Sir George in charge
47 years ago, Barbadian George Alleyne was one of the first medical graduates of the University College of the West Indies, forerunner of the University of the West Indies. He later joined UWI’s faculty, then served as a senior Pan-American Health Organisation official. In 1995, Alleyne (by now Sir George) became PAHO director. In 2003, he succeeded Sir Shridath Ramphal as chancellor of UWI, returning to the institution where he began his career. Last October, Alleyne reminded recent graduates of their responsibility to “contribute to the welfare of the society that has made the University possible” — a responsibility he continues to fulfil with passion. PS
Homegirl
“I rap because I can’t sing,” jokes Kingston-based rapper Nadz. Jamaican loyalists may question her choice of genre, but there’s no joking about the buzz Nadirah “Nadz” Seid generates. She has two European tours behind her, a single on the Tomb Raider II soundtrack, and two upcoming albums — just one year after being discovered by the Eurythmics’ Dave Stewart at the 2002 Caribbean Music Expo. “Jamaicans shouldn’t be limited to reggae and dancehall,” says Nadz. “Rap started in Jamaica . . . I’m just bringing it back home.” KM
Catch him if you can
Darrel Brown’s 100-metre performance at the 2003 World Athletic Championships in Paris was one of those rare events you can truly call jaw-dropping. Just 18 at the time, the young Trinidadian first won his quarter-final heat in a blistering world junior record time of 10.01 seconds, before capturing the silver medal in the final, leaving many of the world’s best in his wake. “It was a very close race,” he said “I’m very proud. If everything goes according to plan, I will look to be in the [Olympic] final next year.” His rivals have been warned. DK
High-wire art
Two huge steel reels dominated the gallery, a strand of rope stretched between them. Janine Antoni climbed out onto the rope, arms extended. She balanced for ten minutes before falling into a 4,000-pound pile of hemp, leaving an impression that became part of the sculpture. Born in the Bahamas, Antoni intrigues the New York art world with works balancing between performance art and sculpture — from self-portraits carved from chocolate (with her teeth) to a blanket woven in a pattern recording her own brainwaves. With her new work To Draw a Line, she makes her clearest statement yet about the high-wire act involved in every work of art. PS
Medicine man
Chemistry and biophysics of bioluminescence. Spectroscopic determination of the structure, dynamics, and function of proteins. Mastery of these tongue-twisting fields has earned Dr Franklyn Prendergast another entry on his already stellar resume. The veteran Jamaican scientist, director of the prestigious Mayo Clinic Cancer Centre in Rochester, Minnesota, recently received the Institute of Jamaica’s Musgrave Gold Medal for his contributions to science. “The Musgrave clearly is for what I am yet to do,” says the modest doctor. “It’s time for me to really contribute, to both science and Jamaica.” KM
Shining Stharre
Nelly Stharre’s got something to say, and a haunting voice that commands your attention as she lilts from English to Creole to French. Stharre’s been heating up the French and Lesser Antilles since her 1995 debut. With her new album, Soul Country, she’s taking her unique “kweyol reggae” sound and her socially conscious lyrics to the rest of the Caribbean and the world. “Soul Country is a place within yourself,” says Stharre. “I make music to help people look inside and find their inner joy.” KM
