Crucian Chronicles

Virgin Islands Trivia

Which popular Virgin Islands band can be found on the sound track of a movie starring Denzel Washington?

Hint
They are one of the most popular bands in the Virgin Islands never to win a road march.

Hint
They're from St. Thomas.

Hint
Robert Townsend co-stars in the film.

Do you have it?
In 1989, Oscar-winner Denzel Washington starred as the chief of police of a Caribbean island alongside Robert Townsend in the Mighty Quinn.  One of the early chase scenes of the movie features Mary Jane performed by Seventeen Plus.  The soundtrack of the movie is still available for sale at several outlets.  With all due respect to Jam Band, Seventeen Plus is probably the greatest band to come out of the Virgin Islands.  They've been to Hollywood and back.

Mary Mary jumping up.  Mary Mary jumping up.  Mary Mary jumping up.  She jump so high and fall and bust her...

Virgin Islands Trivia

Which current Virgin Islands' band began their career as the official band of the legendary calypsonian, The Mighty Sparrow, "Calypso King of the World"?

Hint?
They left Sparrow in 1987 and moved back to St. Croix.

Hint?
Three of the original members remain.

Hint?
They let you know that they are "World Famous"

Got it yet?
When they refer to themselves as the World Famous X-Press Band it's because they really are world famous.   The X-Press Band started out in 1981 as the Caribbean Express, the official band of The Mighty Sparrow.  With Sparrow, they toured the world playing in Europe, Africa, South America, the United States,  Canada, and the Caribbean.  Headlining in venues such as the Apollo Theather in Harlem and Carnegie Hall.  In 1987, they parted ways with the Mighty Sparrow and returned home to St. Croix as the X-Press Band.  The rest is history.  Three members of the band remain from that era, Al Baptiste, Sr., "Mean" Dean Baptiste, and Pat "P.O." Edwards.   Carol Hodge,  was also a member of the Caribbean Express and he went on to found OSHA band and give us local hits such as "Stamp",  "Down Dey", and "Where You Been Last Night".

Virgin Islands Trivia

7

Which native Virgin Islander has had his image placed on a can of Coca- Cola?

Hint
It's a basketball player but it's not Tim Duncan.

Hint
It's a crucian.

Hint
He is a current member of the Virgin Islands National Team.

Give up?
In 1994, Leon Trimmingham, an all-star in the Australian National Basketball League, was commemorated by Coca-Cola by having his likeness included in their Always Jammin' collector's can series.

In Australia he is known as "Neon Leon", but on the playgrounds of St. Croix he is known as "Weapon".  After starring for Central High School, he went on to star for Briar Cliff University where he was eventually inducted into their athletic hall of fame.  After college he went on to play professional basketball in Australia where he became a bonafide superstar, the Australian version of Michael Jordan.  He has been an all-star in pro leagues around the world including Venuezuela, Japan, Argentina, Puerto Rico, and Germany.  He now plays pro ball in Korea where he just helped his team, the TG Xers, claim the season title. 

Weapon is a mainstay of the Virgin Islands National Team and is probably the best basketball player from the Virgin Islands not named Tim Duncan and that includes Raja Bell and David Vanterpool.  Leon has flirted with the NBA on several occasions.  He was even the MVP of the Toronto Raptors Summer League Team in 1998.  Unfortunately, he has never been able to break an NBA roster.  Whatever the reason is, it's definitely not because he lacks talent.

By the way, Timmy's face appeared on a can of Sprite, not Coke.