The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports in collaboration with Bravo Arts brought the Castellani National Art Gallery to life on Friday September 9, 2011 with their “Extraterrestrial” Body Art Exhibition. The show started at 16:30hrs and concluded at 19:30hrs, and featured local models and actors beautifully portraying the world of body art. The theme was grabbed from western – created movie phenom “Avatar” and illustrated their characters in the form of painted and shaped creatures. It was an event for the entire family and the small but consistent turnout proved just that.
Camouflage Body Art Painting
When the Guyanalive.com team arrived we were greeted a live step – by – step concept of how to create a work of body art. A known model (Rehana Chester) was on display as the Bravo Arts painters showed their skill. She was painted blue and white, with what looked like a hint of gray, while her man made tail, long plaited locks and prolonged handmade nose really brought out the character “Neytiri” from the movie. As we stepped in the local landmark itself, we noticed two rooms filled with alien like characters, craftily made with paint, special effects and other add – ons. Mrs. Chester’s husband, local model Percival Chester, was especially one to watch, since it was somewhat hard to do so. He was camouflaged into the background of cream, with black and purple lines, and only his eyes gave him away. The crowds were thrilled when these lively characters moved and mingled with them. Amidst the screams of young terrified children, one could hear oohs and ahhs in amazement at this exhibition. We even got to rub shoulders with the current Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, while we watched young children get their faces brightly painted.
Avatar Body Art Painting
Even though we constantly pleased by the spectacle there were some glitches the Guyanalive.com team noticed. First, the outdoor aspect of the exhibition seemed somewhat ad hoc. The painted lady was placed outside the tent and if one were to sit they would only be able to see half her body. Also, there were few chairs to accommodate the large families. Most importantly, there was a poignant lack of themed décor for the outdoors. They focused all their attention inside and outside there was a void of signs and atmospheric accents. Then, inside was blisteringly humid. We were in beads of perspiration even though we saw cooling mechanisms. In the future we hope that Bravo Arts utilizes the time allotted more efficiently and that they work on all aspects of the show to make it an entire success. However, in the Guyanalive.com scale we give it a 7 out of a possible 10. Keep on thrilling!
From stage number one at the beach to stage number two on the football field, the day’s event switched gears and prepared for the Miss Jamzone International Pageant. This time the Fusion Sound Company was responsible for delivering the hits and jams (no pun intended) for the evening. After a few minutes of skilled juggling and making the crowds extremely hyper, the pageant’s MC Mondale Smith made his way on stage. He welcomed us all to the coveted event and then informed us that Miss Brazil opted out of the procession (we wonder why). Mr. Smith then introduced the delegates as they made their way on the stage in the form of dance, and announced their names and countries of representation. After their piece, local male group G – Money performed the Jamzone Theme Song. It was a mix of lyrical skills and hype beats that got the crowd moving, but they failed to continue the stellar performance when they belted other hits of their own.
Jory performing at Jamzone Beach Jam
The MC casually faded them off – stage as he reclaimed the microphone and gave a quick message about safe sex and HIV/AIDS. He then made way for the next performer, an overseas based rapper called Colin Banks. According to the crowds’ response, he was better than the G – Money Federation so he milked his time on stage by doing remakes of international hit songs like “Hustle Hard” by Ace Hood and “Black and Yellow” by Wiz Khalifa. He didn’t stay long either as Mondale Smith quickly returned to introduce the first official segment of the second wave of the pageant (the first being held at the National Cultural Center on August 17, 2011). It was a cultural showcase of each delegate’s country by way of a costume. Most costumes seemed conventional but Miss Guyana (Jovan Wilson) stood out with her water jug as headwear and Miss St. Kitts and Nevis (Fatisha Imo) did her piece on stilts. After seeing so many pageants we at Guyanlive.com are a little hard to please. Jory was next on stage and produced the best performance of the night, hands down. He did old and new tracks and even teased us with a bit of freestyle, throwing insults at Jamaican flop Vybz Kartel. Even the DJ’s refused to play Kartel’s lyrics, but that is another story. After Jory’s skilled performance we saw the contestants showcase their beauty and poise yet again in the fantasy swimwear segment. The ladies were all attired in pieces that represented their fantasies, from a healthier earth to their country’s blue waters; the audience was continuously thrilled by the showcase. Subsequent to that section, the vibes of the Fusion Sound Company took us into the second half of the evening’s pageant.
Final Four from left: Miss St. Kitts & Nevis, Miss Trinidad & Tobago, Miss Venezuela and Miss Guyana
We were welcomed into the second half of the show by Linden’s very own Genesis and Lady Diana, who refreshingly performed tracks that shouted skill, experience and innovation. The crowd agreed and cheers and screams bellowed from every corner. The reigning queen, Miss Lesa – Gayle Wee Tom, gave her final walk as queen in a stunning swimsuit and even said a few words. She encouraged other young women to be themselves and be confident in what they do, she praised Guyana and the Hits and Jams Family for their support and given opportunities and she even spilled a bit of her personal life, telling us all that she took her prize money to pay for her grandmother’s surgery last year. The masses cheered and “awwed” as she poured her heart out. It then came time to give individual prizes to the delegates before announcing the final four. The Beautiful Body Prize went to Miss Trinidad and Tobago, Davia Chambers; the Best Gown Prize went to Miss St. Kitts and Nevis, Fatisha Imo; Miss Congeniality was given to Miss Trinidad and Tobago and Miss Venezuela, Kenlly Aranguren (which is a bit confusing because she speaks only Spanish), in a tie; and Miss St. Kitts and Nevis took away InEfx’s Miss Popularity Prize also, which was a pair of exquisite gold earrings. After some suspense the final four was decided upon by the judges (some of whom were at the first leg of the pageant), and they were; Miss St. Kitts and Nevis, Ms. Trinidad and Tobago, Miss Venezuela and Ms. Guyana. The crowd went hysterical, some saying that Venezuela did not belong there and others being elated that Guyana made it that far.
Miss Jamzone International 2011 - Davia Chambers
Some more music kept us company and they prepared for the final question segment, which was prepared by all the judges and ladies had to reach into a hat and pick a question that they would then answer. At the end of this exciting section everyone except Ms. Venezuela was a favorite, but Guyanalive.com thinks the language barrier had something to do with that. Then, it came time to announce a winner! Nails were being bitten and nerves were being pushed to the limit as the crowd patiently waited for Mondale Smith to reveal the results. The judges took some time in their deliberations and even went backstage for a while, we presume to take a final look at the four beauties. As they lined up on stage next to each other, the results were being read: Ms. St. Kitts and Nevis gained the third runner up spot, Ms. Venezuela copped the second runner up spot (more shock and awe), and…a long pause and pent up anticipation and frustration, Ms. Guyana secured first runner up which made Ms. Trinidad and Tobago, Davia Chambers, the new Miss Jamzone International Queen 2011. The look of disbelief on Jovan Wilson’s face was priceless, for it seemed that she thought she had the judges eating out of the palms of her hands. However, we believe that the response to the final question, which she failed to properly answer, was her kryptonite. The noise that represented both disgust and praises was ear – splitting, as the new queen was being crowned and made her first official “Reigning Walk”. The DJ from the Fusion Sound Company delivered his congratulations on behalf of Guyana and the Hits and Jams Group before playing a Mavado track that started the after – party.
From left: Miss Guyana(2nd), Miss Jamzone International 2011, Miss Venezuela(3rd)
Naturally, there is some criticism to be expressed. First, we thought that last year’s event was larger but we believe that is in part fault to the no – show of Vybz Kartel. The Guyanalive.com team believes Guyanese lost faith in the H&J name and refused to show up to be given more broken promises, which brings us to the next point. The DJ’s (from Stereo Sonic and Fusion Sound Company) absolutely refused to play any Vybz Kartel song in response to the disrespect he showed this nation, but at the after party we heard tracks from “Di Teacha”. Are we all talks and no actions or do we think that we are too reliant on his music? We suggest that they make a decision and stick with it, period. Then, why were there no portable toilets on the premises? I heard many females complain of the inconvenience of walking quite some distance to stand in line at a crowded bathroom for a lengthy duration. The portable potties would have alleviated this to some extent. And last, we are a little disappointed in the MC Mondale Smith. We usually expect work of high caliber from this media personality, but he was at times out of place while hosting the pageant. His unnecessary and lewd jokes and interactions with the audience sometimes reduced him to sheer arrogance. We recommend that he maintains his professionalism even at a beach, since the delegates and judges saw reason in the level of importance to do so. All in all though, we give it a 7 out of a possible 10 on the Guyanalive.com scale, which brings the grand total score of the Jamzone Summer Break to a possible 7 out of ten also. We are fully aware that Hits and Jams is capable of much bigger and better things so we will wait patiently as 2012 rolls around. Keep up the great work folks and remember to learn from your mistakes.
The curtains came down on the Jamzone Summer Break 2011 with its annual Beach Jam and the final leg and inauguration of the Miss Jamzone International Pageant. On Sunday August 21, 2011 there were lots to be seen and heard as crowds of folks from all around Guyana, the Caribbean and parts of North America, Europe, Africa and Asia (yes, we kid you not!) gathered to witness one of this country’s most epic and highly anticipated events. When the Guyanalive.com team arrived just a little after 14:00hrs the crowds were minimal but steadily growing. While the Stereo Sonic Sound System dished vibes from all facets of life, we noticed persons swimming, riding jet skis and rafts, playing sports and games by the beach and just enjoying themselves to the maximum capacity. Now as we all know, a little music and a lot of alcohol can create some very interesting stories. For instance, while the DJ did his thing, two ladies (one seemed around forty and was dressed in a blue carnival outfit, while the other was younger and draped in a bikini where the top struggled to keep her “assets” in order) were incited to square off.
Jamzone Summer Break 2011
After expressing that they were going to dance for nothing but Pounds Sterling or Euros, the audience met them half way with putting a little over G$2,000 in the pot. It was at that time that the blue costume wearer gracefully bowed out, but that did not stop the other contestant from showing her stuff and shaking her “salt shaker” on stage. The masses went crazy, as that “almost contest” sparked a wave of lawlessness and laughter. Persons of all sizes got their fifteen minutes of fame as they jumped on stage and entertained the crowds with their gyrations and acrobatics. After a few attempts by the DJ and Splashmins Security to control the potential onslaught of inappropriateness, Entertainer Kerwin from the Hits and Jams family entered and asked them to leave as he was about to begin the Jamzone Beach Jam Games Segment.
Mackeson Drink Off
The first was the Mackeson Drink – Off, sponsored by the fine people at Ansa McAl. Males and females entered the contest and G$5,000 was up for grabs each time. The males went first and the rules were simple, drink two bottles of Mackenson Power Stout without spilling, splashing or throwing any away. The fastest to complete that grueling task was deemed the winner. The people went wild as the men used very different techniques to take home the prize (or spend it there). However, it showed that the slow and steady was usually triumphant, since he finished last but broke no rules (as opposed to everyone else). The ladies had similar rules but only one bottle of stout per female and a short stack of sweetness took the prize home, usurping the fans’ favorite. Then there was the Couples Balloon Bursting Competition, where duos comprising of one male and one female inflated three balloons each and whined to pop them. After much deliberation there was a tie, and popping one more balloon using the same modus operandi would determine who would walk away with the G$10,000.
Fish Burger eating competition
Afterward, the White Castle Fish Shop provided fish burgers for the Burger Eating Battle which saw patrons from all walks of life (and all different sizes as well), compete for a whopping G$15,000. In both instances, the slow and steady competitors were victorious, thumping the persons of larger statures. Then, there was the Skull Spin Contest where each player had to place their head on the upper end of a hockey stick and spin on the axis for a period of about two minutes. Both males and females competed for the G$10,000 prize and the laughs were in a large supply. The male winner almost fell into the turntables of Stereo Sonic while the female winner stood her ground for exactly three seconds, before almost launching herself into the crowd.
Skull Spin Game
The vertigo they experienced after the game made it difficult for local entertainer Chow Pow to ensure that they accurately counted their winnings. After that it was only fitting of Hits and Jams to introduce the Best Laugh Competition. No more than 5 persons (similar to previous battles) vied for the G$10,000 prize only if they could wow the audience with their laughs. There were shrieks, screams and some other sounds we cannot identify but the winners of both male and female categories did so with infectiously funny laughs (yes, we know that the irony is thick). After the winners were crowned and gave an encore, the stage was graced with the presence of a bevy of beauties dubbed the “Gizmos & Gadgets Girls”. Dressed in their green and gold, they modeled and danced to the rhythms provided by the DJ.
On Saturday August 20, 2011 the Georgetown Cricket Club Ground came alive with color, joy and splendor as the Grant – a – Dream Foundation held their first ever charity event, the “Alice in Wonderland” Fair. As visitors, the Guyanalive.com team was pleasantly surprised by the entrance to the event. Decorated with black cloth and paintings to maintain the “wonderland” illusion, the main entrance was similar to that in the world famous children’s movie. Once inside, you were greeted by smiling faces of young adults who either welcomed you to the fund raiser or encouraged to purchase chits in lieu of money, since no actual cash was accepted by any of the bars, booths or games.
Patrons participating in games
There were lots to eat and drink compliments of entities like Ansa Mc Al and Stag Beer, JR Burgers and other establishments. The children (of all ages, and even some young adults) frolicked and screamed with glee as they enjoyed one of the various games and rides. From the bouncing castle to a merry – go – round, from face painting to the infamous “Craze Maze” (copied from the maze Alice traversed through to find other characters in the movie), there was loads of fun to be had. Our favorite was the “craze Maze” indeed. The aim of the game was to trek through the maze and find a hidden rose. If you did, and completed the maze successfully, you were given prizes (usually sweets and other small eatables). There was also a “Queen of Hearts Teen Club” where teenagers and young adults paid G$100 to enter and have a dance party of a lifetime. There were lights, effects and music provided by Pulse Entertainment in this club, and one could stay as long as they please but if they leave they have to pay again to re – enter.
Taking a ride
The family fair and fund raiser ran until about 20:00hrs and while speaking with some of the sharp minds behind this great venture, Guyanalive.com learned that all proceeds from the affair will be donated to the Pediatric Ward of the Georgetown Public Hospital, to give further aid to its occupants. The Grant – a – Dream Foundation is a non – profit organisation developed and run by young local individuals, that launched about a month ago. Its members are children of some of Guyana’s wealthiest wanting to give back to this beautiful land and make a difference for the future. The membership is not yet open to the public but persons can make donations or offer help in any way by contacting them at www.facebook.com/pages/Grant-a-Dream.com. The current founders are; Dominique Dias, Chelsea Fung, Alana and Briony Tiwari, Carl Shivraj, Ryan Kirton and Jamaal Douglas.
Mavado aka Gully Gad performing at Jamzone Regional Night 2011
We at Guyanalive.com think it is only in this beautiful country of ours that an entertainment company can plan a show and have as much hype before the show, like what happened with dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel and the Hits and Jams family. The details are still sketchy as to why the Jamaican artiste did not show (despite being paid a hefty advance), but the show went on with the other item on the list, Mavado. Let us first say that the turnout was quite large, even though most persons complained about the absence of “Di Teacha”. And Mavado held his own with sheer skill, not that we expected any less.
Natural Black performing at Jamzone Regional Night 2011
The first entertaining item was local star Jory. Those of you who have been to shows that featured Jory know that when we say he was hard, you know we’re telling the truth. He commanded the crowd with his lyrics and made them sway from to side to side, bobbing their heads in jubilation and showing abundant “gun fingers”. That was followed by Guyana – born superstar, Natural Black. He was naturally a performer, with tracks that touch our hearts and our minds. Even though the aroma of marijuana was rampant, the high we experienced was encouraged by fantastic music. We at Guyanalive.com recommend that H&J feature this phenomenon in all their dancehall and reggae acts.
Then, like a pleasant surprise at Christmas time, Mavado entered the stage! Even though there were pauses by the sound system, the National Stadium at Providence wasted absolutely no time grooving to the “Gully God’s Stulla Rhythms”. Hit after hit, like a Mike Tyson fight, Movado delivered to all in attendance. Males and females sang each song (lyric for lyric) while jumping and throwing their hands in their air. The young and the old (well, not too old) never missed a beat while gyrating to the sounds that now helps to define dancehall music.
Jory performing at Jamzone Regional Night 2011
Now that we have expressed our joy from being at the Jamzone Regional Night we want to firstly say that it was very devastating to know that the “Gaza King” was not there. Even though we think there would have been some tension between supporters if he was there, we still missed him. We know for a fact that it was out of the promoters’ hands to change the outcome of the show so we will not go further. We enjoyed the atmosphere of the show; ghetto, lively and exciting. On the Guyanalive.com scale we give it a 6 1/2 out of a possible 10, only because Vybz Kartel was absent. Sorry Hits and Jams, better luck next time.
Miss Jamzone International 2010 - Lesa-Gayle Wee TomMiss Guyana Jamzone - Jovan Wilson
As patrons filled the seats at the National Cultural Center on August 17, 2011, excitement filled the air as they prepared to watch what has been proposed as the best pageant in local history. At around 8:30, the National Anthem (first and last stanzas) was sung by a local boy group, officiating the beginning of the Miss Jamzone International Pageant – Part 1. The reigning queen, Ms. Lesa – Gayle Tom, was brought in by oiled, buff young men to the beats of African drums, as she introduced herself and spoke about her past year on a voice – over recording. She strutted from end to end of the stage, while letting the gathered subliminally know that the next winner has enormous shoes to fill.
Miss Jamaica - Deandra DoyleyMiss Brazil
It was after this that the delegates danced their way to center stage to the melodies of African music as they introduced themselves. Naturally, Miss Brazil and Miss Venezuela both had translators, since they speak Portugese and Spanish respectively. However, their translator did not do them justice as she failed time and time again to relate the statements and questions by our MC’s throughout the show. We at Guyanalive.com hope she wasn’t paid, since that would have been a waste of money. The 11 delegates were; Ms. Latisha Greene of Antigua and Barbuda, Ms. Kenlly Aranguren of Venezuela, Ms. Rhea Cummings of Barbados, Ms. Deandra Doyley of Jamaica, Ms. Davia Chambers of Trinidad and Tobago, Ms. Patrish Lionel of St. Lucia, Ms. Fatisha Imo of St. Kitts/Nevis, Ms. Ellen Lima of Brazil, Ms. Marcia Baptiste of Dominica, Ms. Stacey Norine Ceder of Suriname and Ms. Jovan Wilson of Guyana. From the inception, the crowd’s favorites were all the delegates except Ms. Brazil and Ms. Barbados. We then met the MC’s for the evening, the beautiful and intelligent Ms. Tamika Henry, a former Miss Guyana Universe, and Mr. Godfrey Munroe, a National Table Tennis Star and a horrible orator. He stuttered, slurred, fumbled, rarely looked up at the audience or the cameras and had poor choices of words. He was tolerated for the first half of the show but the audience became annoyed by the second half. After we got to know the evening’s MC’s we then saw a vibrant African dance by the Classique Dance Company, who is set to embark to the United States of America very soon to put on a grand show. At this interval Ms. Henry decided to inform us that the theme for the show was “African” in nature, since this is The Year for People of African Descent, but there will be other cultural pieces. We then had an opportunity to meet the judges of the competition: Mr. Kemraj Persaud, Mr. Alan Donovan, Dr. Ingrid Cox – Pierre, Mr. Gordon Mosely, Mrs. Patricia Woolford and Mr. Ramesh Geer, who we do not envy since their task before them is one of great proportions.
Miss Antigua and Barbuda - Latisha GreeneMiss Barbados - Rhea Cummings Jordan
It then came time for the Swimsuit Segment of the pageant and their jealous eyes and wagging tongues. The suits, designed by local fashionista Pat Coates, fit the ladies superbly and they wore them with sheer grace and pride. That being said the masses’ favorites were Ms. Brazil, Ms. Dominica, Ms. Guyana, Ms. Suriname and Ms. Trinidad and Tobago. There were cheers and groans as each contestant came on stage and showed their curves (of their smiles and their bodies) but those mentioned ladies received a more favorable response. Following that epic segment, we were all thrilled by an amazing Indian dance by a local group called the Dancing Delights. They swayed and shook to the sounds of cultural Indian song and the crowd roared with appreciation. Let us just say that we think the Miss Jamzone International Pageant had the best lighting, sound and special effects of any pageant we have seen in some time (and we have seen quite a few), despite the audio glitches which at times became frustrating. Many blame the staff and equipment of the National Cultural Center, but we refuse to speculate. Continue reading “Miss Jamzone International Pageant 2011 Part 1 Review”
Miss Jamzone international Delegates at Sidewalk Cafe
Have you ever wondered why very few complain about the heat at the Sidewalk Café and Jazz Club? It’s because most are usually distracted by the smooth sounds of jazz music, the welcoming atmosphere and the calm and sophisticated crowd. On August 15, 2011 the Hits and Jams crew seized the opportunity to utilize this small but wonderful space to hold a Jazz, Fashion and Food Festival as part of their Jamzone Summer Break.
Jackie Hanover
Upon entrance, attendees were immediately whisked away by the soothing sounds of the Georgetown Jazz Project, the pleasing scents permeating from the kitchen and the elegantly casually dressed audience. A small section of Guyana’s Who’s Who was there, including GT&T CEO Yog Mahadeo, GWI’s CEO (Acting) Nigel Niles and Sidewalk Café Proprietress, Cathy Hughes, wife of local legal legend Nigel Hughes. The smell, sound, sight and feel of this establishment gave one the sense of being in another world; even the vehicles parked on the street seemed cleaner and more upscale. And just when the Guyanalive.com team thought it could get no better we were pleasantly surprised by the Jamzone International Pageant delegates. They strutted their stuff in designs by Pat Coates, as well as items from Suriname-based Janelle Oosterling’s Janoos Collection; cameras flashed relentlessly.
Lisa PunchFood
During certain intervals, local songstresses Jackie Hanover and Lisa Punch serenaded the listeners with hits from the past. They were wonderfully backed up by the Georgetown Jazz Project as they belted out notes beyond our imagination and even provided a little amateur acting. Just to shake things up further, a steel pan player was added to the music ensemble for a short while, and the current Miss Jamzone International Queen graced us with her presence.
We at Guyanalive.com deem the Jazz, Fashion and Food Festival a success, and even though the heat was at times unbearable we have no reservations in giving our recommendations of the establishment as the service, atmosphere and style offered amply compensated for this weakness; an 8 out of a possible 10 on our Guyanalive.com scale. A closing note to all Guyanese: the next time you hear of a show at the Sidewalk Café, dress lightly and go early; you will not be disappointed.
Jamzone Masters Cup Champions: Universal DVD Berbice Titans
The Guyana National Stadium, Providence came alive on Sunday August 14, 2011 as the Jamzone Masters’ Cup took place. The stands were filled to capacity (an estimated 15,000 persons) as the teams battled for a chance to make history and obtain a year’s worth of bragging rights. At 16:00 hrs local time the Hits and Jams Superstars’ opening batsmen made their way to the crease as the New Line Cavaliers assumed their fielding positions. Despite some sloppy batting work they managed to make a decent score, with major assistance from West Indies star Dwayne Bravo – who made 106 runs. That was the first century ever for this tournament and his name is now etched in the record books. The New Line Cavaliers started with a similar fire as Dwayne Smith hit the tournament’s longest six, launching it into the walkway behind the stands. Unfortunately, their attempts were futile against the bowling of the Superstars and they crumbled as the overs ran out.
From Left: Christopher Barnwell receives cheque from Hits and Jams CEO Rawle Ferguson
Whenever there was a delay in the match the music of Fusion Sound Company and dancing of the GT&T Cheerleaders definitely filled the void. The ladies’ performance was much better than Friday night’s efforts and the crowd showed their support time and time again. After a short musical segment, the Berbice Titans and the Georgetown Pitbulls made their way to centre field, as a young local group sang the first and last stanzas of the National Anthem. It was now action time! The Titans won the toss and decided to bat first, putting up a massive 151 runs. The Pitbulls could have restricted them just a bit, but their field work was mediocre at times. The Berbice team, on the other hand, showed no mercy in the field and with the ball; they were relentless, taking all catches, missing no opportunities to stop a racing ball and always making returns on target.
National Stadium
The crowd was further appeased by the presence of the Jamzone International Pageant delegates as they walked the field, interacted with the audience and spoke a little about themselves; they also gave some insight into what could be expected on August 17, 2011 at the National Cultural Centre. The Georgetown Pitbulls provided a meaningful fight, but eventually to no avail as the Titans bowled, caught and stumped the batsmen at every opportunity. The masses were divided in support for the two teams but toward the end of the finals it was clear who everyone was backing – the Berbice Titans. As the last ball of the Pitbulls’ innings was bowled the spectators jumped to their feet and roared as a Titan player caught a poor attempt at a boundary and threw the winning ball into the stands. There was some temporary chaos as patrons wrestled for the memento.
Man of the Series: Dwayne Bravo
The prize-giving ceremony was short and sweet as Sean Devers, the Jamzone Masters’ Cup PRO, gave a brief introduction and then allowed GT&T’s CEO Yog Mahadeo to deliver a speech. Mr. Mahadeo expressed his content with the tournament and said that he was pleased to be a corporate sponsor along with the government of Guyana. After the telecommunications chief said his part, Hits and Jams’ CEO Rawle Ferguson showed his gratitude by thanking all supporters, sponsors and players that helped to make the cricket event a major success. As it was award time, Dwayne Bravo copped the Man of the Series prize for his fascinating 106 runs. The Hits and Jams Superstars took the third place trophy and some other prizes; the Georgetown Pitbulls held their second place trophy and some cash and prizes, while the reigning champions Berbice Titans carried their first place trophy and G$2,000,000 cheque triumphantly around the Providence Stadium. Local leg – spinning superstar Devendra Bishoo – popped a bottle of champagne to declare the beginning of the celebrations, while the DJ informed all patrons that the after party would be poolside at the nearby Princess Hotel.
The Guyanalive.com team headed across to the luxury hotel and witnessed local and international players mingling with fans and supporters, both young and old. We were proud to be a Guyanese and prouder to witness local history. The music kept the party jumping until the wee hours of the morning, and even though most of us had to be at our desks in just a few hours we were elated at every level. Thank you Hits and Jams and thank you Guyana, we give the event a 10 out of a possible 10 – a piece of history in itself!
It was excitement and high levels of anticipation at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, when the Jamzone Masters’ Cup Semi-finals began on Friday August 12, 2011. The Georgetown Pitbulls squared off with the New Line Cavaliers in the first match, where the Pitbulls fought their way to a win by eight wickets with the help of international cricket stars like Sulieman Benn and Jerome Taylor. The second match was more nail biting, when the Berbice Titans narrowly escaped the potential defeating claws of the Hits and Jams Superstars. The latter team included mega stars like Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo but their skill was evidently no match for talented locals, Royston Crandon and Devendra Bishoo.
Gizmos and Gadgets Gerogetown Pitbulls
The stadium was filled almost to capacity when the second match was in progress and large groups of supporters for both teams could be heard from quite some distance away. There were GT&T Cheerleaders who entertained us throughout the tournament, but they seemed extremely out of sync at times. Nevertheless, the atmosphere was very competitive and jubilant.
GTT Cheerleaders
The finals of the Jamzone Masters’ Cup are expected to be played on August 14, 2011 with two stimulating matches. The Georgetown Pitbulls and Berbice Titans will face each other for the big victory and spoils that accompany that victory, while the New Line Cavaliers will play against the Hits and Jams Superstars for third place. It is not to be missed!
Recently some friends and I were out and around Georgetown to complete a good deed. The deed required us to go near to the Bourda Market, Stabroek Market, La Penitence Market and the Water Street area. What we saw and smelled could curdle milk instantly. The city, yes this once beautiful city of ours, was littered (to put lightly) with garbage of all sorts. There were large piles not far from vendors’ stalls and eating places. There were mountains of rubbish next to large stores and other iconic buildings in the downtown area. Now we at Guyanalive.com understand that there is an issue with the Mayor and City Councilors Office and private waste disposal contractors over payments for services rendered. We also understand that these sorts of issues are not always easily dealt with or are always within the sole control of the parties involved. Still, have these officials in higher places ever heard of the greater good?
Frankly speaking, Guyanese do not really care about how the job gets done, just as long as it gets done. If we are to be involved somehow then let us know, otherwise, clean the place! Imagine your child (yes you, the top government and private people) walking along these streets, inhaling the rancid fumes that permeate from the heaps of refuse that clutter our drains. Imagine them buying food items from our historic market places only to be later rendered ill by those very same consumer products. Doesn’t seem pretty, does it? Then imagine other persons who cannot afford (for various reasons) to go elsewhere to purchase their food or to seek proper medical attention. Is this what you want for your future? We lay blame at no one’s feet, but instead at everyone’s feet. Every time you litter, dispose of rubbish in an unethical and unsanitary manner, you are responsible. Let us put pride aside and get this place clean for the greater good of all Guyanese, and even those who are not from this blessed land. Don’t ask how to get it done, just get it done. Where there is a will, there is a way.
