Proclaimed as ‘one of the most commercially and critically successful contemporary reggae artists’, well-known for his above-average prolificacy, Jamaican Reggae Megastar, Sizzla Kalonji, will be heading to Guyana this Sunday August 7th, for the GT&T Fastball Tournament finals and Mega Concert.
Sizzla Kalonji will be replacing Jamaican Reggae Star, Taurus Riley who was initially booked, however due to commitments, was unable to perform on the date aforementioned. Rising Dancehall star, Jory, who is without a doubt one of the most promising local artistes, reaping rave reviews for consistently producing constant chart-toppers, promises to bring the crowd to a ‘glass-shattering’ pitch. The renowned Mingles Sound Machine Band and Fusion International will also be present to provide added entertainment.
The inaugural Fastball showdown comes to an end this Sunday with the semi-finals which leads straight into the finals, to determine the winners who will walk away with six million dollars in cash and various prizes. Patrons can also tap into the action by simply wearing blue jerseys for a chance to win millions in GT&T mobile credit. Tickets are available at Ashmins Trading and all GT&T outlets.
Goalkeeper: Alysa is one of the most gifted players on the team and is a player with great potential. Having had success at several sport disciplines, and possessing the ability to play with equal effectiveness in or out of the goal, the team will benefit greatly in having her between the bars where she chose to make her career.
Amanda Garnett
Striker: Amanda is the life of the team. She is a natural ballplayer who works hard every time out. Amanda possesses good speed and control which makes her one of the team’s top strikers.
Ashley DeGroot
Striker: Ashley is a relative newcomer who is making her debut in Rio. What she lacks in experience, Ashley makes up for with an astute game sense of where her teammates are. A player with lots of potential, Ashley is likely to develop into one of the best passers in the game. Her role in the team however currently remains creating goal scoring opportunities on the front line.
Avonda James
Striker: Avonda is one of the fastest and most dedicated players on the team. Her pace gives her the unique opportunity of beating her marker to the vital scoring spot to score or set up a teammate. She works hard on defence also, a rare quality in a striker.
Chantelle Fernandes
Striker: Chantelle has been made captain of the team this year as she remains one of the more influential players who enjoys a good rapport with the entire team. She is one of the more exposed players having played for a few years abroad and with her good stick work, it shows in her game. While Chantelle was the central midfield figure on the team last year, she has been moved into the forward line in the hope of producing more goals which has been one of the team’s shortcomings in the past.
Dominique DeGroot
Striker: Dominique is a busy player who sticks to her assigned task. She is a graduate from the junior indoor ranks who is making a name and permanent place for herself on the senior side. She is strong on the ball and can also play some minutes in the midfield.
Gabriella Xavier
Midfield: Gabriella has developed into a strong attacking force with her ability to control the ball at pace. She is a tireless worker and will contribute at both ends of the pitch. Gabriella also plays on the forward line in addition to her critical attacking midfield position.
Jonelle Webster
Goalkeeper: Coming from a football background, Jonelle is a natural athlete with good leg coordination. She is relatively new to the game but is a fast learner who has finally managed to break into the team in this, her debut tournament.
Kerensa Fernandes
Striker: Kerensa has been the country’s most prolific scorer over the past few years both internationally and in the local league. Possessing a natural swing with great timing, she is also the penalty corner striker of the team. A lot of the team’s offense will ride on her shoulders.
Leigh Sandison
Center Midfield: Easily the most experienced player in the side, Leigh has played all of her hockey overseas. She is clearly one of the strongest players and, apart from her contribution with the ball, Leigh will play a critical role in directing the team from her central area.
Maria Munroe
Right midfield: With the heart of a warrior, much is expected of Maria Munroe in the competition. She is a genuine leader who is strong on the ball and is sure to play a major role in the team’s attack. Maria missed the 2010 competition to have her baby girl but is back and already in good physical condition to resume her role in midfield.
Marisha Rodrigues
Left midfield: Although Marisha has always been one of the more talented ballplayers on the side, this could possibly be one of her strongest tournaments as she has made a significant effort to improve her match fitness. An intelligent player who is quick to improvise, she will play a vital midfield role during the competition.
Marzana Fiedtkou
Left Back: Despite being the youngest player on the side, Marzana is already a permanent starter and has established herself as one of the team’s most reliable players. A good defender with strong possession skills Marzana is one of the more technically correct players in the side, having learned the game from a young age and has a bright future ahead.
Talia Fiedtkou
Full Back: Having made a good name for herself on the indoor version of the game, Talia has improved her game and finally made the breakthrough into the national side. She is a strong defender who plays a tough brand of hockey. Talia possesses a powerful push and hit which enables her to generate a counterattack from difficult situations.
Tiffany Solomon
Full back: Tiffany brings maturity and strength to the central defence. She is a powerful and intelligent player who rises to the occasion on the international stage. Tiffany will be assigned the tough marking responsibilities in the central defence area.
Trisha Woodroffe
Right back: Although being used on the right side, Trisha Woodroffe is a solid defender who possesses good reverse skills. A smooth striker of the ball with good possession skills she is a well balanced player who can also lend support to the midfield whenever the need arises.
Ulrica Sutherland
Full Back: Ulrica is one of the most valuable players on the team and is the fastest defender in the side. After beginning her career on the forward line, she has now been moved to the defence to capitalize on her fearless and determined attitude which makes her the player with the most match time of the team.
Vashema Bourne
Wing back: With her lengthy stride, Vashema is deceptively quick and has a good sense of timing for the attack. A dedicated player who is dependable to get back and disrupt the opposing attacks, Vashema’s speed and conditioning will play a major role in the competition.
With the need to improve on its goal difference and chances to make the final of the Pan American Hockey Federation (PAHF) Cup, Guyana faced off against Bermuda today (August 3rd) in their third match of the PAHF Challenge. From the outset Guyana pressed the game into the Bermudan half and signalled their intent to score but Bermuda’s tough defence held of the initial challenge as their team struggled to string together counterattacks against the heavy pressure. Guyana however would gain a penalty stroke in the 13th minute as desperation set in for Bermuda who resorted to fouling striker Kerensa Fernandes before she could complete her shot at goal. Captain Chantelle Fernandes made good on the stroke giving Guyana the 1-0 lead. Dominique DeGroot would make it 2-0 eight minutes later by slotting home a rebound off the goalkeeper and was fouled herself just one minute later securing a second penalty stroke for Guyana. Marzana Fiedtkou scored the penalty to give Guyana the 3-0 lead at the half.
Chantelle Diving
Bermuda came out stronger in the second half and seemed determined to reduce the margin but Alysa Xavier in goal for Guyana matched every attempt as did Guyana’s sweeper Ulrica Sutherland. Captain Chantelle Fernandes would move her team to 4 ahead just five minutes into the second half with a diving finish registering her second of the match and Gabriella Xavier added another from the narrowest of angles 2 minutes later. Bermuda enjoyed a reprieve as the game stretched for 25 minutes before Guyana would complete their tally of 6 as midfielder Leigh Sandison was first onto a rebounded shot for the tap in.
Dominique Degroot
Coach of the Guyana side, Philip Fernandes, indicated that the team needed to score as many goals as possible in the match as goal average may play an important role since Guyana drew with Brazil. Fernandes said that their strategy for the match was designed to be very attacking with this specific objective in mind.
Guyana now leads the pool after the third day of competition with 7 points followed by pre-tournament favourites Uruguay on 6, Brazil on 4 and Paraguay and Bermuda remaining on 0. Guyana now enjoys two rest days before their next match against Uruguay on Saturday, August 6th at 12:00hrs. Meanwhile, tomorrow (Thursday 4th) will see Bermuda face Paraguay at 10:00hrs and the key matchup of hosts Brazil against Uruguay at 12:00hrs.
Jamzone Master Cup launching Jamzone Master’s Cup officially launched. POPULAR entertainment organizers Hits and Jams Entertainment has added a new flair to this year’s Jamzone summer break festival the 11th of its kind, when they launched their Hits and Jams Master’s Cup Twenty20 Festival at the Ministry of Sports, Youth and Culture Wednesday afternoon. MCYS’ Minister Dr Frank Anthony, Permanent Secretary Alfred King, Jamzone Master’s Cup Public Relation Officer (PRO) Sean Devers, Hits and Jams Entertainment’s Rawle Ferguson, popular designer Trevor Rose and members from the competing teams were present at the launching of the two day festival which will be held on 12 and 14 August at the Guyana National Stadium. In his brief remarks, Dr. Anthony said the Government was pleased to be associated with Jamzone because of the high quality of Entertainment they provided and added that it was a good initiative to include T20 cricket as they sought another market using sports. “The excitement of T20 cricket is well known and the names involved in the Master’s Cup should add to the value to this year’s Jamzone activities and help to increase the number of people coming here for the events as the whole county benefits through sports tourism,” Dr Anthony said. He challenged Hits and Jams Entertainment not to stop at cricket but to incorporate more sports in their future events. “You could include other shot sports and maybe have beach volleyball during the segments of events at the Splashmin’s Resort. Our Ministry is working with the Hits and Jams team to ensure a successful cricket tournament and they have our full support” said Dr. Anthony.
Chris Gayle - source (ecricketlivestream.blogspot.com)
Devers informed that some of the biggest names in Regional T20 cricket will collide in what is anticipated to be a pulsating inaugural Jamzone Master Cup T20 cricket competition. “A capacity crowd of over 15,000 is expected on both days of action which will see matches commencing at 1700hrs and 2100hrs respectively while gates will be opened from 1500hrs each day. The winner of the grand final on Sunday 14 August will take home US$10,000 (G$2 Million), while over US15,000 ($3 million) in prize money will be up for grabs,” Devers said. Devers informed that since Hits and Jams Entertainment always strive to have the best talent and expertise, Guyana’s top Umpire Nigel Duguid has already been identified to stand in the final. Leading local umpires Colin Alfred, Shannon Crawford, Davteerth Anandjit and Eddie Nicholas have also been shortlisted to officiate in the mega event which will have players from Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and Barbados rubbing shoulders with their Guyanese counterparts. Ferguson said cricket was included to create a family event and attract even more people to this year’s activities and said that Chris Gayle, who will be representing the Jamzone Super Stars team, has already sent a warning to the bowlers in the competition. “We have received great assistance from the Government as we continue to work hard to provide quality entertainment, promote tourism and a positive image of Guyana to the rest of the world,” Ferguson added.
Kieron Pollard - source (connect.in.com)
Defending Guyana T20 champions Universal DVD Club Berbice Titans, Georgetown Pitbulls, New Line Cavaliers and the Hits and Jams Super Stars lineup will do battle for the whopping first prize that is up for grabs in the event. Each team can use up to four guest players and the pugnacious Gayle along with fellow Jamaicans Danza Hyatt and Andre Russell and T&T’s Dwayne Bravo are the overseas players in the Hits and Jams Super Stars side which will be led by former national T20 wicketkeeper Tyrell Tull with Leon Johnson as his deputy. T&T’s T20 star batsman Keiron Pollard, Jamaican fast bowlers Jerome Taylor and Krishmar Santokie along with T&T’s Navin Stuart are in the Georgetown side which will be led by former West Indies skipper Ramnaresh Sarwan who will have Christopher Barnwell as his deputy.
Dwayne Bravo - source (apunkadesi.blogspot.com)
Like they did last year, Universal DVD Club Berbice Titans will be banking on their home grown talent which includes West Indies spinner Devendra Bishoo and discarded test players Narsingh Deonarine and Sewnarine Chattergoon along with Regional T20 sensation Jonathon Foo. The New Line Cavaliers unit, which was once a formidable foe in local; T20 cricket, will include former West Indies leg-spinner Mahendra Nagamootoo and the Barbados pair of Fidel Edwards and Dwayne Smith along with T&T players Denesh Ramdin and Lendl Simmons. Tickets for the mega event cost $1,000 for the first night and $1,500 for the second night and should go on sale by weekend, while the crowd on hand will have some form of entertainment during the intervals of all matches.Live radio and television coverage should be provided by the National Communications Network and Devers explained that Regional Radio Broadcasters Line and Length and Regional TV Channel Sportsmax have signaled their interest in providing coverage of the matches.
Guyana came from behind for the second time in as many matches in the Pan-American Hockey Federation (PAHF) Challenge to draw with hosts Brazil on one goal apiece. After a 2-1 victory against Paraguay in their opening encounter, the John Deere sponsored Guyanese would have to settle for a hard-fought draw with the hosts who routed Bermuda by 3-0 in their opening match. Brazil began the match looking purposeful and enjoyed the lion’s share of possession in the opening minutes, but Guyana settled and changed the momentum of the game as the half wore on. With Guyana seemingly enjoying the better run, it was Brazil who would score first in the 28th minute. A well executed penalty corner by Brazil saw their lead midfielder Patricia Boos deflecting the ball into the net after it had crossed the goal too far ahead of Alysa Xavier in goal.
Guyana would hold their nerve and make several good runs to threaten the Brazil goal and their efforts paid off in the final minute of the half when Trisha Woodroffe was first onto the rebound from a penalty corner shot. Woodroffe settled the ball in a split second and flicked it powerfully high in the net and over the diving Brazilian goalkeeper for the equalizer.
Guyana Female Hockey Team
The second half would see end-to-end action with chances for both sides but as the game entered the closing minutes it was Brazil who seemed to gain the edge and pressed into the Guyana half for the win. Fine defending from Guyana sweeper, Ulrica Sutherland and goalkeeping from Alysa Xavier however shut out the Brazilians leaving the game drawn at full time. Coach of the Guyana team, Philip Fernandes, expressed satisfaction at his team’s performance indicating that the last time the two teams met, which was in 2005, Guyana lost 0-5. Fernandes indicated that inexperience caused his team to lose focus and structure in the dying minutes and that they would need to improve in that area.
Guyana and Brazil are now tied on top of the pool with 4 points each from two matches followed by Uruguay with 3 points from one match while Paraguay and Bermuda are yet to secure points. Matches continue today (August 3rd) with Uruguay taking on Paraguay at 10:00hrs and Guyana facing Bermuda at 12:00hrs.
I’m not sure the 44th Annual Formally, Caribana Parade, now renamed the Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival 2011, was something to brag about this year. Although it had its usual hype and vitality the stress of getting there and obtaining a proper view of the festivities was more than difficult. If you didn’t arrive early then be prepared to have to park and walk a significant distance away from the parade. Subway and the street car was the best option although at one location a street car did get into an accident and access to another one was nearly impossible so taxi cabs were the way to go.
There were some unnecessary block offs along the parade which resolved in long walks around, I must have walked for about 45 minutes before I finally arrived at a decent spot with a decent view. Another disappointment was the disorganization from some floats. Some mass players waited a long time before they finally got their costumes, and were not even informed on how to assemble it. But the biggest disappoint this year was the news of the shooting that occurred after the parade. It’s a shame to have such a tragic incident happen at such a joyous event that is supposed to represent unity and celebration among the West Indian Culture.
Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Parade: Revellers
They came from East and West, they came from North and South, They Came from Trinidad, Guyana, Jamaica, Barbados, St. Lucia – De Entire Caribbean, North America, South America, Europe, Asia. I Believe Destra Garcia said it best, “It’s All about Unity, Togetherness, Carnival time we love de jamin’ all o we, collectively, in de bacchanal time to start de fete”.
The costumes this year were just as crazy as ever, it was great to see people pushing their creativity and creating something different and new. The girls did not disappoint either with less than barely there outfits, I don’t think at any other part of the year you see as much skin as you do at Caribana and there is no complaining on that. I can say the best part of the parade this year was …. The alcohol, a nice cold beer on this day was a great compensation. As for the food there were too many hot dog stands and not enough “food” stands available all along the parade.
Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Parade: Guyanese, Grenadian, St. Lucian
Although barricades go up every year people still find a way to jump the fence, or break it open, which causes the crazy stampede of people, so if you’re going there to relax, go early find a spot under the shade and enjoy as the parade passes by. If you plan on participating and playing Mass I suggest you do your research and find a float that knows what they’re doing and that you’re comfortable with. I’m sure next year will have the same and plus some more disappointments but at the end of the day we all look forward to meeting up with friends, family and for a great show and Caribana will never disappoint on that.
Last Friday Night, the Byron Lee’s Dragonaires Boat Cruise, fourth year running was a huge success. Unless we count the detour from the original location or the hour delay before we finally sailed off, but that didn’t seem to bother most of the eager patrons from starting the festivities on the Empress of Canada’s three Decker. Once on Lake Ontario the party went into full gear. If you were lucky enough or forceful enough you might have made it to the top deck where the live band was performing, and well since I grew up in NYC I made it no problem. There wasn’t much stage space so we were pretty much at fingers length away from the band which gave us some great up close and personal pictures, so make sure you check those out!!!!
The second deck was the place to be when the band wasn’t performing and the DJ was killing ’em with the beats. There were a lot more “mature” adults on this cruise than young people but you would not be able to tell from the dance moves that were surfacing, at one point the band was performing a song about salt fish and every “mature” adult knew the words and everyone else’s face was priceless, including the few white people that were there. I was preparing myself to pay an arm and a leg for some food on this cruise even though I think it should have been free since $50 admission was required. I wanted to know what I was paying for if food and drinks wasn’t included? However, for $5 bucks I got a huge BBQ jerk chicken burger which I didn’t even finish, so with my belly full and my feet itching to dance I headed up to see Jumo, Lima, and Oscar B perform.
Living Legends Boat Ride: Having Fun
I can safely say that everyone on that boat, Black, White, Guyanese, Trini, Jamaican, old and young enjoyed themselves, due mostly to the amazing talent of Jumo, Mr. Rubber Waist himself. He went from singing Night Shift and One more Night, to the crowd dancing the twist and mash potato, then took it back in the days to the Tati and the Butterfly and then somehow Jail House Rock, and the crowd loved every minute of it. There was a lot of audience participation and one lucky guy got to wine up on the sexy Lima. By the end of the cruise no one seemed to notice the time of 2 a.m. since everyone was busy Palancing and I was busy rubbing my toe from the big lady next to me who Palanced right onto my feet, talk about a dangerous dance and then when the boat started to sway and tilt I thought I would be writing another article about Palancing ‘The dance move that sunk a boat”.
Living Legends Boat Ride: Byron Lee's Dragonaires
With a band being around for over 50 years I was expecting to just jam to some oldies all night but I was surprised at the range in variety of music played. After chatting up with long time member Mr. Neville Hendes, I got a crash course in the legend that is Byron Lee and the Dragonaires, learning that the name came from Byron Lee’s school at St. Johns. Their Mascot being a dragon and linking that with the musical term Aires he formed Byron Lee’s Dragonaires, and having had about 200 members over the years, I can see why their called Living Legends, their musical legacy is filled with the rich Guyanese and West Indian culture and I hope they never stop cruising. I was thoroughly entertained being taken on a literal and figurative, musical voyage.
A diving finish by right wing Amanda Garnett sent the Guyana ladies into wild celebration as the goal signaled their first lead in a game that saw them drop behind from the outset. The Guyanese ladies played the second match of the opening day as the PAHF Challenge began on July 31st in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Despite a good start, Guyana conceded in just the third minute to Maria Servian Giosa of Paraguay when Guyanese left back, Marzana Fiedtkou, lost her footing and the ball deep in the Guyana half. Paraguay made good on their counter-attack and were up by one goal in just the third minute of the match. Guyana controlled most of the possession for the rest of the half and forced the game into the Paraguayan half but a number of corners and run-of-play chances were squandered as the Guyanese, in their golden Dixie Lee gear, tried to settle their nerves and the pressure of being down.
The second half would see an improved performance by the Guyanese who earned their 7th penalty corner of the match and first of the second half in the 61st minute. Striker Kerensa Fernandes, who was unfortunately on the substitutes’ bench during the penalty corners of the first half, blasted home a rocket of a shot past the Paraguayan goalkeeper to draw her team even. Fernandes would have a golden opportunity to put her side ahead when she intercepted an errant Paraguayan pass in defense but found the sliding goalkeeper with her hurried shot.
Gabriella Xavier, who had been enjoying a productive game in midfield received the ball from the right and made a long through pass to the Fernandes high on the left wing. Fernandes, noticing the Paraguayan defenders being caught out, threaded her pass across the face of goal to find the sliding right wing Amanda Garnett for the winner in the 60th minute. Although Paraguay would threaten through a few long counterattacking runs, the Guyanese looked firmly in control of the match and maintained their lead for the rest of time.
Earlier in the day, hosts Brazil made light work of Bermuda with a 3-0 victory after gaining a 1 goals lead at the very end of the first half. Favourites, Uruguay, take the pitch for the first time on Monday August 1st against Bermuda at 10:00 while Guyana faces Brazil at 12:00 in the following match.
Hikers Hockey Club junior players Jamarj Assanah and Travon Younge have been creating quite a stir in Trinidad over the past two weeks, where they have been competing for the Queen’s Park Hockey Team in under 19 and Trinity leagues. In their first under 19 match against Petrotrin, Queen’s Park playing without a goal keeper and two players short, went down 4-8. However Assanah announced his arrival in that game by scoring a hat trick for his adopted team in their loosing effort. Their second match took place in the Trinity league where Assanah was once again on the scoring sheet along with fellow Guyanese Jerazeno Bell, as the pair scored their team’s only goals in their 2-0 defeat of Notre Dame. On Wednesday evening Queen’s Park overwhelmed Fatima 8-1 in the Trinity league, with Bell, Assanah and Younge all contributing one goal each.
From all accounts the young pair have been performing exceedingly well, with Younge producing solid performances in his mostly defensive roles, while Assanah has been reeking havoc on opposing defenses with his silky smooth stick work from his attacking midfield possitions. The two players are expected play several other matches for Queen’s Park before returning to Guyana on August 8th.
