Entertainment
Quito Rymer Bids Farewell to Legendary Reggae Career in Final Concert
A sea of reggae enthusiasts descended on Cane Garden Bay Beach Saturday night, July 13, for a historic event that marked the end of Quito Rymer’s music career.
After 40 years, Quito, the beloved reggae icon, took the stage for the final time with his band Quito & The Edge, delivering a memorable performance that encapsulated his decades-long influence on the genre.
Hosted by Heritage, the retirement concert showcased Quito’s enduring legacy in the British Virgin Islands and beyond. Quito opened with his timeless hit “Iron Strong,” immediately captivating the audience with his distinctive voice and charismatic presence.
Rymer, backed by Too Smooth Band, continued to delight fans with a setlist of classics. The crowd swayed and sang along to “She’s Coming,” “The Reggae Express,” and “Little Rudder Dub Dub,” each song a reminder of Rymer’s profound impact on reggae music.
In a deeply personal moment, Quito paused to perform an acoustic tribute to his mom and dad, expressing gratitude for their unwavering support throughout his journey.
The evening reached its zenith as Rymer performed “This is My Father’s Land,” a homage to his roots and heritage. The emotional weight of the song resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom have followed Rymer’s career since its inception.
Just as the night seemed to be winding down with the heartfelt “Bye, Bye, Bye My Little Love,” Quito exited the stage to applause, only to return for one last encore. He performed “We’re All Alike,” a powerful anthem calling for unity and the eradication of discrimination and hate. The song’s message of equality and togetherness was a fitting end to a career dedicated to spreading love and positivity through music.
In a touching final moment, Rymer sang an acappella rendition of “ooh Tortola,” a soulful tribute to the island he calls home. The crowd fell silent, hanging on every note, before erupting into a final wave of applause.
Photo: Kelvin Titleyt
Get ready for the sweetest showdown in the Caribbean! The region’s top bakers will gather at the Multi-Purpose Sports Complex in Tortola, British Virgin Islands, On February 21, to compete for baking supremacy at The Ultimate Bake-Off: Caribbean Baking Awards.
Trinidad & Tobago is returning with a powerhouse lineup—“Flavor Masters Possé,” “Trini Cakes Revellers,” and “Flour Power”—but can they take back the crown? Last year, the twin island dominated the competition, winning Best of Show at the inaugural Caribbean Baking Awards Wine & Cake Tasting Showcase Competition. The top prize, which included a $2,000 cash award, a trophy, and more, went to Dexter Cambridge, whose cake, “Queen of Bacchanal,” was a tribute to calypso legend Destra Garcia. This year, the twin-island nation is back to defend their title, but the competition is fiercer than ever.
Representing the US Virgin Islands, Team “Hibiscus Sweets” is ready to make a statement, while the British Virgin Islands’ own “Bombshell” is bringing bold flavors and local flair. Antigua & Barbuda’s “The Glass Jar” and “Sweet Art 268” are prepared to wow the judges, while Jamaica’s “Sweet Success” and “The Dynamic Duo” are aiming to bring the heat.
Guyana’s “Sweet Secrets” is out to prove their baking mastery, and Dominica’s “Donmnik Dou,” last year’s standout, looks to rise to the occasion. Akim Ismael from Dominica claimed first place at last year’s Wine & Cake Tasting Showcase, and this year, the Spice Island is aiming to repeat their success, even with fierce competition from the rest of the Caribbean nations.
Barbados’ “Bimstars” plans to steal the spotlight, and Saint Lucia’s “Fruit Boss” is entering the fray with their own unique flair.
The race for the title is anyone’s game!
This is more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of Caribbean talent, tradition, and flavor. The atmosphere will be electric, as each team vies for the prestigious title.
#CaribbeanBakingAwards #TheUltimateBakeOff #SweetVictory
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Five delegates from across the Caribbean are set to compete in the inaugural Miss Elegantly Plus Caribbean Queen Pageant. The event will take place on Friday, March 14, at 7 PM at the Eileene L. Parsons Auditorium, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) in Tortola, British Virgin Islands.
The pageant will feature contestants representing the British Virgin Islands, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Trinidad & Tobago, Antigua & Barbuda, and Turks & Caicos Islands. Each delegate brings experience in pageantry and community representation.
Representing the British Virgin Islands is Sylvanna L. Charles, who was crowned BVI Festival Princess in 2005. Hasanna Graham, Miss US Virgin Islands, previously held the title of Miss Bertha C. Boschulte Middle School in 2012. Mekelia A. Miller, Miss Trinidad & Tobago, won the title of Miss La Reine Rive’ (Miss Best Village) in the 2023 Prime Minister’s Best Village Trophy Competition. Milove J. S. Fontaine, representing Antigua & Barbuda, was crowned Miss Charisma in 2020. Tinell N. Garland, Miss Turks & Caicos Islands, will also compete for the title.
The competition will highlight cultural pride, elegance, and confidence among plus-size women in the region. The winner will be the first to hold the title of Miss Elegantly Plus Caribbean Queen.
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A new book highlighting the work of Virgin Islands writer Ruby A. Smith-Newberry has been released. Ruby’s Writings: Poetry | Drama | Stories, compiled by Arlene Smith-Thompson, Ed.D., presents a collection of poetry, dramatic works, and short stories reflecting on themes of family, education, and society.
Smith-Newberry’s writing captures historical and cultural perspectives from the Virgin Islands, offering insights into the experiences of past generations. Her works document personal and communal narratives, portraying the roles of educators, family members, and societal influences in shaping the region’s development.
The collection brings together various pieces that span different literary forms, preserving Smith-Newberry’s contributions to Caribbean literature. The book serves as a record of her storytelling and the impact of her words on Virgin Islands history and culture.
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