided to pick up a camera and shoot, As a way to learn more about filmmaking as they incorporate most of the same properties and techniques. Once I got my camera I fell in love with photography as a medium itself and decided to delve much deeper into it. Everything just expanded from there.

6.Maybe In the future earning a living as a photographer might be on the cards,but for now my main focus is becoming a filmmaker

7.Photography is a form of art,Art is a form of self expression. It gives em the chance to cre-ate and be unique in a world where so many simple things are taken for granted, express-ing myself,and bringing my vision to life is an experience that actually increases my quality of life.

8.I see myself as a really shy person,so di-rection is not my best quality...but as soon

as I look through the lens....I immediately try to mould what I see into the idea I had planned out already,Maybe I turn into a kind of hardworking superhero. Not too sure. All I can say is I know what I want to create and when I look through the lens I become whatever it takes to achieve that.

9.Failure or Fear is not an option. I don’t ac-knowledge those entities as best I can

10.A lack of confidence in myself I Think. I don’t see myself as being talented at all...but I’m not going to let that stop me from trying

11.People like them! I don’t try to create things that people would be interested in. I create what I’m interested in. And if people like what I’ve done that’s a blessing I appre-ciate immensely.

12.If I can avoid it i prefer to..It all depends on my vision

13.I haven’t yet.

14.My mother. Long story short. She saved my life and it’s because of her I have the opportunity to follow my dreams. Also my girlfriend deserves much praise..At my dark-est hour she inspired to follow my dreams...Without the two most important women in my life I would be no where close to where I am today.

15.I am an apsiring artist so I would say do what I’m Doing. Follow your dreams...Just one thing...Do It alot better...

article by: Khadija Willaims

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ABOUT THE NOVEL SERIES

NAME: West Indian Chronicles: Mamie is the first novel in the quintet(Five book series)

AUTHOR: Tricia Trotman-Maraj

PUBLISHER: Raider Publishing International

DATE PUBLISHED: May 2010

RETAIL: Amazon.COM

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Tricia+Trotman-+Maraj&x=0&y=0

It will be available at other locations to be announced ( including Barnes & Noble, WH Smith, Borders.com, Nigel Khan Booksellers)

STORY DESCRIPTION: The struggle of a teenage girl to find her own identity, in a post-colo-nial society that has remained socially unchanged

since its independence in the early 1960’s, takes the reader deep into the cultural practices of her ancestors and an education system that does not cater to the needs of traditional or indigenous peoples. Deslyn tries to fix the damage done to generations of her people by adopting a modern approach, but is forced to choose between practices that are

considered new and right and traditions that are considered old and wrong. Her mind balks and she finds herself impotent to act against the practices of her ancestors. Her mother Rita re-calls:“She remembered the large brown hog her mother bought and gave to papa. The animal fought violently as they stuffed its’ mouth with dirt and tied it up with twine and buried it alive. She remembered Papa telling her mother, “Just how we bury that dey, is so he go suffer and rot-ten and dead! He playing he like to interfere and spoil people gyul chi’ren. Watch and see.”

Read how Deslyn is forced to rely on necroman-cy to fight battles forged against her in an edu-cation system that discriminates against her skin colour, cultural background, and social position. See how she succeeds in an environment that reeks scorn upon the children of single parent households and how she gets her revenge on Pamela, the Principal who thought that Deslyn would achieve nothing in life.

LOCATION: New York, London, Cape Town.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Tricia Trotman-Maraj is the first child of three born to Roslyn Madeline Antoine-Trotman and Gilbert Trotman. She spent the formative years of her life in the small village of Ste. Madeleine in southern Trinidad until

the age of five, when her mother and stepfather moved to central Trinidad, where she still lives today.She graduated from Mon Repos R.C. Primary School at the top of her class and thereafter attended the Holy Faith Convent girls’ school until she wrote the Ordinary Level Examination. Her education was curtailed after the Cambridge Ad-vanced Level program, when her grandfather passed away. He was the sole financier of her entire sec-ondary school education.Trotman-Maraj entered the field of

work as a clerk in an Optical Laboratory, bore two children, and later on, pursued a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Literature, Psychology, and Edu-cation at the University of the West Indies. She married Suresh Maraj in 2006 and is presently pursuing a Master of Fine Arts Degree at the Uni-versity of the West Indies, St. Augustine campus. The West Indian Chron-icles series debuts with her first novel Mamie (2010), and is soon to be followed by the second piece in the quintet, titled Woman Don’t Cry.

FOREWORD

This novel series West Indian Chronicles at-tempts

to highlight the real life circumstances of West Indian people as they make their way through life in a post- colonial society. Al-though the setting is based in Trinidad and Tobago, the experiences are not exclusive to the twin island state, as these conditions and issues have been and are being experi-enced by many West Indians in other territo-ries today, especially by those who continue to live and raise their children in the land of their birth. The distinct differences between the developing world and the developed world are evident in the natural environ-ment, public services, living conditions, and levels of education to which people in the society are exposed.

Pertinent issues that affect day-to-day life are brought to the forefront in sometimes very humorous and frightening ways; however, that does not dismiss the serious nature of the characters’ situations of disad-vantage and injustice. I believe that, for too long, stories of the West Indians’ lives have been told from the perspective of the out-sider/colonizer and never truly expressed by the colonized, save for in the works of a few writers, such as Derek Walcott and Sir V.S. Naipaul.

The voice of the West Indian woman more so has been largely absent or muffled when it comes to matters that affect women and girls and their labours toward personal and professional accomplishment. Women and girls form a large percentage of West Indian society’s vulnerable population, who often remain unacknowledged for generations. This I believe is sad, as it is the woman who

has, by and large, held together the West In-dian household in the absence of the man as the father, husband, and protector since the days of servitude on the West Indian planta-tion and, to a great extent, today.

The role of the woman as the provider, pro-tector, and voice crying out for change and justice is explored in Mamie, as the title char-acter is seen as more than just a comforter, giver of self, and birth vessel of generations. Mamie is the rock for her children and grand-children, and she is the one who gives herself as a vessel, not only for the generations that she births but also for the manifestation of her God.

Mamie’s unmoving faith is transferred down through the generations so that even her granddaughter learns from very a young age that prayer is a way of life. God is the centre and the ultimate one responsible for what ever happens in their lives. This unmoving faith is not new amongst Creoles in the West Indies and is an approach that is mirrored in the psyche of the average West Indian today. It is this unmoving faith in God that gave hope to the forefathers of the descendants of slav-ery, they who depended on God to rid them of the shackles with which they were bound.

In 1834, slavery ended in most of the West Indies, but the era of post-colonialism did not bring much change to the lives of ex-slaves or their descendants. The sixteen-shade scale of colour that was once used to determine ones social rank in territories like Barbados was also present in other territories like Trinidad and Tobago but in a more informal but not entirely covert manner.

After World War II, the exodus of American soldiers from the base at Chaguaramas, used in the 1930’s, signalled the end of foreign White reign and the beginning of a local elit-

ist (former plantocracy) reign of terror over the masses by the implementation of “divide and rule” tactics. Poverty and lack of access to formal education fuelled a downward social spiral for blacks, the clutches of which Trinba-gonian society has not yet escaped.

The superiority of white skin over light brown and dark brown and black (in that order) continues today. The proliferation of discrimi-natory acts, particularly against people of darker shades, continues unabated. Today, in Trinidad, popular city night-clubs set aside “golliwog night” for the dark/black-skinned people and “white night” for the lighter-skinned people, as they continue to draw a line of divide among a population that is bound together by so much more than they are separated.

The character Mamie openly differentiates between the “ordinary niggas” (the security guard), the sophisticated “Negroes” (such as Gloria and the supervisor), those of mixed ancestry (such as herself, a “Carib Mullatto”), and the “whites”, who are considered far superior to the rest. Reverse racism is clear through Irene’s (Mamie’s) derogatory refer-ence to the “blacks”, which points to skin co-lour and not to the Black that indicates race as bad and unambitious. The colour of skin plays a defining role in ones chances at se-curing a good education, employment, and any other social opportunity, such as mar-riage to a “good” spouse, etc. Race relations are complicated and intricately woven with other factors, such as one’s level of educa-tion, skin colour, financial standing, family structure, and background, just to mention a few.

Education is seen as a tool that can facilitate upward mobility, despite one’s background, and is supposed to make it less challenging for the impoverished black masses— both of

African and Indian descent— to rise above their circumstance.

Deslyn uses this tool as a means to escape both her impoverished circumstance and the racist way of life under which she had been raised. She consciously makes the decision to use education to unshackle her mind and help her build a bridge between the gen-erations before her and those of present day. This is a feat that her mother Rita never accomplishes in her lifetime, despite being equipped with a sophisticated Secretarial College training.

The role of the Trinidadian Creole language is very important in the text, as it shows the use of the Creole language by natural Creole speakers in various forms. Characters travel back and forth along the Creole Continuum between the acrolect and basilect, depend-ing on their social circumstance and the individuals that they address. The techniques of code switching and code mixing are quite evident with the three main characters— Irene, Rita, and Deslyn— but to various degrees. Irene, particularly in her attempt to code switch often, errs and delivers hyper corrected utterances. The use of folklore— Soucouyant, Lajablesse, and Douen— forms a rich backdrop for the use of such modified expressions as “Twah, Maniwess” and “paco-tille” that Irene uses so freely.

Deslyn grows up as the eldest of three in a single-parent household in the 1980’s dur-ing a harsh recession. The exodus of moth-ers from Trinidad and Tobago to the United States, seeking employment as a means to support their families through remittances, gives rise to what is known as the “Barrel Cul-ture”. Everything from tinned food to cloth-ing and other trinkets arrive to the islands in large cardboard barrels and are the sole source of sustenance for many families, ei-

ther headed by elderly relatives or siblings who had come of le-gal age. In Deslyn’s case it is her father who has abandoned his family (not to seek opportuni-ties in a foreign land but simply because he does not want the added responsibility of a fam-ily), and she is forced to depend on the kind acts of her paternal grandfather and the barrel loot that is rejected by the Wheelers to survive.

The role of organized religion influences Deslyn’s generation and enforces further stigma and discrimination against tradition-al ancestral religious practices, such as those of the Baptist faith to which her grandmother be-longs. Deslyn’s first impression-able exposure to the practices of her ancestors causes her to question that which she had been formally taught. Her ex-perience in Papa’s forest at Fyz-abad helps to shape the person that she becomes. This catharsis shows her development of self, based not on what had been indoctrinated at school but on that which comes naturally to her, as it had come to those an-cestors before her.

The development of Deslyn’s identity as hybrid (a new and superior product) forging her own way forward in life is simul-taneously subtle and glaring. She is able to embrace her own Creole identity and throw off the cloak of “other” or “mime” (one

trying to master the skill and appearance of past coloniz-ers) that she has worn for the greater portion of her life. Discovery of her identity is startling but graciously wel-comed

The intricacies of island life and its issues as explored in the series West Indian Chronicles is unfathomable. Ma-mie, like Woman Don’t Cry, the second book in the series, is West Indian life at its core and in its most primitive and raw state— not from the polished tongue or eyes of the bourgeois or elite but from the heart of the masses. It is the voice of woman crying out and a voice that must be heard.

Exclusive with “Roxii”

1. What genre of music do you do?

My main genre is Hip Hop/Rap… However, I have recently done a Pop song, which is to be featured on the ‘I AM MUSIC’ Compila-tion & Tour http://www.face-book.com/home.php?#!/event.php?eid=100982396611735, pre-sented by Studio 53. In addition, I also love writing other genres of music, such as Reggae, R&B, Soft Rock & Gospel.

2. What made you decide to choose this Genre?

I chose to do this genre because it allows for easy self expression and it also connects with my personal-ity. It was also the genre of the first artiste whose song ‘caught’ me when I heard it.

3. Who inspired you to do music, who is your biggest influence?

I always wrote as a young child, but I never believed that I would be the one behind the mic at any time in my life. Nevertheless, my inspiration came upon hearing Tupac’s ‘Keep yuh head up’… I had heard rap music before that song, but at that time, I was feeling really down, and then it played… I was really left at awe when I real-ized how effective a song can be, given that it relates to someone. I thought, ‘I can do this’.

4. Who is your favourite interna-tional star?

I can’t say that I have one inter-national favorite but I must say that almost everyone of them has something that I admire or learn

from.

5. Who is your favourite local star?

My favorite local star is actually not from the Hip Hop Genre, but from the Reggae Fraternity. I would have to say Jah Defender, mainly for the fact that he has a great voice and his music is al-ways soulful and relative, and you can definitely hear the raw passion in his music…

6. What struggles did you go through or are

going through to come out into the world of

music?

I was really shy… lol. The extent of my stage fright was ridiculous.

7. What were some of your turning points?

My main turning point would have to be when I started going to a meeting, held and at-tended by local Hip Hop artistes… It was mainly to discuss some of the issues affecting the craft and to work toward changing it, and we always had ciphers… we weren’t forced to ‘spit’ but, I actually felt more comfortable around the group than anywhere

else…

8. What gave you the encour-agement to move

on?

The continuation of my turning point was encouraged by the constant interest that already-exposed artistes would show in my music and from being called for performances, but mainly from the undying sup-port that I got from the smaller public.

9. Where do you see yourself in the next 5

years?

My main prayer for the future is not about where I’m gonna be, or even what I’m gonna be doing, but for me to be alive… real talk…

10. What have you done thus far to market

yourself?

I’ve created a group ‘Roxii – Destiny Calls’ http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=72861447834&ref=ts on Facebook where I post my music, info about upcoming interviews and also perfor-mances, basically it’s where I keep my supporters informed. It’s a lot of work most times but if you believe in yourself, no amount of work is too much… Besides promotion on the internet, I make myself present. Whether I’m called to attend shows, studio sessions, video shoots, etc… I’m there… and I

do it…

11. Do you write your own music?

Yes I do. I don’t think that I could ever see myself hav-ing someone to write for me though…

12. How many songs have you written or released?

I have a lot of songs written, but I can’t say that I can use all of them as they are… many of them from before are way different in terms of the style and flow… In terms of releases, I released my first song on Boom Champions 94.1 in Sep-tember of 2009; but there is other music on facebook, such as ‘Up To You’

13. Have you had recent performances and if so, where were they?

My latest performances were

- TIM STARR UN-PLUGGED @ WOODFORD CAFE on Tuesday 18th May.

- THE PRELUDE UN-PLUGGED @ La Casa de Ibiza Lounge on Monday 19th April.

- FRIDAY NIGHT LIVE @ SYNERGY on Friday 9th April.

- I AM MUSIC LIVE @ Godai Entertainment Lounge on Sunday 14th March.

- ‘PREVIEW 2 @ Godai Entertainment Lounge on Sunday 7th February.

by: Dexter Tittil

14. If someone wants to book you for a show, how can they contact you?

They can contact me mainly on facebook @ www.facebook.com/roxiimusiq and from there, given that they sound serious and legit, they would get my email address or contact # for further discussion.

Designer File: Alicia Sanchezhttp://bstdblog.blogspot.com/2010/06/designer-file-alicia-sanchez.html

Hey everyone,

I have been by this computer over ten minutes now, thinking of a way to begin this post. You’re probably saying to yourself - “Ten minutes to begin a silly ole post?” Well, as you will soon find out, this is no silly ole post- rath-er it is one of the most inspiring that I have ever done.

Alicia on the FWTT catwalk

Let me introduce Alicia Sanchez aka Favala! This Dominican beauty (and when I say beauty- THE WOMAN IS BEAUTIFUL) is only 26 years old, and has appeared in numerous fashion shows such as Miami Fashion Week and of course Trinidad and Tobago Fash-ion Week alongside icons. She has styled Trinidad and Tobago’s Sports woman of the year and has had her line featured on the VH1/MTV hit show- “The Biz”. Simply put- SHE HAS TALENT!

During Fashion Week Trinidad and Tobago, I had the opportunity to meet her and I soon found out that she was as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside.

Alicia formally attended University to attain a business degree, along the way however, she started to develop her sewing abilities

which soon unveiled itself to be a remarkable talent. After years of sewing for herself and friends, in 2007 she decided to launch her first line- Favala. It was named after the Favelas in Brazil, not because of the highlighted poverty of the area, but because the striking culture and people who live in the Favelas.

The line is fresh and hip with many inspirations taken from all spectrums of fashion; from funk to street to Caribbean flavors. Each piece is hand-stitched to ensure the perfect fit and right look, guaranteeing that each item is an original.

The feedback for her designs were remarkable and though Alicia was excited to move forward with her dreams, fate stepped in the way. In 2008, Alicia was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. The news was devastating and almost incomprehensible for this tal-ented young designer.

Upon diagnosis, she went through chemo-therapy to help deal with the cancer which was spreading throughout her body. The chemo-therapy made Alicia very ill, but with the strength of the Creator, her family and friends, and of course herself, Alicia mus-tered enough energy to resume what she loved doing- designing.

Alicia and I at FWTT

After a year’s hiatus, Alicia was back to the needle and thread regime, débuting with a vibrant, Caribbean line at the Dominican Fashion Week 2010. Trinidad and Tobago was blessed to have this feisty Dominican at the Trinidad and Tobago Fashion Week (because people, I’m telling you- her stuff is THAT good).

Personally, I was so touched and motivated by her story that I had to share it. I think it is so beautiful when people encounter a little hiccup (as she would say with an effortless smile) in life, but they gather the strength to get along with life. I haven’t met someone so strong and passionate in a while. Her strength, enthusi-asm and simply her TALENT really inspires me- and I hope in some way, it did you!

It has happened once again! It’s Borough time people once again in Point Fortin. This is where the Borough Day celebra-tions origanilly started back in the 70”s. Ths year there were alot of events leading up to Borough Day, like Borough Queen an King, different Bars and clubs in Point Fortin and also on the out skirts throwing there Jo’vert Band Launch one after the next. With Bars like Legends throwing Colours of Legends and joining up with them was Toussent Promotions throwing The Pitch Lake. Magrettte “te te” Cowie came out this year with the most colour filled and exciting band called Cops & Rob-bers, where there was a wonderful showcase of colour and design. Enjotin the mas this year was one of Carnival’s best loved designers Big Mike and Crew. Everyone had an exciting time this year with no serious accidents or mis-haps. You can al-ways tell when it’s getting close to Borough Day, ther’s alot of street parties, bars stays open longer than usual and there is an abundace of Vendors that you won’t see any other time of the year. This is the only time hat Port of Spain is brought down to the deep South. Doesn’t matter what time of the night it is you can get something to eat and somewhere to lime if you feeling bored at home and have the urge to take a drink. This is the time you see foreingners like you’ve never seen be-fore at any given time of the year in Point Fortin. Just like Port of Spain Carnival, you see faces that you’ve never seen before in Point, knowing that when this time is over your not going to see some of those faces again.

It has happened once again! It’s Borough time people once again in Point Fortin. This is where the Borough Day celebra-tions origanilly started back in the 70”s. Ths year there were alot of events leading up to Borough Day, like Borough Queen an King, different Bars and clubs in Point Fortin and also on the out skirts throwing there Jo’vert Band Launch one after the next. With Bars like Legends throwing Colours of Legends and joining up with them was Toussent Promotions throwing The Pitch Lake. Magrettte “te te” Cowie came out this year with the most colour filled and exciting band called Cops & Rob-bers, where there was a wonderful showcase of colour and design. Enjotin the mas this year was one of Carnival’s best loved designers Big Mike and Crew. Everyone had an exciting time this year with no serious accidents or mis-haps. You can al-ways tell when it’s getting close to Borough Day, ther’s alot of street parties, bars stays open longer than usual and there is an abundace of Vendors that you won’t see any other time of the year. This is the only time hat Port of Spain is brought down to the deep South. Doesn’t matter what time of the night it is you can get something to eat and somewhere to lime if you feeling bored at home and have the urge to take a drink. This is the time you see foreingners like you’ve never seen be-fore at any given time of the year in Point Fortin. Just like Port of Spain Carnival, you see faces that you’ve never seen before in Point, knowing that when this time is over your not going to see some of those faces again.

GENERALLY life is nothing but a cycle if you don’t have God in it. You make the same mistakes over and over until you have had your belly full . Then you have no choice but to turn to God. When things are sweet you forget to pray and talk to Him. But as soon as things are bad you turn to Him at once! you may say u have prayed for ten minutes this morn ...so you pat yourself on your back!...but think of this....if your man or woman was to check you at home for only ten minutes....how would u feel!!GOD IS A JEALOUS GOD! AND ANYTHING THAT YOU SHOW MORE APPRECIATION FOR INSTEAD OF HIM,...WILL BE TAKEN AWAY!!

PERSONALLY,FOR THE LAST FEW DAYS...I felt as if my back was against the wall ....I felt like my happiness was taken away from me...every time I thought about my ex...I miss the good times...but if I think too hard I felt sad and craved ben and jerry’s...but that was Satan playing games with me...because I’m fine!!.But it wasn’t...it was nothing but a lesson being taught to me AGAIN!!...but now I look at it as a blessing! Because now i see things in a dif-ferent light! want to know what I see????

I SEE... every party that I have ever attended. Satan smiled and whined even lower than I did.I SEE....every time I had premarital sex...I put myself at great risk...which can show one’s self worth .I SEE...every time I curse ...I reflect what I have inside.I SEE.. every time I drink and get drunk...I feel worthless the next day...also I contribute to myself destruct.I SEE...every time I get a new boyfriend and seek for something that i will never find in MAN but only through God...AND I SEE...alcohol ...drugs. And peer pressure

as lousy excuses for doing Satan’s work.

Ok...I know. Yes I admit, I am a tad bit crazy...but know...insanity is not the same as reaction ...no matter what I do or how bad the reaction to your deception was...alcohol abuse is not a reason to Play mad for someone who really is!!

To all the young ladies out here ....don’t be delusional and dumb!!! learn the ways of men and the lessons of life now...so u can have a sweeter life ahead of you!...if you don’t you will always keep falling for what you think is love but a lesson .....God only allows u to dig dig dig a deeeeep whole for you to dive in and wen u can’t come out...you reach for his arm to climb out.... STOP FIGHTING OVER THESE WORTHLESS MEN ....your wasting your time!!...

hmmmm...any man that don’t stand by my side when I make a personal decision to change my life positively...well ...is just a waste of MY time...though it didn’t feel so at first...don’t ignore signs of incompatibil-ity and play along in denial because the ride is sweet....

the next man that ’ll be in my life will be one who is willing to stay with me without fornicating ...until he is ready for mar-riage ...so I say...I WANT NOOOO MAN!!!....seeing that I jus don’t think there is a man right now for me who can give me what I want and still be of any physical attraction to me! Because it does matter! the BIBLE SAYS...if you can’t agree with the same things...then how can you walk together???Think about it.By: C. McDonald

GENERALLY but then PERSONALLY,

The Educated Crucifixion of Becky

She sits in the class, *tick tuck*being dumfounded with calculus words of “lin”, “tan”, “cos”and the pencil in her hand of such anguish writing answersshe may seem as the girl with all hopes, but her mind is cracking as the ground with no water

The exam silence seeps into her pores, poking at every nerve like her motheryet screaming to her “you deserve better in your life”only one little brother, she calls her own, with a mother of tarnishand a father who seems to be the “ghetto fabu-lous”

I remembered the day, when we first saw her, she was the Einstein whose mother never cradled her,But one day she was found with a needle of meth and a glass in her hand,For God could only know, what i didn’t, couldn’t or shouldn’t understand.

Her rehab in society was the library, as books were her saviourShe kept one book at hand, always with her cal-culus and it said “The Lord is Shepherd,I shall not want”. She wanted many, but many never gotten and not a place in the world could giveher authenticityProceeding to walk out the exam, bullets of sweat punched out her pores

unsure about calculus or even the festival of guns and oppression that her dwelling might celebrate tonight. As soon as she arrived, the bloodhound was released, and her cry to the heaven was unheard.

She picked up the piece of glass and envisioned death like Macbeth envisioning King Duncan’s death and struck it into the neck of the blood-hound who scavenged her for rape - her father.Violent screams came from Mother Tarnish and innocent screams from her little brother Tyler. Mother Tarnish in range, took her treasured bottle of liquor and doused the scholarship cheque that she worked nights for and light it pleasurably aflame on the stove.They waltzed wildly wailing with wraith anger, back and forth, romped like never before, until the moment came when Mother Tarnish at hand had a pistol and kissed bullet on to her, for Becky would be no more.

All remained in one hand of Becky’s was the glass that held many tales,the cup her parents shared the night they first met,the cup they gave to her when she was a baby,the cup that led her to walk in to the shadow for involuntary death.The grandfather clock stroked 12 and the alarm clock played “Jesus Walks”, for her mother laughed wickedly, thinking the lord helped her overcome.It takes two to make an accident, but one truth to reveal all lies, but Becky was remembered as the girl who silently never cried like Jesus walked.By: Brenda Rivelle Toussaint

21 questions with X-Klu-SivQ1: What inspired you to start doing retail as a busi-ness?

A1: As a hairstylist, my customers would always encour-age me, based on what they perceived as my avid sense of fashion, to get into the business of fashion and so I courted with the idea which eventually materialized into a reality.

Q2: What motivates you to continue being in retail?

A2: Customers… seeing them look and feel their best having shopped at X-Klu-Siv.

Q3: What is your pet peeve when it comes to custom-ers?

A3: lack of self-esteem

Q4: What do you think fashion is?

A4: Knowing not only what to wear but how, when and where to wear it!

Q5: Where was your greatest shopping experience?

A5: Aventura Mall, Miami

Q6: What is your biggest achievement thus far with the store?

A6: Being able to market/showcase my business at Trini-

dad and Tobago Fashion Week 3.

Q7: How would you describe your store in three words?

A7: exclusive, unique, definitive

Q8: If you could shop in any country for a day where would it be?

A8: France

Q9: Other than retail, what other profession do you think you would be good at, or interested in?

A9: The one I am currently in; hairdressing.

Q10 What is your best fashionable moment to date?

A10: Too many to pin point one.

Q11: How was x-klu-siv founded and promoted?

A11: It was founded as an alternative but simultane-ous venture to my longstanding hairdressing profes-sion and has since then been promoted through any and every possible medium.

Q12 What would you say is one thing every woman should have in her closet?

21 questions with X-Klu-SivA12: A great pair of shoes

Q13: If you could style one international celebrity who would it be and why?

A13: Beyonce, her style is simple but always effective, which is what I believe is the epitome of high fashion.

Q14: What is your vision for x-klu-siv in the next 10 years?

A14: Not only to expand as a clothing store but per-haps a clothing line and the establishment of multiple branches locally, regionally and internationally. X-Klu-Siv must be a store and a brand all demographics can relate to; a force to be reckoned with.

Q15: what do you think about TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO FASHION WEEK this year?

A15: Overall it was an excellent opportunity for tra-ditional and upcoming local designers to showcase their talent; however more needs to be done in terms of organizing and marketing all facets of the event including new additions such as the seminars and the buyer’s gallery.

Q16: What is favourite fashion source other than your own store?

A16: Epic Clothing

Q17: What is one goal you would like to accomplish before you die?

A17: I have several, all of which are important to me, so it would be remiss of me to give priority to one over another.

Q18: If you could give one piece of advice to anyone with a dream. What would it be?

A18:Never be afraid to take a risk, once you have faith in God, he will guide you to where you need to be.

Q19: If you could buy one item now what would it be?

A19: ‘Guess’ trousers.

Q20: Who is your style icon or favourite designer?

A20: Paul Marciano.

Q21: What do you think of the current fashion move-ment in Trinidad and what part do you play?

A21: It is thriving slowly but surely, yet; members of the fashion movement need to focus on being more innovative and creative with their ideas rather than pastiche. I believe this is the part that X-Klu-Siv tries to play, being a trendsetter with the selection of our styles and ensuring that we appeal to all sectors of the purchasing public.

X-Klu-Siv- No.1 Canefarm Junction, PBR, Opposite Trincity Mall taxi stand...

640-4757

> ___(A little about us)___

A Committee with a broad reach audience wise due to the diversity of our committee members..

* Members are located in all the Tertiary Edu-cation Institutions.

* Members in the West/ East/ North & South...

* We are 22 members strong and very hard working and dedicated to our customers concerning promotions.

> ____(Some of our services)_____

* We HOST parties

( this entails Management for hire, we pro-vide concept development. marketing strat-egies. sales force. networking. various enter-tainment links.)

>>> Our PRICE is most reasonable. For more info Contact Michael Doonie at 718-9711..

* We can attain the best deals for our cus-tomers who wish to do an event. From LIGHTS/AUDIO/PRINTING/SALES FORCE/PROMOTIONS/ use of OTHER COMMITTEES/ FOOD (parties only)/ VENUES/DJs (we pro-vide our own DJ Akil aka. misdemeanor)

* we provide Endorsement and Promotions at reasonable cost (negotiable).

> Our Previous Parties..

COLLISION “where music meets fashion” audience attended= 400-500 people was hosted at Star House (trincity)

BREAK OUT “remember the 1st. time” audi-ence attended = 600...(had to turn away guests because of lack of capcity) was hosted at The Cave (Maraval)

ALLURE “ the art of seduction “ @ The ALCHE-MY night club...Audience attended = 600-700 patrons

DAIZ IT “the brain cooler” @ The GREEN HOUSE night club ...Audience attended 400-500 patrons (Club at capacity)

and we have promoted and endorsed Doz-ens of events and counting....

FOR MORE DETAILED INFORMATION call Mi-chael Doonie (C.E.O & President of commit-tee) at 718-9711 or Keyon Mitchell (Manag-ing Director) or Asim Jackson (Secretary)

WE HOPE TO DO BUSINESS WITH YOU SOON................we aren’t limited to Parties..If its promotions you need we can do it (any-thing)

STARR STRUK TO THE WORLD

STARR STRUK ENTERTAINMENT!!!!!!

Ruff Pearlz

Who Is Ruff Pearlz, Ruff Pearlz is what happens when you take 3 small town girls from Wayne, MI who were raised around Rock, Soul, Gospel, Country, Garage and Pop bands, Then You’ll Get This concoction of Amazingness we call Ruff Pearlz, these 3 sisters grew up around music there whole life. With their Dad being in a band and Mom singing in choirs these girls defi-nitely have a gift, being minutes away from Motown the Heart & Soul of music also played its part. From there Amazing 3 part harmony and ability to play instrument to their Style, and Model looks Ruff Pearlz has what it takes to take the industry by storm.

MYSPACE LINK:

http://www.myspace.com/ruffpearlzlovesyou

age adjustment....

Tenija...Tiffani: 20

Tiara.....Sophie: 18

Temperance......Jane:17

Who Is Ruff Pearlz???

This was the first time; I’ve been to one of Trinidad and Tobago Fashion Week. I attended the show entitled New World Style on June 5th 2010. The designers who featured were Peter Elias by Peter Elias, Dav Originals by Dawn Victor, Mariska’s by Sonia Noel, Cia’s Fashion Designs by Lucia Joseph, The Mudtone Project by Marvin Warner, Mille Wearable Art by Camile Harding, Spice Rack Designs by Charmaine Spicer, Saleem by Saleem Samuel, Carib-bean Academy of Fashion Design by UTT.The attitudes of the workers were great, I didn’t have any prob-lems when it came to finding a set or when I needed assistance with anything, the workers were very helpful and friendly. There were seats that were empty and they offered them to the people who were standing. The show was well put together. Everyone who attended was fashionably dresses. I was honoured to be a part of the event. There was also a fashion buyer’s mini market where lovely items were on sale at affordable prices.My favourite of the night were Saleem Samuel and he Students of UTT Designs. The two collections were exquisitely made.

Afiya Bishop

My Fashion Week Experience

LETTERS TO LOUTHERE IS NO PEACE LIKE SELF-PEACE

“I want to crawl under a rock at this point. No one understands yes...and my mother and aunt and sister made it worse today by ganging up on me”

Try being under everyone’s microscope all the time,

Then come home and it’s the same thing,

Its one thing when people against you,

But when your family does it its 10 times worse.

“Try living with people on your case. Then tell me if u won’t feel like shooting yourself too.”

If you say that you run from the world that is judging you to come home to where it’s safe only to be judged there as well then where is your security?

Where is your safe place?

Your room perhaps, there could be your Zen place, right?

I guess maybe, friends depending on the type you have but sometimes,

These four walls just don’t seem to cut it anymore.

“I need a little more; sometimes it feels like it’s a choice...either go insane on your own or let them drive you insane.”

At the end of the day does it matter? You’re still going to go nuts?

Then you tell yourself:

“You have to be strong my friend remember, God gives you as much as you can bear”

Faith is good, but the reality is you can’t be strong alone forever; even the longest rope has an end. So you think to yourself “maybe I have reached mine?”

Then quickly you pick yourself up and snap out your self-pity, thinking “

“Nah! Never! You been through worse than this, this is small compared to previous hurdles in your life”

Truth is pain can add up like debt, and just like debt, it has to be resolved somehow

Talking out your problems is an option but what happens when you feel so alone and bewildered that it just does not seem to have anyone there to talk to, or even if they are there….do they really want to listen? Anyone can hear you but it makes no sense if they won’t listen and sometimes that is all you need.

However no one is responsible for you more than yourself, your right to happiness is in your hands therefore no one else, but you can make things right. There is no peace like self-peace and no joy like knowing you have done your best and you feel accom-plished. The moral is, do not allow people to be the deciding factor in your life. Do not let another person steal your joy, because every tear you shed and every emotion of self-doubt you experience is fuel to them to hurt the next person in their path. If you don’t pay them any attention, they can’t hurt you and if enough of us did that then they would have no fuel to even want to try to put down someone else.

The power of change starts with you and as long as you know the truth, that is all that matters. Forget the ones who judge. At the end of the day all they know is their side of the story and once you remember that they become a simple case of mind over mat-ter, if you don’t mind, they don’t matter.

Biography

Ecliff Elie

Ecliff Elie was born to design. Burning with an entrepreneurial spirit, Elie has evolved into a powerhouse, inspired by the fresh and unpretentious style of youth.

Through diligence and persistence, today Elie stands as one of the Caribbean’s renowned de-signers with a unique eye for the true essence of fashion. The man behind Ecliff Elie Designs Limited, his signature collections include: For The Love

OF Fashion; For the Love of Fashion II, The Romance, Taste of Berries, El

Hombre de la Hora (The Man of the Hour) and Cavelie’r Mordn.

Elie is known to be very serious and passionate about his work, yet he is also known for his charming and engaging personality. With a deep appreciation for his success and the desire to give back, Elie became affiliated with the Cyril Ross Nursery as he is moved by their genu-ine work for ailing children, living with HIV.

Elie’s designs are set to soar with their global appeal, as more and more people who are look-ing for innate creativity and superior quality, find it all with Ecliff Elie.

Viva Arima!

This year at the Fashion Week of Trinidad and Tobago, designer Ecliff Elie presented a collec-tion influenced by the Amerindian and Spanish historians of Arima, entitled VIVA ARIMA!

“The designer created this compelling array of menswear using enchanting earth tones and powerful fabrics he wraps you in the story of Arima.” His use of suede, leather, cotton and linen, the designer made a 2010 version of how to wear these fabrics…this was not your typical loin cloth, simply an artistic vision of the modern man.

“This designer continuously pushes the envelope with his fashion forward ideas at FWTT 2010 he delivers yet another captivating collection.”

By Chris Jennings

Why do we sit and wait for change rather than try to make it happen? Why do we blame the world for the things that go wrong with us, rather than accept responsibility for our actions? Who says those who sit and dream are always just dreamers, but the ones who get off their self-pity and create are the real achievers? If the saying is “you can’t find love, love has to find you” then how is it we could make it happen? Then don’t we just have to wait and dream? Have you ever stood in a room feeling like you’re going to disappear even though you are surrounded by people? Yet somehow you feel ut-terly alone? What do you do when all you have is yourself and that just does not feel like enough? Who do you turn to when all you have done is pray and you still need answers? Where do you find a friend you can’t seem to trust? Who do you talk to when u feel like there is no one to lis-ten? Why is it so hard to understand but so easy to judge? And for that why do we hurt the ones we love? Why is it easier to turn away but harder to work it out? If we are to have relationships shouldn’t we know the con-cepts first? If you going to assume a role then shouldn’t you be quali-fied for the job? And if you don’t know something then doesn’t it make sense to ask a question? If ignorance is bliss then is knowledge sorrow? And at the end of the day then are well all just asking to be sad? Or do we prefer being ignorant?If life is what you make it, then is it really a riddle? When you sit and ask yourself these 21 questions that cross our minds every day we don’t have the answers to everything, no one has all the answers to every-thing, so stop questioning and start living. Time lost you can never get back, each day wasted is an opportunity that went out the window, if you live in fear you’re not alive, Live and let live.

21 Questions