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Jamzone 2011 to stream live worldwide!

Over the years, Jamzone Summer Break has established an irrefutable reputation as one the greatest events in Guyana’s history. This diversified festival has offered Guyanese ten strong years of superlative entertainment while simultaneously contributing immensely to the local tourism sector. Now heading into their eleventh year of creating and undertaking countless innovative marketing machinations, the ingenious promoters have tailored their promotional methods to boost Jamzone’s international appeal while reaching a wide cross section of audiences. As, a result, the organizers will broadcast the August activities through Live streaming on the internet via their official website, jamzonesummerbreak.com. The transmission, available to fans both in and out of Guyana was introduced to allure international visitors and strengthen the recruitment of global supporters.

“We are quite excited about Jamzone this year because of all of the various improvements we have made. This is a long awaited project that many supporters within the Diaspora and around the world have been asking us to pursue for quite some time, since they are willing but often unable to make it to Jamzone. We’re confident that this will increase the already overwhelming response from the international tourists”, said Kerwin Bollers, Executive Director of Hits and Jams Entertainment.

This annual festival features ten days of activities this year, inclusive of a 20/20 Cricket tournament, Kids Zone, a Jazz, food and fashion festival, the Miss Jamzone International Pageant and several Super Concerts which will feature some of the greatest artistes including Jamaican Megastars Vybz Kartel and Mavado who will be headlining the Jamzone Regional Night Concert!

Bollers added that this eleventh anniversary will undoubtedly break all previous records set, in terms of attendance and overall customer satisfaction.

By – Hits and Jams Entertainment

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Miss Jamzone International: Meet the dazzling Dominican!

Miss Dominica - Marcia Baptiste
Miss Dominica - Marcia Baptiste

“I am a proud denizen of the island of Dominica also known as the Nature Island of the World, Land of Many Rivers, Home of the World Creole Music Festival and the Most Original Carnival, ‘The Real Mas’. I am confident in my chances of securing the crown!”

26 year old Marcia Baptiste has had quite a prolific run in the pageant industry, winning multiple crowns including Miss Dominica, Miss Caribbean World and Miss Jaycee’s Caribbean Queen 2010. In the academic arena, Marcia is a Natural Science Graduate with three A-levels from the Dominica state College and is also currently employed as an Events and Customer Service Assistant at the Ross University School of Medicine.

This Dominican beauty describes herself as an outspoken and determined person who loves reading, meeting people, travelling, shoe shopping, exploring new places, learning new things and surfing the web. Should Marcia be crowned Miss Jamzone International 2011, she intends to use this as a platform to impact positively on the lives of young people.

By – Hits and Jams Entertainment

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Jamzone Regional Night: Vybz Kartel/Mavado Concert

Vybz Kartel/Mavado Concert not a lyrical battle but a celebration of great Dancehall Music!

Mavado at Jamzone Regional Night 2010
Mavado at Jamzone Regional Night 2010

By now its general news that Vybz Kartel and Mavado will be headlining the Jamzone Summer Break ‘Regional Night’ concert which will be held at the Guyana National Stadium on August 19th; however amidst the excitement, the organizers as well as the artistes are reminding fans that this will not be a musical clash but simply a night of great Dancehall music and entertainment!

Ever since the news of this musical coalition became public, fans have been anxiously anticipating this showdown which is expected to be one of the most attended shows in Guyana’s history. However, in light of the pervading remnants of the lyrical feud in which these two artistes were engaged, the organizers are quite aware of the fact that fans may misconstrue the aim of this event. As mentioned earlier, this will not be a clash or war but both artistes have overcome their differences and merely intend to entertain their Guyanese fans.

The Hits and Jams team is adamant in conveying this message to the public, to maintain our reputation of hosting fun, clean, incident and violence-free events. This show was not created with aims of fueling any animosity between extremist fans and we hope that supporters nationwide are not attending with ulterior intentions.

Vybz Kartel (Picture taken from urbanislandz.com)

This will be the first time both artistes will be performing on the stage together since the West Kingston Jamboree ‘Peace Concert’ in 2009. This show is creating quite a buzz not only locally but all around the Caribbean and has the attention of worldwide dancehall fans, some of whom, are already booking flights to Guyana for this epic event!

Both Vybz Kartel and Mavado each immensely talented in the Dancehall genre, have made amazing strides in the music industry by consistently producing quality music and establishing themselves as two of the most sought after Caribbean acts.

This concert will feature as part of the Jamzone Summer Break Weekend, an annual calendar event in Guyana. This year Jamzone comprises of ten days of fun-packed activities inclusive of jazz and food festivals, kids zone, sports tournaments and several Super Concerts featuring some of the biggest local, Caribbean and International acts.

By – Hits and Jams Entertainment

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Miss Guyana Jamzone 2011: Heading off to represent Guyana at Miss Jaycee’s Pageant in Antigua!

Miss Jaycee's Caribbean Queen Contestants
Miss Jaycee's Caribbean Queen Contestants

Even though she is much occupied with preparations for the Miss Jamzone International pageant, Miss Guyana Jamzone 2011 Jovan Wilson is taking full advantage of every opportunity to successfully represent Guyana on the International scene. On July 26th, Jovan will be soaring off to the nature isle Antigua, accompanied by her chaperone, Simpli Royal franchise owner Pamela Dillon, to represent Guyana at the 50th staging of the Miss Jaycee’s Caribbean Queen show!

This pageant, which features as part of the annual Antiguan Carnival, brings together an array of beauty, talent, intelligence and culture through the participation of the contestants from all around the Caribbean region, who compete in various segments for the crown. Every year, the organizers see applications from territories such as, Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Guyana, Jamaica, Nevis, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St. Vincent, St. Croix, and Trinidad and Tobago all eager to secure a spot in the line-up.

Notwithstanding the fierce competition she may encounter, Jovan is overwhelmed by excitement and pride to be chosen as Guyana’s ambassador. “I am absolutely thrilled to promote my country on an international level and to also have the chance to observe the diverse cultures of our neighboring nations”, said Jovan when questioned on the topic. “I also intend to take all my pageant experience and knowledge to Antigua and work fervently towards becoming the heiress to the throne”.

Jovan is undergoing intense training and prepping with Dillon who is confident in her [Jovan’s] abilities to shine at the upcoming pageant. “Jovan is the ideal candidate for this contest. She’s smart, beautiful, talented and always eager to learn. I’m absolutely certain that she will do well”, said Dillon who has successfully prepared countless delegates for several pageants including Jaycees throughout the years. Wilson will be participating in several segments including: Talent, for which she has prepared a dramatic poem; Evening wear designed by Pat Coates, Swimsuit, Question and Answering which will be based on her submitted biography and National Costume which is being created by local designer Curt Stephenson entitled ‘Empress of Shell Beach’.

According to a featured press release from the Antiguan State owned website ab.gov.ag, the pageant committee is in ‘high gear’ for the event which officially kicks off with a pre-show on Wednesday July 27th at the Sugar Ridge Resort. To date, the committee has confirmed the participation of nine countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Anguilla, Barbados, British Virgin Islands, Dominica, Guyana, Montserrat, St Kitts and St Maarten. Acting according to their tagline ‘Integrating the Caribbean through pageantry’, the organizers promise to present an excellent package as a contribution to the 2011 Antigua and Barbuda Carnival and undoubtedly one of the biggest shows of their soon-to-be 50 years of existence.

Jovan would like the general public to support her on this journey as she illustrates the beauty, diversity and splendor of our unique culture. Further, Guyana has secured three of the Miss Jaycees Queens by former queens Alison Alleyne 1969; Peggy Wallalu 1970 and professional model Meleesa Payne, who walked away with the title in 2006.

By – Hits and Jams Entertainment

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Miss Jamzone International 2011: Miss Jamaica

Miss Jamaica - Trishauna Clarke
Miss Jamaica - Trishauna Clarke

“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!

By – Hits and Jams Entertainment

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Digicel Caribbean Junior Squash Championships: Guyana through to team finals!!!

The finals are set! Guyana’s defending girls team will take on Jamaica and the guys are poised to go up against Trinidad and Tobago on July 14 to decide the team championships.

Guyana have already secured the singles titles during the first leg of the Digicel Caribbean Junior Squash Championships 2011. The hosts are hoping to expand on those victories and secure the overall title thus cementing their place as the best squash team regionally.

In order to make it to the finals the local girls, led by no. 1 seeded Ashley Khalil, dispatched the strongest looking side Trinidad and Tobago in mall order. The Twin Island Republic was defeated 5-0 by the best female players in the Caribbean.

The male team were not to be outdone by their female compatriots and defeated their Jamaican counterparts in similar fashion winning all their games. Jamaica defeated the Cayman Islands females 4-1 to set up the matchup against the Guyanese. Meanwhile Trinidad and Tobago squeezed past Bermuda to advance to the finals against Nyron Joseph and company.

Given the level of play witnessed in the championships thus far an exciting day of squash is expected at the Georgetown club.

By – Andrew Ross

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Digicel Caribbean Junior Squash Championships: Guyana on track to win overall Junior Squash Title

Guyana continued displaying a dominant performance in the second day of team competition in the 2011 Caribbean Areas Squash Association’s Digicel Junior Squash Championships.

Both the male and female teams recorded comprehensive victories without losing a single game on Tuesday. The boys took on the Bahamas and under 15 singles champion Nyron Joseph had the most challenging match of the day against Donovan Mc Donald. Joseph dropped one set but bounced back to win the match 11/5 11/5 7/11/11/6. Deje Dias, Jean-Claude Jeffrey, Jason-Ray Khalil and Patrick Fraser also recorded straight set victories to finish the day 5-0 ahead of the Bahamians.

The local boys also took on the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States at the Georgetown Club and recorded a 3-2 victory maintaining their winning composure. Jason Ray Khalil defeated Stephan Joseph, Nyron joseph beat Jason Doyle and Ben Mekdeci beat Samson Viville in straight sets.
Mary Fung-a-Fat, Kayla Jeffrey, Victoria Arjoon, Akeila Wiltshire and Lydia Alphonso all recorded victories when they competed against the Cayman Islands. The 5-0 victories firmly places Guyana in a dominant position to defend the overall title in this year’s competition.

Trinidad and Tobago also continued a good showing in the team category defeating the Cayman Islands and Barbados in the boys and girls categories respectively. The Twin Island republic however lost to Jamaica.

By – Andrew Ross

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CARICOM DAY 2011: Kes and The Band thrill Guyanese fans

Kes

Despite the slush mud that saw many fans partying from the safety of the seawalls, Guyanese sure love them some Kes and teh Band. On Caricom evening into the next early morning hours thousands graced the Pegasus parking lot for some ‘wotles soca theraphy’ and they sure got their fill. From gong to gong the entertainment event promoted by AnSa McAl’s Carib Beer proved a multicultural delight with local acts such as Shelly G (one time soca Monarch) and Mahendra RamKellawan (reigning Road March King) and his dancers.

Shelly G was her ever raunchy self dishing songs such as ‘Touch Me here’ while Ramkellawan was a spicy hot showcase of chutney Guyanese style. Hut he obviously forced the sounds of his many popular chutney songs as was evident from the sometimes cracky sound of his voice declaring that even when he going to church ‘dem ah watche me’. But that was just the calm before the storm as Adesh Samaroo (TT chutney monarch 2004) proved his dominance as a professional chutney singer with quite a few samples of his hits such as ‘cyaan go fuh cane’, and ‘Rajin’ etc as well as ‘scorpian sting meh’. Then came time for the night’s feature act: Kes and the band! Many lost their inhebitions when the contagious sound of ‘Ah wotless’ signalled the ushering in of a dread locked soca sensation- Kes.

First came his dancers doing their thing. Then came Kes came on and expressed gratitude to Banks and was glad that he was performing in Guyana yet again in less than a year. The dude with dread locks who incidently is a sticker for education belted out hit after hit from his catalogue as well as several covers from the more popular artistes with his dancers providing energetic routines with each beat. But that was just teh beginning as teh Crow in VIP and General audience couldent care less that mud was under their feet or that teh plyboard set up could give way… thank goodness it didn’t. but Kes and his band proved that they are more than just soca singers as they moved from ‘Wine to the side’ to singing covers from Sean Paul and other Jamaican artistes. Another highlight of the evening was the conclusion of the ‘Carib Domination’ promotion. Five Carib patrons won fabulous prizes such as an ipod, a Flat plazma screen television,a motor scooter and the main prize of a new Toyota Allion.

Robert Calendar of Thomas Street, Kitty who bought his carib from Swet point was luckiest of teh lot while Meenamattie Ramlall won herself a motor scooter, Bridgelall Monilall won a laptop computer, Dorwin Holder won the LCD flatscreen television and Karen Rampersaud won herself an Apple iPod.Back to the Concert: Kes created a mad frenzy when he dished out covers from Ravi B, SuperCat whom he said was way before Sean paul, Machel Montano, and many other artistes.several ladies got a chance to show what Guyanese women are made of too and of course Kes used the song ‘tall thing short thing, I wining up on all thing, fat thing slim thing i wining up on everything…” But while the slim ones were most entertaining Kes sure got his Guyanese wine from a Buxsome Guyanese woman weighting more than 250lbs whom he hoisted unto his hips and she sure was an agile fan. But even before that, Kes aside from telling his fans that he wants to develop a relationship with his Guyanese fans, showed his love for GT people. After several calls from one female fan the superstar in the making jumped off the stage and to the barriers he went. There he got some reall Guyanese love as omen grabbed and pawed at his physique from every angle while others simply went crazy with screams of wild abandon from touching his dread locks.

The show was high energy from start to finish and wen he was done he had shed all the layers of his upper clothing. But it’s not over for Guyanese fans as the artiste is ready and willing to return to the local shores yet again once he is booked to perform. At the show’s conclusion there was hardly anyone with dry clothing exiting the venue and while most must have had quite a job of cleaning mud from their footwear they sure had a blast from Kes and teh Band compliments of Carib-the Beer of the Caribbean. Also in attendance were teh delegates of the Miss Guyana Universe who obviously had a blast.

By Mondale Smith, Production Manager BTV