Shanty		Vibez

The Beat of the Caribbean

Big Tings A Gwan

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Friday, August 15, 2008

Islands Magazine: Best Islands To Live On 2008
by Jennica Peterson

#1. St. Croix, U.S. Virgin Islands : St. Croix, Literally the picture of Caribbean paradise.

Why St. Croix?
We didn't have to puzzle too hard over choosing St. Croix. It's a U.S. territory (hence no immigration, work permit or property rights worries), it's English-speaking, it's affordable and it's a nonstop flight from the U.S. It also looks like that picture of Caribbean paradise -- swaying palm trees, a pale slice of beach, a blue wash of sea -- that decorates computer screensavers and cubicle walls nationwide. Compared to its sister Virgin Islands, St. Croix is less touristy than St. Thomas and more populated than St. John. We think it's just right.

Life of an Expat
"We basically said, 'Let's go live there a year and evaluate it, then we can move back if it doesn't work out,'" says Anna Holley, who moved to St. Croix from Austin, Texas, with her husband, Carl. "We didn't have any kids, we were young and it was a year of our lives. I can think of a lot worse things to do with a year of my life." Now Anna and Carl, both 32, have lived on the island for nearly six years. "The first night in our condo I made a spaghetti dinner," says Anna. "A year later I made the same spaghetti dinner and we looked at each other and said, 'Do you want to stay? Yes!' A year goes by so quickly."

Anna and Carl started their lives on the island working at local resorts and restaurants. Soon they both found jobs more in line with their interests. Anna works as a producer for the website gotostcroix.com, which provides information about vacationing on or moving to the island. Carl bought a boat and started his own sport-fishing business, Fish with Carl. Two years after they moved to St. Croix, Anna knew it had all come together. "When I moved into the house that I live in now, I was painting the kitchen cabinets and it was Carl's first day taking tourists out fishing," says Anna. "I'm covered in paint and I look out the window and I see Carl's boat, the Mocko Jumbie, passing. Out of all the times for me to look out our window! I just started crying," she says. "I think that was the moment for me that I knew we were supposed to be here."

On November 30, 2006, Anna and Carl welcomed their daughter, Savanna Cay Holley, to the island life. "Starting a family here was not a concern for me," says Anna. "Savanna's outside 80 percent of the day, seeing the geckos, hummingbirds, chickens and horses that are on our property. She is going to say, 'I grew up in the Caribbean.' How horrible is that?" On the weekends, the Holley family likes to take mini road-trips across the island. "On the west side are the most beautiful beaches," Anna says. "They are what magazine layouts are made of. The water is so calm, so blue. The beaches are so white and sandy. This is our life -- it just happens to be on a beautiful island."

Anna's advice for others dreaming of this beautiful life: "You're never going to have enough money. You're never going to be prepared enough. Take a chance. It's not for everyone, but I say take a year and do it." Photos Gallery

Facts of Life

• Climate: Tropical

• Population of St. Croix: 53,234

• Percentage "statesiders" (not born on St. Croix): about 15 percent

• Population of main towns, Christiansted and Frederiksted: 2,637 and 732 

• House starting price: mid $100,000s

• Travel from U.S.: Nonstop flights available, or connect through Miami, Puerto Rico or St. Thomas.

• Closest hospital: Christiansted

• Price of a local beer: $3 for a pint of Blackbeard Ale at St. Croix's Fort Christian Brew Pub.

• Language: English

• Ease of immigration: Easy

• Ease of buying a home: Easy

• Website: usvitourism.vi

Purchasing Paradise

• $ Three-bedroom, two-bath Caribbean house with new ceramic-tile floors and front porch: $165,000.

• $$ Three-bedroom, 2,700-square-foot estate with exposed-beam ceilings and new covered patio: $398,500.

• $$$ Five-bedroom, new hilltop home with the use of a golf course and yacht club, cathedral ceilings, two-person spa bathtub and serene swimming pool: $1.2 million.

 

2. Ambergris Caye, Belize
Why Ambergris? The budget-friendly properties available a few flip-flop steps away from the beach, an exuberant expat community and the vibrant streets of San Pedro earned this Central American island a place on... read more

3. Culebra, Puerto Rico
Why Culebra? We chose this laid-back little island just a hop and a skip from the States partly because it offers some
of the world's best beaches. We also liked that you don't need a visa to move there since it's a U.S... read more

4. Bequia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines
Why Bequia? This charming Caribbean island still feels like a secret. Artists and writers thrive in its little communities, fueled by the colorful tropical life surrounding them. But since the island is so small, only 7 square miles... read more

5. Eleuthera, Bahamas
Why Eleuthera? We really love how this slinky Outer Island has slipped by as other areas of the Bahamas have been developed. On Eleuthera, which means "freedom" in Greek, tropical wilderness still reigns, as seen in...read more

6. Kauai, Hawaii
Why Kauai? In the state of Hawaii, America's Pacific paradise, you can combine the island dream -- palm trees swaying in balmy breezes, sandy beaches ending in bright blue seas -- with all the rights and benefits you're... read more

7. Gozo, Malta
Why Gozo? Four words: Sunny, affordable Mediterranean island. That's why we get googly-eyed over Gozo, Malta's quiet and quirky little brother. We developed a full-on crush when the expats told us you can retire... read more

8. Vanua Levu, Fiji
Why Vanua Levu? Here tropical rainforests caw with life; warm seas are filled with coral-reef kingdoms; and kind, generous local people know how to enjoy a good laugh. Vanua Levu is Fiji's second-largest island, and... read more

9. Orcas Island, Washington
Why Orcas Island? While we usually go for palm trees and sandy beaches, this Pacific Northwest island offers a different kind of paradise. With emerald-green forests surrounded by the topaz-blue Salish Sea... read more

10. Palawan, Philippines
Why Palawan? For those longing to scuba dive off the edge of the map and explore a pristine tropical paradise with Indiana Jones hat in hand, Palawan is just the place. The island's capital, Puerto Princesa, has gained... read more

11. Kangaroo Island, Australia
Why Kangaroo Island? Do you want to have wallabies, possums, platypuses, penguins, seals, sea lions, koalas and of course kangaroos for neighbors? It's hard to beat Kangaroo Island's abundance of wacky wildlife... read more

12. Singapore
Why Singapore? Sleek Singapore may not seem like a typical ISLANDS island. Cabanas-and-coconuts it's not. But we chose this island, city and nation because it smoothly interweaves cultures from all over the world to... read more

Best Islands To Live On 2007

1.  Aruba
2.  Big Island, Hawaii
3.  Carriacou, Grenada
4.  Cedar Key, Florida
5.  Dominica
6.  Gozo, Malta
7.  Grand Cayman
8.  Isla Colon, Panama
9.  Long Island, Bahamas
10. Negros Oriental, Philippines
11. New Zealand
12. Norfolk Island, Australia
13. Penang, Malaysia
14. Pico, Azores, Portugal
15. St. Kitts
16. Taveuni, Fiji
17. Union Island, St. Vincent & the Grenadines
18. Utila, Bay Islands, Honduras
19. Vanuatu 
20. Vieques, Puerto Rico

ISLANDS considered certain factors when researching this list, including weather conditions, expats' experiences, real-estate prices and ease of immigration.

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Ritical - Positivity

by Andrew of CORE Magazine

The British Virgin Islands is a small country with a lot of talent and heart, soon to be showcased in a compilation CD planned for release this summer, said Menalek, a Tortola-based producer organizing the project.

First out of the scene is Ritical, a singer from Virgin Gorda who has played throughout the Virgin Islands and scored several hits in his seven year career. Love is at the base of his music. Not romantic love or lustfulness -- but the kind of love that is the foundation for families.
Days after a fire set at the Virgin Gorda Festival in late March, Ritical sat down with Core to discuss his music, his plans, and the BVI scene.

After sharing the festival’s first reggae night with VG’s own Sister Joyce and Jamaica’s Da’Ville, the 26-year-old artist said the show was irie -- but his message and music gets more respect from listeners in the USVI.

In his lyrics and words, Ritical pleaded with the crowd to recognize that love is not a game and they should be careful of their health and life. Weaving together warnings from BVI Health Department statistics and Rastafari livity, he said the only way to avoid the plague of sexually transmitted diseases sweeping through his home island is to respect the family root and banish Babylon vanity.

“I’m reaching out to people, especially the youth . . . talking to people all about principals and love and respect for each other,” Ritical said. Love is at the base of his music, he said, evident in his most recent hit “Love is the Greatest” and “Love is Worth More” that spent a month at the number one spot on WSTX’s reggae chart and was the station’s third best song of 2007.
Troy Brown, program director for the station, said he has seen all three of Riticial’s performances on St. Croix. He said he put on a high-energy show and the crowd was familiar and appreciative of his music.

“He has a unique voice that stands out among other artists,” Brown said. “He has a positive message and positive lyrics that really connect with people.”

Not many reggae artists have come out of the BVI, Brown said, but he said he is always listening to new music and artists from the Virgin Islands -- British or US -- always get first consideration for air play.

With not even a fourth of the population of the US side, the BVI does not have many producers or the resources of their neighbors, so the artists are working to make it happen themselves. Menalek and Ritical have been working together for years, and together read, studied and learned about African history, choosing a path of positive music.

Music has always been a part of Ritical’s life, but only when he began to live a spiritual life and study the livity of Rastafari seven or eight years ago did he begin to take it seriously. He’s released seven singles locally and is preparing for the next level with a video, full-length album and shows in the region and in New York.

Ritical believes there’s a lot of talented reggae musicians in the BVI that limit themselves because they are not as serious motivation and commitment it takes to make it in the music business. He said he is working hard and has faith that the Almighty will give him the opportunity to spread his message.

Recognizing his positive family-first message is outside of the mainstream music business, Ritical said he will keep making music designed to give good people comfort in their struggles. Sometimes negative forces distract good people, but love is stronger people will always return to home, he said.

“The foundation of a man’s focus and concentration is based on the tranquility of his home. And with all great men the devil came to get him through the woman” Ritical said. “There is nothing a man keeps closer to his heart than his family, and rough seas can ruin his concentration so love and respect is the most important thing in the home.”
Ritical is the most prominent artist on the 12-song compilation CD, but there are several other talents to look out for, Menalek said. All recorded with the highest standards, artists like Platinum, April and Shatta will soon be heard throughout the region, he said.
“We’re ready to show St. Thomas, St. Croix and the world what the Virgin Islands has to offer,” Menalek said. “We got a lot of talent just like him [Ritical] working on a lot of different levels. You have got to get the CD. It’s going to be hot.”
 

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Monday, April 28, 2008

Pressure "Buss Pipe" is Nominated for Most Promising Entertainer of the Year

NEW YORK, NY (RHONA FOX, INC.) - The most prominent faces in reggae have always hailed from Jamaica, until now. Pressure Buss Pipe is testimony to the new wave of reggae stars being churned out by Caribbean islands surrounding the motherland of this still underground yet globally-celebrate genre.

Now the U.S.V.I. St. Thomas native, who just saw the debut of his sophomore album Love & Affection (Don Corleon Records, 2007), has another reason to celebrate as he is currently nominated for Most Promising Entertainer of the Year by the International Reggae and World Music Awards (IRAWMA). The event takes place on Sunday, May 4th at the Apollo Theater in New York City, where numerous stars including Ky-Mani Marley, Beenie Man, Buju Banton and Shaggy will walk the red carpet, and celebrate the rich Caribbean sounds that are currently shaking up airwaves.

Pressure's breakout hit and title track from the album, "Love & Affection," composed by producing mastermind Don Corleon, has transcended cultural and racial boundaries to become one of the most-played reggae songs since its release, and is reminiscent of the same mystic formula that earned Bob Marley worldwide fans in an era of cultural and racial segregation.

On his IRAWMA nomination, Pressure states, "It's a blessing because of how hard it is to be recognized, especially coming from the Virgin Islands and doing reggae music. It's truly a dream come true just to be nominated." 

Pressure "Buss Pipe", Jah Cure & Tarrus Riley @ Digicel's Reggae on the Hill, Barbados, April 27, 2008

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Thursday, March 6, 2008

Ras Attitude & Tuff Lion nominated in several categories at the VA Reggae Awards

You can now vote online for two Virgin Islands reggae artist nominated for awards at the 2008 VA Reggae Awards to be held on Saturday, May 10th at MP Island Cafe in Virginia Beach. To vote online follow the link VA Reggae Awards 2008.

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Tuesday, Feb 26, 2008

REGGAE ACADEMY 2008 Winners In All Categories (Jamaica)

Best Reggae Song - She’s Royal - Omar Riley (Songwriter’s Award)

Best Solo Male Reggae Vocal Performance - She’s Royal - Tarrus Riley

Best Solo Female Reggae Vocal -  Roots - Etana (Performance)

Most Popular Artiste - Beenie Man
  
Special Awardees

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Thursday, Feb 21, 2008

Core Magazine - Mada Nile Interview  (Virgin Islands)

by: Earl “Supah” Daniel

Anyone who wants to know where the culture in reggae music has gone, I would say, it’s in St.Croix. Our Crucian artists have taken their movement far beyond the shores of the Virgin Islands by captivating many international audiences with their universal message. Recently, I sat down with Mada Nile to find out about her career. At the time Mada Nile was in the studio, and paused from recording to talk

to us.

CORE: Greetings, thanks for taking the time to speak with us, we know you’re busy, what are you up to these days?

Mada Nile: Blessings; give thanks to the Most High for the opportunities to perform these works. Well among other things Mada Nile just performed at the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival, in California this past June. It was huge!

CORE: Sierra Nevada is one of the biggest annual festivals, how did you do?

Mada Nile: It was phenomenal, the vibes was right, everything was lined up properly, I gave a great performance. They have a performance rating at the end of the show, and out of 37 performers, I was rated #4. Coming from St.Croix, and performing on the same stage as some of the icons of the industry, I felt proud.

Core: How did the artist Mada Nile come about?

Mada Nile: Well I could remember building small lyrics in school and performing them

at lunchtime and after school, I was even in a all-girl group we used to call ourselves “Defense

Girls”. I took it serious when I started toasting on Doghart Sounds.

Core: What gives Mada Nile inspiration to create the music?

Mada Nile: My inspiration comes from everything around me, for example, being that I was diagnosed with laryngitis at the age of 9, I had to learn to project my vocals from my abdomen just to speak, that constant practice is the reason I can project my voice the way I do.

Plus the loss of my parents made my outlook on things more focused.

CORE: Tell us about your new cd.

Mada Nile: I like everything on it. I worked with 6 different producers on this one; who are Batch, Katalyst of A-team, Drop, O.D.C.Records, Gange, and the late Eddy Breeza, its well put together.

CORE: So is there anything we can look forward to from Mada Nile in the near future?

Mada Nile: Yes right now I’m doing some stuff with I-Grade Records and you should hear something soon.

CORE: Which do you prefer: recording or performing?

Mada Nile: Well, I’ll tell you I really prefer to perform because I love to feel the vibes I recieve from the audience.”

CORE: Tell us about one of your best performances.

Mada Nile: It was a promotion held here in St.Croix called Lava Ground, I performed with Red-I Band.

CORE: Whats Mada Nile’s long term goals?

Mada Nile: My long term goals are to be unique and the realization that the sky is the limit.

CORE: Anything you’ll like to say to the people of the Virgin Islands?

Mada Nile: Yes my meditation is more directed to the younger females in our communities of the Virgin Islands. I would like to challenge them to try harder in raising their children. Regain your religion, if it was positive in your time then work with it. Stay focused on the children’s education and input positive social behaviors so they can model themselves also for upfull living.

www.coremagazine.vi

Pick up your copy of CORE at the following locations:

On St. Thomas: Modern Music ( Havensight & Nisky Center ), The Rack (Tutu Park Mall), Plaza Extra, International Records & Tapes, Parrot Fish, Unique Threadz, Annas' Market, Super Cuts, Donut Express (Norre Gade) and Euphoria Smoothies ( Fort Mylner )

.

On St. Croix: Natural Mystic (Sunny Isle Annex ), Riddims (Downtown Christiansted ).

 
On Tortola: Mellow Moods Vegetarian Cafe.

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Wedensday, Feb 13, 2008

IRIE FM Award Winners In All Categories (Jamaica)

COMEBACK ARTISTE OF THE YEAR: JUNIOR REID

NEW ARTISTE OF THE YEAR: MUNGA HONOURABLE

FEMALE SINGER OF THE YEAR: ETANA

MALE SINGER OF THE YEAR: TARRUS RILEY

FEMALE DJ OF THE YEAR: QUEEN IFRIKA

MALE DJ OF THE YEAR: BEENIE MAN

SINGJAY OF THE YEAR MALE: MAVADO

GOSPEL ARTISTE OF THE YEAR: PRODIGAL SON

DUO/GROUP/BAND OF THE YEAR: VOICE MAIL

BEST COLLABORATION OF THE YEAR: THIS IS WHY I'M HOT - REMIX .... JUNIOR REID, MIMS & BABY CHAM

SONG OF THE YEAR: SHE'S ROYAL - TARRUS RILEY

ALBUM OF THE YEAR: GANGSTER FOR LIFE; THE SYMPHONY OF DAVID BROOKS - MAVADO

PRODUCER OF THE YEAR: DON CORLEON

RHYTHM OF THE YEAR: GUARDIAN ANGEL - ARIF COOPER

REGGAE AMBASSADOR AWARD: JUNIOR REID

HUMANITARIAN AWARD: CAPLETON

BEST DRESSED FEMALE: D'ANGEL
 

BEST DRESSED MALE: BEENIE MAN

DANCE OF THE YEAR: TEK WHEY YUHSELF - VEGAS

STAGE SHOW/CONCERT OF THE YEAR: GT TAYLOR'S MAGNUM CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA

SLANG OF THE YEAR: TO DI WORLD - ROUND HEAD & BUNG BANG - BOUNTY KILLER

LISTENERS' CHOICE AWARD: BEENIE MAN

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Monday, Jan 28, 2008

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Monday, Jan 21, 2008

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Friday, Nov 2, 2007

June 5th 2007,

SHANTY VIBEZ & CORE Magazine link up to bring you feature articles.

www.coremagazine.vi

Pick up your copy of CORE at the following locations:

On St. Thomas: Modern Music ( Havensight & Nisky Center ), The Rack (Tutu Park Mall), Plaza Extra, International Records & Tapes, Parrot Fish, Unique Threadz, Annas' Market, Super Cuts, Donut Express (Norre Gade) and Euphoria Smoothies ( Fort Mylner )

.

On St. Croix: Natural Mystic (Sunny Isle Annex ), Riddims (Downtown Christiansted ).

 
On Tortola: Mellow Moods Vegetarian Cafe.
 

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2008