Thirty-two (32) local celebrities including West Indies Cricketer Ramnaresh Sarwan and reigning Sportswoman of the Year Shondell Alfred will be competing on Saturday August 20that The Knights Basketball Club Second Annual Celebrity Basketball Game.
The event is billed for this Saturday at 19:00hrs at the Cliff Anderson Sports Hall and apart from the Celebrity Game, There will be three supporting games featured top local teams. The Celebrity Game cast has been beefed up this year to include a wider pool of celebrities.
The list includes twice the amount of females from last year, athletes from more sports disciplines and even prominent professionals. Proceeds from last year’s event were donated to Joshua’s House and this year The Support Group for Deaf Persons has been earmarked. Scotia Bank and Republic Bank will play the first supporting game followed by Giftland Office Max versus Qualfon and Youth Basketball Guyana’s (YBG) Elite versus Knights.
Below is a complete list of this year’s participants:
Athletes
Ronson Williams (National Football goal keeper)
Theodore Henry (National Rugby Coach/player )
Godfrey Munroe (Former National Table Tennis Champion)
Ramnaresh Sarwan (West Indies Cricketer)
Charles Ramson (Cricketer/Attorney-at-Law for Office of President)
Chris Barnwell (National Cricketer)
Kiev Chesney (2007 Junior National 800m champion /2010 Sports Reporter of the Year)
Steven Jacobs (National Cricketer)
Stephen Vieira (Superbike champion )
Edison Jefford (Former National Runner/Sports Reporter)
Leon Johnson (National Cricketer)
Paul DeNobrega (National Junior Cyclist Champion)
Leer Nunes (National Cyclist)
Jody-Ann Blake (National Female Tennis Champion)
Shondell Alfred (Guyana Female Boxing Champion/Sports Woman of the Year)
Miss Jamzone international Delegates at Sidewalk Cafe
Have you ever wondered why very few complain about the heat at the Sidewalk Café and Jazz Club? It’s because most are usually distracted by the smooth sounds of jazz music, the welcoming atmosphere and the calm and sophisticated crowd. On August 15, 2011 the Hits and Jams crew seized the opportunity to utilize this small but wonderful space to hold a Jazz, Fashion and Food Festival as part of their Jamzone Summer Break.
Jackie Hanover
Upon entrance, attendees were immediately whisked away by the soothing sounds of the Georgetown Jazz Project, the pleasing scents permeating from the kitchen and the elegantly casually dressed audience. A small section of Guyana’s Who’s Who was there, including GT&T CEO Yog Mahadeo, GWI’s CEO (Acting) Nigel Niles and Sidewalk Café Proprietress, Cathy Hughes, wife of local legal legend Nigel Hughes. The smell, sound, sight and feel of this establishment gave one the sense of being in another world; even the vehicles parked on the street seemed cleaner and more upscale. And just when the Guyanalive.com team thought it could get no better we were pleasantly surprised by the Jamzone International Pageant delegates. They strutted their stuff in designs by Pat Coates, as well as items from Suriname-based Janelle Oosterling’s Janoos Collection; cameras flashed relentlessly.
Lisa PunchFood
During certain intervals, local songstresses Jackie Hanover and Lisa Punch serenaded the listeners with hits from the past. They were wonderfully backed up by the Georgetown Jazz Project as they belted out notes beyond our imagination and even provided a little amateur acting. Just to shake things up further, a steel pan player was added to the music ensemble for a short while, and the current Miss Jamzone International Queen graced us with her presence.
We at Guyanalive.com deem the Jazz, Fashion and Food Festival a success, and even though the heat was at times unbearable we have no reservations in giving our recommendations of the establishment as the service, atmosphere and style offered amply compensated for this weakness; an 8 out of a possible 10 on our Guyanalive.com scale. A closing note to all Guyanese: the next time you hear of a show at the Sidewalk Café, dress lightly and go early; you will not be disappointed.
Jamzone Masters Cup Champions: Universal DVD Berbice Titans
The Guyana National Stadium, Providence came alive on Sunday August 14, 2011 as the Jamzone Masters’ Cup took place. The stands were filled to capacity (an estimated 15,000 persons) as the teams battled for a chance to make history and obtain a year’s worth of bragging rights. At 16:00 hrs local time the Hits and Jams Superstars’ opening batsmen made their way to the crease as the New Line Cavaliers assumed their fielding positions. Despite some sloppy batting work they managed to make a decent score, with major assistance from West Indies star Dwayne Bravo – who made 106 runs. That was the first century ever for this tournament and his name is now etched in the record books. The New Line Cavaliers started with a similar fire as Dwayne Smith hit the tournament’s longest six, launching it into the walkway behind the stands. Unfortunately, their attempts were futile against the bowling of the Superstars and they crumbled as the overs ran out.
From Left: Christopher Barnwell receives cheque from Hits and Jams CEO Rawle Ferguson
Whenever there was a delay in the match the music of Fusion Sound Company and dancing of the GT&T Cheerleaders definitely filled the void. The ladies’ performance was much better than Friday night’s efforts and the crowd showed their support time and time again. After a short musical segment, the Berbice Titans and the Georgetown Pitbulls made their way to centre field, as a young local group sang the first and last stanzas of the National Anthem. It was now action time! The Titans won the toss and decided to bat first, putting up a massive 151 runs. The Pitbulls could have restricted them just a bit, but their field work was mediocre at times. The Berbice team, on the other hand, showed no mercy in the field and with the ball; they were relentless, taking all catches, missing no opportunities to stop a racing ball and always making returns on target.
National Stadium
The crowd was further appeased by the presence of the Jamzone International Pageant delegates as they walked the field, interacted with the audience and spoke a little about themselves; they also gave some insight into what could be expected on August 17, 2011 at the National Cultural Centre. The Georgetown Pitbulls provided a meaningful fight, but eventually to no avail as the Titans bowled, caught and stumped the batsmen at every opportunity. The masses were divided in support for the two teams but toward the end of the finals it was clear who everyone was backing – the Berbice Titans. As the last ball of the Pitbulls’ innings was bowled the spectators jumped to their feet and roared as a Titan player caught a poor attempt at a boundary and threw the winning ball into the stands. There was some temporary chaos as patrons wrestled for the memento.
Man of the Series: Dwayne Bravo
The prize-giving ceremony was short and sweet as Sean Devers, the Jamzone Masters’ Cup PRO, gave a brief introduction and then allowed GT&T’s CEO Yog Mahadeo to deliver a speech. Mr. Mahadeo expressed his content with the tournament and said that he was pleased to be a corporate sponsor along with the government of Guyana. After the telecommunications chief said his part, Hits and Jams’ CEO Rawle Ferguson showed his gratitude by thanking all supporters, sponsors and players that helped to make the cricket event a major success. As it was award time, Dwayne Bravo copped the Man of the Series prize for his fascinating 106 runs. The Hits and Jams Superstars took the third place trophy and some other prizes; the Georgetown Pitbulls held their second place trophy and some cash and prizes, while the reigning champions Berbice Titans carried their first place trophy and G$2,000,000 cheque triumphantly around the Providence Stadium. Local leg – spinning superstar Devendra Bishoo – popped a bottle of champagne to declare the beginning of the celebrations, while the DJ informed all patrons that the after party would be poolside at the nearby Princess Hotel.
The Guyanalive.com team headed across to the luxury hotel and witnessed local and international players mingling with fans and supporters, both young and old. We were proud to be a Guyanese and prouder to witness local history. The music kept the party jumping until the wee hours of the morning, and even though most of us had to be at our desks in just a few hours we were elated at every level. Thank you Hits and Jams and thank you Guyana, we give the event a 10 out of a possible 10 – a piece of history in itself!
Has anyone ever told you that an “opportunity lost can never be regained”? They are usually right, and if you missed universal megastars Eve and Trey Songz then shame on you; just shame! It was mind-blowing, and this is from a man’s point of view; just imagine how the ladies are still feeling. The crowd was enormous, comprised primarily of ladies of course, and the atmosphere was pulsating. The Guyanalive.com team had access to almost every area and whether it was VIP or general section, the feeling was the same – excitement and monumental levels of anticipation. In the VIP and LVIP (Luxury Very Important Person) sections there were lots of drinks and food (some free) distributed by beautiful waitresses from the Shakers Cocktail Bar.
Eve
The audience was mixed with people from all walks of life – the young, the old, the straight and the gay. It was a plethora of well-dressed, well-mannered and joyous patrons. The Jamzone International Pageant delegates also graced the masses with their presence and they were warmly welcomed. We at Guyanalive.com presume that there were no serious issues because of the heavy security provided by the Guyana Police Force
Timeka Marshall
The performances were kicked off by local hip-hop star Don Gialiani, with his hype lyrics and sick dances. However, he failed to get the crowd moving enough and as such his stint was short-lived. Timeka Marshall, our very own singing sensation, did a much better job with hits like “Whining Pro” and “One More Day”. Her dancers were fantastic when they showed the audience how to do certain dances that her songs instructed. She then surprised us all by doing a collaboration with West Indies cricketer Dwayne Bravo (who substituted for Beenie Man) which was seriously not bad. However, Bravo decided that he would continue trying to entertain us all after Ms. Marshall’s performance but was quickly stopped. After a brief interlude, American Superstar Eve, known as the First Lady of the Ruff Ryders, made her way to stage and was welcomed by dropped jaws and loud cheers. She was absolutely stunning in a partially sequinned, partially see-through black bodysuit and red shoes, which made her stage presence much more appealing. She delivered tracks from the old hip-hop generation along with some new hits. Her dancers (hailing from the USA) spared us no moves as they wowed the masses with their sultry moves and attention-commanding outfits.
Dwayne BravoTrey Songz hugs a Fan
Then, it was the moment we were all waiting for. After a short awkward silence and the assembly of a live band, we were teased by an interlude from the album Passion, Pain and Pleasure before seeing the Prince of Soul and R&B making his way to the stage casually dressed in short khaki pants and a white T; from that moment, pandemonium was everywhere. Ladies screamed, hyperventilated and pulled great amounts of hair from their heads as he smiled, and sang nothing but hits. He graciously interacted with the crowds of females, teasing their very beings by taking off his shirt and vest and throwing them into the audience. He was in total control of the stage and left us all wanting more. But, before he left he chose a lucky lady from the LVIP section to come on stage and collect his vest (which he tore from his ripped body) as a token of his appreciation. She blushed and gushed while he serenaded and caressed her; he also instructed her to wear it every night when she went to bed, so that she would always think of him. Imagine the jealousy of the other female fans as they witnessed the man of their dreams embrace another woman while they wished it was them. He encouraged all committed females to remain in their relationships if they were happy but enticed all single ladies to join him in his hotel room after the show. Of course, all females wanted to take him up on his offer.
Don Gialiani
Even though we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves at the show we must interject our constructive criticisms of the evening’s events. First of all, if the LVIP experience just means free food and drinks for $30,000 and excludes any mingling with the performing artistes, then why do it at all? Many complained that they felt robbed because they could’ve paid the regular cost or the cost for VIP ($20,000) and had just as much fun. Maybe the Hits and Jams team can amend this for the Regional Night. When we at Guyanalive.com thought about it, there was not much memorabilia to receive nor were there photo ops for artistes with fans. Then, and most importantly, some media houses were given the shorter straws when it came to access. For instance, the Guyanalive.com team had VIP Media Passes only and as such they were restricted from entering the LVIP section. Some other media houses had All Access Passes and were even allowed backstage; that strikes us as slightly unfair and we would love to hear the explanation behind such a decision. All in all though, it was a great show and we give it an 8 out of a possible 10 on the Guyanalive.com scale. We have just one closing question: How will Hits and Jams top this?!
It was excitement and high levels of anticipation at the Guyana National Stadium, Providence, when the Jamzone Masters’ Cup Semi-finals began on Friday August 12, 2011. The Georgetown Pitbulls squared off with the New Line Cavaliers in the first match, where the Pitbulls fought their way to a win by eight wickets with the help of international cricket stars like Sulieman Benn and Jerome Taylor. The second match was more nail biting, when the Berbice Titans narrowly escaped the potential defeating claws of the Hits and Jams Superstars. The latter team included mega stars like Chris Gayle and Dwayne Bravo but their skill was evidently no match for talented locals, Royston Crandon and Devendra Bishoo.
Gizmos and Gadgets Gerogetown Pitbulls
The stadium was filled almost to capacity when the second match was in progress and large groups of supporters for both teams could be heard from quite some distance away. There were GT&T Cheerleaders who entertained us throughout the tournament, but they seemed extremely out of sync at times. Nevertheless, the atmosphere was very competitive and jubilant.
GTT Cheerleaders
The finals of the Jamzone Masters’ Cup are expected to be played on August 14, 2011 with two stimulating matches. The Georgetown Pitbulls and Berbice Titans will face each other for the big victory and spoils that accompany that victory, while the New Line Cavaliers will play against the Hits and Jams Superstars for third place. It is not to be missed!
The Hikers Hockey Club’s annual Junior Hockey Summer programme is scheduled to commence on Monday August 15th at the St. Stanislaus College Forum. The programme will cater to children from the ages of 6 to 16 years old, and will be conducted daily at the school’s forum from 9:00AM to 1:00PM.
Chantelle FernandesJamarj Assanah and Travon Younge
England-based, national women’s team captain Chantelle Fernandes will co-ordinate the two week programme, with some assistance from Cuban-based former national player Latoya Fordyce and Hikers junior coaches Jamarj Assanah, Travon Younge, Renee James and Macaela Harding.
This will be the fourth year that Hikers have conducted this summer holiday camp for beginners, and several of the graduates of previous camps have already begun to break into the National Junior and Senior squads.
The classes are free of charge and all interested persons are invited to attend.
18 year old Latisha Greene recently completed her Associates Degree in Accounting from the Antigua State College Business Department in June. Being an athlete, actor, dancer, artist and leader, she also hopes to attain her life’s dream of becoming an Events Coordinator.
Blessed with natural beauty, undeniable intellect and a somewhat optimistic persona, she is determined to use all these traits in hopes of claiming the Miss Jamzone crown and if successful she intends to take full advantage of the opportunity by being a great ambassador especially to those who may look for support or leadership.
Latisha is the reigning Miss Antigua Queen of Carnival and also participated in the recently held Miss Jaycees Caribbean Queen Show contest.
This beautiful, vivacious Latino is energized and primed to put her talents to work as she competes against ten exotic beauties from around the Caribbean.
20 year old Kenlly Aranguren has been participating in pageants since age four and currently holds the titles of Miss Venezuela Caribbean (2010) and Miss International 2011.
Kenlly is currently pursuing a Degree in General Administration at the University Of Venezuela (UBV) and spends her leisure time as a volunteer assisting orphaned children.
18 year old Rhea Cummings has had a love for Visual Arts as long as she can remember. After winning multiple awards and merits for her outstanding artistic capabilities, her passion gravitated towards fashion designing when she was introduced to Creative Embroidery in high school. Cummings went on to write Art for CXC claiming grades 1 & 2 in Arts and Textiles and is currently pursuing her Associates Degree in Fashion Design at the Barbados Community College.
There is absolutely no stopping this confident Bajan beauty who also lists creative writing and modeling as her hobbies. Cummings is a lover of nature and most importantly a proud citizen of Barbados, which she describes as one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Rhea along with nine other delegates from all around the Caribbean will be heading to Guyana in a week’s time to compete in the 2nd Miss Jamzone International 2011 pageant for the coveted crown and USD$10,000.
The isle of Jamaica is known for its lush white beaches, prolific music industry and of course, beautiful, exceptional women. This year, Jamaica presents another academic beauty with a drive for excellence and a smashing portfolio who is hoping to claim the crown for the ‘Land of Reggae’ once more.
23-year old Deandra Doyley is elated to represent her country at the 2nd Miss Jamzone International Pageant and even more excited to visit Guyana, sample our cuisine and our famed hospitality. The US-based Deandra, a current Fitness Attendant at the Parkland Golf and Country Club boasts a successful career in Track and Field, which saw her receiving a full Athletic Scholarship to the University of Miami where she recently graduated with a major in Physiology and a Biology minor.Deandra characterizes herself as an open-minded, honest and out-spoken individual and lists shopping, jet skiing, biking riding and basically any outdoors activity as her hobbies.
Last year, Deandra finished as a top ten finalist in the Miss Jamaica World pageant and has since added several print and commercial appearances to her portfolio including several features in the famous Hype hair magazine and a cameo in Renowned rapper Lil Wayne’s ‘6 foot 7 foot’ music video.
As a fitness enthusiast, Deandra hopes to one day manage her own ‘Health and Wellness’ center in the USA, with special emphasis on reducing child obesity since this is a rampant issue in that territory.
