Ebuzz News
Archived: It’s A Crocodile Kinda Summer ; But Will Trinidad and Tobago Really Vibe to It Anytime Soon?
While the islands await word on when there’ll be another carnival in these parts, Caribbean people around the US are feting like there’s no tomorrow. This past weekend, Atlantic City was a whole vibe with several of the Caribbean’s best entertainers gathered for non stop enjoyment at the Beach Roadtrip weekend. Among the artistes promoted for the weekend were, Dexta Daps, Bunji Garlin, Alkaline, Problem Child and Grenada’s Mr. Killa.
Problem Child is one of those artistes who’ve seemingly started the madness that usually makes its way into T&T’s carnival, annually. He’s been mashing up fetes with a song called ‘Crocodile’ that’s gaining momentum and, with hopes that T&T’s government will ease up on Covid restrictions, maybe we’ll see just what that track can do in the months ahead.
HEALTH BUZZ
Despite all that’s happening internationally however, there’s still apprehension over whether “normal” will return to T&T anytime soon. In case you haven’t heard- any non national wishing to enter Trinidad and Tobago’s borders, must be fully vaccinated with a PCR test in hand, to prove they’re free of the virus. Even nationals who wish to enter and haven’t been vaccinated, must present their negative PCR test and added to that, upon entry, they’ll be taken to an official state quarantine facility for a period of 7 days, which they’ll have to fork out the cash to pay for.
There’s still a lot of skepticism surrounding the vaccination, much in part to conspiracies, but there are also legitimate questions facing governments globally. One such question surrounds the fact that several major Western countries have exempted manufacturers from liability in the rare case where a person may suffer serious illness or injury as a result of the Covid vaccine. One may ask, why is this so, especially since up to this time, all COVID-19 vaccines operate under emergency use authorization. In the US specifically, as the Delta variant poses some threat to comfort, there is mounting pressure by some medical experts for the US Food and Drug administration to grant full approval as soon as possible as a way of encouraging those who are hesitant about taking the vaccine, to get with the programme.
Speaking with Politico, Abby Capobianco, a spokeswoman for the FDA, said the agency is moving as quickly as possible on the vaccine makers’ applications for full approval, but she would not tell Politico when that approval might happen.
Trinidad and Tobago’s government has announced plans to push their vaccination programme into high gear beginning this week, with some 800,000 doses of Chinese Sinopharm vaccines said to have been making its way to local shores by today.
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.