Sonia Noel for Caribbean Fashion Ambassador Award from USVI

Sonia Noel
Sonia Noel

Guyana Fashion Weekend is less that a month away and designer Sonia Noel excitement is evident. This Caribbean fashion designer has even more reason to be excited because she will be receiving a Caribbean Fashion Ambassador Award from USVI Fashion Weekend. This two(2) days glamorous event will be on the 8th and 9th of October at the prestigious Frenchmen’s Reef Resort on the beautiful St Thomas USVI. Noel was describe by the CEO of USVI Fashion Week Henry Marshram as a phenomenal woman and an inspiration to many including himself. The launch was held in New York on July 29th, and the CEO of GFW Fashion was given the opportunity to tell the audience about Guyana Fashion Weekend(GFW) and Guyana.

“To be acknowledged out of my country for my contribution not only to the fashion industry in Guyana is an amazing feeling and it propels me to do even more in the future because I know we in the Caribbean have something special to offer the world in fashion”

A small contingent of models and designers from GFW will be joining her on the catwalk to promote the tremendous talent we possessed her with in Guyana. Most promising designers of GFW 2008 “Marcia De Santos”, most promising designer of 2010 “Nelsion Nurse”, Winners of 2010 Model Search “Steven Bagot”, Alana Pheonix and designer “Paul Burnett” will be the GFW team in USVI.

‘I am so excited to have the contingent from Guyana to the Virgin Islands for this years fashion week “Caribbean Catwalk” and we welcome them. This is what I want to see more of as it is my goal to help and promote the free movement of fashion professional in the region to promote their line and to network and build a bridge so we all can cross and unite as one in the fashion industry. I believe that designers, models, stylist and other fashion industry professionals are talented and have a lot to show to the world. This year Virgin Islands Fashion Week(VIFW) will be presenting two awards, and as the Founder/CEO of VIFW I have been involved in fashion for more than ten years and also following what’s happening in the industry in the Caribbean. I am please to announce that the “Caribbean Fashion Ambassador” award will be presented to Ms. Sonia E Noel of Guyana for her outstanding work and contribution in the Caribbean and particularly the US Virgin Islands in the area of fashion.

This is a well deserving award and on behalf of the the people of the US Virgin Islands I congratulate Sonia Noel and we look forward to having you this year to bestow this honour upon you. The award will be presented by the Governor of the US Virgin Islands Mr. J.P De Joung at the opening of the 2nd showing of the Caribbean Catwalk on Sunday October 9th at the host hotel Marriott Frenchmans Reef Resort.

Sonia Noel is the 1st Caribbean designer to be invited to Brown University in Rhode Island to give a presentation on Caribbean fashion duringCaribbean Heritage month. She also received the Shabeau Magazine Award in 2007 and the GMSA presented her with an award last November for significantly raising the bar in the local fashion design industry. She was also awarded for initiating a process for accelerating cross border services trade in the fashion business. In addition, Noel recently celebrated one year anniversary of her popular TV Show “Diatribe”.

Noel is also looking forward to attend the Caribbean China Economic Forum next week in Trinidad. October and November will be busy months for this Guyanese leading lady apart from her participation in USVI she will be in Trinidad for a four day fashion event at the Hyatt, Caribbean Top Model Fashion Show in Tobago, Caribbean Fashion against AIDS” on the island of St. Eustatius and Antigua Fashion Week. In November she and her team will be hosting an appetite for fashion fusing the food and fashion in Guyana.

Bravo Arts: Body Art “Extraterrestrial” Exhibition

Avatar Body Art Painting
Avatar Body Art Painting

The Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports in collaboration with Bravo Arts brought the Castellani National Art Gallery to life on Friday September 9, 2011 with their “Extraterrestrial” Body Art Exhibition. The show started at 16:30hrs and concluded at 19:30hrs, and featured local models and actors beautifully portraying the world of body art. The theme was grabbed from western – created movie phenom “Avatar” and illustrated their characters in the form of painted and shaped creatures. It was an event for the entire family and the small but consistent turnout proved just that.

Camouflage Body Art Painting
Camouflage Body Art Painting

When the Guyanalive.com team arrived we were greeted a live step – by – step concept of how to create a work of body art. A known model (Rehana Chester) was on display as the Bravo Arts painters showed their skill. She was painted blue and white, with what looked like a hint of gray, while her man made tail, long plaited locks and prolonged handmade nose really brought out the character “Neytiri” from the movie. As we stepped in the local landmark itself, we noticed two rooms filled with alien like characters, craftily made with paint, special effects and other add – ons. Mrs. Chester’s husband, local model Percival Chester, was especially one to watch, since it was somewhat hard to do so. He was camouflaged into the background of cream, with black and purple lines, and only his eyes gave him away. The crowds were thrilled when these lively characters moved and mingled with them. Amidst the screams of young terrified children, one could hear oohs and ahhs in amazement at this exhibition. We even got to rub shoulders with the current Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, while we watched young children get their faces brightly painted.

Avatar Body Art Painting
Avatar Body Art Painting

Even though we constantly pleased by the spectacle there were some glitches the Guyanalive.com team noticed. First, the outdoor aspect of the exhibition seemed somewhat ad hoc. The painted lady was placed outside the tent and if one were to sit they would only be able to see half her body. Also, there were few chairs to accommodate the large families. Most importantly, there was a poignant lack of themed décor for the outdoors. They focused all their attention inside and outside there was a void of signs and atmospheric accents. Then, inside was blisteringly humid. We were in beads of perspiration even though we saw cooling mechanisms. In the future we hope that Bravo Arts utilizes the time allotted more efficiently and that they work on all aspects of the show to make it an entire success. However, in the Guyanalive.com scale we give it a 7 out of a possible 10. Keep on thrilling!

See more pictures from this event at –> GuyanaLive.com Gallery

By – Patrice Wishart

Fifa World Cup Qualifiers 2014: Vurlon Mills strikes twice to put Guyana ahead of Bermuda (2-1)

Team Guyana: Golden Jaguars
Team Guyana: Golden Jaguars

Prolific local striker Vurlon Mills scored two goals to put Guyana’s Golden Jaguars ahead of Bermuda in their second match in Group B of the 2014 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers on Tuesday evening at the Guyana National Stadium Providence.

The first half of the game was evenly matched with both sides sharing possession of the ball. There were two chances created by the Jaguars but they were unable to convert, much to the disappointment to the fans. Shawn Beveney and Walter Moore both missed critical headers which struck the crossbar showing the lack in Bermuda’s wing defense.

It was the second half of the game that had all of the action however. Just a few minutes after the resumption of play Guyana captain Chris Nurse made a spirited run down the right wing and exploiting the weak defense, crossed the ball into Mills. He wasted no time in completing the opportunity by blasting the ball past the hapless Bermuda Keeper Fredrick Hall in the 50th minute from outside the penalty area. Boosted by the goal and fueled by the energy of the crowd the Jags went on the offensive testing their opponents’ resolve. The persistent probing at the Bermuda defensive line paid off in the 59th minute after a scramble in the Bermuda penalty area saw an excellent header by Walter Moore saved but mills was once again in the picture and scored once again off the rebound.

The visitors were however not going down without a fight as the captain Khano Smith scored a magnificent strike from outside the penalty box beating several defenders and keeper Ronson Williams in the process in the 90th minute. Guyana, though showing lapses in defense in the latter part of the game which undoubtedly resulted in the goal, managed to hold their resolve and hold on to the end.
Technical Director of the Golden Jaguars Jamaal Shabazz was pleased with the team’s performance in the last two games. He however expressed concerns that the foreign based players will be heading back to their respective clubs while the local players are at a disadvantage since no football is currently being played in Guyana. He said “the players have got to play matches to be fit.” According to Shabazz the ongoing disruption within local football administration only serves to reduce the level of football.

Acting President of the GFF Franklin Wilson said he echoed the sentiments of Shabazz but currently there is nothing that can be done until the matter is settled in the courts. Notwithstanding he is also pleased with the performance of the team. Guyana will face Bermuda and Barbados in their respective territories on October 7th and 11th respectively before taking on Trinidad and Tobago. Trinidad and Tobago defeated Bermuda 1-0 and Barbados 2-0 and are currently at the top of the points standings.

By – Andrew Ross

Labor Day Sunday Jam: Featured Live performances from Ninja Band and X2

Ninja Band Members
Ninja Band Members

As usual the show started late and in addition to the late start technical difficulties were encountered. Nevertheless, patrons waited
patiently until the problem was resolved to be graced with Live performances from “Ninja Band” followed by Jumo Primo and Adrian Dutchin aka
X2. With an exceptional performance from the Ninja Band, X2 came on keeping the momentum by performing one of their hit song “Tic Toc” that had everyone moving on the dance floor.

X2: From Left Jumo Primo and Adrian Dutchin
X2: From Left Jumo Primo and Adrian Dutchin

The mature audience proved that age is nothing but a number when X2 selected two persons to come on stage and dance “somebody pussy cat get
away”. The man and woman would’ve put any young girl or boy to shame with their dance moves and antics; “talk about wickedness!”.
Unfortunately, we were only allowed to capture scenes from the performances on stage and not of the audience.

 

Patron: Getting jiggy with it
Patron: Getting jiggy with it

Regardless of that it was a decent event, Audience participation from X2 was the main thing that kept the crowd hype, bringing home back to some people who haven’t been in awhile, it was like there was a little Guyana in the building brought on by an impromptu salute to our national anthem which everyone sung without missing a beat. Then when they were in the process of ending the show with Palancing the power went down again and even though they tried to improvise they couldn’t hear themselves singing so the show ended on a dead note, literally!.

When the power was fixed again the DJ played, and If you weren’t too busy dancing you would have spotted “Kapa Shanti”, a Guyanese born reggae artist based in New York chilling with X2, also the well known and talented Director Mr. Brian Virgo who just rapped up the video of Jumo’s latest Single coming out at the end of September “Dying Days” written by Jumo himself. Check out the links.

View pictures from this event at –> GuyanaLive.com Gallery

By – Luanna Pedro

Amerindian Heritage Exhibition

Straw Baskets
Straw Baskets

When the Guyanalive.com team visited the Sophia Exhibition Site on Sunday September 4, 2011, it was culturally alive with the buzzing of the Amerindian Heritage Exhibition, commemorating September as Amerindian Heritage Month. There were lots to eat and drink on sale, but the real eye – catchers were the cultural pieces that were displayed.

A small, but interested and excited turnout allowed us to quickly and properly, get glimpses of the showcases. If we were hungry, there were Cassava Bread, Pepperpot and other Amerindian delicacies to fill our stomachs, and if we wanted to wash it down there was Piwari, Fly Wine and other tasty beverages. Guyanalive.com recommends the Fly Wine for obvious reasons. We then took a gander at the exotic and well made pieces of jewelry, ornaments, furniture, baskets and other items that our indigenous folks crafted from the ground up. We even managed to catch a glimpse of a small cultural show in one of the large benabs, constructed for the event.

Wooden Dolls
Wooden Dolls

Families were there consistently, soaking in the fun and knowledge that was offered. There was also a booth dedicated to a Caribbean initiative of health and wellness that allowed patrons to get their blood pressure tested, get advice about healthy lifestyles and even get tips to help combat some popular diseases and illnesses.

 

 

Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Ms. Pauline Sookhai and some Indigenous People
Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Ms. Pauline Sookhai and some Indigenous People

The team even managed to snap a photo of our Local Minister of Amerindian Affairs, Ms. Pauline Sookhai, with some of the aptly dressed indigenous people. It was time well spent and Guyanalive.com encourages all Guyanese to visit the Sophia Exhibition Site to witness history in the making. Monday is your last chance. We will also be at the National Cultural Center on September 17, 2011 when 10 beauties from all over the nation will vie for the Miss Amerindian Heritage 2011 crown.

By – Patrice Wishart

Fifa World Cup 2014 Qualifiers: Guyana’s Golden Jaguars won 2-0 against Barbados

Guyana Football Team  Golden Jaguars
Guyana Football Team - Golden Jaguars

Guyana’s national football team got off to a flying start by winning their first World Cup qualifying game in Group B against Barbados 2-0 at the National Stadium Providence on Friday night. The win is the first step on the long road to the 2014 World Cup to be held in neighboring Brazil.

It was clear from the opening whistle that the Golden Jaguars were intent on putting on a show for the local crowd. The team attacked the Bajans relentlessly and the superior quickness of the Jags showed with several players being caught offside. The Jags have a combination of young and experienced international players within their ranks. It is one of those international players, Shawn “Bubblie” Beveney who currently plays in the Asian Pro League, who took advantage of the sluggish Barbados defense and put one in the back of the net in the 26th minute.

Goal attempt after Corner Kick was taken

All was not well for the local side however. With the resumption of the game in the second half the linesman keeping watch on the Barbados half of the field flagged the Jaguars several times for runs which appeared to be legal, much to the disapproval of the large crowd. The frustration even spilled on to the players when heated words were exchanged between two players from the opposing teams causing the game referee to intervene. The most disappointing call came after a shot to goal was saved by the Bajan goalie but JP Rodriguez took advantage of the rebound and sent a blistering shot past the stunned keeper only to be flagged offside. The Golden Jags also missed several scoring opportunities. This was an indictment on the local side which is touted to have skilled play makers but lacks effective finishers.

Goal Scorers: From Left Charles Pollard, Shawn Beveney
Goal Scorers: From Left Charles Pollard, Shawn Beveney

37 year old Charles “lily” Pollard, who was one of the players honored at the 2010-2011 Kashif and Shanghai Football tournament for his significant contribution to Guyanese football, showed why he is considered as one of the best. In the 76th minute with several Bajan defenders around Pollard struck a blistering shot past the keeper to put the Jags up 2-0, needless to say some fans were looking to see if the linesman had his flag up, this proved not to be the case.
After the game, Technical Advisor of the Golden Jaguars Jamaal Shabazz related that he was pleased with the team’s performance despite not being %100 fit. He also made a case for the inclusion of several international players into the squad. “When you have senior players like Charles Pollard at 37 and Trevon George at 17 on the same side it can only be good for Guyana’s football.” He said it is good to have young players see guys who have played football locally and have transitioned to the regional and international arena and that motivates them to train hard to develop their skills in hopes of one day achieving such goals and even higher. Shabazz added that though the team did not convert all scoring opportunities he is satisfied that plays were being created.

Guyana will face Bermuda in the second Group B match on Tuesday at the National Stadium Providence. Bermuda lost 1-0 to Trinidad and Tobago earlier in the day.

By – Andrew Ross

Bravo Arts to Exhibit Stunning Extraterrestrial Body Art

Body Painting by Bravo Arts
Body Painting by Bravo Arts

BRAVO ARTS, the premier body art creative company is all poised to launch another of its one of a kind exhibitions at Castellani National Art Gallery on Friday 9th September next.

Titled “EXTRA TERRESTRIAL”, this time around the eye catching body art models will have the added adornments of prosthetics. These will include the rubber latex representation of exaggerated body parts, providing special effects for the “alien” models. Special laser like lighting effects and creative greenery will produce a Guyanese type extraterrestrial habitat to intrigue and delight the audiences.
One year ago Steve Douglas Bravo Arts earned rave reviews with his inaugural “Unearthed” presentation at the same Castellani venue. For many, it was the first local exhibition to highlight the body as the canvas which, that time, depicted the country’s flora and fauna. Since then the art form has been in demand by Corporate entities, dance companies and private party socials.

The Friday September 9 presentation will portray a diversity of peaceful aliens who are closely knitted and live in harmony with their environment. This will be done within the bounds of propriety.
Patrons will again experience live body painting on demand as well as the appearance of a surprise alien character known to most movie goers and internet fans.
Amongst the artists and models will be Jackie Hanover, Courtney Douglas, Cassandra Chu and Paloma Bristol, to name a few. Challenges of sponsorship during this season compelled the Bravo Arts organisers to charge $500.00 for adults whilst children under ten will enjoy free admission.
The exhibition runs from 16:30hrs to 19:30hrs (4:30 – 7:30pm).

Ray Sytes Puts It on For His Country; Guyana

Guyanese Rapper - Ray Sytes
Guyanese Rapper - Ray Sytes

Introducing Hip-Hop fused with Dancehall artist Ray Sytes, a soon to be well known artist, whose blend of both genres is sure to lure you in. Having collaborated with hit producers who’ve worked with superstars like Wiz Khalifa, Trey Songz, Talib Kweli, and 50 Cent, as well as recording a song with multi-platinum recording artist T-Pain entitled “Everybody Else”, Ray Sytes is determined to put Hip- Hop on the map for Guyana.

Ray Sytes - My City
Ray Sytes - My City

“Welcome To The Far South” is Sytes’ official mixtape series, with the release of his first installment entitled “Tote My Flag.” Sytes’ mixtape includes a blend of Hip-Hop and Dancehall, featuring established artists featured on his project. Ray Sytes isn’t just doing music for his fans, but for his country as well.

“We have many talented artists in R&B, Reggae, Dancehall, and Soca but not in Hip-Hop, so I’m filling that void,” says Ray Sytes.

Originally from Georgetown, Guyana at a very early age, Sytes relocated to the States where he found a love for music other than Dancehall… Hip-Hop. Living in Flatbush, Brooklyn, Ray Sytes gained knowledge of rhyming and writing then moved to Queens where he now resides. With a large success rate of artists coming from the Tri-State Area like Biggie, Nas, and Jay-Z, Ray Sytes has an opportunity he won’t let slip through.

“Tote My Flag,” features a remix of the hit “Star Bwoy,” with Jamaican musician Mavado, as well as features including Choppa Zoe, Clova, DJ Lantan and many more. With 5 singles doing well on iTunes, you can anticipate Ray Sytes’ upcoming mixtape “Welcome To Guyana”, the second episode in his “Welcome To The Far South” series.

Proclaiming leadership of the “Far South Movement”, Ray Sytes is reppin’ for his country!

CONNECT WITH RAY SYTES
Website: www.raysytes.com
Twitter: www.twitter.com/raysytes
Facebook: www.facebook.com/raysytes

MIXTAPE: Ray Sytes – Tote My Flag
http://limelinx.com/files/ae5ce5b1aec4b179b708a20d30734eac
http://www.datpiff.com/Ray-Sytes-Tote-My-Flag-mixtape.243178.html

VIDEO URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HnBp4DJW0SE

Barnwell dominates as athletes win 2nd Celebrity Basketball game

Christopher Barnwell receiving MVP award and Trophy
Christopher Barnwell receiving MVP award and Trophy

West Indies cricketer Christopher Barnwell showed that he could perform as well on the court as on the field when he managed a double at the 2nd Annual Celebrity Basketball game. Barnwell participated as a point guard for the Athletes who played against the Entertainers who won the title last year.

The game was evenly matched up to halftime with Don Gialiani drilling some smooth jumpers and layups for the entertainers, while reporter Edison Jefford and Barnwell led the charge for the Athletes. Heading into halftime the scoreboard read 23-22 in favor of the Entertainers.

Team Athletes
Team Athletes

The Athletes however were not daunted and went on a 6-0 run when play resumed. After this point it was all over as Jefford and Barnwell dominated the offensive boards. Barnwell finished the game with 20 points and 10 rebounds and was named MVP.

There were highlights too as singer Lisa Punch and table tennis player Jody Ann Blake provided some comical moments when they attempted to dribble the ball. Fitness trainer Curtis McKenzie was certainly fit and fast but lacked coordination thus giving the large crowd added entertainment.

Trophies and Prizes

In the supporting game Youth Basketball Guyana led by Akeem ‘the sensational dream’ Khanai defeated Knights Basketball club the evening’s hosts 44-31. QUALFON got the better of Giftland in a low scoring 21-39 game and LAPARKAN edged Republic Bank 52-49 in the opening game.

Team Entertainers
Team Entertainers

A larger than normal crowd turned out to watch the game even with a Jamzone event being held on the same night. Given the excitement and support generated by the event basketball fans are looking forward to next year.
All proceeds will be donated to the Deaf Institute.

By – Andrew Ross

Melissa “Vanilla” Roberts: All Night Long Video Launch

Melissa Roberts aka Vanilla
Melissa Roberts aka Vanilla

Three time road march queen Melissa ‘Vanilla’ Roberts is set to release her new music video on Saturday 20th August 2011. The song All Night Long was remixed by one of Brazil’s top producers Jeremias Lima of Alquimia Digital following on the heels of the original first release of the song by Kross Kolor Records.

The video was shot entirely on location in Barbados at Fouls and Batts Beach and saw the feature of extras from Barbados, Jamaica. Suriname, St Vincent and Guyana.

The video is the first project done by IRebel Productions of which Vanilla is a member, the company is Caribbean based with members from Guyana, St Vincent and Barbados

The video is directed by Akley ‘Irebel’ Olton, Director of Photography is Jason Russell, Makeup Artist: Lia Gajadhar: Stylist Candis Birch and Vanilla opposite in the video is Miles Walcott. Vanilla would like to give special recognition the University of the West Indies, Errol Barrow Center for Creative Imagination for making this video possible.

All Night Long The Brazilian remix will be launched on Saturday the 20th August at 14 hours on your favorite channels. Berbice we are coming your way next weekend. The video will then be aired on other TV stations across Guyana. The launch is sponsored by Kross Kolor Records.

By – Kross Kolor Records