Prêt-à-Portie

The Wkndr Tv Highlights Portland

2012-09-03T18:12:00.001-04:00

The talented folks over at the Wkndr Tv had the great idea to feature Portland in the popular weekend lifestyle series. As such, I was more than happy when they invited me to share some of my hometown's best offerings with them.

See some behind-the-scenes shots captured during production.

Film crew captures the view from the Bonnie View Hill Hotel property

Wkndr Tv series host Donalee Curtis hanging out Dale Westin of the Errol Flynn Marina

The crew prepares to film a trip to the Blue Lagoon

Donalee makes a stop at Boston beach

Donalee, Kandice and O'rain relax in the Blue Lagoon after a long day of filming

GG Visits Fairy Hill Paper Project

2012-08-25T00:25:00.002-04:00

Their Excellencies the Governor-General and the Most Honourable Lady Allen arrive at Nature's Handmade Paper in Fairy Hill.
The Fairy Hill Natures Handmade Paper Project, which I featured earlier here, yesterday hosted Their Excellencies, Governor-General, The Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen and Lady Allen as their islandwide tour took them through Portland. The modest gathering comprised members of the paper project, Fairy Hill Citizens' Association and local Justices of the Peace.

Gloria Dorman, project manager, led a tour of the facility which included a paper-making demonstration. The Governor-General was particularly impressed with the group's innovative use of recycled paper and local natural fibres in the creation of premium quality paper products. In his address to the group, he commended their resourcefulness and pioneering spirit. He also expressed a desire to see more communities in Jamaica employ this approach to solving the problems they face.

Here are a few photos I captured of the visit.

Entrance to the Fairy Hill paper project office.

Gloria Dorman, Nature's Handmade Paper Project Manager greets Sir Patrick Allen while Lady Allen looks on.

Governor-General Sir Patrick Allen and Lady Allen meet members of the Fairy Hill Citizens' Association.

Eulalee Cousins demonstrates the paper-making process.

Sir Patrick Allen addresses the small gathering

Cleo Bennett of the Social Development Commission continues the tour.

Sir Patrick and his team prepare for their departure.

Port Antonio Synchro Swimming Team Making Waves

2012-02-23T14:33:00.001-05:00

Port Antonio Synchro Swimming team members; Jamielya Shaw, Charlotte Ausan, Shernet Swearine-Gullotta, Dajone Leslie, Ajoni Llewellyn and Nyouka Baugh
The Portland chapter of the Island Aquatics Synchro (IAS) club has been creating waves on the local synchronized swimming circuit. The six-member Port Antonio Synchro team dominated the 3rd Jamaica International Synchronized Swimming championships in October 2011 with all six girls placing in top positions. Then, earlier this year, the team had all six members qualifying for the national team set to represent Jamaica at the CARIFTA swimming championships scheduled for April 2012. Here again, the team is expected to blow the competition out of the water.

The team's performance should come as no surprise, however, as the members are under the expert tutelage of double Olympic gold medalist for Russia, Olga Novokshchenova. Olga now lives in Port Antonio and meets with her team 4 times each week for syncrho training as well as beginner's swimming lessons.

I had the pleasure of meeting Olga and her team at the 3rd annual Port Antonio Synchronized Swimming show held at the Fern Hill Hotel swimming pool a couple weeks ago. Here are some photos of that event as well as a video showing the girls in performance. The team would love your support, especially in the form of sponsorship. So please feel free to email them at portisynch@yahoo.com if you are able to help in some way.

Port Antonio Synchro team about to perform

Port Antonio Synchro team in performance

Port Antonio Synchro team

Double Olympic gold medalist Olga Novokshchenova gives a stellar solo performance

Port Antonio Synchro team after a performance

Port Antonio Synchro Swim Team from Pretaportie on Vimeo.

Fairy Hill Women Empowered through Paper-Making

2012-02-13T12:51:00.001-05:00

Welcome sign to Nature's Handmade Paper Project office
The Nature's Handmade Paper Project has been a mainstay of the Fairy Hill community in Portland for over 20 years. The project grew out of the 'coming-together' of a few women to create employment and skills training for women in the area. Today, the group still stands strong creating employment and training in the art of paper-making for women in the Fairy Hill community. Project participants use recycled paper and plant fibres to create a variety of paper products including; guestbooks, photo albums, greetings cards, notecards and envelopes.

Over the years, the project has found support in the United States Agency for International Development's (USAID) Rural Enterprise Agriculture and Community Tourism (REACT) project. Local hotels, craft vendors and tourists have been major patrons of the group's handmade paper creations.

I had the wonderful opportunity of visiting with them last week and got a glimpse of the paper-making process, thanks to the adept Julia Smith. Here are some highlights of that visit.
To make orders or for more information you can contact Project Manger, Gloria Dorman at 876-993-8172.

Julia Smith of Nature's Handmade Paper Project expertly demonstrates the paper-making process

Julia adds water to shredded paper before blending

Julia examines the pulp

The pulp is set in a mold

Plant fibre is often added to the pulp

Finished product made by Nature's Handmade Paper Project

More products from Nature's Handmade Paper Project

Handmade note cards

Free Winnifred Beach Benevolent Society Stages Peaceful Protest

2011-11-25T19:04:00.000-05:00

Protestors gather in Port Antonio square.
If you were in Port Antonio this afternoon, you might have witnessed or participated in the peaceful demonstration organised by members of the Free Winnifred Benevolent Society, FWBS. The protest which got underway at about 12:30pm, was directed against the Urban Development Corporation, UDC, as part of the society's efforts to maintain free public access to Winnifred Beach.

Dozens of protestors marched through the Port Antonio square bearing placards and giving interviews to local media representatives in attendance.

Here are some photographs of the event, taken by Port Antonio photographer, Dr. Vidal Smith Jr.

Protestors marching through town centre.

Demonstrators being interviewed

Port Antonio and Prêt-à-Portie Blog on Travel Channel International

2011-11-14T16:26:00.000-05:00

I am delighted to learn that Travel Channel International chose to feature both Port Antonio and the Prêt-à-Portie blog in their recent "Its a Woman's World" series. The show follows host Camilla Andersen on her travels around the world as she meets and learns from local women.

This short video I've included shows part of her journey through Jamaica. Look out for the Port Antonio section which starts at 9:12. Enjoy!

Another Portie Photoshoot...

2011-07-29T15:43:00.001-04:00

It comes as no surprise that Portland is the destination of choice for people given to creative expression. Musicians, singers, actors, movie makers and fashion directors are just some of the many who've found inspiration in this tranquil paradise.

Dawn is no different. A jewellery & fashion designer from Arizona, she fell in love with Port Antonio and felt compelled to photograph a few of her pieces here. The session was great; lovely weather, great location and awesome lighting. Here are a few of my favourites from yesterday's shoot.

A Cultural Journey From Africa to Jamaica

2011-07-22T15:24:00.000-04:00

A section of the audience at the Great Huts Resort.
This past Saturday I had the wonderful opportunity to visit Great Huts resort to see their cultural show. It was a Saturday night well spent and I'm still indebted to my friend Terri who emailed me about the show.

A visit to Great Huts itself is always a treat, but in addition, the local treasure that is the Manchioneal Cultural Group took the audience on a musical journey from Africa to Jamaica. The group, performing for over 30 years, started off the journey with traditional folk dances which have their roots in Africa. These included Brukins, Dinki Mini, Kumina, Quadrille and Maypole. The journey continued with Ska and Rocksteady then on to Jamaican popular dances. The show was informative, engaging and the dance forms masterfully executed. I regret only that I didn't capture it all on video.

The good news is that there will be many opportunities for you to see them perform live as they're at Great Huts in Boston every other Saturday from 7pm-9pm. Make an effort to see them, it'll be worth it!

Artwork on display at Great Huts by (Top) Kenyan artist Mazola & (bottom) Jamaican artist Nakazzi Hutchinson

(left) Great Huts owner Dr. Paul Rhodes welcomes the audience. (right) Manchioneal Cultural Group leader Richard Derby.

Members of Manchioneal Cultural Group in performance

Manchioneal Cultural Group in performance

Some of the younger members of the cultural group in performance

Port Antonio Welcomes "It's a Woman's World" Film Crew

2011-06-01T20:19:00.001-04:00

Dean and Tom film Camilla as she arrives at my house. (Neville Reid Photo)
This past weekend was especially thrilling.

Europe's Travel Channel International was filming in Port Antonio for its upcoming, "It's a Woman's World," travel documentary series. The series which will feature four (4) exotic locations; Turkey, South Africa, The Philippines and Jamaica; is unique to the "Travel Show" genre as it introduces viewers to each country from the perspective of the local women encountered.

As such, I met with host Camilla Andersen and the Woman's World crew, and introduced them to some of my favourite Portie attractions and activities to be featured in the Jamaica episode of the series. Our tour included a trip to my alma mater, Titchfield High School, a visit to one of Port Antonio's most gifted nail artists and lunch at Cynthia's at Winnifred beach. It was satisfying to know that the group enjoyed Port Antonio and easily declared it their favourite parish.

It's a Woman's World is expected to be aired in October 2011. Until then, I've included some behind-the-scenes shots of the day's filming.

Filming continues at Titchfield High School while Producer Julia look on. (Neville Reid Photo)

(Neville Reid Photo)

Navy Island as seen from Titchfiled High School. (Julia Cornes Photo)

Jamaican-inspired nail art as done by Kimesha. (Photos by Julia Cornes).

Guru Ram Das Healing Centre

2011-05-19T14:56:00.000-04:00

(L) Lunch prepared from organic farm produce. (R) Mangal Jot Kaur owner and operator, Guru Ram Das Healing Centre.

One of my favourite places to re-focus and re-energize is the Guru Ram Das centre in the Commodore hills of Portland. Owned and lovingly operated by Mangal Jot Kaur, the centre experience figures highly on my list of things to do in Portland. Have a peek at my conversation with Mangal Jot to see what you may be missing.

Prêt-à-Portie: Where are you from originally?

Mangal Jot: I was born in Paris, France. My mum is French and my dad is from Benin, on the West Coast of Africa. A few weeks short of my 18th birthday, I moved to London where I lived for 17 years until I came to Portland.

Prêt-à-Portie: Why did you choose Portland and what do you love most about living here?

Mangal Jot: Years ago while still living in London, I read a newspaper article about Portland and thought that if I was to go back to Jamaica, I would have to visit Portland. When I was first thinking of relocating on the island, I gave myself four days holiday in Portland during which I just fell in love, and it was clear this is where I wanted to be.

There are so many things I love about living here, the fact that we are surrounded by so much natural beauty makes me feel in awe every moment of the day.

Prêt-à-Portie: What was your inspiration for starting the Guru Ram Das Healing Centre?

Mangal Jot: Ultimately, it has to be my love for the One in all. And my eternal gratitude for those teachings which have not only changed my life but also saved my life and allowed me to serve others along the way. I wanted to create a beautiful and peaceful space where people can come to learn to relax, renew, understand, transform, heal and empower themselves.

View from Guru Ram Das centre
Prêt-à-Portie: What are some of the services you offer at the centre?

Mangal Jot: Private consultations, healing conversations, counselling for couples and children, conflict resolution & mediation are also offered. I have a business background and offer Business Strategy Coaching and Mentoring also. Private Yoga Classes are also done by appointment, meditation and deep relaxation for all levels and beginners are always welcome. You can stay on to share a delicious Ital lunch made with products from the farm. In coming months, we are planning to offer more classes, workshops & retreats geared towards the healing and empowerment of women and their families.

Prêt-à-Portie: What has been your proudest moment/biggest accomplishment at Guru Ram Das Healing Centre?

Mangal Jot: Looking back, I guess it was keeping up when I could have given up, and with "Keep up, you'll be kept up!" imprinted in my mind, a favourite Kundalini Yoga mantra, this was never an option, and for that I am infinitely grateful.

Prêt-à-Portie: How long have you been a yoga teacher and how did you discover yoga?

Mangal Jot: I have been a Kundalini Yoga teacher since 2001, so this year marks my 10-year anniversary. I discovered yoga in 2000 after a challenging time when I lost my job, an illness, another failed relationship and feeling depressed for as long as I could remember. I hoped and prayed for something to take away that feeling of emptiness, pain and aloneness. I took my first class at my local gym in Brixton London and it was love on the spot. I loved the way it made me feel, in my body, my mind and my whole being. I felt different, like that heavy feeling was lifted, relaxed yet energised and I just wanted more of that. I decided to do the teacher training, and the more I learned and practised, the more I felt, "This is great, it works, and I just have to go and share it with the world."

Prêt-à-Portie: What are the benefits of the practice?

Mangal Jot: The benefits are many and put simply, it helps you self-adjust in every sense of the term, physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. But ultimately, there is nothing more true and real than personal experience because it goes straight to your heart and this is where healing and change take place. With an open heart and mind, come and try it for yourself, and you will understand why so many people from all ages and walks of life are making yoga and meditation part of their lives.

For more information or to make appointments call 876-585-7994.

Mangal Jot prepares for a Kundalini Yoga session

7 Questions with Jah9

2011-01-04T13:41:00.001-05:00

Photograph by Sabriya Simon
Port Antonio continues to be a destination of choice for artists and creatives alike. Not surprisingly, since Portland's serene ambiance and picturesque landscape lend themselves to the solitude and introspection that are so much a part of the creative process.

Janine "Jah9" Cunningham, Jazz-on-Dub creator and singer, is one such person. This self-proclaimed Portie-lover has been known to take her Portie respites religiously every Sunday. Here's more of what Jah9 had to say:

Prêt-à-Portie: What is your fondest Portie memory and/or location?

Jah9: Long Bay beach when the tides are rough and I get tossed around like a washing machine... and Winnifred's on a Sunday morning when the vibe is peaceful and super chill and the I'm lazing around for hours.

Prêt-à-Portie: Given your many roles as singer, songwriter and activist how do you maintain your drive and focus?

Jah9: Portie escapes are definitely a major part of what is required to defrag so the creative juices can flow.

Jah9 performs with members of the Omega Vibration team. Colin Porter Photograph
Prêt-à-Portie: What inspires you to create?

Jah9: Life and my experiences (even vicariously), and my aspirations.

Prêt-à-Portie: Tell us about the "Jazz-on-Dub" genre. How did you come up with this sound?

Jah9: It's a mix of two of my favorite music forms...basically my Jazz vocals on Dub which is an open free form version of roots reggae. Just imagine Billie Holiday or Dinah Washington meets Jah Shaka or Mad Professor.

Prêt-à-Portie: What has been your biggest accomplishment creatively?

Jah9: For me that would be creating the concept of Omega Vibration (a theme-based all female artistic showcase featuring song, spoken word, dance, visual arts working together with live music) and bringing it to life on stage.

Photographs by Sabriya Simon
Prêt-à-Portie: Who are your favourite artistes/performers?

Jah9: Many many many... ranging from Sizzla, Tracey Chapman, Billie Holiday, Nina Simone, Joan Armatrading, Peter Tosh and the list goes on.

Prêt-à-Portie: What are you currently working on? Can you tell us about some of your current projects?

Jah9: What I can say is there's a two-album project in the pipeline, a series of community based initiatives, some major live music collaborative events with some of my colleagues. Also I want to do a few more Omega Vibrations, and the Manifesto Festival later this year to name a few... and thats all just for this year.

Alain 'Skanka' Hottat::Preserving Moments

2010-12-21T15:30:00.003-05:00

Alain 'Skanka' Hottat. Photos contributed.

Alain Hottat has come a long way to fulfil his dream of living and working in his Portland paradise. But he will tell you it's been worth it. Born in the Congo in the 60's then moving to Belgium for Art school as a teenager, Alain never imagined that a trip to Jamaica in 1981 would impact his world the way it did. See highlights of my conversation with the Portland based music video director and photographer about his work and the treasure trove of inspiration that is Port Antonio.

Prêt-à-Portie: What brought you to Portland and how long have you been living here?

Alain: What brought me to Portland is the 'untouched-ness' of the place...like I always say, "the real Jamaica.'' Everything moving in pace with nature; the weather and the wind. I've lived in Portland since 1989 until today.

Prêt-à-Portie: How long have you been creating videos and photographs?

Alain: I have been practising my photography since childhood in Africa when my father bought me my first camera. I have been exposed to and involved with videography since I went to the Art school but have been active the most this last 2 years doing videos here in Jamaica around the music. My father had always love to video and photograph in Africa, so I got that from him I guess. I have learnt in the Art school to develop my eye, views and concept in an artistic way.

Prêt-à-Portie: Would you say you have a favourite of the two?

Alain: I don't have a favorite, I love both. Photo is the expression of a fraction of a second while video is the expression through time and movements with sounds and words.

Portraits by Alain 'Skanka' Hottat
What do you love most about your work and what has been your proudest moment artistically or creatively?

What I love the most is the moment of creation shooting a photo or video, the contact and communion with my subject. That is why I love portraits so much. Then I love the moment when the art reveals itself after editing and final touching. I usually never look back on what I have done once it is done. It is then time to create again..like food for the soul.

My proudest moment is any time I can share my art with someone and when I see the enjoyment of the person that looks at it. I love to watch my subject or actors looking at the final product more than even me looking at my work itself.

How would you describe your style?

My style? I don't know you have to name it. I'll say if it is a portrait my style is to penetrate the soul of my subject by making him/her be himself. The subject has a lot to do with it . Every subject carries his/her own vibes and I try to show that expression.

What inspires you to create/produce?

I'm inspired by people, characters, kids, nature, music, joy and sadness.

Portraits by Alain 'Skanka' Hottat
What do you love most about Portland?

Portland is my home. I love the people, I feel respected, the beauty of the land blows my mind everyday...In a sense It is more beautiful everyday and I pray for it to stay like that.

Contact email: lens-flair@hotmail.com

Portland's Own 'Charlie Brown'

2010-12-07T10:33:00.000-05:00

Welcome sign to Charlie Brown's Williamsfield workshop/showroom.
Long before I met Astley "Charlie" Brown, I was admiring his impressive craftsmanship and intricate carving designs at the Great Huts property in Boston Bay. So naturally, our meeting this past summer was not only inevitable but long overdue.

On a good day, one can find Charlie carving, sanding or painting his wooden creations in his Williamsfield workshop/showroom or beneath the shade of the mangrove-lined Turtle Crawle Harbour. Either way, he and his carvings are hard to miss. The self-taught artist who works primarily with Cedar and Lignum Vitae has been honing his craft since the late 1970s producing original handmade items for clients world-wide. Not to be outdone anytime soon however, Charlie credits the source of his inspiration, "I see my creations first in my mind then I transfer them to wood." Any examination of his work will prove he has mastered this process.

So next time you're passing by feel free to stop and have a look or give Charlie a call at 1-876-850-5829.

Clients admire Charlie's work

Charlie outside his workshop/showroom at the end of his workday.

More wonderful Charlie Brown creations

Western Hiatus at Teamwork Associates

2010-11-16T21:00:00.002-05:00

I haven't Portie blogged in quite some time, but with good reason. Over the last couple of months I've had the wonderful opportunity of working with some of the visionaries at Teamwork Associates in Montego Bay. Yup...good things do happen in the west after all:-))

Teamwork Associates, the brainchild of Pastor Menzie Oban, was born out of a desire to prevent rather than rehabilitate delinquency in at-risk youth. This, after years of doing prison ministry work across the island. Today, the mandate continues to be fulfilled through the Teamwork Church and School with over 150 students enrolled in Kindergarten, Preparatory, Special Education and High School departments. You can read more here.

It's an experience I'll cherish forever and while the property offers the most amazing panoramic ocean views ever, Port Antonio beckons and I must comply.

Portie Views

2010-08-23T15:17:00.000-04:00

I thought I'd share some of my favourite landscape photographs from Port Antonio based photographer Winston Harris while I wish you a great week. Enjoy!

Hotel Mockingbird Hill's Country Fair

2010-08-18T19:11:00.002-04:00

Tamarind Hill Farm's goat cheese with crackers
I'm so glad I made the effort, faced the sweltering heat and went to Hotel Mockingbird Hill's Country Fair two Saturdays ago. There was an impressive display of creative pieces primarily from Portland and St. Mary and just as many wonderfully talented people.

I couldn't get enough of Tamarind Hill Farm's Goat Cheese with Garlic & Herbs and Vera's pastries have always gotten the better of me. That aside though, it was great to see the exquisite hand made paper from my very own Fairy Hill community and equally inspiring to meet Norma Nugent who is intent on preserving Jamaica's Hardanga craft.

My only regret is that I couldn't buy all the pieces I fell in love with. I could only look ever so longingly at the beautiful pieces from the Clonmel Potters and jewellery designer Domaris Mayne. But since this is the 1st of what is to be an annual event, I'm sure I'll have no such regrets come next year.

(l-r) Displays from The Clonmel Potters, Beyond Jewellery and River Edge.

(l-r) Gloria Dorman of Nature's Hand Made Paper, Nicky Richardson with Nyam Jamaica , Belva & Donald Johnson of Clonmel Potters.

Joanna Slimforte of Tamarind Hill Farm chats pastries with Vera Venster.

Hardanga Thread Craft from Jamaica Hardanga Heritage Trust

Nature's Hand Made Paper

Jewellery Designer Domaris Mayne in conversation with a customer

Soaps from Blue Mountain Aromatics.

Calvin 'Ridley' Smith :: Gratitude for a Lifeline

2010-08-04T18:01:00.002-04:00

Calvin 'Ridley' Smith talks about his earlier days as lifeguard at Boston beach.
There are angels everywhere....and I don't mean the winged and haloed kind. I'm talking about the people we encounter from time to time who throw us a lifeline just as we're about to go under.

Calvin 'Ridley' Smith has been one such person. As the official lifeguard at Boston beach from 1971 until June of this year, Ridley has been that lifeline for thousands of us. I for one am forever grateful he was at the beach the summer of my 12th year when a cousin and I had ventured out too deep.

Ridley, who prides himself on being Jamaica's first black surfer, is also known for his calm demeanor and infectious personality. As Lorraine Washington of Panama puts it, "My husband and I have been coming here for the past 32 years and the reason we keep coming back, apart from the natural beauty, is Ridley."

So, as he's come to the end of this phase of this life, I've just got to say thanks again Ridley and, to use his own words, "International Respect!"

(l) Sonya of Argentina visits Ridley at Boston beach along with long-time friend (r) Lorraine Washington.
Boston beach, Portland.

Syreta's Healing Hands :: Equilibrium Through Touch

2010-07-28T11:42:00.000-04:00

Client Kaycia Minott-Haynes treats herself to the relaxation benefits of a massage.
Syreta's friends and family always knew she had the gift of healing through touch. "Whenever they had aches and pains I would give them massages, and they all commented on how great they felt afterwards," she reminisces about her teen years growing up in Port Antonio. Before long she became the 'go-to' person for a great therapeutic massage.

These days, not much has changed. Having studied and practiced in Europe for over 10 years, the VTCT certified Massage Therapist and Reflexologist has returned home to give some healing back to her hometown. As such, she opened Syreta's Healing Hands realizing two life-long dreams of working for herself and healing through touch therapy. Here she offers Reflexology, Remedial, Aromatherapy, Indian Head, Hot Stones and Swedish massages.

With a client list primarily of athletes and elderly persons, she wishes more non-sports people would take advantage of the therapeutic benefits of massages. Apart from the benefits for joint and muscles ailments, she stresses the overall health-improvement (increased vitality, concentration, relaxation, better sleep), clients usually experience from this therapy.

"I believe everyone should try it at least once. It's a gift I've been blessed with, and I'd travel the world doing just this."

To make an appointment you can contact Syreta's Healing Hands at 876-398-2904, syretam@yahoo.com or by visiting her office at 18 Harbour Street, Port Antonio.

Syreta takes a break from work.

Greater Expectations for The Jolly Boys

2010-07-11T19:23:00.001-04:00

The charismatic Albert Minott, Jolly Boys' lead vocalist & guitarist.
Portland has had its share of innovations; think Boston Jerk, birthplace of Jamaican Tourism and more recently Modern Mento. This latest innovation, the brainchild of Geejam Studio's Jon Baker, is masterfully personified by the energy and musical stylings of Port Antonio's very own Jolly Boys.

The Jolly Boys have been a mainstay of Portland's music scene dating back to the 1950s. Since then the group has undergone numerous transitions all while maintaining its signature Mento sound. That was, however, until November 2008 when Baker and Dale 'Dizzle' Virgo started an experiment that has produced what many are now calling the 'Evolution of Mento.'

I caught up with the group at Geejam Studios last week to talk about the old days, their new album Great Expectations and their upcoming UK tour.

Longstanding members of the Jolly Boys l-r; Albert Minott (lead singer/guitarist), Joseph 'Powda' Bennett (maracas) & Derrick 'Johnny' Henry (rumba box).
Prêt-à-Portie: How do you feel about this renewed interest in Mento music and the Jolly Boys?

Jolly Boys: (Dale) We're very happy with it. We were very excited to see the turn-out and the great reception we got last Saturday (July 3) at our REDBONES cafe concert in Kingston, especially from the younger fans. Its amazing to see them enjoying and appreciating Mento music.

(Albert): This music has been simmering for a long time and we're now ready to serve it to the world.

Prêt-à-Portie: Do you think Modern Mento could possibly be the next big thing in Jamaican music?

JB (Dale): Yes, definitely. We really created this unique genre for a niche market. But it definitely has the potential to be the next big sound coming out of Jamaica. The overwhelming reaction we've gotten from our fans so far suggests this.

Latest additions to the group l-r; Donald Waugh (banjo), Dale "Dizzle' Virgo (percussion) & Lenford 'Brutus' Richards (guitar)
Prêt-à-Portie: Why was the decision taken to add new members to the original band?

JB (Dale): When we worked in the studio on the Great Expectations album we got a very unique and interesting sound that we thought represented a more modern take on traditional Mento. So under the direction of ethnomusicologist Daniel Neely, some new talent was recruited to play the modern version that we created in the studio.

Prêt-à-Portie: Tell us about your new members.

JB (Dale): Well we brought in professionally trained musician Donald Waugh as well as guitarist Lenford 'Brutus' Richards of Burning Spear fame. I also lend my talent to the band on percussions.

Prêt-à-Portie: Do you have any more local shows planned before you go on tour?

JB: No we don't, but it's very likely that we'll have a performance here at the Bushbar before we leave for our UK tour on July 19.

Prêt-à-Portie: Great, I'm looking forward to seeing you then. And good luck with the tour.

JB (Powda): Thank you. This music can live forever and I am here to help spread it. I feel like I have another 90 or so years in me so I am ready for the journey.

(l) Joseph 'Powda' Bennett and (r) Derrick 'Johnny' Henry.

Derrick reminisces about his days performing for Errol Flynn on Navy Island while Albert and Joseph chat with a fan.

(l) The band on a rehearsal break(r) Band member Dale 'Dizzle' Virgo also co-produced the Great Expectations album.

Portland JerkFest 2010

2010-07-05T18:27:00.000-04:00

Patrons eager to sample the jerked fare at yesterday's festival.
I'm not fond of large gatherings, so maybe you'll understand why yesterday was only my second time attending the Portland Jerk Festival. It was everything I imagined and more. Lots and lots of people, food, sun, smoke, people, food and so on.

I'll admit that I do miss having the festival in Boston, where I'd sit and watch thousands of patrons go to and fro' and listen in on the performances without ever setting foot outside of my yard. Still, I think the Folly Estates venue eliminates the problem of parking for sure, so I'll concede on that basis...only.

If you're one of the Two Hundred or so people who didn't come out for the festival yesterday then see photo highlights below:)

More delectable jerked offerings.

These young friends combat the heat with snowcones

Byron Lee's Dragonaires in performance

(l) Emcee Jennifer "Jenny-Jenny" Small with giveaways for the audience (r) Byron Lee's Dragonaires

Section of the audience at Portland Jerk Festival

Parking at Folly Oval

Weekend Wishes

2010-07-02T21:24:00.000-04:00

I'm so looking forward to this weekend's Jerk Festival, and also hoping to see you there. Still, if you can't make it, have a great weekend wherever you are ;)

On Top of the World...Almost.

2010-06-28T18:31:00.004-04:00

Arlene and Justin look on as Jamie photographs the Buff Bay Valley
Now that I'm safely on this side of Sunday, I dare declare, "Yesterday was AWESOME!!!" I was almost on top of the world, or so it seemed as some friends and I made the trek up the Blue Mountains. We drove from Charles Town in Buff Bay as far up as the terrain allowed then parked and walked the rest of the journey to Section. Once there, we stopped at the James Dennis coffee farm for some much needed rest and good organic brew.

It was definitely one of the more fun yet eventful Sundays I've had in a while; what with one flat tyre, a twisted ankle, landslides and a close-call (yes, my life flashed before my eyes as I negotiated that never-ending hill through the Dennis coffee farm). Still, I'd do it again in a heart-beat.

The views defy description, so I will not attempt any. I guess it was such a place as this that Gregg Braden referenced in the statement, "A place where the skin between the worlds is really thin." As usual, I got pictures, but its an experience you must have for yourself. I guarantee it'll leave you breathless, in every way possible.

Clearing landslide in the rain

Happy Father's Day Wishes

2010-06-20T01:01:00.002-04:00

Here's to a wonderful day of love and appreciation for fathers everywhere. As usual, I'm celebrating by posting some of my favourite father-child moments.

Sponsor a Child this Summer

2010-06-11T20:48:00.002-04:00

The Portland Rastafari Craft Production Centre (PRCPC), is hosting its second annual Cultural Summer Camp starting next month. The 3-week camp is geared towards helping 40 unattached youths (10-19 years old) develop life skills though cultural expressions and training. According to Afrika Thompson, Community Development Officer with the Social Development Commission (SDC), the areas of greatest need are financial support, resource persons and youth mentors. If you would like to volunteer or contribute otherwise, you can email them at portlandculturalcamp@hotmail.com and/or read their proposal here. We'll all be better for it.

Have a safe and relaxing weekend!!!

Loads of Love for Louise

2010-06-09T00:28:00.003-04:00

The charming & witty Louise Williams
I like to think that everyday is a great day. And while there are days when it's not so easy to see evidence of this, last Saturday wasn't one of them. It was a perfect day for a luncheon at the breathtaking Norse Hill in San San and everyone who helped Jennifer Poirier celebrate her mom's, Louise Williams', 94th year felt it too. Friends and loved ones came together under the massive Ficus tree for a delectable buffet, laughter and the outpouring of love for the Portie matriarch.

I thought I'd share some of my favourite photos of the event while I look forward to doing it again next year:)

Spectacular view of Alligator Head from Norse Hill

(top left) Mr and Mrs Lawson welcome Nellie Walker; (top right) Howard and Georgia Pottinger
(bottom left) Jennifer Poirier, Syreta and Sydoney Massop; (bottom right) Mrs McKenzie in conversation with Mr & Mrs. Wiggins

(top left) Alma, Jean and Wayne of Norse Hill; (top right) Bill & Gainelle Bailey
(bottom left) Betty Narcisse makes a point to Dr. Terry Hall; (bottom right) Jennifer shares a funny story

(L) Rev Grace prepares to sample the delightful selection. (r) Brandon and Rohan Lawson lounging after lunch