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Patrick

Patrick Bennett

With 15+ years of experience producing winning creative at top New York-based ad agencies, Patrick has earned a reputation for reinventing consumer brands. This, of course, fits hand in glove with Uncommon Caribbean's mission to refresh how people think about Caribbean travel. It's an ambitious task, but this born and bred Crucian has already managed similar feats for the likes of Samsung, Kraft, Six Flags, Verizon, and others; so we're feeling pretty good about having him in charge. Did we mention he's also got a passion for photography? Patrick may call Brooklyn home, but you're just as likely to find him traipsing across some distant, exotic land experiencing local cultures... Camera in hand.

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Patrick
Patrick

The World-Class Crane Beach

CraneBeach

Your Monthly Moment of Zen.

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Patrick
Patrick

Wish You Were Here

Barbados Sunset by Patrick Bennett

Watching the sunset at The Colony Club Hotel, Barbados.

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Patrick
Patrick

Music We Love: Steel Pulse – Earth Crisis

Steel-Pulse---Earth-Crisis

Steel Pulse’s Earth Crisis is my favorite album.
It’s a funny thing to say because this is not my favorite reggae album. It’s not even my favorite 80′s release. This is simply my favorite album.
I’m not saying Earth Crisis is the pinnacle of musical excellence, or anything like that. I’m just saying that it never fails to put me in the perfect mood. It always floods my mind with vivid feelings and sensations of growing up in the Caribbean.
In fact, my first “official” concert ever was Steel Pulse at the horse track on St. Croix (across from the airport) back in 1992… And that was already 8 years after this, their 5th album dropped.

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Patrick
Patrick

Wish You Were Here

DSC_3975

Riding the ferry from Trois-Ilets to Fort-de-France, Martinique.

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Patrick
Patrick

On-Site Barbados: Surfing in the Caribbean, Bajan Style

Waiting for waves at Freights Bay

When people think of surfing, they don’t generally think of the Caribbean. It seems like if the Pacific Ocean isn’t involved somehow, it’s not real surfing. Well that’s where they’re wrong. There are plenty of excellent, off-the-beaten-path sessions to be had all around the world and some of the best are in the Caribbean. But don’t take my word for it. Here’s what Scott Hargreaves, Rip Curl International Event Manager had to say on the subject just last month when it was revealed that their 2010 world-class surfing event would be hosted in the Caribbean:
“This year’s event is going to be a new experience for everyone and will definitely take a few people by surprise.

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Patrick
Patrick

Wish You Were Here

Goat Race, Tobago by Striderv via Flickr

Racing goats for Easter back in the day in Buccoo, Tobago.

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Patrick
Patrick

McDonald’s Failure in Barbados Hides in Plain Sight

Consolidated Finance building, Barbados by Patrick Bennett

While driving east out of Bridgetown on Barbados, it’s easy to miss the Consolidated Finance building. However, observant visitors may notice something familiar about the shape of this squat building. Yep, underneath that blue and white paint job hides a former McDonald’s. The only McDonald’s Barbados has known… And may ever know.
Back in 1996, this McDonald’s location opened to much fanfare, but very quickly it became clear that something was wrong. Ask any Bajan and they’ll tell you similar reasons for the downfall of McDonald’s in Barbados: We mostly like fish, chicken and pork. We like to eat healthy. McDonald’s is bland!

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