EMBARK: Events around the Caribbean in January and February • Welcome the Carnival dawn at Trinidad J’Ouvert, preview a new show by artist Christopher Cozier, and savour the spice of controversy at Guyana’s Mashramani • Philip Sander introduces Bahamian writer and book artist Sonia Farmer of Poinciana Paper Press • Sisters Karen and Kathy Norman of K2K Alliance take couture style to the road for Trinidad Carnival • This month’s reading picks — from fiction to poetry to theatre • Recent music releases to get your fingers tapping • “I will always think of her when I cook,” says Franka Phillip of her late mother, in a moving tribute  |  IMMERSE: Trinidad’s soca artistes are the stars of Carnival, but a host of talented professionals working behind the scenes help make the music. Laura Dowrich meets four creative powerhouses who write and produce the songs, add backup vocals, and get the music heard • Marlon Griffith’s multimedia performance works take elements of traditional Trinidad Carnival into the world of contemporary art. Nicholas Laughlin profiles the artist, who says, “Mas is just a word. My work deals with people” • Joy Spence, master blender for Jamaica’s Appleton Rum, on balancing science and creativity, and being a pioneer in a male-dominated field — as told to Tanya Batson-Savage • For decades, Trinidad calypso has strummed its playful beat across the Caribbean. Four music experts help Garry Steckles chart its influence, everywhere from Jamaica to Guyana  |  ARRIVE: The Maya may be best remembered for doomsday “predictions.” But real mysteries about Mayan culture, Janelle Chanona writes, can be found in the jungles of Belize • If you’re not in the mood for bacchanal, Trinidad and Tobago offer ample quiet Carnival-time escape options. Chris Anderson takes us on a south-west road trip, and Desiree Seebaran suggests idyllic Castara • She knew about Mardi Gras. But when Sharon Millar visited New Orleans, she discovered the delta city has a few supernatural connections with the Caribbean as well  |  ENGAGE: Trinidadian cricketer Daren Ganga knows how important mentoring is for talented youngsters. Lisa Allen-Agostini finds out how his foundation is making a difference, and not just for budding sportsmen • Sometimes small actions have big consequences. Bridget van Dongen discovers how a duckling rescue in Antigua helped make a community safer for wildlife • Online social media aren’t just for swapping jokes and trivia. When disaster hits, Caroline Taylor explains, they are crucial communication tools • It’s a quarter-century since a Jamaican bobsled team unexpectedly took the Winter Olympics by storm. James Ferguson recounts the tale • Haiti’s Jacmel Kanaval is gritty, bold — and alive