Another Grammy for Rihanna

Congrats to Bajan pop star Rihanna, who chalked up another Grammy at tonight's awards. She copped the award for Best Dance Recording for "Only Girl (In The World)").

I'm sure before the night is over Rih-Rih will take home a few more awards.

But for real, though, what on earth was she wearing on the red carpet? The dress looked like strategically placed bath tub bubbles. Well, she was in good company for odd dress of the night, because Nicki Minaj, Katy Perry and a few others looked like they were ready for Halloween.

More news later....

BMA Red Carpet - The couples

And on to the couples. Thanks once more to Photoboss.


Velvet-voiced singer Dwane Husbands holds an armful of gorgeous on the red carpet.


I almost didn't recognise Biggie Irie wihtout his trademark cap. His companion is wearing one of the more unique dresses of the night.


Minister of Culture Stephen Lashley and his wife are looking dapper and coordinated.


Attorney and up-and-coming politico Santia Bradshaw is a head turner in this red and black ruffled number. Her boyfriend Tony Hoyos doesn't clean up too badly either.


This daring number looks good - on this young lady. It should never be accessorized with back fat.


Another unique, daring number. But I can hardly see past the eye shadow.


Full blown gorgeous dress.


Multiple BMA winner Anderson 'Blood' Armstrong and his date are cute in red.

BMA's Red Carpet - The men

As promised, here are some more photos from the red carpet of the Barbados Music Awards 2011, again thanks to Photoboss.


These two are ready for their audition for Men in Black 3.


Different looks, different style, same cool effect. Though I'm not totally sold on the white shoes. Leave that for Richard Stoute, guy on right.


Why so serious, Ram? All that patting and cranking have you tired?


I'm not sure if this look was intentional so let's not call it a homage to Michael...

Things that make you go hmm on the St. John by-election trail....

The by-election in the parish of St. John is in full swing, with the usual bickering and personal attacks that have come to personify Bajan election campaigns. Hardly any of the speakers are attempting to deal with the real issues that are affecting the rural parish, amd frankly I can't wait for January 20th to come just to get it over with.

For those persons not following the Barbadian political scene, the DLP is being represented by the widow of former Prime Minister, David Thompson, and the BLP by businessman Hudson Griffith.

The general consensus is that Griffith doesn't have a snowball's chance in hell to win the seat, since St. John has been a DLP stronghold for over 50 years. But, you never know in politics.


The comments being made on the campaign trail range from the ridiculous to the hilarious, with a good dose of defamatory on the side. Below are just some of the things that make me go hmmmm as I read the coverage.

1) Where have all these former BLP Cabinet ministers like Anthony Wood and Noel Lynch reapppeared from all of a sudden? Is their presence on the platform an indication that they plan to run in the next general election?

2) Why is the DLP treating the St. John Polyclinic like a political football? Either complete the structure or demolish it already!

3) Has roast breadfruit replaced corned beef and biscuits in politics in Bim?

4) Why is Opposition Leader Owen Arthur fixating on Mara Thompson being born in St. Lucia, when for decades he has been seen as a proponent of the CSME and CARICOM unity?

5)Why is the BLP drawing attention to Mrs. Thompson's land of birth when its own candidate was born in St. Vincent?

Just wondering....


Image: www.nationnews.com

Barbados Music Awards Red Carpet - The women

No awards show is complete without red carpet coverage, and the Barbados Music Awards is no different. Here are photos of some of the ladies who graced the carpet, courtesy of PhotoBoss.


I'm not sure, but I think blue is her favourite colour....

Song bird Indra Rudder's (left) snug-fitting metallic dress falls short of looking glam because of its pairing with some rather sinister looking boots. Girl, you better run, PETA's coming your way....

Entertainer Ayana John nails it in this sparkly blue number.

NCF CEO Dr. Donna Hunte-Cox (right) and her companion look lovely, but they're in danger of being upstaged by their eyeshadow.

Singer extraordinaire Ria Borman looks every inch a star. I never realised how much she looks like M'onique....

Uhmm, poet lady whose name I can't recall, Halloween is long gone. Unless you're trying to match your makeup with your shoes....

Words fail me. Next.

What in the Bride of Frankenstein hell happened here? But she has such a sweet smile though.

Stop tugging the dress down. It was short when you left home. You look nice, though.

See, ladies. It's possible to be covered up and still look great.

Aww. This little angel stole the show. This is how you work a red carpet! Tomorrow, the men and couples.

You too can smell like Rihanna

Well, home girl Rihanna is not only burning up the charts and winning awards like sand, she's now venturing into the area already explored by the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, J-Lo and Beyonce, a signature fragrance.

The scent Reb'l Fleur, which will hit Macy's stores on January 25, is also, if you recall, a statement tattooed on Rihanna' neck.

The perfume is said to be a mixture of her Caribbean upbringing with ripe fruits and sumptuous florals, as well as a musky mix of vanilla, patchouli and amber.

Sounds good. My birthday's coming up, btw....

Rihanna, Blood top BMA'S 2011

Hey, peoples! It's January so you know it's time again for the annual Barbados Music Awards, which were held last Saturday evening at the Wildey Gym.

Bajan super star Rihanna headed the list of winners, landing a total of six. She took the awards for Entertainer Of The Year (female), Song Of The Year, Best Collaboration, Best Pop/Rock/Alternative/Dance Artist/Group and Album Of The Year/ Music Video Of The Year (female).

Following his successful run at Crop-Over 2010, Anderson “Blood” Armstrong landed five awards, including Producer Of The Year.

See a complete list of the winners below. Congrats to all!

Band Of The Year – krosfyah

Female Entertainer Of The Year – Rihanna

Male Entertainer of the Year – Blood

Instrumentalist of the Year – Arturo Tappin

Best Reggae/Dancehall (Artiste/Group) – Buggy Nhakente

Best Soca/Ragga soca/Calypso (Artiste/Group) – Anderson Blood Armstrong

Best New (Artiste/Group) – St Leonard’s Boys’ Choir

Best Gospel (Artiste) – Toni Norville

Best Soul/R&B (Artistes/Group) – Shontelle

Best Jazz (Artiste/Group) – Arturo Tappin

Best Rap/Hip Hop (Artiste/Group) – Danny Reid

Choir/Chorale Of The Year – St Leonard’s Boys’ Choir

Song Of The Year – Rihanna (Rude Girl)

Best Collaboration (Love The Way You Lie) – Eminem featuring Rihanna

Best Soca Single (Female) – Indrani (Fyah Wata)

Best Ragga/Mid-Tempo Single (Female) – TC (Down De Road)

Best Social Commentary (Male) – Red Plastic Bag (Signs)

Best Social Commentary (Female) – TC (Stimulus)

Best Pop/Rock/Alternative/Dance Single – Rihanna (Rude Boy)

Best Reggae/Dancehall Single – High Grade (Pressure Point)

Best Gospel/Inspirational Single – Toni Norville (Reach Out In Faith)

Pop/Rock/Alternative/Dance Artiste/Group – Rihanna

Compilation Of The Year (Various) – Soca Dons And Divas

Album Of The Year (Artiste/Group) – Rihanna (Rated R)

Producer Of The Year – Anderson Blood Armstrong

Songwriter Of The Year – Mr Dale

Music Video Of The Year (Male) – Edwin Yearwood (Chrissening)

Music Video Of The Year (Female) – Rihanna (Rude Boy)

Best Soul/R&B/Hip Hop Single – Shontelle (Impossible)

People’s Choice – High Grade

Happy New Year, y'all!

Hey, my peoples! Happy New Year to you all. I've finally shrugged off the cobwebs of a warm and fuzzy Christmas and and am ready to face 2011. And how the year has started...

Two murders; a sick Cabinet member; the front bench Gods shining on Kellman at last and giving him a pick; Mara Thompson taking up the mantle of her late husband David in St. John - and it's only January 7!

As for the by-election in St. John, I wish Mrs. Thompson the best of luck. She's the last person I figured would end up in the political foray, but life is funny that way. Anyway, the seat is hers to lose, as it's been a DLP stronghold for the past 50 odd years.

I see that Opposition Leader Owen Arthur has declared that there will be no special treatment for Mara Thompson. He will be well advised to focus his attacks on the DLP and not on the still grieving widow Mara, because he might end up turning off the entire populace....

Top 25 Fave Bajan Christmas Songs

Christmas is a beautiful time of year, and it's made even more so by the music of the holiday season, which can range from the heartwarming to the inspirational to the hilarious.

A few years ago I listed my top 20 favourite Christmas tunes, and it's only fair that I do a similar post on my favourite Bajan holiday songs. And to show that we doan mek sport here in Bim, I'm gonna do 25 songs.

Anyhoo, here goes....


25. Christmas Medley - Madd

24. Wuh Yuh Got to Gimme Fuh Christmas - Sach Moore & the Sandpebbles
23. Christmas Is Here - Kareen Clarke
22. Season of Love - Marissa Lindsay


21. It Doesn't Feel Like Christmas Without You - Rihanna


20. Happy Birthday Jesus - The Merry Men

19. I Want a Piece o' Pork - Scrunter
18. It's All About Christmas - The Merry Men


17. Watch Out - Allison Hinds & Peter Ram

16. It's Christmas - Kimberley Inniss
15. Christmas Road March - Madd


14. Why Can't This Christmas Feeling Go On - Bumba

13. Calypso Christmas - Blood
12. For Christmas - Director
11. Christmas Feeling - The Merry Men


10. Rock Steady Christmas - Richard Stoute

9. Things of Christmas - Draytons Two
8. You're Only Good To Me at Christmas Time - Tamara Marshall


7. Carolling, Carolling - Natahlee Burke

6. Put Christ In Your Christmas - John King
5. She Mistake Me Fuh Santa Claus - Madd featuring Eric Lewis


4. Maisy - RPB


3. It Really Feels Like Christmas - Kimberley Inniss


2. Little Drummer Boy - Natahlee Burke & Bigggie Irie


1. No Christmas Without You - Edwin Yearwood

And as a bonus, here's my fave adopted Bajan Christmas song:


Calypso Noel - Beckett (St. Vincent)

Well, my good people, here we are. It's now nearly 3:00 a.m. on Christmas Eve here in Bim and I still have a lot to do before I turn in for the night. But that's all part of the fun of the season.

So, Merry Christmas again, be safe out there, enjoy your time with friends and family and si dieu veux, I'll hear you all next week.

Merry Christmas....recession style

Well, peoples, it's that holly, jolly time again. Although Christmas will always be my fave time of the year, this year feels a bit different because, well, let's face it, we're in a recession and most of us can't afford the usual "lavish and stavish" yuletide celebrations.

In last month's Budget, the Value Added Tax was increased by 2.5% and so several commodities are now more expensive to purchase. Thankfully, several businesses have chosen to absorb the VAT this month. They're not stupid, they know their sales will be seriously affected because shoppers will be watching every penny.

Anyhoo, I gave it some thought and I came up with some ways that we can still enjoy the holidays and not break the bank:


1) Re-gift. I know I'm going to take a lot of heat for this one. It's not something I generally advise but in this harsh economic climate, when choosing a gift for that friend or even the workplace gift-exchange, why not look to see what hidden treasures you might already have in your possession?

Now, there are some ground rules to follow for re-gifting. The item should be new and/or unused and please, please please....try to remember who gave it to you. Ain't nothing more embarrasing than giving a gift back to someone who gave it to you in the first place. Wuhloss. And don't even attempt to re-gift a present to someone who lives in your house. They will remember you got it from Aunt Joyce for your birthday last year....

2) Bargain shop. You only shop on Broad Street in Barbados, Frederick Street in Trinidad or the high street of whatever town you're from? Forget that. It's time to try the local markets and street vendors, the $2 or $3 store (you can make a gift basket) and the thrift shop.


3) Focus on the reason for the season. Christmas isn't all about shopping and spending loads of money. Take time to soak up the beautiful sights and sounds of the season. Almost every day a free concert will be held in one of the town centres - check the papers and go enjoy.

4) Recycle. Christmas is one of those seasons when Bajans like to buy new things, and hey, if you can afford to purchase that new living room suite you've had your eye on the entire year, who am I to stop you? But, wherever possible, spruce up your old stuff and save a buck or two.


5) Pot luck. Ahhh, food. The centrepiece of Christmas in Bimshire. The typical Christmas Day lunch here includes green peas and rice, macaroni pie, baked pork, ham, sweet potato pie, jug-jug, stuffing, vegetables and I could go on and on. As lovely as that all sounds, preparing all those dishes yourself is not only tiring, it's expensive. This year, why not join up with friends and family and have a potluck? It'll save time and money.

6) Be your brother's keeper. You may be feeling the economic pinch this year, but I guarantee there's someone in a worse position than you. This holiday season, give a donation to a charity or volunteer your time to a feeding programme.

7) Go to church. Trini soca legend Crazy sang that we need to put Jesus in our Christmas, and I couldn't agree more. To put the icing on the cake of your yuletide celebrations, go and give praise. This is the only time of the year that anyone can get me to wake up at 3:00 a.m. to prepare for a 5:00 a.m. service. But trust me, there's nothing sweeter than than pre-dawn Christmas breeze.

Enjoy, be safe and I'll be back soon with my fave Bajan Christmas songs.

A New Knight for Barbados

Congratulations to the President of the Senate, His Honour Senator Dr. Branford Mayhew Taitt, who has had the national award of Knight of St. Andrew conferred on him "for his distinguished career and his outstanding service and contribution to Barbados and public life."

Below is the list of the other persons awarded in this years Independence Honours:

GOLD CROWN OF MERIT
For highly meritorious service or achievement in science, the arts, literature, sports, civic duties or any other endeavour worthy of national recognition.
(Number of Awards available: 4)

Colonel Leonard Cameron Banfield, LVO
For highly meritorious and distinguished military service.

Ms. Gail Elma Delores Brathwaite
For highly meritorious service to the financial services sector and her unswerving commitment to philanthropic work with the Barbadian diaspora in the United States of America.

Mr. St. Clair Leolan Harper, J.P.
For highly meritorious service as a funeral director and his contribution to the local transport sector.

Mr. Donald Hill
For highly meritorious service in the area of telecommunications development and his unswerving commitment to preserving the environment.

SILVER CROWN OF MERIT
For meritorious service or achievement in science, the arts, literature, sports, civic duties or any other endeavour worthy of national recognition.
(Number of Awards available: 4)

Mr. William Eustace Alleyne, BCH
For meritorious service to the development of still photography in Barbados and the Caribbean.

Mr. Ralph Anthony Jemmott
For meritorious service as an educator in particular his contribution as a historian.

Mr. Sylvester Earle Niles, J.P.
For meritorious contribution to education and the development of youth.

Miss Yvonne Veronica Walkes, J.P.
For meritorious work as a women’s advocate and a trade unionist.

BARBADOS SERVICE STAR
For meritorious work in the civil, fire, military, police, prison or other protective services or any other similar field of endeavour.
(Number of Awards available: 5)

Mr. Edwin Ebenezer Gilkes
For his significant contribution to the development of the local entertainment industry in particular the promotion of jazz music.

Mr. Keith Hyvestia Griffith
For his unswerving service to the development of sports in particular football and road tennis.

Captain Andrew Ricardo Headley
For his significant contribution to national security during the 2005 crisis at Her Majesty’s Prison Glendairy crisis.

Mr. Michael Anthony Young
For his significant contribution to the development of the water sports industry.

Miss Jean Mary Belling
For her immeasurable contribution as a Secretary in the public service for three decades.

BARBADOS SERVICE MEDAL
For meritorious work in the civil, fire, military, police, prison or other protective services or any other similar field of endeavour.
(Number of Awards available: 5)

Mrs. Dilease Vitella Chandler
For her contribution to the development of the students at the Roebuck/Louis Lynch Secondary school.

Mrs. Maizie Harewood
For her dedication and commitment to nursing as a public health sister.

Mr. Alvin Livinston McDonald Sobers
For his service to persons with disabilities.

Miss Marcella Cynthia Worrell
For her longstanding service to the National Conversation Commission, in particular her assignment at Ilaro Court.

Mr. Herbert Lawrence Walker
For his selfless contribution to the development of the members of the Royal Barbados Police Force’s band for over a quarter of a century.

BARBADOS BRAVERY MEDAL
For acts of bravery in hazardous circumstances.

(Unlimited awards available)
Fire Officer 246 Pernel Leeverne McClean
For his courageous act of saving the life of Miss Charlotte Parris whose vehicle careened into the Belle Gully during a flash flood on October 1, 2010.

Happy Independence, Barbados!

On behalf of the Cheese-on-bread family, I would like to extend best wishes to all Barbadians at home and abroad as we celebrate another milestone in our development.

We celebrate today realising that we've had a very trying year and hoping that God's grace will pull us through as we continue to face harsh economic times. But, in all things, to God be the glory.

To all those persons, Bajan and otherwise, who have contributed to our development, we salute you.

Just to give you a snapshot of how Bajans celebrate their Independence Day; the Independence Parade at the Garrison Savannah will begin shortly at 8:00 a.m., and all the armed and unarmed units will put on quite a spectacular show there before marching down Bay Street to Government Headquarters, where the Prime Minister will be saluted.

All day long communities will be having sports and other fun activities and of course plenty of conkies, fish cakes and other delicacies will be consumed. In the east, the annual St. Philip Carnival will be taking place (from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.)

Again, Happy Independence all, and stay safe!

Catching up

Hey, peoples! Thought I had deserted you, right? I'm still here ticking along, busy, busy. I hope all my readers in the US had a happy Thanksgiving. I know most of you must be at the mall right now doing some serious Black Friday shopping.

So, hasn't the Caribbean been through the wringer lately? Between the cholera outbreak in Haiti, Hurricane Tomas dealing a harsh blow to St. Lucia and Kamla Persad-Bissessar eating her foot and then humble pie in Trinidad, there's been a lot to report on.

Added to that is the budget presentation in Barbados, of which I will speak later.

'Over in away,' Bajan superstar Rihanna scored an American Music Award for Best Soul/R&B female, and wuk up real bad in her opening act in the show. Congrats on the award, Rih-Rih. Now your Grammys have some company.

Late PM Thompson laid to rest

Barbados' sixth Prime Minister, David Thompson, was laid to rest today at St. John Parish Church, after a moving two-hour funeral service at the historic Kensington Oval.

The service was preceded by the funeral procession from Downes and Wilson funeral home in Eagle Hall, to the Oval. Scores of Barbadians lined the streets to get a glimpse of the sombre spectatacle which accompanied the gun carriage bearing the former Prime Minister's body.

At Kensington Oval, dignitaries and the man-on-the-street gathered to pay their last respects. Some of the Heads of Government in attendance were PM Hubert Ingraham of the Bahamas; PM Denzil Douglas of St. Kitts; PM Tillman Thomas of Grenada; PM Baldwin Spencer of Antigua; PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar of Trinidad and PM Bruce Golding of Jamaica.

Also in attendance were cricket great Brian Lara; international recording artist Rihanna; and World Champion hurdler, Ryan Brathwaite.

Image: The family of late PM Thompson and Cabinet colleagues escort the gun carriage bearing his body into Kensington Oval. (courtesy GIS)

Plans for PM Thompson's funeral underway

Since being chosen over the weekend to coordinate the state funeral of Prime Minister David Thompson, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Senator Maxine McClean has held a number of press briefings on the activities leading up to the funeral next Wednesday at the Kensington Oval.

Here're the details in a nutshell, courtesy of the Government Information Service:

The Minister explained that as a lead-up to the funeral, there would be the lying-in-state and the provision of condolence books for signing at a number of locations. Starting on Thursday, October 28, the body will lie-in-state upstairs in the East Wing of Parliament where, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., there will be private viewing by dignitaries in the order of the Table of Precedence, from the Governor General to current and former Members of Parliament.

From 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. that same day, as well as on Tuesday, November 2, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., members of the public may view the body upstairs the East Wing of Parliament.

The public will also have an opportunity to see Mr. Thompson on Friday, October 29, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at his alma mater, Combermere; the following day, Saturday, October 30, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the George Street Auditorium; and at the St. John Parish Church on November 1, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Persons will be able to sign condolence books at the following locations: downstairs the East and West Wings of Parliament on October 28 from 1100 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on October 29 and 30, and November 1 and 2.

Condolence books will also be placed at Government Headquarters for public officers on October 29 and 30, and November 1 and 2 from 8:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. each day; at the George Street Auditorium, on October 29 and 30, and November 1 and 2 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day; at Combermere School on October 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; and at the Gall Hill Community Centre, St. John, on October 29 and 30, and November 1 and 2 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. each day.

And today she released that:

"With respect to the conduct of the service, a number of religious denominations will be represented. Dr. the Hon. John Holder will be the main celebrant. It is estimated that the duration of the service will be for one and a half hours and the service will be preceded by musical tributes beginning at 8:50 a.m. and this will be followed by the interment at the St. John’s Parish Church.”

Senator McClean indicated that many Barbadians were desirous of attending the funeral service, but stressed that admission to Kensington Oval would be by ticket only and persons would have to be seated by 8:30 a.m.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade mentioned that to facilitate persons attending the service the Transport Board would have a ‘Park and Ride’ system in operation. She indicated the sites would be the traditional locations: the National Cultural Foundation car park, the Barbados Tourism Investment Inc.’s Car park on Bay Street, the Wildey Gymnasium, Weymouth B and Queen’s College. The shuttle service begins at 6:00 a.m.

Next Wednesday is going to be a painful ordeal...

A Nation Mourns

Prime Minister of Barbados, the Honourable David Thompson, has passed away.

According to reports, the Prime Minister died at his private residence in St. Philip at 2:10 a.m.

He was diagnosed in September with pancreatic cancer after undergoing medical tests since May.

At the moment, Cabinet is in session and we await word on who will be sworn in as the next Prime Minister of Barbados, more than likely DPM Freundel Stuart.

On behalf of Cheese-on-Bread, I wish to extend deepest condolences to the PM's family, friends, colleagues and to my fellow Barbadians at this difficult time.

Going with Owen....again

Wuhlossssss. A day is a long time in politics in Bimshire. It's official, y'all. Mr. Owen Seymour Arthur is the new Leader of the Opposition Barbados Labour Party.

Here's the story in Nation News.com:

The vote to return Owen Arthur as leader of the Barbados Labour Party was a unanimous one.

George Payne told the Press today that Mia Mottley, the former leader, no longer commands the confidence of the majority of members in the parliamentary group. "Owen Seymour Arthur is the person we support...the necessary letter has gone to the Governor General and we await his decision with respect to that".

Arthur in accepting his selection by the group says no one had done more than him to facilitate Mottley, pointing out it was he who had first appointed her to his Cabinet serving as Minister of Education and Culture, Attorney General and Minister of Economic Affairs and later elevating to Leader of Government Business and Deputy Prime Minister.

Arthur says “ I really wished Mia Mottley would have led the people of Barbados to so cause them to forget about me”.

He promises to give his full attention to the leadership of the BLP. “I will give this my undivided attention. I will not be going to Antigua, I will not be doing any more consultancies. I will give this my undivided attention”.

The meeting to decide on the leadership of the BLP was held just after 10 a.m. Mia Mottley, the MP for St Michael North East, MP for St Thomas Cynthia Forde and MP for St James North Rawle Eastmond did not attend the meeting.

Along with Arthur, present were former Prime Minister Owen Arthur, George Payne, Ronald Toppin, Gline Clarke, William Duguid and Dale Marshall.

And again I say, wuhloss. They do my girl Mia real bad, though. I know people feel more confident with economist Arthur at the helm of the party because of the current environment, but I don't think she was given enough of a chance to show her worth.

It remains to be seen how Ms. Mottley will respond to this backraising (especially by her Deputy Dale Marshall). The way things are going, she may be back in the chair again by the time elections are next called, so who knows...