Caribbean Women: Beautiful and Tough!
Mae Wayne - Publisher
While for me every issue of SHE Caribbean is special, this edition stands out as further proof of the resilience of our region and our stubborn determination not to be cowed by curve balls and bouncers, to use the cricket parlance. As if the widely reported political unrest in Jamaica were not already enough of a headache for the promoters of Caribbean Fashion Week—to the extent that the U.S. issued an advisory that discouraged Americans from visiting the island!—there was also the concern among CFW regulars that the event might have to be postponed, if not shelved. Thankfully, like Caribbean rain, the uncertainty did not last very long. The event was delayed, yes, but by only one week. Regrettably, the number of international designers was down this time around but their absence evidently inspired their Jamaican counterparts to reach for the sky. Biggie and Kenya Linton were hot! The show would go on, Dudas or die.
Our 30-page coverage of the exciting event is proof that Caribbean fashion—not crime!—was on the minds of the majority of people we encountered in Jamaica. Which is not to say they were altogether oblivious of the Dudas Coke episode with all its frightening tentacles. Howard Campbell’s superb coverage of the West Kingston incident that claimed over seventy lives offers many lessons, for Caribbean politicians as well as our police and voters. The role of women in the special circumstances starkly underscored by Campbell is at once frightening and inspirational, and applies whether the women are from West Kingston, Haiti or Trinidad & Tobago.
Chillin with my son Christian
Speaking of which reminds me that the last time a Trini beauty featured on our cover the lady was none other than the renowned Miss World, Wendy Fitzwilliam. What a pleasure then to introduce the sensational Soowan Bramble, our latest representative from the Land of the Hummingbird. Not only is she obviously pretty and sexy, with a body to die for, Soowan also has, as they say, a fine head on her shoulders. Throughout the exciting photo shoot with an all-Trini cast, she and our photographer Calvin kept us in stitches with their sense of humour and banter.
Ms Bramble is destined for great things. And just in case the beautiful young ladies in the other islands are wondering, rest assured SHE Caribbean’s cover-girl scouts will soon be visiting your particular area. Stay tuned to our website to discover when we plan to come calling.
(L-R) With Photographer Calvin French after the shoot; Soowan Au Natural; With my friend The Grand Dame of designs, Claudia Pegus; Melissa Isaac, our first contestant, 1st in line despite the rain
