Charleston Carifest, a celebration in honor of Caribbean American Heritage Month, returns to Charleston June 29-July 1, 2023. Last year, Carifest president Lorna Shelton Beck revealed that The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary of independence, would be the nation highlighted this year.

In the past, other nations such as Jamaica, Cuba, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua, Guyana and others have taken center stage for three days of food, fun, music, and costumes submerged in education and culture.

“I am excited to once again bring Charleston Carifest to the Lowcountry,” said Shelton Beck. “This year, we are especially excited to recognize The Bahamas as the nation commemorates 50 years of Independence. We will have a variety of events and activities that will showcase the beauty and diversity of The Bahamas which has quite a few connections to Charleston dating back a few hundred years. We are delighted to have Bahamas Ambassador to the United States Wendall Jones and others joining us for 2023, and we are most grateful for the Bahamians who have come over the years to take part in Charleston Carifest.”

Shelton Beck, a respected Jamaican who has lived in Charleston since 1985, is known for her civic work and child advocacy, especially in the area of raising awareness to end sex trafficking. She has been involved with Charleston Carifest since its inception in 2006 and has had participants from other cities, states and countries take part to create an authentic Caribbean experience.

Carifest will kick off on Thursday, June 29, with an opening reception and an educational symposium. The symposium will feature presentations from Bahamian dignitaries, including the Bahamas Ambassador to the United States, Hon. Wendall K. Jones, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Fred Mitchell. This will take place at the Beatty Center School of Business at College of Charleston, 5 Liberty Street beginning at 6:00 p.m. 

On Friday, June 30, the all white fete, Fete en Blanc will take place at Founders Hall, Charles Towne Landing at 1500 Old Towne Road, Charleston. Tickets for this event start at $80, with options to purchase as a couple or table. 

The festival will culminate on Saturday, July 1, with the Charleston Carifest Parade. The parade will feature colorful masqueraders, vendors, marching bands, and dancers. The parade will start at 4:00 p.m. at John Street and King Street and will end at Brittle Bank Park. While the parade is free, park entry is $15.

For more information and ticket purchases, please visit www.charlestoncarifest.com.

Charleston Carifest, a celebration in honor of Caribbean American Heritage Month, returns to Charleston June 29-July 1, 2023. Last year, Carifest president Lorna Shelton Beck revealed that The Commonwealth of The Bahamas, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary of independence, would be the nation highlighted this year. In the past, other nations such as Jamaica, Cuba, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua, Guyana and others have taken center stage for three days of food, fun, music, and costumes submerged in education and culture. “I am excited to once again bring Charleston Carifest to the Lowcountry,” said Shelton Beck. “This year, we are especially excited to recognize The Bahamas as the nation commemorates 50 years of Independence. We will have a variety of events and activities that will showcase the beauty and diversity of The Bahamas which has quite a few connections to Charleston dating back a few hundred years. We are delighted to have Bahamas Ambassador to the United States Wendall Jones and others joining us for 2023, and we are most grateful for the Bahamians who have come over the years to take part in Charleston Carifest.” Shelton Beck, a respected Jamaican who has lived in Charleston since 1985, is known for her civic work and child advocacy, especially in the area of raising awareness to end sex trafficking. She has been involved with Charleston Carifest since its inception in 2006 and has had participants from other cities, states and countries take part to create an authentic Caribbean experience. Carifest will kick off on Thursday, June 29, with an opening reception and an educational symposium. The symposium will feature presentations from Bahamian dignitaries, including the Bahamas Ambassador to the United States, Hon. Wendall K. Jones, and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Fred Mitchell. This will take place at the Beatty Center School of Business at College of Charleston, 5 Liberty Street beginning at 6:00 p.m.  On Friday, June 30, the all white fete, Fete en Blanc will take place at Founders Hall, Charles Towne Landing at 1500 Old Towne Road, Charleston. Tickets for this event start at $80, with options to purchase as a couple or table.  The festival will culminate on Saturday, July 1, with the Charleston Carifest Parade. The parade will feature colorful masqueraders, vendors, marching bands, and dancers. The parade will start at 4:00 p.m. at John Street and King Street and will end at Brittle Bank Park. While the parade is free, park entry is $15. For more information and ticket purchases, please visit www.charlestoncarifest.com.

The Men’s Ministry of the  Church of God of Prophecy (COGOP) East Street is excited to announce a joyous and inspiring celebration of the goodness of the Lord through a special ‘Road To 50’ Grand Concert featuring performances by Pastor Simeon Outten, the Tabernacle Concert Choir and the world-renowned Bahamas Brass Band. 

Under the theme “Building an Ark of Safety” the night of music will be held on Sunday, June 11 at 6pm at the COGOP East Street Tabernacle. Audience members can expect to enjoy a talented array of Bahamian gospel artists, choirs and bands who will lead the audience on a powerful journey of praise and worship, and rejoicing in the Lord of hosts. Among the groups expected are P3 Mime, the Rahming Brothers, Shaback and many more.

The concert is expected to also shine a spotlight on the pivotal role music, gospel artists and community bands have played in encouraging the citizens of this nation. The anointed worship songs and music has drawn many Bahamians closer to the Lord, even as the country has marched on to a destiny of independence and its people worked to build a developing and growing nation. 

“As the Bahamas nears its 50th Anniversary of Independence, we want to join with our community to celebrate this historic, national milestone and to give honour and glory to God for allowing us to see this moment,” said Philip Beneby, Director of the Men’s Ministry. “Our Senior Pastor, Bishop Hulan Hanna, charged the Men’s Ministry with spearheading and organizing a national concert and we want to ensure that this is truly a spectacular time of worship through song and that it is an event the entire family can enjoy. 

“We invite everyone to join us in this grand celebration because we know the healing, deliverance, joy and salvation that worship music can bring.”

Explaining the importance and connection of the evening’s theme, Mr. Beneby said, “the mission of the Men’s Ministry is to establish a safe space, especially, for boys and young men in the community, in the same way that God provided the ark to save all living creature. Those who heeded the call and entered the ark were saved, so it is our mission, our desire, that this ‘Road to 50’ concert will also serve as a gateway to the ark of safety, allowing persons who are struggling, in need of a word, a touch from the Lord, to experience God’s love, his presence, his healing and salvation.”

This event is free.

The Men’s Ministry of the  Church of God of Prophecy (COGOP) East Street is excited to announce a joyous and inspiring celebration of the goodness of the Lord through a special ‘Road To 50’ Grand Concert featuring performances by Pastor Simeon Outten, the Tabernacle Concert Choir and the world-renowned Bahamas Brass Band.  Under the theme “Building an Ark of Safety” the night of music will be held on Sunday, June 11 at 6pm at the COGOP East Street Tabernacle. Audience members can expect to enjoy a talented array of Bahamian gospel artists, choirs and bands who will lead the audience on a powerful journey of praise and worship, and rejoicing in the Lord of hosts. Among the groups expected are P3 Mime, the Rahming Brothers, Shaback and many more. The concert is expected to also shine a spotlight on the pivotal role music, gospel artists and community bands have played in encouraging the citizens of this nation. The anointed worship songs and music has drawn many Bahamians closer to the Lord, even as the country has marched on to a destiny of independence and its people worked to build a developing and growing nation.  “As the Bahamas nears its 50th Anniversary of Independence, we want to join with our community to celebrate this historic, national milestone and to give honour and glory to God for allowing us to see this moment,” said Philip Beneby, Director of the Men’s Ministry. “Our Senior Pastor, Bishop Hulan Hanna, charged the Men’s Ministry with spearheading and organizing a national concert and we want to ensure that this is truly a spectacular time of worship through song and that it is an event the entire family can enjoy.  “We invite everyone to join us in this grand celebration because we know the healing, deliverance, joy and salvation that worship music can bring.” Explaining the importance and connection of the evening’s theme, Mr. Beneby said, “the mission of the Men’s Ministry is to establish a safe space, especially, for boys and young men in the community, in the same way that God provided the ark to save all living creature. Those who heeded the call and entered the ark were saved, so it is our mission, our desire, that this ‘Road to 50’ concert will also serve as a gateway to the ark of safety, allowing persons who are struggling, in need of a word, a touch from the Lord, to experience God’s love, his presence, his healing and salvation.” This event is free.

This is Paradise, the first Bahamian television series to secure a distribution deal with a major American streaming service, is officially on Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment’s free streaming service Crackle. The show premiered on May 30, 2023. The six-episode series was produced and directed by award-winning pioneering Bahamian filmmaker Kareem Mortimer and can be accessed for free through Roku, Samsung TVs, and numerous other devices.

The series is a triumph for the Bahamian entertainment industry and Caribbean television as a whole. With an all-Bahamian/Caribbean cast, crew, and production team, This is Paradise is a representation and cultural authenticity pioneer. Filmed on the picturesque island of Eleuthera, the production created employment opportunities for Eleutherans as cast members, crew, caterers, and more.

This is Paradise tells the captivating story of two contrasting women who discover their shared heritage as half-sisters after the sudden passing of their father. United by this revelation, they must come together to rescue their father's dilapidated hotel in The Bahamas. With six episodes, This is Paradise presents a heartwarming narrative set against the stunning tropical backdrop of the island.

Mortimer, the visionary creator of the series, is the executive producer, infusing the project with his unique perspective and creative prowess. Joining him are executive producer Julia Woolley Chatwin, producer Henrietta Edgecombe, and producers Nicole Sylvester and Trevite Willis. The series features an exceptional ensemble cast, including Dana Deveaux, Julia Woolley Chatwin, Michael Olodeye, Timico Sawyer, and Z'haneo Newbold. The dynamic directing team consists of Kareem Mortimer, Henrietta Edgecombe, and Lavado Stubbs, while the enchanting scripts are penned by Tim Papciak, Stephen Hanna, and Kerel Pinder.

"Highlighting and advocating for the diversity of Black cinema has been a core focus throughout my career," said Gregory Maurice, senior director of global acquisitions & co-productions at Crackle. "This is Paradise showcases a fun and refreshing portrayal of Black people that breaks away from stereotypes. Kareem and his team have made history, and it is an honor for us to be part of this groundbreaking series by presenting it on our platform."

The premiere of This is Paradise coincides with Caribbean Heritage Month in the United States which is celebrated in June. As streaming platforms increasingly embrace authentic African films and shows, the series presents The Bahamas in its true light, featuring genuine accents and locations outside of Nassau, New Providence. Filming took place on the island of Eleuthera, the first colonized Bahamian island known for its unspoiled natural beauty and celebrity residents that included Mariah Carey, the British royal family, and local favorite Lenny Kravitz. It was also the film location of Tyler Perry's "Why Did I Get Married, Too?".

Zhane’o Newbold, a Caribbean social media sensation and comedian known for his Sarge character, described working on the project as incredibly thrilling.

“I was surrounded by a multitude of talented creatives and professionals operating on a grander scale,” said Newbold who plays Walcott in “This Is Paradise”. “Moreover, I am immensely honored to share a slice of this Bahamian history. My hope is that the viewers will have the opportunity to witness the remarkable and varied talent that thrives in the Bahamas, brilliantly expressed through this captivating endeavor.”

Newbold said he wants to establish a profound connection with his audience and enable them to truly engage with the rich essence of Bahamian culture.

“Showcasing our talent on an international platform is an immense opportunity,” added Newbold. “The Bahamas requires greater global visibility, allowing us to establish our unique identity and consistently demonstrate our exceptional abilities. I firmly believe that this is just the start of a remarkable journey towards even greater achievements. My devoted fans have always wished for my triumphs and eagerly anticipate witnessing my expansion into international territories. Their excitement stems from witnessing my growth from humble beginnings to reaching new pinnacles of success.”

Deveaux, who landed the lead role of Kiesha, agrees that being a part of the project is nothing short of amazing.

“There was something very special about working on authentic Bahamian material while utilizing the breathtaking landscape of the island of Eleuthera, which is also a character in the show,” said Deveaux. “It gives viewers a chance to experience the Bahamas in a completely new light, and I think this fresh take is only the beginning of the type of artistic work viewers can expect from Bahamian creatives. There is bigger and better to come - this is just the beginning!”

Deveaux plays one of two women who discover their shared heritage as half-sisters after the sudden passing of their father. United by this revelation, they must come together to rescue their father's dilapidated hotel in The Bahamas. 

"Securing a deal to reach millions of viewers in the United States has been a long time coming, and we are tremendously grateful," said Kareem Mortimer, executive producer, and creator. "Joining the Crackle family, associated with Redbox and Chicken Soup For The Soul, surpasses our expectations. This achievement demonstrates that perseverance is worthwhile. I am delighted to work with this incredible team and, as we say, take 242 to the world."

About Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment
Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment (Nasdaq: CSSE) provides premium content to value-conscious consumers. The company is one of the largest advertising-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) companies in the US, with three flagship AVOD streaming services: Redbox, Crackle, and Chicken Soup for the Soul. In addition, the company operates Redbox Free Live TV, a free ad-supported streaming television service (FAST), with nearly 180 FAST channels as well as a transaction video on demand (TVOD) service, and a network of approximately 31,000 kiosks across the US for DVD rentals. To provide original and exclusive content to its viewers, the company creates, acquires, and distributes films and TV series through its Screen Media and Chicken Soup for the Soul TV Group subsidiaries. Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment is a subsidiary of Chicken Soup for the Soul, LLC, which publishes the famous book series and produces super-premium pet food under the Chicken Soup for the Soul brand name.

This is Paradise, the first Bahamian television series to secure a distribution deal with a major American streaming service, is officially on Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment’s free streaming service Crackle. The show premiered on May 30, 2023. The six-episode series was produced and directed by award-winning pioneering Bahamian filmmaker Kareem Mortimer and can be accessed for free through Roku, Samsung TVs, and numerous other devices. The series is a triumph for the Bahamian entertainment industry and Caribbean television as a whole. With an all-Bahamian/Caribbean cast, crew, and production team, This is Paradise is a representation and cultural authenticity pioneer. Filmed on the picturesque island of Eleuthera, the production created employment opportunities for Eleutherans as cast members, crew, caterers, and more. This is Paradise tells the captivating story of two contrasting women who discover their shared heritage as half-sisters after the sudden passing of their father. United by this revelation, they must come together to rescue their father's dilapidated hotel in The Bahamas. With six episodes, This is Paradise presents a heartwarming narrative set against the stunning tropical backdrop of the island. Mortimer, the visionary creator of the series, is the executive producer, infusing the project with his unique perspective and creative prowess. Joining him are executive producer Julia Woolley Chatwin, producer Henrietta Edgecombe, and producers Nicole Sylvester and Trevite Willis. The series features an exceptional ensemble cast, including Dana Deveaux, Julia Woolley Chatwin, Michael Olodeye, Timico Sawyer, and Z'haneo Newbold. The dynamic directing team consists of Kareem Mortimer, Henrietta Edgecombe, and Lavado Stubbs, while the enchanting scripts are penned by Tim Papciak, Stephen Hanna, and Kerel Pinder. "Highlighting and advocating for the diversity of Black cinema has been a core focus throughout my career," said Gregory Maurice, senior director of global acquisitions & co-productions at Crackle. "This is Paradise showcases a fun and refreshing portrayal of Black people that breaks away from stereotypes. Kareem and his team have made history, and it is an honor for us to be part of this groundbreaking series by presenting it on our platform." The premiere of This is Paradise coincides with Caribbean Heritage Month in the United States which is celebrated in June. As streaming platforms increasingly embrace authentic African films and shows, the series presents The Bahamas in its true light, featuring genuine accents and locations outside of Nassau, New Providence. Filming took place on the island of Eleuthera, the first colonized Bahamian island known for its unspoiled natural beauty and celebrity residents that included Mariah Carey, the British royal family, and local favorite Lenny Kravitz. It was also the film location of Tyler Perry's "Why Did I Get Married, Too?". Zhane’o Newbold, a Caribbean social media sensation and comedian known for his Sarge character, described working on the project as incredibly thrilling. “I was surrounded by a multitude of talented creatives and professionals operating on a grander scale,” said Newbold who plays Walcott in “This Is Paradise”. “Moreover, I am immensely honored to share a slice of this Bahamian history. My hope is that the viewers will have the opportunity to witness the remarkable and varied talent that thrives in the Bahamas, brilliantly expressed through this captivating endeavor.” Newbold said he wants to establish a profound connection with his audience and enable them to truly engage with the rich essence of Bahamian culture. “Showcasing our talent on an international platform is an immense opportunity,” added Newbold. “The Bahamas requires greater global visibility, allowing us to establish our unique identity and consistently demonstrate our exceptional abilities. I firmly believe that this is just the start of a remarkable journey towards even greater achievements. My devoted fans have always wished for my triumphs and eagerly anticipate witnessing my expansion into international territories. Their excitement stems from witnessing my growth from humble beginnings to reaching new pinnacles of success.” Deveaux, who landed the lead role of Kiesha, agrees that being a part of the project is nothing short of amazing. “There was something very special about working on authentic Bahamian material while utilizing the breathtaking landscape of the island of Eleuthera, which is also a character in the show,” said Deveaux. “It gives viewers a chance to experience the Bahamas in a completely new light, and I think this fresh take is only the beginning of the type of artistic work viewers can expect from Bahamian creatives. There is bigger and better to come - this is just the beginning!” Deveaux plays one of two women who discover their shared heritage as half-sisters after the sudden passing of their father. United by this revelation, they must come together to rescue their father's dilapidated hotel in The Bahamas.  "Securing a deal to reach millions of viewers in the United States has been a long time coming, and we are tremendously grateful," said Kareem Mortimer, executive producer, and creator. "Joining the Crackle family, associated with Redbox and Chicken Soup For The Soul, surpasses our expectations. This achievement demonstrates that perseverance is worthwhile. I am delighted to work with this incredible team and, as we say, take 242 to the world." About Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment (Nasdaq: CSSE) provides premium content to value-conscious consumers. The company is one of the largest advertising-supported video-on-demand (AVOD) companies in the US, with three flagship AVOD streaming services: Redbox, Crackle, and Chicken Soup for the Soul. In addition, the company operates Redbox Free Live TV, a free ad-supported streaming television service (FAST), with nearly 180 FAST channels as well as a transaction video on demand (TVOD) service, and a network of approximately 31,000 kiosks across the US for DVD rentals. To provide original and exclusive content to its viewers, the company creates, acquires, and distributes films and TV series through its Screen Media and Chicken Soup for the Soul TV Group subsidiaries. Chicken Soup for the Soul Entertainment is a subsidiary of Chicken Soup for the Soul, LLC, which publishes the famous book series and produces super-premium pet food under the Chicken Soup for the Soul brand name.

 

Friends and family celebrated contributions to the Commonwealth of The Bahamas of Deputy Governor General, the Hon. Cynthia 'Mother' Pratt at a 'Tea with Mother' gathering at her home, May 18, 2023.  The Deputy Governor General's life of service spans her career in nursing, education, government -- as Deputy and Acting Prime Minister -- and, presently, Deputy Governor General.  Photos show some of the guests with 'Mother' Pratt, including officials: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism, Investments and Aviation the Hon. Chester Cooper and Mrs. Cecilia Cooper, Speaker of the House of Assembly the Hon. Patricia Deveaux, President of the Senate the Hon. LaShell Adderley, and Chair of the National Independence Secretariat HE Leslia Miller-Brice.  Also, she gave the ladies a tour of her milestone photos, displayed.