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Cosmopolitan
16 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Cosmopolitan
'A victim of greed': Bereaved sisters pay tribute to ‘hero' brother who died in the Grenfell Tower fire
On 14 June 2017, a fire broke out in a kitchen at Grenfell Tower in North Kensington, London. It spread at an unprecedented rate, engulfing the 24-storey building and raging for 60 hours as the fire brigade battled to control it. As a result of the 'decades of failure' (uncovered in the seven-year-long inquiry that followed), 72 people heartbreakingly died in Grenfell Tower, with 70 others left injured. Now, a new Netflix documentary examines the factors which led to the fire at Grenfell, as well as paying its respects to those that passed away, speaking to families to hear their stories. One such story on Grenfell: Uncovered is that of Raymond 'Moses' Bernard, who died fighting to protect the other residents amidst the inferno. The 63-year-old grandfather was well-known to the Grenfell community, having lived in the tower block for 30 years. He was beloved around West London in general, his family say, having moved to the UK from the Caribbean in the 1960s, when he was just 16. 'He was known as a sound man,' Ray's sister Jackie recalls to Cosmopolitan UK. 'He went to all the clubs to play Soca music and reggae. He was well-known around Carnival.' 'Ray was a real gentle soul,' agrees younger sister Bernie. 'He was widely known for his generosity and for always putting other people first. 'He had a reputation for being a protector.' While Ray, who lived on the 24th floor of Grenfell, saw the tower block as its home, it didn't mean his flat was without its faults. Bernie, who visited Ray often and also considered Grenfell to be a home from home, said Ray's flat had a leak in its ceiling. However, when Ray (or Bernie, calling on Ray's behalf) complained to the Kensington & Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation, who supervised Grenfell at the time, Bernie explains he was treated 'like an irritation'. 'They were often extremely rude,' Bernie recalls, 'Or they'd tell you they'd get back to you, but more often than not, they didn't. They weren't there to help. In my opinion, they completely forgot their role.' It was particularly worrying, as Ray became less able-bodied as he got older, with his severe arthritis meaning he sometimes walked with a stick. On the night of the fire itself, Bernie wasn't immediately concerned about Ray's safety. She had been called by a friend who lived nearby, who alerted her to the incident. 'It was a big concrete block,' she says. 'There had been fires in the past at Grenfell that had always been contained. So when I first got the call asking whether Ray was home, I wasn't concerned at all. In the UK, your home is meant to be a safe place. I didn't have any idea what was going to transpire. 'I knew something was wrong when my friend rang again and I heard the panic in her voice. When I turned on the TV, I couldn't believe what I was seeing – but I kept telling myself Ray was going to be okay.' However, as part of a refurbishment of the Grenfell Tower block in 2016, the exterior of the building had been clad in an aluminium composite material (ACM) with polyethylene (PE) at its core. PE is highly flammable, which led to the quick spread of the fire. Residents were also not told to evacuate Grenfell; at the time, high-rise buildings in the UK had a 'stay put' policy, as fires were thought to be able to be contained in individual flats. It was a survivor of the Grenfell fire that informed Bernie and Jackie of Ray's bravery on the night of the blaze. While people were standing in hallways, as smoke flooded into their flats, Ray helped those looking for shelter and allowed them into his home which was less impacted at that time. As the smoke started to infiltrate, he let the women and children take refuge in his bedroom, while he kept trying to keep people safe. 'She wanted us to know that Ray was doing everything he possibly could to stop the fire from entering his apartment,' Bernie says, biting back tears. It was thought Ray died by the inhalation of toxic smoke. His body, which was identified via dental records, was found at the foot of his bed, while others found there were huddled on the bed. 'We know that he was the kind of person who would have done everything he could to ease the suffering of the people in his apartment,' Jackie says. It was testament to Ray's character, Bernie adds, that the last conversation she ever had with her older brother was about their mother, who was sick at the time. 'He basically said that our mum was his queen, and we needed to do whatever we can to look after her,' she recalls. 'Our mum passed just a few months after Grenfell. We think she died of a broken heart, as Ray was the favourite son.' Despite the Grenfell Tower inquiry finding a catalogue of failure and errors from the UK government and building authorities, there have been no criminal charges made at the time of writing. While the inquiry's 1700-page report suggested a number of recommendations to be implemented, for Bernie, nowhere near enough has been done to honour those who died in the fire, or for those families left to mourn them. 'For me, nothing's really changed,' she says. 'How could this have happened in the UK? There's still buildings with that cladding on it, and no-one has taken responsibility. The inquiry just showed everyone passing the buck.' Earlier this year, the government announced plans to demolish Grenfell Tower – however, not everyone necessarily wants the building to be removed entirely as it acts as a second memorial site to those who died. 'I understand that the tower has to come down,' Bernie says. 'We need to have a place where we can go to grieve the people that were cremated in that building.' Now, with eight years having passed since Grenfell, both Bernie and Jackie want Ray to be remembered for the hero that he was – but also that his death was entirely avoidable. 'He was a beautiful person,' Jackie says. 'He was caring, loving and giving.' Bernie adds: 'We also want him to be remembered as being a victim of greed, corruption, and dishonesty.' In a statement to Cosmopolitan UK, the Kensington and Chelsea Tenant Management Organisation said: 'We are acutely conscious of the terrible impact that this tragedy has had on the bereaved, the survivors, their relatives, and the broader Grenfell Tower community. We accept that the TMO contributed to this and we are deeply sorry. 'We continue to offer our deepest condolences and sympathies to all those affected. 'We sincerely hope that the findings of the Grenfell Tower Inquiry will lead to safer homes for all those in social housing.' The KCTMO relinquished its role as a housing provider in February 2018 to the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea. It now exists for the sole purpose of supporting the public inquiry and all other legal proceedings resulting from the Grenfell Tower tragedy. There are no staff currently in place who were employed at the time of the tragedy. Kimberley Bond is a Multiplatform Writer for Harper's Bazaar, focusing on the arts, culture, careers and lifestyle. She previously worked as a Features Writer for Cosmopolitan UK, and has bylines at The Telegraph, The Independent and British Vogue among countless others.
The South African
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The South African
Tyla to light up Tipsy Music festival in Barbados this July
Grammy-winning sensation Tyla is set to make waves in the Caribbean this July, headlining the 2025 Tipsy Music Festival (TMF) in Barbados. This marks her first-ever performance in the region, timed perfectly with the island's vibrant Crop Over season. The festival promises an electrifying blend of international and Caribbean sounds. Tyla's unique fusion of R&B, Amapiano, and Pop will take centre stage on Sunday, 20 July, according to Barbados Today. Tyla's rise has been meteoric. Her debut album, TYLA , made history as the highest-charting album by an African female soloist on the Billboard 200. Her triple-platinum hit single Water not only dominated the charts but also earned her a Grammy in 2024 for Best African Music Performance. The song's success on the Billboard Hot 100 further cemented her status as a global star. TMF organiser Zamani Moodie expressed excitement about Tyla's involvement. 'We are proud to welcome Tyla to the TMF stage for the very first time. She is one of the most exciting global voices of this generation, a trailblazer whose energy, artistry, and cultural relevance. It makes her a perfect match for the Caribbean's most dynamic summer festival.' Moodie emphasised that TMF aims to blend international energy with Caribbean soul, and Tyla fits that vision perfectly. The festival's Day 2, known as the TMF All White Experience, will be the highlight of the weekend. Tyla's performance is expected to set a new standard for festival experiences in the Caribbean. Joining her is Soca legend Machel Montano. This collaboration promises a powerful fusion of Afro-fusion and Caribbean rhythms that will keep festival-goers dancing all night. For South African fans, Tyla's headline slot is a proud moment. She has taken the global stage with a sound deeply rooted in African music culture, especially Amapiano. The genre has captivated audiences worldwide, and her success story is a testament to the power of African music on the international scene. In a social media post, Tyla shared her excitement: 'I can't wait to bring my music to the Caribbean for the first time. Barbados, get ready for an unforgettable night!' This debut promises to be a landmark event, not just for Tyla but for the entire Caribbean music festival scene. With her Grammy accolades, chart-topping hits, and magnetic stage presence, Tyla's headline performance at Tipsy Music Festival 2025 is set to be a highlight of the summer. South African music lovers should keep an eye on this rising star as she continues to break boundaries and unite global audiences through her vibrant sound. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Maryland's Longest Running Reggae Festival Returns with a New Name!
Summer Soca Festival Ticket Sales Open to the Public MOUNT AIRY, Md., May 29, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Linganore Winecellars opens public ticket sales for their newly named festival, the Summer Soca Wine & Music Festival (previously the Summer Reggae Wine & Music Festival) to be held on July 19th and July 20th, 2025. The Maryland Winery believes this shift better portrays the musical offerings and general vibe of their sensational summer festival. Eric Aellen, Vice President and Vineyard Manager, reflects on the name change of the festival, saying "The decision to change the name of our reggae festival was a tough one. It is our longest running festival here at Linganore Winecellars, but over the years our dedicated festival goers have enjoyed the more upbeat dance-oriented Soca. Our wines have always reflected summer fun, and we want to continue this in the parties we host. Please come and enjoy!" Tickets are available for purchase via with various ticket options such as early gate access, general admission, and VIP tickets. Optional discounts are also available for active and retired military, designated drivers, and children ages 18-20. Children under 18 are free. Tickets include live performances by local bands and DJ Sprang International, authentic island cuisine, local artisan vendors, and tastings of 19 Linganore wines and multiple Red Shedman beers. Linganore recommends the use of Tixel for anyone looking to sell their already purchased tickets, or for guests looking to purchase tickets that have sold out. Tickets are available to purchase at: Linganore Winecellars is a 49-year-old family-owned business. As the largest family owned winery in Maryland, they are proud to be the champion of east coast wine festivals since the 1970's. View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Linganore Winecellars
Time Out
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Out
Food, Wine & Fête is bringing Caribbean culture to Virginia Key this weekend
Get a taste of the Caribbean without leaving South Florida at the annual (and all-inclusive!) Food, Wine & Fête festival, which returns to Miami's Historic Virginia Key Beach Park this Saturday, May 17. The culinary and cultural extravaganza will celebrate the feel and flavors of the islands, with signature dishes and cooking demonstrations from renowned Caribbean chefs and culinary creatives, as well as Soca music, rum-splashed cocktails and good vibes aplenty. Among this year's featured tastemakers are Emmy Award-winning chef Simeon Hall, Jr., Troy Tingling, Kimesha Chong, Myriam Charles, Paul Griffith and Christian Barruos-Brens. From 5pm to 11pm on Saturday, attendees can feast their way down "Foodie Avenue", lined with local vendors offering authentic Caribbean specialties; sip and savor handcrafted cocktails and fine Caribbean spirits from the fest's spirits partners and signature bars; and potentially take home exclusive getaways to your favorite Caribbean islands from the event's partnering tourism boards. The festivities will cap off with a one-of-a-kind drone show, powered by LunaLite Drone Show Technologies, for an epic and illuminating finale. General admission tickets will get you all of the above but if you really want to splash out, you can opt for a VIP experience which will include a live chef sampling and tasting from South Florida restaurateurs, a private bar, a Prosecco pop-up with free-flowing bubbly, a grazing table of tasty Caribbean bites, premium cigars and swag like flip-flops, fedoras and a signature branded Food, Wine & Fete goblet. "Vanessa James and Marcos Rodriguez envisioned their beloved Food, Wine, and Fete experience in 2018 with a heartfelt mission to honor their Caribbean roots and showcase the immense talent of the vibrant diaspora," reads the event's website. "Infused with a deep love for carnival, Soca music, the rich tapestry of the islands and its flavorful cuisine, Food, Wine, and Fete was born—a celebration of all things uniquely Caribbean."
IOL News
08-05-2025
- Politics
- IOL News
ANC factionalism rears its head in Johannesburg
ANC Greater Johannesburg secretary Sasabona Manganye says the region is avoiding factionalism. Picture: Timothy Bernard / Independent Newspapers Image: Timothy Bernard The ANC in the greater Johannesburg region has been thrust into factionalism and divisions after its chairperson and mayor, Dada Morero, delivered his State of the City Address (Soca) on Wednesday. Senior party members are aggrieved, claiming that Morero delivered the speech without consulting them. Disgruntled sources within the party have criticised Morero, saying he is running the organisation like a dictator and has single-handedly run down Johannesburg. "He has continued to make promises when the people of Johannesburg are looking for action…we have been saying to the organisation that he is not fit but they do not listen, now we are expressing our dissatisfaction to the media," one source said. However, another senior member attributed these claims to the upcoming regional elective conference, dismissing it as factionalism and to those that did not want Morero as chairperson and mayor. "Where have you ever heard of party members criticising their own party? Our comrades lack discipline and content…We are in a situation where we have lost the Metro because of the continuing internal fighting. This must stop," the insider said. Efforts to reach ANC regional spokesperson, Masilo Serekele, were unsuccessful. However, regional Secretary Sasabona Manganye had previously acknowledged that factionalism has always been a challenge in the organisation but that the conference preparations were being conducted organisationally, without consideration for factional divisions. "Factionalism has always been a challenge in the organisation, and unfortunately, it is something we are still battling to defeat," Manganye said. "In Johannesburg, historically, branches have rejected factional slates of leadership." "The preparations processes are done organisationally, and no considerations of any divisions or factional groupings," Manganye had said. The ANC Johannesburg region is preparing for its upcoming elective conference, scheduled to take place from June 20 to 22 this year. It was previously indicated that the elective conference is expected to be highly contested, with two candidates vying for the position of chairperson. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Next Stay Close ✕ Meanwhile, ActionSA's City of Johannesburg Chief Whip, Lebo Madukanene, has slammed Morero's Soca, calling it "long on nostalgia and short on substance". Madukanene accused the Mayor of painting a picture of optimism that is not recognisable to the people living in Johannesburg's seven regions. She said that the Mayor's address was "full of high-level targets and bureaucratic jargon, but without any accountability for decaying infrastructure, mushrooming informal settlements, and the daily indignities suffered by residents". Madukanene accused Morero of downplaying the city's issues or attributing them to external forces, ignoring the City's own mismanagement. "The Mayor conveniently ignored the electricity surcharge—a burden placed on residents already battling inflation and load-shedding," Madukanene said.
