Of all the things that we could suggest for Kim Gittens (or anyone else) to do on a trip to St. Croix, one of the most uncommon would be a visit to the Mt. Pellier Domino Club to check out the island’s famous beer drinking pigs.
Those of us that go back aways with the Domino Club (we used to call it Jungle Bar owing to its location deep in the rainforest) remember when the pigs used to drink real beer…and LOTS of it. This wasn’t so good for them, of course, but rest assured animal lovers: today these sweet swine receive great care, and the beer on their menu is strictly non-alcoholic.
As you can see in the video, it’s quite an experience. You gotta’ have quick hands to feed these beasts…
Naomi Campbell, Robin Williams, Martha Stewart, Traci Bingham – I’ve met and worked with a lot of different celebrities over the course of my PR career, but never have I been more starstruck than when I met the guy featured in the video above.
This is Paul Keens-Douglas. A native of Trinidad who spent much of his early years in Grenada, Paul (also known as Tim Tim) is one of the most popular Caribbean storytellers around. He is also one of my greatest childhood idols. During the pre-cable TV days of late-70′s and early-80′s in St. Croix, I used to spend endless hours sitting around listening to Tim Tim performances on records and cassettes.
Like most people, I was initially drawn to Paul’s work because a lot of it is really damn funny. Tanti at de Oval still makes me laugh every time I hear it, while Party Nice, with Slim only steupsin‘, is a classic in my book right up there with anything Cosby ever put on vinyl.
Paul’s greatness as a storyteller goes way beyond comedy, though, as his serious and dramatic tales give an authentic and rhythmically wonderful look at what life is really like in the region. I’ll never forget how Storm Comin’ put the fear of hurricanes in me like nothing else I had ever seen on TV, heard at school, or read in the newspaper. It still gives me chills today.
When I met Paul, I was about 10 years-old. We were at a party at the home of a family friend in St. Croix. I have no idea how this family friend knew a legend like Paul Keens-Douglas, but I do remember nearly peeing my pants when I got the chance to shake his hand.
The video above may have a similar effect on you as it’s taken from another one of his funny stories.
To learn more about Paul Keens-Douglas, you can join his fan page on Facebook by clicking here.
Christiansted, the charming principal town on my home island of St. Croix, is celebrating its 275th anniversary in 2010. Many notable and historic events have occurred here over the centuries, but we’re choosing to mark the momentous milestone by remembering the town’s uncommon star turn in a 1980′s rap video.
In the mid-80′s there was hardly a bigger rap group, both literally and figuratively, than The Fat Boys. With 3 Gold albums (’84, ’85, ’88) and 1 Platinum release (’87), this Brooklyn trio was on top of the music world. It was pretty surprising to me, then, as a young teen growing up in St. Croix at the time, that they would come to our little corner of the Caribbean to put on a concert and shoot the music video above.
I remember our school principal threatening severe consequences for anyone who skipped classes to appear in the video, though I guess that didn’t stop the few faces I recognize jumping up with the group.
Anyway, enjoy the video, and if you want to see what’s happening in Christiansted right now, or any time for that matter, click here to check out the GoToStCroix.com webcam.
I may have Trini roots, but I must admit that I’ve never played mas’, a sin one of my aunts aims to rectify come Trinidad Carnival 2011. The pageantry of the event has always captivated me, though, especially the more elaborate costumes. In particular, I’ve often thought that it must be tough to get around wearing all that stuff. Well, this commercial confirms my suspicions in hilarious fashion…
The ad slogan for St. Lucia’sPiton Beer – See the Mountains, Drink the Beer – is brought to life in a sexy, comical way in this TV spot. Considering how easily the camera could’ve focused on another, more northerly portion of the leading actress’ anatomy to make its point, it’s probably best for our younger readers that the focus remains on her knees…
Remember the great series of Puma ads that debuted ahead of the 2004 Summer Olympics? These are some of our favorite Caribbean-themed ads of all-time because a) they’re funny, and b) they showcase a very local, down-home side of Jamaica that we love.
Just say the words “stick, stick, stick” and most anyone who was around at the time will know what you’re talking about. What is somewhat less known, however, is that among the young Jamaican runners featured in the commercials is none other than global track and field superstar and reigning world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt. He was only 16 at the time, but already displayed the chops that have made him an icon of sport on the world stage today.
The other Jamaican sprinters featured in the ads are Lorraine Fenton, Davian Clarke, and Juliet Campbell.
