An Interview with Crochet Couture Diva, Minka.
Nestled above the historic cane fields and factories of western Jamaica, is a small town called Grange Hill, which has produced one of the emerging fashion giants in Jamaica. She is what some would call a renegade and others a bellwether. A visionary, in more ways than one, Gillian Francis aka Minka, is one of Jamaica’s premiere designers with a promising future in world fashion domination.

Interview with Kim Marie Spence, Jamaica's Representative in the Women's Antarctic Expedition
This month we interview  Kim Marie Spence who was recently selected to represent Jamaica in the Women's Antarctic Expedition. She is one of the eight women from countries across the Commonwealth, who will participate in the Women's Antarctic Expedition. The women represent five continents, six faiths and seven languages. On the expedition these women will tackle the immense mental and physical challenges of Antarctica.

Interview with Maas Gussie the columnist for "Hello Mi Neighbour"
This month we interview Silton Townsend known to many Jamaicans as Maas Gussie. His programme and column Hello Mi Neighbour is inspiring Jamaicans everywhere to help each other. He has motivatied people to think of how they can be of value to each other and make life better for others.

Interview with Capoeira Instructor Dennis Eckart
This month we intervew Dennis Eckart a Capoeira instructor who lives in Jamaica. Created in Brazil by the slaves brought from Africa, Capoeira is an Afro-Brazilian art form that involves movements from martial arts, and dance. It was created some time after the 16th century in the regions known as Bahia, Pernambuco and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.

Interview with Jamaican Playwright, Aston Cooke
This month we interview Aston Cooke, one of Jamaica's leading playwrights. Cooke began writing plays when he attended Wolmers High school. He was responsible for writing the first episodes of "Oliver at Large" for Jamaica's King of Comedy Oliver Samuels. He also  wrote for the  popular radio series "Home Runnings.  Cooke's impressive writing portfolio includes LTM National Pantomimes and much more. Aston Cooke’s latest offering for the Jamaican stage is “Pupalick” an outrageously hilarious yet thought provoking socio-political musical revue.

Interview with Jamaican Dog Sledder, Damian Robb
A few months ago, some interesting information was posted in our Sports Discussion Forum about new Jamaican sportsmen travelling away from the warmth, sun and sand to participate in a fairly unknown sport, one of man and beast – the Dogsled Race. A couple years ago, while in Edmonton, Canada, Danny Melville from Chukka Caribbean Tours was looking for dune buggies for his business back home in Jamaica. He came across the makings of a rather odd piece of equipment, which not only became the latest addition to the activities offered to tourists at Chukka Tours, but something much bigger! 

Jamaican Alternate Investment Scheme - Interview
Many Jamaican overseas have invested in alternative investment schemes based in Jamaica. There is a hush amongst the Jamaican Diaspora to discuss it openly mainly because of shame with the direction things have gone and the large sum of money they invested in these schemes. You can hear these discussion when you go out to social events and you hear the names May Daisy, Cash Plus, Worldwise, Higgins-Warner, Olint and LewFam.

Interview with Dat Bumpy Head Gal, Joan Andrea Hutchinson
This month we interview with Dat Bumpy Head Gal, Joan Andrea Hutchinson. She is a well respected writer, motivational speaker, actress, tv/ radio producer; training in radio and television production and news (Jamaica, Holland, South Korea, Japan , the US and Benin).  She has produced a few CDs including her latest “Jamaican Proverb: Pretty & Proud”. 

Interview with Jamaican Ski team member Errol Kerr
Meet 22 year old Errol Kerr a founding member of the Jamaica Ski Team. Born in Brooklyn he holds dual citizenship courtesy of his Jamaican father and American mother. He will be representing Jamaica in the 2010 Winter Olympics. His dream is to win a Winter Olympic gold for Jamaica and inspire Jamaican kids to ski.

Interview with Jamaican Marcia M. Mayne Founder of the Peenie Wallie Book Club
Books play an important role in the Jamaican and Caribbean Diaspora to keep the heritage alive. Three year ago Marcia M. Mayne founded the Peenie Wallie Book Club which is based in New York City. This month we interview Marcia about the book club and Caribbean books.

Interview with Jamaican Designer Richard Campbell Owner of Drenz Fashions
Richard H. Campbell Jamaica’s newest upcoming designer sensation is the man behind the brand DRENZ FASHION. Richard had very humble beginnings and many discouragements as a designer and young entrepreneur. It was due the many encouragements received by him from his customers who seemingly roared for encores and kept his demands high that kept his dream alive.

Interview with Jamaican Artist, Marisa Willoughby-Holland
This month we interview Jamaican Artist, Marisa Willoughby-Holland. Many of you may have seen her famous "Seaching for Jesus" painting in gift shops around Jamaica and on the cover of Air Jamaica’s Skywriting magazine. Marisa studied art in London at the Royal College of Art .  While in college she won several awards including 'The Folio Society Illustration Award' in 2001 and the 'Worshipful Company of Painters and Stainers Award' in both 2000 and 2001. Her work has been featured in 'Graphics International' magazine Issue 88. Her work has been exhibited internationally in locations from Miami to the Vatican. Marisa currently lives in the United Kingdom but travels to Jamaica frequently.

Interview with Jamaican Race Car Driver Natasha Chang
This month we interview Jamaican rally race car driver, model and radio personality, Natasha Chang. She has made quite an impression on the Jamaican rally car racing circuit and is described by some as Jamaica's Danica Patrick. She is currently working on a Rally Jamaica television program which will be featured on Hype TV and sportmax.

Interview with MaryKay Mullally
Jamaican Mary Kay Mullally is one of the 5 winners in the ABC News and Prevention Magazine Picture of Health Contest. After going across the US looking for women over 40 who inspire others to make healthy choices she was chosen as one of the winner. There was a grassroots effort in the Jamaican community to vote for her online. We discuss this effort and how she got involved in this contest.

Dr. Hopelyn Mullings-Brown — A Jamaican’s Journey of Hope
Hopelyn is the creator of Hopelyn International, an organization that offers tools to assist in the transformation of ordinary people into exceptional leaders. The focus of her ministry is for individuals to understand and embrace their life’s purpose. Her passion is to work with women, but she is open to share with any group, male or female, because that message of hope is for both genders.

Interview With Marc Panton The Operator of Butterfly Dreams Farm
Marc and Coleen Panton own an operate operate the Butterfly Dreams Farm in Black River, St. Elizabeth,  Jamaica. This month we interview Marc Panton  and discuss  butterflies in Jamaica.

Interview With Community Environment Activist Jamaican Mark Walters
This month we interview Jamaican Mark Walters a co-leader with the Miami Inner City Outings (ICO) which is an outreach arm of the Sierra Club. The mission of the ICO is to expose youth from inner city and underserved populations in and around South Florida to the wonders of the natural environment.

Romance on Jamaicans.com
The Jamaicans.com forum was developed in 1996 as interactive space for the website’s users to share information and network. Through the years, these forums developed into popular social cyber hubs, later growing into strong friendships and for a few lucky couples, true love. Murmurings of Cupid’s presence at the forums were hard to suppress. Those who found themselves lucky in love and seriously dating were hesitant to disclose that there was romance budding on Jamaicans.com. Further investigation would later reveal that there were three (3) marriages and numerous dating couples.

Interview With Jamaican Chef Nigel Spence
This month we interview Jamaican Chef Nigel Spence owner of the critically acclaimed New York restaurant Ripe Kitchen and Bar. Most recently, Chef Spence appeared on Throwdown with Bobby Flay where he emerged the victor in a jerk cook off against the Food Network star as well as on WCBS when he made a special appearance on Tony's Table. Ripe Kitchen and Bar has also received positive reviews and been featured in The New York Times, The Journal News, Jamaican Eats, Jamaican Magazine, The Westchester Magazine and Caribbean Life.

Interview With Jamaican Model Oshane Porter
This month we interview Jamaican-born international model, Oshane Porter. Discovered by the Jamaican modeling agency Zahni, she is now signed to Irene Marie Models. She has graced the covers a few magazines and strutted her “stuff” on the catwalk of “fashion week”.

An interview with the Hon. Pearnel Charles
The Honorable Pearnel Charles, Minister of Labor and Social Security visited Atlanta recently and was interviewed by Jamaicans.com senior writer/editor, Glen Laman.

Interview With Dr. Kwame Dawes, Poet, Scholar, Novelist
Dr. Kwame Senu Neville Dawes is the Distinguished Poet in Residence, Louis Frye Scudder Professor of Liberal Arts (University of South Carolina). He was born in Ghana but grew up in Jamaica where he attended Jamaica College and U.W.I. (Mona Campus). He also studied abroad on a Commonwealth Scholarship to Canada. He’s the author of thirteen books of poetry, several books of fiction and non-fiction and numerous plays.

Interview With Jamaica Business Journal Publisher Brent Williams
This month we interview, Brent Williams, the founder and publisher of the Jamaica Business Journal. Before starting a career in publishing with the Jamaica Business Journal he was the Chief Financial Officer of a US$26 Billion division at Wells Fargo Bank in San Francisco , California .

Interview With Poet, Author & Photographer Gina Rey Forest
This month we interview Jamaican poet, author and photographer Gina Rey Forest. She has been writing poetry since the age of 10 years. She has played a major role in the Jamaica’s poetry and spoken word revival. She is an award wining photographer and has authored 3 books. She spent fourteen years in the computer industry before she finally decided to pursue her two loves; Massage therapy and poetry writing. Her passion is “true” self expression and her poetry reflects this.

Interview With Walter Elmore, CEO of Turn-Key Productions, Organizar of the Air Jamaica Jazz Fest
This month we interview Walter Elmore, CEO of Turn-Key Productions, the organizers of the Air Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival. We discuss the upcoming 2008 festival, the artists and the many challenges involved in planning this large scale event each year.

Jamaicans living in the “Deep South” Series- Philippa and Lloyd Wilson
The first thing you notice about Philippa and Lloyd Wilson is how authentically Jamaican they still are, despite having lived overseas for more than half of their lives. Their wonderfully unpretentious demeanor reminds you of a time long ago in Jamaica, when you spent Sunday afternoons on the verandah with close relatives or friends, talking about life and sharing a laugh or two. I still have vivid memories of many Thanksgivings spent at their home in Huntsville, Alabama that included good food and fellowship; often ending with either an Oliver video, or an impromptu dance party with vintage reggae and calypso.

“Sweet Home Alabama” – Jamaicans living in the “Deep South”
I am always a bit amused at the reaction when I tell Jamaicans I live in Alabama. Most times it is a very puzzled “why?” or “aren’t you scared to live there.” It would seem the history of segregation in the south and the region’s reputation of being country and backwards still looms large in the psyche of many Jamaicans.

Interview With Jaevion Nelson, A Future Jamaican Leader
This month we interview Jaevion Nelson a young man from York Town and Clarendon College past student who is making waves in Jamaica. He was the 2005 Prime Minister's Youth Award for Excellence in the Field of International Achievement winner. He is very active in clubs and societies at UWI. He was the Junior Mayor for the Parish of Clarendon in 2003. In April 2005 he was Co-Youth Host for the Childnet International Academy in Monetgo Bay, Jamaica. He is a young man to watch.

Interview With Dahlia D Welsh, Author of HowTo Raise Your Child Like A Jamaican
This month we interview Dahlia D Welsh, author of the boo " How To Raise Your Child Like A Jamaican". We ask her questions about the book and tips for raising your child like a Jamaican.

Interview With Jamaican Artist, Bernard Stanley Hoyes
This month we interview Jamaican Artist, Bernard Stanley Hoyes. He started his professional career at the early age of nine in Kingston. He moved to the US at age fifteen where he continued his art education. His work has been featured in many exhibits and magazines over the world. Some call him the “spiritual color master” for the mixture of color and religion that is evident in his work.

Keeping Our Culture Alive: Interview With Norma Darby of the Jamaica Folk Revue
This month we interview Ms. Norma Darby of the Jamaica Folk Review. Ms. Norma Darby leads this well known Florida-based folkloric group that has been performing for over 30 years. They use Jamaica folklore to entertain and educate about the Jamaican culture. We talk to Ms Darby about her passion for Jamaican culture, Miss Lou and how do we pass on our culture to the next generation.

Interview With Basil Smith Director of Tourism for the Jamaica Tourist Board
This month we interview Basil Smith Director of Tourism for the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB). We talk to him out the "Brand Jamaica", eco-tourism, heritage tours, marketing to the Diaspora and the future initiatives of the Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB).

People to Watch: Andy Vernon, Jamaican Polo Player and Reggae Musician
This month we interview Andy Vernon. This uniquely talented Jamaican is a professional musician who is making an impact in the world of music and on the polo field. This reggae artist is about to release his first reggae music CD "Chronicles of a CultureMan" featuring the very best in roots music.

Interview With Operator of the Animal House, Maureen Sheridan
This month we interview Maureen Sheridan, operator of the Animal House the animal shelter located in Montego Bay. Founded in the 1990's the shelter has been helping stray, injured, abandoned, and feral (wild) animals and their owners. They provide food, shelter, medical care (including spay and neuter), and adoptive services to both animals and owners in need. They are a charitable organization that runs on donations.

Interview With Jamaican filmmaker Steve "Tehut-Nine" McAlpin
This month we interview Jamaican filmmaker Steve "Tehut-Nine" McAlpin. He has just completed his second movie "Bashment." We discuss this new movie and the challenges of being the Writer/ Director/ Producer of a low budget film.

The Container Project Jamaica
The Container Project is a Not For Profit Community Multimedia Centre providing basic computer training including digital music and video production computer repair and maintenance literacy and numeric competence and accreditation for those who wish to use the centre as a platform for further education and the development of their creative talents. Visiting Artist and facilitators offer socially integrated training in ICT and creative workshops. The objective of the project is to give those young people new hope and new options through self-discovery and the acquisition of marketable skills. We interview, Mervin Jarman, the man behind the vision for this project.

Interview With UK TV Personality & Community Activist, Jamaican David Chen
This month we Interview, United Kingdom TV personality and community activist, Jamaican David Chen. He is passionate about helping young people, uplifting others and human rights. David has been recognized by numerous organizations for his work in human rights.

Interview With Jamaican Heavyweight boxer, Lenroy Thomas
This month we interview Jamaican Heavyweight boxer, Lenroy Thomas AKA The Heavyweight Savior. Lenroy is fighting his way up the ladder hoping to make Jamaica proud with a Heavyweight title. Lenroy is originally from St. Catherine, Jamaica.

Interview With Muna Heaven From NBC Television's The Apprentice
This month we interview Muna Heaven who appeared on NBC Television's The Apprentice this past season. Although Muna did not win, she showcased Jamaica & Jamaicans and made us proud. Her confidence, positive outlook and strong Christian beliefs was an inspiration to many viewers worldwide. Muna will be our online discussion guest in June. She will answer questions on June 26th 2007 between 12.00 pm- 2:15 PM in our forums.

Interview With Vera Lowe A Country & Western Line Dancing Teacher In Jamaica
Jamaican Vera Lowe developed a love for country and western line dancing about 13 years ago when she started taking weekly lessons at a local high school and at several community centers in Canada. In 2004, Vera became a "snowbird" in Jamaica where she introduced line dancing by launching classes, first to seniors, and later to other age groups. That first try was not very successful, but Vera persisted because she wanted others to know the benefits and fun of line dancing.