January 2024
KARIBBEAN EXPRESSIONS MAGAZINE
She ditched the
American Dream
to enjoy the sweet life
as a bee farmer in Jamaica
by Ingrid Henry
With only a laptop and her backpack, Kedela Adams, walked away from the American Dream to pursue a sweet life in Jamaica. Unfulfilled and heartbroken, she made the decision to ditch California and return to the place of her birth. The journey looked promising but the outcome unpredictable - because she did not know what she would be doing once she arrived home.
Twenty-three years later, that uncertainty has blossomed into what she describes as holistic healing. She has harnessed her skills into soap making, bee farming, and an age-old skill, papermaking. These skills emerged after some soul-searching and has brought so much peace and happiness that she is now pleased with herself for making the right choice. In Jamaica, she now gives back to her adopted community, Albany, through a community farming group.
Kedela Adams immigrated to the United States from the quiet fishing village of Strawberry Fields, St. Mary. At the time, she was a 12-year-old student at Marymount High School. Her journey from Jamaica to America was a culture shock for her as a Black girl. She was one of three Black students attending her high school in the United States.
“I was shocked at first but the students at my high school were cool and my skin color never became an issue,” Adams recalls.
After high school she fell in love, got married and started a family. Her marriage took her around the world, and it was a fairytale life for her.
“My husband was in the military, and I was able to visit places where he was stationed, such as England, Germany, Guam, Turkey, Greece. It was just exhilarating to be experiencing new culture, food, and people.”
Her fairytale didn't last long; she and her husband later separated, and she was faced with the reality of supporting her two children. She entered the working world as a business sales representative in California, then eventually grew into a management position at a major investment company.
“This took my mind off a lot of personal things, and I focused on the job as I was the trainer for the company staff across California where it required a lot of traveling.”
She had a lucrative job, yet she felt unsatisfied. She decided to return home. It was a bittersweet journey in the early 2000 because her idol and mentor, her dad, became ill.
“I started feeling Jamaica more as my previous visits were just a fun run, deep down the urge and need was there, but I was just unsure what I would come home to do.”
Adams later tied the knot again - but she describes her second marriage as abusive. According to her, a bitter divorce was enough for her to put everything in perspective. Soon, she was on a flight to Jamaica. Still unsure of how her life would be, she knew she would survive.
She mentions that her brother Quao Adams introduced her to soap-making, but she never showed much interest. With the help of a family friend, she also started yoga classes. This gained some success in the Portland area. However, the practice was short-lived, and the classes ended following the death of her father in 2017.
“I took my dad’s death really hard as I was very close to him.”
It was after she moved in with her mother in Sandside, that she saw some enlightenment towards her destiny. Her mother was a small-time farmer of bananas, coconuts, pumpkins, and goats. Helping her mom on the farm was mentally therapeutic. She fell in love with farming so much that she would be up before daybreak - eagerly anticipating getting in the field. Her love for farming led her to acquire her own leased space to raise her goats and chickens. Adams vividly recalls the process to establishing her farmland.
“I was getting on everyone's nerves with my animals. So, I sought to lease a land where I could do more farming. It was difficult to get. Where I am now it was a coincidence as we were driving around looking for somewhere to lease and stopped at a shop in Bottom Albany to rehydrate and asked the shopkeeper if there was any land available in the community to lease. She pointed to the one that I'm on, which is owned by the Friends church, and the rest is history.”
Her hard work has yielded success as she has developed the farm into a space for teaching and learning, beekeeping, soap and papermaking, and a source for fresh meals from her garden.
“That is where the concept of Livity Inspirations conceptualized as my natural surroundings is my inspiration to better living holistically.”
The venture explores an old artform of papermaking. She saw the waste of resources from the banana and plantain trees, did some research and applied it into making paper. The quality and texture of the by-product is exquisite.
Livity Inspirations is a multifaceted business model, but bee farming is dear to Adams’ heart.
“The bees are my favorite, so I love being around them.”
Ironically, her love for bees is bittersweet, as she is allergic to their stings. Yet, she revels in the knowledge that bees are vital to human existence.
"Research has shown that a bee sting is medicinal for persons who suffer from arthritis," Adams points out.
Honey is a part of the ingredients in most of the services/products her business offers. She even offers beekeeping workshops for groups and individuals. Through her business ventures in Jamaica, Kedela Adams has changed her prospective and is living a more healthy and happy life.
- photos and story by Ingrid Henry (Jamaica)
Homage to Haiti:
The first Black republic celebrates
220 years
Sak Pase! This month, we pay homage to Haiti. The first Black republic celebrates 220 years of independence in 2024. In 1804, Haiti, became the first country in the Western Hemisphere to abolish slavery.
As we celebrate Hait, we would like to share with you this feature from myKEEtvLA’s “Stories That Inspire” series. It documents the journey of Jacquil Constant and his wife, Berenice as they embark on a journey to change the narrative about Haiti.
Meet Jacquil and Berenice Constant of Haiti International Film Festival in Los Angeles. Experience their awe-inspiring journey to telling stories about Haiti and changing the narrative of Haitians across the globe. #myKEEtvLA Stories That Inspire
About Haiti:
Capital: Port-au-Prince
Flag: Blue, Red & Coat of Arms of Haiti
Language(s) : Haitian Creole, French
Independence Day: January 1
National Dish: Griots with Rice & Beans
‘tis Awards Season in Los Angeles
This Year’s Top GRAMMY® Nominee SZA To Perform At The 66th Annual GRAMMY Awards® Music’s Biggest Night® Airs Sun,
Feb. 4, 2024, On CBS
Ready for the Grammy Awards: Here’s a Run-down of music’s biggest night
GRAMMY® winner and current nominee SZA has been added to the lineup for the 66th GRAMMY Awards®, joining previously announced performers Burna Boy, Luke Combs, Billie Eilish, Billy Joel, Dua Lipa, Joni Mitchell, Olivia Rodrigo, Travis Scott, and U2.
The news broke recently on social media.
With nine nominations, SZA is the most nominated artist this year. Her nominations include: Album Of The Year (SOS), Record Of The Year (“Kill Bill”), Song Of The Year (“Kill Bill”), Best Progressive R&B Album (SOS), Best R&B Song (“Snooze”), Best R&B Performance (“Kill Bill”), Best Traditional R&B Performance (“Love Language”), Best Melodic Rap Performance (“Low”), and Best Pop Duo/Group Performance (“Ghost In The Machine”).
Live from Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles and hosted by Trevor Noah, Music’s Biggest Night® will be broadcast live on Sun, Feb. 4, 2024, at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT on the CBS Television Network and will be available to stream live and on demand on Paramount+.* Prior to the Telecast, the GRAMMY Awards Premiere Ceremony® will be broadcast live from the Peacock Theater at 12:30 p.m. PT and will be streamed live on live.grammy.com.
The 66th Annual GRAMMY Awards will be produced by Fulwell 73 Productions for the Recording Academy® for the fourth consecutive year. Ben Winston, Raj Kapoor and Jesse Collins are executive producers.
On GRAMMY Sunday, fans can access exclusive behind-the-scenes GRAMMYAwards content, including performances, acceptance speeches, interviews from the GRAMMY Live red-carpet special, and more via the Recording Academy's digital experience on live.grammy.com.
December 2023
Happy Holidays
Check out our new monthly edition of Karibbean Expressions Magazine
in January 2024
KARIBBEAN EXPRESSIONS MAGAZINE
SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2023
SPECIAL HALLOWEEN EDITION
FRONT COVER: Seriously, this simple yet startling life-sized ghost towering over our heads has since lead to many sleepless nights.
In this issue: We went Halloween-house-hopping to give you an immersive photographic experience into one of America’s biggest holiday celebrations. Photo by myKEEtv Los Angeles.
Special mention: @TheCornerHouseHaunts, Porter Ranch: The display comes alive - literally- a wind-howling, ghost-flying, witch-walking, story-telling haunted experience that you must see to believe. Photo by myKEEtv Los Angeles.
Boo -hoo! Another favorite is this house in the San Fernando Valley: Giant-sized ghosts, a life-sized talking pig, movie- scene reenactments, Día de Los Muertos display, and a skeleton peeking from behind a tree, ooh wee, scary! Photo by myKEEtv Los Angeles.
karibbean Expressions Magazine
July - August 2023 Edition
Header spotlight photo: Hollywood Carnival Queen (2023), actress, model, producer and former Miss Virgin Islands, Janeisha John. - photo by myKEEtv Los Angeles
Hollywood Carnival
the KEE Experience -
- coming to mYKEETV this fall
by Wendy Christie
The stars on Hollywood Boulevard gained an extra spark this summer when carnival revelers illuminated the boulevard. The long-awaited Hollywood Carnival did not disappoint with its usual infusion of colors and culture on display along the famous street. Onlookers at the annual event held during Caribbean American Heritage Month (June), were treated to another eye-opening Caribbean-style carnival experience.
The parade kicked off with the official ribbon-cutting at the hands of California’s former US Representative and decorated politician, Diane E. Watson. She was joined by the parade’s grand marshal, Hugo Soto-Martinez, of the Los Angeles City Council.
This fall, myKEEtv television presenters, Racquel Marshall and Winston Bailey will take you on an epic, immersive carnival experience through the #myKEEtvLA lens, as we covered Hollywood Carnival 2023. Follow #myKEEtvLA to see release dates and even more carnival highlights.
Upcoming events in Los Angeles
Schedule of Events for the Haiti International Film Festival
Important update: The organizers have notified us that the event below ( Caribbean Heritage Festival) has been rescheduled for 2024.
DIGITAL COVER
GRAMMY MUSEUM® PRESENTS I CAN SEE YOU (TAYLOR’S VERSION) (AT GRAMMY MUSEUM)
POP-UP EXHIBIT FEATURING
13 ARTIFACTS OPEN NOW THROUGH SEPT. 18
LOS ANGELES (AUG. 2, 2023) — In celebration of Taylor Swift’s history-making six sold-out SoFi Stadium shows in Los Angeles starting this week, the GRAMMY Museum® proudly presents a special pop-up exhibit, I Can See You (Taylor’s Version) (At GRAMMY Museum), open now for a limited time through Mon, Sept. 18. The exhibit is on display in the Museum’s 4th floor theater gallery.
I Can See You (Taylor’s Version) (At GRAMMY Museum) immerses the visitor into the world of Swift’s recent “I Can See You (Taylor’s Version) (From The Vault)” music video, with a display of 11 costumes and two instruments for a total of 13 artifacts from the video. The costumes were all worn during Swift’s original Speak Now era. The music video for “I Can See You (Taylor’s Version) (From the Vault)” features actors Joey King and Taylor Lautner breaking Swift out of a museum vault while Presley Cash waits in the getaway car—a symbolic representation of how it has felt for Swift to have her fans help her reclaim her music. Swift wrote and directed the music video, realizing her dream of directing fight scenes and a heist storyline, with help from Director of Photography, Jonathan Sela, ASC.
“Taylor Swift is about to make history in Los Angeles by setting the SoFi stadium record for the most performances as a headliner,” said Jasen Emmons, Chief Curator & Vice President of Curatorial Affairs at the GRAMMY Museum. “We’re thrilled to honor this achievement by creating an immersive space for her fans and our community to continue celebrating her all month long.”
Exhibit highlights include 13 artifacts, all of which were worn and played by Swift during her original Speak Now era, and featured in the “I Can See You (Taylor’s Version)(From The Vault)” music video:
· Swift’s vintage lace dress from her Speak Now Tour
· Swift’s Eric Winterling dress from her Speak Now Tour
· Swift’s custom REEM ACRA dress from her Speak Now Tour
· Swift’s Valentino gown from her Speak Now Tour
· Swift’s Jenny Packham dress from her Speak Now Tour
· Swift’s Susan Hilferty dress from her Speak Now Tour
· Swift’s Jenny Packham dress from her Speak Now Tour
· Joey King’s Monsoon white dress & wig from Swift’s “Mean” music video
· Swift’s Temperley dress from her “Mean” music video
· Swift’s vintage flapper-style dress from her “Mean” music video
· Swift’s Zara dress from her “Mine” music video
· Swift’s Gibson Les Paul red sparkle top guitar from her Speak Now Tour
Swift’s Deering banjo from her Speak Now Tour
SPECIAL COVERAGE :
more photo Highlights from Hollywood Carnival 2023
- #MYKEETVLA Photos
Let’s keep you updated with the latest Caribbean news and events in Los Angeles| Subscribe below!
Your subscription is free!
karibbean Expressions Magazine
May - June 2023 Edition
SPORTS
ENTERTAINMENT
FOOD
Aww, finally, a Caribbean restaurant in the mall
Jamaican restaurant opens in upscale LA shopping center
New Jamaican restaurant opens in LA Mall | Images by myKEEtv Los Angeles
For years, we have been secretly wishing to walk inside a major mall in Los Angeles and see a Caribbean restaurant. Well, it has finally happened. A Jamaican restaurant is now serving up scrumptious dishes inside the food court at Westfield Topanga mall - in the San Fernando Valley.
We checked out the spot and here’s our take on this new and exciting experience. The restaurant lists two locations but of course, we chose the one at the mall. We ordered online for pick-up. We did notice a difference between the menu items offered at the main restaurant and that of the location in the mall.
Here's a glance at our KEE experience: By the way, since we are rating Caribbean-style, we use sunshine instead of stars for our rating system/symbols. Our sunshine ranges from one to five (the highest possible).
Type of establishment: Jamaican Restaurant
Name of restaurant: Jerk Wings Cafe
Menu Items purchased/ordered: ( see images below)
1. Jerk Chicken
Rating – (five sunshines )🌞🌞🌞🌞🌞
2. Vegan Curry plate
Rating – (three sunshines) 🌞🌞🌞
Cost: $14 – 17 dollars for each plate - with one side and a sauce
Portion size: Fair, about three pieces of chicken in jerk plate.
Seating area available? Yes, large seating area - part of a food court.
What we loved:
The Jerk chicken - succulent, spicy and flavorful!
The menu has most of the Jamaican favorites – oxtails, patties, coco bread, rum cake plus some new things to try – mac and cheese jerk burger!
We also loved that they had some of our favorite tropical juices and overall, the location was clean, colorful, and inviting. The customer service was fair, and our food was ready when we arrived – kudos to the team.
What we did not love or would have hoped for: We did not love the coconut rice and peas (nothing wrong with it – just subjective, based on our personal style preference/taste). It wasn’t what we had hoped for...
We also didn’t love that the rice and peas, plantains and salad were listed as sides and options from which we had to select one of the three items ( or pay extra for add-on items). Additionally, we had to pay extra for the sauce ( curry, jerk, oxtail, scotch bonnet sauces available). There is also a no-cost option - no sauce ☹. It wasn’t a major issue; however, we are spoiled and accustomed to having a full meal – complete with sides and gravy as part of the traditional Jamaican food experience. However, we understood why that serving style may be suitable for that location/setting.
Recommendations: It is all sunshine for us – definitely go check them out whenever you get a chance. Tell them #myKEEtvLA sent you 😊.
Disclaimer: This review was solely based on our experience at the location on a particular day/trip. This does not necessarily reflect the overall quality of any company, product, services, or brand being reviewed. Our feedback is solely based on specific KEE experiences.
NEWS
President Biden’s Proclamation on National Caribbean-American Heritage Month (june)
During Caribbean-American Heritage Month, we celebrate the achievements and dreams of the millions of people of Caribbean origin now living in the United States while honoring the shared history of joy and perseverance that has united and enriched life across our region for centuries.
There is no single Caribbean American identity. The mix of cultures, languages, and religions alive across the United States and the islands reflects the diversity of spirit that defines the American story. Meanwhile, our countries are bound by common values and a shared history — overcoming the yoke of colonialism, confronting the original sin of slavery, and charting new opportunities across borders and generations.
Since our founding, Caribbean Americans from Alexander Hamilton to Colin Powell have contributed to the United States in the most profound ways. Today, pathbreakers like Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor continue advancing our work toward a more perfect Union. I am especially proud of the extraordinary leaders of Caribbean heritage now serving in my Administration ‑- from Vice President Kamala Harris to Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, and White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. And I take equal pride in the generations of Caribbean Americans who literally built this country — bringing tremendous hope and energy to bear as small business owners, teachers, health care workers, military service members, union organizers, community leaders, and so much more.
For too long, too many have faced systemic barriers to success. As President, I have issued two separate Executive Orders to change that, pushing to advance racial justice across every policy that my Administration pursues. As we have passed historic laws to rebuild our Nation’s infrastructure, lower prescription drug costs, create a clean energy economy, and transform American manufacturing to once again lead the world, we have done so with an eye for equity, rebuilding our economy from the middle out and bottom up. As a result, we have created 12.7 million jobs — bringing Black and Latino unemployment to record lows — and we have helped millions to start and grow their own businesses. At the same time, we are using all the tools we have to make our Nation’s broken immigration system as orderly, safe, and humane as possible, sending support to the border while expanding lawful pathways for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans — among others — to come to the United States without taking the dangerous journey to our southern border. What we really need is for the Congress to finally pass comprehensive immigration reform, including a pathway to citizenship for Dreamers, farm and essential workers, and temporary status holders, many of whom are from the Caribbean. I will not quit pressing the Congress to act.
Beyond our borders, we are working with our Caribbean partners to expand opportunity and keep the region safe so more of our neighbors can build lives at home. We partnered with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in November 2022 to launch the Crime Gun Intelligence Unit and disrupt firearms trafficking in the region. We are also working to improve access to development financing and advance clean energy projects across the Caribbean through the United States-Caribbean Partnership to Address the Climate Crisis 2030.
A central promise of this country is the idea that everyone is created equal and deserves to be treated equally throughout their lives. It is a cornerstone of our common heritage in this hemisphere, even as we keep striving to finally make that vision real. Caribbean-American Heritage Month is a chance to celebrate the rich diversity that covenant has brought us and to renew its promise for future generations of Caribbean Americans and for us all.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR., President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim June 2023 as National Caribbean-American Heritage Month. I encourage all Americans to join in celebrating the history, culture, and achievements of Caribbean Americans with appropriate ceremonies and activities.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this
thirty-first day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-three, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and forty-seventh.
JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
~ Courtesy of The White House
karibbean Expressions Magazine
March - April 2023 Edition
Click the play button below to view our digital back cover
Karibbean Expressions Caribbean Magazine Los Angeles | Digital Back Cover
“The cast having some fun while enjoying the scenic views in this
Los Angeles suburb.”
New! Caribbean Reality TV Show
There is no such thing as an ordinary day in LA. You must see it to believe it! KEEping it Reelz in LA LA Land is a Caribbean-style reality television series with epic LA experiences.
Will there be stars on the show? Of course, this is Los Angeles, it is a requirement.
Our global audience will see some of their favorite celebrities make guest appearances. We can’t reveal too much but we have some surprises in the works.
The show will be streamed on myKEEtv’s website and social media pages (#myKEEtvLA). The new series kicks off in June but viewers may now watch preseason episodes on myKEEtv.com.
Meet the cast
karibbean Expressions Magazine
February 2023 Edition
REGGAE MONTH FEATURE
Shaggy, Skinny Fabulous collab on new soca song
by Wendy M.
International reggae superstar, Shaggy, and five-time Soca Monarch, Skinny Fabulous, have collaborated on a hit song - just in time for Carnival season. The upbeat track, “Don’t Run” is the perfect concoction of Shaggy’s distinct Jamaican vocals and the Vincentian soca sound from Skinny Fabulous.
The track encapsulates the spirit of Caribbean carnival and solidifies Shaggy’s musical prowess and versatility in the industry. The “Mr. Boombastic” singer has confidently entered the soca space with a catchy carnival track. “Don’t Run” is distributed through Ranch Entertainment and VP Records and is from Shaggy’s upcoming album, “In the Mood.”
Shaggy continues to dominate the music scene and his multifaceted abilities have landed him some well-deserved international stardom. He was recently featured on a Jeep commercial for the 2023 Super Bowl and has made multiple international television appearances. He is most known for hits like, “Oh Carolina,” “Mr. Boombastic,” and “ It wasn’t me.”
Skinny Fabulous, the singer/songwriter for St. Vincent and the Grenadines, is no stranger to the spotlight. His hit song, Famalay, features prominent soca artistes, Machel Montano and Bunji Garlin. The track earned him the 2019 Road March title. He has been enjoying a steady growth as a soca artiste who has also professed his love for dancehall music. This track is proof that Skinny Fabulous is cruising in his musical comfort zone.
- Photo courtesy of VP Records
Chart-topping reggae artiste
to tour Western US states
Restaurant Road Shows to feature Caribbean restaurants in California
Caribbean restaurants in LA are set to get a big boost this spring-summer as part of an innovative marketing campaign created by myKEEtv Caribbean Talent Network in Los Angeles. The online-based Caribbean media platform will be “on the road,” with its media team promoting Caribbean eateries in Southern California. This will be the first television-style program of its kind, exclusively dedicated to highlighting Caribbean eateries, grocery stores and cuisines in SoCal.
The Restaurant Road Shows promotional tour will be an exclusive perk for members of the company’s KEE Caribbean Business Club. myKEEtv (pronounced my-KEE-tv), created the club as a virtual hub for business and event producers.
“We are creating a network of Caribbean businesses and entities that serve of our community. This is an opportunity for us to integrate our resources and embark on a massive promotional campaign to create awareness and brand presence for our members,” said Wendy Marie, producer/co-creator at myKEEtv. Think of the Restaurant Road Shows as our version of a Restaurant Week with a unique myKEEtv twist.
The KEE Business Club membership is open to businesses and event producers in all sectors and offers unique ways for customers and entities to connect.
myKEEtv Los Angeles was created more than a decade ago and has produced Caribbean television shows for online streaming and cable television. According to the producer, this new promotion falls within the scope of the company’s goals to turn the spotlight - Hollywood-style, on the achievements of
Caribbean nationals. Other myKEEtv planned activities for 2023 include the establishment of a virtual KEE Caribbean Resources Center and the Caribbean Entertainment Beat Awards Los Angeles (CEBALA), slated for later this year.
DZVFILMS
VIDEO PRODUCTION SERVICESCorporate media productions, private event filming, commercial projects, music videos, films, weddings, mitzvahs and more.
https://www.dzvfilms.com
CALENDAR OF CARIBBEAN CARNIVALS
We’ve done extensive research and composed this list of the most popular carnivals coming up this year.
This list is not absolute; before making travel plans, please check to ascertain exact dates/locations. Do note that some countries host multiple carnivals at different times throughout the year.
If your country is missing from the list, send us a message, we’ll update future listings.
FEBRUARY
Aruba Guadeloupe
Bonaire Haiti
Curaçao Panama
Dominica Trinidad and Tobago
Dominican Republic
Saint-Barthélemy (St. Barts)
MARCH
No events to report.
APRIL
St. Maarteen
St. Martin
Jamaica
MAY
Bahamas
Guyana
JUNE
USA (Hollywood, California)
JULY
Cuba
St. Lucia
St. Vincent and the Grenadines
Saba
USA (Houston, Texas)
AUGUST
Anguilla
Antigua and Barbuda
Barbados
Canada (Toronto)
Grenada
SEPTEMBER
Belize
USA (New York)
OCTOBER
USA (Miami)
NOVEMBER / DECEMBER
Montserrat (Dec./January)
St. Kitts & Nevis
Click here to see more…
History | An inside view
We are taking you inside the inauguration of the first elected black woman to serve as mayor of Los Angeles. It was a double delight for us to be inside the historic event. The vice president of the United States, Kamala Harris, who is of Jamaican roots, administered the oath of office for the new mayor. #myKEEtvLA was on the road capturing the campaign as the mayor met with Caribbean nationals in Los Angeles. It was an honor to watch it all culminate at the inauguration.
Here’s a peek inside...
