Topless woman on a beach on St. Barts

Posted on April 29, 2008 4:07 AM| Permanent Link: I guess this is news?| Comments (0)

The Figaro Transat AG2R is a trans-Atlantic boat race from France to St. Barts. Phil Sharp of England is competing this year and there is an excellent website with a "Race Tracker" that shows the positions of the boats and lots of other information in real time.

Posted on April 28, 2008 8:36 AM| Permanent Link: Figaro Transat AG2R| Comments (0)

The president of the regional committee of fishermen of Guadeloupe, Jean-Claude Yoyotte, was recently on the island to meet with Gilles Brin, the president of St Barth’s association of professional fishermen, and representatives of the Collectivity. Several months ago, the St Barth’s fishermen blocked access to the harbor in Gustavia to protest the high price of gas. The agenda of this meeting was to discuss the price of gasoline and the question of fishing in the natural reserves. The latter subject was not touched upon due to lack of time.

According to Yoyotte, the professional fishermen in Martinique and Guadeloupe do not pay the tax on gasoline, making their prices 0.78 euros and 0.82 euros per liter, respectively. Why is it then that the fishermen on St Barth are paying 1.28 euros per liter? Yoyotte agrees that the price of gasoline for the fishermen of St Barth should be lowered. However, even if the tax were removed, the fishermen would still be paying 1.20 euros per liter. The representatives of the Collectivity were earnest in their discussions and agreed to research the details of the gasoline and its price when leaving the refineries of Martinique and arriving at the pumps in St Barth. They will also investigate other distributors in the hope of finding one who can deliver gasoline that meets the European standards at a better price. Their hope is to revisit this issue in two to three weeks.

But with the continuing increase in the price of oil, they fear that removing the tax may not be enough to allow the fishermen to make a decent profit. Yoyotte mentioned that a large conference on this subject will take place in September with the national committee for fishing to request government assistance.
In mid-January, Michel Barnier, French Minister for Agriculture and Fishing, announced that the government will earmark 310 million euros to be distributed over a three-year period to assist the fishermen. Of this amount, 10 million euros were allotted to the French overseas territories, including 4 million to Guadeloupe, which will include St Barth. With perhaps up to 50% of this money, they hope to purchase more efficient engines that will burn less gasoline. Yoyotte also hoped that the St Barth fishermen can come up with a more efficient was to fish, suggesting that two or three fishermen go out in the same boat to conserve gasoline. These men work hard and face danger everyday to bring us fresh mahi-mahi, tuna and langoustes. Let’s hope that some relief is in sight for them.

Posted on April 27, 2008 1:48 PM| Permanent Link: Important Meeting for the Local Fishermen| Comments (0)

Looking for something a little different to do on Sunday evenings? Every Sunday, the Association des Retraités de St.Barth (the Association of Retirees) holds an "Afternoon Dancing" at the Hot Spot Café in Lurin from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Go spend a few hours dancing the tango, waltzes, the cha cha and the Madison. Admission is free and open to all. For more information, call 05 90 27 52 80.

Posted on April 25, 2008 9:36 AM| Permanent Link: Voulez-vous danser?| Comments (0)

There has been some local rumor of the possibility of a casino opening on St Barth. Here's the latest, but remember, this is just hearsay at the moment. It was proposed that St Barth open a "Cercle de Jeux." This would allow people to play poker in a controlled environment. The "house" would take a percentage of each pot and split the profits with the Collectivity. Apparently, these are not uncommon in France and are strictly controlled by the Federation Français de Jeux. It's rumored that the organizers want to buy an old building between the restaurant Le Repaire and the shop Bulgari in Gustavia for 6 million euros! This would house the facility plus a restaurant. Stay tuned for updates.

Posted on April 25, 2008 9:34 AM| Permanent Link: Casino Rumors| Comments (0)

The Littoral Conservancy is a French public institution that was created in 1975 with a mission is to protect natural areas and landscapes along the coasts of French oceans and lakes. The Littoral Conservancy actually acquired Fort Karl in Gustavia five months ago.

This past week, Bernard Gérard, the associate director, and Magali Cerles, the associate overseas director, visited St Barth to determine the future of Fort Karl. They plan to renovate the fort, which was built during the Swedish era, so that it can be appreciated as an historic monument. To start with, the access to the fort will be improved and the underbrush will be removed. This work will be done in collaboration with a botanist to ensure that no important plants are removed. Clearing the underbrush will reveal the small walls and granite that add to the fort's allure. Once the fort is renovated, the Littoral Conservancy will work with the Academy of Sweden and the Historic Service of the Defense of Vincennes to trace the history of Fort Karl. The history will be made available at the site although they have not yet decided how that will be done. When all of the work is finished, the management of the fort will be under the jurisdiction of the Collectivity of St Barth.

As far as future plans on St Barth, the Littoral Conservancy can only acquire areas that the Collectivity asks them to acquire. Under consideration are the salt flats in Saline. It is possible that one day these salt flats may be rehabilitated.

Posted on April 24, 2008 9:25 AM| Permanent Link: The Littoral Conservancy Acquires Fort Karl| Comments (0)

St Barth will be hosting yet another major sailing event this December. The Bucket Regatta has just finished, and the bi-annual Transatlantic Ag2r race will take place in May. At the end of the year will be the first edition of the Transat Classique Lagassé, with the boats arriving in Saint Barth a few days before Christmas. This transatlantic race is open to classic sailing vessels built as one-of-a-kind or limited sailboats. They will set sail on August 17 from the port of Douarnenez in Finistère, France. After a stopover in Agadir, Morocco, they will set sail for St Barth on November 28. This is the only transatlantic race for classic sailboats. As of now, 31 boats are registered and another 64 have expressed interest. (Where, oh, where will all of these boats dock during the already full port of Gustavia around Christmas time?!) The race will have three winners, one in each of the following categories: Vintage, for boats built before 1975; Modern Classics for boats built with more modern materials such as welded steel, molded wood and polyester; and Neo-Classics for boats built after 1975 as replicas of traditional vessels. The largest boat is over 100', the smallest is a mere 32', and the oldest was built in 1913. Most of these boats have an interesting story behind them. For example, the Mistral, an 82' schooner, first set sail in 1938 and served in the German navy as part of submarine surveillance operations during WWII. If you want to be present for this first-time exciting event, be sure to make your reservations early as Christmas and New Year's is always a popular time on St Barth. For additional information: www.transatclassique.com. Below is the schedule of events. In traditional St Barth style, there is sure to be music and dancing on the quay, probably on December 23.

December 15-20, 2008
Boats begin to arrive in Gustavia

December 21, 2008
Official cocktail reception

December 22, 2008
Promotional race around the island

December 23, 2008
Official dinner reception and awarding of the prizes

Posted on April 22, 2008 9:18 AM| Permanent Link: First Edition of the Transact Classique Lagassé| Comments (0)

The organizers of this year's annual Bucket Regatta raised $175,000, which they donated to FEMUR, St Barth's Foundation for Emergency Medical Equipment. The money will be used to help pay for recently purchased equipment for the new Radiation Center. Jimmy Buffet surprised everyone Saturday night, March 29, with an unannounced appearance with some members of his Coral Reefer band on the quay in Gustavia. He donated his T-shirt to the more generous donator.

Posted on April 21, 2008 9:29 AM| Permanent Link: The Bucket Donates $175,000 to FEMUR| Comments (0)

Every year, Le Tamarin restaurant in Salines hosts a large "yard sale" on their grounds. This year's will take place on Sunday, April 27. Go early because everyone else does!

Posted on April 16, 2008 9:35 AM| Permanent Link: Big Sale at Le Tamarin| Comments (0)

The O'Corail Restaurant, a beach snack bar, opened April 14 in Grand Cul de Sac between Le Sereno and the previous La Gloriette in front of Ouanalao Dive. The restaurant is open seven days a week and serves breakfast from 9:00 am to 11:30 am and lunch from noon to 5:00 pm.

Posted on April 16, 2008 9:33 AM| Permanent Link: New Restaurant Opens in Grand Cul de Sac| Comments (0)

April 2008-June 2008
Archery Competitions: April 26, May 24, June 7-8

April 16-20, 2008
International Book Day

April 20, 2008
9th Edition of the Transat Ag2r. Arrival in St Barth will be approximately three weeks later.

April 25-30, 2008
13th Annual St Barth Film Festival, A.J.O.E., Lorient

December 15-23, 2008
Transact Classique Lagassé

Posted on April 15, 2008 9:37 AM| Permanent Link: On The Horizon - April 15| Comments (0)

On Friday, April 18, Le Tamarin restaurant in Salines is hosting an evening of opera with South African tenor Etienne van der Nest, who trained at the conservatory of Pretoria. Dinner, for 75 €, will be accompanied by his powerful voice with selections from his opera repertoire and Neapolitan songs. The dinner includes a cocktail, hors d'oeuvres, an appetizer, the main dish, dessert and petits fours. For reservations, call 05 90 27 72 12.

Posted on April 15, 2008 9:30 AM| Permanent Link: An Evening of Opera| Comments (0)

If you weren't able to buy the winning painting at the auction held at the end of the painting competition sponsored by Saint B'Art, you can now buy a pre-stamped envelope with an image of the painting. The painter, Marie-Laure Pichon, is known for her maritime scenes and painted a picture composed like a postcard of a typical beach scene with palm trees, seagulls and traditional fishing boats. A total of 10,000 of the envelopes are for sale at the three post offices on the island: Gustavia, St Jean and Lorient.

Posted on April 15, 2008 9:15 AM| Permanent Link: Pre-Stamped Envelopes with the Winning Painting| Comments (0)

One of the most anticipated events on the island is the annual Film Festival, which takes place this year April 25-30. As always, this year’s line-up of films is sure to captivate the audience. Unless otherwise noted, the films are projected on the large white wall at the A.J.O.E. tennis courts in Lorient, where non-alcoholic drinks, popcorn, T-shirts and baseball caps can be purchased. Admission is 5 € per night or five nights for 25 €. All films are either in French or have French subtitles. Many thanks to Ellen Lampert-Gréaux, a founder of the Film Festival, for making the following information available.

Friday, April 25 at 7:00 pm at the Capitainerie, Gustavia

52 minutes, France, 2008, video

The creation of a runway on the only flat surface long enough in St Barth was the catalyst allowing the island to open to the exterior world and start to modernize. Today, daily life on the island vibrates to the rhythm of the many planes landing and taking off. The villagers remain close to the traditions of their ancestors, wryly observing the coming and going of the jet set. With the hum of the airplanes that permanently animate the skies in the background, Pierre Brouwers illustrates the unique characteristics of St Barth. For the director, St Barth has successfully met the challenge of marrying tradition and modernity while remaining one of the most beautiful islands in the Caribbean.

53 minutes, Guadeloupe, video

This documentary retraces the week of cultural activities held in the name of Joseph Boulogne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges who was born in Guadeloupe in the 18th century, from the love of a slave and a French nobleman. The best fencer in Europe, a virtuoso violinist, and great composer, but also the first black Freemason and French army colonel, the “Nègre des Lumières,” as he was nicknamed, influenced the musical and political scene of his epoque. Cuba adopted Saint-Georges with incredible fervor as “one of the great heros of the Caribbean” and celebrates his life and work with a week of concerts, exhibitions and dance performances.

55 minutes, France, video

In this documentary, a West Indian family retraces the life of its Japanese ancestor and delves into researching its ethnic and cultural identity. The basis for the film is the life of Oto Kawamura, who was born in Tokyo. At the end of the 19th century, he set off for America, where he became an acrobat, then the director of a vaudeville circus. Years later, he married a young Dutch woman from the island of St Martin, and they had three children. In 1921, Oto died falling from his trapeze in Sao Paulo, Brazil. Today all that remains are two or three photographs. Yet over the years, Oto became a legend to his descendants. The filmmaker traced the roots of his family, as she is the niece of Patrick Kawamura, a teacher and member of the territorial council in St Barth.

95 minutes, France, 2007, 35 mm

This animated film is a coming-of-age story that offers a personal look at a young girl growing up in Iran during the Islamic revolution. In Teheran in 1978, eight-year-old Marjane dreams of the future and sees herself as a prophet that saves the world. She follows the progression of events that provokes the revolution and the fall of the Shah. With the establishment of the Islamic Republic, the country turns to fanaticism. Soon the war against Iraq brings bombs, deprivation, and disappearances of loved ones. Marjane’s parents decide to send her to Austria for protection. In Vienna, 14-year-old Marjane experiences her second revolution: adolescence, independence, and her first loves, yet with exile comes solitude and discrimination.

52 minutes, France, 2008, video

This is a second screening of this film presented in collaboration with the association Ciné Woulé and Jean-Marc Césaire, Guadeloupe. Free.

60 minutes, Guadeloupe, video

This documentary presents a panorama of female musicians from across the Caribbean, with a look at their various musical styles in a series of interviews from the TV series “F Comme Femme” for French television. From Calypso to Soca, from Gospel to Reggae, these divas take you right to the heart of their music.

Creole with French subtitles

This full-length fiction film, based on real events, was shot in the sugar cane plantations of the Dominican Republic with sugar cane cutters playing themselves in the film. It tells the story of the tragic journey undertaken by a young couple from Haiti who try to escape the entrapment of a life on the plantations that poison their very existence. A hard-hitting film about the exploitation of Haitian sugar plantation workers in the Dominican Republic will focus public attention on abuses that have been repeatedly denounced by human rights groups.

Spanish with French subtitles

Filmed in Argentina, this film takes a probing look at the moral cowardice, corruption and brutality that run rife in the Buenos Aries police force. When Zapa, a simple locksmith, runs into trouble with the law in his home town, his uncle, the ex-chief of police, pulls some strings to get him into the ‘bonaerense,’ the notorious Buenos Aries police force. Zapa quickly realizes that everyone with a badge on the streets of Buenos Aires is even more crooked than he is. Falling in with a dubious inspector, Zapa uncovers a world in which trigger-happy, racist drunks patrol the streets, serving and protecting only themselves.

Portuguese with French subtitles

This film tells the story of a young boy whose parents, members of a left-wing militia, must go into hiding and leave him behind for his own safety. They decide to drop him off with his grandfather, an orthodox Jew who lives in the Jewish neighborhood of Bom Retiro in Såo Paolo. Upon being dropped off, Mauro finds out his grandfather has suddenly died, and he is forced to stay with his grandfather’s neighbor Schlomo. Mauro has been stranded in an alien community with traditions he has never been exposed to before. Instantly, he feels lonely and estranged from everything that was once familiar to him, except for his beloved World Cup.

110 minutes, France, 2007, 35 mm

This film is a powerful portrait of the leaders of the reggae music movement and shows how reggae has become a worldwide phenomenon. The film showcases performances by the best Reggae and Dance Hall artists ever assembled. From their native ghetto to international fame, Made in Jamaica is the story of the artists who represent the Jamaican Dream. It is the story of how a small island nation took its pain and misery and turned those emotions into songs that resonate around the world.

Posted on April 15, 2008 4:44 AM| Permanent Link: 13th St Barth Film Festival Starts April 25| Comments (0)

Newport, RI (April 4, 2008) The 13th Annual St Barths Bucket was once again blessed with perfect sailing weather which provided some of the most spectacular sailing on the most spectacular yachts in the most spectacular sailing neighborhood. With a consistent 15-22 knot trade wind, the fleet was fully powered up and the racing was startlingly close. Some of the finishes were described by participants as "closer than Farr 40 finishes"! This was previously unheard of in the superyacht world and this year's St Barths Bucket was declared the "best ever".

SY WINDROSE, the 152' Holland Jachtbouw schooner won first place overall in the regatta; REBECCA won 2nd place overall and GLISS was 3rd place overall. Following are the additional trophies awarded:

Royal Huisman Spirit of the Bucket to VISIONE; this award is given to the yacht that best exemplifies the Spirit of the bucket - having the most fun, displaying Corinthian values and generosity to the fleet.

Vitter's Shipyard Polished Performance was awarded to RANGER; this is given to the yacht that sails a perfect tactical race with perfect choreography in her sail set & changes, starts and finishes.

The All Star Crew Award, presented by Holland Jachtbouw and The Yacht Report went to AVALON; this trophy is decided by the crew's peers by ballots and exemplifies the tightest run yacht with the tightest family - they get along and they get it done while enjoying themselves.

Best Performance by an Alloy Yacht - PARAISO

Perini Navi Cup - ANTARA

Escargot cup - PERSEUS

The Skullduggery was awarded to REBECCA for their fabulous cow outfits worn during racing.

The peak of the social calendar was Saturday night, when Jimmy Buffett, Melanie Smith and The Race Committee joined forces for a fund raising event for F.E.M.U.R, the St. Barths and US Based Charity that provides emergency diagnostic equipment for the St. Barths Hospital. The fundraiser was followed by a "Buffet at the Bucket" concert on the dock with Jimmy and the Coral Reefer Band. At the end of the day, $175,000 was raised for the charity by the yacht owners and participants! The Bucket Committee is proud to have spearheaded this effort, along with Jimmy Buffett who generously provided the entertainment! The Bucket Committee is also working with Camper Nicholson International, who has agreed to provide a fleet of Vanguard sailing dinghies for the St. Barths Yacht Club Sailing School. In sum, we are very pleased to be giving back to this great community that has hosted our event for 13 years.

Posted on April 10, 2008 9:31 AM| Permanent Link: 13th Annual St Barths Bucket Regatta Results| Comments (0)

The ninth edition of the Transat AG2R will begin on April 20 when the boats will set sail from France to St Barth, where they will arrive about three weeks later. Those of you who are supporting the St Barth entry, Concarneau-St Barth, can buy a T-shirt in the colors of their mascot team at Loulou's Marina in Gustavia.

Posted on April 10, 2008 8:49 AM| Permanent Link: Transat AG2R T-Shirts On Sale| Comments (0)

FEMUR, the St Barth's Foundation for Emergency Medical Equipment, was founded by a group of French, American and native St Barth residents 25 years ago with the purpose to raise money to purchase equipment for the local hospital. Each year the Hospital Director provides a list of items needed to improve service and care. Over the years, FEMUR has made great headway. Four years ago, they raised 140,000 euros to build a new Dialysis Center. In 2007, they raised 240,000 euros for a new Radiation Center, which should be opening any day. Their current, and largest, project is to raise 600,000 euros to purchase a CT scanner to be installed in the new Radiation Center. Each week injured or sick residents or tourists must be evacuated to St Martin for scans.

Seven years ago, FEMUR established an American 501 C Charitable Foundation so that contributions from Americans to the hospital are tax deductible under IRS rules. If you would like to contribute to this worthy cause, make your check out to St. Barth Medical Equipment Foundation and mail it to SBMEF, c/o Mr. Lawrence O'Donnell, 32 South Church Street, West Chester, PA 19382.

Posted on April 10, 2008 8:46 AM| Permanent Link: FEMUR Raising Money for CT Scanner| Comments (0)

Be the first on your block to know the latest fashion and lifestyle trends in the tropics. Every December, Nikki Style releases their annual guide to St Barth. Five thousand copies, available in French and English, will be distributed at Nikki Beach in St Jean and other establishments on the island. If you want to reserve a copy, the deadline is November 15, 2008.

Posted on April 7, 2008 8:47 AM| Permanent Link: Nikki Style Mode| Comments (0)

The Collectivity recently commissioned Véronique VanderNoot, the owner of the pottery Studio Blue Gecko in St Jean, to design and make signs to mark the access to six beaches in St Barth. Each 24" x 36" sign will consist of 15 ceramic tiles painted to represent the various beaches and will be mounted in a wooden frame. The name of the beach will always be in navy blue. The signs are expected to be in place by the beginning of summer at St Jean (by the airport), Lorient, Saline, Gouverneur, Shell Beach and Flamands.

Posted on April 7, 2008 8:45 AM| Permanent Link: Decorative Signs to Mark Access to Beaches| Comments (0)

From March 31 to April 27, Segeco, the local distributor of Evian mineral water, is sponsoring an exhibit of a rare glass Evian bottle. One of 99 in existence, the bottle was created by French designer Christian Lacroix for Haute Couture Evian and hand-blown by Swiss artisans. When the exhibit is over, the bottle will be auctioned, and the proceeds will be donated to support the Ramsar Convention. Enacted in 1975, the Ramsar Convention is an intergovernmental treaty that provides the infrastructure for international cooperation in the preservation of wetlands. You can see the bottle at the following hotels and restaurants:

March 31 – April 6
Manapany Hotel in Anse des Cayes
April 7-13
Sereno Hotel in Grand Cul de Sac
April 14-20
Le Toiny Hotel in Grand Fond
April 21-27
Nikki Beach in St Jean

Posted on April 1, 2008 8:40 AM| Permanent Link: Auction to Benefit the Ramsar Convention| Comments (0)

Over the weekend of March 27-30, 29 breathtaking mega sailing yachts, ranging from 76' to 163', competed in the 13th Annual St Barth Bucket Regatta. Each day saw a different race: Around the Island, the Wriggly Course and Counter-Clockwise Around the Island. This year's winner was the 152-foot Windrose, pictured here.

The Bucket benefits St Barth in many ways. First of all, there's the increased hotel, villa, catering, restaurant, and shopping activity due to the participants and the numerous tourists who flock to the island for this annual event. In addition, the Bucket's organizers donate between 3000 and 7000 euros to the Saint Barth Yacht Club to assist the advancement of sailing in St Barth. This year, they also donated money to the SNSM rescue station and, in collaboration with other partners, they will solicit donations from the Bucket participants for FEMUR, St Barth's Foundation for Emergency Medical Equipment. All in all a stellar event!

Posted on April 1, 2008 8:35 AM| Permanent Link: 13th Annual St Barth Bucket Regatta| Comments (0)