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Vote Meleesa Natasha Payne for International Pageant

Meleesa Natasha Payne
Meleesa Natasha Payne

If all goes well Guyanese catwalk diva Me-Leesa Payne age 27, is set to represent the Golden Arrowhead and the land of many waters at yet another international pageant come October 20 in Barbados. Providing that she gets sponsorship to the tune of US$1000 to cover her expenses. Once she gets the financial support the Guyanese beauty ambassador will ultimately do battle against 29 other world beauty queens including Miss Jamaica Lisa Gale Wee- Thom who won the first Miss Jamzone International Pageant.

Payne a Model Citizen who has served as Guyana’s beauty ambassador to several international pageants including Miss Universe where she was compared to International model Iman.
Among her many wins as a Guyanese queen Meleesa won the titles of Miss Fantasy International 2000, Miss Tropical Paradise International 2009, Miss Estacy International 2010, Miss Model International 2010, Miss Jaycees International 2006, Miss Guyana Universe 2008, and the title of most community spirited in Miss Carival Pageant.
She’s now going to Barbados to compete at the Miss Humanity International on October 20 to clash against 29 other beauties from around the world but to make this a reality she needs US$ 1000 to cover her expenses. To offer assistance she’s calling on the public to Call: 6956008, 2182776 and offer her assistance now.

Meleesa Natasha Payne is a young woman with an extraordinary story of her life and love for Charitable causes. A triple threat, ‘ her bevy of talents also includes Fashion Design – a skill taught by her seamstress mother, however, the renowned model’s ultimate passion is in her footwork (Dancing). She says “I could not live without it.” It also seems that the industry wouldn’t be as lively without her. She has won dance shows throughout Guyana, and won best talent in numerous shows. The Classique company dancer tours the Caribbean and the United States Of America with her group yearly. Payne’s pageant experiences include her first win the Miss Fantasy Talent International in 2000, 1st runner up the Miss Guyana Talented Teen,1st runner up Miss Guyana African Heritage 2004, Miss Ecstasy held in the BVI 2005, 3 runner up, best talent Miss Caribbean World, Tortola BVI 2006, winner Miss Jaycees Caribbean Queen 2006 Antigua, winner Miss Guyana Universe 2007, 1st runner up Miss Carival 2008 St Vincent. Winner Miss Tropical Paradise 2009 Jamaica, winner Miss Model International 2010 St Marten.

Read more about Meleesa by clicking on Miss Humanity International then click on the big yellow star to vote, you can vote every 12 hrs, please keep voting.

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The ‘Night of the Divas’, set for November 17

Lady Saw
Lady Saw

Entertainment lovers are advised to mark their calendars to experience a night of mega Caribbean entertainment. On November 17 Conscious Minds Promotions is set to serve up an all female cast for a ‘November to Remember 2’ mega concert.

Dubbed “The night of the DIVAS” the stadium is already booked and artistes have begun to sign their contracts for the mega inter-regional entertainment event.

On November 17 the event’s lineup brings together acts from Barbados, Trinidad, Jamaica, and Guyana at the National Stadium, Providence. The lineup includes Queen of the Dance Hall ‘Lady Saw’ and at least five other Caribbean divas spanning the Soca and Dance Hall genres. Event Promoter Iana Lewis says “the idea is to unite the Caribbean women for a night of mega entertainment while celebrating, liberating and empowering women in the face of all the domestic violence that has caused many women to be dead or badly injured.”

Mondale Smith, Public Relations officer said, “This is one of two mega shows that we have got planned for the year as part of efforts to add to the national entertainment product and while it’s a divas concert, it’s for the men to come out with and celebrate their women.”

The last mega event staged stage by Conscious Minds promotions was the ‘I’m ok’ concert headlined by Bennieman and Destra along with Ritchie Loops. That show was sponsored by Banks DIH and Digicel Guyana and was attended by in excess of 10,000 satisfied patrons.

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TILL DEATH …

I was invited to a one act play by a friend via Facebook and I said to myself – what the heck, why not try something different. So I secured myself a hot date and headed to the National Cultural Centre to see this play – which happens to be one competing in the finals of the 2nd Annual National Drama Festival.

The play entitled TILL DEATH speaks mainly and POWERFULLY to domestic violence. It was riveting and real. A true interpretation of the blood, sweat and tears of a domestic violence relationship. Patrons were introduced to a clearly arrogant husband, Trevor,  and his overly fearful yet sometimes resilient wife, Tessa. The play chronicled the cycle of domestic violence, from the impulsive attitudes to the numerous problems with everything to the shouting and the name calling to the physical aspect (kicking, slapping, etc.) to the denial on the woman’s part to her thinking it is her fault that she was ill-treated to her saying that her husband does indeed love her to her refusing to get help and then the cycle continues until one or both parties end up cold and stiff in a freezer somewhere. Vivid? That is the reality of it. Domestic violence relationships literally do go TILL DEATH.

In the play the regular spousal swabbles which included physical violence alarmed everyone except the wife (the sufferer) and the husband (the abuser). Friends and family (Dianne, the best friend and Tessa’s mother) tried to help but Tessa was convinced that she could make it work without their intervention until Trevor decided to take her life. He poisoned her; Tessa knowingly ingested the substance that was going to claim her life. But not before she returned the favour, and Trevor unknowingly gulped down the substance he forced on his wife. TILL DEATH did they part.

The play sent a powerful message but what I found extremely disturbing was the fact that most persons found the parts where the husband was kicking and slapping his wife to be rather hilarious. Domestic violence is no joke. Many times woman and quite frequently their children are splashed across the front of our newspapers – a picture in happier times or a picture with them sliced and diced – because someone or themselves thought it funny, or paid little or no attention to the situation (credit holly). No doubt, men are also the victims of abuse, regardless of who it is we need to understand the seriousness of this issue and we need to work together to eradicate it from our communities.

No, I’m not writing to preach about domestic violence, I’m writing about the play (and many others like it) which in my opinion can be used as an effective domestic violence awareness tool. It was well written by a very promising playwright, Tashandra Inniss, and the actors did an excellent job in bringing out the message.

The four young and talented actors who brought the play to life were masterful in their deliveries. Costumes, emotions, approach and I guess their love for the art enabled them to perform beautifully. So much so that at the end of the play, the “wife” of the play was crying, I guess she was really in her role and that’s what makes theatre fun and that’s what the audience love. Own your role!

The National Drama Festival is still continuing at the National Cultural Centre so if you’re a lover of the arts or just looking for something diverse to do then I suggest you go to see one of the plays. These plays focus on a plethora of prevalent issues found in our societies.  And tickets are absolutely FREE.

Who knew an evening at the NCC accompanied by a dashing young man would be so wonderful and enthralling??!!!

By Slimchick

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Back Down Memory Lane: Jamaican Invasion

Jamaican Artist
Jamaican Artist

While the focus is often on the more youth oriented entertainment those looking for the sounds of yester year sung by the original artistes are advised to mark their calendar. Through a private initiative on the part of Business man Solomon and his wife Jamaican acts Ernie Smith, Winsome Benjamin, Ken Lazarus and Pluto Shervington are coming to Guyana to take some back down memory lane and some will fall in love all over again while some will fall in love for the first time.

Some lucky persons will win free tickets to the first concert billed for the 27th at the National Cultural Center by tuning into the Mondale Smith hosted Caribbean Music Box programme aired on BTV ch2 between the hrs of 4 and 6pm (16:00- 18:00hrs).

While a dinner and dance is planned for September 29 at the Plaza Roof Garden where Jamaican the acts of yesteryear will offer live entertainment in a more cozy setting compliments of the Solomon’s. The tickets for that event is going at a valued of cost $5000 each and can be bought at the Plaza Hotel.
Born Glenroy Anthony Michael Archangelo Smith, Ernie Smith is popular for songs such as ‘Pitta Patta’, a Bend Down, ‘Ride on Sammy,’ ‘One Dream,’ ‘Life Is Just For Living,’ Help Me Make It Through The Night,’ ‘Everything I Own’ and a repertoire that includes just over 21 albums.
Ken Lazarus is a Jamaican ska and reggae singer who is probably best known for his work as a lead singer in Byron Lee’s Dragonaires band. In the early 60s the band toured extensively in the Caribbean which made Ken Lazarus a popular singer on the island. He also became famous as a highly commercial cover artist. Later on he changed his style, recording roots and culture sides.

Pluto Shervington began his career in the early 1970s as a member of the show-band Tomorrow’s Children his hits include ‘Ram Goat Liver,’ ‘Dat’- about a Rastafarian with a secret liking for pork and ‘Your Honor’ which tells the story of a guilty man pleading his innocence even as he had his shirt in list left and his pants in his right’. In addition to his work as a singer, Shervington has a notable reputation as a talented bass guitarist, and as a recording engineer. He has a repertoire of 13 albums to his name done mostly in Jamaican patois (Creole). The Jamaican Gleaner reports that Pluto Shervington, also known as Pluto (born Leighton Shervington, 13 August 1950, Kingston, Jamaica), is a reggae musician, vocalist, engineer and producer. His output is mostly representative of soca -styled reggae, and over the years Shervington gained a reputation as a talented bass guitarist, as well as for his fine vocal interpretations. His output was briefly popular in the UK, despite the fact that his ‘Patois’ was largely unintelligible to most of the British population.

He is best known for his single Dat – about a Rastafarian with a secret liking for pork, contrary to his faith – which achieved considerable chart success internationally in 1976. He got into the Top 20 in the UK Singles Chart again six years later, with another best selling cut, entitled Your Honour. This song dealt with a prisoner’s courtroom pleas of innocence, in the face of insurmountable evidence to the contrary. The song’s somewhat racy nature and comical styling is in the best traditions of calypso, and many elements of reggae.
In 1974, Shervington engineered Little Roy’s album, Tafari Earth Uprising. Pluto Shervington moved from his West Indian homeland in the 1980s, to Miami, Florida. Nevertheless he returns to his roots periodically to perform.

By Mondale Smith

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Jumo on a roll: set to release mix tape one week after bad mind video launched

Jumo Primo
Jumo Primo

Hot on the heals of releasing his contagious “badmind” video single Jumo Primo is set to release his mix tape on Monday September 17. The 13 tracks release is a combinition of Jumo’s new music such as Badmind, Dying days, OK, Hold Yah and Own Clothes are just some of the new songs on the CD while he has also included some of his already popular singles such as “dip and Go down’, One people (the Carib Soca Monrch winning song) Chipping and Bumper (the banks Groovy soca monrch winning song) amongst others. However, this mix tape is not like the regular ones: ‘ I also selected some of my favourite fellow artistes’ tracks from Jamaica such as Kartel, Movado, Pop Caan and I-Octaine as well as Kiprich to be part of the mixtape to show the level to which my songs are and in some cases even better in lyrical and arrangement context’ he said. The artiste just before boarding an aeroplane to Miami for a show with ‘Byron Lees Dragonaires’ said he’s also hearing good reviews from his’ badmind’ release as it is getting rotations in Suriname and other caribben countries. “Suriname look out for me soon as i’m coming there for a launch to meet my fans over there too” he said. Meanwhile Jumo says he has almost completed putting together another video for release soon titled ‘no more love’ done in the Reggae genres. Soon after that another mix tape dubbed Jumo Volume 2 will be released… ” I have already completed volume 2 but I want to take this in strides so that people can know that Guyana has got real vibes at the international level” he said. His volume 2 will be a Guyanese Invasion. This will feature a fully local cast from all the best in Guyana such as Tameka Marshall, Jory, shelly G, Big Red and others.The Bad-Mind DVD is now available at record bars such as Matts Record Bar and also at Full Range Record shop. The mix tape will be available at the same locations as well as Gumdac promotions/productions, most carts on the road and also CD shops nation wide.

Badmind experience becomes hit single
What started out as a disappointing phone call while in the american exchange barbershop has become a fast growing dancehall hit for soca king Jumo Primo. Speaking on the Mondale Smith hosted Caribbean Music Box show in Guyana Primo on saturday as the infectious hit BAD-MIND was launched live also on www.brutalradio.com the father of three said he was about to have his hair cut when his cell phone rang and a woman rubbed him the wrong way. “I was so hurt and upset at what I heard that I ask me barber friend to pass a piece of paper and a pen and in under five minutes I was done putting together the words of the song.” With raw emotions in the song he then recorded with various experiences under his belt. Launching the video after a week of teasers Primo sang the very catchy : “they will never see me fall, no not at all, like crab in a barrel dem a hunt you down you smile in yah face and tell you ah dem friend but watch out feh dem…look out feh bad mind people…dem a study bare evil. Dem bad mind you when jah bless you …but me sorry fuh dem, dem can’t see me end cause bad mind. Could never be me friend…”. Ultimately he’s working on a mix tape but decided to launch the single that is blazing with rotations on radio and television stations nation wide. Its an obvious hit judging from the more than 100 text messages that came in during the launch on Btv ch2. “I’m hoping that this song will become the anthem because every single human being has had the experience of being hated for progressing and from some of the people who suppose to be their friends and family” Jumo said. The video was filmed and produced in Brooklyn with cameo appearances by US based Guyanese artistes Gaddi G and little J. What’s next for Jumo?: as one of X2 he says there will soon be an area code patriotic launch modern style launch of a clothing line with the 592 Guyana flag area code Jerseys and vests for women coming soon.The video can be down loaded from youtube and he’s encouraging fans to share the video on facebook and other social media to take Guyanese music to the next level. The video will be available for sale at Matts Record bar and other locations that don’t pirate. Jumo Primo is famous for soca hits such as ‘krazy’ and has toured the caribbean extensively as a singer/entertainer with several bands such as the Byron Lee and the dragonaires and says with little to no sponsorship from corporate citizens he has had to foot the bill to the tune of almost US$3000 and as such is encouraging fans to buy the original video at a cost of US $5 (G$1000)

By Mondale Smith

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Rick Ross fascinated by Guyana and its rich culture

-Creates a special mini-documentary about Guyana for his millions of fan worldwide

Rick Ross in Guyana
Rick Ross in Guyana

Thousands flocked the Guyana National Stadium on Saturday August 25th, to witness a long-anticipated performance from one of the most prestigious international rappers to ever visit Guyana. While most of the attendees were avid Rick Ross fans, many others stated that there were there for the experience. They were not going to miss a performance from one of the world’s most sought-after rappers, when he was right in our own backyard. However, it seems as if the multi gold and platinum artiste was just as enchanted by us, as we were by him.

Last week, Ross’ team uploaded a seven-minute mini documentary to his website, rozayraw.com, entitled ‘Rick Ross in Guyana’. The video which has over 73, 000 views on YouTube, shows various clips of Ross’ activities from the moment he arrived in Guyana to his departure. The video begins with Rick Ross in the VIP lounge of the CJIA, repeatedly shouting the words ‘M M Guyana’ and ‘M M Global’ to the camera. Next, a full-screen image of the Guyana flag appears behind the artiste’s name. The journey then takes you over to the streets of Guyana. From their vehicle, the crew captures various shots of local scenery and people. They then head over to the NCN studios where Ross took photos with fans, signed autographs and participated in the widely aired ‘Jamzone 2012’ press conference. If you’re one of the thousands of Guyanese who saw that picture of Rick Ross sharing a warm hug with several Timehri residents, then you can look forward to a brief clip of that visit in the documentary.

Rick Ross enjoys a moment with fans at Timehri
Rick Ross enjoys a moment with fans at Timehri

Any Guyanese who watches this video would beam with pride. Throughout the entire film, Ross seems overwhelmed by our culture, people and everything he experienced while he was here. At the concert, he told the crowd, “This is my first time here, but it would definitely not be my last. You are the reason I do what I do”. This is the third time Hits and Jams Entertainment has made it possible for Guyanese to experience performances from the biggest names in the music industry.

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Jumo goes Dancehall with…BADMIND!

Jumo Primo
Jumo Primo

Just when you thought that rubber waist Jumo was confined to soca, reggae and a few RnB vibes he’s up and about producing music again.

This time dancehall… We all have had cause at some time or the other to say that someone is grudge-full, envious or in layman’s terms bad-mind. That’s the exact name of the vibe that Jumo primo is dishing at this time with his new soon to be released dancehall single.  Not only has he done an audio track but he has produced a video that tells the story all too clear:

“Some people pretend to be your friend but they want to see you suffer, others wish you well to your face but there hearts tell another story and when you are progressing lord knows your best friend becomes your worst enemy”, says Primo.

While some of us will have a confrontation on various levels Jumo has put to music those experiences on a track produced by Lil J out of KKR while the video was produced by Brian Roberts of honestillusions.com in Brooklyn NY.

The launch is set for Saturday, September 7 on all major television stations in Guyana and on the World Wide Web.

He is hoping that it will catch on fast and make its way into the dancehall mainstream market as it has got a grove similar to an I-octane flavor. “It’s  from my heart and my own experience  coupled  with  that of  people I’ve interacted with… a lot of people  can and will identify  with  the  storyline and the lyrical flow,” Primo  said.

At present the video is not for sale but it can be downloaded from youtube, facebook and on twitter.  Meanwhile even as this is the new focus he has not shifted from soca and will be defending his title as monarch come 2013 on both fronts (Groovy and Power soca).  As he puts it this track is just a different mood. His last release was a soulful reggae love story called ‘dying days’ and to his name he’s got 4 video as  a solo artistes . As a member of times 2 they have ten videos and countless audio singles. X2 has just completed a tour of four US states and Canada.

Deejays seeking a copy of the song can drop Jumo an email at [email protected]

By Mondale Smith

Watch it NOW!! –> Jumo – Badmind

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Jamzone International Night Super Concert: Truly Epic!

Don Gialiani performing at Jamzone Summer Break 2012 International Night
Don Gialiani performing at Jamzone Summer Break 2012 International Night

Scores of hip-hop and rap lovers converged at the Guyana National Stadium for Jamzone’s International Night Super Concert featuring Macka Diamond, Spice, Elephant Man and the big Maybach Music Boss himself, Rick Ross.

Jay Anderson performing at Jamzone Summer Break 2012 International Night
Jay Anderson performing at Jamzone Summer Break 2012 International Night

Though, the concert was dubbed “International Night” the only international performer there was Rick Ross. (And maybe I can include the Guyanese artistes who live and record music overseas for good measure). The concert started with our very own emerging local rappers. The winners of the HJ Rick Ross competition – Blaze Antonio and Adijay – got their five minutes of fame and an opportunity to show Guyanese why they won the competition in the first place. Other rappers, Jay Anderson, Gialiani and a young man going by the name of “Black Cotton” also did their bit, showcasing their artistic styles and colourful lyrics. No doubt, Guyana has an excellent cluster of very talented and impressive young rappers.

Macka Diamond performing at Jamzone Summer Break 2012 International Night
Macka Diamond performing at Jamzone Summer Break 2012 International Night

On the road to the climax, we shifted from rap to dancehall and welcomed our Jamaican neighbours to the stage. First up was Miss Money O, Macka Diamond. She might seem a little aged and she might have looked like a hot mess with that outfit but she definitely knows how to hold a crowd. She belted out hits such as “Bun Him”, “Money O”, “Lexus and Benz”, “Hula Hoop” and “Robbery”. She jumped off of the stage onto the platform below and invited a young lady to join her. Miss Pink hair took over the microphone and started to sing “Bun Him” in full Macka Diamond style, movements and all. We have our very own Macka Diamond in Guyana, who knew?!

Spice performing at Jamzone Summer Break 2012 International Night
Spice performing at Jamzone Summer Break 2012 International Night

Macka make way for Spice. Spice is name and nature, she brought with her the pizzazz and vulgarity that she is most commonly known for. Her black cat suit did not restrict her from gyrating her body. She sang for the patrons “Jim Screechie”, “Hot Patty Wine”, ‘Fight Over Man” and Not My Fault”. She paid homage to her fellow Jamaican artistes currently behind bars, namely Vybz Kartel, Busy Signal and Buju Banton”. The highlight of her performance came when she was tamed by the young man she invited on stage; she asked him to ‘give it to her’ like she’s never gotten it before and … ‘he didn’t spoil her, she got it good.

Elephant Man performing at Jamzone Summer Break 2012 International Night
Elephant Man performing at Jamzone Summer Break 2012 International Night

‘The Energy Man, Elephant Man was the final performer to grace the stage before the main act of the evening. Energy! Energy! Energy! And more energy! Between jumping on the speaker box, dissing one of his entourage members and dancing with his youngest child, Elephant man dished out his very famous hits such as “Pon De River”, “Nuh Linga”, “Bun Bad Mind”, Over Di Wall” and “Willie Bounce”.

Rick Rozay Ross performing at Jamzone Summer Break 2012 International Night
Rick Rozay Ross performing at Jamzone Summer Break 2012 International Night

These performances all created the hype needed for the climax of the concert. The main reason many persons were at the Stadium in the first place was introduced. He came on stage to shouts and screams from fans –both men and women – who were all very happy to finally see him in Guyana. Mr. Huh didn’t disappoint. Rick Rozay’s performance was everything. Many have been singing these songs for months but to finally hear them from the Boss himself was beyond epic. He belted out tracks such as “Aston Martin Music”, “Hustlin”, “MMG Untouchable”, “Stay Schemin’”, “Yella Diamonds”, “Holy Ghost” and “Im A Boss” to name a few. The Maybach Music Boss even said “this is my first time here but I’m certain it won’t be the last time Guyana”. Should we look out for him again, sometime soon?! I know many persons would like that. Rick Ross was definitely the “Boss” of the show. A class act!

Kudos to Hits & Jams for putting this together and praise Jesus, Rick Ross didn’t get sick again this time.

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Jamzone Regional Night 2012 ‘TUN UP’

Jory performing at Jamzone Regional Night 2012
Jory performing at Jamzone Regional Night 2012

The Guyana National Stadium was definitely the place to be last evening as thousands attended the Jamzone Regional Night Super Concert featuring Jamaican artistes Cham, Konshens and Bounty Killer. (Mavado was slated to perform as well, but due to a “travel document” issue he was unable to make it to Guyana).

The concert was truly an entertaining one. The show started after 12 with Guyanese Jory Hector opening the performances. Mr. Ah De Real Thing did an amazing job in hyping the crowd as he belted out his hottest songs such as “Down Deh”, “Blackberry”, “Let It Guh Suh” and his very famous “Mr Limpy J”.

 

 

 

Baby Cham performing at Jamzone REgional Night 2012
Baby Cham performing at Jamzone REgional Night 2012

Jory made way for Cham who took us from classics such as “Ghetto Story”, “Many Many”, “Strange Things” (to name a few) to hits such as “Wine”, “Backway”, “Drop it” and “Tun Up”. Cham mentioned that he had a special surprise for everyone; that surprise came in the form of the very pretty, Ophelia, commonly known as O, his wife who accompanied him on stage and together they sang “Tun Up”. Cham was full of energy and he enjoyed showing off his expert dance moves throughout his performance.

The next performer to grace the stage with his presence, cute smile and signature red head was Konshens. He had the Guyana National Stadium in a frenzy as he had everyone dancing to songs such as “Realest Song”, “Do Sumn”, “Good Girl Gone Bad”, “A So Mi Tan”, “Hot Patty” and the girls anthem “Gal A Bubble” to name a few. Of course, he invited a young woman on stage to dance with him and of course he took off his shirt and of course the ladies loved it . Utterly lively and full of excitement are just two ways to describe his performance.

Konshens performing at Jamzone Regional Night 2012
Konshens performing at Jamzone Regional Night 2012

The Warlord also known as the Five Star General most commonly known as Bounty Killer headlined the concert and though he took the dancehall merriment down a notch, his fans truly enjoyed his performance. The Ghetto Gladiator satisfied his fans by belting out hits such as “Bullet Proof Skin”, “Benz and Bimmer”, “Get Gyal Everyday”, “Dangerously” and “Want War”, to name a couple.

Bounty Killer was also honoured by the  Hits & Jams Entertainment Group and received the third Jamzone Lifetime Achievement Award. This award was presented to The Warlord by Jory Hector on behalf of the group.

 

 

Bounty Killa performing at Jamzone Regional Night 2012
Bounty Killa performing at Jamzone Regional Night 2012

Jamzone Regional Night 2012 exceeded all expectations. Though, Mavado was missed by some persons, they were greatly compensated for his no-show by the excellent performances of these very gifted Jamaican dancehall artistes and Guyana’s very own dancehall sensation, Jory.

Let’s see if Jamzone’s International Night Super Concert , slated for tonight, featuring Elephant Man, Spice, Macka Diamond and the ‘illest’ hip hop boss in the game, Rick Ross can top this.

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Miss Jamaica is the new Miss Jamzone International 2012

Miss Jamzone International 2012: Kerrie Baylis of Jamaica
Miss Jamzone International 2012: Kerrie Baylis of Jamaica

Miss Jamaica, Kerri Baylis has won the title of Miss Jamzone International 2012 in a very cultural ceremony held last evening at the National Cultural Centre.

Baylis came out victorious over eight other beauties to cop the first prize of US$10, 000 and “bragging rights” for a year. Miss St. Lucia, Louise Victor secured the first runner-up position, while Miss St. Kitts & Nevis, Trevicia Adams, copped the second runner up spot. The other girls in the top five were Miss Guyana, Ayana Harris, third runner up and Miss Trinidad & Tobago, Renee Bhagwandeen, fourth runner up.

The Miss Jamzone International Pageant offered a refreshing insight into the sounds and cultures of our Caribbean neighbours. The delegates took us on an extremely fascinating voyage to each of the countries represented through their cultural wear presentations, their country presentations, some through their fantasy swimwear and others through facets of their evening gowns. We got to listen to the delegates in an off the cuff question and answer interview and then of course, the final question.

Miss Jamaica doing her Cultural Presentation
Miss Jamaica doing her Cultural Presentation

Baylis was a crowd favourite from her very first appearance on stage. In the cultural wear segment the delegates showcased elements of their countries; they did this by modeling to songs from their countries. When Miss Jamaica came onstage to Konshens’ “Gal A Bubble” the National Cultural Centre went crazy. All eyes were on her from this moment on!

The country presentations allowed the delegates to emphasize the most amazing aspects of their countries. Miss Guyana, Miss British Virgin Islands (BVI) and Miss Jamaica were the favourites in this category. The delegates were fluent, theatrical, confident and interacted well with the audience. Feisty Miss Jamaica highlighted Jamaica through dance taking us all the way back to the ‘boggle’ and ending with her favourite “Gal A Bubble”. Miss Suriname stumbled miserably because of taunts from the crowd and Miss Venezuela REALLY needed a translator.

The fantasy swimwear segment of the competition gave the delegates an opportunity for them to create a swimwear that represented them, a fantasy or their country. Miss Guyana’s was the absolute best and made completely out of seashells.

Miss Jamaica: Kerrie Baylis in her Fantasy Wear
Miss Jamaica: Kerrie Baylis in her Fantasy Wear

The delegates also modeled in customary swimwear designed by Guyanese, Pat Coates. The evening gown competition posed another chance for the girls to highlight their country, or themselves!

The third Jamzone Lifetime Achievement Award was given last night and the recipient of that award was legendary cricketer, Mr. Clive Lloyd. He was presented with his award by Hits and Jams representative, Rawle Ferguson.

There were a number of special prizes for the delegates; these included prizes for: Miss Congeniality, awarded to Miss Guyana; Miss Body Beautiful, Miss Jamaica; Miss Fantasy Swimwear, Miss Guyana; Best Evening Gown, Miss Jamaica; Best Country Presentation, Miss Jamaica and Best Country Dress, Miss Jamaica.

 

 

From left: Miss Jamzone International 2011 Davia Chambers, Miss Jamzone International 2012 Kerrie Baylis, Miss United Nations Soyini Fraser
From left: Miss Jamzone International 2011 Davia Chambers, Miss Jamzone International 2012 Kerrie Baylis, Miss United Nations Soyini Fraser

After the top five delegates were selected they were all asked one final question: “At the end of life what would you want to be most happy about?” Miss Trinidad and Tobago stated that what she would be most happy about is – “living life to the fullest, no regrets, and loving who loves her the most”. Miss Guyana said the fact that she would have completed her degree, follow her dreams as a marketing consultant, with a husband and maybe three children – would make her most happy at the end of life. Miss St. Lucia alluded to the fact that she is very family oriented, and that she would be most happy to know that they (her family) were there for her through her struggles and successes (credit holly). Miss St. Kitts & Nevis thought that making her mother and father proud and following her career goals would make her most happy at the end of life. And finally, Miss Jamaica, she believed that making a difference in the world … making an impact would make her most happy. She also went on to say that we are here on earth to touch lives and being able to do that would make her most happy.

And the results were tabulated and without a doubt and by a landslide … Miss Jamaica won! The National Culture Centre was pleased.

The judges for the evening were television personality, Joel Ghansham; founder of Aspara, Chandini Rambalak Ramnarain; Miss Jamzone 2007 and Miss Guyana World 2008, Christa Simmons; Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Steve Ninvalle; Runner up in the Miss Guyana Universe 2002 and Miss Guyana World 2005, Ulex Fung and Ms Guyana Renaissance 2007, Simone Beckles.

The Pageant was hosted by Miss Jamzone 2005, Shonette Moore.

Entertainment was also provided by local singers Lisa Punch, Jackie Hanover, Calvin Burnett, Brandon Harding, George Anthony Abrams and dances by Mr. Cheeks & group and an emerging dancehall trio.

By Slimchick