“I’m looking forward to visiting the beautiful country of Guyana and I am eager to learn more about the culture. I will be sure to absorb every detail of this unique experience. In that way I can proudly wear the crown and handily represent Miss Jamzone International for 2011!”
The land of reggae is proud to present a stunning bi-racial beauty, an urbane young woman who seamlessly exemplifies the diversity of the Jamaican culture, Miss Trishauna Clarke!
This 23 year old actress, singer and former National athlete, is currently a full time student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Nursing. She also adds professional model to her abounding portfolio, as she is presently one of the most sought after faces on both the regional and international levels. Trishauna’s successful modeling career includes numerous appearances in commercials, magazines and run-way shows including BET’s annual Rip the Runway in spring 2010 and the internationally aired Puma ‘Jam’ commercial along side fellow Jamaican track star Usain Bolt.
Trishauna is honored and excited to be a part of the Miss Jamzone International 2011 pageant, she therefore intends to work unremittingly to represent her homeland and hopefully claim the crown for Jamaica once more!
The sun was setting on the 31st July, 1990, when the wail of a bouncing baby girl pierced the confines of the Woodlands Hospital in the capital city of Guyana. Prematurely born, this bubbly baby girl put a smile upon the face of Elton Jefford (late) and brought cheerfulness into the life of Erica Sobers. “I embody the traits of a positive, prudent and assiduous young woman who is determined to become one of society’s leading ladies and leave a legendary mark on the world,” she emphatically states. Reflecting humility Kiswana is resolute young woman, who endorses taking a stance for your beliefs and fulfilling your goals.
In Her words:
I embarked on my first educational journey at the South Ruimveldt Park Nursery School then South Ruimveldt Park Primary School where I sat the Secondary School Entrance Examinations (S.S.E.E). I subsequently completed my secondary level of learning at St. Stanislaus College and North Georgetown Secondary School where I amassed 13 (thirteen) subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Examination Council Examination (C.S.E.C) Thus obtaining the Student of Excellency Award. Throughout the different levels of my education I participated in various extracurricular activities, mainly debating, reading, spelling b and track and field competitions. With leadership qualities, and an outspoken yet agreeable and cool disposition I was elected school prefect by my peers and school teachers. Motivated by my love for intellectual enhancement and elevation I am currently a second year International Relations student of the University of Guyana. However, upon its conclusion it is my objective to continue my journey academically by studying Law. Hence, taking me one step closer of accomplishing my career objective-a Criminal Attorney-at-Law.
When I am not working as an Administrative Assistant at Hughes, Fields and Stoby or studying, I embrace leisure in being an activist for environmental preservation and tourism education, reading, surfing the internet and dancing; I have a passion for the art form of dance and is presently a member of Classique Dance Company. My past times also expand to include hanging out with family and friends and spending quality time with elderly folks, orphans and/or children faced with adversities. An exemplification of eloquence, radiance and charisma I also epitomize the “girly-girl” who adores fashion and embraces a fanatical interest in pageantry. The latter of which prompted me to enter the 2009 Miss Guyana Talented Teen pageant where I placed third and secured the Miss Body Beautiful prize. My next pageant was the Miss Guyana Earth 2010 pageant of which I am the reigning queen and also attained the Queen of the Catwalk prize and Miss Body Beautiful once more. I then journeyed to St. Martin last year as Guyana’s Representative in the Miss Caraibes Hibiscus 2010 pageant and will be Guyana’s Beauty Ambassador at Miss Earth International 2011 in China. I recently participated in the Miss Guyana Jamzone 2011 pageant where I placed third and secure the Miss Body Beautiful title again.
I admire Nelson Mandela and the women of today, primarily Oprah Winfrey and Desiree Bernard, who are my role models. I believe the individual I am today is attributable to the morals my parents imbued in me whilst growing up, a sound educational background and everything I’ve experienced from childhood to date. Five years from now I envisage myself as having established my own charitable organization, having completed a Bachelors degree in International Relations and striving to procure a Degree in Law, a professional Dancer and Guyana’s representative at the prestigious Miss Universe and/or Miss World pageants. This is me, Kiswana Abimola Jefford-A spirited dancer, an aspiring lawyer, a role model, a patriot, a Guyanese…
This year’s pageant will be staged in two parts for the first time…The Swimsuit Competition is scheduled for St Kitts on Saturday July 23, 2011 at Carnival Village while the other segments – talent, evening gown, interview and crowning will be held in Nevis on Monday July 25.
Miss Jamzone Guyana 2011, Jovan Wilson has been crowned and congratulated, but the journey has only just begun. Training has intensified ten fold to ensure that our local representative is prepared for the upcoming Miss Jamzone International 2011, where she will meet and compete against a capable assembly of delegates from across the Caribbean region!
The lineup this year has been extended to a whopping eleven delegates in comparison to the subsequent eight, due to the overwhelming feedback we have received from a multitude of countries from around the world. It is obvious that our pageant has attained a national reach since multiple applications were sent from countries including the USA, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Uruguay, Colombia and even Canada as all pageants go everyone couldn’t make the cut. However, the committee is quite confident in the selected group of incredibly skilled, competent young women who are sure to make this year’s pageant an unforgettable event.
The lineup includes several University students, a News reporter and News Anchor all of whom are well versed in pageantry with very impressive portfolios. Our delegates hail from Dominica, Jamaica, Venezuela, Trinidad and Tobago, Antigua, Barbados, St Lucia, Suriname, St Kitts and Nevis, Brazil and of course, Guyana. These young ladies will compete in the intelligence, swimsuit, fantasy, beach wear, evening gown and cultural presentation segments for an astounding reward of USD$10,000 in cash, a dazzling crown and rights to the throne!
The Miss Jamzone International Pageant in its second year of existence features as part of the Jamzone Summer Break Weekend, an annual calendar in Guyana. This year Jamzone will feature ten days of fun-packed activities inclusive of jazz and food festivals, sports tournaments and several Super Concerts featuring some of the biggest local, Caribbean and International acts.
History in the making! Jamzone Regional Night presents- Mavado and Vybz Kartel one Stage! One night!
Mavado performing at Jamzone Regional Night 2010
Just when millions of fans around the world thought it would never happen again, after tireless months of negotiations between Conscious Minds, Hits & Jams, Vybz Kartel & Mavado, the Hits and Jams Team has achieved what no other country could by confirming Jamaican Dancehall Superstars, Vybz Kartel and Mavado to perform on the same stage for the Jamzone Summer Break 2011 ‘Regional Night’!
When the Hits and Jams Team announced that they would be pursuing greater endeavors for this year’s Jamzone Summer Break events, no one would have predicted that they would eventually attain what seemed an almost impossible feat. We can safely say that the Jamzone Regional Night is covered with these two headlining acts who will be accompanied by Guyanese Dancehall Star, Jory. This event will mark the second time in history the two have ever performed together, prior to their 2009 ‘peace concert’ performance at the West Kingston Jamboree stage show in Tivoli Gardens, Kingston.
Vybz Kartel (Picture taken from urbanislandz.com)
The team released the news last Friday July 1 at 11:50pm via the social networking tycoons Facebook and Twitter immediately after the deal was sealed. Swarms of comments crowded the page within minutes from fans who expressed absolute excitement while some were in utter disbelief. By the following day the news had spread like wild-fire via BBM, text messages, social networking and even plain old gossip! Anyone with an ear or a cell phone knew that Vybz Kartel and Movado were heading to Guyana for Jamzone. The thousands of Vybz Kartel and Mavado fans in Guyana will witness this historic ‘Dancehall experience’ as the duo plans to put on a show unlike any other. The artistes are gearing up to dish out some epic performances which will be no feat since they are both known for their dynamic music and power-packed stage performances! Guyanese artiste Jory will also be there to set the vibes for the night!
Hits and Jams Entertainment has undoubtedly revolutionized the levels of entertainment offered in Guyana by epitomizing the concepts of quality from International events and embarking on consistent ventures through creative promotional techniques. In its 11th year Jamzone Summer Break intends to raise the bar to unsurpassable levels by offering an extended array of activities inclusive of incredible Super concerts featuring some of the biggest names worldwide.
On Saturday July 2 the Mining Town, Linden will get the first taste of the newly introduced Fastball game as the tournament kicks off at Mackenzie Sports Ground. The action starts at 15:00hrs with several thrilling matches during which fans who wear the Fastball official T-Shirt will be eligible to win over one million dollars and many other great prizes!
When the Fastball excitement ends the party begins with mind-blowing performances by chart-topping Jamaican Dancehall singer Konshens and Guyanese megastar Jory. Earlier this year, Cricket enthusiasts were treated to a successful 10/10 tournament however, this time around, GTT is offering Football lovers a chance to be a part of this new, fun exciting game which will definitely change the way we play local football! Each match lasts a period of 30 minutes and several other changes have been altered to the original format to create Fastball.
Tickets are available for $500 at all GTT Offices and the Major Sports Center in the Leap Building. Patrons can also grab their official ‘Fastball’ T-shirts for $1000 for a chance to win fantastic prizes!
It’s that time again, when we prepare our minds and wardrobes for the annual event that we so eagerly look forward to every year! If you’re Guyanese, then you know we’re referring to the upcoming 2011 Jamzone Summer Break Weekend billed for August 12-21 with an extended ten days of epic events that will hopefully gratify our avid supporters!
As you many have observed through consistent ventures, the Hits and Jams team has no desire for stagnation, and is ever advancing their efforts to achieve the unattainable and further put Guyana on the map! Armed with this aim and a strong, driven team, the organizers have decided to make Jamzone even more inclusive by creating an extensive roster of events, suitable for people of every age and varying personal interests.
Jamzone Summer Break 2011 now includes the Jamzone T/20 tournament (twenty, twenty), Kids Zone, the Food and Jazz Festival, Chutney, Dancehall and Soca Super Concerts, the anticipated International Night and the annual Beach Jam and Miss Jamzone International pageant. Bookings for artistes are still in progress but a terrific lineup has already been confirmed as well as the delegates for the Miss Jamzone International Pageant, all of whom have already been selected.
They are also currently exploring a multiplicity of avenues to ensure that Jamzone attains International standards and recognition. This year, for the first time ever, Hits and Jams will be introducing the limited edition Jamzone Summer Break line of apparel which includes t-shirts, male and female beach shorts, swimsuits and hats among many other items. These items will be available exclusively at the ‘Style Zone’ booth in the Ashmins Mall and the Cheddi Jagan International Airport.
The team will also be presenting the first issue of their ‘In da Zone’ magazine which will treat fans to exclusive entertainment info and updates including Jamzone related events and a wide array of other topics.In a few days, Jamzone Summer Break 2011 will be officially launched via a black tie event where patrons will be treated to great entertainment and dinner. The Hits and Jams team will also be releasing detailed information on the upcoming Jamzone events. However, if you’re not in the mood for the formal scene, you can head down to the Club Mojo’s this Sunday July 3rd for the ‘Summer Ting’ concept party which will officially mark the commencement of the upcoming ‘August Holiday’ festivities.
“We are always looking to elevate our standards and this year will be no different. This year Jamzone will be nothing short of amazing with back-to-back action, fun and great entertainment”, said Hits and Jams director, Kerwin Bollers.Jamzone Summer Break has been endorsed by the Tourism Ministry as an annual calendar event aimed at attracting an influx of domestic and international tourists. This year, in its eleventh year of existence, the organizers have raised the bar with an addition of incredible activities to commemorate this special occasion. Hits and Jams Entertainment continues to strive diligently to provide the best in entertainment for the Guyanese public.
Three time Road March Queen Melissa “Vanilla” Roberts and Kross Kolor Label artiste has topped the class of the 2011 Motion Picture Arts course at The Errol Barrow Centre for Creative Studies UWI Cave Hill Barbados campus. Vanilla who was offered a scholarship at the institution commenced studies in January this year and completed the six months full time certificate course ahead of everyone else. In addition to being the best graduating student, she was the only student to have completed and handed in all assignments. Her screen play entitled “The Broken Triangle” was judged the best screen play submitted and the silent movie “The Fight” in which she played the leading role and edited was adjudged the best silent movie.
In addition to the above she was second AD (Assistant Director) for the movie “Sweet Bottom” shot as part of this year’s program and second Assistant Director and actress in the sizzle reel for “Bajan Blue” a television series to be shot at the end of this year in Barbados.
Kross Kolor Records takes this opportunity to congratulate Vanilla on her achievements and to acknowledge that she is continuing the tradition of excellence at the label. kross Kolor Records would also like to say a great big thank you to Digicel and the Ministry of Public Service Management for their significant contribution towards Vanilla’s attendance.
Yes soca fans, you heard it exclusively from Guyanalive.com that Machel Montano and the HD Band are in Guyana to rock your world come Saturday June 18, 2011 at the National Stadium. Guyanalive.com was there at the VIP Lounge of the Timehri International Airport when the Soca King and his posse entered. They were pumped and ready to please the thousands of fans that would fill the stadium with their tantalizing melodies and eye opening performances. Every band member (Machel Montano, Patrice Roberts, Farmer Nappy and Zen) promises a stellar show and said that they would be very appreciative for a large turn – out.
The media flocked the group and bombarded them with questions about their past and future performances, their plans and ambitions and even their take on fathers of the world, but Guyanalive.com was particularly impressed when the band spoke of their determination to succeed, their drive to entertain not just the Caribbean, but the world, their quest to not be categorized and their spiritual and humble beliefs that get them through each day. After a few photo ops we allowed them to hop on their bus and get to their hotel because we all know that they have a lot of work to do on Saturday night.
Additionally, Guyanalive.com also managed to grab a few words with the reigning Ms. Guyana Jamzone, Jovan Wilson, who said that she is simply enjoying being queen. Her ultimate passion is to be actively involved in local tourism and she is working towards that but she is currently preparing for another pageant in Antigua, and then to return Guyana to compete for the Ms. Jamzone International Crown. We at Guyanalive.com wish her nothing but the best.
Unfortunately, there are two issues that we at Guyanalive.com have to stress on. First, please remember to put your mobile phones on vibrate when you are in a press conference. It is very distracting to everyone to hear a phone ring during such an event. Second, it was very unprofessional of the H&J Team to promise media personnel refreshments and not follow through on their promise. Not only did we have to endure that, but we were told last minute to make alternative travel arrangements to return to the capital city (at their expense of course). Bottom line? Treat your media colleagues better in the future.
Oh, before we forget, all you socanites can follow Machel Montano on Twitter @machemontanohd
Machel Montano, Patrice Roberts, Farmer Nappy and Zan to give Guyanese the Carnival Experience. Machel fever is in the air! Tickets are flying out the stores and anyone who is still contemplating or has not gotten a ticket as yet, should waste no time since this is one event that you cannot afford to miss!
Soca-holics get ready for the The Soca King who is heading to Guyana along with fellow Powerhouse Patrice Roberts, Farmer Nappy, Zan and the renowned HD Band for the Hits and Jams’ ‘Advantage’ concert set for the Guyana National Stadium on June 18th! Local fans can look forward to an amazing Soca Explosion as Montano who has recently dominated at the 2011 Trinidad Carnival, by effortlessly snatching both the Soca Monarch and Road March titles, is now anxiously awaiting this chance to set a mood of ‘celebration and revelry’ for the upcoming Jamzone Summer Break 2011 festivities!
“There is no other act we would use for such an event. The last time he was here, due to the constraints of time he was unable to give the performance he wanted, but now that he has won these titles, he’s ready and excited to give Guyanese the real ‘Carnival Experience’. It’s going to be incredible”, said Simeon Francis of Hits and Jams Entertainment.
Machel Montano is famous for his vigorous, interactive, high-energy live performances which usually sets any crowd ‘on fire’. For the past 25 years, he has lucratively represented his homeland Trinidad and the wider Caribbean nations as a role model and dynamic entertainer. He has also secured several International collaborations with artistes such as Pitbull, Doug E Fresh and Wyclef Jean. Machel Montano currently stands as one of the most noted names in Soca music and continues to headline sold-out concerts worldwide!Tickets for the show cost 1500 GYD and are available exclusively from Ashmins; while Stage Front tickets cost 50 USD for GT&T customers and 60USD for those of the other network.
A school dedicated to the advancement of the arts and music in particular should be established by the end of 2011. This is according to Minister of Culture Youth and Sport Dr. Frank Anthony. Dr. Anthony made the disclosure while addressing a gathering at School of the Nations as his ministry was handing over a complete steel band to the school.
The news is a welcome development to members of the music fraternity who prior to this announcement had no institutional means of developing their musical talents and being professionally certified locally. The Youth Culture and Sport Minister added that the vision for the school is to develop the talent of persons identified in communities across the country and developing them to a level “which would see persons even making a living” from music.
Though the establishment of a school is an important step forward for the development of the music industry locally, copyright laws need to be enacted in order to provide a legislative framework for such development. The local music industry has significant potential since talent is abundant and stakeholders such as Swansea and HJTV are doing their part to develop the music industry but music piracy is a major obstacle hindering the development of the industry locally. The handing over of the steel pans represented a partnership between the ministry and School of the Nations and in recognition of the work done by the management of the school to assist in the development of the community of Tiger Bay.
The donation was towards the Shemroy Anthony Project, a 11 year old resident of the community who died after being involved in a fight with another child over a cricket game a stone’s throw away from the school. Though the outreach to the community’s youth by the school has been ongoing for the past 3 years, the death of Anthony caused Dr. Brian O’Toole, School of the Nations’ Director, to develop a proposal for intensified interaction with the community in the name of the child. Dr. O’Toole stated that within hours the business community responded positively to the proposal with Stanly Ming pledging US$5,000 to the project within hours of receiving the document.
The Director added that he had a meeting with the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Culture Youth and Sport Mr. Alfred King on June 5, 2011 and within 3 days the steel band was available. Dr. O’Toole added that because of the investment into the lives of the children he is “already seeing the transformation of Tiger Bay.” Children within the community would have over the past 3 years been exposed to computer, literacy, numeracy, drama and swimming lessons all free of cost compliments of the school. The band will see the children now being exposed to the pans as well as musical theory to unlock musical potential. The youths will also be provided with the opportunity to attend the ministry’s annual Steel Pan Summer Camp sponsored by Republic Bank.
