Mariana is a short novel by Vjange Hazle, a Caribbean writer residing in the United States. This powerful first time novel tells the story of Mariana, a young Englishwoman who arrives in colonial Jamaica as the wife of the much older Fernando Sykes. She meets with resistance from a strange people she struggles to understand. Sam-Sam, her husband's driver, comes to her rescue and the passion is ignited.
An Old Friend?: What Is For You - Part 2
The car was parked nearby and it wasn’t long before we were driving down Palisadoes Road, along the strip of land that connected the Norman Manley International Airport to the rest of the island. Although I was concentrating on the conversation with my family, I just couldn’t keep my eyes on any of them. I was too busy looking out the windows. Every time that I came back to the island and was driving down Palisadoes, I felt like I had to devour everything I saw with my eyes, as if, if I didn’t, it might all disappear. As I talked about how school was going,
The car was parked nearby and it wasn’t long before we were driving down Palisadoes Road, along the strip of land that connected the Norman Manley International Airport to the rest of the island. Although I was concentrating on the conversation with my family, I just couldn’t keep my eyes on any of them. I was too busy looking out the windows. Every time that I came back to the island and was driving down Palisadoes, I felt like I had to devour everything I saw with my eyes, as if, if I didn’t, it might all disappear. As I talked about how school was going,
Susumba/Gully beans are a small green bitter berry that commonly grows wild on abandoned lands, backyards and in gullies in Jamaica. It is often cooked with saltfish/codfish or mackerel. It can also be cooked with soup or in rice. There are claims that susumba/gully beans are good for high blood pressure and the leaves are sometimes used as a home remedy for flu & colds.
To say that the last 2 weeks have been stressful is an understatement. So, not one to wallow in unhappiness and stress and strain, I hastily planned a weekend doing some of the things I enjoy best! The yells of joy when I informed Little Master and Miss World confirmed that I had made the right decision. ROAD TRIP! Yep, I absolutely love a good drive out, and the state of our roads notwithstanding, the Jamaican countryside is soooooo beautiful. I decided to head west to my all time favourite place on the island: Negril.
This week we interview Nicetime Productions Limited Productions Manager and Assistant Director/Producer, Zenesha Zenny Riley about their documentary on “ Hit me with Music”. Nice Time is a film company committed to capturing and documenting in film and music significant cultural and sports achievements of Jamaicans. Here is our conversation with Zenesha.
After a hectic second-half of the year it was time for a vacation. I was pleasantly surprised at the customer service provided to us by the Air Jamaica/Caribbean Airlines representatives who greeted us at the ticket counter, at the gate and on the plane. The pleasant greeting may also be because it was the Christmas Season. The flight left on time and arrived into Montego Bay early.
DanceHall combines cultural geography, performance studies and cultural studies to examine performance culture across the Black Atlantic. Taking Jamaican dancehall music as its prime example, DanceHall reveals a complex web of cultural practices, politics, rituals, philosophies, and survival strategies that link Caribbean, African and African diasporic performance.
In Jamaica where public transportation between the south coast’s Kingston and the north coast’s Montego Bay is relegated between an overpriced taxi or an overcrowded bus, the Knustsford Express is a welcome reprieve for travelers. The bus goes express between Kingston, Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. Reservations can be made on phone or internet in both Jamaican and US dollars. On my last vacation in Jamaica, I reserved a seat on the phone. The reservation process was hassle free.
Don’t think of ways to escape your life; think of ways to enhance it. Seriously—have you ever considered the absurdity behind the idea of a “vacation”? Essentially, most of us have bought into the idea that being a “responsible adult” means letting go of longtime dreams, getting a “real job” (hello, cubicle nation!), and taking a few weeks off per year to laze about in a new city, trying to forget about what we do with vast majority of our time. But what’s the alternative? Be a beach bum, or worse yet move back home with your mom so you can mooch off of her, and get by in life with minimal effort?
Can I sell land in Jamaica using a common law title?
I would like to sell some land in Jamaica that was passed from my grandmother to my mother and now to me. The title I have is a common law title in my grandmother's name, and both my grandmother and mother have died...
I would like to sell some land in Jamaica that was passed from my grandmother to my mother and now to me. The title I have is a common law title in my grandmother's name, and both my grandmother and mother have died...
The arrowroot plant (sometimes called a herb) can be found in Jamaica and many other tropical regions of the world. The starch, which is obtained from the fleshy roots tubers, is used for cooking and medicinal purposes in Jamaica. Many Jamaicans use it as a thickening agent in cooking, similar to cornstarch. The arrowroot is used to ease diarrhea and soothe the stomach. The arrowroot porridge is delicious and is a great breakfast meal.
This week we interview Menelik Shabazz the creator, director and producer of the documentary film Lovers Rock. The documentary tells the story of how Lovers Rock music defined a generation in the late 70s and 80s hugely impacting on British Pop Culture. The feature length documentary contains interviews, comedy sketches, dance, live performances and archive footage which are used to shed light on the music and the generation that embraced it. Here is our conversation with Menelik Shabazz.
Can you believe the Grammy Awards are almost here? We asked M. Peggy Quattro, Reggae Report founder and publisher, to review the list of nominees from 1985 when the Reggae Grammy award was established through to this year (2011) and give us her picks for "Who Should Have Won the Reggae Grammy? Feel free to comment on the picks.
Ms. Dulcie Sey: "Marriage iz a joke today!"
Halloo all mi wandarful fans! Ow iz unu all doin? Well, Ms. Dulcie iz bizzy ringin in de New Year! Me an Missa Fowler a spen de New Year quiet, 'cause de yung peple dem get a bit rambunkcious dem ya dayz. So, me sen im go store ow much howas ago fi get sum hegg nog. Hall now mi still a wait fi im fi cum back, im mussey gawn to de fowl coop fi get de hegg dem fi mek de hegg nog.
Halloo all mi wandarful fans! Ow iz unu all doin? Well, Ms. Dulcie iz bizzy ringin in de New Year! Me an Missa Fowler a spen de New Year quiet, 'cause de yung peple dem get a bit rambunkcious dem ya dayz. So, me sen im go store ow much howas ago fi get sum hegg nog. Hall now mi still a wait fi im fi cum back, im mussey gawn to de fowl coop fi get de hegg dem fi mek de hegg nog.
Can Legal Wiz team help us get a title, if the lamp program didnt?
My dad tried to get the title through the LAMP program, and it reached a point where it needs a survey done. He secured the services of a surveyor, but apparently was being swindled and terminated the agreement after lengthy delays.
My dad tried to get the title through the LAMP program, and it reached a point where it needs a survey done. He secured the services of a surveyor, but apparently was being swindled and terminated the agreement after lengthy delays.
The equipment/facilities: Our “bird” looked nice and shiny on the outside, but on the inside, it was different. Several sizable cracks easily visible throughout the interior of the shuttle cabins, as well as frayed/torn upholstery (both trips) told an unpleasant tale of less-than-demanding maintenance. Having once worked inside the maintenance department of the “former” national airline (and seen an airplane stripped down to the frame and painstakingly reassembled), it would be nice to see the cabin looking… well, spiffy. Would you re-hire a limo/tour bus company if the test model had stripped upholstery?
Exposing Public Servants
There is a growing wave of disrespect for decent, hard working citizens of America in this country by Public Servants. No one is quite sure how it started or where they got their "power" or "bravado" from, however, if anyone has had to deal with clerks, customer service representatives or anyone who provides a necessary service, this article will ring close to home.
There is a growing wave of disrespect for decent, hard working citizens of America in this country by Public Servants. No one is quite sure how it started or where they got their "power" or "bravado" from, however, if anyone has had to deal with clerks, customer service representatives or anyone who provides a necessary service, this article will ring close to home.
5 New Poems
We added 4 new poems."Mawga Dawgs", "Bongos", "Obama's Cross", "Red Coat Plum". by Margaret Juliet Bailey and "Fulfillment" by K. L. McFarlane.
We added 4 new poems."Mawga Dawgs", "Bongos", "Obama's Cross", "Red Coat Plum". by Margaret Juliet Bailey and "Fulfillment" by K. L. McFarlane.
Sue was moving back to Jamaica. She made this decision when she came back from visiting Rosa in Orlando. She turned down Sidney’s marriage proposal. It was a difficult decision because she would have gotten her green card, but she did not love him.
Jamaica's charm and magnetism has not only been acquired through the Island's beauty and warm people, but through the range and variety of Jamaican Musicians and their music. A visit to Jamaica becomes noteworthy because of its ambience, and the various forms of musical entertainment. Every memory that Tourists may harbor are usually serenaded by Jamaican sounds and rhythms.
Immigration: New Year and New Immigration Amnesty for 2012?
Happy New Year to Everyone. With the start of 2012 everyone is concerned with the status of immigration laws. In 2011 we saw the enactment of some draconian and controversial immigration laws in Arizona, Georgia, and Alabama. We also saw increased activism for immigrants' rights. However, despite the efforts of immigrant activists we have yet to see comprehensive immigration reform from the federal government. So what will happen in 2012? The future of immigration reform is uncertain. However, what remains is that everyone must do everything they can do to maintain or obtain legal status and prepare for immigration reform/amnesty. In this month's article I will briefly address some immigration questions that are asked by prospective clients.
Happy New Year to Everyone. With the start of 2012 everyone is concerned with the status of immigration laws. In 2011 we saw the enactment of some draconian and controversial immigration laws in Arizona, Georgia, and Alabama. We also saw increased activism for immigrants' rights. However, despite the efforts of immigrant activists we have yet to see comprehensive immigration reform from the federal government. So what will happen in 2012? The future of immigration reform is uncertain. However, what remains is that everyone must do everything they can do to maintain or obtain legal status and prepare for immigration reform/amnesty. In this month's article I will briefly address some immigration questions that are asked by prospective clients.
Granny Gheeta's Vision: Preview of Things To Come
My Granny Gheeta was a woman of many talents, however, her most famous contribution to our family was her skillfulness of having visions. During her lifetime, Granny had visions on every subject under the sun. From going to the market, to her female Grandchildren being in the "family way".
My Granny Gheeta was a woman of many talents, however, her most famous contribution to our family was her skillfulness of having visions. During her lifetime, Granny had visions on every subject under the sun. From going to the market, to her female Grandchildren being in the "family way".
We asked our facebook fans to help answer a question submitted to us by email: Help answer a question from traveler going to Jamaica next week: "Heading to Kingston next week Friday for the weekend! Any cool things that are a must to see & do? Where should I go party?"
This week we interview Yola Gray-Baker the Fashion designer and CEO of House of Flayva. House of Flayva is known for their street life designs which, draws from Jamaican culture and the vibrant colors of the Caribbean. Here is our conversation with Yola.
On Friday, December 2nd, 2011 I had the opportunity to sit with the reigning Ms. Jamaica Universe 2011, twenty-five year old Shakira Martin. The Jamaican-born Florida beauty was at the Grand Palms in Pembroke Pines, collecting items for her Toy Drive for children in Jamaica.
We have updated "The Jamaican Alphabet - De Jamaican Halphabet" article. We added video/sound clips to the article. Now you can see and hear each letter the pronunciations. Enjoy!!!
Can my dad get my dead granddad's Jamaican assets after 20 years?
My grandfather has passed away over twenty (20) years ago. Can any Jamaican land/assets in my grandfather’s name be transferred to my father, who is the only child alive, even if there is no will?
My grandfather has passed away over twenty (20) years ago. Can any Jamaican land/assets in my grandfather’s name be transferred to my father, who is the only child alive, even if there is no will?
We are please to announce a new serial "What is for You". This story tells the tale of Nadiya Foster, a Jamaican-born Canadian-bred university student who heads back to Jamaica, the land of her birth, for a one-year exchange program at UWI. During her year away from home, she reconnects with family, makes new friends, enters the St. Andrew social scene, and most importantly, falls in love. “What Is For You” is a love story, about Nadiya and the charming Jamaican medical student, Kevin Crawford, but it is even more so a love story about the island of Jamaica: her culture, her people, her beauty and her history. Topics touched upon include Rastafarianism, the arts in Jamaica, garrison politics, and classism and shadism.
How has Jamaica become the land of Entrepreneurs/CEO'S yet almost 20% of the population live below the poverty line? Who are the 1% in Jamaica? Spend a few minutes surfing the net and you will soon see just how many Jamaicans are self appointed “CEO's and Entrepreneurs”. If we believed every title we'd be led to think we were reading a Zug phone book!
Ms. Dulcie Sey: "Eva ere bout de Third Wurl Blonde?"
Halloo mi precious fans! Ow hall uno folks doin? Me ope sey uno iz all halright. Well, de Halliday season iz halmost pon it way, an hevry badie feelin anxious 'cause de economy is at a standstill. Lorks, mi dears, me no knoe wey fi tell huno, de Politician dem a skylark pon de job. Ongly God cyan elp we. One ting is good dough eh, in dese times peple need plenty counseling an dat's whey Ms. Dulcie come in. Praise God!
Halloo mi precious fans! Ow hall uno folks doin? Me ope sey uno iz all halright. Well, de Halliday season iz halmost pon it way, an hevry badie feelin anxious 'cause de economy is at a standstill. Lorks, mi dears, me no knoe wey fi tell huno, de Politician dem a skylark pon de job. Ongly God cyan elp we. One ting is good dough eh, in dese times peple need plenty counseling an dat's whey Ms. Dulcie come in. Praise God!
The results are in from our 2011 "Best of Jamaica" in Jamaica survey. What is the best Jamaican restaurant in Jamaica? What is the best hotel to have a wedding? What is the best beach in Jamaica? What is the best hotel in Jamaica? What is the best tourist attraction? What is the best patty? This year's the travel category was very competitive and there are quite a few ties. Below are the results of each category for the "Best of Jamaica".
Buju Banton, a popular reggae musician convicted on drug-related charges, continued to fight this conviction, filing an appeal in the United States. He was found guilty of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute cocaine, possession of a firearm to further a drug-trafficking offense, and use of a telephone to facilitate a drug-trafficking offense.
