PARADIS — V19/n47
TRAVEL RESORT HOMES
V19N47
T H E A U T H O R I T Y
BARBADOS DAZZLES THE WORLD WITH CARIFESTA XV
O N
FRENCH SINT MARTIN CELEBRATES ITS ‘JOIE DE VIVRE’
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M O D E R N
CALLING FOR PEOPLE TO RECLAIM THEIR RHYTHM AND MOVE LIKE THE ‘GREATS’ — BACARDÍ®
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C A R I B B E A N / L A T I N
Nordia’s Journal
L U X U R Y
Life, Style, and Purpose
SHOT IN PORTLAND, JAMAICA
READY-TO-WEAR SPRING 2026
WWW.ZUHAIRMURAD.COM
ZUHAIRMURAD.COM
PHOTO COURTESY OF ©BACARDI
WHAT WE
LOVE THIS ISSUE
“
We’re thrilled to partner with Joy Crookes — an artist who truly embodies the BACARDÍ spirit of doing what moves you. — Tjalling Simoons, Regional Brand Director of BACARDÍ Rum Europe
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BACARDÍ AND BRIT-NOMINATED SINGER-SONGWRITER JOY CROOKES DRAWS ON ITS LEGACY AND RHYTHM, TO ENCOURAGING NEXT-GEN TO DO WHAT MOVES THEM.
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ounded 1862 in Santiago Cuba BACARDÍ, the world’s most awarded rum, and BRIT-nominated singer-songwriter Joy Crookes are calling for people to reclaim their rhythm and move like the ‘Greats’, those who grew up dancing like nobody was watching.
Together launching a unique event that unites generations on one dancefloor, inspiring people to express themselves freely and celebrate the joy of movement without inhibition. The event launches in response to a growing cultural shift: people aren’t dancing like they used to. Global artistes and DJs are calling for young people to live in the moment and lose themselves in the music aiming to spark a new passion of freedom and dancing as BACARDÍ draws on its own legacy of encouraging people to do what moves them. bacardilimited.com jamaqueparadis.com
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contents
V19/N47
COVER: Model —Nordia Witter | Photographer: William Richards | Wardrobe Stylist & Designer:
Kaysian Wilson (@flowerchild1999) | Fashion Designer: Keneea Linton-George Keneea Linton (@keneealintondesigns) Rose Couture Gown, Flowerchild1999; Crystal Ankle-Wrap Heels, René Caovilla;
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Rings, Cartier; Watch, BVLGARI
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LINE BELLAY DESPAX’S Artistic Creations Born from Caribbean Roots
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FRENCH SINT MARTIN a Gastronomie Feast for Discerning Foodies
CARIFESTA XV Brings Caribbean Culture to Life
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ROME a Stroll Through Rome on a Golf Cart — REALLY!
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JAMAICA’S ROLE in the Caribbean’s Historic Postal Service
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NORDIA’S
LIFE, STYLE, AND PURPOSE
(PLUS)
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COLUMBUS YACHTS Reimagines Sculptural Beauty in Big Naan
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VILLA LA PERSONALA a Showcase of Modena’s Architectural Style and Grandeur
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RESORTS & RESIDENCES luxurious Caribbean Paradise Residences
Editor-in-Chief PETER WILLIAMS VP & Director of Operations JUNE MINTO Executive Fashion Editorial Director BERNICE CHEZ NOEL Chief Copy Editor DAWN DAVIS
Founder / Executive Creative Officer DERWENT DONALDSON FASHION Editor-at-Large PRISSILLA ZAMBONI TEJADA Retail and Brand Editor JUAN VILLAR Fashion Editor Paris PALOMA ABREU Fashion Editors Milan IVANA DUCA, ISELA SANCHEZ Contributing Content Creators ROSALY ESCUETA Style Editor Print & Social Media Blogger VALENTINA RWIGIMBA
ART / VISUAL Art Director & Digital JOEL ANDREW FOGA Digital/Web Development Director ALEX THOMAS Web and Content Blogger DMYTRO USATIUK Photographers GUILLAUME GUIRIABOYE, ALESSIO MORO Videographer ROMAN CONTE Creative Director/Productions WAVERLY STUDIOS
Asst. Style Editor Print & Social Media Bloggers YASMINE ANANE, MARIYA ATWANI Editorial Assistant TAYLOR NOEL Special Feature Editor RICHARD CROOKES Asst. Creative Director CHAPEYAMA
FEATURE & CONTRIBUTING Chief Feature Editor LAURA TANNA Lifestyle Editor PATTY HUGHES
Chief Beauty Editor BALI LAWAL
PUBLISHING / ADVERTISING
CEO/President GARRY DUELL, JR. gduell@northsouthnet.com Vice President of Advertising LUIS SARDINAS lsardinas@northsouthnet.com Operation Director ROSANA ALFONSO DUELL Editorial Director VANESSA MOLINA SANTAMARIA Tel: 305-222-7244 | www.northsouthnet.com PARADIS MEDIA GROUP, LLC Founder, CEO/President DERWENT DONALDSON PARADIS Magazine is owned by Paradis Media Group, LLC. For advertising inqires call 305.222.7244. Subscription inqiries email: subscription@jamaqueparidis.com. PARADIS Magazine is published by North South Net, Inc. under an agreement with Paradis Media Group, LLC, Palm Beach: Tel 561.510.8371, New York: Tel 561.506.5895, Caribbean / Latin America: 786.268.9461 www.jamaqueparadis.com. Reproduction by permission only. All rights reserved. ©Paradis Media Group, LLC
Vol.19/No47 8 10j aj ma ma qa qu ue pe ap ra ar da di si .s c. oc om m Vol.17/No43
STETSON.COM
EVENTS THINGS WORTH NOTING
P. Noted / EVENTS Pérez Art Museum Miami Honours Alexa Isbell Wolman at 2025 Annual International Women’s Committee Luncheon.
érez Art Museum Miami (PAMM) hosted its annual International Women’s Committee (IWC) Luncheon with premier sponsorship from The Related Group and supporting sponsorship from Carnival Corporation and Greene P Street. The celebration honoured Alexa Isbell Wolman, a PAMM trustee, executive, lawyer, philanthropist, and arts lead-
er, for her transformative contributions to Miami’s cultural community. The 180 guests across art, business, fashion, and philanthropy raised over $130,000 to support the IWC’s mission of advancing women’s representation in the arts. Hosted by the IWC Steering Committee — which is chaired by Darlene Boytell-Pérez and includes Trixie Belo-Osagie, Carol Damian, Mireille Chancy Gonzalez, Jill Ginsberg, Alexandra Lane, Tish Squillaro, and Mindy Solomon — the programme included a welcome toast by Carol Damian and remarks from Sandra and Tony Tamer, Director Franklin Sirmans, IWC Chair Darlene Boytell-Pérez, Curator Jennifer Inacio, Associate Curator Maritza M. Lacayo, IWC Steering Committee Member Jill Ginsberg, and honouree Alexa Isbell Wolman. Guests also toured Shadows and Traces: Selections from PAMM’s Collection, curated by Jennifer Inacio and supported by the IWC, which highlights female artists working in photography and printmaking. pamm.org Photos Courtesy of ©WorldRedEye.com
Darlene Perez, Alexa Wolman, Franklin Sirmans
Ada da Silva, Alexa Wolman
Aida Levitan
Anthony Spinello, Maritza Lacayo, Elliot Jimenez
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Alexa Wolman, Jocelyn Cortez Young
Ilona Bendix, Diana Boytell
Lisa Jerles, Caroline Waldmann, Tatiana Zaytseva
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Nicole Ianniello, Lauren Jane Clancy
Leslie Calero, April Matteini
Marie Elena Angulo, Mireille Chancy, Jose Carlos Diaz
Tina Caso, Doreen Chambers
EVENTS THINGS WORTH NOTING
P. Noted / EVENTS Casa de Campo Third Edition of ALMA LMA Casa de Campo acclaimed event gathering reaffirmed its position as a strategic meeting point between the Dominican and Spanish capitals. The event delivered an unforgettable experience that A artfully blended Andalusian tradition with haute cuisine and business networking with the exclusive ALMA Networking Cocktail, bringing together a distinguished group of business leaders from both countries. Spanish founders and entrepreneurs Cuchy Pérez and Susana Deleito underscored the event’s vision: to position the Dominican Republic as a privileged and secure destination for Spanish investment while strengthening commercial ties between the two nations. casadecampo.com.do
Alice Caslini, Mauro Caslini, Irene de Caslini
Aida Nadal, Sarah Troncoso
Cesar Villanueva, Marilu de Villanueva
Charles Keusters, Fernando Arata
Ana Lopez, Stefania Botteri, Brianna Botteri, Gian Botteri
Hugo Vailanti, Cristina Rovira, Cesar Sanz
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Arlane Heinsen, Americo Castillo
Cristina Trapaga, Nicola Fini
Ileana de Bonarelli, Lia Pellerano
Cuchy Perez, Susana Deleito
Jose Sanchez-Mangas, Patricia Perez
EVENTS THINGS WORTH NOTING
P. Noted / EVENTS Mezza Luna, Kingston Grand Opening @mezzalunajamaica
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EVENTS THINGS WORTH NOTING
P. Noted / EVENTS Virgin Voyages Unveils Brilliant Lady in Miami with a Glamorous Star-Filled Celebration.
iami turned up the heat as Virgin Voyages threw a star-studded celebration to welcome its newest ship, Brilliant Lady, to the city. The glittering red-hot event drew more than 2,000 guests — inM cluding DJ Khaled, rapper Swae Lee, Selling Sunset’s Polly Brindle, actors Agustina Palma and Lilimar
Hernandez, and The Real Housewives of Miami stars Kiki Barth, Alexia Nepola, Marysol Patton, and Larsa Pippen — alongside journalists, influencers, brand partners, and 1,000 of the brand’s beloved First Mates. The evening was pure Virgin — bold, musical, and unmistakably glamorous. Guests were treated to the world premiere of Red Hot, a rockumentary-style spectacular inspired by Virgin Records’ legendary music catalogue. Featuring hits from the Spice Girls, Janet Jackson, David Bowie, Queen, The Killers, and The Sex Pistols, the show celebrates Virgin’s 50-plus-year legacy in music, complete with archival footage of Sir Richard Branson and a high-octane cast that had the crowd on its feet. virginvoyages.com Photo Courtesy of © Alejandro Chavarria
Kiki Barth, Marysol Patton, Alexia Nepola, Larsa Pippen, Tara_Solomon
Bettina Nagy, Twan_Kuyper
Naomi Jury, Dj Irie
Paula Galindo, Agustina Palma
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Kathy Boos, Patricia Zavala
Lexi Wood, Tiffany_Wood
Tara Solomon, State Representative Fabian Basabe, Kristina Minkovitz, Renato Freitas, David McInerney, Dalton Unroe
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Swae Lee
DJ Khaled, Richard Branson
Mayte Ruiz, Lilimar Hernandez
Polly Brindle
For information only and is in no way intended as a endorsement of products, services, or related promotion claims.
/NOTES
Editor ’s
Basking In The Caribbean Sunshine The Caribbean is synonymous with warm weather, great food, lively entertainment, and quiet vistas.
Peter Williams, Editor-in-Chief PARADIS magazine meets Nigerian artist Alao Luqman Omotayo who shares with him details on his artwork depicting the Gèlèdè Festival with a vibrant Yoruba mask celebrating the power of "our mothers" , the equivalent of Mother's Day celebrations in Western Society
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Over the past few months, I have travelled throughout the region to discover more of its beauty and experience the hospitality of our people. With several of the PARADIS team members — including myself — based in the islands of the West Indies, we bring you a unique insight and perspective into the culture and heritage of the places that we call home. In this edition of PARADIS, we showcase the Caribbean with articles on CARIFESTA XV — a
regional showcase of our people’s vibrancy, creativity, entrepreneurship, and resilience, that Barbados hosted with over 2,500 participants and performers from more than 25 countries. I travelled to French St. Martin to discover the island through its flavours at the annual FESTIVAL DE LA GASTRONOMIE that had me relishing in soulful Creole dishes from street side vendors in the town of Marigot, to glamorous hillside villa dining venues with Michelin Star chefs from France. The stories from the persons I met on both trips drew me even closer to the people of the region that I call home, and I am delighted to share my heart-warming experiences with you in the glossy pages of PARADIS. On behalf of my fellow Caribbean compatriots, I extend to each and every one of our readers the warmest of welcomes and best wishes for your holidays in our islands’ paradise.
Cheers!
PETER BANCROFT WILLIAMS MBA | Master in International Affairs & Diplomacy Editor-in-Chief IG: jamaqueparadis Vol.19/No47 18
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Editor’s
PEOPLE
THE FINDS
MUST HAVES
THE FASHIONABLE
PARADIS CELEBRATION
D’USSÉ Friday returns this summer in collaboration with Latto Three-time Grammy nominee and 2023 BET Best Female Hip-Hop Artist winner. © D’USSÉ®
“
We believe in the hustle—and just as importantly, in celebrating it, — says
Gigi DaDan, General Manager of D’USSÉ.
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D’USSÉ® RETURNS: Spark A Celebration Of Culture, Wins, And Cocktails
D’USSÉ® cognac brand revived Roc Nation’s beloved Friday afternoon ritual with a new campaign that urges audiences to honour their week of wins alongside the milestone moments. Fuelled by the new D’USSÉ VSOP Magnum Edition bottle, which dropped earlier this year and features the brand’s signature VSOP cognac aged at least 4 ½ years, the D’USSÉ Friday campaign brings alive an exclusive celebration. The campaign which kicks off with a creative short for the brand’s new D'USSÉ VSOP Magnum Edition bottle featuring Latto, playfully nods to the longtime internet speculation around her mystery man. | P dusse.com Vol.19/No47 20
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Editor’s PICK FERRAGAMO:
The rebellious spirit of the 1920s, reimagined by Maximilian Davis for SS 2026. Effortless elegance, embodying a visual language suspended between emotion, craftsmanship, and contemporary style. Maximilian Davis’ creations look back to the Harlem Renaissance and the “Africana” movement. The collection reinterprets an age of rebellion with contemporary precision.From the sculptured Triple Gancini Earrings, Hug Soft Shoulder bag, Extendable Hug Belt to the understated refinement of a silk scarf Georgette Shirt with Trinidad Print Dress. ferragamo.com ©FERRAGAMO SS26 jamaqueparadis.com
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©MCQUEEN SS26
©MCQUEEN SS26
©MCQUEEN SS26
©SHUTING QIU SS26
©SHUTING QIU SS26
©SHUTING QIU SS26
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“
I create at the intersection of wearable sculpture, emotional memory, and rebellion. — Says
Designer Roméo Stedman Mouras
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ROMEO STEDMAN MOURAS SS 2026 Collection
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very garment, accessory, and object is a portal — handmade, deconstructed, and resurrected from past lives. Clothing is treated not as product but as testimony it carries memory, rebellion, and transformation. A THEFT
OF ESSENCE tells the story of a stolen identity reclaimed through texture, gesture, expressionism, and memory. Borrowing from waste, wounds, and whispers, the collection assembles what’s been left behind. romeostedmanmouras.com
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©SAGIO_SS26
©SAGIO_SS26
©KASAI SS26
©KASAI SS26
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©SAGIO_SS26
©KASAI SS26
DIARY
Edi Editor’s tor’s
WILD ROSE AND SPARROW SS26 PRET-A-PORTER
Set in the historical Bibliothèque Mazarine, Wild Rose and Sparrow invites you to their SS26 Collection: Ex Libris.
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DIDI STONE
XIAOLISS26 AW24 ©WILD ROSE AND SPARROW
resented in three chapters, Cove, Chevalière, and Sonnet each one explores the house’s most cherished literary leitmotifs. Cove pays homage to gothic literature, explores dark beguiling silhouettes with reinvented haunting Victorian detailing through black novelty lace. Chevalière is inspired by medieval heroines and heraldic imagery, drawing inspiration from Joan of Arc and Arthurian legends. Sonnet effortlessly leads the third and final chapter, which is an ode to sonnets and poetry, coalescing Edwardian elements with soft sheer cottons and airy lace detailing. Together, these three chapters form a triptych that embodies Wild Rose & Sparrow’s vision for spring-summer: unapologetically romantic, steeped in history and literature that unravel into the prêt-à-porter silhouettes, combining poetic sensibility with intentional craftsmanship. wildroseandsparrow.com XIAOLI AW24 XIAOLI AW24 jamaqueparadis.com
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©WILD ROSE AND SPARROW SS26
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Editor’s
LUXURIOUS HOSPITALITY
VILLA La PERSONALA In the green countryside of Modena, Villa La Personala and its Historic Village rise around the Ancient Tower dating back to 1100. — By Prissilla Zamboni Tejada
VILLA LA PERSONALA, photo ©La-personala
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Editor’s PICK
Villa La Personala is significant for its location in Modena, its history, its beauty. Originally built in the 18th century, I wanted to know all about the historical villa’s rich past, and how it maintains and reflects the architectural style and grandeur of that era. What changes and challenges the villa has undergone with various renovations over the years helps to maintain its historical charm while adapting to modern needs. Its picturesque setting and classic design makes it a popular choice for travellers seeking a unique experience in the region.
This page from Top (L-R): VILLA LA PERSONALA; Opposite page (T-B): GIARDINO; COZY REFINED SUITES, photos ©La-personala
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Located a few kilometres from Modena in Northern Italy, Villa La Personala represents a perfect balance between the charm of a historic residence immersed in the tranquility of the Modena countryside and the cultural vibrancy of the city. It is the ideal base for those who wish to discover Modena's excellence – from its UNESCO sites to its gastronomic tradition, to its legendary motoring history – without sacrificing the relaxation and elegance of an exclusive stay. Villa La Personala offers an authentic and unique experience: not just a hotel, but a carefully jamaqueparadis.com
restored noble residence, where every detail tells a story. The villa is a bridge between past and present, between city and countryside, between discovery and tranquility: a place that enhances the beauty of the Modena area by offering a warm, refined welcome deeply rooted in the local roots. Historical Significance: “Can you share the Story of Villa La Personala and any notable figures who have lived or visited here throughout the years?” n 1472, the Personali Counts moved from Bergamo to Mirandola, where they were enrolled among the local nobility. The
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Editor’s PICK
ANGELICA FERRI PERSONALI, OWNER OF THE RESORT, VILLA LA PERSONALA, photo ©La-personala
“ family’s first residence was the tower with Ghibelline battlements. Their primary concern was the transformation of the defensive tower into a villa, work that was carried out between the 15th and 16th centuries. Inside the tower, the ancient razor well was preserved. In one room, a statue of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, holding the Baby Jesus, dating back to the 13th century, was placed, which a member of the Personali family had brought from Spain. This statue, 1.60 metres tall, with its clothes extremely worn by time, still stands today in the villa “La Personala.” These are just a few of the most notable figures of the Personali family who lived in the
“La Personala” villa for more than six centuries: FEDERICO, a university professor, inventor of a hair-dyeing water, and a fiery Garibaldian. He fought with Garibaldi in the campaigns of 1848-1849. ERCOLE, a medical colonel, participated with the Sardinian-Piedmontese army, together with a coalition of European states, in the Crimean campaign against Russia (1853-1856). FRANCESCO, engineer, designer, and inventor of the first gas
Villa La Personala was the Counts’ historic residence, a place steeped in family memories and deep ties to the local area
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Editor’s DIARY
This page from (L-R): ELEGANZA-ITALIANA; FORMULA 1 MONZA photos ©La-personala
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gy efficiency. An ambitious and very demanding project that Countess Angelica Ferri Personali managed to complete and in 2021 received a certificate of merit in the FICLU International Competition “La Fabbrica nel Paesaggio” (The Factory in the Landscape), promoted by the UNESCO Club of Foligno and upon the recommendation of the UNESCO Club of Modena, Restoration and Preservation: “What with the following motivation: challenges did you face in restoring and “For the elegant restoration of a maintaining the villa, and what aspects historic noble villa, with particular attention to the original of its original architecture or decor architectural aspects, which has were most important to preserve?” n May 29, 2012, the tragic earthquake now become important for the that struck the entire lower Moderevaluation of the surrounding na area caused the collapse of the tower, landscape and for the promotion which had stood unscathed through various of sustainable tourism.” disasters since 1100, and the destruction of The villa was then subjected the villa’s interior, where precious paintings to restoration work that brought and furnishings were lost, as well as the back to life the distinctive features of the floors and portions entire surrounding village. In particular, of the walls in the various rooms. the collapse of the tower destroyed much The tower was completely rebuilt of the rich family library, which contained with arrow slits and window three thousand volumes, half of which were Drawing from the formal, precise wells, an additional defence of ancient. ofofItalian Renaissance and the fortified sites. Furthermore, The will and lines strength the Conti Ferri French Baroque areas in the garden. on its roof, the four-armed iron Personali family (surnames united by noble ThisCountess collection is inspired bycross the of the Order of Saints marriage), particularly Angelica, a enchanting Exillion Garden, a Maurice and Lazarus of the chartered accountant, who devoted herself hidden gem north of Copenhagen. House of Savoy was placed, with entirely to the reconstruction, with the invaluoperasport.net able help of the Emilia Romagna Region, led an attached weathervane, made to massive reconstruction work, lasting years, of the same metal, bearing the to restore the villa to its former splendour. initials PG (Personali Guido). The restoration of Villa “La Personala” was exceptional, aimed at recovering the Personal Connection: “What original architectural elements and finishes, inspired the Countess to structural and earthquake-proofing, and enertake ownership of Villa La and electric motor systems. RICCARDO, lawyer, Honorary President of the Supreme Court of Cassation. CESARE, physician, organised the National Guard in his villa “La Personala” in 1859, immediately after Duke Francis V of Austria-Este left for exile. ADELIO, lawyer, member of the Supreme Court of Cassation. LEONELLO, second lieutenant in the cavalry, Silver Medal of Military Valour, fallen fighting against the British in 1941 in East Africa.
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OPÉRASPORT SPRING SUMMER 2025 COLLECTION
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Personala and how has the experience of managing this historic villa enriched her life and that of her family?” fter ten years of patient and painstaking reconstruction work, Angelica — driven by a strong entrepreneurial spirit and a desire to breathe new life to the family home — decided to transform Villa La Personala into a refined event venue, enriched with 12 elegant hotel rooms. The villa today retains the authentic charm of its history, with numerous original architectural and decorative elements, expertly integrated with modern comforts and details born from the reconstruction. It is a perfect balance between memory and rebirth. It has become a symbol of resilience, beauty, and rebirth, reflecting the family’s values and the desire to share them with others.
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Guest Experience: “What unique experiences or services do you offer guests to help them connect with the local culture and history during their stay at the villa?” t Villa La Personala, we are committed to offering authentic and personalised experiences that allow our guests to deeply connect with the culture, history, and excellence of our region. We organise bespoke tours and experiences, carefully designed to make every stay truly unique and memorable. Each itinerary is tailor-made, based on the interests and desires of our guests. Our guided tours and unique cultural experiences are designed to let you feel the soul of this area — authentic, rich in history, tradition, and passion! | P
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Editor’s
PEOPLE
THE FINDS
PARADIS FIND
INSPIRED SENSORY LUXURY TRANSFORMING SKIN, MIND & SOUL
MUST HAVES
THE FASHIONABLE
PARADIS NATION
MAKING CARIBBEAN BEAUTY GLOBAL Kathryn Nurse is elevating the region’s brand landscape
OPÉRASPORT SPRING SUMMER 2025 COLLECTION Drawing from the formal, precise
Photo ©Immortelle Beauty
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lines of Italian Renaissance and mmortelle Beauty, a Caribbean cosmetic company founded by cosmetic chemist, Kathryn Nurse, with the aim of creating “Local French Baroque areas in the garden. he French word bon, means purity This collection is inspired by the Luxuries Beauty”. The company develops, manufactures and botand goodness, and the Korean word enchanting Exillion Garden, atles an aspirational Caribbean lifestyle and then sells it to all women BONJIL means essence or true nawho want to feel the warmth of an authentic Caribbean experience, hidden gem north of Copenhagen. ture. Together, they form the pure essence — while empowering themselves through beauty. Our cosmetics are 100% operasport.net reflection of beauty in its truest form — where produced in Trinidad & Tobago and is proof that sophistication and European luxury meets Korean performance local are not mutually exclusive concepts. Immortelle Beauty is a comand innovation. BONJIL believes true beauty pany that has a provincial mindset but strives to cater to international starts with happiness and balance, a quiet standards, bringing the concept of affordable luxury to the Caribbean. harmony of mind, body, and skin. Skincare Our goal is to inspire our customers to expect more from local brands should not just be routine, it should be a moand for other locally-made brands to rise to the challenge of those ment of self-connection. | P bonjil.com higher expectations. | P immortellett.com Photo ©BONJIL
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Opposite page: LINE BELLAY DESPAX Painter and ceramic artist: ©photo courtesy of Line Bellay Despax.
LINE BELLAY DESPAX
An Artist Whose Work is Inspired By Her Caribbean Roots — By Laura Tanna Born in Fort de France, Martinique, and growing up as a teenager in French Guyana, Line Bellay Despax has become an internationally acclaimed artist of unusual skill, excelling first at pastels, then painting porcelain, and eventually at the art of fusing glass to create works of astonishing colour and beauty. Vol.19/No47 32
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While working as a private accountant in Cayenne, French Guyana she met her husband, Jean Michel Despax, a civil engineer. They married only after she moved to London to complete her diploma, spending six months learning English. Once in France, Jean Michel ultimately graduated from the prestigious Ecole Nationale Administrative (l’ENA) and Line became seriously involved in art, taking advantage of evening courses in painting at the Beaux Arts de Paris in Saint-Germain-des-Prés, a national school with one of France’s largest public art collections including some 450,000 works of art and books of historic value. She also took painting lessons at the “Société des Pastelistes de France” an organisation established in 1885, similar to the Royal Watercolour Society in England. The Société disappeared in 1929, only to be revived in 1984, offering exhibitions and painting lessons in pastels.
P R O F I L E | P
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Painting on porcelain everything from African Masks or IndianWomen
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Opposite page from top (Left to Right): AFRICAN WOMAN WITH AN ANTELOPE; FEMME AU CHAPEAU BLEU ET BLANC; RACES AT LONGCHAMP, ©Photos courtesy of Line Bellay Despax
This page (Left to Right): THE COFFEE MAKER; THE YOUNG AFGHAN GIRL AT THE PIANO, ©Photos Courtesy of Line Bellay Despax.
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er first actual professor was an American pastelist in New York where Line lived between 1988 and 1990 when Jean Michel was posted to the French mission to the UN. Her exquisite watercolour paintings are primarily of flowers, though her painting of horses, ‘Racing at Longchamp’, is amazing in depicting her ability to capture the race’s dynamism. Line says she moved quickly on to porcelain with Véronique Habrègre-Etrève in Versailles, one of the Meilleure Ouvriére or Best Craftsman of France. For thirty years Line has worked in this medium, painting on porcelain everything from African Masks or Indian Women to Paris which started her on a current series entitled ‘The Cities’. From Paris she has painted Moscow, even the village of Mardin in Turkey and a village in Italy. But when she discovered glass and fusion with Marie Brigitte Ceppi in Switzerland, Line’s world exploded. While skilled in all three forms of art, it is the fusing of glass, inspired by Murano glass makers near Venice, that must be the most intense kind of creation. In fact, fusing glass consists of superimposing several pieces of glass over one another onto a base plate and then, making sure that the pieces of glass are compatible and of the same category, heating them to 800 degrees until they melt and fuse. This can take a full day and
may require more than one firing but the results can be incredible. As Line’s husband’s diplomatic career progressed, Line has benefitted from living in Geneva twice, several times in Paris, in New York, Milan, as well as in Cameroon, and Jamaica. Throughout all of this, including having three boys, one born in New York and two in Paris, she pursued her artistic career and gives full credit to Jean Michel in supporting her artistic creations. When asked if having children interfered with her work, she replied: “Not at all. Our movings were more disturbing, especially the first year of arrival but they were opportunities to meet new artists and to improve my technique and open my inspirations.” Inspiration may also have been derived from her mixed background with a mother whose heritage was not only Caucasian French but Indian from Pondichéry while her father was of Corsican and French Guyanese ancestry. She had a full life growing up with two brothers and five sisters. Line Bellay Despax’s artistic creations have been exhibited in Divonne les Bains, Geneva, Milan, Paris, Bordeaux, and in Osaka where a beautiful article in a local newspaper saluted her works there. You can view for yourself examples of her exquisite work on her website: Despaxcreation.com | P jamaqueparadis.com
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DANCING THE ARCHIPELAGO ©Photo courtesy of Carifesta
CaRi FeStA
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From the Cultural Editor’s Desk
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In Barbados — Celebrating Caribbean Culture And Talent. jamaqueparadis.com
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TRADITIONAL DRESS ©Photo courtesy of Carifesta
A kaleidoscope of art and culture celebrated bi-annually in the Caribbean came alive across venues in Barbados summer 2025, bringing together some 2,500 delegates from 25 countries in over 300 events.
Performances and participants ranging from dancers, comedians, musicians, actors, chefs, filmmakers, hospitality players, fashion designers, artisanal creatives, and cottage industry entrepreneurs filled 10 days with an endless variety of panoramic insights highlighting the Caribbean’s vibrant culture and heritage for the world to see and enjoy. Here is a sampling of some of the most memorable events I attended.
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The theme of this year’s festival, “Caribbean Roots, Global Excellence’’
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CARIFESTA OPENING STAGE SHOW ©Photo Courtesy of courtesy of Carifesta
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Golden Square Freedom Park, Bridgetown
olden Square Freedom Park hosted the kick off celebrations for CARIFESTA XV with a grand cultural explosion of the Parade of Nations featuring over 300 stilt walkers, aerialists, drummers, and live orchestra. The theme of this year’s festival, “Caribbean Roots, Global Excellence’’ was described by Dr. Carla Barnett, Secretary-General of CARICOM as “an enduring testament to the brilliance, boundless creativity and resilience of the people of the Caribbean”. The Park featured ‘Touch Mural’ Art, a sensory project spearheaded by the Barbadian family of potters. Commissioned by the National Cultural Foundation of Barbados, this large-scale ceramic piece tells the story of clay in Barbados, from its Amerindian origins to the present day, incorporating local history and cultural elements. ‘Cat Luck Ain’t Dog Luck’ — standup comedy had audiences in stitches as the spoken word was delivered in numerous Caribbean parlances, making fun statements from everyday island life. Comic artistes mimicked hilarious conversations people engage in at bus stops, friends bickering over the accuracy of newspaper reports, the superfluous use of Caribbean proverbs, to describing relationships and perseverance — such as ‘Cat Luck Ain’t Dog Luck’ which means because one person is lucky in a certain matter does not mean another person in the same situation will have the same success. The stories of the Anancy Spider, a clever trickster from Caribbean folklore had me smiling from ear to ear, wider than that of the Cheshire cat in Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland!
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CARIFESTA XV - a testament to the brilliance, boundless creativity and resilience of the people of the Caribbean
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SURINAME NIGHT ©Photo courtesy of Carifesta
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Nightly entertainment hit the stage with bands from across the Caribbean, troops of dancers, and singers.
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COUNTRY NIGHTS
©Photo courtesy of Carifesta
The Grand Pavilion
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Folk singers from San Andrés island were a true reflection of the diversity of Caribbean peoples’ identities.
” Left to Right, (1-2) THE HONOURABLE MIA AMOR MOTTLEY, Prime Minister of Barbados greeting a fan; (3) MRS. CAROL ROBERTS, Chief Executive Officer. The National Cultural Foundation (4-7) ANTIGUA Night; BERMUDA Night, HAVANA Night; TRINIDAD Night (8-11) GUYANA Night; CAYMAN ISLANDS Night; JAMAICA Night; BVI Night
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t the heart of activities was the CARIFESTA XV Village & Grand Market located at Waterford. In a tented pavilion was a stage for performers, food courts offering cuisines from across the Caribbean, and more than 100 retail spaces for artisans and cottage industry players displaying their crafts to sell their products and services to hundreds of visitors passing through. Sea Island cotton woven tapestries, jewellery, clothing, cosmetics, clay pottery, glassware, and so much more were on offer. Capturing my interest was the leather work from Guyana and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, so I treated myself to a tan belt with refined detailing and embossments that made it a standout piece. My favourite food court meal was grilled mahi mahi, a fish served with a variety of pickles, condiments, and sauces accompanied by Bajan polenta styled Cou-cou made from crushed green bananas, downed with a drink of local favourite Mauby. Nightly entertainment hit the stage with bands from across the Caribbean, troops of dancers, and singers lighting up the faces of attendees revelling in the rhythms and movement of performers. One of the most memorable performances was folk singers from San Andrés, a Colombian island off the coast of Nicaragua, south of Jamaica’s Pedro Cays with their reggae music spiced with Spanish words and broken English, while their salsa dance movement and costumes portrayed Afro-Latino influences — a true reflection of the diversity of Caribbean peoples’ identities.
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National Performing Arts Centre
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ocated in Newton, Christ Church, as part of the Barbados Heritage District masterplan, the Centre hosted lavish cultural and heritage performances where I attended Mansa Musa performance and a musical Tribute to Burgie. ‘Mansa Musa: The trail of lost gold — The Prelude’, an African theatrical masterpiece created by Ghanaian playwright Chief Moomen, transported us to 14th-century West Africa. Celebrating the life and times of the world’s richest man, the legendary emperor of Mali, Mansa Musa, colourfully choreographed a performance that awakened a sense of pride and ownership of identity by many in the audience who could link their ancestral lineage to West Africa where Mali is located. Scene by scene we were captivated by the 100-plus Ghanaian and Barbadian performers in dazzling outfits whose deep timbre voices, accompanied by drumming and dance, recreated the grandeur of Mansa Musa’s royal court renowned for its influence on trade, culture, and scholarship. On another evening, I went to see ‘A Tribute to Irving Burgie: The Man. The Music. The Legacy’, a multimedia production weaving a mosaic of dance, song, music, and theatre into a captivating performance. Born in the USA to a Barbadian mother, he studied at The Julliard School, and in 1966 penned the national anthem of the newly independent Barbados. The musical was choreographed in a classroom setting of children researching a project on the life of Burgie. Best known as a songwriter, he brought Calypso music into the mainstream and composed several songs for singers, including Harry Belafonte. Songs Burgie wrote include the ever popular “Day-O”, “Jamaica Farewell”, “Island In The Sun”, “Angelina”, and “Coconut Woman” — each song a powerful expression of Caribbean pride, artistry, and identity.
Richard Stoute Amphitheatre at the National Botanical Gardens
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he Amphitheatre featured four blockbuster concerts on separate nights covering Soca, Caribbean Jazz, Reggae, and Kaiso, as well as the Closing night of CARIFESTA XV fireworks show. Artistes from across the Caribbean had us dancing throughout the night to pulsating island rhythms.
Soca night was a high energy dancing showdown between favourites Machel Montano, Peter Ram, Dariena Bailey Band, and other acclaimed artistes. Jazz night was an elegant evening of soothing music featuring Michele Hendeson, Jeremy Hector, Michael Boothman, and international invitees Ayoni and Rocky Dawuni. Reggae night was filled with heavy weights bringing powerful messages of unity to the audience from performers that included Morgan Heritage, Warrior King, Tanya Stephens, and Casheda Dottin. Kaiso night had us grooving to the oldies with calypso songs performed in tribute to legendary Caribbean artistes and contemporary rising stars. Performers included Zachary Wilson, who charmed with ‘Play a Mas, Mr. Judah Goddard lifted spirits on his steelpan, and Short Shirt hailing from Antigua, at 83, put on his dancing shoes to show the audience how to move to the beats of his oldie-goldies tunes.
(Opposite page): FASHION SHOW IN BRIDGETOWN
©Photo courtesy of Carifesta; (This page T-B): ART SHOW; GRAND MARKET; THE HONOUR-
ABLE MIA AMOR MOTTLEY AT CLOSING CEREMONY,
©Photo courtesy of Carifesta
The Finale
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ringing down the curtain on the closing night themed One Las’ Lime featuring a kaleidoscope of Caribbean talent, the Prime Minister of Barbados, Mia Mottley, took to the stage to thank everyone for making CARIFESTA XV a success. Headlining the night’s entertainment package for the audience to dance up a storm was Jamaica’s Tarrus Riley singing his anthems ‘She’s Royal, and ‘Just the Way you are’, to a jubilant crowd, who will forever remember this year’s CARIFESTA as an enduring testament to the boundless creativity and resilience of the people of the Caribbean. | P jj aa m m aa q qu u ee pp aa rr aa d d ii ss .. cc o om m
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S O J O U R N S | P
HALL OF THE PERSPECTIVE VIEWS, FRESCOES BY BALDASSARRE PERUZZI, 1519 FLAT PAINTING ON WALL THAT APPEARS THREE DIMENSIONAL, ©Laura Tanna, Paradis Magazine
ROMA THE
TAKE A TIMELESS JOURNEY THROUGH ART, HISTORY AND BEAUTY, DISCOVERING THE MOST REFINED RESIDENCE OF THE ROMAN RENAISSANCE — FRESCOED MASTERPIECES BY HIGH RENAISSANCE ARTISTS, THE VILLA FARNESINA IN ROME IS A GRACEFUL DIALOGUE BETWEEN ARCHITECTURE AND ITALIAN GARDENS.
ETERNAL CITY BY GOLF CART All right I know you think I’m crazy or being
disrespectful to one of the oldest cities in the world but let me explain. The first time I visited Rome was with my parents and as we stood in St. Peter’s Square while the Pope blessed us from his balcony, a man pinched my bottom! Now I was just 15 at the time and totally shocked that any Italian would be so disrespectful, both to me and to the Pope. — By LAURA TANNA jamaqueparadis.com
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FOUNTAIN TREVI, THE MOST FAMOUS OF THE ROMAN FOUNTAINS: A JEWEL OF WATER AND STONE. ©Laural Tanna, Paradis Magazine.
Fast forward and years later I’m staying in Rome for the fifth time, along with relatives who both need wheelchairs to navigate the city’s cobblestoned streets, as well as a nephew in his 40’s who has never been to Rome before. So when a cousin suggested trying out a tour of Rome’s highlights with driver and English-speaking guide in a golf cart, with pick-up from our hotel, that seemed a great idea.
Which it was!! I can highly recommend it to anyone, young or old, because we rode around Rome’s narrow lanes right at eye level with pedestrians without having to do the walking. Peering into shops and markets, passing elbow length away from people in cafes, stopping to take photos wherever we wanted at famous monuments for three hours was just perfect. Vol.19/No47 52
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Opposite page: HALL OF CONSTANTINE IN VATICAN MUSEUM. TRIUMPH OF CHRISTIANITY. This page: GOLF CART TOUR. ©Laura Tanna, Paradis Magazine
The Fountain of Trevi was our first stop, though my nephew and I got up at seven am the next morning and walked back to enjoy it without throngs of tourists so that we could throw our coins into the fountain. The first one was so that we could return to Rome. Our guide told us a new one. Throw a second coin in the fountain to meet an Italian and a third one to marry him or her! I’d never heard that one before and since I’m happily married, I just threw the one. Piazza Navona with its marvelous fountain was another stop among many, including the top of Janiculum Hill with a splendid view of Rome as we stood before the great equestrian statue by Emilio Gallori of Italy’s Liberator, General Garibaldi. Tours can be tailored to your tastes.
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The chamber contains the masterpiece of the collection, the Portrait of Pope Innocent X by Diego Rodriguez de Silva y Velázquez dated 1650. This piece was painted at a time of great shifts in international politics, marked by the Papacy’s rapprochement with Spain.
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Opened by Innocent X Pamphilj in 1651, this Pope’s portrait by Velazquez and bust sculpted by Bernini feature in the Villa’s magnificent rooms.
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ur first day I had booked a private four-hour tour for the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel and St. Peter’s Basilica with a hotel pickup by Chiara Maria Stefani, a Polish Italian, the finest guide I’ve had anywhere in the world, equalled only by Anna Gorgey in Budapest. The lines to enter the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel are so long as to make the cost of private or skipthe-line tours imperative. Our tour worked perfectly even for someone who needed a wheelchair because the Vatican Museum provides them and of course the treasures inside are a must see. Sadly, for us, it was Jubilee Year with many pilgrims, and the Pope chose to use St. Peter’s Basilica for religious ceremonies that day, so our St. Peter’s tour was cancelled. Fortunately, I’d planned another one-hour tour that afternoon to the iconic Ancient Pantheon, whose more than 130-foot-dome is famous for its circular ceiling opening to the skies. Italy’s Kings Vittorio Emanuele I and Umberto I are buried here. A private tour of Galleria Doria Pamphilj, also wheelchair accessible, provided entry another day to a fabulous collection of over 400 paintings. Opened by Innocent X Pamphilj in 1651, this Pope’s portrait by Velazquez and bust sculpted by Bernini feature in the Villa’s magnificent rooms. Villa Farnesina, built between 1506 and 1510, also included in our four-hour tour, is famous for its frescoes by High Renaissance artists. The stunning artwork in these two villas, whose noble families provided Popes to the Vatican, are definitely places which anyone with an interest in Italian art and history should add to their Roman visits. Except for the Pantheon tour, all were booked with Divine Horizon Tours, recommended by my hotel, and all were excellent!
POPE INNOCENT X BY VELAZQUEZ. ©Laura Tanna, Paradis Magazine
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ith the arrival of yet another nephew who didn’t know Rome, he and I visited the Vatican Museum and Sistine Chapel in a larger private tour. Alas, once again the Pope took over St. Peter’s Basilica which was disappointing because the beauty of those interior twisted marble columns remains a magnificent image in my mind. However, another day we took a six-person Liv Tours starting with amazing views from Palatine Hill, and then the Forum and into the Colosseum, truly an immersion into ancient Rome and even better because we had guide Raffaela Indrizzi entirely to ourselves. Having enjoyed Spendide Hotels in Lugano and Paris, we stayed in Hotel Splendide Royal Roma where General Manager Daniele Carta was most charming. A Mercedes E-class car met us at the airport, and we dined that night at their 8th floor Michelin starred Mirabelle Restaurant with views of night-time Rome and the lovely Russian Ludmila looking after us.
We also discovered Mandaloun Ristorante Libanese, right outside our hotel, where we had an excellent Lebanese meal another evening on their sidewalk terrasse. To top things off, my husband asked for a good Chinese restaurant and our golf cart guide told us about Oo Long Chinese Restaurant, Piazza S. Paolo Alla Recola 39. Most enjoyable! Of course, lunch or dinner at The Hassler Hotel at the top of the Spanish Steps or their 7th floor terrace for drinks and a light meal as you watch the sun set while picking out famous monuments with their printed guide is always a pleasure. And how could anyone leave Rome without enjoying pizza and pasta. Pizzeria San Marco, Via Sardegna 38 turned out to be the perfect ending to our Roman adventure. | P
Opposite page (Top to Bottom): PALATINE HILL VIEW; PIAZZA NAVONA FOUNTAIN This page (Left to Right): ROME AT NIGHT FROM HASSLER HOTEL; STATUE OF HERCULES MASTAI IN VATICAN MUSEUM; OOLONG CHINESE FINE DINING RESTAURANT ROME. ©Laura Tanna, Paradis Magazine
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CENTURIES OLD JOURNEY
LETTERS HAVE BEEN A FUNDAMENTAL PART OF HUMAN COMMUNICATION AND EXISTENCE FOR THOUSANDS OF YEARS.
DISCOVER THE CARIBBEAN’S MOST HISTORIC POSTAL SERVICE
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By JONATHAN GREENLAND
POST OFFICE DELIVERY WAGON BEARING THE ROYAL CYPHER FOR KING EDWARD VIII, ©Photo courtesy of National Museum Jamaica
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Dr. Jonathan Greenland is Director of the National Museum Jamaica and also a member of the Stamp Advisory Committee.
Today, with the rise of social media and instant messaging, the ancient art of letter writing has largely fallen out of style in everyday life. People now prefer quick, digital communication through apps, emails, and social platforms, which offer speed and convenience. As a result, the practice of sitting down to write a letter by hand has become a rarity.
Opposite page: POST OFFICE ON MARKET STREET, FALMOUTH IN OLD SPANISH TOWN,
©Photo courtesy of National Museum Jamaica
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However, letters still hold a special place for meaningful occasions, like thankyou notes, condolences, love letters, or formal communication. While less common, they offer a personal and lasting touch that digital messages often lack.
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The postal service on island began almost 355 years ago, on October 31, 1671, following regular complaints of Jamaican residents who expressed their dismay over the slow rate of mail delivery.
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The
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Until 1900, when Jamaica’s first pictorial stamp of Llandovery Falls was issued, all stamps bore pictures of Queen Victoria.
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This page: AIR MAIL ARRIVES IN THE ISLAND. Photo by ©National Museum Jamaica. Opposite page (Top and Bottom): POST MEN AT GENERAL POSTAL OFFICE, ©Photo courtesy of National Museum Jamaica
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etter writing has a long history in Jamaica. The postal service began almost 355 years ago, on October 31, 1671, following regular complaints of Jamaican residents who expressed their dismay over the slow rate of mail delivery. Jamaica was the first English colony to have an established Post Office. The island soon appointed a Postmaster General, Gabriel Martin, who established the first post office in the then capital, St. Jago De La Vega, now known as Spanish Town which operated as a sub-branch of the British Post Office. He tried to establish a postal route using horses but the mail service never managed to be organised outside of the capital city. Records show that people were displeased with Martin’s work and returned to the old habit of having sea captains carry mail. In fact, Jamaican residents would often send letters in duplicate and triplicate out of consideration for losses at sea due to storms, accidents and/or capture by enemy ships or pirates. Often the mail would contain prayers for safe arrival and abbreviations such as Q. D. C. the Latin version of W.G.P. (for Quam/Quem Deus Conservet or Which/ Whom God Preserved) and a handstamp noting the letter’s point of origin. It would often find its way to an institution known as the Jamaican Coffee House in St. Michael’s Alley, Cornhill, London. This Coffee House was usually the first stop for ships’ captains upon arriving in London, to deliver mail and give news to the West Indian merchants who gathered there.
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The
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The Century Service Expands n 1711 the act establishing General Post Offices for all His Majesty’s Domains was passed in the British Parliament. This created post offices throughout the British West Indies under the control of London’s General Post Office. In Jamaica the planters had grown so accustomed to merchant sea captains carrying their mail that they were doubtful about this new development. The packet service method of letter delivery was briefly revived with the postal service operating ten packet boats on two West Indian routes with Kingston serving as one of the main naval bases for the West Indian fleet. During the 18th Century, bolstered by the island’s growth due to sugar cultivation, Postmaster General Edmund Dismore (appointed in 1754) oversaw the creation of some 34 post offices throughout the island. Many of these remain active locations today. Letters were generally mailed under the seal of the general post office and delivered to the ship’s masters with the ship’s name written in the corner of the envelope. The straight JAMAICA handstamp was introduced in 1746 and in 1776, at the time of the American War of Independence, the main post office moved to Harbour Street in Kingston and the postal service operated as a branch of the British Post Office .
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ll this was to change in the 19th century as in 1860, the Jamaican postal service ended its subbranch status with the British Post Office. In that same year, distinctive Jamaican postage stamps were introduced for the first time replacing British stamps which were then in circulation. During this period, steamships also laid the groundwork for the global postal network we know today. They significantly reduced delivery times and connected people across continents, enabling faster international communication and commerce. Stamps were the brainchild of English schoolmaster Rowland Hill. Prior to the use of stamps, recipients paid for mail on delivery, so if they refused to pay then no revenue was collected. The first stamps, the one-penny black and the two-pence blue, each carrying a likeness of Queen Victoria, noted a set rate regardless of distance travelled and went on sale in 1840. Until 1900, when Jamaica’s first pictorial stamp of Llandovery Falls was issued, all stamps bore pictures of Queen Victoria wearing a laurel wreath in her hair (a symbol of victory in Ancient Greece and Rome). In 1877 Jamaica joined the postal union and by 1903, bicycles were being used to deliver mail. Daily service intra-is-
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land and direct fortnightly service between Jamaica and the United Kingdom had begun. Mail was becoming faster and more efficient and mailboxes were appearing all over, even on passenger trains. The
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n 1907, following the massive earthquake that demolished much of downtown Kingston, the postal service was only briefly interrupted. It resumed under a Lignum Vitae tree in the yard where the executive branch of the postal service had once stood. Soon after, the main office moved to King Street. A year later, in 1908, the Cash on Delivery (C.O.D.) system was established. On the 1st of April 1910, mail was carried for the first time by motor transport. Before this delivery had been entirely by hand, bicycle, or horse and cart. By 1924 there was a post office every 17.8 square miles and soon after specially-designed Jamaican postcards began to be issued. Before then, British postcards had been the only option. There have been a few other brief periods with breaks in service: in 1916, due
IN 1900 JAMAICA ISSUED ITS FIRST PICTORIAL STAMP FEATURING LLANDOVERY FALLS, ALSO KNOWN AS THE KONOKO FALLS IN THE PARISH OF ST. ANN
Tours can be arranged by contacting the Jamaica Post at www.jamaicapost. gov.jm. Visitors can learn about the history of letter writing, the post office and the role of stamps through time. Stamp collectors can access a range of historical stamps and memorabilia by contacting the Philatelic Bureau at philatelicunit@ jamaicapost.gov.jm
Opposite page: MAIL DELIVERY ON THE MONA HOUSING ESTATE NEAR KINGSTON, JAMAICA 1961 This page: SORTING THE MAIL G.P.O; THE LLANDOVERY STAMP ©Photo courtesy of National Museum Jamaica
to World War I and in the 1940s by World War II. In 1919, work stopped briefly due to a strike. A huge change was to come with the introduction of aeroplanes. Before this international postage had been conducted using steam ships. On the 10th of December 1930, Caribbean Airways, the local airline, carried Jamaica’s first airmail. In 1980 the Post Office’s administrative headquarters was established on South Camp Road, in its distinctive new building. It remains there today. With the advent of the Postal Services Act (1941) the Post Office became a statutory body with full powers under the law, capable of regulating the courier sector and setting market rates for its products and services. The
21th
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The 21st Century: Branching Out ver time, post offices also facilitated critical government and personal services: pensions, social benefits and bill payments, phone cards, money transfers, and photocopy services, newspapers, magazines, internet access, small business loan generation, loan repayment and collections, and automated banking. Between 2001-2018,
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Jamaica Post introduced the Zip Mail, Fast Track, and Kick’N’Ship Express services. Today, at its head office or Central Sorting Office (C.S.O.) at 6-10 South Camp Road, the Postmaster-General leads a staff of close to 1600 at some 170 postal agencies and 237 post offices islandwide. Commercialised products incorporating its stamp collection are also sold and local and international courier services and private letter boxes at some 400 postal points (offices and agencies) islandwide. What imagery is featured on the stamps is overseen by the Stamp Advisory Committee in consultation with the Philatelic Bureau of Jamaica Post. External agencies can request commemorative stamps for significant anniversaries or events. Stamps almost always celebrate some aspect of Jamaican culture and history. | P jj aa m m aa q qu u ee pp aa rr aa d d ii ss .. cc o om m
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SERENE MONACO
And its Annual Monaco Yacht Show There are places on earth that feel less like destinations and more like revelations. Monaco is one of them.
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ATLANTIDE after HUISFIT rebuild, Photo ©Tom van Oossanen.
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Columbus Yachts Big Naan, the first unit in the Crossover line to take to the water and explore the future. More than just a yacht, it’s a vision sculpted in metal, an architecture of desires in motion.
Marble, precious metals, soft-touch fabrics, and pop art blend together in a multisensory narrative. jamaqueparadis.com
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My first visit, timed perfectly with the 2025 Monaco Yacht Show, was nothing short of transformative — a plunge into a world where the sea glimmers like molten glass and innovation floats gracefully on its surface.
For decades, the Monaco Yacht Show has been the global stage for nautical excellence: where visionaries, craftsmen, dreamers, and adventurers converge. But experiencing it firsthand is a different story entirely. Walking into Port Hercule felt like stepping into an open-air cathedral of engineering and imagination, each yacht a gleaming testament to what happens when artistry meets ambition.
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Its muscular lines exudes an explorer’s soul … perfect for sailing against the backdrop of sublime Caribbean vistas
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had the privilege of immersing in a close up, uninhibited tour of one beautiful vessel in particular: Big Naan, Columbus Yachts’ impeccably appointed and groundbreaking creation — the first in their Crossover line to touch the water. From the moment I stepped aboard, it was clear that Big Naan is more than a yacht. It is a philosophy made tangible. A sculptural expression of how one should journey the high seas. Clean, assertive lines meet warm, intentional spaces, every detail speaking the language of discretion, sophistication, and purpose. Designed by Hydro Tec and featuring interiors by Hot Lab, Big Naan is a compact yet visionary 42-metre vessel with a displacement of 443 GT. Its muscular lines exudes an explorer’s soul, with angled surfaces and forward-pushed volumes perfect for sailing against the backdrop of sublime Caribbean vistas. The steel displacement hull, with a bulbous bow and flat, harmonious aft sections, expresses power and grace, while the aluminium superstructure suggests lightness. Big Naan offers a spacious cockpit capable of housing a large tender (5.9 metres) operated by a crane recessed in the starboard bulwark, the first SOLAS-certified tender of this size. An amazing swimming pool, holding 17 cubic metres of salt water and approximately 2 metres at its deepest point, was designed to be structural to the hull, for its four glass walls provide natural light to the beach club area below. Located on the lower deck, the beach club is accessible via two hydraulic doors
This page: ANGELIE SPENCER, photos ©Angelie Spencer
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CROSSOVER 42 BIG NAAN MASTER SUITE; CROSSOVER 42 BIG NAAN SALON photos ©Columbus Yachts
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positioned to port and starboard of the aft swim platform. The interiors are astonishing for their ability to combine rigorous design with an emotional and domestic dimension. Marble, precious metals, soft-touch fabrics, and pop art blend together in a multisensory narrative. Neutral tones define the main salon with splodges of bright colours through designer furnishings, artistic details, and textures creating an uncommon elegance space. The micro-perforated metal ceiling, illuminated by sculptural light fixtures, amplifies the contemporary feel, while the marble cladding and dark wood panelling lend a precious and sophisticated touch. The central, intimate dining area is enhanced by a large custom Minotti table. A cascade of modern lighting creates a dramatic, welcoming atmosphere, perfect for glamorous or more intimate dinners.
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he lounge area features large seating and benches along the windows. Light shades, metallic details, and glossy and matte surfaces alternate in a play of delicate contrasts. The Eichholtz sofas are displayed with Gervasoni poufs. The fully customised metal American bar and a snack bar welcomes guests upon arrival. The owner suite, located forward on the main deck, is a blend of elegance and functionality. At the entrance, there’s a study with a grey leather-upholstered desk and shelves. Then there’s the generously sized walk-around cabin with a large wardrobe, a vanity with an Amura armchair, and a marble bathroom with a double shower and separate toilet. The project stems from the desire to surprise with a balance between innovation, art and nature. Lighting shapes the spaces and intensifies materials and volumes, conveying a sense of openness and well-being. The result is a superyacht that impersonates contemporary style with grace. The spacious upper deck cockpit, furnished with conversation sofas, overlooks the media/gaming room, which features a Minotti sofa and a large TV screen. The seamless connection between indoors and outdoors is ensured by two lateral sliding doors combined with a fully opening aft door. The sun deck stands out for its generous dimensions — 12 metres long and 7 metres wide. Beneath the large hard top, there is a custom Roda teak table, a bar with stools, grill, refrigerator, and ice maker. The TV rotates 360 degrees to serve all areas. At the bow, two conversation sofas create a welcoming lounge, while the aft area is completed
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by sunpads and additional seating. Below deck, the four-cabin layout features two VIP cabins, a guest cabin with a double bed, and a double cabin that converts to a triple with a pullman bed, all with spacious bathrooms. The nine-member crew is accommodated in four double cabins below deck, and the captain’s cabin is on the upper deck, adjacent to the wheelhouse. Propulsion is provided by two 742 kW Caterpillar C32 ACERT engines, achieving a top speed of over 14 knots, and with a cruising speed of 12 knots. The approximately 60-cubic metre fuel tanks allow for a range exceeding 5,500 nautical miles at an economical speed of 10 knots. Big Naan is equipped with a selective catalytic reduction system enabling her to cruise within marine protected areas. Big Naan embodies a new era: one where elegance and endurance coexist, where comfort is harmonised with capability, and where innovation is not a statement but a standard. As the sun set over the Principality of Monte Carlo, casting its golden glow across the Port Hercule harbour, I am immediately drawn from my enchanting reverie, by the overwhelming symphony of over 100 yacht horns blaring throughout the 2.02 square miles of Monaco for 10 long minutes, and I understood why this show is revered. It is not merely about yachts; it is about dreams engineered and delivered to the nautical world. It is about visionaries daring to build what others only imagine. | P
R E S O RT S & R E S I D E N C E S
FOUR SEASONS RESORT AND RESIDENCES PUERTO RICO
Nestled on the island’s northeastern coast in the exclusive Bahía Beach community.
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“We are excited to expand our Four Seasons portfolio in the Caribbean, welcoming guests to the ultimate Puerto Rico beach resort, immersed in a vast nature sanctuary”. — Pablo Molinari General Manager
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onnect with nature in our luxurious Caribbean paradise: Four Seasons Resort and Residences Puerto Rico, Embraced by two nature sanctuaries, this former coconut farm is now its own 483-acre (195-hectare) nature reserve, curving along two miles (3.2 kilometres) of golden beach. Unwind or exhilarate with water activities like swimming and kayaking, spa experiences, golf, nature treks and more. Create your own connection to Puerto Rico with experiences steeped in local culture. Every moment is elevated with legendary Four Seasons service and attention to detail. fourseasons.com/puertorico
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MONTPELIER NEVIS
ontpelier Plantation and Beach Hotel in Nevis is a place where the island’s heritage beckons to you through the old brick walls of its plantation ruins, through former sugar M mill gears dotting its grounds, the rustle of the leaves from centuries old trees, and the ebb and flow of rolling waves of the Caribbean Sea carressing its shores that continues to be a timeless refuge for all humanity. montpeliernevis.com
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VIEWS FROM LA SAMANNA, A BELMOND HOTEL IN FRENCH ST. MARTIN, THE HOTEL OFFERS GOURMET DINING IN A REFINED SETTING ©Photo courtesy of Belmond Hotel
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D I S C O V E R I E S | P
From the Destination Editor’s Desk
FRENCH SINT MARTIN
Celebrates Its ‘Joie De Vivre’ With Delectable Cuisine And Scenic Vistas. jamaqueparadis.com
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Zesty herbs and sizzling charcoal grills fill the air with a redolent fragrance from gastronomic chef creations every November in Sint Martin, the month they roll out the red carpet for foodies to enjoy the best in Creole and French cuisines at venues across this picturesque Caribbean isle.
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St. Martin’s gastronomic scene places this French isle at the pinnacle of culinary excellence, that will fill your travels to this island paradise with so much more than its European flair, beautiful sun-kissed beaches, and emblematic Caribbean ‘joie de vivre’ welcome it extends to all
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ropping my bags off at Aura, a condo villa located in the hilly terrain of Anse Marcel, I paused for a moment to relish in the fresh mountain air while enjoying the arresting views of the shimmering cove below with yachts dotting the azure blue sea in the distance. Collecting my rental SUV keys from reception, I drove into the fading sunlight through winding streets and country lanes passing fretwork homes and avant-garde villas on my first evening of curated dining for the annual Sint Martin’s Festival de la Gastronomie.
The opening night
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onight we dined at the seafront Ocean 82 Restaurant in Grand Case, lined with eateries and bars catering to every pocket and taste, with guest service levels ranging from high touch to stand up food carts. Ocean 82, led by Chef Franck Vuillemin, features a menu filled with classic French cuisine and a wine cellar stocking the finest vintages. We started off with homemade lobster and mushroom ravioli with basilic and Madagascar peppercorn sauce. My main course was roasted local snapper with mango chutney and a white wine butter sauce, closing with Grand Mariner soufflé. My friends and I then took a stroll down the Grand Case boulevard — known as the culinary capital of the Caribbean — to check out some local bars with their lively entertainment before retiring for the night.
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The best in Creole and French Cuisines with Island spirit. Gastronomy is the joy of life for all ages.
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Dining on the high seas
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Chopping herbs, braising meats, beating eggs, folding pasty crusts, and simmering bouquet garnies to make a rich, complex, and aromatic red wine reduction to elevate the flavours of our meal.
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he next day we boarded a Pyratz Gourmet Sailing cruise around the island featuring an on board chef and bar staff. As we headed out in the morning sunshine a rainbow in the distance beckoned to us to discover secret coves and secluded bays. After a full English breakfast we basked on the deck in the sunshine with cocktails in hand as our skipper headed out to find a calm crystal clear snorkelling spot with powder white sand to anchor. Swimsuits on, we were spoiled for choice in accessories: snorkels, floating mats, noodles, paddle boards, kayaks, dingy, and my favourite — a seabob. All that water activity resulted in a healthy appetite and back on board we were served delicious grilled local lobster and Tomahawk steak along with dipping sauces, accompanied by chilled French wines that helped to break the heat of the day, and set the mood for a welcomed siesta.
Gastronomic Festival Village
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ack on shore we headed to downtown Marigot to take in the sights, sounds, and flavours of the Gastronomic Village lined with stalls of chefs cooking up island favourites, a stage for musical performers, and local market items for sale. We made our way around the village, starting at the Soualiwoman Kultural Association’s kitchen renowned for its hearty creole meals. I made my selection of island fare, working my way to other food tents, filling my plate with baked crab backs, pickled pigs tail, smoked herring accras (a fritter), skewered roasted chicken, Lambi (local snail), and so much more in this foodie heaven. With the volume of the music increasing, I headed to the stage to see artistes that included Nailah Blackman (afropop), Tamillia (house), Kenyo Baly (soul), Kreyol Fushion (Zouck), and KRG Band (folk). Dancing up a storm left us peckish, so we had late night desserts of baked Johnny cakes lathered with artisanal jams from Golden Grove Farms. And with our diets on holiday,
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we heaped on generous spoonfuls of local favourite jams — cashew fruit, soursop, passionfruit, guavaberry, and starfruit — a perfect sweet tooth treat to end our day.
Private in-villa dining at Aura prepared by celebrated chefs from France
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special treat was planned for today’s lunch with Michelin star chef Arnaud Viel and acclaimed pastry chef Nicolas Pasciello who would be cooking lunch for us in our villa’s professionally equipped kitchen. Sourcing produce from the local markets and farms, Arnaud and Nicolas set about a theatrical display, like two ‘maestros’, creating their culinary masterpieces with precision — chopping herbs, braising meats, beating eggs, folding pasty crusts, and simmering bouquet garnies to make a rich, complex, and aromatic red wine reduction to elevate the flavours of our meal. Chef Arnaud’s plating of our sliced duck breast drizzled with reduction was a sensory delight that had me literally eating with my eyes; and Chef Nicolas’ banana flan custard with a hint of saffron served in a flaky buttery pastry shell, could only be described as heavenly.
IN-VILLA AURA COOKING DINING EXPERIENCE (L -R) Chefs Nicolas and Chef Arnauld. Photo by ©Paradis
FESTIVAL ATTENDEES THRONG THE STREETS OF MARIGOT, THE CAPITAL OF FRENCH ST. MARTIN
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Triple Award Winning dining
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ounging by Aura’s two-level tiered swimming pools revelling in the bliss of our lunch with flutes of Rosé Champagne in hand, we received an invitation from award winning chef Bastian Schenk to join him for dinner at his restaurant — Villa Hibiscus in Mont Vernon with its serene views of Orient Bay. Dressing up for the evening, we entered a mesmerising courtyard with fire lanterns ablaze and illuminated waterfalls making for a magical setting. Chef Bastian’s restaurant has the honour to hold the titles “Best Table on Island”, “Best Restaurant”, and “Best Welcome”, and the food was next level not only in taste but in its artisanal presentation. I started with Confit Egg served with carmilised onion & roasted smoked bacon, parship cracklings & white root mousse with gratineed sint-nectaire cheese — what a start! My main course was Swordfish marinated in miso & flambeed, fishbone jus with red wine & black peppers, cauliflower & coconut emulsion, roasted cabbage. Closing with a dessert of hazelnut ice cream. I gave this meal 5 stars.
Partying at a nature retreat in the hills
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he next morning we headed up to Loterie Farm, an eco-adventure park on Rue du Pic Paradis with its hiking trails, zip lines, pools, restaurants, and a kids adventure park, making it a perfect day outing for the entire family. We booked the two story Summit Cabana with a swimming pool for a day of relaxation with good food, music, and great vibz, and invited friends from St. Martin. We ordered salads bursting with
seasonal farm produce, platters of fresh seafood, cheese boards with dips, skewers of succulent grilled meats, refreshing cocktails and bottles of fine wine. All this made more enjoyable by the many activities we partook in this lush tropical setting filled with large old trees, colourful birds, and the occasional inquisitive monkey.
Our final evening in this foodie nation
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he vibrant seaside residential enclave of Orient Bay filled with boutique hotels, night clubs, bars, and home to L’Atelier Restaurant steakhouse was our final treat in our week-long culinary journey in St. Martin. In its cozy convivial atmosphere, the menu was presented to us on a hand written display board with a host explaining the provenance of and techniques used to prepare each item giving guests a personalised insight to the meals they choose. Starting with a savoury bruschetta of beef marrow, my main was tender Ribeye of Black Pearl beef, closing with a Dark rum crème brulée, accompanied by a digestif of old world French Caribbean rhum by Clement. | P
RESOURCES: FESTIVAL DE LA GASTRONOMIE www.festival-st-martin.com AURA CONDO VILLA IN ANSE MARCEL aurasxm.com OCEAN 82 RESTAURANT https://ocean82.fr/ PYRATZ GOURMET SAILING https://pyratzsxm.com SOUALIWOMAN KULTURAL ASSOCIATION www.instagram. com/ska_troop_sxm VILLA HIBISCUS www.la-villa-hibiscus.fr LOTERIE FARM www.loteriefarm.com L’ATELIER RESTAURANT www.latelier-sxm.com
LA SAMANNA www.belmond.com
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In the soft, golden light of Port Antonio in Portland, Jamaica where lush Blue Mountains tumble toward the Caribbean Sea, Nordia Witter steps into frame. Shot in this easterly located parish untouched by the recent hurricane, the setting feels calm and quietly resilient — an intentional contrast to the moment it inhabits.
Nordia’s Journal: Life, Style, and Purpose — By DAISY BEECH
Photographer — WILLIAM RICHARDS Wardrobe Stylist & Designer — KAYSIAN WILSON (Flowe child1999) Fashion Designer — KENEEA LINTON-GEORGE (Keneea Linton Designs) Photographer Assistant — CRAIG LEE Make-up — LYRIC ROCHESTER Photographic Retouching and Post Production — PATASHA ‘ALEK’ MCLEAN Documentary Photographer — TONY FISHER Vol.19/No47 90
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F A S H I O N | P Anastasia Gown, Keneea Linton Designs
Dressed in couture design from a new wave of Jamaican designers, Nordia brings more than style to the lens. A singer, songwriter, musician, and producer at her core, she first found her voice through music, using sound as storytelling. Her journey, shaped between Jamaica, New York, and London, has broadened her worldview while keeping her firmly rooted in heritage.
Shell Headpiece, Flowerchild1999 Designs; Victoria Wrap Blouse, Keneea Linton Designs; Lilly Linen Skirt, Flowerchild1999 Designs
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Rose Couture Gown, Flowerchild1999 Crystal Ankle-Wrap Heels, René Caovilla Rings, Cartier Watch, BVLGARI
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Lifestyle meets reality, isn’t just a tagline here; it’s the foundation.
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There’s strength in their posture, patience in their voices. They’re not defined by the storm, but by the way they continue.
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oday, that creative voice has expanded. As a mother and cultural narrator, Nordia’s expression now moves fluidly between style, wellness, travel, and advocacy, each a reflection of a life lived with intention. This photo shoot marks a pivotal moment as she prepares to launch Nordia’s Journal, her upcoming lifestyle television series in partnership with Paradis. Filmed in Jamaica and across global cities, the series captures a woman at the intersection of beauty and purpose, redefining lifestyle as a form of meaningful storytelling. “In photographs framed by cascading greenery…”, within the phrase “and family-run boutique hotels and quiet beaches where time slows and beauty exists without effort,” may the first “and” be removed for improved flow. “I want to express my love for Portland”, Nordia says. “It’s so rich in nature, unspoiled and endlessly beautiful. I never imagined I could fall in love with a place the way I have with this one.” At its heart, Nordia’s Journal is less about perfection than presence. Each episode weaves style and substance, fashion, beauty, travel, and everyday rituals, while opening space for
PREFERRED PARTNERS
Stocking PARADIS in their rooms, spas, and lounges. ANGUILLA Four Seasons Resort & Residences Belmond Cap Juluca Malliouhana ANTIGUA Jumby Bay Island, an Oetker Collection of Masterpiece Hotels Tamarind Hills ARUBA The Ritz-Carlton Spa Private Jet Terminal BAHAMAS The Ocean Club, A Four Seasons Resort The Rosewood, Bahamar
honest conversations around health awareness, including diabetes and sickle cell. Lifestyle meets reality, without performance or pretence. This authenticity extends beyond the screen. During the shoot, Nordia reflects on Burnt Savannah, in the western Jamaican parish of St. Elizabeth that is her mother’s hometown, a community she has been supporting closely following its direct hit by Hurricane Melissa. “When I arrived, that land was telling two stories at once,” she says. “Life was returning quietly, flowers blooming where the earth once felt lifeless, but the memory of the hurricane was still heavy in the air.” In the weeks that followed, Nordia has been on the ground, offering
practical support and working directly with residents as recovery continues. What stays with her most, however, is the people themselves. “My uncle, Mr. Banton described the hurricane as something beyond imagination, a monster, arriving like an earthquake and a tornado at once, draining the land of its green and leaving silence behind. His words carried the weight of someone who had seen nature at its most unforgiving.” “You wouldn’t know the depth of what they’ve endured just by looking at them,” Nordia says. “There’s strength in their posture, patience in their voices. They’re not defined by the storm, but by the way they continue.” Effortlessly stylish yet deeply human, Nordia and Nordia’s Journal offer a new vision of lifestyle, aspirational without distance, beautiful without detachment. This is a journal not just of places and looks, but of moments, memory, and meaning. | P
Nordia’s Journal will air in Spring 2026 on Paradis Entertainment Television.
JAMAICA Round Hill Hotel & Villas Half Moon Hotel & Villas The Cliff Hotel Negril Island Outpost Properties — Golden Eye | Strawberry Hill The Caves Jamaica Inn MARTINIQUE Le Cap Est Lagoon Resort & Spa La Suite Villas MEXICAN CARIBBEAN MAROMA, A Belmond Resort (Riviera Maya) NEVIS Four Seasons Resort Montpelier Plantation Inn
BARBADOS PUERTO RICO Cobblers Cove, Relais Ritz-Carlton Reserve, & Chateaux Dorado Beach Spa Port St. Charles Villas & Marina The Plantation Residences, Port Ferdinand Luxury Dorado Beach Residences SABA The Fairmont Royal Pavilion Queen’s Garden Resort BARBUBA ST. BARTHELEMY Barbuda Belle Luxury Le Guanahani Hotel Beach Hotel Le Toiny, Relais & Chateaux BERMUDA Rosewood Bermuda ST. EUSTATIUS Azura Bermuda The Old Gin House Golden Rock Dive & Nature Resort BONAIRE Harbour Village Resort ST. KITTS The Park Hyatt BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS Kittitian Hill Belle Mont Farm, Rosewood Little Dix Bay Boutique Hotel CAYMAN ISLANDS ST. LUCIA The Ritz Carlton, Spa Cap Maison Luxury Boutique Hotel The Westin Resort Spa Sugar Beach, A Vice Roy Resort Kimpton Seafire Spa Ladera Resort CUBA ST. MARTIN Gran Hotel Manzana Belmond La Samanna Kempinski, La Habana ST. VINCENT & THE CURACAO GRENADINES Baoase Luxury Resort Mandarin Oriental Pink Sands Airport VIP Lounge Club, Canaoun Island DOMINICA Petit St.Vincent Private Island (The Commonwealth of) Sandy Lane Yacht Club InterContinental Dominica & Residences Cabrits Resort & Spa, an IHG Hotel TOBAGO The Villas at Stonehaven DOMINICAN REPUBLIC Eden Roc at Cap Cana, TURKS & CAICOS Relais & Chateaux The Palms Tortuga Bay Punta Cana The Shore Club Resort & Club VIRGIN ISLANDS Casa de Campo Resort & Villas US Ritz-Carlton Destination Club Residences GRENADA Silversands Beach House Silversands Resort Grand Anse AIRPORT LOUNGES Barbados Mount Cinnamon Resort Curacao and Beach Club Grenada Kingston GUADELOUPE St. Kitts Hôtel La Toubana Miami (Am Ex, Latam) Villas Chez Flo Sint Maarten Aruba
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FiNAL LOOK XINÚ ‘nose’ in Otomí, a native language of Mexico.
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A celebration of the sense of smell, quality, authenticity, beauty, and cutting-edge design.
” ©Photo Courtesy of Xinú
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inú is a handcrafted luxury brand that is born as a tribute to the abundance and exoticism of the American Continent, evoking its richness through wonderful olfactory stories expressed in multisensory ways. Its collection of perfumes is enclosed inside a blown glass container; made in collaboration with Nouvel Studio. Handcrafted certified wood lids aim to get us closer to a beautiful non-disposable object that endures and can be used in multiple ways, giving them a permanent and ever changing second life. A celebration of the sense of smell, quality, authenticity, beauty, and cutting-edge design. | P xinu.mx
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