The Miss Jamaica
Global 2012 was held on May 5th at the Montego
Bay Convention Centre where 17 year old Clare
Groves walked away with the coveted title.
Clare will represent Jamaica,
the host country at the Miss Global International
Pageant that will take place on September 22nd at the
Montego Bay Convention Centre in Rose Hall Montego
Bay, where over 50 other countries will compete for the
crown.
First runners up went to Twenty-year-old Latoya
Bulgin while 21-year-old Maricet Levya
won second runner-up. Other contestants making the top six
were Latoya Patrick, Roshelle
McKinley and Tanisha
Summerbell.
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Latoya Bulgin (L) Clare
Groves (C), Maricet Levya (R)
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For the sectional awards, first runner-up Latoya
Bulgin was awarded Most Aware,
Candace Kerr Most
Congenial, and the night’s winner Clare
Groves won for Best Stage
Presentation.
The Talent Show segment took place on May 4th at
Hotel RIU, where all 21 beauties displayed their
talents. Kristeina Beckford, won
Best Talent with a Whitney
Houston rendition.
The show was well produced by Mr. Weston
Haughton and the girls were chaperoned and groomed by
Mrs. Shawn Tulloch-Phillipps. The judges for the event were:
Mr. Lloyd B. Smith ( Deputy Speaker of the
house, M.P. & CEO of the Western Mirror) Ms. Tamara
Pinnock ( Miss Jamaica Cornwall 2001) Mr. Arnold
Nugent ( Hotel Manager at Sandals Royal Caribbean) Mr.
Brian Brown ( Entertainer & Writer) and Ms.
Staysie Spence ( Celebrity makeup artist)
Among the attendees for the talent and Coronations shows were
Custos Ewen Corrodus, Mayor Glendon
Harris, Judge Winsome Henry, Judge
Natalie Hart - Hines, Mr. & Mrs.
Donald Colamanthi , Mr. & Mrs. Joe
Hylton, Mr. Robert Russell, Mr. Sam James, Mr.
Ken Tomlinson, Mrs. Quetlas ( Wife of
Hotel Manager RIU Montego Bay) Mr. Pat Mcgann (
Beachcomber) and H.E. Mohinder Grover (
Indian High Commissioner).

Date Published: May 30, 2012 - 8:22 pm
It begins at Registration with a smile.
Actually it really begins well before that when you commit to
running in one of the three Reggae Marathon race events:
Marathon, Half Marathon or 1oK. And what’s not to
smile about? A running vacation on the beach in Negril,
Jamaica: multiple reasons to smile:
- We’re in Jamaica!
- We’re on the beach in Negril!
- Sunshine and warm temperatures.
- Food, glorious food…Patty on the beach or maybe Jerk Chicken.
- Drink: Cold Red Stripe and my favourite Run and Coconut
Water.
The smile intensifies the moment you land in Montego Bay knowing
that Negril is now closer than ever. Here are some more smiling
faces captured at Reggae Marathon:
Pasta Party time! And there’s lots to
smile about here. Endless varieties of pasta and salads
prepared by the chefs and teams from a number of hotels along the
beach.
Getting runners to pose for pictures is oh so easy. I’m a
mid-pack runner especially at Reggae Marathon where I don’t want
it to end. I’m sure these ladies raced ahead of me last
December. Well, one of them anyway.
Oh and the entertainers get in on the smiling as well.
Don’t miss the steel band playing and performing throughout
the Pasta Party Friday night.
The ultimate smile of course happens after the Reggae Marathon
finishers is slipped over your head. The satisfying smile
for a run well done.
Until next time…
Date Published: May 30, 2012 - 3:52 am
Born to Flona and
Trevor Morris Sr. on March 10th 1994, Trevor
Jordan Morris Jr. aka J
Nyle is a Jamaican R & B/ Dancehall-Reggae
singer, songwriter and producer.
Although growing up to music, this career wasn't his first choice.
"I actually wanted to be an orthopedic surgeon growing up because I
have a family filled with doctors and nurses and saw it as a family
trend to continue that path and also because I had a liking
for that profession at that early time of my life, I was shy when
it came to public appearances and wasn't confident when it came to
my talent until I got bold and took on my first performance in high
school at an award ceremony"
By age 13, J Nyle was already
independently producing his own music, by 14, his father furnished
him with a recording studio which in fact is the most honorable
milestone in his career. By 16 J Nyle
already gained a bit of popularity in high school when he started
performing at school concerts but that was where it stood still for
a while.
"My mom was strict when it came to my school work so I couldn't do
the things I wanted to do with my music until I finished school,
but still I managed to simultaneously concentrate on my education
while building my professional persona".
In 2011, J Nyle debuted his
first music video on HYPE TV in Jamaica for
"Unreal". For a young artist, uploading a
video to YouTube which generated 2000 to 4000 views in less than a
couple hours daily was extraordinary. By the first week the video
gained 15,000+ views and also got picked for HYPE TV's VTx charts.
"Speaking the truth, music now is monetary, so my video didn't get
as much exposure as that of which is being paid for".
"I try to be different. Instead of sticking to one style of music,
I try do other styles like pop, dance, electro and any other style
in my reach".
Now graduated from high school, J
Nyle is ready to take on music full
time.
Find out more about J Nyle by
listening to his music.

Date Published: May 29, 2012 - 7:54 pm
I found the All-Inclusive Resorts In Jamaica exquisite and
beautiful. But from my family and I arrived at Montego Bay airport
I was truly in vacation
Date Published: May 28, 2012 - 6:31 pm
Mavado performs at Best of the Best in Miami. Alex Markow Miami’s
Best of the Best concert is one of the most prominent annual
showcases for dancehall reggae in the U.S., attracting upwards of
10,000 spectators to the city’s downtown on the Sunday before
Memorial Day. While the event has taken on more of a [...]
Date Published: May 31, 2012 - 5:08 am
Incarcerated and embattled dancehall superstar Vybz Kartel has
officially disbanded the Portmore Empire. The move
comes as no surprise as Kartel has been incarcerated for some time
now and clearly has his hands full with…
Date Published: May 24, 2012 - 2:10 pm
Radio disc jocks have
over the years played a vital role in bringing the music to the
ears of the people. Reggae artiste
Natural Black has recorded the song
Tune In as homage to radio disc jocks all
over the world that have consistently supported good quality
music.
Tune In is the latest from the Guyanese born
reggae artiste who teamed up with producers Adrian
‘Donsome’ Hanson and Peter ‘Shady’ Harrison to produce
this engaging hit. The song is already a favorite on radio stations
not only in Jamaica but across the Caribbean and Europe.
The song’s mellow groove is delivered with a passionate vocal
and musical charm. It outlines the positive contribution that disc
jocks have made to the music industry bring good positive music to
the ears of the music lovers.
Natural Black has maintained a
steady pace among reggae music loyalists. His catalogue of hits
over the years includes Far From Reality, Songs with
Feeling, Bad Mind and Never Leave You Lonely.
To date he has released eight studio albums for various
record labels include Green sleeves Records and Organic
Records.
Tune In is among a number of tracks featured
on the revamped Mr. Brown rhythm from Donsome Records /
Shadyville Music.
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Date Published: May 23, 2012 - 11:30 pm
Dancehall recording
artiste Ninja
Kid and Mr.
Vegas has teamed up with international award
winning producer Jah Snow
Cone on his latest project,
the ‘Mercury Rhythm’. With some of the
biggest names in local music on the compilation, the two lent their
effort to a collaboration titled ‘Gal
Bubble’, which is expected to be released via iTunes
and other digital platforms soon.
Though still unreleased, the song which exudes that
authentic old school dancehall vibe has been creating a buzz
locally following its premier last week by selected radio jocks.
An official video is expected to follow suit. This is not the
first time the two have collaborated. Back in the early
90s’ Kid and Vegas released a single on the
Mixing Lab imprint called ‘Tall Up Tall
Up’.
Producer Snow Cone, on the resurgence has
worked with some of the biggest names locally and internationally
resulting in him copping an ASCAP
Award for Sean Paul's hit
single "Temperature"(off the The
Trinity album) the most performed song for 2006 which
reached the top of the R&B and rap music charts. The
Trinitygarnered a Billboard Award as the "Top
Selling Reggae Album of the Year" for 2005 and its
single "Temperature" earned the
2006Billboard award for "Hot 100 Single of the
Year.
Meanwhile, set to perform at this weekend’s inaugural
staging of Rumfire Ochi Explosion at
Margaritaville, Ocho Rios. Ninja
Kid whose given name is Ojukwu
Simpson on Sunday shot the video for his summer
entry ‘Look Pon Duh Gal Deh’ (Summer
Again) and will also be officially premiering his video for
the thought provoking ‘Dem’ featuring Markus
Myrie (son of incarcerated Reggae superstar Buju
Banton) this week.

Date Published: May 21, 2012 - 11:00 pm
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Crystal Powell winning design
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Jamaican
Crystal Powell wowed judges on Mission
Catwalk episode eight with an avant garde, couture garment
made from alternative material- old newspapers and materials from a
hardware store. This is the second win for the 25 year-old
who previously won the Flapper challenge on episode
three.
For Crystal, the win was a confidence booster: “I got a chance to
show the judges that I can be dramatic and over the top and very
intense, moods I usually reserve for my poetry and drawings.
Avant guarde is highly regarded in fashion, so for me it
was a validation of my design acumen.”
Inspired by the Crusades, Crystal wanted her design to be pretty
but unsettling to reflect “how something which purportedly
started out with good intentions could have such devastating and
ugly results. “
The garment’s top was made from newspaper with a unique
amour-like stencil made by applying black spray paint over a
polyflex sink protection mat. The collar and belt of the dress
(made from folded newspapers spray painted in red) formed both a
sword and cross. The skirt was made of cut newspaper folded
into flower-like shapes, still using the same stencil pattern but
this time sprayed in red. The bold and dark effect was
accentuated by black flowers, lipstick and gloves. The purple
feather earring and cobalt (blue) tights were used to incorporate
the traditional colours of priesthood- purple, red and blue and
continue the theme of the Crusades. Copper and steel wires added
for further dramatic effect.
Crystal’s effort won her a feature in OCEAN Style
Magazine. Guest judge and editor of OCEAN
Style, Douglas Gordon thought her work was “creative,
interesting, well-constructed and editorial-ready.” Equally
impressed were the regular judging panel: Keneea Linton-George,
host and executive producer of Mission Catwalk, Novia
McDonald-Whyte Jamaica Observer Lifestyle editor and Carlton
Brown, celebrated menswear designer.
Though Ryan Berkeley of Guyana did meet the challenge
requirement, the episode five runner-up received the lowest score
and was sent home. Of the remaining seven designers, three
are Jamaican (Crystal Powell, Janel Jolly and Gregory Williams),
two are from Barbados (Kesia Estwick and Kerin Scott) while
Trinidad and Belize have one representative each in Ryan Chan and
Rebecca Stirm. Mission Catwalk originally started with an
all Jamaican cast, with season two seeing participants from five
countries from around the region.
The series will climax with a grand showdown at Caribbean Fashion
Week with the top three designers in June. To find out ‘Who
will rule the catwalk?’, keep watching the show which airs
Tuesdays at 8:30 PM on TVJ and is simultaneously streamed online
at http://www.televisionjamaica.com/livetv.aspx.
Episodes also repeat Thursdays at 5:30 PM. Presented
by NCB, Supreme Ventures and Digicel, Mission Catwalk is now
shown in six regional countries: Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad and
Tobago, Grenada, Guyana and Belize.

Date Published: May 15, 2012 - 9:52 pm
In 1970, Bob
Marley & the Wailers recorded the song Mr.
Brown for producer Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry at the Randy’s
recording studio in Kingston. Now 42 years later, the beat
accompanying the enigmatic track has found favour with a new
generation of music lovers.
The Mr. Brown rhythm has been updated by
producer Adrian Hanson and Peter ‘Shady’ Harrison. Released
on the Shadyville Music/Donsome Records imprint, the project has
already warmed the airwaves with songs from a hit list of
entertainers and newcomers.
However the songs on the Mr. Brown rhythm
project are not only attracting solid rotation in Jamaica but also
in parts of Europe and North America.
In a release to the media, Hanson explained the idea behind
the updating of the Mr. Brown rhythm.
‘Myself and Peter ‘Shady’ Harrison decided that we wanted to
bring back a real reggae vibe to the music where the fans can
feel, the real culture vibes that been missing from reggae music
today. So we go back to the roots of reggae and first song that
came to mind was Mr. Brown by Bob Marley & the
Wailers”, said Hanson.
Work on the project had been in the pipeline for sometime but the
producers decided not to release the compilation until they had all
the artistes that they wanted for the project.
Said Hanson, ‘Even though some radio disc jocks had been
playing some of the songs for a while, this is the first time that
music fans all over the world can actually purchase the project as
a compilation”.
The Mr. Brown rhythm compilation album
features 19 songs and two instrumentals including a dub version of
the Mr. Brown rhythm.
Hanson revealed that the label had a working relationship with the
artistes hence it wasn’t a difficult task to get the artistes
involved.
Among the artistes who are featured on the compilation are
Tanya Stephens, Aidonia (who recorded his first ever one drop song
for the project), Half Pint, Perfect, Jack Radics, Natural Black,
Beenie Man, Anthony Cruz, Anthony Red Rose, Lukie D and budding
singer Khristopher.
Early response to the project has been nothing short of
overwhelming. The tracks by Stephens, Half Pint, Natural Black, and
Aidonia are among the tracks which have so far found favour with
radio disc jocks. The songs are all available on
ITunes.
The Mr. Brown rhythm compilation is the
latest project out of the Donsome Records stables. The label is
best known for its chart topping rhythm projects including Hard
Rock, Life Journey, Kill Dem, and Crime Stop rhythms.
The track list for the Mr. Brown rhythm
reads: Ma by Aidonia; In Jah We Trust by Turbulence; Remember the
Days by Lukie D; Tune in by Natural Black; Love Come First by
Perfect; Tomorrow by Beenie Man; Not the Same by Don Mafia; Dirty
Thoughts by Tanya Stephens; Last Night by Half Pint; Because of You
by Khristopher; Don’t Give Up by Frisco Kid aka Ancient Monarchy;
H.O.T.H. by Stein; Feel up Feel Up by Anthony Cruz; Confusing World
by Hero; High Crisis by Anthony Red Rose; Gotta Survive by
Stacious; and Don’t Stress Man by Merciless.
‘So far I would say this is one of my best projects to date”,
Hanson concluded.

Date Published: May 10, 2012 - 12:00 am

The Caribbean country of Jamaica is well known for is
music and its talented sprinters in recent years. Moreover, the
island is one of the leading romantic destinations in the world.
Jamaica vacation package offers some great
options for all the different types of visitors to the island.
There are three main options when choosing a holiday option in
the country. These are the all-inclusive, family, and the adult
only vacation options. You will find that major resorts may offer
a combination of two of these at their location.
All-inclusive Vacation Packages
Increasing, this form of Jamaica vacation package
is the preferred choice of vacation seekers. This is mainly
because one price is charged for the entire duration of stay at
the resort. This option is provided at many resorts and hotels
throughout the islands. However, in recent time there are
locations that have taken it a step further in their offering
with the semi all-inclusive option as well. Two of the locations
on the island that offer this type of options are Negril Cliff
Hotel and Oasis Resort. These hotels also offer that full
all-inclusive options as well. However, when considering an
all-inclusive vacation package in Jamaica that
cost and the activities at the location must be considered.
The Ritz Carlton Golf and Spa
Resort Montego Bay is a
lovely option of golf, business conferences, water sports and
romantic private beach. The Sandal Beach Resort and Spa
Negril is a great for romantic vacation, water sports, beaches
sports and outdoor games. The Jewel Dunn's
River Beach Resort and Spa water sports, golf, surfing and out door
sporting
activities.
Family Vacation Package
Jamaica has many resorts and hotels that provide excellent
family holidays. You will some family location at provide family
options that are all-inclusive vacation options as well. These
locations are excellent to visit throughout the year. Generally,
the winter period in the northern hemisphere is considered that
most ideal time to visit the resorts. However, the summer is a
wonderful time for family to visit as well. At this time of year
resorts cost are at their lowest which may allow vacation seekers
to get some great options in at many world-class all-inclusive
family resorts. There are many family options in the island but
if you need resorts with waterpark the Sunset Jamaican
Grande, Beaches Boscobel and Hilton Rose Hall Resort are good
options. Other top family resorts include
Half Moon Royal Villas Resort Montego
Bay, Riu Hotel Ocho
Rios,
Iberostar Rose Hall Beach
Hotel, Gran Bahia
Principe Hotel Runaway Bay and Beaches Resort And
Spa Negril.
Adult Only Vacation Packages
Jamaica vacation packages are design with adults
in mind. The adults only options are excellent for honeymooners,
romantic couples and other individuals who lovely to relax in a
mature environment. These vacation options are awesome for those who
choose them. Most of these locations have private beaches;
excellent water sports activities, great spas and wonderful
entertainment packages. The best time of year to visit these
lovely resorts are just dependent on an individual budget. The
period of the year between December and April is the most popular
time of the year. However, the summer is an excellent time for
group visits because most resorts cost are usually lower at this
time. Breezes Grand Resort And Spa
Negril, Couples Sans
Souci, Iberostar Rose Hall
Suites Montego Bay, Couples Swept Away
Negril,
Sandals Royal Caribbean
Resorts and
Couples Tower Isle Resort Ocho Rios Isle
are some of the great all-inclusive adults only
resorts.

Date Published: May 10, 2012 - 12:10 pm
The Mother and Daughter Team
of Yvonne Hayles and Sandra
Kennedy are the creative duo behind SK
Collections. SK
Collections is design and production
house, that nurture talented young designers, in
technique training and learning about quality
production that adds significantly to the Jamaican fashion
landscape.
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Yvonne Hayles
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Yvonne Hayles, had spent fifty (50) years in
the ‘rag trade’ in England and now retired, lives in Montego Bay
Jamaica. Whilst in the UK she owned and operated a very high end
garment factory servicing top designers such as Arabella Pollen,
Jasper Conran (OBE – Officer of the Order of the British Empire),
Nicole Farhi (CBE –Commander of the British Empire). Ms. Hayles
built a strong reputation for detail, punctuality and
quality.
She was contracted to reproduce lines for many of the major
shows and then to produce their orders for timely seasonal
delivery. Additionally, she produced for retail in major stores
such as Harrods and Harvey Nichols to mention just a few. The
quality of Yvonne’s workmanship and attention to detailed
production ensured her repeat business from these top designers
with others clamouring to engage her services.
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Sandra Kennedy
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Sandra Kennedy is one of Jamaica’s leading
designers, best known for her “Chad” brand. The
“Chad” sportswear line of clothing was to be
found in over sixty (60) resort shops across Jamaica, from
Port Antonio to Negril and all
major department stores: Lees Fifth Avenue, Ammars,
Springdales and Lloyds of Montego Bay
to name a few. Chad’s clientele stretched across
the Caribbean Islands with distribution outlets in
Barbados, St. Lucia and the Cayman Islands. Chad was
discontinued with Ms. Kennedy’s relocation and change of
direction. This dynamic team is preparing to launch an exciting
new concept unto the Jamaican fashion scene:
The duo recently launched their "Beach Collection
2013", which are all made from 100% West India Sea Island
cotton and handmade crochet in 100% cotton yarn..
Yvonne and Sandra, are proud Jamaicans, who foresee
this Collection as a “Brand Jamaica” Product, Jamaican designers,
Jamaican workforce and Jamaican financing. Their designs are to
suit the Jamaican and Caribbean lifestyle
The Beach Collection 2013
Why Buy SK?
SK Collections is a high fashion line
of clothing, easy to wear, affordable and available. International
designers look readily available in Jamaica. Sandra, expresses it
this way, “these styles are a must in your wardrobe: we are
producing versatile garments, which can be worn from morning
through to the evening...all one has to do is to change the look
with an accessory and shoe. Our clothing is designed to suit and
fit any body type and size”.
What’s in the future for SK
Collections?
Innovation, Versatility and cutting edge, styles that will
keep pace with global trends but will match a lifestyle that
reflects the laid back relaxed spirit of the Caribbean
There will be an annual signature event to incorporate
Fashion presentations – with extensive media coverage. Production
lines, readily available at home, in the Caribbean and with
global distribution to meet market demand. Encouraging cottage
Industry development, incorporating indigenous, unique,
hand-crafted details to create a brand with a competitive
edge.

Date Published: Apr 30, 2012 - 7:57 pm

The Caribbean offer visitors some exciting resorts options to
choose for your vacation. One of the top options for many
vacationers is
waterpark resorts. Caribbean destinations with
these attractions give visitors the opportunity to participate in
some exciting activities in a topical environment. Some of the
countries that provide these attractions are Jamaica, Bahamas and
St. Lucia. Waterparks resorts are very popular in Jamaica with
the top three destinations of Negril, Montego Bay and Ocho Rios
all having resorts with water park attractions. The island of the
Bahamas has one of the largest waterparks in the region while St.
Lucia has a lovely family friendly water park as well.
Jamaica - Sunset Jamaican Grande, Beaches Negril Resort,
Hilton Rose Hall Resort and Beaches Boscobel.
The Sunset Jamaican Grande Resort is located in Ocho Rios. This
resort is also an all-inclusive resort which is perfect for
family, romantic and group vacationers. The hotel features some
excellent swimming pools, paddleboat, water bike options along
with some exciting slides. The Beaches Boscobel is another resort
in Ocho Rios that offers this type of attractions. Visitors can
come prepare to enjoy some exciting slides, waterfalls, and speed
slides in an all-inclusive vacation package. The Beaches Negril
Resort is another attraction that offers this type of
entertainment. Visitors will have access to a pool side
restaurant, lazy river, plunge pools, pool-side grill, arched
bridges and spiraling tunnels. The Hilton Rose Hall Resort in
Montego Bay is another of Jamaica exciting water attraction. The
waterpark features jungle garden, lazy river, waterfalls, water
slides which can be enjoy in an all-inclusive vacation packages.
St. Lucia - Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa
St. Lucia is one of the top destinations in the eastern
Caribbean for wedding, family, watersports and honeymoon
vacations. The Coconut Bay Beach Resort and Spa is one of the
top waterpark resorts in this part of the
Caribbean. This resort is also an
all-inclusive vacation resort as well. Visitors can expect to
enjoy an exciting attraction with many other activities. They can
participate in other activities like water canons, paintballs and
other exciting games.
Bahamas - Atlantis Hotel and Water Park
The Atlantis Hotel and Water Park attraction is one of
the most desired destinations in the Caribbean. It is a
must visit destination if you are planning to visit the Bahamas.
Atlantis provides five challenging slides to for visitors to
explore. These slides allow you to slide at some amazing speeds
that will definitely fascinate the adventurous visitors. There
are also a large number of swimming pools and a one miles long
lazy river to relax in after to have enjoy the slides.
These are some of the top
waterpark resorts in the Caribbean. Visitors
can come prepared to enjoy some exciting rides at these hotels.
Even more exciting are the all-inclusive options which allow
visitors as much time to enjoy these waterpark as the resort
allows. Moreover, these resorts are excellent for group and
family visitors. Why no sample one of these exciting attraction
on your next vacation.

Date Published: May 07, 2012 - 6:22 pm