Ebuzz News
Tobago Gold Rum Receives Chamber of Industry and Commerce Accolade. Boss Anticipates Future Moves.
Tobago Gold Chocolate Rum Cream and founder Lars Soderstrom, were recently named “Entrepreneurs of the Year” at the prestigious Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Commerce and Industry Champions of Business Awards. The company was recognized for its innovative spirit, tremendous growth, strong commercial performance, and the noticeable mark it has made in the wine and spirits industry since its inception.
Just three years after being created in a kitchen in Arnos Vale, Tobago, Tobago Gold Chocolate Rum Cream has penetrated 18 markets across the globe, and as of October 2023, won 22 international awards.
The product was inspired by the over 500-year tradition of cocoa tea in the Caribbean. Company Founder and CEO Lars Söderström – a certified chocolate maker – put his own spin on the classic recipe and created a chocolate rum cream liqueur flavoured with high-quality cocoa, 100% Caribbean rum, and Caribbean spice flavours.
The award was presented to Mr. Söderstrom at the Chamber’s official ceremony held at the National Academy of Performing Arts in Port of Spain, Trinidad. With over 500 high-profile guests in attendance inclusive of other awardees, sponsors and major brands, Lars shared, “We are deeply honoured to receive this award. Our goal has always been to produce an unparalleled product that celebrates the flavours of the Caribbean. To be recognized as “Entrepreneurs of the Year” is extremely humbling and validates the hard work of our entire team.”
Tobago Gold Chocolate Rum Cream credits its rapid growth and success to its commitment to using only the freshest, highest-quality ingredients, its innovative flavour profiles, as well as the contribution of its highly accomplished advisory committee, partners, prolific management team of experts and the entire staff body who have lent themselves to the development, evolution and continued success of the brand.
“The future is bright for Tobago Gold Chocolate Rum Cream,” said Söderström, adding, “We look forward to introducing new flavours, expanding into additional markets, and continuing to put Tobago on the map as a source of world-class craft spirits. We hope to be an inspiration to other budding entrepreneurs and as a small start-up with global success, this win should show you that it is possible. Thank you again to the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Commerce and Industry for this incredible recognition,” he concluded.
Ebuzz News
“This Project Come from a Real Place — From Loss, Learning, Faith.” – POPCAAN.
Dancehall artiste Popcorn has released an album rooted in gratitude and grounded in real-life experiences, he says. The artiste says, “Nothing Without God ” showcases his evolution.
Originally completed and scheduled for release prior to the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa, the artiste’s latest catalogue of work is created with a message of strength, faith, and restoration and now stands as a powerful reflection of resilience, one that may serve as a source of hope and inspiration for many in current times.
More than a collection of songs, ‘Nothing Without God’ hears Popcaan blend gratitude, reflection, and perseverance, offering both comfort and motivation to his fans around the world.
“This project comes from a real place — from loss, from learning, and from faith,” said Popcaan. “We’ve all been through so much, and I just want people to remember that no matter how rough it gets, God never leave us. He carry we through the storm every time.”
The 14-track album features collaborations that highlight unity, purpose, and inner peace. Lead singles “Immortal Life” and “Nothing Without God” set the tone celebrating divine protection and the power of gratitude, while songs like “Family First” (featuring Natebadz) and “Kick It Wid
A Timely Soundtrack for Healing and Hope
As the island of Jamaica rebuilds and communities unite to recover from the storm, Popcaan’s ‘Nothing Without God’ serves as a soundtrack for healing. It’s a testament to resilience and a reminder that with every test comes testimony, and through every storm comes new growth.
“It’s not just about me or music,” Popcaan explained. “It’s about the people, the country, and remembering that we’re still blessed. Jamaica strong, and God still deh yah.”
Ebuzz News
100 Days To T&T Carnival – Big Launch, Big Vibes to Hit Port of Spain, this Friday.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Greatest Show on Earth has, for years, been a tourist attraction. With 100 days to go before the two-day street parade in Port-of-Spain, the excitement is steadily building and with momentum, the National Carnival Commission is moving full speed ahead.
Carnival 2026 will be publicly launched at the Brian Lara Promenade on Friday, November 7th. The NCC, in a media release said the spectacle will begin at 9am and go through the day, transforming the city’s hub into an active thoroughfare featuring all things T&T carnival. Th event will feature traditional Carnival characters, informative workshops and exhibitions, a mini concert from reigning Panorama champions, Republic Bank Exodus Steel Orchestra, and much more. “In bringing Carnival to the city, we’re hoping to bring people to the city to come out and show their support for the culture, for the NCC, the Special Interest Groups, the vendors and small business community, and the Regional Carnivals because we’re all part of Trinidad and Tobago Carnival,” said NCC Chairman, Peter Kanhai.
TEACHING THE YOUTH ABOUT CARNIVAL
This year, the NCC will introduce something they’re calling, “The Children’s Zone,” where school children and their parents and guardians will be able to experience a distinct youth-oriented energy to Trinidad and Tobago’s Carnival. The zone will feature cultural exhibitions, displays, giveaways and more, even offering youths the opportunity to pen a ‘Love Letter to Carnival.’ “School children would be invited to write what it is they love about Trinidad and Tobago Carnival for a mural that will be displayed at the Grand Stand, Queen’s Park Savannah for Carnival next year,” the press release explained.
At 4pm, a concert will engage the public with performances by Swappi, Terri Lyons, Orlando Octave, Ravi B, Drupatee, Shal Marshall, Erphaan Alves and other featured cultural acts.
Back in August, at the corporate launch of Carnival, Minister of Culture, the Arts and Community Development, Michelle Benjamin, shared her ministry’s vision for carnival.
