Tips On Staying
YOUNG &
AMBITIOUS
S.O.Y CLUB
VIEWS ON
Fashion Spotlight:
Cover photo by
CONTENTS
Budding fashion designer Jawara Alleyne More on page 19
Tips on staying young and ambitious from personal trainer, Michael Manville More on page 21
NEWS & REPORTS
INTERVIEWS
FASHION
HEALTH & SPORT
Student of the month Celebrity inspiration Inspiring people born in March
POLITICS
Business Takeover: Cassienne Lawrence
Political Minute: Is society failing to engage with young people?
Fashion Spotlight: Jawara Alleyne
Getting into the swing of things: Samantha Widmer Q&A with Michael Manville
MUSIC & ARTS Introducing: Black Ken Home Grown talent: Mario Vibestime
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15 17
Cover model: Bonnie Bodden
BUSINESS How can Cayman boost business?
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21
MEET THE
EDITORS
STUDENT
Dominic
NEWS
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Small
CELEBRITY
Ashanti Ebanks
ZENDAYA
ADELE
Isabelle Ordonez
NEWS
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NEWS
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MARCH
Inspiring People born in
” “
NEWS
“
”
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NO
S.O.Y club students voice their opinions on
the latest political debates in Cayman.
I feel like the older generation are always ready to blame young people and they’re not there to help us. They criticise our behaviour, work and achievements. I would like to see society focus on us as individuals, create more for young people to do, such as youth clubs and some support. It would be great to have someone for us to talk to and more support and engagement for parents. I would love to see young people celebrating achievements more so we can feel encouraged and motivated.
POLITICS
Is society failing to engage with
YES Dharani Senthil
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Dharani Senthil would like to see
young people’s achievements
celebrated more.
CAYMAN Boost BUSINESS?
BUSINESS
Tyrik
Taylor
S.O.Y club member
Tyrik Taylor gives his
take on the business
scene on island.
I think it’s really important to
actually promote business in
Cayman and portraying it as a
great place invest in.
Entrepreneurship is also a
great way to boost business on
island. We can do this by
giving new employees more
freedom in their jobs, giving
them a chance to explore and
also prove themselves.
If there were more internships
and apprenticeships available
for young people that might
inspire them to go on and start
there own companies.
For young people, we need to
provide workshops, more first-
hand business lessons so we can
learn the skills before we go
out there and start up on their
own.
“
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Fashion
Spotlight: JAWARA ALLEYN E Hailing from the small island of Cayman, award-winning , edgy
clothing designer Jawara Alleyne says the cut-throat world of
high-fashion isn’t all catwalk, carpets and Chanel...
When and why did you get
into Fashion?
I was asked this question
recently and I made a joke
that I never got into fashion,
it was fashion that got into
me. As cliché as it may
sound, there was never a
point where I made a
decision to go into fashion.
It's almost as if the decision
was already made and
everything that I'd done in
my life was just leading up
to the discovery of my path
as a fashion designer.
What inspired your
collections?
Before I began my studies
my collections were inspired
by the nature that
surrounded me, but now that
I've seen, experienced,
learnt and understand so
much more, the inspiration
behind my work has so much
more depth and meaning.
Referencing things like
history and infusing the
things I love such as different
textures to create cohesive
collections. “ I never got into
fashion, it was fashion
that got into me
”
FASHION
What do you think the
Fashion industry needs in
Cayman ?
I think Cayman needs more
avenues to exercise
experimenting with fashion.
The fashion industry can grow
in Cayman as much as it
wants but if no one has a
purpose to wear fashion and
be creative with what they
wear then the business itself
won't be a lucrative or lasting
one. Fashion is driven mainly
by two things, seasons or
occasions. As Cayman has one
season all year round (the
paradise season) then that
doesn't inspire change in the
type of clothing being worn
at any time of the year. We
in the Caribbean rely on
occasion to get creative with
what we wear. So I think that
would be the most sensible
thing to happen in the island,
which will indirectly affect the
fashion industry.
Do you think there is enough
support for aspiring fashion
designers in Cayman?
Yes, I actually do think there’s
a lot of support now for
aspiring fashion designers,
whether what we have is
enough is an issue that
requires a lot more thought.
At the same time I feel like
there’s a bigger issue at stake
and that is the support of the
creative industry in general. It
goes without say that the
ideas of what a career path
is, is changing and with more
people coming out of schools.
and not being able to get
jobs, it's up to them to get
creative and find ways to
utilise their talents in order
to make a living. This is a
problem we're not only
facing in Cayman but
worldwide.
What are your aspirations
as a designer?
Currently my main goal as
a designer is to create a
global successful fashion
brand- but once you start
learning about the industry,
is a lot harder than it might
seem I find fashion to be
one of the hardest
industries to work in
because it takes so much
dedication and hard work
to actually create
something that has
longevity. Most people
wouldn't understand the
need to stay at work till 6
am and rushing home to
get as much sleep as you
possibly can before waking
up the next morning to do it
all again but achieving the
goal of building my own
brand and having my own
business will make all the
hard work worthwhile in the
end.
What advice would you
give budding
fashionistas?
Don’t do it unless you really
love it. Fashion is an
industry that seems
glamorous to outsiders but
on the inside, it's such hard
work and if you're not
passionate about it then it's
probably not worthwhile.
Once you've established that
you do love the industry and
want to work in it, then I
would recommend that you
just let your imagination run
wild. Be as creative as you
can and have fun because
fashion can be a great
industry to work in.
What is your greatest
accomplishment to date?
You might be disappointed
but my greatest.
accomplishments
are non-fashion
related. As cliché as
this might also
sound, I think being
kind and generous
are things that we
should all aspire to
be. Not just to be
successful in our
careers, but in our
characters as well.
If my mother never
did nothing for me
(which is not true
because she's done
so much) she's given
me a name which
constantly reminds
me of what life is
about.
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FASHION
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Jawara means lover of
peace and living up to
my name I consider to
be my greatest
accomplishment. I'm not
saying this to be self-
indulging but it's
actually the truth. One
day I will be able to
use my talents to help
people and accomplish
things, but for right
now helping old ladies
cross the street will
have to do.
Who are your fashion
idols?
I don't think I have any
fashion idols. Probably
because I don't consider
any one person to be the
epitome of fashion, or
because I don't make it
a habit to praise one
person for their style.
Because I have a very
broad range of
preferences, so many
different people appeal
to me. I think the people
who have style that I
admire most are people
whose soul I'm also
drawn to. People with
character. People like
Lupita Nyong'o, Jennifer
Lawerence, Angelina
Jolie, Zoe Saldana,
Rihanna goes without
say, My mother and
Pharell Williams.
One Caribbean
celebrity that I think is
absolutely gorgeous is
the Jamaican model
Jeneil Williams. Her
accolades are not
unknown to the fashion
industry. She's worked
with brands such as
Gucci, Lanvin,
Balenciaga and have
been the star of
numerous campaigns.
One look at this girl will
remind you why black is
beautiful!
Facebook/Jawaraalleyne
FASHION
You've done a bit of modelling
has that helped with your
confidence?
It has taught me how to carry myself
like a lady and do my makeup and
hair and how to highlight true
beauty. I was a tomboy all my life
and didn’t really care about things
like that but again I had this natural
talent for it so I just did it and I fell in
love. I then went on to start an
agency called ‘Quasar Models’.
What would you say is your
greatest achievement to date?
“
”
FEATURE
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great on this earth”
You’ve just started your own
business, how did you come up with
the idea?
Evolution Gamer will be a gaming
lounge and studio where people of all
ages can come and hang out, to play
video games and recreational games.
.
How tough is it balancing all the
activities and responsibilities you
have?
Not very, God has given me these
amazing abilities, I feel like I am
supposed to do something great on
this earth I am supposed to make an
impact.
I never stop
until it’s
complete or
until I’ve
achieved what
I wanted to
Other than my beautiful,
intelligent, funny little person
called Aria., it would have to
be 2015 Island Games when I
became the youngest player
at the age of 14 to make the
Cayman Islands Women’s
National Basketball team.
CASSIANNE
Olympic hopeful, model, entrepreneur, mother and
go-getter Cassianne Lawrence tells the members of the
S.O.Y club why the word ‘can’t’ isn’t in her dictionary...
More over the page
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“ ”
Never ever,
give up no
matter
the obstacle
FEATURE
What advice would you give to young
people looking for a bit of inspiration from
someone who has been through what they
have on some level?
Never ever, ever give up no matter the
obstacle. Giving up is easy, running the course
is hard but you have to stick with it because
success comes not from the fear of failure but
from facing failure head on and having the
courage to dust yourself off and try again.
Always embrace your mistakes don’t be afraid
to make them that’s the only way you will learn
to do and be better the next time around.
What are your plans for 2014?
Oh boy lol... well I said to myself this is my
year of Green I made a theme rather than a
resolution for 2014 and my theme is “it’s all
about the green” to me green represents new
life a fresh start everything alive and new. I
plan to wear or have something that’s green
with me the whole year whether its my hair or
my nails a purse a broach etc. I also plan to
make things new and bring life to things one of
those things that’s green for me is joining the
Women in Cayman group we aim to help
people and show them a new way of thinking
a new life. Help kids and people in trouble or
in need see the green, a new perspective of
tragedy is to embrace it and find the green
light to move on.
You have your sights set on the Olympics in
2016, are you training hard?
I have just started playing Rugby and I absolutely love it, I am hoping to make the National Rugby team this year as they are aiming to go to the Olympics in 2016 and that is one of my life goals to become and Olympian.
Photo by Tracey Seymour
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FEATURE
SPORTS
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Samantha Widmer
What made you take up
golf as a hobby?
My mum and dad encouraged me
and my two brothers, Johnny
and Jack, to try the game of golf
because it taught etiquette,
sportsmanship and relationship
building at a young age.
What has been the thing
you are most proud of?
Firstly, my love for the game of golf and the
people I have met through it. I have been
able to find something I am passionate about,
but a sport that I'm naturally good at. I'm also
proud of my relationship with my family.
You've overcome a lot of
obstacles to get where you are
today..what advice would you
give to others from your
experience?
I try to put a smile on my face each
day and have a positive outlook on
life. But it has been a tough few
years and life has not
What do you think of the golfing
industry in Cayman? How can it be
improved?
They say 'business is done on the golf
course' and in many ways it is. You
build friendships, trust, the ability to
see a person outside of their element
and learn the ins and outs of their
personalities.
What would you say to young
athletes reading this article as
the best piece of advice you
could give?
The road to becoming a successful
athlete is difficult and a lot of
hard work. Read more over the page
.
Are you competing this year? What
can we expect from you?
I ‘m hoping to qualify for the National
Team that will be travelling to Puerto
Rico this August. We will have a few
more qualifiers, but the ladies are all
playing great. I really enjoy playing
with the dedicated National Team
members and hope to continue to
support the game of golf in Cayman.
continued...been easy. There have been a lot
of ups and downs. My advice to people would
be to trust yourself and your ability. You can do
anything you put your mind to and there will
always be people trying to bring you down.
I hope we can transform Cayman into a golf
destination. Golf is one of the few sports that
brings investors and developers to a country
and I think we should focus our efforts on the
economic benefits .
What would you like to see happen for
golf in Cayman?
continued...I have spent many
hours training in gyms, golf ranges,
studying, etc... and it was a
struggle at times. There will
always be someone that works
hard, finishes faster, achieves
greater, which means you have to
stay ahead of the game
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SPORTS
You describe yourself as a ‘warrior’, what
makes you a ‘warrior’ in your eyes?
By that I mean that I strive for my dreams alone on a
dangerous path. I believe facing challenges things
makes us stronger mentally and physically. We see a
stronger version of ourselves to take on the world.
You’ve become a brand of your own now, when
did you decide you wanted to start building your
own success?
I never thought of the idea until I went off to college
in London Ontario, Canada in 2007. Living alone
and having to find out who I was and seeing the
weakness and potential I had, only made want to
face the ugly. It was then I started to see a vision.
You must have faced a number of
challenges chasing your goals? Yes, after the brutal winters of Canada being
injured in multiple areas of my body from
exercise. My body literally told me I’m a lot
stronger and I just need to keep on going. I did
an online course in Becoming a NASM Personal
Trainer and I failed 3 times! I never backed
down because deep down I knew I could do it.
Does working out regularly help with other
aspects of life, like confidence?
Training is like medication. It fixes you and
makes you one with your body, it helps you to
be yourself. Stronger, grounded and hungry
for more…
Michael
Manville
HEALTHS
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HEALTHS
I saw a kid that
could hardly talk,
gain confidence
and start facing
his fears... “
Does working out regularly help with other aspects of life, like
confidence?
Training is like medication. It fixes you and makes you one with your
body, it helps you to be yourself. Stronger, grounded and hungry for
more.
What do you love about what you do? It takes a lot
of energy! How do you keep going?
Seeing the change and impact it has on people’s lives.
At the beginning of the year an old friend of mine
called me and said he wanted me to help with his
training. Within the first few weeks of we were both
surprised at the results. I saw a kid that could hardly
talk gain confidence and start facing his fears. If this
training was that powerful I knew it was something I
wanted to do for more people.
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MUSIC
This young rap artist is no stranger to the Cayman music scene. From
drumming to beats on bleachers at school, to being voted “most likely to
be a rapper”, Black Ken talks the politics of hip-hop, Kanye and how,
despite his name...he’s not about being fake...
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Let’s start from the top. Tell us about
your first record?
I recorded my fist ever song called
"Fresh" which was a remix to soldier
boy's "speakers
going hammer". The song
was played on the radio
In Cayman and I can still
remember being in the club
and thinking how awesome
it felt to hear my song drop
and see everyone wilding
out to this little local dude
who recorded for the first
time ever!
What are your aspirations as a rap
artist in Cayman?
I aspire to be the best I can be
and hopefully get signed by a major
label and more or less put Caymans
music scene on the map. I believe in
having sequential strategic goals in all
aspects of life. Twitter: @Ken_TheGenius
Instagram:@Ken_TheGenius_Photo
Photo by: Words:
David Goddard Monica Walton
Black Ken
What do you think of the music industry
in Cayman? Do you get the support
you need?
It's very expensive to produce excellent
quality music and a lot of
aspiring artist are
disheartened by the fact
that the government or
companies won't sponsor
them . If we can sponsor
Cayman athletes to go
abroad and represent the
country why can't we do
the same with our
talented local
artists? Unfortunately the
country that I love and make
references to in my songs isn't supporting
me as much as I wished it would.
I remember being
in the club hearing
my song and seeing
everyone wilding
out to this little
local dude who
recorded for the
first time ever!
Black Ken
MUSIC
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I don't want
be called
"The next
(insert
random
artists name
here)" I want
to set my
own name in
stone
“
”
Do you think it's important to
raise awareness of issues
through music?
Definitely, older people
never really grasp onto the
concerns of the younger
generation. Some feel we're
too young and too
inexperienced to have a
valid opinion on something
when in fact our opinions are
just as good as theirs.
What artists do you aspire to
be like/idolize?
I aspire to be myself. I don't
want be called “the next
(insert random artists name
here)" I want to set my own
name in stone and have
people aspiring to be like
me.
But with that said I Idolize
Kanye West *laughs*, I
study his interviews, his
performances his songs, his
beats and his fashion style.
He may have his
controversies but as far as
rap icons go, he's definitely
in the upper echelon of
musicians.
Black Ken “The Genius”
is out this year.
“ As far as rap
icons go, he's
definitely in
the upper
echelon of
musicians
”
MUSIC
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Follow:
@Ken_TheGenius
Instagram:
@Ken_TheGenius_Photo
Facebook:
Black Ken
MUSIC
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I can’t go a day
without my Beats By
Dr. Dre headphones. I
use them religiously to
write music, to
exercise, and to
unwind at home.
My Blackberry Z10 is
so important for me
because I write all of
my songs inside of my
note pad, Its the only
way I can stay
organized!
Can’t live
without...
BEATS BY DRE
I can’t live without
buying a pair or two
of Jordan Sneakers
every month. I
absolutely love
shoes!
BLACKBERRY Z10
JORDAN’S
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ARTS
MARIO BLAKE
Monica Walton tracks down photographer, entrepreneur
and entertainment guru Mario Blake to talk business,
entertainment and vibes...
Tell us a little bit about Vibestime
Entertainment?
“ ”
First of all, Vibestime
Entertainment is the people’s
choice, we bring the
vibes. We are a
promotional, interesting and
vibrant company who aims to
keep Cayman entertained.
How did you come up with the
idea?
I had a passion for entertainment
from a very young age especially
music. I love to explore and
mingle with people. I appreciate
seeing people happy.
What are your career
ambitions for Vibestime?
My career ambitions for
Vibestime is going
international for sure and
letting more people know
about us and what we can
do, which is keeping the
people entertained.
I love to
explore and
mingle with
people. I
appreciate
seeing people
happy
What struggles did you
face when setting up
your own business?
I had to work tirelessly
to keep the business in
good shape. Lots of
sleepless nights to keep
Vibestime going!
Finally, any advice
would you give to
someone looking to start
their own business?
Never give up and go
for what you really
desire.
www.vibestime.com