VIPs rest in peace
Woodlawn Cemetery in the Bronx — the final resting place for African-Americans Nobel Peace Prize winner Ralph Bunche, jazz great Duke Ellington and pioneering black millionaire Madam C.J. Walker — also boasts a number of Caribbean-born VIPs.
Luther and Maud McKoy Powell, the Jamaican-born parents of former Secretary of State Colin Powell; Antigua-born Archbishop George A. McGuire, who founded the African Orthodox Church, a denomination established for black Episcopalians; and Trinidad-born 1930s calypsonian Frederick Wilmouth (King Houdini) Hendricks are some of the people mentioned in “The Caribbean Legacy of Woodlawn Cemetery,” on the National Historic Landmark's website.
For a full list and biographies of famous Caribbean personalities at Woodlawn, visit http://bit.ly/woodlawncaribbean.
The 400-acre, nonsectarian cemetery at 517 E. 233rd St. offers group tours, which can provide a general overview or be customized to meet specific areas of interest. There are also independent tours using Woodlawn’s mobile app. Visit www.thewoodlawncemetery.org.
St. Lucia’s hidden gem
Kashmie Ali, managing director of The Landings St. Lucia beach resort, knows a good thing when he sees it. So the veteran hotelier was enthusiastically spreading the news that his all-suite, luxury property is a spectacular bargain and a “hidden gem.”
“The truth of the matter is while the property is about seven years old, it was sort of a hidden gem. And recently we’ve decided to spread the word,” said Ali recently while visiting New York for the Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Caribbean Week in New York.
Ali explained that The Landings has lots to boast about — a number of unique amenities, including a private yacht marina, activities and enhancements for young and old, unique eating options and luxury accommodations throughout.
There’s extravagance and quality in the accommodations, which range in size from 900-square-foot villas to the largest which is about 2,700 square feet.
“All these villas are owned by someone,” said Ali, noting that purchase prices run from $700,000 to $4.5 million.
The resort also has tennis courts, water sports, a 7,000-square-foot spa and health club, and access to a nearby golf course.
For information on The Landings, visit www.landingsstlucia.com.