When the Guyanalive.com team visited the Sophia Exhibition Site on Sunday September 4, 2011, it was culturally alive with the buzzing of the Amerindian Heritage Exhibition, commemorating September as Amerindian Heritage Month. There were lots to eat and drink on sale, but the real eye – catchers were the cultural pieces that were displayed.
A small, but interested and excited turnout allowed us to quickly and properly, get glimpses of the showcases. If we were hungry, there were Cassava Bread, Pepperpot and other Amerindian delicacies to fill our stomachs, and if we wanted to wash it down there was Piwari, Fly Wine and other tasty beverages. Guyanalive.com recommends the Fly Wine for obvious reasons. We then took a gander at the exotic and well made pieces of jewelry, ornaments, furniture, baskets and other items that our indigenous folks crafted from the ground up. We even managed to catch a glimpse of a small cultural show in one of the large benabs, constructed for the event.
Wooden Dolls
Families were there consistently, soaking in the fun and knowledge that was offered. There was also a booth dedicated to a Caribbean initiative of health and wellness that allowed patrons to get their blood pressure tested, get advice about healthy lifestyles and even get tips to help combat some popular diseases and illnesses.
Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Ms. Pauline Sookhai and some Indigenous People
The team even managed to snap a photo of our Local Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Ms. Pauline Sookhai, with some of the aptly dressed indigenous people. It was time well spent and Guyanalive.com encourages all Guyanese to visit the Sophia Exhibition Site to witness history in the making. Monday is your last chance. We will also be at the National Cultural Center on September 17, 2011 when 10 beauties from all over the nation will vie for the Miss Amerindian Heritage 2011 crown.
BRAVO ARTS, the premier body art creative company is all poised to launch another of its one of a kind exhibitions at Castellani National Art Gallery on Friday 9th September next.
Titled “EXTRA TERRESTRIAL”, this time around the eye catching body art models will have the added adornments of prosthetics. These will include the rubber latex representation of exaggerated body parts, providing special effects for the “alien” models. Special laser like lighting effects and creative greenery will produce a Guyanese type extraterrestrial habitat to intrigue and delight the audiences.
One year ago Steve Douglas Bravo Arts earned rave reviews with his inaugural “Unearthed” presentation at the same Castellani venue. For many, it was the first local exhibition to highlight the body as the canvas which, that time, depicted the country’s flora and fauna. Since then the art form has been in demand by Corporate entities, dance companies and private party socials.
The Friday September 9 presentation will portray a diversity of peaceful aliens who are closely knitted and live in harmony with their environment. This will be done within the bounds of propriety.
Patrons will again experience live body painting on demand as well as the appearance of a surprise alien character known to most movie goers and internet fans.
Amongst the artists and models will be Jackie Hanover, Courtney Douglas, Cassandra Chu and Paloma Bristol, to name a few. Challenges of sponsorship during this season compelled the Bravo Arts organisers to charge $500.00 for adults whilst children under ten will enjoy free admission.
The exhibition runs from 16:30hrs to 19:30hrs (4:30 – 7:30pm).
Introducing Hip-Hop fused with Dancehall artist Ray Sytes, a soon to be well known artist, whose blend of both genres is sure to lure you in. Having collaborated with hit producers who’ve worked with superstars like Wiz Khalifa, Trey Songz, Talib Kweli, and 50 Cent, as well as recording a song with multi-platinum recording artist T-Pain entitled “Everybody Else”, Ray Sytes is determined to put Hip- Hop on the map for Guyana.
Ray Sytes - My City
“Welcome To The Far South” is Sytes’ official mixtape series, with the release of his first installment entitled “Tote My Flag.” Sytes’ mixtape includes a blend of Hip-Hop and Dancehall, featuring established artists featured on his project. Ray Sytes isn’t just doing music for his fans, but for his country as well.
“We have many talented artists in R&B, Reggae, Dancehall, and Soca but not in Hip-Hop, so I’m filling that void,” says Ray Sytes.
Originally from Georgetown, Guyana at a very early age, Sytes relocated to the States where he found a love for music other than Dancehall… Hip-Hop. Living in Flatbush, Brooklyn, Ray Sytes gained knowledge of rhyming and writing then moved to Queens where he now resides. With a large success rate of artists coming from the Tri-State Area like Biggie, Nas, and Jay-Z, Ray Sytes has an opportunity he won’t let slip through.
“Tote My Flag,” features a remix of the hit “Star Bwoy,” with Jamaican musician Mavado, as well as features including Choppa Zoe, Clova, DJ Lantan and many more. With 5 singles doing well on iTunes, you can anticipate Ray Sytes’ upcoming mixtape “Welcome To Guyana”, the second episode in his “Welcome To The Far South” series.
Proclaiming leadership of the “Far South Movement”, Ray Sytes is reppin’ for his country!
Three time road march queen Melissa ‘Vanilla’ Roberts is set to release her new music video on Saturday 20th August 2011. The song All Night Long was remixed by one of Brazil’s top producers Jeremias Lima of Alquimia Digital following on the heels of the original first release of the song by Kross Kolor Records.
The video was shot entirely on location in Barbados at Fouls and Batts Beach and saw the feature of extras from Barbados, Jamaica. Suriname, St Vincent and Guyana.
The video is the first project done by IRebel Productions of which Vanilla is a member, the company is Caribbean based with members from Guyana, St Vincent and Barbados
The video is directed by Akley ‘Irebel’ Olton, Director of Photography is Jason Russell, Makeup Artist: Lia Gajadhar: Stylist Candis Birch and Vanilla opposite in the video is Miles Walcott. Vanilla would like to give special recognition the University of the West Indies, Errol Barrow Center for Creative Imagination for making this video possible.
All Night Long The Brazilian remix will be launched on Saturday the 20th August at 14 hours on your favorite channels. Berbice we are coming your way next weekend. The video will then be aired on other TV stations across Guyana. The launch is sponsored by Kross Kolor Records.
Thirty-two (32) local celebrities including West Indies Cricketer Ramnaresh Sarwan and reigning Sportswoman of the Year Shondell Alfred will be competing on Saturday August 20that The Knights Basketball Club Second Annual Celebrity Basketball Game.
The event is billed for this Saturday at 19:00hrs at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and apart from the Celebrity Game, There will be three supporting games featured top local teams. The Celebrity Game cast has been beefed up this year to include a wider pool of celebrities.
The list includes twice the amount of females from last year, athletes from more sports disciplines and even prominent professionals. Proceeds from last year’s event were donated to Joshua’s House and this year The Support Group for Deaf Persons has been earmarked. Scotia Bank and Republic Bank will play the first supporting game followed by Giftland Office Max versus Qualfon and Youth Basketball Guyana’s (YBG) Elite versus Knights.
Below is a complete list of this year’s participants:
Athletes
Ronson Williams (National Football goal keeper)
Theodore Henry (National Rugby Coach/player )
Godfrey Munroe (Former National Table Tennis Champion)
Ramnaresh Sarwan (West Indies Cricketer)
Charles Ramson (Cricketer/Attorney-at-Law for Office of President)
Chris Barnwell (National Cricketer)
Kiev Chesney (2007 Junior National 800m champion /2010 Sports Reporter of the Year)
Steven Jacobs (National Cricketer)
Stephen Vieira (Superbike champion )
Edison Jefford (Former National Runner/Sports Reporter)
Leon Johnson (National Cricketer)
Paul DeNobrega (National Junior Cyclist Champion)
Leer Nunes (National Cyclist)
Jody-Ann Blake (National Female Tennis Champion)
Shondell Alfred (Guyana Female Boxing Champion/Sports Woman of the Year)
Has anyone ever told you that an “opportunity lost can never be regained”? They are usually right, and if you missed universal megastars Eve and Trey Songz then shame on you; just shame! It was mind-blowing, and this is from a man’s point of view; just imagine how the ladies are still feeling. The crowd was enormous, comprised primarily of ladies of course, and the atmosphere was pulsating. The Guyanalive.com team had access to almost every area and whether it was VIP or general section, the feeling was the same – excitement and monumental levels of anticipation. In the VIP and LVIP (Luxury Very Important Person) sections there were lots of drinks and food (some free) distributed by beautiful waitresses from the Shakers Cocktail Bar.
Eve
The audience was mixed with people from all walks of life – the young, the old, the straight and the gay. It was a plethora of well-dressed, well-mannered and joyous patrons. The Jamzone International Pageant delegates also graced the masses with their presence and they were warmly welcomed. We at Guyanalive.com presume that there were no serious issues because of the heavy security provided by the Guyana Police Force
Timeka Marshall
The performances were kicked off by local hip-hop star Don Gialiani, with his hype lyrics and sick dances. However, he failed to get the crowd moving enough and as such his stint was short-lived. Timeka Marshall, our very own singing sensation, did a much better job with hits like “Whining Pro” and “One More Day”. Her dancers were fantastic when they showed the audience how to do certain dances that her songs instructed. She then surprised us all by doing a collaboration with West Indies cricketer Dwayne Bravo (who substituted for Beenie Man) which was seriously not bad. However, Bravo decided that he would continue trying to entertain us all after Ms. Marshall’s performance but was quickly stopped. After a brief interlude, American Superstar Eve, known as the First Lady of the Ruff Ryders, made her way to stage and was welcomed by dropped jaws and loud cheers. She was absolutely stunning in a partially sequinned, partially see-through black bodysuit and red shoes, which made her stage presence much more appealing. She delivered tracks from the old hip-hop generation along with some new hits. Her dancers (hailing from the USA) spared us no moves as they wowed the masses with their sultry moves and attention-commanding outfits.
Dwayne BravoTrey Songz hugs a Fan
Then, it was the moment we were all waiting for. After a short awkward silence and the assembly of a live band, we were teased by an interlude from the album Passion, Pain and Pleasure before seeing the Prince of Soul and R&B making his way to the stage casually dressed in short khaki pants and a white T; from that moment, pandemonium was everywhere. Ladies screamed, hyperventilated and pulled great amounts of hair from their heads as he smiled, and sang nothing but hits. He graciously interacted with the crowds of females, teasing their very beings by taking off his shirt and vest and throwing them into the audience. He was in total control of the stage and left us all wanting more. But, before he left he chose a lucky lady from the LVIP section to come on stage and collect his vest (which he tore from his ripped body) as a token of his appreciation. She blushed and gushed while he serenaded and caressed her; he also instructed her to wear it every night when she went to bed, so that she would always think of him. Imagine the jealousy of the other female fans as they witnessed the man of their dreams embrace another woman while they wished it was them. He encouraged all committed females to remain in their relationships if they were happy but enticed all single ladies to join him in his hotel room after the show. Of course, all females wanted to take him up on his offer.
Don Gialiani
Even though we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves at the show we must interject our constructive criticisms of the evening’s events. First of all, if the LVIP experience just means free food and drinks for $30,000 and excludes any mingling with the performing artistes, then why do it at all? Many complained that they felt robbed because they could’ve paid the regular cost or the cost for VIP ($20,000) and had just as much fun. Maybe the Hits and Jams team can amend this for the Regional Night. When we at Guyanalive.com thought about it, there was not much memorabilia to receive nor were there photo ops for artistes with fans. Then, and most importantly, some media houses were given the shorter straws when it came to access. For instance, the Guyanalive.com team had VIP Media Passes only and as such they were restricted from entering the LVIP section. Some other media houses had All Access Passes and were even allowed backstage; that strikes us as slightly unfair and we would love to hear the explanation behind such a decision. All in all though, it was a great show and we give it an 8 out of a possible 10 on the Guyanalive.com scale. We have just one closing question: How will Hits and Jams top this?!
The Hikers Hockey Club’s annual Junior Hockey Summer programme is scheduled to commence on Monday August 15th at the St. Stanislaus College Forum. The programme will cater to children from the ages of 6 to 16 years old, and will be conducted daily at the school’s forum from 9:00AM to 1:00PM.
Chantelle FernandesJamarj Assanah and Travon Younge
England-based, national women’s team captain Chantelle Fernandes will co-ordinate the two week programme, with some assistance from Cuban-based former national player Latoya Fordyce and Hikers junior coaches Jamarj Assanah, Travon Younge, Renee James and Macaela Harding.
This will be the fourth year that Hikers have conducted this summer holiday camp for beginners, and several of the graduates of previous camps have already begun to break into the National Junior and Senior squads.
The classes are free of charge and all interested persons are invited to attend.
Former West Indies captain Ramnaresh Sarwan has indicated his willingness and enthusiasm to compete in the Second Annual Knights Basketball Club Celebrity Basketball Game which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 20th 2011 at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall.
The brilliant right-handed batsman will be making his debut in the event this year, which featured fellow national athletes and entertainers such as Stephen Vieira, Howard Lowe, Ronson Williams, Chow Pow and Don Gialiani last year.
“Well it means a lot to me, I missed it last year but I’m really excited about competing this year… I think should be very interesting, funny and entertaining” Sarwan said.
The accomplished West Indian batsman, who has 15 test centuries and 31 half centuries, said that although he expects the event to be mostly exciting and entertaining, he does not underestimate the sport and how demanding it could be.
“Hopefully I’ll be fit enough [for the game],” Sarwan said.
The 31-year-old middle order batsman did not disclose much about his basketball background, since he wanted his supporters to attend the event to judge for themselves. He did, however, modestly state, “I played a bit of street ball, or yard basketball if you want to say that.”
Sarwan commended organiser of the event Kester Gomes, who is the president of Knights basketball club, saying that it is a very impacting event considering Gomes’ intention and drive.
“Anything to deal with supporting a charity or a cause like this is always good to be involved with and it’s an honour for me to be a part of this…” Sarwan added.
Sarwan and the other celebrities will be playing for The Support Group for Deaf Persons, which has been earmarked as the charity for this year’s event. Last year, proceeds for the game were donated to Joshua’s House. According to Gomes, The Support Group for Deaf Persons was chosen this year because it is an organisation that is often overlooked or forgotten.
Some of the other celebrities that played in last year’s event were national rugby captain Claudius Butts and coach Theodore Henry; six-time Sportswoman of the Year, Nicolette Fernandes; national cricketers Christopher Barnwell, Stephen Jacobs and Leon Johnson. Organisers promised some fresh faces at the event this year, although a few of the players from last year will compete once again.
Despite a 2-0 loss to top seed and pre-tournament favourites, Uruguay, the Guyana Women’s Hockey Team has achieved its primary objective of making the final of the PAHF Challenge. The Challenge which is being played in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, begun on July 31st and will be completed when the finals are played on Sunday August 7th 2011. The top two teams in the PAHF Challenge, Guyana and Uruguay, who clash in the final tomorrow (August 7), both earn spots in the World Cup Qualifier for the Americas, the PAHF Cup, to be held in Argentina in 2013.
Leigh Sandison joins Ulrica Sutherland (partly hidden) to disposses a Uruguayan striker
Going into their final pool match of the tournament against the unbeaten Uruguayans, Guyana needed to concede as few goals as possible against them to have the best chance for qualification. The Guyanese had drawn their match against Brazil 1-1 earlier in the week and now had to do their best on the final day to finish with a better goal average than the hosts to qualify for the final. The match however proved to be a difficult one with the Guyanese going down by one goal as early as the 4th minute when a powerful penalty corner strike from Uruguayan full back, Karina Bisignano, deflected off the stick of Captain Chantelle Fernandes and into the Guyanese net. Guyana played strong defence but struggled to mount any meaningful attacks as the Uruguayans controlled the possession and applied continuous pressure. In the 22nd minute, Uruguayan substitute, Florencia Norbis produced a skilful deflection on a pass across the scoring circle that proved too difficult for Alysa Xavier who had been having a fine game in goal for the Guyanese.
Team Guyana's sweeper Ulrica Sutherland
With the Guyanese down 0-2 at the half, their chances appeared to be slipping away as there seemed to be no way around the organised and skilful Uruguayans. Guyana would however produce a greatly improved second with brave efforts from many of their players including Leigh Sandison, Ulrica Sutherland and Xavier in goal. Uruguay would fail to produce any more goals for the remainder of the match and while Guyana managed to enjoy greater possession of the ball, never seemed to threaten the outcome. The game finished at 2-0 in favour of Uruguay.
With Brazil now needing the beat Paraguay by 5 goals in the final match of the day, the Guyanese girls remained tense as their fate was now in Paraguay’s hands. Brazil would muster a gutsy 4-1 victory but it would not be enough to deny the Guyanese their place in the final. Uruguay topped the pool round with 12 points, Guyana and Brazil managed 7 points each but Guyana placed second with a better goal average. Paraguay finished fourth in the pool with 3 points and Bermuda remained on zero at the end of the pool round. Guyana now faces Uruguay again in the finals at 14:30hrs while Paraguay will challenge Brazil for third place at 12:00hrs tomorrow, Sunday 7th.
Goalkeeper: Alysa is one of the most gifted players on the team and is a player with great potential. Having had success at several sport disciplines, and possessing the ability to play with equal effectiveness in or out of the goal, the team will benefit greatly in having her between the bars where she chose to make her career.
Amanda Garnett
Striker: Amanda is the life of the team. She is a natural ballplayer who works hard every time out. Amanda possesses good speed and control which makes her one of the team’s top strikers.
Ashley DeGroot
Striker: Ashley is a relative newcomer who is making her debut in Rio. What she lacks in experience, Ashley makes up for with an astute game sense of where her teammates are. A player with lots of potential, Ashley is likely to develop into one of the best passers in the game. Her role in the team however currently remains creating goal scoring opportunities on the front line.
Avonda James
Striker: Avonda is one of the fastest and most dedicated players on the team. Her pace gives her the unique opportunity of beating her marker to the vital scoring spot to score or set up a teammate. She works hard on defence also, a rare quality in a striker.
Chantelle Fernandes
Striker: Chantelle has been made captain of the team this year as she remains one of the more influential players who enjoys a good rapport with the entire team. She is one of the more exposed players having played for a few years abroad and with her good stick work, it shows in her game. While Chantelle was the central midfield figure on the team last year, she has been moved into the forward line in the hope of producing more goals which has been one of the team’s shortcomings in the past.
Dominique DeGroot
Striker: Dominique is a busy player who sticks to her assigned task. She is a graduate from the junior indoor ranks who is making a name and permanent place for herself on the senior side. She is strong on the ball and can also play some minutes in the midfield.
Gabriella Xavier
Midfield: Gabriella has developed into a strong attacking force with her ability to control the ball at pace. She is a tireless worker and will contribute at both ends of the pitch. Gabriella also plays on the forward line in addition to her critical attacking midfield position.
Jonelle Webster
Goalkeeper: Coming from a football background, Jonelle is a natural athlete with good leg coordination. She is relatively new to the game but is a fast learner who has finally managed to break into the team in this, her debut tournament.
Kerensa Fernandes
Striker: Kerensa has been the country’s most prolific scorer over the past few years both internationally and in the local league. Possessing a natural swing with great timing, she is also the penalty corner striker of the team. A lot of the team’s offense will ride on her shoulders.
Leigh Sandison
Center Midfield: Easily the most experienced player in the side, Leigh has played all of her hockey overseas. She is clearly one of the strongest players and, apart from her contribution with the ball, Leigh will play a critical role in directing the team from her central area.
Maria Munroe
Right midfield: With the heart of a warrior, much is expected of Maria Munroe in the competition. She is a genuine leader who is strong on the ball and is sure to play a major role in the team’s attack. Maria missed the 2010 competition to have her baby girl but is back and already in good physical condition to resume her role in midfield.
Marisha Rodrigues
Left midfield: Although Marisha has always been one of the more talented ballplayers on the side, this could possibly be one of her strongest tournaments as she has made a significant effort to improve her match fitness. An intelligent player who is quick to improvise, she will play a vital midfield role during the competition.
Marzana Fiedtkou
Left Back: Despite being the youngest player on the side, Marzana is already a permanent starter and has established herself as one of the team’s most reliable players. A good defender with strong possession skills Marzana is one of the more technically correct players in the side, having learned the game from a young age and has a bright future ahead.
Talia Fiedtkou
Full Back: Having made a good name for herself on the indoor version of the game, Talia has improved her game and finally made the breakthrough into the national side. She is a strong defender who plays a tough brand of hockey. Talia possesses a powerful push and hit which enables her to generate a counterattack from difficult situations.
Tiffany Solomon
Full back: Tiffany brings maturity and strength to the central defence. She is a powerful and intelligent player who rises to the occasion on the international stage. Tiffany will be assigned the tough marking responsibilities in the central defence area.
Trisha Woodroffe
Right back: Although being used on the right side, Trisha Woodroffe is a solid defender who possesses good reverse skills. A smooth striker of the ball with good possession skills she is a well balanced player who can also lend support to the midfield whenever the need arises.
Ulrica Sutherland
Full Back: Ulrica is one of the most valuable players on the team and is the fastest defender in the side. After beginning her career on the forward line, she has now been moved to the defence to capitalize on her fearless and determined attitude which makes her the player with the most match time of the team.
Vashema Bourne
Wing back: With her lengthy stride, Vashema is deceptively quick and has a good sense of timing for the attack. A dedicated player who is dependable to get back and disrupt the opposing attacks, Vashema’s speed and conditioning will play a major role in the competition.
