JAMAICA 'N' CULTURE-Cheap Vacation Package

How to Plan a Vacation- For a Cheap Vacation Package

2014-02-27T00:26:00.004-08:00

Time for your once-a-year or so "spiritual retreat." Be ready for it.

http://ced7els6g9xj5lf9tot92q0xar.hop.clickbank.net/

Steps

Research, research, research. Inspiration, go to websites to browse travel photos, journals, sharing their experiences.*Time you will depart and return. Write it down!
- Plan your destinations.
- Allow a budget.
- Pack your bags.
- Undergarments.
- Pajamas.
- Toiletries.
- Shoes.
- Swimsuits/towels.
- Journal.
Prepare for certain situations that could happen to make trip smoother.
Decide on a schedule for what each person wants to do along the way. Gather the family together and discuss what you had in mind. Be prepared for arguments. Everyone must be willing to compromise.
- Pack a first aid kit - and make sure everyone knows where it is - because you never know what could happen. In the first aid kit there should be band aids, antiseptic cream, paracetamol and allergy tablets at least. Also it might be useful to have an emergency contact list in the first aid kit.
Find a pet-sitter ahead of time if you own any animals that can't come along. If you decide to bring any, you must remember that they can't go inside restaurants or hotels, and they will have to make bathroom breaks as well. It's best to leave them at home. Put your pets into detail for the sitter and leave them with your phone number in case they have any questions while you're gone that you forgot to cover.
If it's a family vacation and you're traveling by vehicle (for a long time), bring stuff to keep everyone entertained and comfortable.
Decide what form of transportation you're taking (plane, vehicle, etc.)
Estimate the total cost of your vacation. Be sure to include restaurants (food & drink per person each day), gas for the vehicle to get there, back, and to places nearby where you'll be staying, hotel rooms per night, and any other activities that you plan on doing. (Swimming, the zoo, etc.)
- If the trip seems a bit pricey, you may want to consider looking for discounts. You can normally find accommodation and travel discounts online. While you're at the site, they can also help plan your trip.
- Work around the price. Normally if you're visiting family in another state, you can stay at one of their houses overnight (if there's enough room for everyone). (Free showers, food, television, and bed!) And if you offer to pay for the gas, you can normally borrow a neighbor's "extra" vehicle for free and they'll take care of any animals while you're gone. And if you buy a gas card, you can save money on the gas! You just gotta think ahead!
- Work some overtime at your job before you ask for a week/weekend off for vacation. They'll be more likely to give it to you when you want it.
Bring everyone's medications (if the family takes any.) Be sure to bring enough.

Tips

Look for discounts.
Bring a map if you're driving there!
Do make sure you plan how long it will take to travel. Include breaks if you don't like travelling or if you have little ones!
Be prepared for the weather. Watch the weather channel for when and where you'll be gone. Bring clothing appropriate for what the weather will be and something that's not according to the weather in case it decides to change.
Plan as far ahead in advance as possible.
If you must change planes, try to arrange so if you have stopovers or anything that it is in a nice airport, so if you have an unexpected (or expected) long layover, you won't go berserk.

Warnings

Be sure everyone stays together. There's safety in numbers.

Things You'll Need

Suitcases
Clothing, hygiene items, and extras of everything!
Snacks/toys/games for the kids
Cash for food and gas
Transportation (vehicle or air travel)
A map
Medicine
Discounts/travel sites (if needed)
Friends/family to help provide what you can't afford
A pet sitter (If you own animals)
A place to stay when you get there

Related wikiHows

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Plan a Vacation. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

ISEMAJ REPRESENTING FOR PROMATIC ENTERTAINMENT

2012-11-06T12:27:00.002-08:00

USAIN ST. LEO BOLT....WORLD'S FASTEST MAN

2012-08-09T08:04:00.001-07:00

BIOGRAPHY

Arguably the most naturally gifted athlete the world has ever seen, Usain St Leo Bolt, confirmed his tremendous talents when he realized his dreams by winning a phenomenal three gold medals and breaking three world records at the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, China. Bolt became the first man in Olympic history to win both the 100m and 200m races in world record times and then as part of the 4x100m team that also smashed the world record later in the meet.

One year Usain returned to the spotlight winning three gold medals and setting two individual world records at the 2009 IAAF World T&F Championships in Berlin, Germany. He lowered his 100m time to a staggering 9.58 secs, his 200m time to 19.19 secs and running the third leg helped Jamaica to gold in the 4x100m. He defended his World Championships title in the 200m at the 2011 IAAF World T&F Championships in Daegu, Korea and anchored Jamaica to another world record of 37.04 secs in the 4x100m. Since then he has become a household name and one of the world’s top sports personalities.

While the world danced and celebrated with this precocious talent, this was a dream waiting to happen and not just an overnight sensation.

As early as age 14, young Usain was opening eyes with his lightning speed from regional championships in western Jamaica to national meets set in Kingston to meets in the wider Caribbean.

Usain’s ascent to the pinnacle of world sprinting started with the most unlikely of events as his first medal at any meet came in the 80 hurdles in Class Three at Western Champs held on the campus of his Alma Mater William Knibb Memorial High in Martha Brae, Trelawny when he ‘jumped’ his way to a bronze medal.

Because he towered above his peers even then, Bolt was also entered in the high jump event and was a promising fast bowler in cricket before been encouraged to channel his energies on the track.

By 2001 Bolt became a known commodity and he sent signals that he would be a world beater in early 2002 when he cruised to a hand timed 20.3 seconds to win the 200m at Western Champs finals at Catherine Hall.

Later that year he went on to win the 200m/400m double at CARIFTA Trials before winning four gold medals at the meet held in Nassau, Bahamas.

He announced his arrival to the wider global audience in July 2002 when at the IAAF World Junior T&F Championships in Kingston in front of the biggest crowd ever to watch these meets, he won the host nation’s only individual gold medal, winning the 200m in 20.61 seconds. He left that meet with three medals including two silver medals in the relays, anchoring the 4x100m team and was part of the 4x400m team as well.

That was the start of a meteoric climb to the top that also saw him winning two IAAF Rising Star awards.

It was not always smooth sailing however as injuries slowed him down at several junctures of his career.

Soon after breaking the Word Junior Record in the 200m with a time of 19.93 seconds at the CARIFTA Games in Hamilton, Bermuda in 2004, Bolt was slowed by a troublesome hamstring injury. He qualified for the final of the 200m at the 2005 IAAF World T&F Championships in Helsinki, Finland but in cold and wet weather pulled up before the finish holding his hamstring.

He missed what turned out to be a ‘Jamaican party’ at the 2006 Commonwealth Games in Australia in 2006 when he suffered another hamstring injury while running a leg of the 4x400m relay for the IAAF High performance Centre’s team at the Gibson Relays in Kingston. Jamaican athletes swept all the sprint events at the meet, despite his absence.

Fortunately, he recovered well enough later that year to set a personal best of 19.88 secs in the 200m and place second in the 200m at the IAAF World Cup of Athletics in Stuttgart, Germany.

2007 was the breakthrough year in that he broke the 30 year old Jamaican 200m Record, held by the great Donald Quarrie, with a time of 19.75 secs to win the Jamaican Senior T&F Championships. He went to the 2007 IAAF World T&F Championships in Osaka, Japan in good form and won two silver medals in the 200m and 4x 100m relay.

In 2008 Usain Bolt rewrote the history books and became one of the biggest sports stats on the planet. He moved down in distance to the 100m sprint and in his second race of the year broke the world record with a time of 9.72 secs in New York. Since then he has gone from strength to strength with his heroic achievements in the Olympic Games in Beijing and in the IAAF World T&F Championships in Berlin and Daegu. He is undoubtedly the ‘World’s Fastest Man’ having broken the 100m world record three times and the 200m record two times.

Usain has been awarded the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year on two occasions (2009 & 2010); the IAAF Male Athlete of the Year three times (2008, 2009, 2011) as well as many awards in many countries in all corners of the world. He has his own clothing line in conjunction with Puma; his own watch made by Hublot; his own headphone range ‘Soul by Usain Bolt’; his own restaurant ‘Tracks & Records’ in Kingston, Jamaica; the ‘Usain Bolt Foundation’ and endorses some of the top brands in the world.

JAMAICAN GIRLS UNCENSORED AT PARTY IN PORTMORE

2012-06-27T05:29:00.003-07:00

Portland...pure Jamaica

2012-06-21T18:54:00.001-07:00

MUSIC & WORD OF EPHESIANS VERSES 1-5

GOOD OLD DANCEHALL...

2012-06-14T21:35:00.005-07:00

SO AFTER A LONG PAUSE WE DECIDED TO ATTEND A SESSION IN "REMA", ONE OF JAMAICA'S MOST NOTORIOUS GARRISONS AND TO OUR SURPRISE...WE WITNESSED DANCEHALL TO THE FULLEST!!!.

A guess...when ganja smoke clears di battle has been won!!!

GOOD VIBE, GOOD KUSH, APPLE VODKA ON DI ROCKS....PARTY SLAP WEH!!!!

before

after "nice"

IT WAS MERELY AN OPENING IN WHAT APPEARED TO BE ONE OF THE BIGGEST "TENAMENT YARDS" I'VE EVER SEEN, BUT PATRONS WERE SOON TO FORGET THAT AFTER EXPERIENCING THE VIBE OF DI PEOPLE...."DI TING SLAP WEH!!!".

TO TELL YOU THE TRUTH I AM REALLY CONSIDERING GETTING BACK TO THE ROOT OF THE DANCEHALL, BACK TO THE REAL VIBES, AMONG REAL, INNA DI REAL GARRISON.

JAMAICA'S NEWEST MUSIC ENTERTAINMENT AND ARTIST MANAGEMENT COMPANY IN ASSOCIATION WITH DEENIE'S BEAUTY SUPPLIES PRESENTS

2012-06-10T08:16:00.001-07:00

Rockhouse Hotel Sizzles - Market-To-Table Produce Impresses Locals

2012-05-05T17:20:00.000-07:00

As one of the leading resorts in environmentally sustainable tourism, Rockhouse made sure it led the charge to celebrate the success of the Negril Farmers' Market with its Market To Table dinner last Wednesday.

The picturesque boutique resort, nestled on the cliffs of Negril's coastline, treated guests to a delectable three-course dinner made of freshly grown Jamaican produce purchased at the Negril Farmers' Market.

Award-winning chef, Kevin Broderick, wowed foodies present with his Linstead Market ackee and codfish risotto served with breadfruit weaved basket crisp. This appetiser went down well. It was clear that Broderick was on a mission to showcase how well Jamaican dishes can compare to other international cuisines in taste and presentation.

Many of the guests were having for the first time a risotto made of ackee and codfish filled with potent flavours from the Jamaican Scotch bonnet pepper.

Jamaica's yellow yam was given an unusual culinary twist - prepared in the form of a soup with sweet corn chowder, as opposed to being served in slices.

The farmers' market salad made from a medley of lettuce in a branca basket drizzled with warm tomato vinaigrette cleansed the palate well in preparation for the main course that did not disappoint.

Enhancing the local flavour and veneer of the event, each meal was culturally themed. There was the old Mas Charlie farm-raised roast chicken - an organic deboned chicken with stuffed vegetables. Guests were able to appreciate the taste naturally grown poultry without the use of hormones.

It was no surprise that the lionfish dish was among the favourites at the dinner. Its smooth texture and naturally flavoured taste was a must-have, especially since it was escoveitched with mango.

Dessert was a triple treat of sweet delights on one platter - tally mi banana créme brulee, sweet potato cake tropicale and cassava pudding with ice cream offered a brilliant close to an evening that celebrated Jamaican produce.

Sheena Gayle, Gleaner Writer

From The Writer's Blocks - Jamaican-Born Poet To Pen Piece For Cultural Olympiad

2012-04-27T06:01:00.001-07:00

ITA GOODEN

United Kingdom-based (and Jamaica-born) poet Ita Gooden has found herself on the starting blocks with the Olympics fast approaching, but she won't be making any dashes for a medal.

Instead, the qualified nurse and midwife will be putting poetry into motion after winning a chance to write a verse for the 2012 Cultural Olympiad.

Gooden is one of a dozen people across the United Kingdom who have been chosen to jointly write a special poem to celebrate the landmark event this summer.

She may not be a trained athlete, but the Birmingham grandmother was certainly jumping for joy when she got the news.

"I was in Dorothy Perkins when the competition organisers from the National Lottery rang me to say I had been chosen to represent the West Midlands," explained Gooden, who is also known under her performance name 'Miss Culture Jam'. She is a talented writer, storyteller, dramatist and comedian.

"I did a little dance of joy in the shop. I think people thought I had gone mad!"

Gooden won her place in the poetry stakes by putting into words how she sees the link between poetry and sport. She believes both activities involve striving for the highest level of activity and performance.

The National Lottery spearheaded the poetry project to celebrate its investment in the arts and sport. The finished verses will be showcased at the Olympic Park during the Games.

Getting inspiration

Meanwhile, the project organisers are helping her to get inspiration by arranging meetings for her with some of Britain's finest athletes. She recently met up with British triple jumper Nathan Douglas at Birmingham's Alexander to talk to him and watch him train.

But since she was born in Clarendon, Jamaica, Gooden's loyalties are divided and she has taken up the challenge to write a special poem for her Jamaican hero Usain Bolt.

"I would love to be able to give him a 'Welcome to Birmingham' poem when he arrives here for the training camp," smiles Gooden, who is part of the writing group Writers Without Borders, set up by Sue Brown.

"During the Olympics, I shall be wearing two flags and all I can say is, may the best man win!"

Gooden has been writing poetry since she was a child in Jamaica - the praise given to her by a teacher after she wrote a story about a donkey inspired her to write.

"At work or at church, if someone was leaving or getting married, I'd put together a poem for them," she said. She is also a qualified adult-education teacher who has lectured at Birmingham City University and taught at City College Birmingham. A former acting head of midwifery at City Hospital, she currently works as a specialist nurse in sexual and reproductive health.

She has just completed her first double CD of poetry called LA-Fire, which tackles love, life and culture with humour "allowing the listener to be emerged in thought-provoking, juicy bites from the art of everyday living".

She still performs under the label Mahogany Tree which she formed with Coral Pearle eight years ago, and is a regular at local arts centres.

But, in the meantime, she is looking forward to sharing the starting blocks with 11 other poets from across Britain for her part in scooping Olympic-poetry gold.

Sizzla Kalonji denounces Swedish media reports

2012-04-26T08:26:00.001-07:00

FIERY dancehall artiste Sizzla has denounced recent media reports that he was banned from performing in Sweden because of his aggressive stance against homosexuals.
A statement from the singer's Kalonji Muzik company yesterday accused international media of releasing 'misinformation to the public about him' to 'malice and defame his character'.

It said contrary to reports, Sizzla did not utter anti-gay lyrics during any of his most recent shows and was not booked to perform in Canada or England as some reports stated.
According to the statement, Sizzla is prepared to abide by laws in any country he is booked to perform.
"It is his nature and character to respect all," the statement read.

PinkNews, reportedly the largest gay news service in Europe, was among the media that carried the story.
Its story said Sizzla was scheduled to headline a show in Stockholm, the Swedish capital, in late March. Promoters cancelled the show due to pressure from gay rights groups.
PinkNews also disclosed that other Sizzla concerts in Italy, France, Belgium, Norway, the Netherlands and Spain are scheduled to go on.

His European tour was scheduled to start yesterday in Vienna, Austria. It is expected to close April 19 in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Sizzla is one of several dancehall acts who have clashed with gay rights groups in Europe and North America for nearly 20 years.

The British gay rights group, Outrage, forced promoters of shows in Britain to cancel Sizzla concerts in the United Kingdom in 2004. Similar action took place in Toronto, Canada, the following year.
In 2008, Sizzla was denied a visa to perform in several European countries after protests from gay rights organisations.

Buju Banton, Beenie Man and Capleton have also been targeted by gay rights advocates who say their some of their songs encourage violence against persons with alternative lifestyles.

Read more:http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/entertainment/Sizzla-Kalonji-denounces-Swedish-media-reports_11139041

Igloo one of Jamaica most explosive party!!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-05-23T11:31:00.000-07:00

The Jamaica Star

Krista Henry, Staff Reporter

Popular party series 'Igloo' is looking to broaden their reach as they look forward to their second anniversary this Sunday at Sugarman's Beach in Portmore.

Speaking with THE WEEKEND STAR, Igloo promoter Ron Burke recounted how the party grew and expanded beyond his dreams when it began two years ago. According to Burke, Igloo started out as a birthday party for a friend with a transmission radio beating and igloos littering the beach. Since then, the party has expanded to thousands of patrons who came out twice a month for the party, which has since been scaled down to once each month.

Burke said, "The idea for the party was really something I was thinking about for months, and was thinking what can we do that would be different, a break from all the repetitious party scene. We had a party for a friend on the beach and people liked the idea of carrying their own igloo and getting liqueur wholesale and we used it as a launching pad and people kept coming back."

Since then, Igloo has expanded beyond its roots on Sugarman's Beach to Ocho Rios for Heroes weekend last year and to Florida during Martin Luther King weekend.

Burke said, "We definitely want to expand, we're going back to Ocho Rios for Heroes weekend as well as Easter weekend on Easter Monday. We also want to go to MoBay as well. We did Florida the other day and it was wonderful. People thought it would have been a flop because the Buju concert was the same night but it was wicked, I couldn't believe so many persons turned up for the first staging there."

According to Burke, he is looking to take the Igloo brand regional to other islands and as far as the brand can reach Internationally. "Igloo is a big brand, we always allow people to come in and tape the sound and the party, and it goes to DVD and you have people in New York watching Igloo, and people coming down to attend, " Burke explained.

For the second anniversary, the promoter promises big things, including incorporating all the original sounds that Igloo started with such as Kingston All Stars, Coppershot, DJ Narity and newcomer ZJ Liquid. He also says to expect non-stop giveaways to patrons from the title sponsor Heineken as well LIME which will be giving away branded Igloos, beach items and more.

He added, "Its gonna be the second time around, so its a double dose of Igloo, and will have all the fun that the party has provided over the last two years. Expect the party to grow with a consistent vibe."

I read this article about Nomaddz, its great, check it out!!!!

2010-12-31T13:54:00.000-08:00

NO-MADD.

Nomaddz is without question on a mission to international success, with a music video already in rotation and movie deals. The eclectic dub-poetry group formed at Kingston College where all members fused their talents for the creative arts and became known as Nomaddz.

Sheldon Shepherd, Everaldo Creary, Christopher Gordon and O’neil Peart the men that make the group are also recipients of the prestigious Jamaican Prime Minster Youth Award for excellence in the field of Arts and Culture which can be argued as a sign of great things to come. With creating a buzz in the entertainment industry Nomaddz has performed on may stages local and international, creating for them avenues that has caused doors to open for them internationally. With just their love for the performing arts and the drive for success they have also been able build individual .

Nomaddz is without a doubt a unique and creative set of “brothers” that seek to electrify the live music scene and produce positive energy through their music. Sheldon Shepherd, Everaldo Creary, Christopher Gordon and O’neil Peart the dynamic voices and names behind the Nomaddz movement are also fast rising trend setters. Recently starring in the most recent international Jamaican film ‘Better Mus Come’ and being billed for major live shows around the island. This groups Trod is blazing trends for other live music groups and bands in Jamaica.

With the music aside and the voices at rest they turn heads every time they walk in a room. With the style that fits their musical talent these tailored lords of style never seizes to amazing the audience whenever they walk onstage or merely make a trip to the supermarket. Sheldon, Everaldo, Christopher and O’neil not only take the music seriously but they take presentation of style as serious. The well dressed and tailored men often seen in blazers, sunglasses, vest and button down shirts often time mixes their style with jeans and footwear only they can pull off with there poetic style. Never fussy or overdone the group seems to without much thought puts together a GQ look each time making for not only attention to their music but to the attire as well.

Take a look at their style and judge for yourself.

Article by: Kemar Daswell of the heat and allow the porridge to slightly cool before serving.

2010-12-30T08:06:00.000-08:00

Lets Talk Reggae.

Reggae is characterized by a heavy backbeated rhythm, meaning the emphasis of the beat is on, for example, beats 2 and 4, when in 4/4 time. This backbeat is characteristic of all African-based musics and is not found in traditional European or Asian music. Reggae drummers also emphasize the third beat when in 4/4 time with a kick to the bass drum.
Rastafarianism:

Rastafarianism is a religion that is very common among Jamaicans of African descent. Many of the world's most famous reggae musicians practice this religion, and therefore many reggae lyrics reflect the beliefs and traditions of Rastafarianism.

Popularity of Reggae in the United States:
Bob Marley was reggae's best-known international ambassador. From his early days in a Rocksteady band to his later years as a Rastafari convert and political activist, Bob Marley planted himself deeply into the hearts of reggae fans throughout the world. Some people consider Marley to be exclusively responsible for the popularity of reggae worldwide, but many other artists, including Jimmy Cliff and Peter Tosh, were integral to the spread of the genre.

Marijuana and Reggae:
In Rastafarian practices, marijuana is used as a sacrament; the belief is that it pulls a person closer to God. Therefore, cannabis (referred to as "Ganja" in Jamaican slang) often features prominently in reggae lyrics. Unfortunately, a few decades of American teenagers have misinterpreted this sacred ritual and use it as an excuse to partake. Not all reggae lyrics contain references to Ganja, just as not all reggae musicians are Rastafarians.

Read More: Why Did Bob Marley Smoke Marijuana?

Reggae Language:
Reggae lyrics are often somewhat incomprehensible to Americans, as they are usually in an English-based but distinctly Jamaican patois. Many exclusively Jamaican slang terms and alternate verb forms are used, as are frequent references to Rastafarian terms, such as "Jah" (God).

Reggae's Influence:
Reggae was a precursor not just to the modern Jamaican style of Dub, but to American Ska (think No Doubt, Sublime, Reel Big Fish), Jambands (Donna the Buffalo, The String Cheese Incident) and British reggae-based bands (UB40). Also often ignored is that reggae is the predecessor to Hip-Hop and Rap music, and a very clear line can be drawn between the two.

Some Famous Reggae Artists:

These are just some of the few Reggae Artist Jamaica has produced over the years, but how can we mention these Artists without making references to some of famous Studios which has contributing to the enhancement of these Artists music and career.

Some Popular Studios in Jamaica:

For more information on any one of these topics, please feel free to send me an E-mail at Shafitz84@yahoo.com...PEACE AND LOVE FOR THE 2011.

A part of Rastafari Ceremonies...(Marijuana, Cannabis, Hemp etc)

2010-12-29T23:00:00.000-08:00

Lets look at Rastafari....

2010-12-29T22:47:00.000-08:00

Rastafari

Rastafari movement- Originating in the 1930s [9], one of the most prominent, internationally known aspects of Jamaica's African-Caribbean culture is the Rastafari movement, particularly those elements that are expressed through reggae music. In the 1970s and early 1980s Bob Marley became the most high-profile exponent of the Rastafari culture and belief system. His reputation as an innovative musician devoted to his faith [10] has continued to grow since his death, so that by 2004 his greatest hits compilation 'Legend'had sold 20 million copies worldwide [11], making him arguably the world's most famous Jamaican, and certainly the nation's biggest-selling recording artist.

Rastafari itself is a monotheistic belief system, based on teachings found in the Old Testament and the New Testament - particularly the Book of Revelations [12]. However, what distinguishes Rastafari from Christianity, Islam and Judaism (which also cite Abrahamic beliefs) is that Rastas believe in the divinity of the Emperor Haile Selassie of Ethiopia.

Hailed by Rastas as H.I.M. (His Imperial Majesty), Haile Selassie I is regarded as God himself, the true descendant of Solomon, and the earthly embodiment of Jah (God)[13] - in what believers see as a fulfillment of prophesy regarding the second coming of the Messiah[14].

It should be noted that those Rasta beliefs which are not explicitly mentioned in the Bible (such as the specific name of H.I.M. 'Haile Selassie') are not gathered into a single holy text. Instead, Rasta beliefs are primarily shared through a community of songs, chants and oral testimonies, as well as in written texts (including websites) [15]. The extensive use of song makes Rastafari a particularly musical source of Jamaican culture.

Rasta cultural traditions include wearing their hair in uncut, uncombed strands known as dreadlocks (in adherence to the Nazarite vow [16]), as well as eating unprocessed (natural) foodstuffs which are known as Ital. However, neither tradition is regarded as compulsory - many people who wear dreadlocks are not Rastas and many Rastas do not wear them.

One of the most controversial cultural traditions is Rastas' use of ganja as a sacrament which is smoked to aid in reasoning (contemplation and discussion). Cannabis is a strictly prohibited substance in Jamaica so its use by Rastas means the movement is in a more-or-less permanent state of tension with police agencies.

In its Jamaican homeland, Rastafari is a minority culture and receives little in the way of official recognition. Jamaica is an overwhelmingly Christian country, so Rasta beliefs and practices - such as the divinity of H.I.M Hailie Selassie - are sometimes regarded as pagan by Christian Jamaicans [17] (although some Rastas can also express hostility towards aspects of Christianity[18]). Nevertheless, the artistic contributions of the movement, particularly Bob Marley are widely respected. The rasta singer was awarded the Jamaican Order of Merit in 1981 and there are two official monuments to him [19].

Rastas can be found in many countries outside Jamaica and among many non-Jamaicans [20]. Because it is not a centrally organised religion, there is no way of knowing how many devotees there are.

DEEP, DEEP….A RASTA MI SEH…..

Entertainment...

2010-12-29T11:42:00.000-08:00

The Pantry Faces A Delightful - Dahlia Harris-Directed And Penned Script, Funny
________________________________________________________________________

Marcia Rowe, Gleaner Writer

When a Jamaican tells you that it will be "judgment between you and him/her" be prepared for a revengeful act to be taken against you. So it is in the Dahlia Harris-penned dramatic production Judgement being staged at the Pantry Playhouse, New Kingston.

With all three characters bent on revenge, the performance on Monday was an exhibition of great humour, reinforced by a fantastic set and ideal costumes. Other technical areas were also good. The plot, for the most part, is friendly; the directing appropriate; and the roles were well cast.

Judgement is set in the high-rise apartment of 'Janet' who resides in Brooklyn, New York.

It begins with Janet who works at a hospital, preparing for the arrival of 'Antonio', a Jamaican she met on the Internet. Her friend and co-worker, Sasha Baker, also a Jamaican, arrives. She was invited over to assist in the preparation but she, in turn, tries to discourage her friend from meeting Antonio.

In dissuading her friend from having her first face-to-face meeting with Antonio at her flat, Sasha's background is unveiled. Harris, however, stopped the flow of background information just before boredom set in. And the tempo of the story picks up. Antonio arrives.

He turns out to be Richard Thompson, an affiliate of Sasha whom she conned out of US$500,000.

He is there for revenge but the tide turns on him. Sasha and Janet join forces, and it is Judgement for Richard.

The language allowed for easy following. That, along with the actions, generated much laughter, but if there was a lesson, it was obscure.

However, Harris's use of dramatic irony was quite effective, so were the references to and use of modern means of communication such as texting.

There was a flaw in one scene, where there is eavesdropping. That scene sticks out in the mind because it was the only bad one. The set did not allow for it to be made clear how the eavesdropping took place.

It also seemed to have been a problem for director Dahlia Harris, who replaced Michael Nicholson as director at the last minute.

Marred directing Harris's otherwise brilliant directing was marred when she switched from the already established naturalistic style to an abstract one.

And while the roles do not allow for major growth, the three actors Deon Silvera (Janet) Dahlia Harris (Sasha) and André Morris (Antonio/Richard) were wonderful. Of the three, Morris seemed to be the most in control of his character.

He was convincing as the ruthless Richard. With eyes flaring, and temple pulsating, he commandeered the audience's dislike for the character.

Harris, took off her playwright's hat, to play Sasha Baker in a positive way for the most part.

However, Harris must take responsibility for the use of the profile stance which often resulted in her back being turned to the audience.

Silvera gave a secure display of Janet, the only character who showed any growth. She played the naïve Janet, as well as the more aware Janet.

But it was the set that took the cake. With much attention paid to detail, it would be hard not to believe that it was an apartment in Brooklyn. A backdrop boasting high buildings created a New York skyline which was visible from a wide window placed upstage centre.

This was complemented by classy décor, tasty-looking furniture matched by suitably shaded drapes.

The costumes and props too, were of high standard. The matching dress and shoes for the females, polo shirts and jeans for Richard showed signs of well thought out designs that were pleasing to the eye.

Judgement is worth seeing.

Trelawny Cruz Ahead...

2010-12-29T11:30:00.000-08:00

Trelawny Cruz Ahead…

Richard Morais, Gleaner Writer

FALMOUTH, Trelawny

Mayor of Falmouth Collen Gager is confident that his town will be ready for the arrival next week Friday of cruise liner Navigator of the Seas, with its 3,400 passengers and 1,200 crew members.

Navigator of the Seas, which arrives on January 7, will be the first ship to dock at the new port in Trelawny.

"Immigration will be ready as that building is complete. We have at least 30 additional policemen and the tour companies are ready," Gager told The Gleaner.

The Falmouth mayor noted that many of the services will be carried out by persons already doing such or who have been extensively trained.

The mayor, the point man for the Government, noted that everything would not be finished but that the facilities would be adequate.

"It will not be completed but this will be done by March. What is there however will be able to accommodate the ship and should be able to entertain the people."

Market, residents no problem

The non-relocation of the market and some of the residents in the community near the wharf will not be a problem to the start of operation.

He reiterated that the wharf was still a work in progress and the relocation would be done in due time.

Gager emphasised that, between now and then it will be hectic work.

"This week will be a busy week we will have to turn nights into days as the cleaning of the town will be done."

He was however disappointed with local businesses.

"With all the meetings that we are having and with all the information we are putting out, the response is not good and then you are going to hear that they didn't hear or didn't know," he lamented.

The mayor said Government was doing its part but businesses have to get out and maximise their earnings.

Dr. Patrick Harris, the member of parliament for North Trelawny, noted that ships will be calling every Wednesday and Thursday and, while lamenting the level of preparation, he beamed about the massive development starting in the constituency.

Harris said 600,000 visitors were expected to arrive annually, spending a projected US$100 each, which would put earnings at approximately $5 billion annually.