T&T-born Director Delves Into Sci-fi With Lumina

Gino McKoy

Lumina, a film written and produced by T&T-born Gino McKoy and currently streaming on Amazon Prime Video, Google Play, and YouTube, features a group of modern-day young adults on a journey for the truth.

The film, which debuted in theatres last year and has been showcased at packed fan gatherings like Comic Con New York and Monsterpalooza, was the focus of a recent article in Forbes magazine by senior contributor Marc Berman.

Starring Rupert Lazarus (Requiem), Eleanor Williams, and Academy Award nominee Eric Roberts (The Dark Knight, The Expendables), Lumina follows Alex (Lazarus), whose girlfriend Tatiana (Williams) mysteriously vanishes in a flash of light. Determined to find her, Alex and his friends embark on a journey from Los Angeles into the desert, where they uncover the dark secrets of a Deep Underground Military Base (DUMB). What begins as a search for answers quickly turns into a fight for survival as they encounter sinister forces, government conspiracies, and otherworldly beings.

Blending elements of psychological thrillers, science fiction, and horror, the set designs and special effects enhance the narrative. Lumina is the first science fiction entry to be shot in Morocco, particularly in the mountainous regions of Marrakech and Ouarzazate, providing it with a distinct cinematic appearance.

“At first, I wanted to do a sci-fi comedy, but I also wanted to show what the impact is psychologically following an abduction,” said McKoy.

The film is tongue-in-cheek at times, but it deals with serious topics and unexplained phenomena. At the core, this is a story of reality, love, and survival. And because it was a mixture of different genres, it took some convincing to explain what my vision was for the film.

Born in T&T and raised in Canada, McKoy’s parents, Hudson, and Lynda McKoy, are musicians, banking professionals, and the founders of Goldove Entertainment.

I majored in political science in college, which was always one of my great interests. And I studied world religion, specializing in Judaism and Christianity, he said.

I also had classical training and grew up surrounded by music. But after entering the business world working for a financial institution, my creative side took over and I eventually segued into music and filmmaking. I wanted to perform and produce the type of music I could include in my movies, which I do throughout Lumina.

In 2008, McKoy’s music career got a boost after he met Canadian sound engineer/producer Nick Blagona. They began working on his debut pop-rock album. In 2010, legendary Hollywood producer David Kershenbaum took over the project, which resulted in his debut album Step Forward.

I had the opportunity to compete on America’s Got Talent, but I did not want to sing anybody else’s music. I didn’t want to portray myself as a cover artist, he said.

At the same time, McKoy started working on screenplays for two feature films, while also launching a merchandising line, Lydgio Fashions, co-founded with his mother, Lynda.

In 2015, McKoy wrote the script for Little Mizz Innocent, which followed a UN interpreter entangled in a conflict between the FBI and a criminal organization.

With Lumina, we initially had a distribution deal with Byron Allen’s Entertainment Studios for a wide release, but when COVID hit everything was put on hold, McKoy recalled.

So, we spoke to other investors we knew and I started scouting locations where we could safely shoot the film, which ended up being Morocco.

Not without its hiccups, including the pandemic-related delays and a cast and crew turnover, getting Lumina off the ground was no easy maneuver. In addition to writing, directing, producing, and singing the songs in the film, McKoy co-composed the soundtrack and served as a visual effects supervisor.

Overall, it’s been a mixed response. Some people don’t understand Lumina and I think some of the critics unfairly misjudged it because this is a sci-fi comedy. Everything was intentional when I set up scenes and, he said.

I grew up in the days when you had movies like The Naked Gun, Blazing Saddles, and Billy Crystal in City Slickers. And I wanted something lighter, something funny in a parody sense, and all with a bit of a love interest.

Prime Minister Mottley Pays Tribute To Dr. Karl Watson

The late historian, Dr. Karl Stewart Watson. (FP)

By Government of Barbados | Jan 12, 2025 

Today, Barbados mourns the loss of one of its most remarkable sons, Dr. Karl Stewart Watson, an extraordinary historian, archaeologist, educator, mentor, and diplomat, who dedicated his life to preserving and celebrating the essence of what it means to be Barbadian.

For over 60 years, Dr. Watson gave unparalleled service for the love of our country and its people. His study and preservation of our nation’s history and heritage were grounded in a profound understanding of the value of our past. Indeed, his efforts have helped remind us that in a time of much global uncertainty, knowing where we came from ensures we never forget who we are, and what we are capable of. I know with absolute certainty that his work has enriched our collective identity as Bajans, inspired generations, and strengthened the foundations upon which our future will be built.

Whether it be through his time with the University of the West Indies Mona or Cave Hill Campus, in the Barbados Foreign Service, the Barbados National Trust, Barbados Museum & Historical Society, the George Washington House Restoration Committee, or his work on the Nidhe Israel Synagogue and Jubilee Gardens in Bridgetown, Newton Plantation, the Barbados/Carolinas Committee, or through his numerous publications or articles in the newspaper, Dr. Watson unearthed stories that revealed the resilience, ingenuity, and humanity of our ancestors.

In recognition of his immense contributions in life, Dr. Watson was awarded the Gold Crown of Merit in 2011. However, I believe his best reward would be our genuine appreciation of the enduring impact he left on the lives of those he taught, guided, and inspired.

On behalf of the Government and people of Barbados, I extend heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and all who mourn this irreplaceable loss. Let us all take solace in the knowledge that Dr. Watson’s legacy will endure, lighting our path forward as we embrace our opportunity to write on history’s page. May we honor his memory by continuing to cherish our history, protect our heritage, and strive for excellence in all that we do.

May he rest in peace and rise in glory.

Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley S.C., M.P. 

Tags: Dr. Karl Watson, Mia Mottley, Prime Minister, tribute

Guyana Oil Wealth

President of Guyana, Irfaan Ali

Has announced that every Guyanese citizen aged 18 and older as of January 1, 2024, will receive a $100,000 cash grant

Guyana is at a crossroads in its history —a small South American nation with a population of over 800,000 people, experienced a significant oil and gas boom that transformed it into the world’s fastest-growing economy.

With its 11.6 billion barrels of oil reserves and plans to boost production to 1.3 million barrels per day by 2027, Guyana ranks among the top non-OPEC+ producers poised to drive global supply growth.

“As a responsible Government, as a Government that understands that we have a responsibility that all feel included and part of the system, it is important that we build a system that is robust in delivering this grant and the simplest and most verifiable way is the $100,000 for every Guyanese 18 and above with the qualifying date of the 1st January 2024, that is achieving the age of 18 at the 1st January 2024”, President Ali reiterated. Instead of the one-off cash grant of $200,000 for every household as previously announced.

The simple means of verification is the possession of a national valid identification card, a Guyanese birth certificate, and/or a valid Guyanese passport.

The President also announced that in addition to abolishing the tuition fees for the University of Guyana from January 2025, the Government will also be abolishing the tuition fees at all Government technical and vocational schools.

The decision has found favor with many Guyana citizens, based on the responses on social media.

Empowering Guyanese. When citizens elect someone responsible who cares about them.

Greater financial empowerment for households: The policy represents a progressive step forward by recognizing the unique financial needs of Guyanese individuals, ensuring that each person has the financial flexibility to address their personal needs.

This policy respects individuals and also provides support for senior citizens and vulnerable groups.

The new policy ensures that elderly individuals living on fixed incomes or relying on pensions will receive the $100,000 cash grant, providing much-needed financial relief. This additional income can help cover essential costs such as medical expenses, utilities, and groceries, offering our senior citizens more comfort and security in their daily lives.

This action exemplifies the President's unwavering commitment to building a thriving and just Guyana, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to succeed and contribute to the nation's overall economic growth.

President of Guyana, Dr. Irfaan Ali

The announcement by President Dr. Irfaan Ali during a special sitting of Parliament, marked his second address to Parliament since taking office. The cash grant is part of a series of measures that the President says will form a blueprint to propel Guyana forward and safeguard the quality of life. All public sector workers will earn no less than $100,000 GYD monthly by the end of 2025. Additionally, food security is a priority for Guyana's government, and efforts are underway to create a digital economy for the country.

Angela Brooks for YAME

Barbados is Boldly Pursuing Ambitious Infrastructure Developments and Impressive Eco-tourism Initiatives

Barbados isn’t merely a paradise for vacationers

By Theo Edwards

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In the tapestry of a nation’s progress, infrastructure is the sturdy framework upon which financial development, social growth, and transformative change are woven.

Mia Mottley - Barbados Prime Minister

Barbados is boldly pursuing ambitious infrastructure developments and impressive eco-tourism initiatives, showcasing its commitment to realizing big dreams. Some of the major projects currently underway stand not only as testaments to engineering prowess but also as beacons of hope for a brighter future.

They represent a powerful fusion of innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity, offering the potential to uplift communities, drive economic progress, and enhance the quality of life for all Barbadians.

The Mill and Pave Program aims to enhance the nation’s roads by resurfacing almost a third of its roadways. This $30 million initiative is highlighted as a crucial part of the Ministry of Transport and Works' continuous efforts to maintain highway durability and improve motorists' experience across the island, specifically targeting roads with deteriorated surfaces.

The Barbados Coastal Resiliency Project aims to build infrastructure such as breakwaters, drainage works, walkways, boardwalks, and groynes to reduce climate threats and erosion along the country’s coasts. This initiative is part of a $100 million loan from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) to enhance the climate resilience of coastal areas and promote climate-resilient economic development.

Barbados has 60 miles of shoreline, 20 of that are central to the nation’s tourism trade, attracting over a million guests yearly and accounting for 13% of the nation’s GDP.

The ongoing National Stadium Redevelopment project will bring much-needed improvements to the stadium. Opened in 1970, the stadium has deteriorated over the years. A $40 million funding from the China Development Bank, provided by the Chinese Government, will aid development.

Kensington Oval Upgrade includes significant refurbishments to the stands, including cleaning, repainting, repairing, and installing improved lighting, among other things.

The Home Ownership Providing Energy Inc. Project (HOPE) aims to address the issue of housing affordability, especially for first-time buyers. The first location in Sunderland, St. James, is set to have 154 homes, with 57 already completed and ready for occupancy.

The Shallow Draught Marina is a significant part of the Barbados Port Inc. Masterplan 2020-2030 and Port Expansion. To Improve the provision of marina slips in Barbados to fulfill demand and supply a haven for pleasure craft and industrial tourism vessels.

The Video: Courtesy

Spotlighting the infrastructure developments in Barbados, it becomes clear that these endeavors not only represent significant engineering feats but also serve as pillars for the long-term prosperity of the nation, indicating a bright future ahead.

New Caribbean Ferry to Connect Guyana, Barbados and Trinidad

Caribbean Journal Staff 

March 5, 2024

The ferry would connect Barbados, Guyana and Trinidad

The ferry, the product of a partnership between Guyana, Trinidad and Barbados, will transport both passengers and containers, according to Guyanese officials.

A landmark new ferry service connecting three Caribbean destinations is anticipated to launch in the next few months. This, according to Guyana's President, Dr. Mohamed Irfan Ali.

The ferry, the product of a partnership between Guyana, Trinidad, and Barbados, will transport both passengers and containers, according to Guyanese officials.

“In another two, or three months that ferry will begin operations, and we are hoping that this will instill confidence in the private sector,” Ali said.

Customs and Immigration officials from Guyana, Barbados, and Trinidad have already agreed that most systems were already in place and can be adjusted to accommodate the [ferry] service, according to a statement from CARICOM. 

The Sea Breeze Beach House, is one of the top all-inclusive resorts in Barbados

The initial service will be operated on the Galleons Passage ship (photo above), which has a capacity for about 400 passengers.

Timeframes for the service have not yet been released; the Guyana-Trinidad trip would likely require nearly a day’s sailing.

But the service may not stop at just the edge of the southern Caribbean.

While ferry services tend to be very popular, particularly with travelers, their broader use in the region has been limited only to certain regions: the US And British Virgin Islands; the greater St Maarten area (with islands like Anguilla, Saba, Statia, St Barth and St Kitts); and Eastern Caribbean islands like Martinique, Saint Lucia, Guadeloupe, and Dominica.

Talks have already begun on setting up a common regional ferry service within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

That could be a major game-changer for intra-regional transportation.

In the meantime, a company called Connect Caribe is also looking to set up a pan-Caribbean ferry service. 

Republic of Barbados sends High Commissioner to Belize

High Commissioner David Commissiong

By Aaron Humes (Breaking Belize News - September 6, 2022)

Саrіbbеаn nеіghbоr аnd thе wоrld’ѕ mоѕt rесеnt rерublісаn ѕtаtе, Ваrbаdоѕ, hаѕ рrеѕеntеd а Ніgh Соmmіѕѕіоnеr tо Веlіzе, Dаvіd Соmmіѕѕіоng.

Тоdау hе рrеѕеntеd hіѕ lеttеr оf сrеdеnсе tо Н.Е. Dаmе Frоуlа Тzаlаm, Gоvеrnоr-Gеnеrаl оf Веlіzе, аt thе Веlіzе Ноuѕе іn Веlmораn.

Тhе Ніgh Соmmіѕѕіоnеr ѕhаrеd thаt Ваrbаdоѕ vаluеѕ Веlіzе аѕ а truѕtеd аllу аnd а сrіtісаl раrtnеr іn thе mіѕѕіоn tо аdvаnсе thе Саrіbbеаn Соmmunіtу. Не аѕѕurеd thе Gоvеrnоr-Gеnеrаl thаt Веlіzе wіll аlwауѕ bе аblе tо rеlу оn асtіvе ѕоlіdаrіtу аnd ѕuрроrt frоm Ваrbаdоѕ.

Тhе Gоvеrnоr-Gеnеrаl іn turn grасіоuѕlу ассерtеd thе lеttеr оf сrеdеnсе аnd wеlсоmеd thе Ніgh Соmmіѕѕіоnеr tо Веlіzе. Оn bеhаlf оf thе реорlе оf Веlіzе, thе Gоvеrnоr Gеnеrаl wіѕhеd hіm wеll durіng hіѕ tеnurе оf ѕеrvісе.

Ваrbаdоѕ bесаmе а rерublіс lаѕt Nоvеmbеr оn іtѕ іndереndеnсе аnnіvеrѕаrу. Іtѕ Рrіmе Міnіѕtеr, Міа Моttlеу, ѕubѕеquеntlу wоn rе-еlесtіоn іn Јаnuаrу аnd hаѕ bесоmе а rеgіоnаl роlіtісаl vоісе.

Barbados: Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Preparedness

In the spotlight

By Theo Edwards

The Covid-19 pandemic is shedding light on the vulnerability of health systems, including in rich countries, that many thought were best prepared to face epidemics. The situation remains fluid as data and statistics on cases and mortality due to Covid-19 move rapidly.

The pandemic was confirmed to have reached Barbados on 17 March 2020 with the announcement of the first two cases.

COVID-19 Preparedness

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Preparedness in Video: Barbados. The pandemic was confirmed to have reached Barbados on 17 March 2020 with the announcement of the first two cases.

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Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) advice for the public

To get information and guidance from the World Health Organization (WHO) regarding the current outbreak of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), add the WHO official number +41 79 893 18 92 to your phone contact or mobile device contact list with web and mobile data access.

• Go to WhatsApp messaging application installed on the device (If not installed, get it from Google Play Store for Android OS or Apple wallet for iPhone).

• Text the word "Hi" to WHO contact on the WhatsApp messenger. The materials are regularly updated based on new scientific findings as the epidemic evolves.

This service provides the latest information from the World Health Organization (WHO) of coronavirus (COVID-19) first reported on 31 December 2019.

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We Got This

Vibe Barbados: In a Caribbean cultural collaborative unlike ever seen before in the region, 25 West Indian born singers including internationally acclaimed stars, award-winning vocalists, and various calypso and soca monarchs have come together to gift their talent to the fight against the dreaded COVID-19 virus.

25 voices. 14 countries. 1 message. In a Caribbean cultural collaborative unlike ever seen before in the region, 25 West Indian born singers including intern...

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Ackee and Saltfish: A Jamaican navigates the taste of home

Jamaicans have transformed a history of pain into delicious food, but what if you are allergic to your national dish?

Source: This post is from aljazeera: By Summer Eldemire

"Oh my goodness, that banana is green, how can you eat that?" asks my uncle.

It is 7am and the banana I am about to put into my smoothie is not technically green. But it's also not so ripe that it's brown, the way we Jamaicans usually eat them. After 10 years living away from my home, I have gotten used to eating the barely ripe tasteless bananas that grace the shelves of Key Foods in Brooklyn, New York, where I live for most of the year.

Each time I return home for vacation, my family and friends giggle at all the "foreign" habits I have picked up. Green banana? A runny egg? Almond milk? My cousins shake their heads as I make myself breakfast.

We Jamaicans are an exclusive set of people - citizenship is not something that is automatically renewed, it is a relationship you must fight for. You earn it by keeping up with the latest dances, the new slang, and displaying your loyalty by hunting down Jamaican food wherever you are and loudly despising all other cuisines. Take your eyes off the culture for a second and you will find yourself left behind.

To read the rest of the article, click here.

Emancipation Day, Trinidad & Tobago

A national holiday to commemorate the abolition of slavery

By Theo Edwards

“Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley and his wife Sharon take a picture with members of the Shell Invaders Steel Orchestra during the Prime Minister’s Emancipation Celebration at the Diplomatic Centre, St Ann’s, on Saturday.”

A dual-island Caribbean nation with distinctive Creole traditions and cuisines, Trinidad’s capital, Port of Spain, hosts a boisterous carnival featuring calypso and soca music.

First colonized by the Spanish, the islands came under British control in the early 19th century. Sugar plantations dominated the colonial economy throughout the nineteenth century. Sugar cane fields cover the island and mills for refining it. Until the abolition of slavery, the main source of labor was force enslaved Africans –men, women, and children brought from Africa to the Caribbean.

The advent of the Industrial Revolution spawned the rise of a new group of influential men in the British Parliament who believed that slavery was no longer economically viable.

In 1833 Thomas Buxton presented The Emancipation Bill in Parliament. The Act passed and came into effect on August 1, 1834. On that day, thousands of slaves in the British West Indies became free men and women.

On August 1, 1985, one-hundred and fifty-one years later, the government of Trinidad and Tobago declared Emancipation Day a national holiday to commemorate the abolition of slavery.

Video Image Courtesy: Andy St-John

Prime Minister Emancipation Day Message

“My Fel­low cit­i­zens to­day we cel­e­brate Eman­ci­pa­tion Day, as a na­tion­al hol­i­day. It is im­por­tant to note that we, in Trinidad and To­ba­go, are unique in that since Au­gust 1, 1985, we have been com­mem­o­rat­ing, every year, the abo­li­tion of slav­ery in the for­mer British West In­dies, on this date.

We have long recog­nised slav­ery as the sad, dark side of hu­man ex­is­tence, in that al­most every peo­ple, every race across the world has had this wretched ex­pe­ri­ence but we from West Africa have suf­fered the worst.

His­to­ri­ans con­tin­ue to doc­u­ment these cru­el ex­ploita­tions, in hu­man so­ci­eties, from cen­tu­ry-old events in the Arab world to the evo­lu­tion of democ­ra­cy in an­cient Greece, de­vel­op­ments which helped to shape mod­ern West­ern civil­i­sa­tion of which we are a part.

Our schol­ars iden­ti­fy the African slave trade, and slav­ery as dif­fer­ent in the en­tire hu­man ex­is­tence.

Slav­ery ex­ist­ed there, be­fore the Eu­ro­peans came, but it was con­sid­ered “in­ter­nal” and “pa­tri­ar­chal”, ac­cord­ing to our own renown, in­ter­na­tion­al schol­ar, CLR James, who al­so told us that in the 16th cen­tu­ry Cen­tral Africa was a ter­ri­to­ry of peace, and a hap­py civil­i­sa­tion; the home to a peas­antry, which in many re­spects was su­pe­ri­or to the serfs in large ar­eas of Eu­rope.

But this way of life was dis­rupt­ed by the Eu­ro­pean’s in­ter­ven­tion. In a UN­ESCO study on Race and His­to­ry, Claude Levi-Strauss, de­scribed this in­ter­ven­tion as “the de­ci­sive mo­ment in the his­to­ry of hu­man civil­i­sa­tion”.
Our late Prime Min­is­ter, Dr Er­ic Williams demon­strat­ed con­clu­sive­ly, in his ac­claimed work, Cap­i­tal­ism and Slav­ery, that it was the cap­i­tal, de­rived from the slave trade and slav­ery, which cre­at­ed the In­dus­tri­al Rev­o­lu­tion of the 1760s. This then trans­formed Eng­land in­to the work­shop of the world and lat­er al­lowed it to cre­ate its glob­al em­pire.

Slav­ery has left many a black per­son scarred and de­nud­ed of ba­sic val­ues. In the eyes of some, the per­cep­tion re­mains that blacks have been placed at the bot­tom of every “good” list, and the “top” of every bad one. De­spite, their strengths, re­source­ful­ness and in­tel­li­gence, they are forced still to cry out to the world that “Black is beau­ti­ful, too”.

This is the 21st cen­tu­ry, a tec­ton­ic shift is tak­ing place; there is a new “Scram­ble for Africa” The world’s su­per­pow­ers are turn­ing at­ten­tion to Africa, again, as the new eco­nom­ic fron­tier. The UN pre­dicts that by 2025 there will be more Africans than Chi­nese peo­ple in the world, as African economies are among the fastest-grow­ing in the world.

What this means for the African per­son in Trinidad and To­ba­go is a ques­tion that every one of this race must ask. I urge that we all ac­knowl­edge this past. We must con­tin­ue to re­search the rich, his­tor­i­cal an­ces­try of African civil­i­sa­tions – the lega­cy from whence we came. We must con­tin­ue to re­mem­ber how we came here and what we are en­gaged in build­ing here, a new so­ci­ety based on equal­i­ty and har­mo­ny in our colour­ful and vi­brant democ­ra­cy.

Re­mem­ber the strug­gles of the fore-par­ents on and off the plan­ta­tions to the birth and growth of this na­tion.

Then let us find ways to un­lock, and eman­ci­pate our­selves from the men­tal chains, and, fi­nal­ly, em­brace the op­por­tu­ni­ties of the 21st cen­tu­ry — with an un­der­stand­ing that Trinidad and To­ba­go will on­ly achieve the fu­ture which we all, as cit­i­zens, cre­ate for our gen­er­a­tions to come.”

— OFFICE OF THE PRIME MINISTER

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