Every once in a while you meet someone that makes you feel like you've run a marathon just by hearing about all the things they did that day.  365antigua.com recently caught up with Marcella A. Andre, who is the textbook definition of that person, as an artist, writer, poet, entrepreneur, and model - and all that gathered from just one conversation.

"I gotta be doing something else", she responds when asked how she finds time to fit everything into her schedule, "I get bored easily" .  In addition to calling the shots at the new Entertainment Bazaar magazine, she teaches public speaking (effective communication), and fundamentals of English grammar at the Antigua and Barbuda International Institute of Technology (ABIIT).  Teaching French at the Antigua Grammar School predated her stint at ABITT, and currently she also holds the mantle of producer of the Observer Radio morning show.

It was through the Observer that Andre and other media representatives and medical staff were invited to Haiti to witness the recent earthquake devastation.  Andre visited much of Port-au-Prince, including a children's hospital, and described the trip as "thought-provoking and emotionally wrenching".  The earthquake inspired her similarly emotional poem Ayiti Haiti which you can read elsewhere on 365antigua.com. We often hear that out of the wreckage, Haitians joined forces to help one another, and this is something Andre sees lacking in the Antiguan arts community. 

"Local talent has to get together and recognise their ability to work together.  We have so much young talent in drama, arts, poetry…the problem is a lot of the old [establishment] won't let go of their glory days".  And what does Andre offer up as a solution to young artists facing this problem?  "You must be proactive and do it yourself". She recalls a friend who was seeking assistance for a project, yet was turned away from the very group who should be welcoming her with open arms.  Eventually they came a-calling, but only after the project was deemed successful. "People need to stop fighting and thinking they can't share their knowledge, wisdom, and talent with others. "

Oh, and speaking of talent, there's one more thing to add to Andre's considerable repertoire: musician.  To top everything off, the lady plays the bass guitar.  This is something Andre's keeping up her sleeve while fulfilling her dream of managing her mostly nieces, all-girl band.

When we asked her love crimes partner Denver, who Andre describes as "someone who appreciates me for me", what the world need to know about Andre that they don't already, he responds without skipping a beat, "She's got a big heart." 

What else but on Valentine's Day?