THE chill of winter may be biting, but iconic entertainer Derek Sandy aims to bring a little Caribbean warmth into Isle of Wight homes with a special Christmas message for County Press readers.
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Derek, of Ryde, is spending Christmas back in his birth home of Tobago this year — relaxing with family and friends and performing the occasional show.
The Island and its people are very close to his heart, he says, which is why he agreed to perform his festive song, Cos It's Christmas, for County Press readers from the iconic fishing village of Buccoo Bay.
Cos It's Christmas has all the Christmassy elements you would expect, but with a strong reggae feel and beat to warm the cockles this winter.
And in his message to the Island, Derek said: "Wishing you all a very merry Christmas on the beautiful Isle of Wight.
"I'm in the Caribbean at the moment, but I'm thinking of you all there — and I'm going to see you in the New Year.
"Enjoy your Christmas. Merry Christmas and happy New Year, one and all. Yeah man!"
The reggae singer, a household name on the Island, has appeared on TV, including the likes of Britain's Got Talent and Channel 4's Come Dine With Me.
Derek had an amazing music career, but gave it up when he was 18.
But wisely, he revisited it when he moved to the Island in 2003.
Celebrating 20 years of being an Island resident, Derek cut his musical teeth with the Trinidad Troubadours — a support act to music legends such as Bob Marley, Lionel Richie and Billy Ocean, and he has recorded songs with Eddie Grant, which became big hits in the Caribbean 50 years ago.
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