Interview with Artist Zoya Taylor This month we interview painting artist, Zoya Taylor. She was born in Vancouver, Canada to a Jamaican father and Canadian but spends much of her early childhood in Jamaica.  She currently lives in Norway but is a frequent visitor to Jamaica where she has exhibited many of her canvas paintings.

Interview with Jamaican Belly Dancer, Miss Rose Lee for interview This month we interview Jamaican Belly Dancer Miss Rose Lee. She started belly dancing at age 13 in Jamaica. Inspired by her Indian and Jamaican culture she has pioneered a style of belly dancing called  Indo-Caribbean. She hopes to popularize belly dancing in Jamaica.

Interview with Jamaican photographer, Monique Lai This month we interview Jamaican photographer Monique Lai. Her work has been featured in many gallery exhibits around the world including New York and Hong Kong.  Her photographs tell stories in a unique style.

Interview with the favorites to win the 2009 South Florida Jerk Festival contest This month we Interview with Ricky Ginsburg and Ainsworth Spence, the favorites to win the 2009 South Florida Jerk Festival contest. They finish 2nd and 3rd in last year's contest. Will they share their secrets to the best Jerk?

Interview with Jamaican painter, Tamara Natalie Madden This month we interview Jamaican painter, Tamara Natalie Madden. Her paintings are exciting, vivid and rich in color.  She also tells us the story how Jamaicans.com helped her find a lost relative.

Interview with JAPLA president, Captain Russell Capleton discussing their bid to buy Air Jamaica Recently the Jamaica Airline Pilots Association (JALPA) submitted a bid to the Jamaican government to buy Air Jamaica. This month we interview Jamaica Airline Pilots Association (JALPA) president, Captain Russell Capleton, to discuss their efforts to buy Air Jamaica.

A Conversation with the Honorable Usain Bolt It’s a bird, a plane, no it’s Usain Bolt!  This international son of Jamaica has not slowed down much after another historic August.   It would have been easier to capture a lighting bolt in a bottle during a summer storm than our speedy hero with his whirlwind schedule. 

Interview with Rohan A. Freeman the first Jamaican to climb five of the seven summits in the world This month we interview Rohan A. Freeman, a Jamaican who has climbed five of the seven summits in the world. Freeman is the first black male and the first Jamaican-born climber to accomplish this amazing feat. Lets cheer him on as he tries to complete the next 2 summits and reach his goal carrying the Jamaican flag.

Interview with Rolan Bell from the musical “The Harder they Come" This month we Interview with Rolan Bell from the musical “The Harder they Come”.  Rolan plays the lead road in the musical adaptation of the film “The Harder they Come”. The musical opened in London in May 23, 2008 and recently made its way to America in August, 2009. Rolan has gotten rave reviews from his role. He took some time from his busy schedule to answer some questions for us.

Interview with Chef Jamika Pessoa of `The Next Food Network Star` Fame This month we interview Jamika Pessoa, the `The Next Food Network Star`  contestant of Jamaican Heritage. Her contagious smile and Caribbean inspired recipes were on display for 6 weeks on season 5 of "The Next Food Network Star".  She made the final 4 cut before being eliminated. As we rooted for her each week she inspired many in the Caribbean community to view our food in a different light. We interview her a month after the season was completed.

Interview with Mary Wells, an independent director, writer and producer based in Jamaica This month we interview Mary Wells an independent director, writer and producer based in Jamaica. She has worked for Government Broadcasting, US cable TV, a private production company and has some twenty years experience in television and film production.   She received the Jamerican Film & Music Festival  "Outstanding Documentary from the Caribbean" for her short film “Now Jimmy!” that follows the story of a Jamaican squatter living on prime real estate. She recently completed her first full feature film “Kingston Paradise”.

Interview with Jamaican Born Staff Sgt. Anya Williams in Afghanistan This month we interview Jamaican born Staff Sgt. Anya Williams who is deployed in  Afghanistan . Sgt. Anya Williams is serving as a historian cataloging everything her unit does. She has been in Afghanistan since February 2009. This 26 year old is vibrant and positive about her service in the US army.

Interview with Sachiyo Morimoto Japanese writer of the book Gender and Sexuality in Jamaica Interview with Sachiyo Morimoto Japanese writer of the book Gender and Sexuality in Jamaica. Once a skeptic of dancehall culture now an advocate to others on understanding the culture.

Interview with Jamaican, Dr. Noel Erskine Dr. Noel Erskine is a distinguished Theologian and author. He is currently Professor of Theology and Ethics at Candler School of Theology and the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia. His books include: Decolonizing Theolo;  King Among the Theologians;  Black People and the Reformed Church in America;  From Garvey to Marley: Rastafari Theology; Black Theology and Pedagogy and an upcoming book entitled, The Black Church: Caribbean and African American. The following interview with Glen Laman occurred after his return from Mozambique in June, 2009.

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.