Last year I blogged about 11-year old schoolboy Ian Gibson, who was tragically killed in a vehicular accident, fleeing from bullies. The incident led to concerned citizens drafting an Ian Gibson Policy Against Bullying And Harassment, and a petition being presented to Prime Minister David Thompson by Gibson's father, Victor Cadogan.
Last week, in what I'm sure is the first ruling of its kind, the Courts charged three minors with manslaughter for causing Ian's death.
You can read more here. Sad. I hope this whole sorry episode brings more awareness about the seriousness of bullying in schools.
A new breed of Caribbean musical talent is making waves internationally. Since Bajan superstar Rihanna made her debut five years ago, other Caribbean singers have followed her lead and are currently knocking at the door of stardom.
Here's a list of my fave up-and-comers, who were either born in the Caribbean or are of Caribbean parentage.
10. Vita Chambers. I must admit I had never heard about Vita Chambers till I stumbled across her myspace page sometime last year. This cute, bubbly, Barbadian teen has a fresh-faced appeal and pop/rock edge that's Like Boom, really.
9. Dwane Husbands. When I first saw Dwayne Husbands perform on a local talent show I said, wow, I think he has what it takes. In 2008, he won the Digicel Rising Stars competition, and the hearts of many female fans to boot.
The 25-year-old is perhaps best known for being featured on Rihanna's 2006 sophomore album A Girl like Me with the song 'Dem Haters', and with his silky smooth voice, he's sure to go places.
8. Jaicko. 19-year-old Jaicko Lawrence is a part of the musical Forrester clan of Barbados and Guyana. His hit 'Oh Yeah' is currently tearing up the airwaves and reached #2 on the Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Singles. Jaicko is currently signed to Capitol Records.
7. Livvi Franc. When your debut single, boldly titled 'Now I'm that Bitch', reaches the top of the Billboard Hot Dance Club Songs chart (2009), you know you're on to something good. Livvi Franc might not be a household name as yet, but give this 22-year-old Bajan some time....
6. Kimberley Inniss. Singer/songwriter/producer Kimberley Inniss has determination and self-confidence to spare. Like Dwayne Husbands, this triple threat started off as a contestant in a local talent show, then went on to the regional level in the Digicel Rising Stars competition. She placed second in both contests, but she got the last laugh in the end. Now, a record deal would be icing on the cake....
5. Shontelle Layne. I won't say much about Shontelle here, 'cause you all know I've bigged up my girl several times on this blog. If you haven't seen the latest video for her hit 'Impossible' as yet, check it in an earlier blog entry.
4. Hal Linton. In 2008, Hal Linton was honored by Black Entertainment Television in a series entitled, Rising Icons, showcasing up and coming music artists. I'm still feeling the effects of his song 'Cardiac Arrest' from a few years back.
His album Return From The Future is set for release in early 2010.
3. Marissa Lindsay. Blessed with a phenomenal voice, Marissa Lindsay can make you shed a tear then jump and shout, all in the same song. If she doesn't have people she needs to get some, and if she has people they need to get cracking with this girl's career 'cause she's got the goods.
2. Melanie Fiona. Born to Guyanese parents in Toronto, Canada, Melanie Fiona is currently tearing up the charts with her hit 'It Kills Me'. The video is pretty hot too, check it out below. Adam Rodriquez of CSI Miami fame too cute....
1. Ria Borman. Sassy megatalent Ria Borman has a voice reminscent of the Motown greats. She wowed R&B crooner Fantasia and Michael Jackson's father Joe Jackson earlier this year at the Barbados Music Awards. Would somebody pleaseee get this girl a record deal already!
None of the images in this post are my property. Credit goes to the owners, you all know who you are. :)
Wuhloss. These days Governments in the Caribbean are falling apart faster than a Hollywood marriage.
Now Trinidad and Tobago is being plunged into election mode after PM Patrick Manning pulled the plug on Opposition Leader Kamla Persad Bissessar's no confidence motion against him by dissolving Parliament. By law, he has three months to announce an election date.
I wonder if Patos can pull off another landslide like he did in 2007? Read more about the saga here.
Hey, y'all! Today is World Health Day and Barbados is joining the world in being more active. Many public and prvate sector agencies have allowed their employees to dress casually and to take frequent activity breaks.
I don't know about y'all, but nothing gives me a workout like dancing, especially to the music of Beyonce "Bey" Knowles. So, dance along with me as I post up some of my fave Bey videos. Get bodied!
