Welcome back to the Caribbean Currency Podcast. Today's episode is one for the history books— we have former U.S. Virgin Islands Governor Kenneth Mapp in the studio. This conversation dives deep into the political and personal journey of one of the Virgin Islands’ most resilient leaders and this is his first time you're hearing from him since he left office as Governor of the Virgin Islands.

You'll hear fascinating anecdotes about Kenneth’s mentorship under influential figures like his older brother and Ruby Rouse, his controversial yet critical economic decisions, and the highs and lows of his political career. From his early days mentoring under Miss Abramson and becoming a police union leader to his impactful term as governor, Kenneth shares candid insights into the challenges of leadership, economic policies, and infrastructure projects that shaped the Virgin Islands.

Kenneth reflects on his educational journey at Harvard, his strategic actions during natural disasters, and his unwavering focus on public service. His stories bring to life the cultural richness and unique challenges of the Caribbean, emphasizing the importance of community, resilience, and integrity. Expect a blend of serious political discussion, sharp memories from the past, and lighter moments that reveal the man behind the political title.

So sit back, tune in, and get ready for a compelling narrative of Kenneth Mapp— the governor, the leader, and the man deeply connected to the Virgin Islands. Let's get it!

Welcome to another engaging episode of the Caribbean Currency Podcast! Today we've got a special treat for you. The incredibly talented Theron, a Grammy-winning artist from the Virgin Islands, is known not only for his musical genius but also for his profound insights on the industry and his community. In this episode, Theron opens about navigating the challenges of the music business, the pressures of maintaining success, and the importance of respect and time. We'll dive into how he and his brother were trained by their father to achieve greatness, and how those lessons shaped their careers.

We’ll also talk about some misconceptions people have about his contributions to the Virgin Islands and how he aims to uplift local artists. It's crucial to understand the struggles of being an artist from a small community facing global expectations.

Beyond music, we'll explore Theron's thoughts on financial literacy, including tips on credit repair and community empowerment. Theron also gets candid about the personal costs of success and balancing family life with a demanding career.

From reflecting on his father’s unique parenting methods to discussing his experiences with industry giants like Dr. Luke and Lizzo, there's a lot we can unpack about growth, change, and staying true to oneself.

And let's not forget the fun bits—Theron's favorite desserts, musical preferences, and playful exchanges on local brands and performers. Plus, we’ll touch on bigger issues affecting the Caribbean, like power outages and how we can inspire the next generation.

So, sit back, relax, and get ready to dive deep into the world of music, personal growth, and community impact with Theron, right here on the Caribbean Currency Podcast. Let's get started!

Welcome back to the Caribbean Currency Podcast! In today's episode, our hosts Red Man, Sonii, and Kyle are joined by an exceptional guest, Frank Dixon, the state director for the Apex Accelerator Program in the Virgin Islands. Together, they'll dive into the world of small businesses and explore how they can scale and evolve by accessing federal government contracts.

Throughout this episode, we’ll uncover the critical steps to getting certified in the Sam Gov system, the significance of ownership-based certifications, and the general requirements for securing lucrative government contracts. Frank Dixon will share invaluable insights on navigating these processes, the importance of connecting with government decision-makers, and marketing strategies tailored to government contracting opportunities.

We'll also hear from Kyle about his personal experience with government contracts and tackle essential topics like financial criteria, funding assistance, and the must-know details of the application process. Whether you're a woman-owned, veteran-owned, minority-owned, or HUD zone business, this episode is packed with vital information to help you tap into federal contracting potential.

Stay tuned as we break down the nitty-gritty of doing business with the government, why certifications matter, and how the Apex Accelerator Program is empowering businesses in the Virgin Islands and beyond to secure millions in federal and state contracts. Let's get started!

Hey there, Caribbean Currency listeners! On today's episode, we have a very special guest - Dennis Shabazz Blyden. Get ready for a raw and unfiltered conversation as Shabazz takes us through his incredible life journey.

From the streets to the courtroom to behind bars, Shabazz shares his experiences navigating a complex web of crime, corruption and injustice. He opens up about facing wrongful accusations, police intimidation and the fight to clear his name against all odds.

But Shabazz's story is about more than just surviving the system. It's a powerful tale of transformation, redemption and finding purpose. He discusses how prison became an unexpected blessing - a place where he elevated himself through knowledge. How he channeled his past into empowering youth and his community.

Throughout the episode, Shabazz drops gems on what it really means to be a leader, a mentor and a man of principle no matter your circumstances. His testimony will make you question what you thought you knew about the criminal justice system and the indomitable resilience of the human spirit.

So sit back and get ready to be moved, inspired and enlightened. This is Shabazz's story, uncut and unfiltered, on Caribbean Currency.

Welcome back to another enriching episode of the Caribbean Currency Podcast, I'm your host Red Man, joined by Kyle and Sonii. Today, in this episode, Navigating Paths to Financial Freedom, we're diving deep into the realm of financial empowerment and personal growth within our community. Red Man kicks us off with a powerful message about the impact of our thoughts and actions on our destiny, urging us to steer clear of gossip and to share beneficial knowledge for the prosperity of future generations.

Sonii opens up about personal dilemmas, from job satisfaction to the true meaning of success, sharing a poignant story of a family member grappling with job prestige versus opportunity. We explore the underrated potential of side hustles like Uber for networking and additional income, and how even jobs that stray from our passions can equip us with invaluable skills for our true calling.

We'll discuss the critical balance between financial stability and pursuing our passions in business, the art of creating multiple income streams without spreading ourselves too thin, and the importance of passion over mere profit. Quan shares his experiences following instructions and the anticipation of the next steps in his journey.

On a more intimate note, we delve into relationship dynamics, the traps of materialism and superficiality, and the importance of genuine connections over monetary pursuits.

As we wrap up, Kyle shares his preference for the stability of real estate investment over the volatility of cryptocurrencies, and we shed light on practical strategies for building generational wealth through savvy property choices. Join us as we tackle financial literacy head-on, dismantle taboos about seeking financial advice, and reshape the cultural narrative around wealth and transparency in the Caribbean. So, tune in, take notes, and let's grow together—this is the Caribbean Currency Podcast.

Welcome to the Caribbean Currency Podcast, where we dive deep into the stories that shape the vibrant and resilient spirit of the Caribbean. In today's episode, titled "The Struggles, The Fame and the Pressure," we sit down with reggae artist Pressure Busspipe to explore his journey from facing family reprimands and restrictive rules to emerging as a celebrated musician.

Pressure opens up about his struggles with balancing life, education, and a burgeoning passion for music. From being forbidden to play musical instruments to discovering solace in Rastafari music, Pressure's path wasn't easy. He shares the emotional weight of financial pressure, the support of influential peers like a female rapper named Talent, and the drive to succeed despite numerous obstacles.

We'll delve into Pressure's upbringing, marked by his parent's separation, moving to the United States, and the influence of his uncle's teachings of responsibility and self-sufficiency. We'll also hear about his return to the Virgin Islands, navigating life independently in a wooden house while pursuing music and earning his high school diploma.

Throughout the episode, we'll highlight key moments that defined Pressure's career, such as his collaboration with producer Dean, the success of "Stand Up for Your Rights," and the transformative release of "Love and Affection." We'll discuss his financial struggles, support from his family, and the pivotal performance at the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival that skyrocketed his recognition.

Join us as we explore the themes of authenticity, cultural significance, and the power of resilience that underscore Pressure's journey. From his early inspirations and the formation of the Star Lion Family to his interactions with industry figures like Sizzler and Dan Kalyan, Pressure's story is a testament to the unyielding spirit of Caribbean artistry. Sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in the final chapter of Pressure's compelling narrative on the Caribbean Currency Podcast.

Welcome to the Caribbean Currency Podcast, where we dive deep into the stories that shape the vibrant and resilient spirit of the Caribbean. In today's episode, titled "The Struggles, The Fame and the Pressure," we sit down with reggae artist Pressure Busspipe to explore his journey from facing family reprimands and restrictive rules to emerging as a celebrated musician.

Pressure opens up about his struggles with balancing life, education, and a burgeoning passion for music. From being forbidden to play musical instruments to discovering solace in Rastafari music, Pressure's path wasn't easy. He shares the emotional weight of financial pressure, the support of influential peers like a female rapper named Talent, and the drive to succeed despite numerous obstacles.

We'll delve into Pressure's upbringing, marked by his parent's separation, moving to the United States, and the influence of his uncle's teachings of responsibility and self-sufficiency. We'll also hear about his return to the Virgin Islands, navigating life independently in a wooden house while pursuing music and earning his high school diploma.

Throughout the episode, we'll highlight key moments that defined Pressure's career, such as his collaboration with producer Dean, the success of "Stand Up for Your Rights," and the transformative release of "Love and Affection." We'll discuss his financial struggles, support from his family, and the pivotal performance at the Sierra Nevada World Music Festival that skyrocketed his recognition.

Join us as we explore the themes of authenticity, cultural significance, and the power of resilience that underscore Pressure's journey. From his early inspirations and the formation of the Star Lion Family to his interactions with industry figures like Sizzler and Dan Kalyan, Pressure's story is a testament to the unyielding spirit of Caribbean artistry. Sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in the final chapter of Pressure's compelling narrative on the Caribbean Currency Podcast.

Welcome back to the Caribbean Currency Podcast! In today's episode, "The Joys and Challenges of Fatherhood Unfiltered," our hosts, Kyle and Red Man dive deep into the trials and triumphs of parenting, offering unfiltered insights into their lives as fathers. From navigating the complex world of teenage relationships to balancing discipline and friendship, they discuss the importance of honesty, respect, and open communication in fostering strong parent-child bonds. Red Man shares heartfelt stories about guiding his children through new environments and addressing safety concerns, while Kyle emphasizes the value of instilling good principles over monetary success. We also touch on the impact of social media on young girls, the significance of positive role models, and the essential role of legacy-building and community involvement. Tune in for a candid conversation that celebrates the joys and tackles the challenges of fatherhood like never before!