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Jamzone Master’s Cup 2011

Ramnaresh Sarwan
Ramnaresh Sarwan - source (tvchaska.net)

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
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
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.

By – Sean Devers

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Guyana draws 1-1 with host Brazil in PAHF Challenge

Trisha Woodroffe
Trisha Woodroffe

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
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.

By Philip Fernandes

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Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Grand Parade 2011

Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Parade: Reveller
Scotiabank Caribbean Carnival Parade: Reveller

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
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
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.

By – Luanna Pedro

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Living Legends Boat Ride: Featuring Byron Lee’s Dragonaires

Empress of Canada
Empress of Canada

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
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”.

Byron Lee's Dragonaires
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.

By – Luanna Pedro

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PAHF Pan American Challenge: Hockey ladies open with 2-1 victory over Paraguay in PAHF Challenge

Team Guyana
Team Guyana

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.

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Hikers Hockey: Hikers Juniors Excel in Trinidad Leagues

Trevon Younge, Jamarj Assanah
From Left: Trevon Younge, Jamarj Assanah

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.

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Miss Guyana World 2011: Delegate #1 Arti Cameron

Miss Guyana World Delegate #1: Arti Cameron

Platform: Empowering Abused Women

Biography: Arti Cameron is a highly motivated 22 year old with a passion for life. She is currently pursuing a career in medicine. Towards that end she has recently completed her Bachelor’s Degree in Arts and Sciences (majoring in Biology and minoring in Chemistry). Arti’s interest in medicine was sparked when she was nine years old after meeting her future role model and stepmother who was about to begin her medical studies at the University of the West Indies. This curiosity in medicine heightened significantly when Arti suffered severe asthmatic attacks and was admitted to the Savanna-La-Mar General Hospital in western Jamaica. She wanted to understand the nature of her illness. Arti also sought to find out why the other children on the ward were admitted and what was being done to help them recover. Since this period of ospitalization, Arti has experienced an unwavering interest in the field of medicine–an experience that motivated her to work hard throughout primary and secondary school in pursuit of her childhood dream of becoming a medical doctor. Having just completed a degree in biology as a pre-med student, she is currently preparing to take the Medical College Admission Test (MCAT), a requirement for admission to medical school in the United States.

So far, Arti Angelita Cameron has lived in three countries–Guyana, Jamaica, and the United States– and considers herself a world citizen. She was born in Georgetown, Guyana, and attended Starters Nursery School and Sacred Heart Primary School prior to migrating to Jamaica in 1995 where she lived for about five years. Once in Jamaica, she attended the Savanna-La-Mar Primary School and began assimilating into the vibrant Jamaican culture. She quickly joined the school’s prestigious marching band as part of the cheer leading squad that was the flare and pride of her school, and she was part of that school’s dance group that won a prominent parish-level dance competition. While in Jamaica, she formed life-long bonds with many people and will always consider Jamaica her second home. In addition, Arti was given the opportunity to form many additional life-long friendships when she returned to Guyana in August, 1999, and re-enrolled at her old school–Sacred Heart Primary. There she prepared for the Common Entrance Exam and moved on to St. Joseph High School in 2000. Her myriad extra-curricular activities at St. Joseph High served to enrich her academic life and she represented this school in many ways: she played netball, participated in Mashramani dance competitions, was chosen to be the first speaker on the school’s debating team, was elected president of the environmental student group- The Green Team, won the 2003 Miss St. Joseph High School pageant (Junior Queen), modeled at school events, and passed nine subjects at the CXC O’level exams in one sitting. Arti then moved on to Queens College just prior to migrating to the United States in December, 2005.
Continue reading “Miss Guyana World 2011: Delegate #1 Arti Cameron”

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Miss Guyana World: Delegate #2 Soyini Fraser

Soyini Fraser
Miss Guyana World Delegate #2 - Soyini Fraser

Platform: Empowering Guyanese Women through Spirituality

Biography: Enthusiastic, daring, determined, ingenious and radiant, this is me, Soyini Asanti Fraser. I was born under the Zodiac sign of Taurus on the 8th May, 1990 to Lynden and Deborah Fraser, in the “Garden City,” Georgetown in the beautiful country of Guyana, land of many waters. Over the years I have grown into a spirited dancer, an aspiring Christian Child-Psychologist, role model, a true Guyanese!

My formal education began at the Mae’s Under 12 School, and when I was promoted I continued my education at the West Ruimvelt Primary School where I undertook the Secondary School Entrance Examination and placed among the top one percent (1%) of students who wrote this examination, gaining a place at Queen’s College, the leading Secondary School in Guyana. Throughout my school life both in Primary and Secondary School, I have been a member of every school’s athletic committee. During my six (6) years at Queen’s College I enjoyed a full and healthy School life. I have been an active athlete, in both track and field events where I have gained several titles for myself and Pilgrim House to which I belonged, a member of the school’s Steel Pan Orchestra from First to Sixth Form, a Sub- Prefect in Fourth Form being one of the persons responsible for the second form level of the school, among many other duties while still keeping my academic life in check. In an endeavour to continue and broaden my scope of academic enhancement and elevation I am currently in my fourth and final year at the Life Christian University here in Guyana reading for a bachelor’s degree in the area of Theology. Upon the conclusion of this Degree Programme I plan to continue the journey of academic pursuit by studying Christian Psychology. This will bring me one step closer to accomplishing my Career objective of becoming a Christian Child-Psychologist. Continue reading “Miss Guyana World: Delegate #2 Soyini Fraser”

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Miss Guyana World: Delegate #3 Ruquayyah Boyer

Ruquayyah Boyer
Miss Guyana World Delegate #3 Ruquayyah Boyer

Platform: Breaking Barriers: The journey from homemakers to CEO

Biography: Twenty one year old Ruqayyah Boyer is an amalgam of international identities – born in Suriname to a Guyanese mother and a Surinamese father, she spent her first two years in the Dutch-speaking South American country before moving to Canada where she spent the next five years. Later on, Ruqayyah moved to her mother’s home country of Guyana here she has resided to this day.

This early experience as well as her dual heritage became the foundation for not only her bilingual abilities (Dutch/English) but a passion for global affairs. A second year International Relations student at the University of Guyana whose goal is a career in political sciences and law, preferably within the United Nations framework. Prior to this, this young Ambassador would have completed her two years of sixth form at the St. Stanislaus College, where she was a part of many extra curricular activities some of which included, Volunteering at the National Library, embarking on group activities through the Rotaract Club and also working her passion in the entertaining Arts.

In addition to her educational endeavours, Ruqayyah has had a stellar launch into the world of fashion and pageantry, Firstly partaking in the Miss Guyana talented teen pageant, going on to represent the land of many waters at the Miss Teen Universal and the returning with the experience of a lifetime and handily winning the Miss Linden Town Week 2010 – copping trophies for Best Talent, Evening Gown, Body Beautiful and Intelligence – before receiving top billing in fashion events like Guyana Fashion Week 2010, Roger Gary Fashion Show which was a part of the Miss Guyana Earth Pageant and also making an appearance in magazines such as Profiles 98 Edition and De Pulse which is yet to be released this year. Continue reading “Miss Guyana World: Delegate #3 Ruquayyah Boyer”

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Miss Guyana World: Delegate #5 Utieka John

Utieka John
Miss Guyana World Delegate #5 Utieka John

Platform: Women and education

Biography: Life is full of surprises and everything happens for a reason; whether good or bad. For every bad thing, expect something good and for every good thing, expect something GREAT! This motto supports my philosophy of life.

Born on the 18th of May, 1991 to Nicole Williams and Llewellyn John this Taurus Gem has grown to become a beautiful, confident, vibrant, energetic and self determined individual who finds comfort in helping young children and motivating others to achieve their goals. I possess a strong determination to distinguish myself from the ordinary and become a catalyst for change.

My formal education began at the Head Start Nursery School, then to Sacred Heart Primary School where I gained a position at Saint Joseph High School after writing the Secondary School Entrance Examination. After completing CSEC and graduating with distinction I attended the Bishops’ High School where I gained my Caribbean Advanced Proficiency Diploma. I am currently pursuing studies at the University of Guyana in History. This move takes me one step closer to fulfilling my desires making my life -long dream a reality. My dream and aspiration is to become an Attorney-at-Law in an effort to help to rid the world of injustice.

Apart from being an optimist and bursting at the seams with the love of life, I marvel in the joy of meeting and interacting with new persons and if chosen to represent Guyana would value the privilege of being able to see the world through different cultures. I possess an innate love for singing, dancing, modeling, meeting interesting people, reading romance novels, listening to music and hanging out with my friends. I try my best to be involved in community activities and enjoy helping my peers! My involvement in community activities has placed me among other individuals who believe in the greater good of seeing others excel. Continue reading “Miss Guyana World: Delegate #5 Utieka John”