'Delcita' stand up?

Jamaica Gleaner

Andrea Wright in character as 'Delcita'

Sitting around a table with a straight face, ladylike poise, eating a sandwich and drinking a cup of Ting from a straw, wiping her mouth gently at intervals, Andrea Wright was the total opposite of the character Delcita whom she has made popular in the theatre. When she began speaking, it was even clearer that she has very little in common with her onstage character, as she was very eloquent. Wright explained that she is nothing like the sometimes disfigured, loud, rotten-toothed character which was born in 1996 when she appeared in the play Mr Dweet Nice.

"The things that Delcita does, I wouldn't do. Delcita is brutally frank. She fears no one. It doesn't matter if you are the president of America or the queen of England. I am not as witty as Delcita," she told The Sunday Gleaner. "When I am onstage as Delcita, mi gone. Behaviour off because I am totally consumed by the character. I do about 10 ad libs in the show but don't ask me where they come from. Switching into Delcita is an auto; the costume is an auto button. I love the character. I adore the character and it's very therapeutic."

Wright is so consumed by the character that people do not believe that she actually plays Delcita. "Dem hiss dem teeth. But I can't go put on the make-up for you to believe me," she said, noting that the only things she has in common with Delcita are that they are both genuine and from the country.

Wright said she grew up in North Western Clarendon and attended Edwin Allen High School. She said she has been living with her grandmother since she was just a baby. "I love country. It was great. She (grandmother) taught me to be humble and instilled great moral values and I had great spiritual upbringing," she said.

After high school, she attended Shortwood Teachers' College where she studied primary education. That was followed by a marketing course at the University of the West Indies' School of Continuing Studies. She also received a certificate in small business administration. It was while there in 1989 that she met theatre writer Paul O. Beale, who was putting on a play and seeking actors. She auditioned and was cast as an old woman in the play Mus Mus Tail, which was her first commercial production.

Acting natural

Wright said there was not much difficulty in playing the role, as she did acting and singing while in high school and at church. She received many accolades for her efforts at various levels. Having got professional training at that level, acting in Mus Mus Tail was somewhat natural for her.

Having completed a course in information technology and being the first Jamaican woman to be an A+ certified computer technician, she opened her own computer business where she taught classes. She also lectured part-time at Caenwood Centre.

"I was doing shows in the meantime," Wright indicated. "There were times when I was doubling up. It can be rough. At times it was very stressful, especially when you have rehearsals because you have to learn that script," added Wright, who played the popular Pumpkin in Granny Rule.

When she gave birth to a daughter in 2002, it became even more difficult to double up. She said there were times when her child would spend all day at the baby-sitter as she would sometimes get home at 10:30 p.m.

"I said this is not going to work out. I said the best thing to do is go back home and spend some time with my child and then relaunch myself. That was like a divine intervention 'cause as soon as she was six years old, I got the call to do Delcita," she told The Sunday Gleaner.

Delcita was relaunched in 2008 in Di Driver, which also starred Keith 'Shebada' Ramsay. Since then, she has done Money Worries, The Xtortionistz and The Plumber, which is currently running.

"Once I am given the task of Delcita, I try my best to rise to the occasion," Wright said. She said she decided to take a break after The Xtortionistz last year because she was frustrated, however, the break was short-lived as Beale requested her for the role in The Plumber.

While the character is one of the biggest in local comedy, Wright said she has not received many awards for her efforts. However, she has got awards from Stages Productions and she was honoured by Wisynco yesterday for excelling in her career.

"There is not much awards, it's more rewards. Media people want to have me on their shows. You feel great when you see how much of these people want to talk to you," said Wright, who is completing a degree in guidance and counselling at Northern Caribbean University.

In addition, she paid homage to Ralph Holness and Beale for their work in theatre. For their support, she thanked her daughter, Stages Productions, her friends and fans.

IMAGINE IF THERE WERE NO BLACK PEOPLE IN WORLD

 By Makebra Anderson

One morning, a little boy named Theo woke up and asked his mother, "Mom, what if there were no Black people in the world?" 

His mother thought about that for a moment, and then said, "Son, follow me around today and let’s just see what it would be like if there were no Black people in the world. Now go get dressed and we will get started.” 

Theo ran to his room to put on his clothes and shoes. His mother took one look at him and said, "Theo, where are your shoes? Son, I must iron your clothes. Why are they so wrinkled? 

When she reached for the ironing board, it was no longer there. You see, Sarah Boone, a Black woman, invented the ironing board and Jan E. Matzelinger, a Black man, invented the shoe lasting machine. The shoe lasting machine is a machine that attaches the top of the shoe to the sole. 

"Oh well," she said, "Please go and do something to your hair." Theo ran in his room to comb his hair, but the comb was not there."  You see, Walter Sammons, a Black man, invented the comb. 

Theo decided to just brush his hair, but the brush was gone. Lydia O. Newman, a Black female, invented the brush.Well, this was a sight. Theo had no shoes, wrinkled clothes, and his hair was a mess. Even his mom's hair was a mess. See Madam C. J. Walker was one of the first African-American female entrepreneurs, and she created many hair care products for Black women. 

Mom told Theo, "Let's do our chores around the house, and then take a trip to the grocery store." 

Theo's job was to sweep the floor. He swept and swept and swept. When he reached for the dustpan, it was not there. You see, Lloyd P. Ray, a Black man, invented the dustpan. So he swept his pile of dirt over in the corner and left it there. He then decided to mop the floor, but the mop was gone. You see, Thomas W. Stewart, a Black man, invented the mop. 

Theo yelled to his Mom, "Mom, I'm not having any luck!”"Well son," she said, "Let me finish washing these clothes and we will prepare a list for the grocery store." 

When the wash finished, she went to place the clothes in the dryer, but it was not there. You see, George T. Sampson, a Black man, invented the clothes dryer. 

Mom asked Theo to get a pencil and some paper to prepare their list for the market. So Theo ran for the paper and pencil but noticed that the pencil lead was broken. Well, he was out of luck because John Love, a Black man, invented the pencil sharpener. 

Mom reached for a pen, but it was not there because William Purvis, a Black man, invented the fountain pen. As a matter of fact, Lee Burridge another Black man, invented the typewriting machine, and W. A. Lovette, another Black man, the advanced printing press. 

Theo and his mother decided to head to the market. Well, when Theo opened the door he noticed the grass was almost 5 feet tall. You see, the lawn mower was invented by John Burr, a Black man. 

They made their way over to the car and found that it just wouldn't go. You see, Richard Spikes, a Black man, invented the automatic gearshift and Joseph Gammel invented the supercharge system for internal combustion engines. Without these, the car wouldn’t work. Gammel was also a Black man. 

They noticed that the few cars that were moving were running into each other and having wrecks because there were no traffic signals. You see, Garrett A. Morgan, a Black man invented the traffic light. 

Well, it was getting late, so they walked to the market, got their groceries and returned home. Just when they were about to put away the milk, eggs and butter, they noticed the refrigerator was gone. You see John Standard, a Black man, invented the refrigerator. So they just left the food on the counter. 

By this time, Theo noticed he was getting mighty cold. Mom went to turn up the heat; however, Alice Parker, a Black female, invented the heating furnace so they didn't have heat. Even in the summer time, they would have been out of luck because Frederick Jones, a Black man, invented the air conditioner. 

It was almost time for Theo's father to arrive home. He usually took the bus. But there was no bus. Buses came from electric trolleys, which were invented by another Black man, Elbert R. Robinson. He usually took the elevator from his office on the 20th floor, but there was no elevator because Alexander Miles, a Black man, invented the elevator. 

He also usually dropped off the office mail at a nearby mailbox, but it was no longer there because Philip Downing, a Black man, invented the letter drop mailbox and William Barry, another Black man, invented the postmarking and canceling machine which, which is how we get stamps.

Theo and his mother sat at the kitchen table with their head in their hands. When the father arrived he asked, "Why are you sitting in the dark?" Why? Because Lewis Howard Latimer, a Black man, invented the filament within the light bulb. Without a filament a light bulb won’t turn on.

Theo quickly learned what it would be like if there were no Black people in the world. Daily life would be a lot more difficult, not to mention if he were ever sick and needed blood. Charles Drew, a Black scientist, found a way to preserve and store blood, which led to his starting the world's first blood bank. 

And, what if a family member had to have heart surgery? This would not have been possible without Dr. Daniel Hale Williams, a Black doctor, who performed the first open heart surgery.

You don't have to wonder, like Theo, what the world would be like without African-Americans. It’s clear, life as we know it would be very different!

Pan puts Kendal in a trance

Sean Nero, Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

Kendall Williams

Kendall Williams evokes thoughts that are nothing short of magical when he speaks about his relationship with the steelpan—the national musical instrument of T&T. The 23-year-old American-Trinidadian musician, who has chosen the tenor pan as his title instrument, related that every note he struck took him on a musical high he could not explain. But it’s an experience he lives to repeat.

Williams recalled falling into a trance-like state when playing. His hands and mind became detached to the point where he forgot where he was. Even so, these events somehow never compromised the musical reality in which he excited those witnessing him play. All this puts a smile on the face of this extraordinarily-talented young adult, whose ultimate goal as a musician is to stamp his creative footprint across the world’s music landscape. And, from the look of things, Williams is off to an excellent start. The holder of a Bachelor of Arts in Music from Florida Memorial University, Miami, USA, Williams also plays the marimba and the drum set.

Apart from the work he does in his solo pan presentations, Williams, can also arrange and compose; and not just for this indigenous instrument. He has penned works for string and brass instruments, as well as the marimba. Locally-based orchestras, St Margaret’s Boys’ AC and Casablanca Steelband Foundation, premiered his music ideas publicly back in 2008. With Casablanca, Williams collaborated on the band’s Pan In the 21st Century competition tune-of-choice. In the USA however, Dutchy’s Pantastic School of Pan and Florida Memorial University Steelband were the music outfits he worked with between August, 2006, and December, 2009.

He has now taken up music responsibilities with Diego Martin-based Cocorite Westwind. He said: “To hear my music played makes me feel incredibly great. I feel as though I’m making a difference, accomplishing, getting better and making others better.” The demeanour of this young virtuoso is no indicator of his qualifications, however. Despite his comfortable grasp of the business of music, analysis, styles and forms mixed in with technology, business and performance, his ego is yet to get the better of him. Even with his credentials, Williams still considers himself a student, although his activities to date have positioned him in numerous, but essential roles as teacher and creator.

“What motivates me is the love, passion and drive I have for pan and (the) music played on pan. “Musically, I have grown in terms of my theoretical knowledge: the ability to understand more of what it takes to do a composition or arrangement and be a composer and arranger. “Despite what I used to think, being an arranger is more than putting down music.” In fact, it has improved his communicative and people skills, too. Williams conceives music ideas from no better place—the heart. He’s unafraid of embracing his emotions which consequently sprout the required musical shades reflected in his works. Although the process that goes into ironing out details in his pieces was tedious, it kept him energised; and the fun he had, made it all worthwhile.

Still not used to the fact that arranging and composing go hand in hand, he liked the spillover effect where one prompted new lines for the other. “Feeling excited about music is a great way for me to move forward. Players motivate and inspire me to change and excite an arrangement or composition,” he said. “Being happy with the end result is my biggest challenge. I believe I am my biggest critic. I like to take advice from anyone willing to give, from those who think they’re the most qualified to those who feel they are in no way qualified.” Williams is elated about the vast new prospect that awaits emerging steelband arrangers. He cited the steelpan’s immeasurable growth, coupled by changes in attitudes as opportunity for creating better avenues for others like him to exhibit the attributes.

It has encouraged him to work harder at being a successful music professional. Williams’ affection for the pan was reflected throughout this interview with the buzz words “happiness” and “fun,” and thinks it’s time to give back to the pan fraternity. …And why not? Williams was born into pan. His mother Jennifer Jagbir and father Hollister Williams were pannists. His father, of Invaders fame, had a tenor pan at home, which he (Williams) gravitated to each time daddy practised. But before he could strike a note on that instrument, he got his own mini tenor as a Christmas gift from his father’s pan tuner/maker friend. That was 19 years ago. Williams was four.

It didn’t take long for him to graduate to the authentic instrument, and today the rest is history. His family takes pride in his achievements. They were excited about the things he’s yet to accomplish, too. Panorama final night appearances with Witco Desperadoes, Caribbean Airlines Invaders and Petrotrin Phase II Pan Groove also ranked as memorable musical moments for this young performer, who is yet to figure out ways to relax away from the instrument. He takes comfort in the fact, however, that sheer personal will have propelled him this level of success, so far, on his quest.

West Side Story comes to T&T

Trinidad & Tobago Guardian

One of the many exciting scenes from West Side Story

Caribbean Theatre Productions (CTP) has undertaken an awe-inspiring production—the staging of West Side Story, one of the greatest Broadway musicals of all time. This particular production was chosen as it is as relevant today as it was in the 1950s and it appeals to all generations, not only for its compelling story line but because it uses all genres of the performing arts— singing, dancing and acting. Set in urban New York, the play tells a modern version of William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet: the love story of Tony and Maria mirrors the star-crossed lovers, while the gang warfare between the Jets (New Yorkers) and the Sharks (Puerto Ricans) reflects the Bard’s Capulet vs Montague feud.

It is hoped this production will have a positive impact on the audience, especially on students and young people, as it shows the negative effects of gang warfare on society and highlights the fact that prejudice in every form must end. West Side Story also incorporates the new concept, The High School Project/Broadway Show, as high school students audition not only for roles in acting, singing and dance, but also for stagecraft—apprenticing in set design, stage management, lighting, sound etc, working with leading professionals in the industry. CTP intends to provide an opportunity for students to participate in all aspects of the live theatre.  
 
CTP’s highly qualified and experienced team includes Dr Helmer Hilwig (director); Linda Pollard-Lake (choreographer); Aaron Schneider (costume/set design); Benny Gomes (lighting); Christine Johnston/Elizabeth Gordon (production)—the same team that produced the extraordinarily successful Jesus Christ Superstar in 2006. A release this week stated that CTP hopes to work with the Ministries of Education, Community Development and Culture and Tourism, schools and associated organisations to ensure a successful production of West Side Story and looks forward to corporate support for this phenomenal production.

The next audition is scheduled for Sunday from 1-4 pm at Cascade Studios, corner Foncette Road and Cascade Main Road, Cascade.

More Info
For further information,
call Aaron (467-9571);
Pat (653-7152); and
Liz (678-1968); or e-mail caribtheatreprod@mail.tt

Check Casting Call for West Side Story on Facebook.

MUSIC ALL OVER ME

Achieving Milestones while Making Art

By Cherine Anderson, Jamaica Observer

Anderson gives a personal account of performing on John Mayer's North American arena tour, sharing stage with Rock and Roll royalty, and being the only Jamaican in the mix.

Suitcase, costumes, Excelsior Crackers, iPod.

Cherine and John Mayer backstage

I've been really blessed to work with wonderful musicians and to travel the world performing and making many people happy. Every tour marks a milestone in a musician's career, and this arena tour has definitely been the biggest tour I've been on so far.

This has been my longest North American tour to date! Together with Michael Franti & Spearhead, we've embarked on John Mayer' s Battle Tour, which crosses 47 cities in North America. Now let me try to put it all into perspective. Imagine waking up every day to perform to an average of 15,000 people in great venues such as Madison Square Garden and the Staples Centre. Imagine a place five times the size of Jamaica's National Indoor Sports Centre and recognise that John Mayer has the amazing ability to full such large venues with screaming fans. It's not like a festival or what we are used to in Jamaica, thousands of fans are there to hear Mayer and I have been blessed to join Michael Franti and Spearhead as the opening act that they discover at each and every show.

The tour started on February 4th in Florida and we've been to some of the biggest arenas across the country. We've played two sold out nights at Madison Square Garden in New York City as well as home of the Los Angeles Lakers, the famed Staples Centre. If you're a big NBA fan, you would be in heaven, as we get to use the locker rooms of all the home teams in the arenas we visited. In New Orleans we played at the American Airlines Centre; in Philadelphia, the Wachovia Centre; in Atlanta, the Phillips Centre, and in Houston Texas, the Toyota Centre. We've played all the major cities in the US as well as hitting fans in places like Omaha, Oklahoma City, Kentucky, Missouri, Las Vegas, and Ottawa and London on the eastern side of Canada. We have already completed 44 incredible shows and we're headed to unusual places like Winnipeg, Manitoba in Canada as well as a few more US stops in North Dakota, and one of my favourite cities, Chicago.

Many years of an overnight musical success

Many have asked, how are you so lucky? Don't you feel nervous in front of all these people? The truth is, I've been working on my professional music career for about four years, but the journey started well before that. I've clocked countless hours serving other musicians coffee and tea, singing background vocals on records for many known and unknown artists, writing with and for other artist, performing on many stages all over the world (big and small), working a lot for free, and building solid relationships with musicians from all different genres and truly learning the ropes of the industry. After touring as an opening act for Michael Franti and Spearhead for the last fourteen months, as well as being featured on our Billboard charting hit Say Hey (I Love You) , Michael asked me to a part of their presentation as the official opening act for John Mayer's North American Arena Tour. This decision was easy, and I was very grateful for the opportunity because I had never done a full arena tour and this was going to be new and exciting.

As opening act for the tour we've been so blessed to play to arenas that have been 90 per cent full when we get on the stage, and by the time we sing our hit Say Hey, everyone is on their feet dancing, kids are on the stage singing and the whole arena feels like a big session in Jamaica (only with the size of a Reggae Sumfest dancehall-night crowd, every night). Many people have no clue who we are when we get on stage, but by the end of the show the feedback is so overwhelmingly positive. I am really happy to be able to share dancehall-soul and Jamaica with this new audience. And though I don't think they understand every word, they feel the energy and I do meet and greet with fans after every show and many subscribe to my social networking pages like Facebook, Twitter, actively watch Cherine TV on Youtube and have even purchased my EP The Introduction-Dubstyle online.

Touching lives

One of the most touching things that happened to me on this tour was meeting a lady by the name of Charla. It was my first time meeting her and she had the warmest smile. I have a routine where I go out to meet with the fans every night and she came by to take a picture. It seemed as though she had really enjoyed the show and was smiling and dancing. A few days later her husband informed me through my Facebook page that she had passed away and that the last picture she had taken was the one with me. He said she was so happy and had so much fun at the concert. In the words of her husband, Jeremy, "Cherine, I lost my beautiful wife today and the last date we had together was your show in Dallas. We had a chance to meet you after the show, and she was so excited and also please thank John (Mayer) for my family for helping her. Words can't express how much that night meant to her, and I thank you for making her feel so special".

Among musical greatness

I've had the once-in-a-lifetime experience of the seeing the famous Aurora Borealis in rare form actively changing colour and dancing across the Canadian sky for more than an hour as we drove from Alberta to Saskatoon. Every day is like musical college as I'm learning from the experience and stories of not only musicians but also the crew, many of who have been doing this for the last 40 years. It is awe-inspiring to be walking the halls, have lunch and share jokes with legendary musicians such as Steve Jordan, Robbie Mackintosh among others. Some have worked for years with bands including legends like U2, Pink Floyd, Stevey Ray Vaughn, Bruce Springsteen and Stevie Wonder. As one of the youngest artists and only Jamaican on the tour, I feel like a sponge just taking in everything and staying healthy and happy. It has also been inspiring to see more women on the road this time around.

The tour does not come without its challenges. I've missed the comfort of a stable bed, totally exhausted my supply of Excelsior Water Crackers and plantain porridge from the sachets. But I've had friends and family come out to a few shows and that's always fun. When you are on tour for a long time you sometimes get to a point where you miss the small things about Jamaica, the accent, being able to hang out and talk to your friends and family when you feel like, but that's when you realise this is also a job and you have to be professional.

The whole experience has only confirmed for me that entertainment is what I'm made to do. It has made me more hungry and more committed to being not just a better singer but a better musician, writer and performer. This has been an amazing experience and I'll be taking an exciting next step as I'll be heading out to work on my debut album. Through the direction of my manager Patrick Lindsay and the support of Michael Franti this tour have really given me another level of exposure and understanding of performing live and touring. I have truly enjoyed meeting many, many great fans and have performed with truly great musicians.

Laughter is the Best Medicine

BY ORNELLA GREEN, Jamaica Observer

WE have all heard of different plans weight-loss and exercise programmes that are bound to improve health. It all seems so confusing and contradictory. However, what if there was something simpler out there that we can do to improve our health? And what if that thing -- literally speaking -- is right under our noses?

You may scoff at this. You may even laugh at the idea. Well good, you're on the right path to good health. You have heard the statement time and time again, 'Laughter is the best medicine'. But have you ever wonder about how true this statement really is? Are there really health benefits to laughing?

In addition to the domino effect of joy and amusement, laughter also triggers healthy physical changes in the body. Research has shown that humour and laughter strengthen your immune system, boost your energy, reduce food cravings, diminish pain, and protect you from the damaging effects of stress. Nothing works faster or more dependably to bring your mind and body back into balance than a good laugh. Best of all, this priceless medicine is fun, free and easy to use. Here are some of these health benefits:

1. Laughter relaxes the whole body. A good, hearty laugh relieves physical tension and stress, leaving your muscles relaxed for up to 45 minutes after. Laughter provides a physical and emotional release.

2. Laughter gives you an internal workout: A good, hearty laugh exercises the diaphragm, contracts the abs and even works out the shoulders, leaving muscles more relaxed afterward.

3. Laughter boosts the immune system. Laughter decreases the levels of stress hormones, like cortisol, epinephrine (adrenaline), dopamine and growth hormone, and increases immune cells and infection-fighting antibodies, thus improving your resistance to diseases. Laughter increases the number of antibody-producing cells and enhances the effectiveness of T cells. All this means a stronger immune system, as well as fewer physical effects of stress.

4. Laughter triggers the release of endorphins, the body's natural feel-good chemicals. Studies have shown that laughter releases endorphins, natural pain killers, and serotonin. Together these three make us feel good. Endorphins promote an overall sense of well-being and can even temporarily relieve pain. Endorphins are the same group of hormones responsible for the runners high you hear so much about. If you don't have time to get to the gym for a hard run, try adding a bit of laughter to boost these natural, stress-relieving hormones. Say no to ineffective and harmful drugs. Laughter is a natural drug.

5. Laughter protects the heart. Laughter provides a good workout for the heart. Laughter improves the function of blood vessels and increases blood flow, which can help protect you against a heart attack and other cardiovascular problems.

So instead of complaining about life's frustrations, try to laugh about them. With this attitude, you may also find yourself being more lighthearted and silly, giving yourself and those around you more to laugh about. Approach life in a more jovial way and you'll find you're less stressed about negative events, and you'll achieve the health benefits of laughter.

Sources:http://stress.about.com/od/stresshealth/a/laughter.htm

http://www.helpguide.org/life/humor_laughter_health.htm

 Another music store closes as piracy booms

Julian Richardson, Jamaica Observer

Mobile Music will shut down at the end of the month -- the latest record store to exit a market that has been downsized by a lucrative bootlegging trade in CDs and DVDs.

As a precursor to the closure the store is holding a clearance sale, with 25 per cent to 50 per cent off all CDs, DVDs and video games. The Liguanea, St Andrew-based record store gained popularity in the late 1990s for its diversed music collection.

Mobile Music, the popular record store in Lane Plaza, Liguanea

is going out of business. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

Up to press time, the Business Observer was unable to reach the principal of the store but a string of local retailers have fell victim in recent years to piracy and bootlegging. Widening access to broadband Internet is enabling more persons to freely and illegally download music, movies and other copyright-protected digital content, which are often burnt onto CDs and DVDs and sold as bootlegs. The upshot being that legitimate businesses that once thrived on the sale of these products are now unable to compete on pricing and are being forced to shut their doors. Record Plaza, C D Outlet and Viewers Choice are among the popular stores that have closed in recent years.

There are still a few stores left but the sentiments coming from them doesn't ease pessimism that the industry will be all but wiped out soon. "The situation is very bad now, it's like you holding onto a string," said popular singer and record producer Derrick Harriott, principal of Derrick Harriott's One Stop Records & Video, a fixture at the Twin Gates Plaza in St Andrew since 1973.

According to Harriott, sales are down by some 90 per cent compared to the same point last year, a crisis which he said has him leaning towards restructuring his business going forward. "I am only surviving because I get one or two loans from friends and maybe I have a little royalty," Harriott told the Business Observer. "What I'm really trying to do is branch off into something else...that's the only way out now."

Harriott painted a picture of an out of control bootlegging problem that plays itself out on the streets of Kingston and St Andrew everyday. And the downturn in the economy coupled with the high prices of CDs and DVDs, he said, makes the illegal products an understandable alternative to a battered consumer base. "With the downturn in the economy, if a man sees that he can get a CD or DVD for $200 or $300, he won't buy the legitimate stuff for $1000, $1500," argued Harriott, who added that the authorities aren't doing enough to control the problem.

"It's gotten so bad now that (bootleggers) don't even bother to just sell on a corner anymore, they walk around anywhere and sell," cried Harriott, adding "It looks like a lost cause because the authories who should be doing something about it only pretend to be doing something."

Trinidad & Tobago Shows the World “They are Next” at Expo 2010 Shanghai China

SouthFloridaCaribbeanNews

PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad – The Republic of Trinidad & Tobago is headed to Expo 2010 Shanghai China this week to market the nation on a global stage. The nation will exhibit in the CARICOM Pavilion from the 1st of May to 31st of October, 2010 with the theme “Trinidad & Tobago: WE ARE NEXT” and highlight five areas positioned for growth: ICT, Downstream Energy, Tourism, Food & beverage, Agro-technology.

“We have a long legacy of growth and success in the energy sector that has helped us attain the sophisticated and strong economy we can speak about today,” said Wendy Fitzwilliam, Vice President of Investment Promotion at eTecK, the business development arm of the Ministry of Trade & Industry. “However, the time is now for us to leverage this legacy and show the world that we are next and the time is now to invest in Trinidad & Tobago.”

Economic development leaders from Trinidad & Tobago will promote the benefits of two of the Caribbean’s largest and most sophisticated technology parks - Tamana InTech Park in Trinidad and the Cove-Eco Industrial and Business Park in Tobago. These parks offer international companies advanced technology solutions, such as data storage and offshoring, in an eco-friendly atmosphere for which the region is known.

In addition to showcasing the technology parks, the exhibition’s staff will highlight the key sectors that are ripe and ready for international investment. Not only does the nation have the lowest energy costs in the Caribbean region, but it boasts a skilled talent pool for international companies. These factors, combined with specific industry advancements, make the nation ready for growth in information communications technology, agro-technology and downstream energy, among others.

While investment promotion is the focus of Trinidad & Tobago’s exhibit, it will stay true to the dynamic culture so often associated with the nation. During the show, there will be Carnival costume exhibits, an Evolution of the Steel Pan exhibit, sampling and promotion of local products and live performances that will showcase the rich colors and culture of the nation, which make it a great place to live and thrive.

Trinidad & Tobago will hold a National Week at Expo Shanghai during September 19-25, 2010. During that week, economic development leaders of the country will host the Trinidad & Tobago Business Forum which will profile the available investment opportunities in the country. Corporate leaders from international organizations based in China will be invited to meet with leaders from agencies in Trinidad & Tobago to discuss such opportunities, in particular for the population of Tamana InTech Park and The Cove Eco-Industrial and Business Park.

“This is also an opportunity to paint the proper image of Trinidad & Tobago to other countries inquiring about us,” says Fitzwilliam. “Trinidad & Tobago offers many comparative advantages from our highly literate workforce to our advanced technology and infrastructure. We are anxious to share our many attributes with others around the world.”

R&B Sensation En Vogue at Fashion Week Trinidad & Tobago

SouthFloridaCaribbeanNews

Port of Spain, Trinidad – Beginning May 29 – June 6, 2010, the Caribbean’s leading designers will converge on the dual-island nation of Trinidad & Tobago for the 3rd Annual Fashion Week Trinidad & Tobago (FWTT).

The multi-day event will showcase designs that range from haute couture creations and prêt-a-porter styles to a variety of fashion genres from established and emerging local and Caribbean ateliers.

From May 29 – 31, Pigeon Point Heritage Park, located on sister island Tobago, will host the first series of runway shows while Trinidad’s premier hotel, Hyatt Regency Trinidad, will set the stage for the final showdown between local and regional fashion houses, June 2-6.

With the theme, “Step, Strut, Stride,” the third installation of FWTT will focus on the industry’s staying power and continuous development that has created a signature identity for the destination, Trinbagonian style.

This year’s event will also see the addition of daily seminars to promote the growth of the industry and a fashion & beauty expo to increase awareness. Designers include Michael Award Winner™ Francis Hendy, who has dressed artists such as Missy Elliot, Sean “P. Diddy” Combs, and Trinidad’s own Machel Montano, fashion studio Millhouse, who has dressed artists such as Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild and Erykah Badu.

“Our focus for Fashion Week Trinidad & Tobago is to revitalize and develop the local fashion industry and bring about awareness of its lucrative socio-economic potential,” said Dianne Hunt, chairperson of the FWTT Board. “We recognize the tremendous creative and technical fashion talent present in our nation and strive to provide opportunities for the fashion industry’s consistent development – both locally and regionally – ultimately becoming a global fashion force.“

FWTT was created to include all aspects of the fashion industry ranging from hair stylists, make-up artists, models and photographers to cosmetic producers and accessory manufactures. The event will also include musical performances, art displays and a showcase of past prize-winning Carnival costumes. For more information, please visit www.fwtt.org.

Spotlight on Haiti" at the 16th Annual Unifest Multi Cultural Celebration - May 23rd

SouthFloridaCaribbeanNews

LAUDERDALE LAKES - Prior to and during the 16th Annual Unifest Multi Cultural event on Sunday May 23, 2010 there will be a special food and fundraising drive done for the people of Haiti.

The Greater Caribbean American Cultural Coalition, Unifest ‘Presenting Sponsor Grace Foods’ and Food for the Poor have joined hands in a humanitarian effort and rebuilding effort with our partnership with the Greater Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce in support for Haiti.

Event gate opens at 10:00 am at the Vincent Torres Park, located at 4331 NW 36th Street in Lauderdale Lakes and attendees will be able to purchase Grace Food Vouchers from the donation center on site. Prior to the event donation information is available by calling 954-730-8885.


Wayne Wonder

2010 Lineup

The lineup of Unifest 2010 was carefully chosen to appeal to the cultural diversity of the community and is as follows: Reggae Crooner ‘Wayne Wonder’; fresh from the recently concluded Carnival in the US V.I. ‘Jamb and’; from Jamaica the very versatile ‘Fab Five’ band; Caribbean Music Farm; Tinga Stewart, Hal Anthony, Millennium Band, Jonathan Laurence & the Truth; Zewdy; Lil Bass; Mama Lulu and Beer Sheba Youth Choir.

Fab 5 ready to get the crowd rocking at the 16th Annual

 Unifest Multi Cultural celebration

The event also include the South Florida Band Leaders Association parade of Carnival costumes; Marching bands; cultural display; domino tournament; stilt walking by the Virgin Islands Moko Jumbies; health fair; arts & craft and food booths, and much more.
This fusing of cultural display can’t be missed and begs to be seen in person.

Unifest is the official kick-off of our June National Caribbean Heritage Month Celebrations and is presented in partnership with the Greater Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce and the City of Lauderdale Lakes. Unifest 2010 is sponsored in part by Bank of America; Bank Atlantic; Greater Fort Lauderdale Visitors and Convention Center; WAVS 1170 AM; HOT 105 FM and CN Weekly Newspaper.

Tickets are $15 and available on line at unifest2010.com or call (954) 730-8885 for ticket outlets. Children 12 and under free. For more information, visit www.gcaccoalition.com or contact info@gcaccoalition.com 

Naomi Campbell breaks down in tears

as she opens up to Oprah Winfrey about her fiery temper

 Jamaica Observer

 Supermodel Naomi Campbell became tearful as she talked to

 Oprah Winfrey about her temper during a television

interview.

Naomi Campbell burst into tears as she sat down for a heart-to-heart on TV with Oprah Winfrey. The talkshow special promised “an emotional hour” in which Naomi “opens up about it all” — including “the controversy” of her angry outbursts. Oprah does not hold back on the supermodel, at one point asking her: “Are you just a petulant diva?”

And she also cheekily got Naomi to sign a “No Phone-Throwing Zone” promise, a play on Oprah's “No Phone Zone” pledge to not text and drive. With her mother Valerie and boyfriend Vladimir Doronin in the audience, Campbell, 39, opened up about recent incidents. These have included walking out of an ABC News interview when asked about reports of a “blood diamond” allegedly given to her by former Liberian president Charles Taylor, and also her reported fight with her driver in New York earlier this year.

During the interview, which aired on Monday, Oprah asked her: “Whether it's a cab driver or somebody on a plane or your own housekeeper and you don't get immediately what you want, you said you see red,” to which Naomi replied, “Yes.” Naomi then admitted that she instantly feels remorseful after having an outburst.

She added: “I feel remorseful. I feel ashamed. I feel for them. [I think] 'What have I done to them?' If I've hurt them.”

Scorching run by Bolt

Raymond Graham, Jamaica Gleaner

Jamaica's Usain Bolt (left) powering away on the anchor leg after receiving the

baton from Jamaica Gold teammate Marvin Anderson in the USA versus the

World 4x100 metres at the Penn Relays yesterday. Bolt's Gold team clocked

a meet record 37.90 seconds

PHILADELPHIA:

Usain Bolt ran a blistering 8.79 seconds anchor leg to pilot the Jamaica Gold Team to a meet record 37.90 seconds victory in a relay showdown featuring Jamaica versus the United States on yesterday's final day of the 116th Penn Relays at the University of Pennsylvania, Franklin Field.

The time was erased by two-hundredths of a second off the 37.92 which was set by the Americans last year.

The Gold Team's victory was set up by a brilliant second leg by Yohan Blake, with his team a bit behind after the first leg by Mario Forsythe. When Bolt got the baton on the anchor leg from Marvin Anderson, he was about even with the United States Blue team's Ivory Williams.

Victory with ease

Bolt humbled the world leader over the 100 metres, moving away with ease to delight the very large crowd which had turned up to see him.

The United States team which also included Mike Rodgers and Shawn Crawford was second in 38.33 with their Red team, third in 38.50. The Jamaica Black team of Nesta Carter, Michael Frater, Xavier Brown and Dwight Thomas finished fourth in 38.72 seconds.

Bolt who earlier received a rousing welcome from the crowd for some five minutes when he went to the infield for his pre-race warm-up was very humble in his post race comments.

"I am very happy to come back to compete before this large crowd at the Penn Relays as I was very appreciative of the support they gave me. I am also happy that my teammates did well and gave me the baton in a good position so I did not have to work hard," he said.

In the Visa Championships series of relays, dubbed United States versus the World it was Jamaica that took the early initiative as the Women's Sprint Medley quartet of Schillone Calvert, Kerron Stewart, Melaine Walker and Kenia Sinclair won in 3:35.37. The United States Blue team was second in 3:38.53 with their Red team third, 3:39.55.

The Americans hit back in the sprint relay as their Blue team, anchored by Carmelta Jeter, won in 42.74 seconds with Jamaica second in 42.94. The members of the Jamaica team were Simone Facey, Kerron Stewart, Sherone Simpson and Shelly- Ann Fraser.

The Americans had two more victories as they won the men's and women's 4x400m. Running without their top star, Sanya Richards who got hurt in her warm up the previous day, The USA women took the 4x00m in 3:26.12 ahead of Jamaica in 3:27.72. The members of the Jamaica team were Rosemarie White, Novlene Williams, Kaliese Spencer and Shericka Williams..

The United States Blue team won the men's 4x400m in 3:00.60 ahead of The Bahamas, 3:02.55, with the USA Red third in 3:02.64. Jamaica placed fourth in 3:03.40.

Dancehall dictionary to be published in four languages

 Steven Jackson, Jamaica Observer

A dancehall dictionary endorsed by the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB) and Jamaica Lexicography Project is currently being researched for publication in four languages in an attempt to profit from the internationalisation of dancehall, says editor Joseph Farquharson.

It will take five years to complete and include a team of four translators one editor and one research assistant, Farquharson told intellectuals at Symposium 2010 within the Department of Liberal Studies, University of Technology on Thursday.

Farquharson said it will be the first such publication by linguists whilst asserting that that the previous two known dancehall dictionaries did not adhere to rigourous scholarship. They include The Original Dancehall Dictionary by Joan Williams published in 1995 and The Official Dancehall dictionary by Chester Francis-Jackson. The problems of the existing dictionaries included out-dated "slanguage" and ambiguous or non-lexical definitions, said Farquharson, an advanced doctoral candidate in linguistics at the University of West Indies, Mona who holds a MPhil in European Literature (Spanish) from the University of Cambridge in the UK.

The dictionary will not only have phonetic pronunciations but include sentences which utilise the defined word. For instance, "the gal dem a bawl fi mi anaconda" would be translated to "the girls are [crazy] about my big d*&^", he stated. "If it was 'The girls are demanding my large penis' it really and truly would not have been in the spirit of dancehall and really one had to find the appropriate language that you are translating into," he explained to nodding intellectuals in agreement.

The dictionary is proposed to be published in English, Japanese, German and Spanish. Farquharson added that research into a French publication would be done in order to capitalise on the importance of reggae in that market. The target market are citizens of the four language groups but also universities within the UK, Germany and Jamaica that lecture on Jamaican culture.

"It is a partnership between the Jamaica Lexicography Project and JTB. We are getting decent information on the culture of the country that can be sold to tourists. So it is not something put together overnight by any and everybody which can misrepresent the country. But it will be well researched and put together that the JTB can put its stamp on to say we know this is reputable and we can help to promote it," he explained. "And of course to line my pocket too," he added.

Farquharson's presentation was entitled Making Culture Pay: Towards a Jamaican Dancehall Dictionary, which attempted to use the dictionary as a marketable liberal art project.

Saint's Shena stars in April's Teen Vogue

Jamaica Observer

SAINT International is celebrating yet another achievement of its rapidly rising supermodel, Shena Moulton. The April issue of Teen Vogue features the Penwood High student in a colourful eight-page story called Sugar Rush shot by photography wunderkind Jason Kibbler and styled by David Vandewal. The shoot is a celebration of the fashionable colours of spring.

Shena was joined by two other models but it's the number of individual pages she earned that had fashion pundits declaring that she was the star of the shoot.

Shena has been garnering international success since her debut on the world fashion scene just under six months ago. She created history as a Caribbean first when she walked two consecutive seasons in Paris Fashion Week for some of the world's top designer names at the age of 15. These include Louis Vuitton, Anne Valerie Hash (she opened the show in Paris), Kenzo, Gaspard Yurkievich, Chapurin, AF Vandervost, Shatze Shen and many others.

Top designers such as Ricardo Tischi (Givenchy), Stefano Pilati (Yves St Laurent), Karl Lagerfeld (Chanel) have all expressed interest in meeting with Shena next season. According to Saint CEO Deiwght Peters, "Shena would have had a more stunning show season this past season but the French laws prevents her from working after 7:00 pm and on Sundays when many of the top shows are held. It goes to show how strong a model she is as she did 11 of the top shows still," he proudly stated.

Shena was discovered by Peters at Penwood High School while visiting as a guest for RJR Radiocation. She was a finalist and winner on the Fashion face of the Caribbean 2008. She was offered a contract on the spot by Muse Models.

Supermodel ambition

Shena notes she would like to be the first Caribbean model to make the cover of all the major international editions of Vogue-American, British, Italian and French. Except for supermodel Naomi Campbell (who is of Jamaican heritage), no Jamaican model has ever graced them all. Former Yves St Laurent Muse Giorgianna Robertson (who was spokes-model for Styleweek Jamaica 2008 is the only Jamaican model who has graced the cover of French Vogue.

Shena is now represented by a group of fashion powerhouses Muse (New York) Models 1(London), Elite Milan and Elite Paris, Uno (Barcelona).

Since her international debut and development by Muse Models, Shena has been on an upward path booking international assignments with Gap Japan, Russian Vogue and Britain's Pop Magazine. Shena will be leading the cadre of Saint model for Styleweek Jamaica/Fashionblock which is scheduled from May 27-30 around Kingston.

Rototom Sunsplash moves to Spain - Festival's 17th staging August 21-28

Mel Cooke, Gleaner Writer

Roberto Vinci 'hails up' Capleton at the press launch for the Rototom Sunsplash

In its 17th year, the Rototom Sunsplash will move from its long-time home in Italy to a new country, Spain, but it was launched at the Ashanti Oasis, Hope Gardens, St Andrew, on Tuesday afternoon in homage to reggae's home.  Giovanni Vinci, booking manager for the festival, and its art director Sabrina Trovant represented the festival, Vinci saying, "Jamaica is the place where everything was born. Without Jamaica we would be without Bob Marley and all the rest, the great Bob Andy, we would not have reggae".

The festival's official press packaging also acknowledges its Jamaican roots, as it says "artistes from all over the world recreate the atmosphere of the original Jamaican Sunsplash".  Andy, who was at the launch, is one of a number of performers confirmed for the August 21-28 staging of Rototom Sunsplash at Benicassim, along with Albarosie, Big Youth, Glen Washington, Anthony B, Aswad and Alpha Blondie, in addition to a number of Italian bands.

Albarosie was also there, and after Vinci spoke to some of the trials the festival has faced in Italy ("We went away from Italy not because we chose to, but because we were forced... It is not an easy life in Italy at this moment"), he thanked Albarosie for the song Free Rototom Free.

"We needed it. When the tune arrived we felt very powerful. He is the legacy between Italy and Jamaica, the black and white culture. He is the person that represents a multicultural society," Vinci said of Albarosie.

A reggae festival

And in a brief statement, Albarosie made it clear that "Rototom Sunsplash is not a European reggae festival, it is a reggae festival. I am not a European reggae artiste, I am a reggae artiste".  Professor Carolyn Cooper of the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona campus, spoke about her "mind-blowing" experience at Rototom Sunsplash, adding that she questioned, "Where have we gone wrong? I said the biggest reggae festival in the world should be in Jamaica."

Then, when she reflected, Cooper said she thought it was "too bad for us" that others recognise our culture, while we don't.  "What we have is a world-class product and people all over the world have added value to that product, like Rototom Festival, and we just have to say big up and gwaan same way," Cooper said.

Both Vinci and Cooper spoke about the Reggae University component of Rototom Sunsplash, which brings the performers and academics into play in a setting where they talk about the music. As Cooper put it, "that is the part where the intellectual added value manifests itself". And Vinci said the inclusion of the Reggae University "does not mean that the music is not important. It is the music and something else".

Vinci told The Gleaner that while he is not sure what effect the move to Spain would have on attendance, there are early signs of a shift in the composition of nationalities. Trovant pointed out that 120 nationalities are represented at Rototom. While the number of pre-bookings is about the same as last year, there are fewer persons from Germany and more from Spain who have already committed to attending. There are expectations for not only more Spanish people, but also more English (Spain being a popular holiday destination) and French, with fewer Germans, Swiss and Austrians.

However, Trovant said that buses are being arranged from Italy, Germany, Switzerland and Slovenia. Vinci also expects a number of persons from Central and South America and he is anticipating more than double the 1,000 persons from England who attended Rototom Sunsplash last year. There will be a press launch for the festival in London in July.

Sean Kingston, Sean Paul nominated for MTV Japan Award

By Steven Jackson, Jamaica Observer

Entertainers Sean Kingston and Sean Paul were again nominated for Best Reggae Video at the MTV Video Music Awards (VMA) Japan 2010 but it's a category that has so far been won only by the Japanese.

Winning the award on May 29 would not only break the Japanese dominance in that category but arguably boost the record sales of these artistes in Japan -- the world's second largest music market. Sean Kingston (left) and Sean Paul are both nominees for Best Reggae Video at the MTV Video Music Awards (VMA) Japan 2010

Paul was nominated for the Ray Kay directed video So Fine from his latest album Imperial Blaze and Kingston was nominated for the Gil Green directed video Fire Burning from his latest album, Tomorrow. They will have stiff competition from Japanese reggae artistes Pushim with her single My Endless Love and Ryo the Skywalker with his single Kokoni Aru Ima wo Tomoni Aruki Dasou.

It's the third nomination for Jamaican born Paul and second nomination for US born Jamaican bred Kingston in that category. Paul was nominated in 2006 for We Burnin' and in 2007 for Temperature whilst Kingston was nominated in 2008 for Beautiful Girls.

Mavado was the only other Jamaican artiste nominated in that category with Dreaming in 2008, however Kardinal Offishall a Canadian of Jamaican parentage was nominated in 2009 for his duo with pop star Akon entitled Dangerous.

The Best Reggae Video Award began in 2006 and has only been won by Japanese artistes at the annual award show which started in 2002. MTV VMA Japan is frequented by internationally known celebrities who view the award as an opportunity to fillip album sales.

Year-long celebration for Louis Marriott's 75th birthday

 Basil Walters, Jamaica Observer

A group calling itself Friends of Louis Marriott have put on the table plans to stage a year-long celebration in recognition of the 75th birthday of one of the oldest living practitioners of the over 300-year-old Jamaica theatrical history. Marriott will be celebrating this milestone on Saturday May 22, 2010.

Chairperson of the group which is planning the series of events is Alvin Campbell, who is also cousin to Marriott. "Louis has ... defacto ... become the dean of Jamaican theatre," Campbell asserted. "He is the only surviving regular practitioner of theatre arts. You have Lloyd Reckord but Lloyd Reckord hasn't been doing theatre recently. Lloyd would be in front of Louis if he was active. But with the passing of people like Charles Hyatt and Trevor Rhone, we are losing some of our theatre pioneers," noted Campbell whose main role in the theatre is stage management.                                                                

"Louis has ... defacto ... become the dean of Jamaican theatre," Campbell asserted. "He is the only surviving regular practitioner of theatre arts. You have Lloyd Reckord but Lloyd Reckord hasn't been doing theatre recently. Lloyd would be in front of Louis if he was active. But with the passing of people like Charles Hyatt and Trevor Rhone, we are losing some of our theatre pioneers," noted Campbell whose main role in the theatre is stage management.

"Of course," he goes on, "we have lost many others like Ms Lou etc. So Louis thought that he should mark his 75th anniversary this year by doing something special. He hasn't done any theatre...not in terms of doing a play or a review for quite a little while now," explained Campbell.

The main highlights of the celebration will be the re-staging of some of the distinguished playwright/director's best known works, chief among which are his one-man play of 25 years ago titled Over The Years and Bedward, the first play he produced in 1960.

Over The Years will kick off the year-long celebration on May 19, at the Theatre Place on Haining Road. Premiered as an lunch-hour concert in November of 1985, the response from an overflowing audience was described as rapturous.

"Few other persons in Jamaica, if any, have written plays, songs, poems, short stories and prose at the professional level as Marriott," said popular theatre reviewer Lloyd Reckord at the time. "His sense of timing, dramatic portrayal of themes and wide-ranging acting abilities left audiences enthralled," the review concluded.

And what does the man himself have to say about what is shaping up to be probably richest accolade to date. "I feel kind of special, it's a big thing for me," Louis Marriott told the Sunday Observer. "It has been a long time ... a long haul. I've been on the stage from age two, so I've gone over 70 years in the theatre," he added.

On reflection of one of his famous works, the playwright who is also celebrating his 50th anniversary as producer, said, "Over The Years was the first 'one-man-show' (there was another one Bellas Gate Boy by the late Trevor Rhone), but mine was the first one in which the actor was also the author of all the material."

There are also plans to update Marriott's 1996 book, Who's Who and What's What in Jamaican Arts and Entertainment "...dedicated to the memory of those icons of Jamaican art and entertainment who went before -- to the likes of painters John Dunkley, Ralph Campbell, Karl Parboosingh; sculptors Edna Manley and Alvin Marriott; musicians Granville Campbell, Don Drummond and Bob Marley; writers Claude McKay, Vic Reid and Roger Mais; dance artistes May Soohih and Ivy Baxter; dramatic artistes Eric Cupidon and Ranny Williams; Buskers Slim and Sam; and catalysts Vere Johns, Greta Bourke Fowler and the one who promoted not only concerts but also germinal ideas, the Right Excellent Marcus Mosiah Garvey," the introduction to the book reads in part. 

Julian Marley Contributes To The Rich Legacy of the U.K. Reggae Music Scene

Source: Diane Podolak

U.K. Based Marley Proudly Pays Forward his Family Heritage
London, England - In the Spirit of his father Bob Marley, Julian "Ju Ju" Marley is the next generation of Reggae pioneers proudly paying it forward in his home town of London, England. Along-side a list of Reggae luminaries that have spawned out of England such as Aswad and Steel Pulse, Julian "Ju Ju" Marley firmly plants his roots in London, inherently influencing the U.K. music scene with his rich legacy.

Born in London, England to Lucy Pounder on June 4, 1975, Julian Marley has been blessed by his father's great talent and by the unique perspective that comes with an upbringing in a multicultural community. As the only son of Bob Marley born and raised in the U.K., Julian has credited his British upbringing as a deep influence on his musical career.

Julian reflects, "Growing up in London remains a large part of who I am today. Musically, I have become increasingly aware of how self-motivating the history of the U.K. Reggae scene has been on my work. I feel privileged to be a part of the musical roots that my father laid in England, and as the next generation of British born reggae artists, I look forward to relating the cultural gifts that have been bestowed on to me back onto the U.K. music scene through my musical creations, visions and contributions."

Reggae and Bob Marley in particular, have always had a unique part in British popular culture since the 1970s. The masterpiece that was Bob Marley's Exodus was recorded in the U.K. and transformed Bob Marley's career. Resonating with audiences around the world, the legendary Marley influenced an array of musicians, including some of today's largest British pop icons including, The Police.

Transcending musical genres, Julian Marley has become a spiritual, moral, musical visionary with an international mission. Just as his father, "Ju Ju" Marley ranks higher in the consciousness movement of music than most international reggae artists of today.

In 2009, Julian Marley's fame rose to new heights with the success of his Grammy Award Nominated release entitled, Awake (Ghetto Youths / Universal). Julian's Awake world tour with his band The Uprising flourished in 2009, and stemmed into a major North American, Caribbean and European run that included the Raggamuffin 2010 tour of Australia and New Zealand. Marley's continually expanding performance dates will see the reggae singer-songwriter headlining venues throughout Europe in 2010, with Julian and The Uprising scheduled to perform close to one dozen dates in the U.K., including several performances in his home town of London, England in July and August of 2010.

Centre Stage With Etana
Source: Krista Henry - Gleaner

Stage Name: Etana

Real Name: Shauna McKenzie

Birth Month: May

How did you get started in the music business?
Etana: In 2005 I was a back ground vocalist for Richie Spice and then through a real life experience released my first single, Wrong Address.

What has been your greatest challenge in the business yet?
Etana: My greatest challenge has been helping people to grasp the concept of unconditional love and dealing with hypocrisy.

What have you been up to lately?
Etana: I've been recording my new album in and out of Jamaica, living and loving life and growing spiritually as well.

Do you look up to any specific artiste, and why?
Etana: I look up to those who have gone before and everyone doing positive things for reggae and Jamaica.

Are you happy with the way things are going for your musical career right now?
Etana: It depends...My personal life is sweet, thanks to the Most High. I'm very grateful. Business is growing and I'm still learning and I'm grateful for that too; but in the reggae music industry there are many adjustments needed in order for us to move forward to a brighter next generation of reggae artistes, managers, producers and young listening minds, ears and hearts.

Do you have any advice for young, upcoming artistes?
Etana: For young artistes coming up I'd say stay focussed, be aware of your surroundings, keep your eyes and heart open, and know what you want to accomplish. By knowing what you want to accomplish you will have a better idea who is needed on your team to help you reach your goals.

Where do you see yourself in the future?
Etana: Still growing spiritually, and doing great things. All is left to the will of my heart, the strength of my mind and body and the hands of the Almighty.

Macka Diamond's Book Launch for Caribbean- American Month in Florida

Source: PageTurner Publishing House

With all the negative press to hit the dancehall industry in recent months, it's refreshing to see that amidst it all, positive sparks are still being ignited throughout the embattled industry.

Dancehall diva turned author, Macka Diamond, is one such spark. With the release of her sophomore novel in February; ‘The Real Gangster's Wife,' she has once again caused a few brows to rise, generating so much interest that its now time to take the show on the road.

"We are scheduled to be at the Broward College in Florida on June 5," states Leesah Larmond, Co-CEO of Pageturner Publishing House, publishers of the novel. "What is happening is that there were plans for a US launch of "The Real Gangster's wife", with presentations of the book to two libraries in the Caribbean Community, but after several correspondences with the Program Director of the South Regional Broward College Branch Library, Mrs. Nancy Ansley, and Branch Manager, Ms. Valerie Simpson, (who incidentally is Jamaican), it was eventually decided that a launch at the campus where the Caribbean population is vast, would be an excellent idea, and a great addition to the month long celebrations, marking Caribbean-American month in June.

So to make a long story short the South Regional Broward College Branch of the Broward County Library decided to sponsor the launch and host it in College auditorium, on Saturday, June 05."  Mrs. Larmond went on to explain that in addition to the book launch/college visit, where there will be readings and dramatizations from renowned members of the Caribbean community in South Florida, the festivities will be topped off by an invitation only dinner party, scheduled for Snappers in Fort Lauderdale, later that afternoon.

DaVille Scores Another Smash Hit with Hey Now!

Source: L3Publicity

Reggae balladeer and award winning crossover artist Da'Ville scores another SMASH hit record with the release of Hey Now!

With a musical similarity to the original song by Australia's 80's group Crowded House's Don't Dream It's Over, DJ's around the world have destined Hey Now to be a spring and summer hit for the award winning singer.

Released on the singers Fashozy label, the production team says "the feedback from the DJ's has been crazy. We knew certain DJ's would embrace the chune, but Jah know it caught fire really fast!" Radio stations such as Da Flava radio from Atlanta, Georgia had chat rooms buzzing with the introduction of the song. "The feedback was immediate" said Rico Vibes. "Both men and women LOVE the song so we've put it in rotation." On the street level, mixed tape specialists this is definitely the track to add.

To date Hey Now has received over 12,000 in downloads worldwide within the first week of release, making Da'Ville one of the most played Reggae artists for the week of April 13, 2010. To solidify Da'Ville's demand, the artist has been completing interviews with radio stations across North America, the U.K. and Europe. The U.K. was tuned into the Rudie Rich 'Up 2 The Time' radio interview, and later with 101.8 WCR FM's Selekta Hype.

The song Hey Now will be on Da'Ville's upcoming album (yet to be titled) on the Fashozy imprint. Stay up to date with all things Da'Ville! Log on to www.myspace.com/davillemusic1

For women, fighting flab requires an hour

a day

Study suggests current U.S. exercise guidelines won’t stop weight gain

By LINDSEY TANNER,AP Medical Writer,

CHICAGO - Rev up the treadmill: Sobering new research spells out just how much exercise women need to keep the flab off as they age — and it's a lot. At least an hour of moderate activity a day is needed for older women at a healthy weight who aren't dieting. For those who are already overweight — and that's most American women — even more exercise is called for to avoid gaining weight without eating less, the study results suggest.

"We all have to work at it. If it were easy to be skinny, we would all be skinny," said John Foreyt, a behavioral medicine expert who reviewed the study but wasn't involved in the research. Brisk walking, leisurely bicycling and golfing are all examples of moderate exercise. But don't throw in the towel if you can't do those things for at least an hour a day. Even a little exercise is good for your health even if it won't make you thin, the researchers said. Their findings are based on 34,079 non-dieting middle-aged women followed for about 13 years. The women gained an average of almost 6 pounds during the study.

Those who started out at a healthy weight, with a body mass index less than 25, and who gained little or no weight during the study consistently got the equivalent of about an hour of moderate activity daily. Few women — only 13 percent — were in this category.

Few already overweight women got that amount of exercise, and the results suggest it wasn't enough to stop them from gaining weight. The results echo what gymfuls of middle-aged American women see every time they step off the treadmill and onto the scale.

"Talk to any group of women and they all say the same thing," said Janet Katzin, 61, a "slightly overweight" marketing director from Long Island who exercises for an hour twice a week. Thin as a younger adult, Katzin said the pounds started creeping up after she had her two children in the 1980s, despite exercising and watching what she eats. "It's just extremely frustrating and discouraging." The study appears in Wednesday's Journal of the American Medical Association. Only women were studied, so the researchers from Harvard's Brigham and Women Hospital said it's uncertain whether the results would apply to men.  The research "reinforces in a nice, clear way the idea of how difficult it is to maintain a healthy weight in our society," said Foreyt, of the Baylor College of Medicine in Texas.

The results bolster a 2002 Institute of Medicine report that emphasized the importance of balancing diet and exercise and recommended at least 60 minutes daily of moderate activity for adults and children. But the study also indicates that the 2008 U.S. guidelines urging about a half-hour of exercise five days a week won't stop weight gain while getting older without cutting calories, said Dr. I-Min Lee, the study's lead author.

The study underscores some inevitabilities about aging. Men and women often put on weight, partly because their metabolism slows down. But that probably has less to do with it than people's natural tendency to become more sedentary, without changing their eating habits, Lee said.

Hormonal changes in menopause also can make women prone to weight gain, especially around the belly. Still, Lee emphasized that the benefits of exercise extend beyond what you see in the mirror, helping keep the heart healthy and protecting against chronic disease even if you don't get enough activity to lose weight.

Katzin, a size 14, said she does an hour workout twice a week — including weights, an elliptical machine and bike. "I know I should go more, but that's all I can swing," she said. She also has switched to diet soda and eating fewer treats, but that hasn't curbed her weight. Katzin was not involved in the study.

The researchers analyzed data on women who took part in a long-running federal study. Participants were 54 on average at the start and periodically reported how much they exercised and weighed. They also reported eating habits at the start, but not throughout, a limitation the authors acknowledged. Lee said the women's eating habits were thought to be typical of American women who aren't dieting.

Dr. Howard Eisenson, who heads Duke University's diet and fitness center, said it's likely some women underestimated what they ate and overestimated how much they exercised, which could have skewed the results. Still, Eisenson said he doesn't encourage anybody to try to lose weight by exercise alone. To combat age-related weight gain, "you're fighting in many cases a losing battle" if you don't also cut calories, he said. That doesn't mean you have to starve yourself, but it does mean watching what you eat and avoiding frequent indulgences. People often don't realize how quickly a bag of chips, an extra piece of cheese, a few glasses of wine or a candy bar add up.

"You can eat a candy bar in two minutes. Most are at least 200 calories," and to burn that off requires walking for about an hour, Lee said. Knowing that equation can help people make wise decisions about activity and food choices, she said.

Breast cancer screening can save lives

New study adds to debate over routine mammograms

By Kate Kelland,

LONDON - Regular mammographic screening for breast cancer saves the lives of two women for every one who is given unnecessary treatment, scientists said on Wednesday, in a study which adds to a global row over screening programs.

The British researchers said their work, which contradicts some recent studies on screening programs but confirms others, showed the benefits outweigh the harm screening can cause by picking up tumors that would not have presented a problem.

"Unfortunately, we haven't yet got a flawless screening test, and some cases that are picked up wouldn't have needed treatment," said Stephen Duffy of Queen Mary, University of London, who led the study

"But for every case like this, screening saves two women who would have otherwise died from breast cancer," he said. Duffy's findings contradict the results of a Nordic study published last week which found no evidence that routinely screening women for breast cancer had any effect on death rates.

The findings will also further fan a row which erupted in the United States in last November after public health officials on the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force questioned whether annual screening mammograms for women under 40 actually saved lives and suggested raising the screening age to 50.

Cancer doctors and advocacy groups decried the move, saying the changes would mean more women die of breast cancer. Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women worldwide, accounting for around 16 percent of all female cancers. It kills around 519,000 people globally each year.

Although experts are at odds over whether routine screening is worth the trouble and expense, most wealthy nations have settled on a plan for regular screening after age 40 or 50 to try to find tumors when they are small and more easily cured.

Critics of screening programs say they can be more harmful than helpful if the extra hospital time and costs they require, coupled with the stress and worry of false alarms, are not outweighed by the benefit of preventing more deaths.

Duffy and colleagues conducted two studies into the risk-benefit balance of screening programs. One study predicted the number of women who would have died from breast cancer in Britain if the breast cancer screening program had not been launched in 1988, and another looked at the number of breast cancer deaths among 80,000 women in Sweden, comparing those offered screening with those who were not.

The results, published in the Journal of Medical Screening, showed a "substantial and significant reduction in breast cancer deaths" from mammographic breast cancer screening with "between 2 and 2.5 lives saved" for every over diagnosed case.

Lesley Walker, director of cancer information at the charity Cancer Research UK, said the study showed screening saves lives. She said it gave women access to "high quality information" to help them make decisions with their doctors. "It's standard practice to have these discussions which help women make the choice that's right for them, so over diagnosis need not be a reason to feel worried about going for screening," she said in a statement.

Alicia's blessing in disguise

Barbara Ellington,Jamaica gleaner

Alicia Powell breast cancer survivor

When Alicia Powell, creator of Basia Magazine and host of Trinidad & Tobago's 'Basia Show', embarked on a family trip to Disneyland last Summer, she did not expect it to change her life forever. A frequent breast self-examiner, Powell, 36, had felt a lump in her left breast a few days before the trip and sought medical attention at home.

But she figured why not get a second opinion during her Florida trip? She told Flair about the roller coaster ride in an exclusive interview when she visited Jamaica last week.

Powell actually got the confirming phone call with the biopsy result in August 2009, while she was enjoying the popular holiday destination with her husband (cricketer) Ricardo Powell and their two sons, Ricardo Jr and Ross.

The vivacious TV host's diagnosis was: cancer invasive ductal carcinoma, a common type of breast cancer. It was one year after the birth of her second son. She finished the day at Disneyland and went to Baptist Health, South Miami Hospital. Thank God for years of investing in good health insurance, she said. "Three and a half weeks after diagnosis, I did bilateral mastectomy with partial reconstruction," she told Flair with surprising candour. Total reconstruction came five months later.

"I had three months of chemotherapy; radiation was not necessary because I had removed all of the breast tissue,"

But how does this make you feel if you are a woman at the top of your game with successful career, loving husband, two healthy sons, fame, money and a bright future ahead?

Surprisingly, Alicia feels the illness was a blessing in disguise as throughout the interview, she made frequent references to God and His plan for their lives. "I was sad but not for long because while I was getting chemo treatment, I got the idea that I could use my situation to help women all over the Caribbean who have cancer but lack financial resources for proper treatment.

"I knew it had happened for a reason," said the cancer survivor with a strong spiritual grounding. "In life, everyone has a cross to carry and this was mine." Baptist Health South Miami, became a major sponsor and the Trinidad women benefit from lectures from world-class doctors and surgeons. A committee was set up to screen women who are in need of reconstructive cancer surgeries, but cannot afford it. The hospital agreed to fund surgeries for a specific number of women through the Basia Survivor Network.

Supportive husband

Her husband's attitude is supportive and loving. When asked how he felt to see the woman he loved lose her breasts, he said, "I knew what was happening; I was there with her every step of the way." I had no time to mope, we just had to deal with it positively," he told Flair.

He continues to live the promises they made in their wedding vows, and has even adopted her post-cancer diet. She has no sugar but she can eat lots of curry, as well as brown rice, whole wheat products, fish, chicken, no red meat, and alkaline-based water.

Very often we hear that when someone loses a limb, there is a lingering sensation that it is still attached. How did the lost breasts make Alicia feel? "I had breast impressions so I did not feel a thing, I was fortunate to be able to afford the level of treatment I got," she noted. But chemo was not so easy.

"I had to empty myself of all worries; it is not pleasant so you have to be happy before you face it," she said. The week during which she had the treatments was always "rough and left me feeling down". But she noted that when it was finally over, it was like being re-born. Her hair grew back with a softer texture,her skin glows more and it's almost like a second chance to be a better person.

Ironically, Alicia had been contemplating reconstructive surgery following the birth of her second son. Now she is proud of the two brand new breasts (with implants), thanks to her surgeon Dr Diedre Marshall who did an excellent job.

Survivor Network

The concept and launch of the Basia Survivor Network is one way to show her gratitude to God for all his blessings. It was launched in Trinidad and Tobago in November last year out of an idea she got while receiving chemotherapy treatments. The network is the result of the tremendous help that Alicia got from fellow survivors of breast and ovarian cancer.

Last week, Alicia and husband Ricardo visited Jamaica to meet with doctors and other stakeholders to pool their resources for the launch of Basia Survivor Network for women here later this year.

The couple also met with CVM Television for discussions about airing the 13 episodes of last season's 'Basia Show'. The episodes showed intimate details of her cancer management and include even the surgery. Plans are afoot to have the 'Basia Show' aired in Barbados and on CIN in New York, but for now viewers can watch past episodes on the website.

"I had to bring the survivor network to Jamaica; my husband is Jamaican and I lived here for nine years. I did volunteer work for the local cancer society back then. So my goal is to teach women to maintain happiness after cancer, I want to change the culture of seeing it as a death sentence, because there are many survivors," she said. Alicia explained that in the Caribbean we have a negative culture towards cancer and many women die because of lack of proper care, so part of the reason for the network is to get affordable reconstructive surgery and CT/PET scans. The latter will detect a return of the cells early.

The survivor network provides an avenue for the women to get education about cancer, do exercises such as yoga and dance, or simply share their experiences, while extracting the positive from an unexpected negative occurrence.

Alicia has learnt a whole new approach to her existence since the diagnosis and she now has a 'pie chart' for living that allots 80 per cent of her time to living well and happy and the other 20 per cent to work that she enjoys. Ricardo agrees, and he said that for them, everything fell into place during the time of crisis. Family was a big help and now they are more careful where their minds are focused. The children were too young to be fully cognisant of what was happening to their mother, but Ricardo Jr who is now six, sensed her moods and would often ask, "Mommy, are you all right?

The experience has left the Powells more solid. Alicia said they could have given up, because cancer came in a bad year for their business, but didn't. They are now working hard to rebuild their brand.

Diet after Cancer Treatment

Eat good nutritious food that is rich in proteins and fibre. There is no research that suggests that the foods eaten will prevent cancer from recurring. But, eating well will help survivors regain strength, rebuild tissue and improve overall well-being.

Consult your dietician and create a nutritious, balanced eating plan. Add a variety of foods that are rich in proteins and carbohydrates. Try to eat at least five to seven servings of fruits and vegetables, including citrus fruits and dark-green and deep-yellow vegetables.

Eat plenty of high-fibre foods, such as whole grain breads and cereals. Decrease the amount of fat in your meals by baking or broiling foods. Also avoid salt-cured, smoked and pickled foods. If you are overweight, consider losing weight by reducing the amount of fat in your diet and increasing your activity. Check with your doctor before starting any exercise programme.

Anti-Cancer Diet

Antioxidants work well in an anti-cancer diet since they prevent free radical reactions. They also prevent faulty cell metabolisms and protect the intestinal membrane cells. Beta carotene fights against cancer by both boosting the immune system and releasing a specific chemical called tumour necrosis factor. This blocks the growth of potential cancer cells. You can find beta carotene in colourful vegetables and fruits such as carrots, cantaloupe, pumpkins, butternut and other types of winter squash, spinach, broccoli, mango and papaya. Vitamin C in your diet can help in fighting potent carcinogens, especially those found in processed meats. It also boosts the production of lymphocytes, thereby giving a fillip to your immune system. Women who have low levels of vitamin E and selenium are more likely to contract breast cancer.

Follow a diet that is low in saturated fats. Cancerous tumour cells need LDLs to grow. A low LDL diet can be beneficial to prevent cancer. Omega 3 fatty acids and monounsaturated oils do not contribute towards cancer. In fact they offer protection against cancers. Use of coconut, sunflower, sesame and virgin olive can provide high omega-3 fatty acids. Use of hydrogenated fats can be potentially carcinogenic.

Including salads of raw fruits and vegetables in your diet can arm you with cancer-fighting properties since they contain phytochemicals, phenols, indols, flavones, cumines, and isothiocyanates, all of which are carcinogen-blocking agents.

Eating cruciferous vegetables can lower the risks of breast and colon cancer significantly. Include garlic, dark leafy spinach, broccoli, tomatoes, red peppers, kidney beans, and garbanzo beans and vital sources of beta carotene.

Including soy products as a source of protein can go a long way in your anti-cancer diet.

Incidence of breast cancer is very low among Greek and other Mediterranean women whose diet is rich with monounsaturated oils. Large amounts of fruits, vegetables, seafood, nuts and legumes are also responsible for lowering the risk of colorectal cancer.

Include sources of Selenium in your anti cancer diet - lobster, shrimp, whole grains, brown rice, cottage cheese, lamb chops, chicken, sunflower seeds and garlic.

Flaxseeds are said to be full of cancer-preventive compounds that can help you reduce the risk of breast cancer and colon cancer.

Green tea and garlic are also credited with anti-oxidant properties that fight cancer cells

Losing breast little help after cancer

Mastectomy may not improve survival for some patients

By MARIA CHENG,AP Medical Writer,

BARCELONA, Spain - For some women, having a breast removed once they're diagnosed with cancer doesn't always mean they'll live longer, a new study says. Researchers said that in women with breast cancer who also have genetic mutations that make them more susceptible to the disease, women appear to live just as long whether they choose treatment that preserves their breast or have a breast removal, or mastectomy.

The study results were presented in Barcelona at a European breast cancer conference on Friday. Dr. Lori Pierce, a professor of radiation oncology at the University of Michigan, and her colleagues observed 655 breast cancer patients in Australia, Israel, Spain and the United States, all of whom had genetic mutations that gave them a much higher chance of getting the disease. After 15 years, women who had a breast removed had about a 6 percent chance of a cancer relapse, compared with 24 percent of women who kept their breasts. If the latter group added chemotherapy, their risk dropped to about 12 percent.

But when it came to survival, there was almost no difference whether the cancer patients had decided to keep their breast or have it removed. Women who kept their breasts had a survival rate of 87 percent after 15 years, and women who had mastectomies had a survival rate of 89 percent.

"This will be useful for patients who are bombarded with a lot of information at once," said Pierce. "Being diagnosed with breast cancer and finding out (they have a genetic susceptibility) is a lot to process, and women may not want to think about a mastectomy right then," she said. "Breast conservation therapy...with chemotherapy and hormonal therapy is a very reasonable alternative."

She said the study results probably wouldn't apply to women who have the genetic mutations but haven't yet gotten cancer. "Their thinking is very different because they've often seen multiple family members die and they are much more likely to undergo a preventive mastectomy," she said.

Doctors said Pierce's findings should buy some recently diagnosed breast cancer patients a bit of breathing room."These are convincing data that show women can keep their breast and not be worse off," said Dr. Alain Fourquet, head of radiation and oncology at the Institut Curie in Paris. Fourquet is the chair of the European breast cancer conference and was not linked to Pierce's study.

Fourquet said that being genetically predisposed to breast cancer may be less important in determining a course of action once women actually get the disease, and that decisions to remove a breast should not be based on genes. Maria Leadbeater, a clinical nurse specialist at Breast Cancer Care, a British charity, said the findings should change the discussions doctors have with breast cancer patients.  "Surgeons may be able to give more weight to patients' thoughts and wishes," she said. "If both options are equally effective, then what the patient wants may become more important."

 Jimmy Cliff, ABBA, among Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees

"I am prepared for it and I am preparing for it the way I get ready to play my part in any performance." These are the sentiments of Jimmy Cliff, singer/songwriter/ actor and one of five recipients of tonight's Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction. Speaking from New York with The Gleaner in an exclusive interview yesterday, Cliff described the induction as a big award not only for him, but all his supporters.

"I look at it as a good thing that I am getting, but it's not just for me, it's for all Jamaica, Caribbean and African people. It will be given to me but it is for all of us," said Cliff whose fellow inductees are musical giants ABBA, The Stooges, The Hollies and Genesis.

In congratulating the winners, Joel Peresman, president and chief executive officer of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, said the inductees "have contributed tremendously to the music industry".  An induction ceremony is set for Monday night at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel in New York. All inductees will be performing music specially requested by the organization. Cliff told The Gleaner that he would be singing The Harder They Come, Many Rivers To Cross, and You Can Get It If You Really Want. Wyclef Jean, Haitian singer/songwriter and social activist, will perform Cliff's induction. 

The inductees "represent a great cross-section of artists that define the broad spectrum and history of rock 'n' roll and people that have contributed immeasurably to our business," Joel Peresman, said. They were chosen by a voting committee of the foundation. Artists are eligible 25 years after their first recording is released. An exhibit featuring all the inductees opens Monday at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, in Cleveland, Ohio. Their stage outfits, instruments, handwritten lyrics, photographs and more will be on display through March 14, 2011.
Reggae Night

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I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW

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You Can Get It If You Really Want It

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One-third of breast cancer may be avoidable

Exercise, diet, alcohol consumption play role in disease, researchers say : MARIA CHENG, AP Medical Writer

BARCELONA, Spain - Up to a third of breast cancer cases in Western countries could be avoided if women ate less and exercised more, researchers at a breast cancer conference said Thursday, renewing debate on a sensitive topic.

While better treatments, early diagnosis and mammogram screenings have dramatically slowed the disease, experts said the focus should now shift to changing behaviors like diet and physical activity. The comments added to a series of findings that lifestyle changes in areas such as smoking, eating, exercise and sun exposure can have a significant effect on all sorts of cancer rates.

“What can be achieved with screening has been achieved. We can’t do much more,” Carlo La Vecchia, head of epidemiology at the University of Milan, told The Associated Press. “It’s time to move onto other things.” La Vecchia spoke Thursday on the influence of lifestyle factors at a European breast cancer conference in Barcelona.

Michelle Holmes, a cancer expert at Harvard University, said people might wrongly think their chances of getting cancer are more dependent on their genes than their lifestyle.

“The genes have been there for thousands of years, but if cancer rates are changing in a lifetime, that doesn’t have much to do with genes,” she told The Associated Press in a phone interview from Cambridge, Massachusetts.  Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women. In Europe, there were about 421,000 new cases and nearly 90,000 deaths in 2008, the latest available figures. The United States last year saw more than 190,000 new cases and 40,000 deaths.

A woman’s lifetime chance of getting breast cancer is about one in eight. Obese women are up to 60 percent more likely to develop any cancer than normal-weight women, according to a 2006 study by British researchers. Many breast cancers are fueled by estrogen, a hormone produced in fat tissue. So experts suspect that the fatter a woman is, the more estrogen she’s likely to produce, which could in turn spark breast cancer. Even in slim women, exercise can help reduce the cancer risk by converting more of the body’s fat into muscle.

Yet any discussion of weight and breast cancer is considered sensitive, for some people may misconstrue that as the medical establishment blaming victims for getting breast cancer. Victims themselves could also feel guilty, wondering just how much the issue of weight factored into their own cancer case.

Tara Beaumont, a clinical nurse specialist at Breast Cancer Care, a British charity, said her agency has always been very careful about issuing similar lifestyle advice. She noted that three of the major risk factors for breast cancer — gender, age and family history — are clearly beyond anyone’s control.

“It is incredibly difficult to isolate specific factors, therefore women should in no way feel that they are responsible for developing breast cancer,” she told the AP on Thursday. Yet Karen Benn, a spokeswoman for Europa Donna, a patient-focused breast cancer group, said it was impossible to ignore the increasingly stronger links between lifestyle and breast cancer.

“If we know there are healthier choices, we can’t not recommend them just because people might misinterpret the advice and feel guilty,” she said. “If we are going to prevent breast cancer, then this message needs to get out, particularly to younger women.” Other patient advocates agreed.

“We hope that no one comes away from these studies with the idea that they’re an attempt to ’blame’ anyone for breast cancer,” said Diana Rowden, a vice president at Susan G. Komen for the Cure, a breast cancer group in Dallas. Rowden said the research was essential to warn people of their potential risks for developing breast cancer.

Other lifestyle factors like smoking and spending time in the sun have long been implicated in lung cancer and melanoma. Experts say there is now increasing evidence that what people eat and how much they weigh can contribute significantly to whether or not they develop cancers including those of the colon, stomach, and esophagus. La Vecchia cited figures from the International Agency for Research on Cancer, which estimated that 25 to 30 percent of breast cancer cases could be avoided if women were thinner and exercised more.

That means staying slim and never becoming overweight in the first place. Robert Baan, an IARC cancer expert in Lyon, France, said it wasn’t clear if women who lose weight have a lower cancer risk or if the damage was already done from when they were heavy.

The recommendation to stay slim applies only to breast cancer in post-menopausal women, as there isn’t enough evidence to know whether this applies to younger women. Drinking less alcohol could also help. Experts estimate that having more than a couple of drinks a day can boost a woman’s risk of getting breast cancer by four to 10 percent.

After studies several years ago linked hormone replacement therapy to cancer, millions of women abandoned the treatment, leading to a sharp drop in breast cancer rates. Experts said a similar reduction might be seen if women ate better — consuming less fat and more vegetables — and exercised more.

Holmes said changing one’s diet and nutrition is arguably easier than tackling other breast cancer risk factors. “Women who have early pregnancies are protected against breast cancer, but teenage pregnancy is a social disaster so it’s not something we want to encourage,” she said. “But there’s no downside to reducing obesity and increasing physical activity.”

In the 1980s and 1990s, breast cancer rates steadily increased, in parallel with the rise in obesity and the use of hormone replacement therapy, which involves estrogen. The American Cancer Society recommends 45 to 60 minutes of physical activity five or more days a week to reduce a women’s risk of breast cancer. In one study from the Women’s Health Initiative, as little as 1.25 to 2.5 hours per week of brisk walking reduced a woman’s risk by 18%. Walking 10 hours a week reduced the risk a little more.

La Vecchia said countries like Italy and France — where obesity rates have been stable for the past two decades — show that weight can be controlled at a population level. “It’s hard to lose weight, but it’s not impossible,” he said. “The potential benefit of preventing cancer is worth it.”

Bounty Killer seeks blessings; follows Miss Ivy to church

Jamaica Observer

Monday, April 19, 2010

Sometimes fact may sound stranger than fiction. And the call from a source to say that Bounty Killer would be going to church on Sunday (yesterday) was just a little hard to believe.

Somehow, 'Bounty Killer' and 'church' were two words that just didn't sound as if they should be in the same sentence ... and so very close together. Anyway, the story was that Miss Ivy -- Bounty's beloved mother and an upright Christian lady -- had ordered her son Rodney, to be present at her church yesterday morning. And, as the source pointed out, "If Miss Ivy say him fi come a church, him haffi come." Miss Ivy and her son Rodney participate in praise and worship. (Photos Garfield Robinson)

Needless to say, Bounty, and his entourage, was present and on time at Miss Ivy's place of worship, the Agape Christian Fellowship Church in Gregory Park, St Catherine.

Dressed in his trademark 'full black' and looking none the worse for his 10-day stint in police lock-up, from which he was released only on Friday, Bounty was obviously there to give thanks that he had come through his recent ordeal unscathed. No doubt, the prayers of Miss Ivy and the prayer warriors at her church played an active role in Rodney's eventual release from jail and the church welcomed Killer as if the Prodigal Son had returned.

Clearly, Bounty was not in church under duress, as the radiant smile on his face as he fellowshipped on an overcast Sunday morning, was enough to light up the entire community of Gregory Park in Portmore. Church leader, Pastor Maxwell -- father of Spelling Bee Champion Jodie-Ann Maxwell -- had a special consecration for Miss Ivy last son, who, like a good altar boy, was armed with his sword -- the Holy Bible. Evangelist Yvette Blake also had prayerful words of advice for Rodney.

Interestingly, one close Bounty aide had commented at the time of his arrest, that the Killer needed the jail time to get away from all the 'waste people' in his life, and to reflect. "Bounty need to stop go out every night and waste so much money pon liquor and flossin', so me glad him nuh get nuh bail, mek him stay deh and hol' a medz," the Alliance member noted. One cannot help but wonder if his attendance at church yesterday comes as a result of the reflection, and marks a new beginning for Rodney Basil Price.

Tanya Mullings, Carl Henry, Kim Davis, and Dubmatik JUNO 2010 Awards Nominees in the  Reggae Recording of the Year Category       

April 12-18, 2010

The 2010 celebrations in St. John’s, NL will mark the 39th anniversary of the JUNO Awards and the 9th telecast with our broadcast partner CTV.
The JUNO Awards has evolved from an industry awards event to a week long festival which travels city to city across the country. It encompasses both public-facing “fan” events and industry/networking opportunities featuring a diverse array of Canadian artists and emerging talent.

JUNO Week is an annual series of events created to highlight both established and emerging talent in Canada. These events, both public and private, generate media awareness about Canadian music and raise funds for MusiCounts, Canada’s music education charity associated with CARAS. JUNO Week culminates in The JUNO Awards broadcast, Canada’s premier music awards show, founded in 1971. A JUNO Award recognizes Canadian artists for their excellence in achievement in recorded music.

Tanya Mullings - 'Breaking Up' 

Multi award-winning Canadian singer Tanya Mullings currently holds the title as Most Improved Entertainer for the 2009 International Reggae and World Music Awards, also Top Female Artist with the 2008 RMAA, and Top Reggae Album (MUSIC IS MY LIFE),Top Producer, and Top Female Singer with the 2007 CRMA. Internationally recognized Tanya has dedicated 21 years and four albums of work with the most prestigious producers in the industry. She’s had the pleasure of working with veterans such as Jack Scorpio, Bobby Digital Dixon, and been voiced by the late great Alton Ellis on her first ever song.

Her love for the music came from her father, the late Karl Mullings who managed her career along with other greats such as the late great Jackie Mittoo. She has performed at the 1992 Reggae Sunsplash Jamaica, 1993 Reggae Sumfest Jamaica, 1996 Reggae Sumfest Jamaica, 2005 & 2007 Montréal International Reggae Festival, 2007 Calgary International Reggae Festival, 2008 Irie Jamboree NY , Brixton Academy London England, Madison Square Gardens NY, Hard Rock Live Orlando FL, and Smile Jamaica TVJ. Tanya also co-host on the ever so popular “Rebel Vibez” CHRY 105.5FM, an all-Canadian reggae radio show alongside her sister Carrie Mullings.

Carl Henry -'American Dream'               

Internationally renowned artist, Carl Henry III, has lead a successful career including such hits as "Do You" (Sonic Sound), "Roomful of Tears" (Taxi Label), "Survival" (Volcano Label) and his current single "Over and Over" (Torino Label). He has worked with notable producers such as Michael Waldon (Aretha Franklyn and Whitney Houston), the late Sir Cox (Bob Marley, Dennis Brown), Sly Dunbar, Jason Lee, and King Jammy.

He has accompanied many international acts on stage, notables such as Billy Paul, Dennis Brown, The Delfonics, The Chilites, Beres Hammond, Sean Paul, Jimmy Cliff, Shaggy, Beanie Man, Bounty Killer, Shabba Ranks, Freddy Jackson, Sting, Joan Rivers, Don Rickles, and many more. Currently, Carl is working with producer Maurizio Rossetto (Glen Ricketts, Liberty Silver) and his new release “American Dream” is available online worldwide. Carl has made numerous television appearances including Canadian stations like Telelatino, CHIN, CBC, and JBC TV in Jamaica. Carl’s vocal talents have taken him around the world including Jamaica, U.S., Canada, and most recently Europe where he performed to packed audiences in Germany, Italy and Switzerland.

Kim Davis - 'Show me the Way'   

Kim Davis is the No. 1 unsigned R&B artist on MySpace Canada and the only female artist period on the site with over one million music plays. Kim was raised amidst adversity and forced to grow up through tragedy. Davis has been described by the media as a talent “who has the love, courage and the lyrics to pen a woman’s evolution; beautifully.” In return, Davis accepts that challenge and dares to exceed it. Sharing is precisely what Davis has done. Without even releasing an album yet Kim has been listed as the top MySpace Canada, R&B artist. She has also been nominated for two Stylus Awards for Canadian R&B Single of the Year and has won two awards at Buffalo’s WBLK’s Unsigned Hype Awards for Best Female Artist of the Year and People’s Choice Artist. Much of Kim’s success can be attributed to her approachability since her fans have the unique privilege of wholly relating to her on every conceivable level just by pressing play. Not since the likes of Mary J. Blige has any female artist been so forthcoming and refreshingly honest.

Dubmatix  - 'Gonna be Right'  

Dubmatix is a multi-instrumentalist and producer, 2009 JUNO Award Nominee for Best Reggae Album, and had the No. 1 reggae release for 2008 (Earshot National Radio Charts Canada). 2009 has been a breakout year for Dubmatix. His collaboration with Easy Star Recording group “John Brown's Body” landed a Top 10 Billboard Reggae Chart. 2010 is gearing up to be another great year with the pending release of his fourth record that features collaborations with reggae royalty The Mighty Diamonds, Eek-A-Mouse & Tippa Irie - along with several side projects that include a collaboration with Big Audio Dynamite member and BBC Radio DJ, Don Letts, for a special Clash project.

Gene tests don't predict breast cancer better

Screening for 10 mutations not accurate for determining risk, study finds

By Gene Emery,, Reuters

BOSTON - Studying genes linked to breast cancer may someday lead to better treatments, but they do little to improve a doctor's ability to predict who is likely to develop a tumor, researchers reported on Wednesday.

Their study in the New England Journal of Medicine found that testing for 10 errant bits of genetic code linked to breast cancer was no better for screening than asking old-fashioned questions involving a woman's conventional risk factors. These include family history, age of fertility and age when a first child was born.

Only when these questions were combined with genetic testing did the ability to predict a tumor improve. "It was not enough improvement to matter for the great majority of women," team leader Sholom Wacholder of the National Cancer Institute in Bethesda, Maryland, said in a statement.

The 10 mutations "are not ready to be a kit you can use to make your personal decisions by," NCI's Patricia Hartge, who worked on the study, said in a telephone interview.

The study did not look at the BRCA-1 and BRCA-2 breast cancer genes already used to assess cancer risk. Those genes are uncommon but when women have mutated versions they confer a high risk.

The 10 mutations studied are far more common, found in 20 to 40 percent of the population, but each one only seems to increase the risk by a small amount, said Hartge. They are single-letter changes in the genetic code called single-nucleotide polymorphisms or "SNPs".

After looking at the cases of 11,588 women age 50 to 79, nearly half of whom had been diagnosed with breast cancer, they discovered that testing for the mutations was only slightly better than assessing traditional risk factors.

In addition, among the women whose assessed risk of breast cancer changed as a result of the new test, it did not change enough to affect the way doctors would treat them.

In a commentary, Peter Devilee of Leiden University Medical Center and Matti Rookus of the Netherlands Cancer Institute said it is clear that the 10 breast cancer genes used in the test "are no more than the tip of the iceberg" when it comes to causing cancer.

"For women seeking advice on their personal risk of breast cancer, it is obviously too early to incorporate SNP testing into a counseling procedure, although such tests are already advertised for this purpose on the Internet," Devilee and Rookus said. They predicted that will change over the next decade.

The real value of the 10 defects is that one of them might help researchers better understand the cause of breast cancer and lead to better ways to treat it, said Hartge. "These are 10 new huge clues we didn't know before to get in and learn what fundamentally causes breast cancer." 

MULTIPLE NOMINATIONS FOR MOBS PRODUCTION ARTISTS STEELE AND MANDY WOODS FROM THE RMAA

With a slew of recognitions already attached to his name, the man regarded as the most consistent reggae artist in Canada , has once again been nominated in four categories of the 2010 Reggae Music Achievement Awards (RMAA). Steele has been nominated in the categories of “Best Reggae Album/CD of the Year” for his latest release “The Man the Music”, “Artist of the Year”, “Male Vocalist of the Year”, and “Best Reggae Single of the Year”, for “Love Yourself First”, his duet with Mandy Woods. Steele says he’s delighted with the vote of confidence given to him by the (RMAA), and acknowledges that it’s a blessing to be apart of the ever growing Canadian reggae scene, and more so, to know that his music and fan base keeps expanding around the globe.

Fellow label mate Mandy Woods has also received multiple nominations from the (RMAA).Mandy exploded on the scene just under two years ago, with her debut single “Take a Bow” produced by Steele. Her vocal delivery has certainly captured the hearts of the people, and her three nominations in the categories of “Best Female Vocalist of The Year”, “Best Single of The Year” for Take a Bow, and “Promising New Artist” is a true testament to her rapid growth. The Reggae Music Achievement Awards (RMAA) will be held on Saturday June 12th at the Jamaican Canadian Centre, located at 995 Arrow Rd in Toronto, Canada.

Real and Unforgettable Stories of Breast Cancer Survival

These personal stories go "beyond the boobs", the media obsession and societal pressures to have huge perfectly round and perky breasts.  They provide intimate details of the long-term psychological, physical, emotional, and social effects of breast cancer on families and personal relationships.

Read stories of a parent's love to drive hundreds of miles to sit with their daughter through chemotherapy; experience a man's courageous journey through breast cancer as the sole caretaker of his two young children and discover the strength of a daughter to move forward after her mother loses her battle with breast cancer.

This book will provide hope, inspiration and encouragement to those touched by breast cancer.  It is our ability to survive life's adversity through faith in a higher power, a strong support system, and maintaining a positive mental attitude. You will be moved from victim to victor!

About the Author

Deborah A. Wilson, MBA, a 10 year breast cancer survivor, volunteers and speaks publicly to various groups regarding breast cancer awareness.  Deborah is the president of Breast Health, Inc., a non-profit organization that provides breast cancer awareness programs and financial assistance to eligible low income, uninsured women and men recently diagnosed with breast cancer in the Washington, DC area.

Single parent running for Brampton City Council

Share, Ron Fanfair

·    Driving through her Brampton neighbourhood during last week's March break, the sight of young people walking aimlessly or just hanging out caught the attention of single mom, Princess Boucher.

"They were just there with seemingly nothing to do," said the Brampton City Council Wards 2 and 6 candidate. "We have to find a way to get these youths engaged before they get into trouble." Designing youth programs is at the top of Boucher's list as she prepares to challenge John Hutton, who was first elected to council in 1985.

"I am a mother of seven and I have two kids who are in high school and they did not have much to do during the school break," said Jamaican-born Boucher. "The only community centre in the neighbourhood (Cassie Campbell) does not provide the kinds of programming for a diverse community such as ours. We have a small library with limited resources such as computers and reading material. There is a need for facilities and tools that are more fitting and appropriate."

Boucher also said there is a need for an increase in affordable housing and an improved transit system. "Brampton is considered one of the fastest growing Canadian cities, yet there is no bus service in certain areas at night," she added. "That's unacceptable. How are people who depend on transit expected to get around when they want to?"

Coming to Canada at age 10 from Manchester in Jamaica, Boucher grew up in Toronto and attended Bathurst Heights Secondary School, DeVry Institute and the Toronto School of Business. As an event planner, she said her constant interaction with people from different communities and cultures provided her with an understanding of some of their concerns.

"I have always been committed to my community," she said. "But when people begin to vent their frustration with their dissatisfaction at how their city is being run, one has to take notice. That's what I did and have decided to step up and do something about it. People need change and I will attempt to bring that to them. I could have stayed in my little corner and do small things. But that would not be beneficial to a large community of people. Being at the table of power will give me the chance to effect change for a large mass of people."

Individuals interested in becoming part of Boucher's campaign can contact her at princess_112162@hotmail.com

Evergreen model Sharon Imbert walks the catwalk with designer

and founder of the Miss Belmont and Environment Beauty Pageant,

Saleem Samuel, during the 2009 T&T Fashion Week, held at the

Hyatt Regency Hotel. PHOTO courtesy Saleem SamueL

After a six-year hiatus, the Miss Belmont Pageant is back and, according to founder Saleem Samuel, it’s poised to be bigger and better than ever. Forced to abandon the pageant due to circumstances beyond his control, Samuel said he had re-introduced the event, which he’s re-branded The Miss Belmont and Environment Beauty Pageant. Samuel said it was the escalating crime situation in the area which became the catalyst for the pageant’s revival.

Now he’s on a mission to take his community back from the stranglehold of the criminal element. Adding that the event would help to “lift the spirits” of the people by providing an opportunity to participate in something positive, he said, “There are so many positive people who come out of Belmont. Five per cent of the people who are not doing something positive are giving Belmont a bad name...This is my area, I have to do something about it.”

Chunky but funky
Stepping outside the box, Samuel, who’s worked as a designer and fashion co-ordinator for the past 15 years, promised that this time around, the pageant would break new ground. For the first time, he has introduced The Mr and Mrs Belmont Pageant and, for the younger generation between the ages of six-13, there is the Little Mr and Little Miss Belmont Pageants. Meanwhile, those on the more curvy and voluptuous side can enter the Miss Chunky but Funky, which Samuel said was open to mothers and grandmothers of Belmont and environs. With ten participants in each category, Samuel has dedicated the pageants to former Member of Parliament for Laventille West, Eulalie James, who he said played an instrumental role in the event since its inception. “I also have to say thanks to Albrosco Ltd, Johnny Q, Lenox Bells, Cutting Crew and Percy Parker, for supporting me over the years,” he noted.

Big dreams
Samuel advised interested participants to put their best faces forward as “intense training” would follow screening. With big dreams for the future of the pageants, Samuel vowed to continue providing a positive alternative to his fellow “Belmontarians” in the hope of a brighter tomorrow for this and the next generation.

More Info
For more information on
The Miss Belmont and Environment Beauty Pageant,
contact Saleem Samuel at 461-3987/748-7446.

Alicia Sanchez to present Favala collection at CFW

Jamaica Gleaner

Fun and fashionable 24-year-old Dominican designer Alicia Sanchez will showcase

her high-spirited female line, Favala, at Caribbean FashionWeek (CFW) June 8-14

in Kingston.

A true daughter of the Caribbean, Sanchez's designs boast a range of colourful pieces that are trendy and youthful.

A self-taught designer, she got her basic sewing lessons from her mother as a child. Favala explores a myriad of fashion flavours and strives to challenge the mundane and, quite interes-tingly, the colour black. "I love colour and rarely use dark tones. My inspirations come from my heritage as a Caribbean national, as well as my interest in additional cultures, but I never went to any formal design or art school; my passion all comes from within."

The young designer delivers this passion with painstaking detail as her entire collection is hand-made - from stitching to artwork. "Each piece is carefully crafted to ensure the perfect fit. The art and graffiti work is also hand painted with distinctive shapes and colour palettes to complement comfortable loose, free fabrics," says Sanchez.

Stocked with colourful graffiti hoodies, shredded dresses, rompers and matching accessories, Sanchez is excited to make her colourful CFW debut. "CFW is the largest regional fashion showcase and I'm thrilled to be presenting my line here. Hopefully, I will return next year, as well, to showcase my upcoming menswear line."

This year, Pulse has a record number of first-time designers who will be on show. Notwithstanding the newcomers, the stalwarts of regional designs will also be in attendance to present their collections. On average, more than 50 designers from more than 20 countries show each year, including representatives from the French, English, Spanish and Dutch Caribbean, as well as Africa, Europe, North and South America, Central America and Asia.

In addition to the surplus of stylists and international recording stars expected to attend CFW, a special benefit night in support of the Haiti Art and Fashion Project for the rehabilitation and further development of Haiti's creative arts and fashion industries will be added to the line-up of the week's activities.

Antiguan Soca Star, Tizzy exports her ‘Wine’ to France

Antigua Sun

Tanzania “Tizzy” Sebastian returned to Antigua earlier this week from her first appearance in France where she headlined the Karibbean Bounce Carnival in Bordeaux. Bordeaux a city known internationally for its wine got its first taste of the “Tizzy Wine” on Saturday, March 6th. “We knew how popular ‘Expose’ was but I was surprised how well known her other hits like ‘Tizzy Wine’ and ‘Bounce’ are in France” said Tizzy’s manager Rohan Hector. Apparently a youtube video of Tizzy demonstrating her signature dance during a radio interview went viral spawning the dance craze in France.

Tizzy and her band El A-Kru have become fixtures on the entertainment circuit throughout the Caribbean and Caribbean Diaspora since she received the award for “Best New Female Soca Artist” at the International Soca Awards in 2007. Having already performed in London, Saturday’s performance became Tizzy’s first in continental Europe.

Her popularity in France was clear as she was approached by fans asking for autographs while sightseeing in Bordeaux prior to the show. “People were running up to me in the streets to show me their ‘Tizzy Wine’” Tizzy answered when asked about her reaction in France. “It was amazing being onstage and having people who do not even speak English, singing our songs word for word.”

The show was a success with an above capacity crowd turning out to see Tizzy’s energetic performance. Forced to improvise when her microphone stopped working in the middle of a song, Tizzy taught the crowd the ‘Tizzy Wine’ until her microphone was replaced. She received several encores, the promoter himself said “she was very good, they loved her.” "I believe Tizzy will be the first female artist to take soca Global,” says Brad Hemmings, CEO of Caribbean Entertainment Tizzy’s agency that has also booked reggae and soca artists to perform in exotic places such as Russia, Australia and the Middle East.

Tizzy is scheduled to return to other countries in Europe this summer on her De Road Show Tour which included stops in Guadeloupe and St. Thomas prior to France and continues on to Calgary, Canada this week.

Calabash reaches 10

Jamaica Gleaner

Wole Soyinka

Jamaica's Calabash International Literary Festival will celebrate its 10th anniversary with a joyfest of readings, live music, cinema and inventive conversation at Jake's in Treasure Beach, St Elizabeth, from Friday, May 28 to Sunday, May 30.

All events will be free to the public.

The list of writers includes Nobel Prize Winner Wole Soyinka (Nigeria), Geoff Dyer (UK), Colson Whitehead (USA), Nami Mun (South Korea), Sharon Olds (USA), Sudeep Sen (India), Feryal Ali Guahar (Pakistan), Helen Oyeyemi (Nigeria) and Russell Banks (USA). Roots rock reggae superstar Freddie McGregor will headline a late-night concert that will also feature singer/songwriter Etana on opening night.

Commemorative Book

Calabash 2010 will also mark the release of the anthology So Much Things to Say, a collection of work by 100 poets who have appeared at the festival.

Edited by Kwame Dawes and Colin Channer, and published by Akashic Books in New York, the anthology is a global bazaar of styles, ideas and voices by Li Young Lee, Derek Walcott, Elizabeth Alexander, Martin Espada, Michael Ondaatje, Natasha Trethewey, Robert Pinsky, Mutabaruka, Suheir Hamad and others. All profits from the sale of the book will be donated to the festival.

"Calabash knows how to put on a splash," said Channer, the festival's artistic director since its inception in 2001. "We take literature seriously but we also take fun seriously. We're an international festival that lives in harmony with its local community of fishermen and farmers. We're grown up now at 10, I guess, but we'll always be young at heart, always Calabash ... earthy, inspirational, daring and diverse."

Opening night at Calabash 2010 will feature a rare screening of the late Jamaican director Trevor Rhone's 1976 comedy classic Smile Orange, the story of a roguish waiter at a beachside hotel. Rhone was co-writer of Perry Henzell's The Harder They Come. The festival will close with an acoustic exploration of the lyrics of Bob Marley's final studio album Uprising, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year.

Calabash 2010 is a production of the Calabash International Literary Festival Trust, a registered non-profit organisation under the laws of Jamaica and New York State. Calabash 10 is supported by The CHASE Fund, The Jamaica Tourist Board, Jake's Hotel, Villas and Spa, FLOW Jamaica, American Airlines, The United States Embassy Office of Public Affairs, Macmillan Caribbean, Akashic Books and Wisynco Trading.

Evangelist has advice from Almighty re ‘Dudus’ extradition

Jamaica Observer

'Hear God, Mr Prime Minister'

MONTEGO BAY, St James — Evangelist Patricia Cole is no stranger to politics. In 2001, she wrangled her way through key connections to set up a prayer meeting with then Prime Minister PJ Patterson, who consequently signed a national proclamation along with Opposition leader Edward Seaga and Governor General Howard Cooke calling all Jamaicans to pray for two days. Again in 2007, while on a mission in the United States, she set up a prayer meeting with then Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller through a direct phone call to her office.

Now she's seeking -- albeit with little success so far -- a meeting with Prime Minister Bruce Golding. "I am trying to make contact because the Lord has given me a message for our prime minister concerning the extradition of Mr Christopher 'Dudus' Coke among other things. I don't want to hide and give it to him. God's name must be glorified. Jamaica must know that this word is coming from God," she told the Observer West. Cole declined to divulge the message in detail.

"I am not going to tell what the Lord has said to me about 'Dudus' yet. I am seeking an urgent meeting with the prime minister and the others who are involved so that I can tell them first. After that I will share what I have been told by the Lord with the rest of the nation. In the meantime, Jamaica -- it's leaders and people -- need to repent. I have seen how the Lord has held back the winds of strife... earthquake, hurricane, floods because of the prayers of people in this nation. However, he will not hold back indefintely, this is the last warning," she told the Observer West.

Quoting from the biblical book of Haggai, Cole warned that failure on the part of the nation to obey the will of the Almighty would lead to certain destruction. "Persistent disobedience of this nature has very severe repercussions... drought and futility. It's right there we sow much, but bring in little, we drink, but we are not filled, we wear clothes, but we are still exposed and we earn wages, only to put it into a bag of holes," she said.

"We have sinned and have committed iniquity and have done wickedly and have rebelled, even by departing from thy precepts... confusion of the face belongeth to us, therefore the curse is poured upon us," she continued, quoting from from the biblical book of Daniel.

A former bank employee, Cole was born in Bunkers Hill, Trelawny in 1952. After graduating from the Holmwood Technical High school, she migrated to the United States where she continued her career before marrying and returning to Jamaica to work in her husband's business.

It wasn't until she got ill though, that she switched gears to become a Christian. Since then she has become a key figure in the Seventh-Day Adventist Church, using her connections to secure meetings and teleconferences with various leaders including US President Barack Obama on national issues.

"She has prayed with me from time to time... what she is saying is correct," Simpson Miller told the Observer West. "I know that prime ministers are very busy, but sometimes you have to find the time for all people, including those from the religious sector. I never turned my back on prayer and I believe that the Government should open itself to prayer and try to stay in touch with the people, because if ever there was a time that Jamaica needs prayer, it is now," Simpson Miller added.

Tamika Hastings, Seaga's research assistant, also confirmed Cole's involvement with him. "Yes, she has met with him and in fact we are in the process of setting up another meeting with him right now... it is just a matter of co-ordinating their itineraries as they both travel a lot," she told the Observer West.

In the meantime, Cole, who is scheduled to leave the island on the weekend, says she is not about to give up on Golding. "When I called his office they told me to stay where I was and pray for him, but that is not good enough. The Lord wants me to meet with him directly and give him the message," she said.

Multiple Canadian Groups Back Haiti

SouthFloridaCaribbeanNews

TORONTO, Canada - More than CAD $350,000 was raised for the survivors of the Haiti earthquake from West Indian musicians, an Israeli entertainer, three Canadian companies and a Jewish philanthropy.

And, if that's not multinational enough - the fundraising drive was organized by a young lady from the South Pacific working with a Caribbean media organization.

Maria Noa Habchi said the campaign, held in concert with the Caribbean Media Exchange (CMEx) at Toronto's Lula Lounge, was anchored by a glittering evening of music and entertainment and augmented by direct approaches to individuals and organizations. She noted it "was a heartwarming reminder of how generous Torontonians of vastly differing backgrounds can be."

Maria Noa Habchi addressing

attendees of the Haiti fundraiser

in Toronto.

Recalling the "Haiti Carnival" at the Lula Lounge clashed with the Olympic hockey final between the US and Canada, Habchi said she was moved and impressed by the number of people who turned up to support the evening's bill of stellar Caribbean musicians and the Canadian-Israeli entertainer, Haim Goldenberg of TV fame.

Habchi, who hails from the Pacific island of Samoa and received her education in Lebanon, said she was delighted when celebrating hockey fans reached by phone added their contributions after the momentous Olympic Gold Medal game.

She issued a special note of thanks to Canadian philanthropist Walter Arbib who orchestrated more than $350,000 worth of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies.

Trinidadian soul singer Justin Bacchus was in fine vocal form.

Arbib assembled a shipment of medicines for Haiti from SkyLink Aviation, Shalom Life Canadian Jewish On Line News, the United Jewish Appeal on behalf of Israel, and the airport security company, AviSecure."A few people went home very happy indeed carrying with them stays at the top resorts in the Caribbean," recalled Habchi. Top world resort, Jade Mountain, its sister property Anse Chastanet, and the favorite of professionals, Coco Palm, all from Saint Lucia, along with the Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa contributed prizes for the evening's auction.

Trinidad and Tobago's

Joseph Maharaj of 4DE1

Nancy Rivard, president of Airline Ambassadors International, and major recipient of the fundraising campaign, said she was "humbled by the generosity of Torontonians," adding the support, "comes at an important time as the rains start bringing with it an increased danger of infection and disease."

Airline Ambassadors, made up of volunteers drawn from the staff of 12 airlines, has arranged and flown into Haiti some 600 doctors and nurses as well as close to three million pounds worth of medical and other assistance to the clinics and orphanages it supports. Set up almost a decade ago, CMEx provides a neutral platform for the discussion of tourism as a development tool.

Jamaican Women Feature

Jamaica Gleaner

In recognition of Inter-American Year of Women, which was launched on International Women's Day (March 8), Flair Magazine will be highlighting everyday Jamaican Women who have done well and made their mark in their respective fields.

Norma Brown-Bell describes herself as a person fascinated with the communication process. From very early, she was drawn to extra-curricular activities, such as inter-house school debate competitions and the drama club, which she used as a medium to express herself.

Although Brown-Bell has been a member of the broadcasting fraternity since 1972, she values the public/private dichotomy. She underscores the importance of being a keen listener and observer as an important part of any dialogue. Her careful attention to details has influenced her personal and professional pursuits and has contributed to her numerous achievements.

She is a very proud past student of Wolmer's High School for Girls and values her ongoing service to the board of management and as trustee. She then went on to Durham College where she pursued a course in communication studies. Determined to excel in the area, Brown-Bell enrolled in the Career Academy School of Broadcasting, Radio and Television in New York. After 18 months she returned to Jamaica at an opportune time when Jamaica Broadcasting Corporation and Radio Jamaica (RJR) were expanding to the FM band and secured employment at RJR.

The veteran broadcaster created history in being the first voice on the RJR FM frequency. Since then, she has held various positions of power and decision-making, including programme manager of FAME FM and executive director of RJR 94 FM. Her prowess in the area of broadcasting did not go unnoticed. In 2003, she was awarded the Prime Minister's Medal of Appreciation for service to Jamaica and the Order of Distinction - Officer Class, for service to broadcasting.

Brown-Bell attributes her success and longevity in the business to her treatment of others in the manner she would want to be treated, and opines that to garner respect you must show respect.

She notes that she has been fortunate to not have experienced gender discrimination in the workplace.

Interests

Her interests extend beyond broadcasting to include community advocacy and mentorship. A humanitarian, she believes that perhaps under slightly different circumstances, she would have had a fulfilling career as a social worker, and continues to help wherever and whenever she can without public attention.

She is past president and active member of the Lay Magistrates Association since 1999. As an active member of the Kingston chapter, she is a part of the mentorship programme which offers support and training to youth from the Allman Town community.

She wears several hats including: vice-chair of the Lister Mair Gilby High School for the Deaf, and the Institute of Jamaica's Junior Centre programme. In addition, she is an active member of the Jamaica Sustainable Development Network. Brown-Bell derives immense gratification from contributing positively to the development of youth, and has a passion for empowering them to achieve their full potential. A sports enthusiast, she values her involvement in all types of outdoor sports with the exception of golf. A career educator, she is involved in ongoing learning and is determined to master Spanish and piano proficiently, as well as sign language to enhance her interaction with the hearing impaired.