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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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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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Digicel Caribbean Junior Squash Championships: Guyana is the best in the Caribbean!

Guyana cemented their dominance of Caribbean squash by winning the team title on July 14 in the Caribbean Areas Squash Association and Digicel sponsored Junior Squash Championships 2011. This is the seventh consecutive year the local side has won the competition. The impressive performance in the singles stage of the championships was carried over into the team segment and the result was Guyana being declared the overall winners in the weeklong competition.

In the male team finals it appeared that a competitive afternoon of squash was expected since heading into the third match of the afternoon the scoreline read 1-1. Alex Arjoon however shifted the balance in favour of the hosts and dispatched his Trinidadian counterpart in a hard fought 5 set match. After that there was no turning back and the remainder of the male team marched on to a convincing 4-1 victory over their island neighbours.

Earlier in the day the female side sealed the team title in similar style suffering only one match loss to Jamaica. The most exciting match in the female team finals was between Guyana’s Akeila Wiltshire and Jamaica’s Mary Jo Mahfood. Wiltshire was tested by a mixture of aggressive strokes and soft touches by the talented Jamaican. After dropping the second and fourth game the tenacious Wiltshire bounced back in impressive fashion to win 11/6 9/11 11/6 6/11 11/9.

The senior squad will be keen on taking some of the confidence drawn from their junior colleagues when they compete in the CASA senior tournament to be hosted by the Cayman Islands in August. Next year looks to be challenging since five players from the victorious side will be elevated to the senior platform. That development will mean that new players without regional exposure will have to take over. The coaching staff is nonetheless confident of going 8-straight in 2012. For now the team is relishing in their hard fought victory.

By – Andrew Ross

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

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

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

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

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

By – Andrew Ross

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Miss Caribbean Culture Pageant 2011: Kiswana Abimola Jefford set to rep for Guyana

Kiswana Jefford

The sun was setting on the 31st July, 1990, when the wail of a bouncing baby girl pierced the confines of the Woodlands Hospital in the capital city of Guyana. Prematurely born, this bubbly baby girl put a smile upon the face of Elton Jefford (late) and brought cheerfulness into the life of Erica Sobers. “I embody the traits of a positive, prudent and assiduous young woman who is determined to become one of society’s leading ladies and leave a legendary mark on the world,” she emphatically states. Reflecting humility Kiswana is  resolute young woman, who endorses taking a stance for your beliefs and fulfilling your goals.

In Her words:
I embarked on my first educational journey at the South Ruimveldt Park Nursery School then South Ruimveldt Park Primary School where I sat the Secondary School Entrance Examinations (S.S.E.E). I subsequently completed my secondary level of learning at St. Stanislaus College and North Georgetown Secondary School where I amassed 13 (thirteen) subjects at the Caribbean Secondary Examination Council Examination (C.S.E.C)  Thus obtaining the Student of Excellency Award. Throughout the different levels of my education I participated in various extracurricular activities, mainly debating, reading, spelling b and track and field competitions. With leadership qualities, and an outspoken yet agreeable and cool disposition I was elected school prefect by my peers and school teachers. Motivated by my love for intellectual enhancement and elevation I am currently a second year International Relations student of the University of Guyana. However, upon its conclusion it is my objective to continue my journey academically by studying Law. Hence, taking me one step closer of accomplishing my career objective-a Criminal Attorney-at-Law.

When I am not working as an Administrative Assistant at Hughes, Fields and Stoby or studying, I embrace leisure in being an activist for environmental preservation and tourism education, reading, surfing the internet and dancing; I have a passion for the art form of dance and is presently a member of Classique Dance Company. My past times also expand to include hanging out with family and friends and spending quality time with elderly folks, orphans and/or children faced with adversities. An exemplification of eloquence, radiance and charisma I also epitomize the “girly-girl” who adores fashion and embraces a fanatical interest in pageantry. The latter of which prompted me to enter the 2009 Miss Guyana Talented Teen pageant where I placed third and secured the Miss Body Beautiful prize. My next pageant was the Miss Guyana Earth 2010 pageant of which I am the reigning queen and also attained the Queen of the Catwalk prize and Miss Body Beautiful once more. I then journeyed to St. Martin last year as Guyana’s Representative in the Miss Caraibes Hibiscus 2010 pageant and will be Guyana’s Beauty Ambassador at Miss Earth International 2011 in China. I recently participated in the Miss Guyana Jamzone 2011 pageant where I placed third and secure the Miss Body Beautiful title again.

I admire Nelson Mandela and the women of today, primarily Oprah Winfrey and Desiree Bernard, who are my role models. I believe the individual I am today is attributable to the morals my parents imbued in me whilst growing up, a sound educational background and everything I’ve experienced from childhood to date. Five years from now I envisage myself as having established my own charitable organization, having completed a Bachelors degree in International Relations and striving to procure a Degree in Law, a professional Dancer and Guyana’s representative at the prestigious Miss Universe and/or Miss World pageants. This is me, Kiswana Abimola Jefford-A spirited dancer, an aspiring lawyer, a role model, a patriot, a Guyanese…

This year’s pageant will be staged in two parts for the first time…The Swimsuit Competition is scheduled for St Kitts on Saturday July 23, 2011 at Carnival Village while the other segments – talent, evening gown, interview and crowning will be held in Nevis on Monday July 25.

 

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Digicel Caribbean Junior Squash Championships: Team Guyana continues impressive form

The Digicel Caribbean Junior Squash Championships Team Competition served off on Monday, July 9th with the singles and team matches being played at the National Racquet Centre and the Georgetown Club respectively. After dominant performances in the singles stage, Guyana seemed to transfer the gained momentum and confidence to the team matches when they played against Bermuda.

Newly crowned Under – 15 singles champion, Nyron Joseph, demonstrated that he deserves that title when defeated Kion Knights in straight sets  – 12/10 ,11/6 and 11/4. Jason Ray Khalil also won his match against D’Vario Thompson,  but had to dig deep since his competitor did not make the encounter a walkover. Khalil had a gruelling 5 sets to defeat Thompson but endured to win – 16/18, 11/6,  5/11,  11/9 and  11/5. Ben Mekdeci also overcame Dylan Pratt to give the boys a 3-2 victory in the first round of the team championships. Ashley Khalil dominated Alyssa Brewer in the first match of the female category. Victoria Arjune and Larissa Wiltshire also recorded victories, while Mary Fung-a-Fat completed the 4-I first stage win after her competitor failed to turn up giving her a walkover.

The team from Trinidad and Tobago has two male teams in this year’s championships, and judging from their impressive performances – winning straight sets against Jamaica, Barbados and The Organization of Eastern Caribbean States – seems to be the one which Guyana will need to pay keen attention to.

Finally, it should be noted that the conditions and courts favour the locals since their counterparts are accustomed to playing on air conditioned courts. The heat has been a major factor in the championships thus far, but being the best junior team in the Caribbean for a number of years in addition to the early victories attained in the singles category will serve as a confidence booster to the Guyanese representatives.Play resumes on Tuesday July 11 through Thursday July 14.

By – Andrew Ross

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Guyana go down 11-0 to Bermuda in NACRA 15’s finals

NACRA Logo

A small but appreciative crowd turned out in support of local rugby side at the National Stadium Providence on Wednesday night. Very early in the match the physically larger Bermuda tested the Guyanese defense. Thomas Greenslide secured the first breakthrough by scoring a try. Emboldened by the early penetration into the Guyanese half the visitors launched a relentless attack which saw them scoring two penalties.

The second half saw a better defensive game by the Claudius Butts led side. Despite this they were still unable to convert defensive stops into tries against their larger opponents. Though Guyana was the faster side poor ball handling, a few bad calls by the referee and an impenetrable Bermuda defensive line all conspired against them on Wednesday. Bermuda had not won a 15’s title in over ten years and the victory will increase the team’s international rating and morale. Guyana is ranked 57th in the world and Bermuda is ranked 51st.
– Andrew Ross

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Musical arts festival workshops to train Berbice, Georgetown teachers/participants

Dr. James Rose, Director of Culture, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Mr. David Dewar, Chairman, Guyana Music Festival Committee, Meighan Duke, Committee Member, Marilyn Dewar, Musical Accompanist and Dr. Erv Jannsen, Coordinator, Music Education Program, Partners in Mission with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Guyana examining the backdrop for the official launch of the 16th Guyana Musical Arts Festival 2011.The Guyana Musical Arts Festival is set for staging on April 26-30, 2011, at the National Cultural Centre where a multitude of local talent will be competing for recognition and a series of prizes. This festival has it origins from 1952 and will be held under the patronage of Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Frank Anthony, in collaboration with the Guyana Musical Arts Festival Inc, the Guyana Music Teachers Association, the Woodside Choirs International M.S. and the Partners Program of the Lutheran Church of Tulsa in Guyana.

The Festival was officially launched on August 13 at the Pegasus International Hotel. As a prelude the stage is being set for Music teachers and participants in the upcoming Guyana Musical Arts Festival to be granted the opportunity to receive training for the event at a series of workshops to be conducted during September.

Dr. James Rose, Director of Culture, Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sport, Dr. Erv Jannsen, Coordinator, Music Education Program, Partners in Mission with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Guyana, Mr. David Dewar, Chairman, Guyana Music Festival Committee and Meighan Duke, Committee MemberThese ‘training for trainers’ workshops are organized by the Planning Committee of the Guyana Musical Arts Festival and will be staged on September 11 and 12 at the Bishops’ High School, Carmichael Street, Georgetown, and September 18 and 19 at St. Theresa’s Pastoral Centre, Pope Street, New Amsterdam, East Berbice. All workshops will begin at 09:00hrs and conclude at 18:00hrs.

Training will be provided for vocalists, choir directors, verse and choral speakers and poets (dramatic poetry). Persons interested in participating are asked to contact the Festival Office, Dewar’s Music School, 221 Charlotte Street, Bourda, Georgetown, telephone; 223-1069 or 226-3052.

By Mondale Smith

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Introducing: Entertainer Ocie Ross

From Guyana to the USA and back

OC DreadFor those close to the dancehall fraternity in Guyana and the USA when you hear the name O.C Dread, the first thought that comes to mind is the Energy Squad. But whatever that initial thought might be O.C Dread has branded his name and his crew as a multi-talented sound system that’s quickly spreading throughout the airwaves.

Be it DJ, Emcee or promoter he has and still carries all these titles. And while he’s been mostly in the USA with short visits to Guyana he’s about to create what he calls a whirlwind to add his bit to the development of the local entertainment industry.

“I’m about to drop some real international shows starting in a matter of weeks.”

Though he spends much of his time in the USA unapologetically he states, “I am a son of the soil and my musical journey began in the land of my birth, my paradise on Earth, Guyana.”

Ocie Ross, who goes by the stage name OC Dread, learnt all the oldies and goldies from the 80’s under the guidance of a man he calls Roland B. At age 11, he was already spinning records with Jamroc crew but to him thus far his big break began with playing for the ever popular and probably the most sought after sound system, Fusion.

“It was at this point that I really began making my mark in Guyana’s Entertainment industry then he migrated to New York in the 90’s”.

He is confident that the sky is always the limit and pointed that to him New York offered him even bigger dreams and overwhelming success. After moving there, OC Dread worked with Lion Heart and Studio 1 but something keeps pulling him to step out on his own and chase after his dreams of being the man in charge.

The birth of O.C. Dread & Da Energy Squad moved from a dream to a reality. “We are always thinking outside the box and defying the odds.” He categorically states that he believes that “we have the energy to rock any crowd”.

As an entertainer O.C. Dread can perfectly scratch, mix or blend any track with ease. He has shared stages with many world renowned artists such as Serani, Spice, Natural Black, Capleton, Busy Signal as well as with other systems; standing out as one of the best entertainers at every location he touched.

Like many entertainers he confesses that music is his calling. “I love every aspect of this fascinating industry.” His hats include DJ, Emcee and a Promoter too and arguably he does it all and commendably so too.

Returning to his roots

Having lived out of Guyana for quite some time he has gained much experience but now his career calling seems to be for a return to his roots.

With conviction OC Dread said, “I want to be a part of this already thriving Entertainment industry…Guyana’s culture is rich and diverse and I want my sound system to be its musical melting pot.”

To him O.C. Dread & Da Energy Squad could be the final piece of the puzzle that will take Guyana’s Entertainment industry “from great to exceptional.”

Aside from being a professional, entrepreneur and amazingly talented person, O.C. Dread is very compassionate. He is also looking to help others with dreams of building the entertainment industry.

He says, “I want to help launch the musical careers of my fellow Guyanese and share my expertise with them.  He also confesses that he has worked closely alongside fellow Guyanese artistes and promoters such as Natural Black, First Born, Pamela Maynard, X 2 and others. He is advising that entertainment seekers should look out for his promotions and events as Guyana prepares for Easter and beyond.

Although he resides in New York he says, “My heart will forever be in Guyana. I am Guyanese for life and I love my people and my country”.

He said that living away has given him an appreciation for his homeland even more and remaining true to our pledge he says, “I pledge to always dedicate my energies towards the happiness and prosperity of Guyana.  To my fellow Guyanese, I want you to know that climbing the ladder of success is tough, getting there is hard work, but for those who want it badly enough it’s all worth it. And don’t forget, it’s okay to stumble but all you got to do is count it an experience, dust yourself off and keep going.

His first event is a Bright Colors Affairs at Club Cloud 9 on Easter Sunday, while on Easter Monday he will be hosting a big Appreciation Party at Club Wild Palms where he will be launching with Ed Hardy Vodka.

By Mondale Smith