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Oliver Barnes has the key to the Bimmer

-Gives 50 inch Plazma screen to woman who won nothing

‘Zimm Zimmer’, Oliver Barnes out maneuvered 25 others and found the key to the first Digicel $20M ‘Bimmer’ (BMW) on Saturday night in an atmosphere of euphoria at the Linden Municipal Bus Park and is giving Digicel and God all the glory for his blessings.

While many can sing, “Zimm Zimmer, who got the key to the Bimmer”, on Saturday night businessman Oliver Adrian Barnes aged 34 burst into excited waving and jumping when he found the slip that read “Zimm Zimmer you got the keys to the Bimmer”.

He said “Digicel certainly did pay me back just as the advertisement said and I ain’t going anywhere else. I am sticking to the bigger better network.”

Prior to the first Bimmer Flex promotion draw, 26 competitors had pocketed $100,000 each and had qualified for Saturday’s draw by spelling BIMMER.

With much entertainment from local artistes and DJs Saturday night, the 26 finalists were led to a massive box filled with inflated balloons at the center of a more than 10,000 crowd and plunged into a frenzied search for as many canisters as possible. Each canister had slips with prizes written on them, and after about 15minutes of searching, Barnes began waving frantically signaling that he had found the slip.

The married father of two also produced slips for a 50 inch flat screen Plasma television, $1000 credit and a Digicel cap.

The other competitors included one Indian national, and after the entire episode was captured on two huge projector screens, all produced slips for cash and other prizes but Mae Alexandria Fraser the lone Lindener of Grenville St, Wismar found nothing.

Barnes couldn’t recall how he ended up with the winning prize.

He said that there was a mad scramble, by the contestants and then people were saying, they didn’t have it, so he checked his list of prizes and there it was-he had been holding it in his hand all along without even realising it!

He had the keys to the Bimmer, as well as the television set, a cap and a cell phone.

The decision to give away the television set was a spontaneous one according to Barnes, who himself a Christian, had unknowingly given away the prize, to another believer.

The lucky recipient of that prize, Mae Fraser, said she was indeed blessed and fortunate to have gotten so lucky, as she was the only person among the contestants, who was unable to get anything during the mad rush to find the keys to the Bimmer.

She expressed her sincere gratitude to the benevolent young man, who has made her upcoming birthday on Wednesday, a very special one.

Barnes said, “All the other competitors had something to take home but my heart went out to the Lindener who was disadvantaged by her age and with prompting from a photographer I decided to give as I had received. So I guess she’s happy now with her Flat Screen Television because I realise that with Digicel everyone wins.”

The third person to spell Bimmer through the purchase of six $2000 cards, Barnes, a Data Process outsourcing professional said that the $100,000 won for spelling BIMMER came in handy to pay his bills.

He said the competition was fair and transparent that allowed for anyone to win “but thank God I did”.

He also recalled saying a silent prayer for God’s guidance in the right direction before entering the box.

“Come to think of it, a total stranger from the crowd while I was walking with the rest to the box said to me while I was passing “you are going to win that prize and he was right.”

He admitted that never in his wildest dreams did he think of Bimmer but after winning he said “I’m the owner of that $20m vehicle and this vehicle is proof that God has got a lot in store for me and this car is telling me that God wants me to come up higher in life’s game.”

He has not decided what to do with is new found luxury but can’t wait to have it landed in his yard so he can gradually make it part of his life. He said “This is a $20m car, it is like my new trophy and God is indeed good.”

Barnes lauded Digicel as a great and superior service and advised customers not to give up, but to continue buying the flex cards, which apart from giving them a chance to win the other BMW come September, but will also afford them the opportunity to win other prizes.

Digicel’s head of Marketing, Donovan White, said the response to the promotion was phenomenal, and said he looks forward to giving away the other BMW in September.

Additional reporting by Mondale Smith

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Miss Jamzone prize Up by $1.2m

As the Hits and Jams entertainment group continue to up their game in the entertainment industry they have once again increased the value of the first prize. According to the promoters when the pageant first started in 2000 the queen walked away with $40,000. Three years later the 1st prize changed to a motor scooter. The years that followed the winner and the runners up for the six years have walked away with cars and motor scooters and Loptop computers.

The cars then were valued at $2M each.

This year the queen walks away with a 2005 fully loaded Toyota IST car valued at $3.2 on August 30. An increase of $1.2M- the biggest first prize ever put up for a beauty pageant in Guyana in recent times.
Originally 15 local beauties made the shortlist but five are no longer in the competition by way of elimination and opting out. The remaining ten delegates will be sashed by theirs sponsors on Sunday August 9 at the Kings Plaza hotel on Main Street.

By Mondale Smith

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15 Shortlisted For Miss Jamzone 2009 Beach Pageant

Jamzone Girls GroupAfter careful processing of fifty five applications the Jamzone Pageant committee headed by Carla Halley has shortlist 15 local beauties to contest this year’s crown. The queen walks away with a car while the runners-up will ride away with a motor scooter and will pocket other prizes.

In its 9th year the Miss Jamzone Pageant has become a staple and a main attraction to conclude the Jamzone Summer Break and this year promises to be even more exciting as a bevy of local beauties showcase Guyana’s tourism offerings.

As the coordinator Carla Halley says the pageant will feature segments such as intelligence, Swimsuit (creative Swim wear) and costume with major focus on promoting Amerindian villages.

Their platform will be focused on promoting Amerindian Villages including Yupukari, Rewa, Rupanau, Anni, Massakenyari, Moco Moco, Karasabai, Aishalton, Sand Creek, Aranaputa, Nappi, Fair View, Surama, Wowetta aqnd Toka.

Halley said “This lot is among the more intelligent of local beauties that in most cases can represent Guyana internationally.”

They include three University students, a legal clerk, a teacher, a customer care representative, a banker, a Mary Kay consultant, a pharmacy assistant and a cosmetologist. The list also includes two perspective nursing students.

Training has commenced under Halley’s watchful eyes and she says “they will undergo six weeks of training and will make several public appearances.” Prior to the pageant the intelligence segment will be done live on NCN and Stvs H&J Tv 72 on August 24.

However, not all the delegates will make it to the final slated for August 30 at the Splashmins Fun Park.

The public will be allowed to vote for their final eight and that lot will compete for the coveted crown.

Previous queens include Nicole Austin, Sharon Osbourne, Eleta Stewart, Shonette Moore, Samantha Arthur, Alana Williams, Christa Simmons and Lavonia Springer.

To get the names of the delegates please call Pageant Coordinator Carla number 648-8897

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Jamzone Summer Break Weekend Update

Busy, Machel, Karma Band confirmed for Jamzone
Pageant to spotlight climate change, low Carbon initiative  
 
Plans are accelerating and promises much Caribbean spices that cater to entertainment seekers at all levels.  Promoters HITS & JAMS are reporting that they have secured several international acts to offer live performances at the Guyana National Stadium and the Splashmins Fun-Park.

From a private national perspective the Hits and Jams Promotions group notes  “the idea of making the event into a four day affair was birthed after a meeting with President Bharrat Jagdeo earlier in the year that included promoters as well as officials from the private sector, airlines and Corporate Guyana.”

Director Rawle Fergusson said “in previous years, our one day event, Jamzone has been on the National tourism calendar but following the meeting with President Bharrat  Jagdeo we have upped it to four days with much more on the entertainment/leisure platter for domestic and international tourists.”
The final day will be at the resort in the form of a grand beach party with all the major offerings in sports, aquatic and leisure entertainment and will conclude with the crowning of the 9th Miss Jamzone Queen.

Director Kerwin Bollers explaining the four day concept said the three additional nights will be memorable and will boost international leisure seekers interest and over time could see more tourists flocking to Guyana like they do for other Summer Fest, internationally.
President Bharrat Jagdeo had encouraged those at the meeting to create and promote events that can be used as a tourism attraction to the local shores.
Bollers said the environment, preserving Guyana’s standing forest and climate change will be among our main focus for the pageant where the delegates will be tasked with creating costumes with various message. They will also have to research those topics for presentation. So far more than 75 applications have been distributed and the promoters are asking that those who still have forms in their possession to fill them out and return them on or before July 3.

Mega Entertainment guaranteed for Jamzone summer Break Weekend Fergusson says as momentum builds HITS and JAMS in its quest to offer mega concerts like those experienced for CARIFESTA the group is pursuing several contracts with some major artistes. “Already we have secured contracts with Caribbean soca sensation Machel Montano and Jamaican dancehall artiste Busy Signal as well as Karma the number one chutney band in the region,” Ferguson said. He assures too that “this release of names is just the beginning of the proposed line up of artistes heading to the local shores.”

Mondale Smith for Hits and Jams

For more information contact: Kerwin Bollers 227-0580

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Digicel launches Summer Flex promotion

Elephant man, Tanya Stephens, Tessanne Chin to headline concert

Digicel Guyana, along with corporate sponsors Banks DIH and Caribbean Airlines, promises to set the National Stadium ablaze again with another multi-million-dollar ‘summer’ promotion.

In 2008, the companies entertained Guyana with the Morgan Heritage family concert to conclude of its summer sizzle promotion, now on June 26, next, the company is set to offer entertainment seekers and subscribers to its ‘D’Summer Flex’ promotion with a mega international ‘Free’ concert.

Incorporating the events, the management skills of Wild Fire Productions the company yesterday announced that Guyana would enjoy, as part of the launch, mega performances from international acts Elephant man and Tanya Stephens while Tessanne Chin will be making her local debut.

Guyana’s star performers X2 and B-52 will add to the excitement.

Jonathan Beepat, Wildfire CEO/ Creative Director, at yesterday’s press conference said, “The international lineup was selected based on their popularity and abilities to provide a night of entertainment from their great musical repertoire.”

Jerome Softleigh, the Promotions Director assures that the event will be nothing short of excellence, as “sound, stage and lights will be provided by Traveller’s Sounds while the evening’s entertainment will be Trendsetters and Slingerz sounds.

Through a Digicel initiative, Beepat guarantees that entrance to the event is free and Donovan White Digicel’s head of marketing said much will be on the offer to patrons from his company and Banks DIH.

At that event Banks DIH will be launching its Power Stout and its new RYDA Wine, said Carlton Joao, Banks DIH Sales and Marketing Executive.

Explaining that a grand surprise awaits Whyte said that tickets are free with every purchase of $1,500 Top up at Digicel outlets.

By Mondale Smith

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Timeka Marshall signs Oakley Endorsement deal, Hush/ Secrets now at number 3 on REtv charts

Even as she has released two new songs  in Jamaica and is working on a Gospel and a dance party/dance hall singles Guyanese rising star, Timeka Marshall, under the Pyramid Entertainment group, has signed an endorsement deal with the eyewear and apparel giant, Oakley.

Reports from Jamaica are that Timeka’s blossoming musical career caught the attention of Oakley’s Caribbean representative, Nicholas Alleyne. The report also says that she is sure to bring not only regional attention to the brand but also international attention as her music is added to rotation on several radio stations.

The Guyana-born singer is the company’s latest signing for the Oakley brand. This follows on the huge success of her latest singles “All Night” and “Hush.”

Hush is currently number three on the RETV charts while she has completed two new songs titled “the way you love me” on the penthouse lable and “doesn’t matter” on the Grease Monkey Riddim.

Timeka has been creating quite a stir in the music industry as one of the Caribbean’s rising female stars and is poised to roll out yet another single “Feel Fah” that features dancehall star, Busy Signal.

The one can be sure to see Timeka wearing the Oakley branded eyewear in what promises to be yet another sizzling music video from the young songstress.

Timeka, on the local shores endorses King’s Jewelry and also continues to represent GT&T’s Cellink Plus whose jingle competition made her a household name back in 2006.

Generally known for having athletes promote their brand, these recent artist endorsements signal a new direction for Oakley as they seek to widen their appeal and promote their brand in the Caribbean.

By Mondale Smith

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Guyanese Ace Producer Wins Canada Reggae Music Achievements Awards

Guyanese producer Ernie Trelfall once again was voted top producer at the 3rd annual Reggae Music Achievements Awards held Sunday in Toronto, Canada.

Ernie,  who was musically trained in Guyana by the late Edith Pieters, produced most of the top reggae songs recorded in Canada for the given period. He also won handsomely last year , an award that gave him international recognition and has started to work with artistes as far as from Africa , Europe , North America and the Islands on his new riddim called the Harp Riddim.

The Royal Schools of Music Grade 8 musician, who is frequently in Guyana scouting new talent has also kick started careers of many top artistes including Timeka Marshall Separate, Jessica Xavier’s Baby Don’t Cry and the inaugural Carib Soca monarch Compton Coody Hodge’s Umbrella Party and Ballons.

His next goal is to form an international music label that will include members everywhere his music is played. He disclosed that this is essential because piracy has gone very deep and some of the new beats produced has lots of sampling.

As for Guyana he claims that he has seen a lot of potential talent that needs international exposure. He has also learnt that there seems to be a lot of fighting amongst Guyanese musicians which he finds very strange, and stated that the only thing that Guyanese musicians should be fighting for is music copyright laws.

He encourages Guyanese disc jockeys to help promote Guyanese music on radio and tv, and for the promoters to include Guyanese acts on the big shows.

When not in his studio Ernie is busy at his piano tuning classes , an art which he has a recent passion for. Ernie has also arranged and produced songs for Mingles Sound Machine Band , Pamela Maynard ,Aretha Fraser, Mark Holder, Cyd Hooper, Young Bill Rogers, Lady Tempest , Eddie Neblett , Jumo ( X2 ) , CBU contest winner Ian Fraser , Beverly Williams (Little B) , Kenneth (Small vMan) Nurse, Alwin (Negus ) Nurse and Carifesta 2008 singer Lisa Punch.

When in Guyana Ernie’s produces music at Kingdom Friends Studio which is owned by his longtime friend Danley Major.

Photo Caption: Second time around: Canada based Guyanese music producer Ernie Trelfall voted top music producer at the 3rd annual Reggae Music Achievements Awards clutches his plaque Sunday last in Toronto, Canada.

By Mondale Smith

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Jamzone Summer Break Weekend 2009

In keeping with a mandate to ensure that leisure lovers enjoy quality entertainment on the local shores during the August holidays we, the Hits and Jams group announces that the event is definitely happening again this year but on a larger scale.

Entering our 9th year, we have upped our game yet again to make the event bigger and better. As such this year’s event dubbed “Jamzone Summer Break Weekend” will be held in four stages starting August 27 and ending, August 30.

This year, borrowing from the CARIFESTA concept, the group proposes that the event will include a concert night for Dance Hall and Reggae as well as a night for Soca and Chutney that will feature the best artistes in Guyana, the Caribbean and the world.

Jamzone Summer Break Weekend will culminate with the fun-day/ Beach Jam that climaxes with the crowning of the 9th Miss Jamzone queen on August 30 at the Splashmins Fun Park.

We have already secured most of the artistes for the events and more details will be released as plans progress.

Note: Each event will be affordable individually and as a package deal through the purchase of season tickets.

Pageant

Our recruitment drive has commenced to select local beauties to contest the ninth Miss Jamzone crown from which the queen walks away with a multi-million dollar car. The runners up will take home a scooter among other prizes.

Closing date for applications is June 30. Interested ladies aged 18-26 can pick up applications at Nanda’s Boutique, Street Styles, Lifestyles, changing Room, Fusion Taxi service and at HJtv-72.

PRO Mondale Smith
For Hits and Jams
For more information Contact
679-6111 or 227-0580

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FACTS 3 competition begins Sunday on HJ TV

Seroomanie Loaknauth, Candacy MacLean dominates first round.

The eagerly awaited first episode of the third season of Fashion Arts and Creativity by talented students is complete and thus far the outstanding performers are Seroomanie Loaknauth and Candacy MacLean. Promoters Facts N Roses say airing of the competition is set for Sunday May 31st at 14 hours on STVS 72 and will be rebroadcast throughout the week.

FACTS (Fashion, Arts, and Creativity by Talented Students) provides a creative space for talented students to fully express their artistic identity. It offers the environment for experienced artist and aspiring youths to unleash their creative talent through a new Caribbean centered artistic explosion in the region and beyond.

Episode one features the first project through which the student designers were tasked with creating an outfit to be used as a physical education uniform for a school. The model on the other hand, were expected to present a 30 seconds persuasive speech marketing the outfit to potential clients. The competition is not made easy, and the judging line up includes Trinidadian and Caricom representative Anya Thomas aka Simon, F’N”R C.E.O Trevor rose and former miss Guyana world Dacia Braithwaite- Clarke , GLAMOUR talk show host.

The judging criteria include creativity, cut and finish….and adherence to location. How the students’ presentation during the competition were adjudged is to be seen on television. The show offers much excitement, education and entertainment in a wholesome competitive environment, which features exhibition before the judges. How Seroomanie Loaknauth managed to dominate the first round in the student model …is one reason to tune in, while student designer Candacy MacLean managed to impress the judges in the first round is another.

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UNFPA and Faith based Organisations STI/HIV/AIDS Peer Education Training Workshop

St. Sidwells Lamplighters

The St. Sidwell’s Youth Friendly Space, was established in the year 2007 as a result of a collaborative effort between the St. Sidwell’s Vestry Committee and the UNFPA. It was recognised that the St. Sidewell’s Anglican Church has a large percentage of young adults who were invariably involved in several church related activities, such as:

>The Server’s Guild, who demonstrate their Christian and moral duties through assistance to the priest, by providing altar services.

>The Lamplighters, who interact with other similar like organisations, which propel their growth through participation in humanitarian work, sports and culture, public       speaking, self awareness programs and other religious activities within the church.

>The Choir, who leads the way in instigating the congregation to sing lustily and making worshiping enjoyable.

>The St.Sidwell’s Steal Orchestra, who stimulates the intellectual growth of youths- through the learning of music and strives to compliment the service with their  harmonious musical displays.

As such, the Youth Friendly Space is a powerful fusion of all the youth organisations mentioned above, and can be regarded as a dynamic, enthusiastic and essential youth group.

The Youth Friendly Space of St. Sidwell’s Anglican Church has provided fifteen (15) Peer Educators, whose mandate is to equip participants with the knowledge and skills to conduct STI/HIV/AIDS and Teen Pregnancy education among peers within the church and neighboring communities, in a way that will effect behavior change and decrease the chances of the occurance of such plights.

Since the formation, the peer educators attended several seminars and training sessions of which focus on:-

  • Self Empowerment Programs
  • Sexual Reproductive Health Programs
  • Introspection Programs
  • Critical Thinking Programs
  • Skills Training Programs

As a result of the training peer educators acquired, they became empowered and were able to transmit that knowledge to other youths.

Consequently, the peer educators visited other churches, schools, playgrounds and youth groups in the community and conducted seminars, workshops, and peer educator counseling. The peer educators were also involved in the HIV/AIDS rally, which was held in October 2008.

The St. Sidwell’s peer educators is, therefore, regarded as a model youth organisation demonstrating youthfulness, courage, integrity and a sense of purpose in the community. It is the only Christian body who the UNFPA endorses and is proud to be an associate and supporter.

By – Rhonda Brotherson