He’s been extremely vocal on almost every topic that’s thrown out there. Bunji Garlin- Trinidad and Tobago’s lyricist, has been using his social media clout well. He’s managed to amass a massive following of some 147,000 followers on Instagram and he’s never afraid to tell them just what’s on his mind. Of course, it’s never just between him and his die hard fans. Word that Garlin has spoken often travels leaps and bounds, even making its way to international eyes and ears- proving that he is no ordinary man by any means.
On Monday evening, Bunji rattled humbly, but with a tone that expressed true satisfaction. He had posted a simple image of his eight year old daughter, Syri. The caption however, was another story. His words deep, expressively fitting and undoubtedly well thought out, the “Chicken and Dumplin” singer spoke candidly of the reason he now smiles more than he ever did before. You see, Bunji Garlin- the man initially reputed in the music world as a masked warrior, hardly ever showed the happy emotion. There was, prior to the birth of his daughter, a mystery to him that some even found dark and unlikeable. Syri, he says, is his reason to smile, this as he credits wife, Fay-Ann Lyons-Alvarez for giving her to him.
Here’s what he shared:
Eight year old Syri.
“Everything this little girl knows it’s because we taught her. She watched us and she asked questions and as parents we owed her every honest answer. It is because we answered those questions honestly and showed her the fruitfulness and value of the knowledge she amassed, she is incredibly well mannered, polite, loving, EXTREMELY CARING adding to the fact that she wants to be a paleontologist and knows some dinosaurs by their Latin origins (at age 8) she can light up any room she walks into. She understands clearly what she is and where she is positioned and already acts on taking up the weight of what she sets her eyes on. People want to know why I smile so much now it’s because her mother gave me her to call daughter. This kid makes me like a kid all over again hahaha. She encourages joy only when she’s around, it’s like you can’t be sad once she’s there. Syri girl you’ve got one superlatively proud father. Wow @fayannlyons we did great here baby. Sometimes I feel like God is smiling more than me and you when we look at her.”- Bunji Garlin
Bunji and his wife, Fay Ann Lyons- Alvarez on set in LA.
Now, we understand the depth of Bunji Garlin’s being. He certainly is no ordinary man and even as he travels the world, makes the acquaintance of some of the high powered folk in the entertainment world, we can’ help but feel proud that the Wallerfield youth many once referred to as, “too ghetto,” has risen above the expectations of the naysayers. Bunji recently shared his behind the scenes footage alongside his wife for the filming of scenes for the movie, “Prison Logic”, which is being created by actor, Romany Malco. Garlin plays the character, “Upgrade.” While on set in LA, he shared his feelings with his fans around the world, saying, ”
EVERY SINGLE THING that was said or used knowingly or not to try to deter me is exactly what was used to place me in this position. This is not my doing. This is God allowing this to happen. One thing could’ve stopped me from being here, me. God allow the opening and gave me the strength to take it up, little did I know they were waiting all the time for the signal. I am also very glad that I have @fayannlyons to share this very moment with both on and off screen.
Dîner en Blanc is making its highly anticipated return to Port- of -Spain on Saturday, November 14, 2026, once again bringing its trademark magic to a brand-new secret location. Building on last year’s successful return, this iconic Parisian-inspired pop-up picnic continues to be one of the city’s most beloved social events – an evening where fashion, fine dining, and community come together under the stars.
Always dressed head-to-toe in white, guests will assemble to create the breathtaking tableau the event is known for. From the iconic Napkin Wave, which signals the official start of dinner, to the Sparklers Moment, which marks the end of the meal and the opening of the dance floor, Dîner en Blanc Diner promises a night filled with gourmet delights, vibrant conversation, and an atmosphere unlike anything else in the city.
To be among the first to reserve tickets when Phase 3 (Fan List) opens, guests are invited to join the exclusive Port of Spain Fan List at portofspain.dinerenblanc.com.
As dinner gives way to dancing, thousands of sparklers light up the night, marking the beginning of the celebration and the magic that is Dîner en Blanc.
THE THEME: Soirée Parisienne – La Belle Époque
For 2026, Dîner en Blanc Diner celebrates an era of Paris defined by elegance, artistry, and refinement. Guests are invited to embrace an elevated all-white aesthetic, where fashion becomes a form of expression. Tables, styled in pure monochrome, echo the sophistication of historic salons and café culture, while the dining experience draws on the traditions of French gastronomy where cuisine, conversation, and ambiance come together as one.
Meagan Monsegue and Nigel Roach, hosts of Dîner en Blanc – Port of Spain, shared their excitement for this year’s edition: “Port of Spain has embraced Dîner en Blanc as one of its signature social experiences. We’re excited to build on that legacy with an evening that’s elegant, inclusive and unforgettable,” noted Meagan.
How the Experience Works
To preserve the event’s tradition and maintain its elegant atmosphere, every guest plays an essential role. Participants must follow a few timeless guidelines: Dress code: A chic, all-white ensemble is mandatory. Elegance, originality, and creativity are encouraged. Table setting: All table elements like décor must be white to uphold Dîner en Blanc’s signature visual identity.
Secrecy of the location: The venue remains a surprise until the last moment. Guests will meet at designated departure points and be escorted by Dîner en Blanc Diner volunteers to the final location. Leave No Trace: In keeping with the event’s commitment to sustainability, guests must bring home everything they arrived with, leaving the space spotless.
What Guests Should Bring or Choose an almost Hands-Free Option
• A gourmet picnic basket packed with a gourmet meal and proper stemware and white dinnerware. Those who prefer not to pack their own meal may pre-order a catered picnic through the Dîner en Blanc D e- store for onsite pickup. • As a French-inspired celebration, Dîner en Blanc only serves wine and champagne. However, guests are welcome to bring their own selections; however, for added convenience, wine and champagne can also be pre-purchased through the official Dîner en Blanc e-store, ensuring an effortless and stress-free experience.
About the hosts of Dîner en Blanc – Port of Spain
At the helm of the 2026 edition of Diner en Blanc – Port of Spain are Meagan Monsegue and Nigel Roach. Meagan Monsegueis a lifestyle enthusiast and avid global traveller with a natural flair for personal styling and hosting. Her journey with Dîner en Blanc Port of Spain began as a Table Leader in 2016 and has evolved into her role as Co-Host today. Driven by a genuine passion for bringing people together, she brings her distinctive style, energy and love of creating unforgettable moments under the stars to every soirée. Nigel Roach is passionate about bringing together his love of music, fashion, exceptional food and drink, and unforgettable experiences. A natural connector, he thrives on bringing people together, building meaningful relationships and creating elegant events where networking and community come together in a unique atmosphere.
About Diner en Blanc
Dîner en Blanc is more than an event. It’s a global cultural phenomenon that brings friends, old and new, together to celebrate life, food, fashion, and community with a touch of mystery and a sense of spontaneity. Elegantly dressed in white, guests gather at a secret location for a chic, mass picnic, bringing their own tables, chairs, and gourmet baskets. The location remains undisclosed until the very moment of arrival, creating a sense of anticipation and delight. Over the course of the evening, attendees dine, dance, and reconnect with the finer things in life, all while sharing an unforgettable, magical experience in some of their city’s most iconic public spaces.
Today, Dîner en Blanc has grown into an international movement, celebrated cumulatively over its history in more than 120 cities across 40 countries. While Dîner en Blanc Diner International is headquartered in Montreal, Canada, each event is hosted locally by passionate organizers who bring their own flair to the original Parisian concept. Together, these gatherings unite communities worldwide in a celebration of gourmet cuisine, extraordinary entertainment, and the joy of connection. For more info, photos, and videos from around the world, visit dinerenblanc.com.
Internationally loved and embraced Soca band, KesTheBand delivered yet another unforgettable moment for Caribbean music last Saturday, September 5th – this time at the DC Jazz Festival. It was there, in the midst of the enjoyment that a special opportunity presented itself – Kees Dieffentaller would meet the global music icon, Stevie Wonder.
The surprise appearance marked a continuation of a weekend that placed KestheBand and Caribbean music at the center of some of the most significant cultural moments of Labour Day weekend. The set included an uptempo lyrical mashup of “I Just Called To Say I Love You” and “Savannah Grass,” which received thunderous applause from adoring fans.
Crediting his parents in an emotional social media post following their debut at DC Jazz Fest, lead singer, Kees Dieffenthaller shared that the Stevie Wonder hit “was the first record I had on repeat as a child.” The moment was a powerful one as Soca music and a Trinidad and Tobago band that dedicatedly promotes the genre along with their country, came face to face with one of the most influential global artistes in music history.
Just one night earlier, on Friday, September 4th, KesTheBand electrified Soca Fest at Brooklyn museum in New York, where the band was introduced by Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani. The appearance brought together Caribbean music, culture and community in one of New York’s most prominent Labor Day weekend celebrations and venues.
Kees went on to serve as an Honorary Grand Marshal of the West Indian Day Parade. The honor was shared with dancehall and reggae superstar, Buju Banton.
Kes the Band with New York City Mayor, Zohran Kwame Mamdani
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