Ebuzz News
Archived: Female Stars Bare Their Bods in Support
While Jamaica is still reeling over their recent electoral process and congratulations are now in order for new Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, there’s uproar in Trinidad and Tobago over one gymnast’s decision, a year ago, to bare her upper torso, arms covering her breasts, in a personal campaigned aimed at influencing positive thought about the black, female anatomy.
Fay-Ann Lyons has thrown support behind the Trinbagonian gymnast.
Today, despite a pending decision from the Trinidad and Tobago Gymnastics Federation on whether Thema Williams- the gifted gymnast at the centre of this imbroglio, will in fact be allowed to represent the Red, White and Black at the Olympic test event in Rio de Janeiro in April, several well known faces and voices are standing in support of her.
A few images bearing the hashtag, #wesupporthema, have been hopping from pillar to post across the social network sites. The images bear two similarities. Women are the focal point and the stance of Thema’s pose has been replicated. Former Trinidad and Tobago Miss World representative, Athaliah Samuel, soca wife and mom, Fay Ann Lyons, comedian and radio host, Nikki Crosby who is also Thema’s godmother, along with former captain of the Trinidad and Tobago national women’s football team, Maylee Attin Johnson and thespian, Penelope Spencer, are all featured in the campaign, among others.
The outcry in Trinidad and Tobago has been loud. Many are questioning the timing of the initial photo’s dissemination to the media and with fellow gymnast, Marissa Dick, having also been exposed in the same light and facing disciplinary scrutiny, many question why there is far less support for Dick on the issue.
Feel free to share your thoughts on the issue with EBUZZTT. We’d love to hear from you!
Ebuzz News
‘I Am Legend’ Concert Promoter, Glenroy Watson Has Passed Away.
Caribbean Buzz
Destra Delivers Powerfully at Reflections.
“If this sharing that I’m doing touches anyone, I’m truly grateful. None of us are perfect. Some days you’ll feel good, some days you won’t, but it’s all part of the journey. Sometimes what you’re looking for is right on the horizon, and the moment you give up, you miss it. If my testimony makes anyone feel something, then my work here is done.” – DESTRA GARCIA
Trinidad and Tobago received a musical showcase of spiritual awakening yet again this past Saturday, at Destra’s ‘Reflections: Sound. Spirit. Surrender.” The event took place at Queen’s Hall, St. Ann’s and proved to be a truly inspiring and uplifting musical experience.
From the onset, the show set a standard that fans of good music with powerful lyrics, would rave about for weeks. David Rudder – a cultural icon of Calypso music out of Trinidad and Tobago, welcomed the audience as he hit the stage first delivering the very fitting, ‘High Mas.’ It was a powerful blessing no doubt – something that would lead into a seamless spiritual production. He was subsequently joined on stage by Destra, something that created a full-circle moment that drew immediate emotion from the audience.
Known for her unmistakeable vocal ability, Destra took her audience on a carefully curated musical journey, opening her set with Free Again before transitioning into slowed-down, soul-stirring renditions of some of her most beloved songs, including Love Somebody and Fly and with each performance, she revealed a different layer of her artistry, offering vulnerability, reflection, and strength.
One of the night’s most touching highlights came as Garcia shared the stage with her daughter, Xaiya, for a heartfelt duet of The Prayer. Beginning at the piano, Xaiya gently set the tone before joining her mother in song, creating an intimate moment that resonated deeply with the audience.
The production, which was creatively directed by Zara Bartels and Isoke Edwards, also showcased the incredible talent of father and son pan duo Martin and De’jean Cain as well as the Maria Regina Grade School and St. Joseph’s Convent Port- of- Spain choirs, whose vibrant and polished performances brought a refreshing, youthful energy to the stage. Gospel artiste, Nisa joined Garcia for a powerful duet of Bridge Over Troubled Water. She also performed her original composition Make Me Over, adding another layer of spiritual depth to the evening.
As the show built toward its finale, Garcia delivered a commanding rendition of Ella Andall’s Bring Down the Power, followed by classic hymns including A Little More Oil in My Lamp. This climactic segment was elevated by the presence of traditional belle dancers and African drummers, creating a rich, cultural fusion that brought the audience to its feet. Beyond the performances, the overall production, brought to life through Bridgette Wilson’s choreography and Atiba Borde’s costuming, stood out for its seamless execution, immersive ambience, and thoughtful storytelling, reinforcing Reflections as more than just a concert, but a transformative experience.
Reflections certainly delivered a powerful blend of music, filled with deep messages and meaning. In what is a very spiritual season, Destra, through the delivery of ‘Reflections,’ has carved out a space for inspiration and connection within Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural landscape – something that many would agree, is a necessity more than an option.