Latest updates on Caribbean music and upcoming events.
20. MUSIC
Discover the riddims and where to stream the hottest soca.
37. EVENTS
Your calendar of fetes and shows across the season.
FEATURES
24. WORLD CREOLE MUSIC FESTIVAL
Get to know more about Dominica and its annual festival.
30. WINIFRED ATWELL
Blue plaque honours pianist at former home.
32. MISS CARIBBEAN UK
Who is going to win the crown at the grand final?
44. ULRIC CROSS
The life and legacy of a Trinidaian War Hero.
Full list of award
Guinness World Record holder Joshua Regrello performs in London.
SOCA PEOPLE
RAS SHORTY I
The father of soca.
46. WE GATHERIN IN BARBADOS
Reconnecting with Island Roots.
BOOKS
SAINT LUCIA
A sugar cane and rum history by Dave Marsland.
WHAT’S NEXT
Your guide to the upcoming season of carnivals and festivals.
Four CARICOM states implement free movement.
GET LISTED: If you’re a carnival organiser, promoter, mas band, steelband, soca DJ, community group or any other participant feeling left out because we haven’t mentioned your event – or if you’d like to advertise in the magazine or online – the remedy is in your hands. Get in touch by emailing info@socanews.com.
COVER IMAGE WINIFRED ATWELL INTERNATIONAL TRINIDADIAN PIANISTS
PUBLISHER & EDITOR
Joseph Charles jc@socanews.com
CREATIVE
Joseph Charles
SUB EDITOR
Katie Segal katie@socanews.com
CONSULTING EDITOR
Stephen Spark stephen@socanews.com
EDITOR'S LETTER
Are you reading this under electric light? Imagine using a candle instead; your eyes would be aching from all that squinting. Lewis Latimer made that easier for all of us by improving light bulbs. Imagine the chaos on the roads if there were no traffic lights; Garrett Morgan pioneered the design of traffic lights as we use them today.
If Carter G. Woodson hadn't taken the first step to create Black History Month and Akyaaba Addai-Sebo, the Ghanaian journalist and Pan-African activist, hadn't led the way for the UK to recognise Black History Month in 1987, would we be here today, celebrating and honouring Black people who changed the world? Soca News is here to remind you of the great ones, the minds and leaders whose courage gave us what we have today. People like Ulric Cross, the Trinidadian war hero and diplomat whose story still inspires us all.
As usual, we also keep you updated with new song releases, the latest news, and events connecting you across the Caribbean and the UK. Explore Dominica's Silver Jubilee of the World Creole Music Festival, the history of soca, and more.
If you have a story to tell, or want your voice to be heard, we'd love to share it. Please email us at info@socanews.com to share your perspective.
YOURS IN SOCA
Joseph Charles
SALES & MARKETING marketing@socanews.com
WORDS
Mia Anthony, Stephanie Coleman, Dunstan Crevalle, Mizpah Wedaga, Radeya Osman & Stephen Spark
PICTURES
C Wilson, Carl Gabriel, Dominica Festivals, Dominica Tourism Authority & Joshua Regrello, Nitika Small (CMA), Peter Hogan, Stephen Spark & UKCCA
PUBLISHED BY Soca News Ltd 86-90 Paul Street London, EC2A 4ND
Several soca artists from Trinidad and Tobago have been considered for Grammy Awards, a key step that places their music before the Recording Academy for review.
To be considered means an artist’s work has been officially submitted and accepted into the Grammy process. This confirms that the song or album met all eligibility rules, and it appears on the preliminary ballot for the first round of voting. This is not a nomination, but marks entry into the selection stage.
Only the top vote-getters progress to become official nominees. Voting is carried out solely by members of the Recording Academy, recognised music professionals such as artists, producers, engineers, and industry executives; general fans and the public cannot vote. Only these approved members access the online Grammy ballot to choose nominees and winners in their fields of expertise.
ARTISTS UNDER CONSIDERATION
• Kes the Band – Cocoa Tea (Best Global Music Performance)
• Anika Berry – Saddle (Best Global Music Performance)
• Yung Bredda & Full Blown – The Greatest Bend Over (Best Global Music Performance)
• Sherwin Gardner – Over Me (Best Global Music Performance)
• MX Prime – Kick Off (Best Global Music Album)
• RKG – Hard Life (Best Global Music Performance)
• Jimmy October – From October with Love (Best Global Music Album)
• Empress Aje & Queen Omega – The World Album (Best Global Music Album)
• Machel Montano – One Degree Hotter (Best Global Music Album), Pardy & Fling It Up (ft Davido) (Best Global Music Performance)
• Freetown Collective – Beyond The Machine (Best Global Music Album)
• M1 aka Menace and Ted Ganung - First Time Caribbean Party (Best Global Music Performance )
• Precious Gail – Adored (Best African Music Performance)
LOCAL HEROES WESTMINSTER HONOURS CARL GABRIEL
In North Paddington, bus stops now display portraits of residents who have dedicated years to helping their neighbours. The Local Heroes Westminster campaign, run by Westminster City Council, celebrates people whose efforts bring care, safety, and opportunity to their communities.
Amongst these is Carl Gabriel, a celebrated carnival technician known for his wire-bending and papier-mâché creations. His elaborate costumes and sculptures have long been part of Notting Hill Carnival. One of his recent works was a mermaid costume for the Junior Queen of Paddington Arts, made entirely from recycled materials to promote sustainability. Carl also teaches traditional mas making skills, and inspires young artists to explore their creativity.
Other honourees include Lyndsy from Westminster Children’s University, Eartha of the ESP Foundation, Souad from Age UK Westminster, Tony and Amen Lazare of the London Basketball Association, Jacqui from North Paddington Food Bank, Mohamed of Hilal Rangers Youth FC, and Tashan of Sports Play Motion.
The illuminated portraits in North Paddington celebrate local champions, showing how people strengthen communities and improve life in Westminster.
EXPERIENCE ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA ARTS THIS NOVEMBER
The Antigua and Barbuda Art Week takes place from 26 November to 2 December 2025, turning the islands into a hub for visual arts, music, fashion, dance, spoken word, and culinary experiences. Over 15 dynamic events—including a spectacular Opening Night at Redcliffe Quay, student art competitions, fashion shows, exhibitions, art bus tours, and sipand-paint sessions—will activate spaces across Antigua and Barbuda. Highlights include Mark Brown's exhibition, the ZOIGE fashion show, and open studios.
Most activities are free, with select ticketed events starting at EC$75 (£21), available midOctober via the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority. For full details, visit www.visitantiguabarbuda.com or follow @antiguabarbudaartweek.
CARL GABRIEL PHOTO CREDIT UKCCA
GUIDED WALK TO CELEBRATE NOTTING HILL’S WINDRUSH STORY
Aspecial guided walk this October will honour Notting Hill's Windrush generation through storytelling, site visits, and personal accounts.
Entitled Celebrating Notting Hill Windrush Heritage, the event explores how Caribbean people shaped community life and culture. It was first developed for an international school, and now attracts visitors from around the world interested in Notting Hill's local history.
Speakers include Rosita Lynch, goddaughter of blue plaque honouree Russell Henderson, and Jamila Bolton, daughter of Rhodan Gordon from the Mangrove Nine. Community elders will share memories, readings, and carnival stories. Each session will end with an optional short film on carnival history.
Walks take place on Sunday 19 October (11am–1:15pm) and Sunday 26 October (12pm–2:15pm) in Notting Hill. Each tour is limited to 25 people and is open to individuals aged 12 and above.
The project, supported by Kensington and Chelsea Council's Black History Month Grants Scheme, invites residents to take part in celebrating the area's Windrush story. Tickets are available at www.ticketsource.co.uk/more-curricular
CARIB JOINS ST PAULS CARNIVAL AS AN OFFICIAL PARTNER FOR 2026
St Pauls Carnival has announced Caribbean beer brand CARIB as an official partner for its 2026 event, after the brand's success at Back A Yard 2025. The partnership supports the carnival's aim to celebrate African-Caribbean culture and community.
Trustee Ricardo Sharry said CARIB's involvement goes beyond sponsorship, showing genuine care for the values and future of the community. St Pauls Carnival is working to raise over £450,000 to run a safe and exciting event.
CARIB's help will support this goal and build the Carnival 365 programme, which celebrates culture all year round. Now available on tap in the UK, CARIB continues to expand whilst keeping its Caribbean identity.
DING DONG RELEASES TWO NEW SONGS AHEAD OF TOBAGO CARNIVAL 2025
Soca artist and DJ Ding Dong (Andre Holder) has released two new songs ahead of Tobago Carnival 2025, with plans for more leading into Trinidad Carnival 2026. Known for his consistency during carnival seasons, Ding Dong performs with de All Starz Band and collaborates with a new producer and songwriter each year. This season, he is working with songwriter Emmanuel Rudder and producer Richard Gosine.
His first release, Wanna Party, features on the Guitar Man Riddim, which also includes contributions from Salty and Ms. Kerlz. “I’ve released Wanna Party on the Guitar Man Riddim, and this is actually his first project,” Ding Dong noted. His second single, Mas Band Thoughts, was released on September 12 and features DJ Spider, produced by DJ Spider and Darien Bailey. Ding Dong is building his music step by step, exploring different tempos. Currently at 115–130 BPM, he plans to add two more songs before transitioning into Power Soca. Additionally, he has lost around 16 kilograms (2.5 stone) through a strict fitness journey, which he believes shows that patience and discipline lead to results. With both carnivals approaching, he aims to offer a more diverse catalogue for his fans.
JIMMY OCTOBER DROPS NEW SINGLE ‘TIME’ AHEAD OF UPCOMING EP
Trinbagonian artist Jimmy October released a new single, Time on 12 September. The track is a blend of soca, dancehall, and Afrobeats. It was produced by Brooklyn Decent, known for his work with artists like Kes and Shenseea, along with Pops (Jelani Shaw). Time is the second release from his upcoming EP, Episode 3, which is set to drop on Friday 10 October through Ineffable Records.
October gained momentum with his 2024 project entitled From October With Love, featuring collaborations with Mical Teja and Coutain. He has also been on consecutive U.S. tours alongside Ruger and Kes. Earlier in his career, he received recognition from outlets such as FADER and was named one of Complex's '10 Artists to Watch from Trinidad and Tobago' in 2019.
With Time, October aims to expand his reach and connect with listeners worldwide.
CARIBBEAN MUSIC AWARDS 2025
WINNERS REVEALED
WORDS | MIZPAH WEDAGA
The third Caribbean Music Awards took place on Thursday 28 August 2025, at Kings Theatre in Brooklyn, New York. The event brought together some of the region’s top stars, with performances from Elephant Man, Ding Dong, Full Blown and Machel Montano. Shenseea was the night’s biggest winner, making history as the most awarded artist with her song Hit & Run. Bounty Killer was honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award, while Busta Rhymes received the Elite Icon Award.
The ceremony took place in August, but premiered later on BET and Trace on Friday 12 September, at 11pm EST; the full list of winners was released at the same time. Amongst the highlights was Yung Bredda’s win of the Soca Impact Award. However, he did not attend the ceremony, explaining that he felt disappointed about not receiving awards he had previously won. Nevertheless, he expressed pride in his journey and in the positive impact he has made on Caribbean culture.
LADY LAVA ZESS–STEAM ARTIST OF THE YEAR PHOTO CREDIT | CMA /NITIKA SMALL
CATEGORIES AND WINNERS
SOCA
FEMALE SOCA ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Patrice Roberts
MALE SOCA ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Kes
SOCA BEST NEW ARTIST
Blaka Dan
SOCA COLLABORATION OF THE YEAR
Trilla G x Lil Boy x Quan – Someone Else
SOCA IMPACT AWARD
Yung Bredda
SOCA PERFORMER OF THE YEAR
Kes
SOCA VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Anxiety - Patrice Roberts
SOCA SONG OF THE YEAR
DNA - Mical Teja
REGGAE
FEMALE REGGAE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Lila Iké
MALE REGGAE ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Romain Virgo
REGGAE ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Romain Virgo – The Gentle Man
REGGAE BEST NEW ARTIST
Sevana
REGGAE COLLABORATION OF THE YEAR
Bugle, Buju Banton & (Jr Gong) Damian
Marley – Thank You Lord
REGGAE IMPACT AWARD
YG Marley
REGGAE SONG OF THE YEAR
Romain Virgo feat Masicka – Been
There Before
EVENTS AND CRUISES
MUSIC CRUISE OF THE YEAR
UberSoca
MUSIC EVENT OF THE YEAR
Vybz Kartel’s Freedom Street
GENERAL/PEOPLE’S CHOICE
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
Vybz Kartel
DANCEHALL
DANCEHALL BEST NEW ARTIST
Malie Donn
DANCEHALL ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Shenseea – Never Gets Late Here
DANCEHALL COLLABORATION OF THE YEAR
Shenseea x Masicka x Di Genius – Hit & Run
DANCEHALL IMPACT AWARD
Armanii
DANCEHALL PERFORMER OF THE YEAR
Spice
DANCEHALL SONG OF THE YEAR
Shenseea x Masicka x Di Genius – Hit & Run
FEMALE DANCEHALL ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Shenseea
MALE DANCEHALL ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Vybz Kartel
DJS
FEMALE INTERNATIONAL DJ OF THE YEAR
DJ Ana
MALE INTERNATIONAL DJ OF THE YEAR
DJ Private Ryan
OTHER CARIBBEAN GENRES
BOUYON ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Mr. Ridge
CARIBBEAN FUSION ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Naïka
CARIBBEAN R&B ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Dexta Daps
FRENCH CARIBBEAN ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Joé Dwèt Filé
KONPA ARTIST/BAND OF THE YEAR
Rutshelle Guillaume
LATIN CARIBBEAN ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Bad Bunny
ZESS–STEAM ARTIST OF THE YEAR
Lady Lava
REGGAE–DANCEHALL (CROSS-CATEGORY)
REGGAE–DANCEHALL VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Shenseea x Masicka x Di Genius – Hit & Run
PREVIEW
JOSHUA REGRELLO IN LONDON
GUINNESS WORLD RECORD HOLDER, TO PERFORM AT CARNIVAL UNPLUGGED III
WORDS | STEPHANIE COLEMAN
As part of Black History Month this October, JUST INCARNIVAL will mount Carnival Unplugged III. The event features a live performance from Joshua Regrello, a steelpan player from Trinidad and Tobago and the Guinness World Record holder for the longest steelpan performance.
Held in the Studio Theatre at Arts Depot, music and storytelling will be used to explore the history of carnival and the role of the steelpan across the Caribbean. The programme includes a steelpan show, live music, unplugged acoustic pieces, and tributes to carnival in recognition of Black History Month.
JUST INCARNIVAL Arts and Culture is a North London-based organisation founded in 2022. It focuses on masquerade, steelpan, calypso, and soca, offering performances and workshops for corporate groups, schools, youth organisations, and individuals. The organisation works to share the traditions and spirit of Caribbean carnival in the UK.
The performance takes place on Saturday 11 October 2025, from 7:30pm to 9pm at Arts Depot, North Finchley, London, N12 0GA. Tickets are priced at £25 for adults and £10 for under-16s, with booking available through the Arts Depot Box Office www.artsdepot.co.uk.
RAS SHORTY I SOCA PEOPLE
THE FATHER OF SOCA
6 OCT 1941 - 12 JULY 2000
WORDS | STEPHANIE COLEMAN + RADEYA OSMAN
Soca is a music genre that began in Trinidad and Tobago in the early 1970s. It was created by one man who faced heavy criticism, yet refused to give up. His goal was simple: to bring unity among his people. Today he is remembered as the Father of Soca.
So what is soca? At its core, it was a new style designed to revive traditional calypso, which had begun to lose ground to reggae, soul, and funk. Soca combined African and Indian rhythms so the two groups could share one sound.
As we look back on its beginnings, we are reminded that music is food for the soul. And just like a shared meal brings people together, soca was meant to build greater understanding.
In 1995, during an interview with G.B.T.V. CultureShare, Garfield Blackman, better known as Ras Shorty, spoke openly about how soca was created and why it mattered. The conversation cleared up longstanding debates about the music’s origin.
The interviewer began by mentioning a claim from musician Eddie Grant.
Interviewer: “Eddie Grant made a statement saying that he was the inventor of soca back in 1970 when he sang Black Skin, Blue-Eyed Boy. I was talking with Chalkdust just last year, and he refuted that adamantly...”
SHORTY DID NOT HOLD BACK... Lord Shorty: “Well, if Chalkdust could do that, how much more for me? Eddie Grant knows absolutely nothing about soca. What Eddie Grant said he did was combine soul with Calypso. That is not soca. Soca is a combination of East Indian and African rhythms. The beginning of the whole thing, the purpose of soca in the 70s... was to bring the East Indians and the Africans in Trinidad together. So there was a combination of the two main rhythmic structures in Trinidad to create a song that
would be totally Trinidad. Let's just call it a dougla rhythm, so to speak. And it is not soul as American soul, but the soul of Trinidad, the soul of Calypso, the inner man, the depth, the beauty of Trinidad that has come out into the music, not American soul and Calypso. That's a total misunderstanding, wrong definition and everything.”
EARLY LIFE AND MUSICAL DRIVE...
Born on 6 October 1941 in Lengua Village, Trinidad, Garfield Blackman grew up in a mixed community where both African and East Indian traditions surrounded him. He stood at six feet three inches, a striking figure even in his youth. He started playing guitar at seven and writing calypsos at 12. Discipline set him apart; while others went home after rehearsal, he stayed behind to practice.
In the late 1950s, he began arranging for steelbands. Under the guidance of Joseph 'Stretch' Collymore, he learned steelpan and arrangement, building a strong foundation. By 1961 he was performing calypso at the Victoria County Fair in Princes Town. To support himself in the mid-1960s, he worked as a carpenter, but music always pulled him back. He recorded early singles on the Telco label, including Cloak and Dagger and Nanging Guru. Trinidad in the late 1960s was buzzing with oil money, but also divided. The African and East
Indian populations often lived apart, despite political calls for unity. Music was one of the few spaces where cultures could meet. Shorty saw this divide and believed a new sound could bring people together.
THE FIRST EXPERIMENTS... The push came in 1971 when Shorty visited arranger Ed Watson in Port of Spain. He was shocked to hear the band rehearsing reggae instead of calypso. Watson told him bluntly that calypso was dead and reggae had life. The remark stayed with Shorty.
Determined to prove calypso was not finished, he began experimenting with rhythm. His breakthrough came with Indrani
Lord Shorty: “it all started with Indrani, right, in 1971. It began with that idea. What happened in 1971 when I did Indrani, I recorded it in 1972 for 1973. I tried to combine the East Indian rhythm and the African rhythm together. I didn't have a name, but I knew I had something.”
When he released his first album The Love Man in late 1973, composed of 10 songs, he used Indian instruments like the dholak on every track. But the experiment was not well received.
Lord Shorty: “Everybody started condemning me. Oh, I'm trying to play Indian, I'm trying to mix Indian music with Calypso and it can't work… So
the album failed in sales.”
Still, he pressed forward. In 1974, he released Endless Vibrations, this time moving the East Indian drum patterns onto the drum set. This made the sound less obviously 'Indian', but kept its unique rhythm.
Lord Shorty: “I did Endless Vibrations. I took the rhythm, the rhythmic structure from the dholak, and I put it on the drum set. So then nobody could say, I'm doing Indian music. So I just take the accent, put it on the drum set, and then I get a name, and I say, soca.”
It was then he coined the name “sokah.”
Lord Shorty: “I say, sokah. The K-A-H represents the East Indian influence… a guy called Ivor Ferreira ( a journalist) spelled it S-O-C-A. I didn't fight it... It felt okay, so I had no problem with that. For me, it was a matter of rhythmic structure, and not just a spelling. As long as it's conveyed soca, the soul of calypso, not soul and calypso.”
The album also featured the songs To Kill A Cat, We Thing, and Love the High Foluting Way. Shorty later said his goal was to “change the musical structure, make it super sweeter.”
In 1973, even before Endless Vibrations, he had founded his own label, Shorty Records. Through it he recorded not only his own work but also music by his daughter Abbi Blackman and soul singer Ella Andell.
CONTROVERSY AND CARNIVAL...
Shorty’s style often landed him in trouble. At the 1973 Dimanche Gras, he sang The Art of Making Love in the Calypso Monarch finals, shocking even Prime Minister Eric Williams. The song’s explicit lyrics and suggestive dancing led to Shorty’s arrest for indecency. This moment capped a decade in which he had built his reputation as the tall, flamboyant face of saga boy calypso, a style centered on sexual bravado and nightlife excess.
But in the same show, he appeared in an East Indian shawl, backed by musicians on dholak and dhantal. This was the live birth of soca. The rhythms blended with calypso in a way the audience had never heard before.
SOCA TAKES OFF... By the mid-1970s, soca spread quickly across Trinidad and beyond. Shorty simplified calypso’s heavy arrangements, making songs easier to dance to, and mixed in disco grooves. Hits like Endless Vibrations and Sweet Music showed the new direction.
THE LOVE MAN (1974)
SWEET MUSIC (1976)
Lord Shorty: “As a matter of fact, I believe what God has done for me is take me out of it in 1977, when it began going in that direction, when we had Savage from Maestro and Sugar Bum Bum from Kitchener. That's when I came out of the whole thing. God has put me in a place where I can show people where Soca ought to have gone.”
In 1977 he also wrote Higher World as a tribute to his friend Maestro (Cecil Hume), who died that year. By 1978 he was releasing biting social commentary like Money Eh No Problem, a critique of Eric Williams’ famous words. The track would later be controversially used by the UNC party during its 2000 election campaign, though Shorty was too ill to object.
A NEW PATH IN PIPARO...
By 1980, Shorty walked away from city life at the peak of his fame. He moved with his wife and children to Piparo, a quiet village in central Trinidad. Their wooden cabin had no electricity or running water, but it gave him privacy, farmland, and a workshop for music.
He grew dreadlocks, changed his name to Ras Shorty I, and shifted to a spiritual life of Christianity. Out of this change came a new sound he called Jamoo.
"THE
SOUL OF CALYPSO IS NOW BLESSED WITH THE SPIRIT OF GOD"
Lord Shorty: “What we are doing today is called Jamoo, Jehovah's music, because that's what I believe Soca is all about. The soul of Calypso is now blessed with the spirit of God in the music. So now we have Jehovah's music, Jamoo, that is born again Soca.”
LATER YEARS AND LEGACY... In 1984, he returned with the album Jamoo: The Gospel of Soca, recorded with his family group, The Love Circle. The songs mixed gospel with soca’s rhythms, setting a new path even if it confused fans. For him, Jamoo was both music and faith.
Over the years he fathered 23 children, with his wife Claudette and others. Many went into music, including Sheldon, Eldon, Isaac, Marge, Nehilet, Avion, and Abbi. Others branched into fashion and sport. His granddaughter Nailah Blackman would later rise as one of the brightest soca stars of her generation. Abbi also made her mark as a national volleyball player and musician.
In 1988 he also recorded Watch Out My Children, a cry against drug abuse. Years later, in 1997, the United Nations adopted it for an anti-cocaine
campaign, translating it into ten languages. The track was later voted one of the top 100 calypsos of the century.
From the late 1980s until his death, he worked closely with producer Kenny Phillips. He also mentored young performers like Ataklan, who became a pioneer of rapso. His later albums included Respect Women (1999), urging men to treat women with dignity
In April 2000 he injured his hand in an accident, a wound that never healed. Soon after, doctors diagnosed him with multiple myeloma, a cancer of the bone marrow. He died on 12 July 2000 in Port of Spain at the age of 58.
In one of his last TV appearances, Shorty was asked what he would play if sitting under a mango tree with only his guitar. He sang “Who God bless, no man curse. He shall be first.”
That line summed up his life. From Lengua Village to Piparo, from saga boy calypso to Jamoo, Ras Shorty I lived by the conviction that music had the power to change people, and to bring them together.
THE LOVE CIRCLE
MUSIC
NEW SOCA RELEASES
THESE ARE SOME OF THE NEW RELEASES YOU CAN LISTEN TO AT SOCANEWS.COM/MUSIC
New Soca Releases
01. TAY LAY LAY
GBM NUTRON & NAILAH BLACKMAN
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
02. WATCH MEH
JUNIAH LIFA
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
03. G-MAN
PRINCE SETH
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
04. BUMPER ON D ROAD
JADE LOPEZ & MANI
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
05. TOP OF THE WORLD
MR RENZO
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
06. SOMEBODY WOMAN
JANGO MANANGO
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
07. DEEJAY
CHALMER JOHN
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
08. HERE AGAIN
AMRIKA MUTROO
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
09. ROUND ABOUT
UMI MARCANO
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
10. T.L.Y (TRINIDAD LOVE YOU)
OLATUNJI
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
11. HANDYMAN
DERRICK SEALES
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
12. BAD WAYS
SYO
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
13. BODY TALK
KEVON CARTER & MR. K-DENCE
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
14. DUTTY
SIZWE C & KINGZMEN
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
15. GIMME WUK DARLIN
SUCRE
TRINIDAD & TOBAGO
16. RAGS
SKINNY FABULOUS, TRILLA-G & SHELLY DOMINICA
17. DREAM KILLER
NACHEAL DOMINICA
18. SPOIL YOU
DEEARR DOMINICA
19. I SELLING MY PASSPORT
KING DICE DOMINICA
20. EXPERTS
SHANICE DOMINICA
NAILAH BLACKMAN
ALBUMS/RIDDIMS
RECENTLY RELEASED RIDDIMS
A| ARTISTS • P| PRODUCER • Y| YEAR • R| RELEASE DATE
Dominica , officially the Commonwealth of Dominica, is an island nation in the Caribbean, often dubbed the 'Nature Isle of the Caribbean' because of its lush rainforests, rivers, waterfalls, mountains, and volcanic activity. It lies between Martinique and Guadeloupe in the Lesser Antilles, and is known for its beauty and outdoor adventures, such as hiking, diving, and whale watching.
Covering about 750 square kilometres, Dominica’s landscape has the Morne Diablotins, the highest peak at 1,447 metres, and the Boiling Lake, the world's second-largest hot spring. The island's tropical rainforest climate brings heavy rainfall that feeds 365 rivers.
Dominica gained independence on 3 November 1978 and, after the decline of its banana trade in the 1990s, shifted its focus to tourism, eco-tourism, and renewable energy. Each year, the island celebrates Independence Day with Creole in the Park, traditional dress days, and the World Creole Music Festivalwith this year being the latter's silver jubilee, a milestone honouring 25 years of Dominican music, culture, and national pride.
KEY DATES
WORLD CREOLE MUSIC FESTIVAL FRI 24 - SUN 26 OCT 2025
THIS ANNUAL FESTIVAL ENTERS ITS 25TH YEAR
DOMINICA CARNIVAL (MAS DOMNIK)
MON 16 - TUE 17 FEB 2026
DOMINICA'S ANNUAL CARNIVAL IS A MIXTURE OF CELEBBRATION AND CULTURE
FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT THE DOMINICA FESTIVALS WEBSITE DOMINICAFESTIVALS.COM
World Creole Music Festival CELEBRATING 25YEARS OF MUSIC AND CULTURE
WORDS | STEPHANIE COLEMAN
The 25th edition of the World Creole Music Festival (WCMF) launched on Friday 4 July 2025. This silver jubilee will take place from 24 to 26 October at Windsor Park Sports Stadium in Roseau. Celebrated under the theme 'Global Echoes of the Nature Island: Celebrating 25 Years of Creole Music, Magic, and Memories, the milestone event will honour Creole music, culture, and Caribbean identity while highlighting Dominica's role as the Nature Isle of the Caribbean. Organisers announced a contribution of 13.4 million dollars (approximately £10.4 million), an increase of 4 million dollars (around £3.1 million) from last year, noting the WCMF's strong economic impact and the need for a more sustainable financing model.
HISTORY AND LEGACY OF WCMF
The World Creole Music Festival was established in 1997 with two primary objectives: to enhance Dominica's arts, music, and entertainment industries, and to position the island as a unique tourism destination. Since then, it has evolved into one of the signature events on the Caribbean festival calendar, recognised for its sustained visitor arrivals, strong media coverage, and sterling reputation amongst artists.
Held annually on the last weekend in October, the festival is a highlight of Dominica's Independence celebrations and coincides with International Creole Day. October, known locally as Creole Month, is a time when the island becomes a showcase of music, cuisine, fashion, and traditions that reflect the richness of Creole identity and heritage.
At its core, the WCMF celebrates the music of Creole-speaking countries across the Caribbean, Africa, Europe, and the wider world. The line-up features the diverse rhythms of bouyon and cadence-lypso from Dominica, kompa from Haiti, zouk from the French Antilles, soukous from Africa, and zydeco from New Orleans. Over the years, the festival has also welcomed a range of global sounds, including reggae, dancehall, soca, calypso, salsa, and more.
The stage has been graced by an impressive list of stars, including Kassav, Tabou Combo, Exile One, Jeff Joe and Grammacks International, Ophelia Marie, Michele Henderson, Ralph Thamar, Kali, WCK Band, Swinging Stars, Krosfyah, Square One, Buckwheat Zydeco, the Wailers, Byron Lee & the Dragonaires, Machel Montano, Beenie Man, Buju Banton, Sean Paul, Aswad, Wyclef Jean, Carimi, Taxi Kweyol, Magnum Band, Phantom Band, Sakis, Loketo, Diblo Dibala, Shurwayne Winchester, and many others.
Today, the WCMF stands as a symbol of the world's Creole heritage and is established as one of the Caribbean's top cultural festivals.
BEYOND THE MUSIC
More than just a concert series, the World Creole Music Festival is a comprehensive cultural experience that showcases Dominica's identity as the Nature Isle. Visitors are encouraged to extend their stay, with opportunities to discover the island's rivers, lakes, waterfalls, hot springs, and marine adventures. Alongside the music, the festival showcases Creole cuisine, crafts, fashion, and the warm hospitality of the Dominican people.
October transforms the island into a monthlong celebration of pride, unity, and Creole spirit. From 'Three Nights of Pulsating Rhythms' to the amazing adventures awaiting across the island, the WCMF continues to deliver on its promise as a festival that never sleeps.
Dominica’s music is bouyon — a fast-paced genre built on drums, bass, and chant-style vocals created by Cornell Phillip and his brothers. Forming WCK (Windward Caribbean Kulture), they integrated cadence-lypso and jing-ping into dance hits like Dance Floor and Conch Shell.
Asa Bantan, King of Bouyon (A.K.A Bouyon Boss), became the first solo artist to take the genre global with Wet Fete, inspiring Machel Montano and Bunji Garlin. Carlyn XP, the Bouyon Queen, added hits like Gimme Dat and Nobody In 2025, Trilla G, Shelly, and Skinny Fabulous won the first Bouyon Road March with Rags, proving that bouyon continues to rise across Dominica and beyond.
25 YEARS OF CREOLE MUSIC, MAGIC, AND MEMORIES
As it celebrates its silver anniversary, the World Creole Music Festival remains a cornerstone of Dominica's cultural identity and a major display of Caribbean creativity. With global recognition, sweet rhythms, and memorable experiences, the 2025 edition promises to be bigger and better than ever.
Tickets for the event vary by date and type, with Night 1 (24 October) and Night 3 (26 October) at $77 (£57), Night 2 (25 October) at $115 (£85), Season Regular tickets at $230 (£170), and VIP tickets at $797 (£588). VIP options include PVIP (premium drinks and snacks), VVIP (all-inclusive food and drinks), and Ultra VIP (encompassing all amenities of PVIP and VVIP, plus more). Dominica invites you to "Come for the vibe, stay for the view," with more than 45 live performances across three nights of bouyon, soca, reggae, dancehall, zouk, and Afrobeats from local and international stars, giving visitors a chance to experience the island's pure Creole culture like never before.
OPHELIA
ASA BANTAN
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE AND ARTIST LINE UP
NIGHT 1 FRI 24 OCT
• Burning Flames
• Gilles
• Halibut
• Midnight Groovers
• Nu Look
• Oswald
• Romain Virgo
• Steel Pulse
• Triple Kay International
• Masicka
NIGHT 2 SAT 25 OCT
• Vybz Kartel
• Asa Bantan
• Gordon Henderson
• KES The Band
• Ophelia
• First Serenade
• Spice
• Faithii
• Ebony Empress
• DJ MJ
• Shanika
• Jixels
• Joé Dwèt Filé
• Linford John
• Ridge
• Puda
• Kenny G
• Little Boy
• Quan
• WCK
NIGHT 3 SUN 26 OCT
• Bunji Garlin & Fay-Ann Lyons
• Reo
• Elisha Benoit
• Extasy Band
• Ezra D’ Fun Machine
• Kassav’
• Trilla G
• Michele Henderson
• Nice
• Shelly & Signal Band
• Tiwa Savage
• Kehlani
FEATURE
INTERNATIONAL PIANIST, ENTERTAINER AND ENTREPRENEUR - TRINIDADIAN WINIFRED ATWELL
PHOTO CREDIT | ALAMY
BLUE PLAQUE FOR WINIFRED ATWELL
PIANIST HONOURED AT FORMER LONDON HOME
On Wednesday 1 October 2025, the Trinidad and Tobago High Commission joined celebrations in London to honour Winifred Atwell, the internationally acclaimed pianist, with an English Heritage Blue Plaque at 18 Bourdon Street, Mayfair. This location was significant as Atwell lived there during her remarkable career in the 1950s and 60s with her husband and manager, Lew Levisohn. It was the home of her Steinway concert grand and her signature upright piano, known for its deliberate out-of-tune sound.
Born in Tunapuna, Trinidad, around 1910, Winifred Atwell was a trailblazer in music, becoming the first black artist to reach the top of the UK charts. She spent 117 weeks on the British pop charts from 1952 to 1960, made over 100 BBC radio appearances, and hosted her own television shows. Her iconic performance of the ‘Black and White Rag’ became the theme for the BBC snooker programme Pot Black.
YolanDa Brown, musician and member of the English Heritage blue plaques panel, praised Atwell’s impact, calling her a true trailblazer who broke racial and musical barriers in Britain. Pianist Jools Holland emphasised her influence on the British music scene and her role as an inspiration to many artists. Beyond music, Atwell was also an entrepreneur, launching one of the UKs first salons for black women and developing beauty products, inspiring the Caribbean diaspora in Britain and Australia.
Miss Caribbean UK 2025 GRAND FINAL
WORDS | STEPHANIE COLEMAN
On Saturday 1 November, the 11th edition of Miss Caribbean UK will take place at the Shaw Theatre in London, which has become the event's home in recent years. Eleven contestants will compete this year, an increase from ten in 2024. The grand final is expected to be "bigger, bolder, and more glamorous," as a new Queen is crowned.
Passing on the title will be last year's winner, Shakyrah Davis, who represented Antigua and Barbuda and captured four awards: Overall Winner, Best Evening Wear, People's Choice, and Best Charity Pitch.
Tickets are priced at £50 for VIP, £35 for standard, and £20 for concessions (for those aged 16 or under or over 65). VIP guests will enjoy premium seats and a souvenir programme. Tickets can be purchased from the Shaw Theatre Box Office at shawtheatre.com/whats-on/miss-caribbean-uk2025-grand-final
SHAKYRAH DAVIS
Meet The Finalists
ALEXIS MASSIAH BARBADOS
ALIYAH BROWN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
KAYLA MITCHELL GRENADA
KMARI WELLINGTON ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
MAURISA-JAE ISAAC ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA NAYANA MENA JAMAICA
SHANELLE WEBB JAMAICA
STARR-ANNISE ELSON-WILLIAMS JAMAICA
STORM-CIANNE ELLIS JAMAICA
TANSY DANIEL ST VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
ZHANE FRITZ GRENADA
TRAVEL BOOKS
SAINT LUCIA A SUGARCANE AND RUM HISTORY
DAVE MARSLAND
Rum historian Dave Marsland has officially published Saint Lucia: A Sugarcane and Rum History, the first title dedicated to documenting the island's sugarcane and rum industry.
The publication is the culmination of five years of research, which included archival work, site visits across Saint Lucia, and interviews with key figures. It records more than two centuries of sugar production, export figures, and the transition into rum making. Marsland details the plantations, distilleries, and conflicts that shaped the sector.
The volume carries a foreword by Margaret Monplaisir, CEO of St. Lucia Distillers. Self-published and self-financed, it marks a first in the study of Saint Lucia's sugar and rum.
The book can be purchased through The Whisky Exchange or on Amazon at amzn.to/42Aru5E.
DAVE MARSLAND
EVENTS
YOUR SOCA FETE LIST IS POWERED BY
DON’T KNOW WHERE TO GO, OR WHAT TO DO?
Our events listing is your go-to guide for staying in the know. We’ll list any soca fete or Caribbean-related event we hear about, wherever it’s happening. If you’re a promoter, make sure your event is included by sending the details and a copy of your flyer to events@socanews.co.uk.
OCT 2025
SAT 04/ OCT
BOOKSNTINGZ Q DANCE – LONDON
@ Oakington Manor Primary School, Oakington Manor Drive, Wembley, HA9 6NF. Music By DJ Scotty, Kori, Mark - Professor, Rocky Boss & Terry Bee. Time 1pm-12am. Price £5-£35.
SUN 05 OCT
VIBEZ TEAM PROMOTIONS OUT IS OUT – JAB & BOUJIEE
@ The Camden, 65 Crowndale Road, NW1 1TN. Music By DJ Debo, DJ Divi, DJ Donel & DJ QT 2HYPE. Time 6pm-1am. Price £15-£20.
ISLAND GUYZ ENTERTAINMENT& ZULU SAVEUR BOAT CRUISE
@ Tower Millennium Pier, EC3N 4DT. Time 11-5pm. Price £20-£35.
SAT 11/ OCT
THE RUM EXPERIENCE CO LTD THE RUMFEST 2025
@ The ILEC Conference Centre, 47 Lillie Road, SW6 1UD . Time 11am-7pm. Price £50-£65.
TALK YUH TALK KAISO LIME - BLACK MONTH EDITION
@ The Tabernacle, 34-35 Powis Square, W11 2AY. Music By DJ Fats, DJ Piper & Soca Massive. Time 8-10pm. Price Free
JUST INCARNIVAL CARNIVAL UNPLUGGED III
@ Arts Depot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, N12 0GA. Featuring Live Joshua Regrello, Triniboi Joocie & Anne Fridal. Time 7.30-9pm. Price £10-£25.
SUN 12/ OCT
THE RUM EXPERIENCE CO LTD THE RUMFEST 2025
@ The ILEC Conference Centre, 47 Lillie Road, SW6 1UD. Time 11am-5pm. Price £40-£55.
FRI 17/ OCT
ST. LUCIA ASSOCIATION OF LONDON JOUNEN KWEYOL BRISTOL WEEKEND @ Bristol. Price £300-£350.
UK ZESS SOCA CENTRAL - BLACK & YELLOW EDITION
@ Fire, 39 Parry Street, SW8 1RT. Music By After Dark ENT, Booths, DJ Bradshaw, DJ Jammz & DJ Kcuk. Time 11pm5am. Price £20.
SUN 19/ OCT
LIGHTNING ENTERTAINMENT 758 DOMINO TOURNAMENT
@ Green Light Youth Club 223 Bow Road, Bow, E3 2SJ. Time 3-11pm. Price £20.
@ LEX2 Livesey Exchange, 567 Old Kent Road, SE1 5EW. Time 5pm-12am. Price £20-£40.
BUSSPEPPER PROMOTIONS JUMBIE JAM
@ The 411 London, 411 Saint John Street, EC1V 4AB. Time 9pm-3am. Price £25.
RELEASE D RIDDIM
CORKS MEETS EPICHEROES & VILLAINS
@ Blackfriars Pier, White Lion Hill, EC4V 3QR. Music By Credable (Release D Riddim), DJ Bliss, Mr Redz & Shaker HD. Time 6-11pm. Price £30-£45.
GUYANA (UK) SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION (GUSDA) 30TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION DINNER SHOW DANCE
@ Royal Mahal Tooting (THE CLASSIC CLUB). Music By DJ
You are strongly advised to check with the event promoter, as details may change or events may be cancelled. We make every effort to ensure the information on this page is accurate, double- and triple-checking our dates, but if you spot an error or know of a carnival or event we’ve missed, please let us know by emailing events@socanews.co.uk
50, DJ Blondee, DJ Shogun & Mr Marlon. Time 7pm-4am. Price £10-£40.
FRI 07/ NOV
MARTIN JAY PAPPYS BIG PEOPLE JAM
@ Salt Lounge, 269 West End Lane, NW6 1QS. Time 10pm3am. Price £5-£10.
FETE MODE DOMINICA INDEPENDENCE
@ The Vauxhall Arches, 39 Parry Street, Vauxhall, London, SW8 1RT. Music By Deejay Smoove, Digga D, DJ Alikaye, DJ Sweetness, Dominican EMZ & Hyper Spice Time 10pm3am. Price £10-£20.
SAT 08/ NOV
COMMONWEALTH COUNTRIES LEAGUE COMMONWEALTH FAIR 2025
@ Kensington Town Hall, Hornton Street, Kensington, W8 7NX.
MADRAS & MAS: ANTIGUA AND DOMINICA INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATION
@ Aquum, 68-70 Clapham High Street, SW4 7UL. Time 9pm-3am. Price £10.
D.A CONNECTIONZ RE-UNION JAM
@ Faces Night Club, 458-462 Cranbrook Road, Gants Hill, IG2 6LE. Music By DJ Biggz (767 Ent), DJ Redboy, DJ Royal, DJ Vern, K Jern, Mr Mention, Roy Medallion & Stallion. Time 10pm-4am. Price £25-£30.
SUN 09/ NOV
MUKE
473 CAMO FETE
@ Bath Road, Hounslow. Music By DJ Bones, DJ Debo, DJ Frost, DJ Marvin, DJ QT 2HYPE, DJ Remie, DJ Supa Nytro & DJ Triple Threat. Time 5pm-12am. Price £25-£30.
SUN 16/ NOV
STEEL PAN TRUST PAN CLASH
@ Bush Hall, Shepherds Bush, W12 7LJ. Time 3-8pm. Price £5-£10
SAT 22 NOV
BAJANS IN LONDON BARBADOS INDEPENDENCE BOATRIDE 2025 @ Temple Pier, Victoria Embankment, WC2R 2PN. Time 7-11pm. Price £20-£35.
BAJAN RAW LICQUER BARBADOS 59TH INDEPENDENCE DANCE
@ Salt Lounge, 269 West End Lane, NW6 1QS. Time 11pm3am. Price £13-£15.
SAT 29/ NOV
DJ SHEP BEATS RHUM REPUBLIC
@ Forge, 24 Cornhill, EC3V 3ND. Music By Deejay Paulie & Shep Beats. Time 1-7pm. Price £20-£35.
BARBADOS OVERSEAS COMMUNITY AND FRIENDS ASSOCIATION (BOCFA) GALA DINNER & DANCE
@ Holiday Inn Hotel, Commerce Road, Brentford, TW8 8GA. Hosted By Veronica Leacock and Jerome Rock. Music By Coolbreeze, Kori & Rocky Boss. Time 7pm-1am. Price £47-£76.
You are strongly advised to check with the event promoter, as details may change or events may be cancelled. We make every effort to ensure the information on this page is accurate, double- and triple-checking our dates, but if you spot an error or know of a carnival or event we’ve missed, please let us know by emailing events@socanews.co.uk
UPCOMING CARNIVALS & FESTIVALS
CARNIVALS AND FESTIVALS
As 2025 winds down, the rhythm doesn't stop. From Miami to Montserrat, the calendar stays alive with music, food, and parades that carry straight into the New Year and beyond. Here's a look at major carnivals and festivals from now until the close of 2025.
THU 4 OCT - MON 12 OCT MIAMI CARNIVAL
MIAMI, USA
North America’s largest carnival, held over Columbus Day Weekend with J’OPuvert, Panorama, Junior Carnival, and Parade & Concert.
FRI 24 OCT - SUN 26 OCT WORLD CREOLE MUSIC FESTIVAL
The 25th-anniversary celebration of the music festival with Creole genres and international stars. Faces of Westminster’s Local Heroes.
FRI 24 OCT – SUN 26 OCT TOBAGO CARNIVAL
TOBAGO, WI
Celebration of liberation through rituals, revelry and flaunting Tobago-centric uniqueness rooted in folk tradition.
THU 6 NOV – SUN 9 NOV BARBADOS
FOOD AND RUM FESTIVAL
BARBADOS, WI
Local chefs and mixologists are joined by international celebrity chefs to create exciting culinary delights during the annual festival, with preliminary activities happening in the weeks before.
THU 13 NOV – SUN 16 NOV DUBAI
CARIBBEAN CARNIVAL
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
The second edition of the Dubai Caribbean Carnival Experience will take place across four days of fetes, mas, and J'Ouvert, bringing Caribbean energy to the UAE.
FRI 12 DEC 2025 - FRI 2 JAN SUGAR
MAS
ST KITTS & NEVIS
Holiday-season carnival with J’Ouvert, street parades, music competitions, and folklore displays.
SAT 13 DEC 2025THU 1 JAN 2026
MONTSERRAT CARNIVAL
MONTSERRAT, WI
Year-end celebration with calypso, J’Ouvert, and a New Year’s Day parade.
THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF ULRIC CROSS
TRINIDADIAN WAR HERO AND DIPLOMAT
Ulric Cross was born in 1917 in Belmont, Trinidad, during British colonial rule. When the Second World War began, he was 22 years old. He joined the Royal Air Force and by the end of the war in 1945, he was the most decorated serviceman in the Caribbean. As a navigator with the Pathfinders Force, he received the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Distinguished Service Order for his bravery, becoming the most decorated West Indian airman of that time.
After the war, he joined the BBC as a talks producer. Programmes were broadcast live, so the calm and focus he had developed in the air helped him on the job. From there, he saw the rise of independence movements across Africa and the growth of pan-African ideas.
In 1957, when the Gold Coast became independent as Ghana, Cross worked as legal adviser to its first president, Kwame Nkrumah. He later
held similar roles in Cameroon and Tanzania, helping to build their legal systems. He also served as a judge in Trinidad and earned respect for his fairness and ability to resolve disputes. In the 1990s, he returned to London as Trinidad and Tobago's High Commissioner to the UK.
During his career, he worked with and knew many leading Caribbean and African figures, including C. L. R. James, Learie Constantine, George Padmore, and Presidents Nkrumah and Nyerere. His nephew, Sir Felix Cross, described him as fair and tolerant, noting that his life reflected the growth of Trinidad and Tobago.
Ulric Cross died on 4 October 2013 at the age of 96. In 2011, he received the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago for his service to the nation. His life story is told in the film Hero –The Extraordinary Life of Mr Ulric Cross, directed by Frances-Anne Solomon and available for viewing on the BBC iPlayer.
FEATURE
HARRISON'S CAVE BARBADOS
WE GATHERIN’ IN BARBADOS RECONNECTING WITH ISLAND ROOTS
WORDS | MIA ANTHONY
At the beginning of ther year Barbados extended a heartfelt invitation to its sons and daughters abroad to Come' Long Home for "We Gatherin' 2025" – a yearlong celebration designed to reconnect Bajans across the globe with their island roots.
The initiative, which began in January, was not just a homecoming but also a cultural showcase of the island's heritage, traditions and warm hospitality. Each month, the spotlight was placed on a different parish and theme, inviting visitors and locals alike to immerse themselves in the rhythm of Bajan life.
In September, the focus was on St James and its enduring love for cricket. Matches at Trents Playing Field and Holetown Sports Ground drew crowds, bringing communities together in the spirit of the game.
In October, the celebrations move south to Christ Church, where the sea takes centre stage. From the lively Oistins Fish Fry to the serene shores of Miami Beach, visitors can expect the island's coastal life to be as vibrant as it is soothing.
Come November, the parish of St Michael transforms into a paradise for food lovers. With a theme of "Food & Feting", the capital comes alive with the flavours of traditional dishes, such as cou-cou with flying fish, pudding, and souse, alongside music, dancing, and the buzzing Bridgetown Market. Cheapside will also tempt revellers with its street food offerings.
The festivities culminate in a season dedicated to family and friends, which runs from 30 November to the end of the year. Across the island, from the lively streets of Bridgetown to the windswept beauty of Bathsheba, communities will gather to share food, laughter, and traditions, closing 2025 with warmth and unity.
For many in the diaspora, "We Gatherin' 2025" is more than just an event; it is a gathering. It is a chance to come home, rediscover roots and experience Barbados not only as visitors, but as part of a living, breathing community.
For further information on the "We Gatherin' 2025" festivities, interested persons are encouraged to visit the official website at wegatherinbim.com
FOUR CARICOM STATES TO IMPLEMENT
FULL FREE MOVEMENT
WORDS | SOCA NEWS STAFF
Barbados , Belize, Dominica, and St Vincent and the Grenadines are set to implement full free movement of CARICOM (Caribbean Community) nationals amongst themselves from Wednesday 1 October. CARICOM is the oldest surviving regional integration movement in the developing world, comprising twenty countries with fifteen Member States and six Associate Members.
The move follows an agreement by the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community at its 49th Regular Meeting in July.
According to CARICOM, the new regime will enable nationals of the four participating states
to enter, leave, re-enter, reside, work, and remain indefinitely in each other's territories without requiring work or residency permits. They will also have access to emergency and primary healthcare, as well as public primary and secondary education, within the means of the receiving member state.
This initiative falls under the Enhanced Cooperation Chapter of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas and is part of the ongoing development of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). Nationals of the other CSME states will continue to move under the existing limited regimes for skills, services, business establishment and travel facilitation.
