THE VOICE SPECIAL FEATURE
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14 | THE VOICE SPECIAL FEATURE JULY 27 - AUGUST 2, 2017
JAMAICA’S STORY THE BIRTH OF A NATION
E
VERY YEAR on August 6, Jamaicans at home and abroad celebrate the end of their reliance on Britain, especially in the control of specific functions of the country. This is widely referred to as Independence celebrations. This year the celebrations will mark 55 years since Independence was declared in 1962. At this time Jamaicans also honour all those persons who were responsible for the transfer of power. In February 1962, a new Constitution was approved by the Legislature and the Premier Norman Manley called General Elections. Alexander Bustamante was elected in April and became the first Prime Minster of Jamaica. On August 6, 1962, Jamaica became an Independent Nation and a member of the British Commonwealth. Jamaica becoming an Independent Nation, meant that Britain, no longer controlled the affairs of the country. It it became the responsibility of the
PREMIER: Alexander Bustamante, Jamaica's first Prime Minister newly elected Prime Minister and the elected Cabinet. Independence also meant that a constitution, symbols, emblems, an army, Jamaican currency and passports had to be developed for the country. As an Independent Nation, Jamaica assigns ambassadors and commissioners overseas who represented the country. They sign treaties on behalf of Jamaica and become members of the various international organisations. This is important, as it gives Jamaica equal rights on various issues relating to international trade, policies and treaties. In October, during National Heritage Week (third Monday) Jamaica also honours its
six National Heroes and one heroine in recognition of their contribution to the birth of the nation. In Jamaica on August 1, 1838 thousands of ex-slaves who had gathered at town centres and churches in the British Caribbean territory broke into joyous celebrations after hearing the final words of the Emancipation Declaration, affirming their full freedom from slavery. This momentous date represented the abolition of the dehumanising system which had enslaves people of African descent in the British colony for over 150 years. The Emancipation Act of 1838 was passed by the British Government following a sustained abolition campaign, PRIDE: A flag-raising ceremony in Kingston, Jamaica underscored by bloody slave One People’, based on the population’s uprisings in the colonies as well NATIONAL SYMBOLS multiracial roots. The motto is represented as increased anti-slavery sentiJamaica has six National Symbols on the Coat of Arms. ment in the UK. Jamaican Flag Ackee In the midst of the campaign, The Jamaican Flag was first raised on The Jamaican National which lasted from 1780 until Independence Day, August 6, 1962. Fruit 1838, several individuals disIt signifies the birth of the nation. The Blue Mahoe tinguished themselves as true Ligum Vitae – Jamaica National Flower The Blue Mahoe anti-slavery champions. These The Ligum Vitae (Guiacum Officinale) was (Hibiscus Elatu) is included: Thomas Clarkson, found in Jamaica by Christopher Columbus. the national tree of William Wilberforce, Joseph Coat of Arms Jamaica. Struge, William Knibb, Thomas The Jamaican national motto is ‘Out of Many Burchell and Samuel Sharpe.
JULY JULY 27 27 -- AUGUST AUGUST 2, 2, 2017 2017 ||15 15
THE VOICE SPECIAL FEATURE JULY 27 - AUGUST 2, 2017 THE VOICE SPECIAL FEATURE
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16 | THE VOICE SPECIAL FEATURE JULY 27 - AUGUST 2, 2017
‘I LOVE JAMAICA DAY’ RETURNS TO Highlights include performance by Grammy-nominee Luciano, seminars on property, immigration and health as well as food and fun for all
By Andrea Photiou
T
JAH MESSENJAH: Grammy-nominee Luciano will be performing at I Love Jamaica Day (image credit: Reggae France)
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Leading UK reggae label Greensleeves celebrates its 40 th anniversary this year. Riotous, razor-sharp and perennially cool, it’s released many of the best reggae and dancehall recordings ever made, and with a swagger that’s remained faithful to what the music represents and where it’s coming from. Total Reggae: Greensleeves is the latest in the 2CD collector’s series of 40 essential reggae anthems. Celebrating the Greensleeves Record label’s 40th anniversary, the selection ranges from Alimantado to Alborosie. From the dancehall dominance of ‘Junjo’ Lawes, King Jammy & Gussie Clarke to the outernational success of hits like “Oh Carolina”. Greensleeves has been the mark of quality in reggae music and it’s showcased here on Total Reggae: Greensleeves. European PR & Marketing Contact e: sarah.harris@vprecords.com t: +44 7500 058 158 / @djsarahc Keep in touch
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HE THIRD I Love Jamaica Day will take place in Brent, north west London on Sunday July 30. Set to attract thousands of visitors again this year, some of whom will be travelling all the way from Jamaica, the event will host twotime Grammy Award nominee Luciano who will perform live. Jamaican property developers will also be on-hand to offer insight into the island’s investment opportunities. Representing the homegrown UK talent are London-based artists including the late Alton Ellis’ son Christopher Ellis, who has collaborated with the likes
of Stephen Marley and Jah Cure as well as north west London staples DJ Hawkeye and hip-hop gospel duo Sonz of Thunder. Also on the bill is underground starlet Adelaide Mackenzie, who has been lauded by none other than the legendary Amy Winehouse. SEMINARS Organisers The Voice, along with JN Bank and JN Money, have tailored proceedings to ensure all of the family enjoy the day as well as have the chance to take away valuable expert information from the various advice seminars that will take place. The host borough’s MP Dawn Butler was excited about the significance of bringing I Love
Jamaica Day to north London’s Brent instead of returning it to previous south London venues; “Brent has the most Jamaicans outside of Jamaica and I am pleased that I Love Jamaica day will be coming to Brent in 2017. “I Love Jamaica Day will be celebrated by all the diverse communities, because that is what we do! We embrace, celebrate and integrate because unity is strength.” Labour Councillor for the Harlesden ward in Brent, Bobby Thomas joined Butler in expressing pride in the borough's diversity: "As one of many very proud Jamaicans in the most diverse borough in Europe, we can all hold our head high, be positive
JULY 27 - AUGUST 2, 2017 | 17
THE VOICE SPECIAL FEATURE
LONDON JULY 30
FUN FOR ALL: Children’s activities at I Love Jamaica Day include face painting
(image credit: Angel Face)
GOOD TIMES: Christopher Ellis will be at I Love Jamaica Day
and celebrate the best about our little island in the sun at I Love Jamaica Day this year." Happening just one week ahead of Jamaica’s official 55th birthday weekend in August, the day promises to celebrate some of the most beloved aspects of Caribbean culture. Attendees will be treated to live reggae from Luciano, veteran London DJ Hawkeye and local entertainers as well as an appearance by Levi Roots, dedicated children’s activities including face painting, a domino tournament and an abun-
dance of fresh Jamaican food served by vendors from the community. As well as seminars by Jamaican property experts, other sessions will be led by specialists in immigration, health and personal finance. Chief Representative Officer for JN, Leon Hamilton, commented: “JN has a very proud record of either creating, or supporting, activities that help to bring our communities together, to celebrate the thing that binds us - a common love for a country and the strength of Jamai-
SIZZLING HOT SUMMER: Jerk vendors will be selling their tasty wares at I Love Jamaica Day on July 30 (image credit: QNS) can and Caribbean people. “I Love Jamaica Day is now one of the signature events that we have done - this will be the third, albeit led by The Voice this time. ACHIEVEMENTS “For JN it offers an opportunity for us to celebrate with our members and our community, during Jamaica’s 55th year of independence and to celebrate our own achievements as people from Jamaica and the Caribbean. “It’s not just about having a
great get-together - we’re particularly happy that this year is a serious business element added to it. Importantly there are developers who will be coming from Jamaica to participate in I Love Jamaica Day and that ties into another big part of what Jamaica National does which is to enable people both in and outside of Jamaica to own their own property in Jamaica for their own selves, their family or for investment purposes. “We really look forward to yet another successful I Love
Jamaica Day.” I Love Jamaica Day takes place on Sunday July 30, from 12 noon-6pm at Capital City Academy, Doyle Gardens, Willesden, London NW10 3ST. Adult tickets cost £7 and children’s (between 5-12 years old) tickets are £3 - under 5s are free. free. To secure tickets, please visit: www.seetickets. com and search for ‘I Love Jamaica’. For further information call 020 7708 6614 or email: ilovejamaicaday@janouk.com.
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18 | THE VOICE SPECIAL FEATURE JULY 27 - AUGUST 2, 2017
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THE VOICE SPECIAL FEATURE
INDEPENDENCE CELEBRATIONS ACROSS THE UK By George Ruddock
J
AMAICANS IN the UK are getting ready to mark the island’s 55th Independence anniversary celebrations in a big way with a number of events up and down the country starting this weekend. Activities will commence with the annual Independence Service of Praise and Thanksgiving on Saturday, July 29 hosted by the Jamaica High Commission at the Methodist Central Hall, Storey’s Gate, Westminster, London SW1 9NH starting at 11 am. Jamaica’s High Commissioner Mr Seth George Ramocan will be hosting for the first time and he is expected to deliver the Prime Minister’s Independence message to Jamaicans overseas. ACTIVITIES On Sunday, July 30, The Voice newspaper and the Jamaica National Group will be staging ‘I Love JA Day’ at the Capital City Academy, Doyle Gardens, Willesden, London NW10 3ST from 12 noon-6pm. The day-long event will include investment, property and health seminars, art and craft stalls,
Jamaican food court, cultural activities and a special entertainment package which will be headlined by Grammy nominee reggae singer Luciano supported by UK-based artists Christopher Ellis, Adelaide Mackenzie and Sonz of Thunder. Tickets are £7 adults and £3 for children. The Jamaica Basic Schools Foundation (UK) will be staging its annual Family Fun Day and Food Festival on Sunday, August 6 at Crystal Palace Park, south London to mark Jamaica’s 55th Independence celebrations. Attractions will include food stalls, art and craft, fun fair and bouncy castle for the children. A special flag-raising ceremony will be held at the venue which will be attended by Jamaica’s High Commissioner and other dignitaries. Entertainment will include a live performance by reggae singer Lukie D, Ras Charmer, Cassandra London and comedy by Charles Tomlin. The event starts at 12.00 noon to 7.30 pm. In Birmingham, the Associations of Jamaican Nationals in partnership with the City Council will be staging a three-day extravaganza entitled ‘Jamaica in the Square’ from Friday, Au-
starting at 1 pm to 10pm. The event is in aid of the Jamaica Cancer Society and activities will include a live fashion show, dance performances, a raffle prize draw, various food and art and craft stalls. There will also be a live PA by reggae singer Johnny Orlando. CHAMPIONSHIPS
gust 4 - 6 in Victoria Square, in the heart of the City Centre. A host of activities are planned over the three days to showcase Jamaica’s music, culture, entertainment and culinary delight. These will include a stage show on Friday and Saturday featuring reggae and gospel concerts, food stalls and film festival. There will also be a flag-raising
ceremony on Sunday, August 6 to mark Jamaica’s Independence Day. PERFORMANCES The Mount Pleasant Jamaica Association UK, will be hosting an Independence fund-raising event on Saturday, August 5 at the Phoenix Centre, Phoenix Place, London WC1 0DG
To coincide with the IAAF World Athletics Championships which will be held at the Olympic stadium in Stratford where Jamaica’s sprint king Usain Bolt is expected to run his last international race, the popular Jamaica House hosted by the Ministry of Sports, Culture and Entertainment along with the Jamaica Tourist Board will be staged at the Indigo O2 in Greenwich from August 5 to 13. Jamaica House 2017 will feature nightly entertainment with a star-studded line up of Jamaican artists lead by Ziggy Marley, Nesbeth, Freddie McGregor, Luciano, Steel Pulse and a host of other UK-based and international artists. In between the stage shows the World Championships will be shown live on the big screens at the event so fans will not miss out on the excitement of watching Usain
Bolt’s final races. Each evening’s show will start at 6 pm until late. The Leicester Jamaica Community Service Group will be staging a Jamaica 55 Independence musical extravaganza on Saturday, August 12 at the African Caribbean Centre, Maidstone Road, Leicester LE2 0UA starting at 10 pm until 4 am. On stage will be many of Leicester’s home grown talent. Music will be supplied by GJ Glamour, Mystic Warrior, Junior Blues and Daddy Fishead. Tickets are £8 in advance and £10 at the door. The Jamaica High Commission in association with the Jamaica 55 Charities Group will round off Independence celebrations by hosting a fundraising Gala Dinner and Dance on Saturday, September 30 at The Orchid Room, Millennium Gloucester Hotel, 4-18 Harrington Gardens, London SW7 4LH starting at 6.30 pm to 2 am. The night will include threecourse meal, live entertainment, special guest artist, raffle prize draw and other surprises. Tickets are £90 per person and dress code Black Tie. Proceeds are in aid of the Adopt-a-Clinic programme.
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20 | THE VOICE SPECIAL FEATURE JULY 27 - AUGUST 2, 2017
MUSICIANS WITH SUCCESS IN THEIR DNA
Famous deejays and singers including Buju Banton and Dennis Brown are just some of the legendary artists with equally-talented offspring - meet the next generation of Jamaican music influencers (Pictured, left to right) GENIUS A PRO AND HIS TOOLS: Producer Stephen ‘Di Genius’ McGregor, son of iconic reggae singer Freddie McGregor
(image credit: Twitter/Stephen McGregor)
STEPHEN ‘DI GENIUS’ MCGREGOR 27-year-old Grammy nominee Stephen ‘Di Genius’ McGregor is among the reggae/dancehall producers credited with transforming the island’s main contemporary sound to an electronic one, combining elements of European dance music with traditional bass-heavy, rhythms. Di Genius works closely with father Freddie McGregor and brother/well-known artist Chino at the family-run Big Ship recording studio to produce hits for a string of who’s who hit makers including Vybz Kartel and Mavado to name a few.
MARLA BROWN A product of the marriage between late great Dennis ‘Crown Prince of Reggae’ Brown and his widow Yvonne, songbird Marla Brown is no stranger to the higher echelons of reggae. Constantly touring and performing for an international fanbase, Brown told The Voice: “My initial reason for singing was pretty much to tell the world how much I love my dad, not so much me choosing to be a singer. My family are my world and the best way to express love, to me, is through song. Being dad's child has given me a platform to express my worldly loves, these being - faith, love and unity.”
MAJOR MYJAH Taking a somewhat different path to hard-hitting, politically sharp dad Bounty Killer, singer/songwriter Major Myjah is tipped for big things in his own right by those in the R&B and pop spheres. The gifted young man has written for the likes of American superstar Chris Brown and takes a holistic approach to his work, being just as comfortable with the guitar as he is with the mixing desk, mic or pen. A Miami native, Myjah has been profiled by diverse sites such as cultural tastemakers The Fader and Reggae Holland, a testament to his broad appeal.
MARKUS MYRIE Producer and mellifluous singer Mark Myrie, who goes by the name of Markus Myrie, has learned from the best namely his infamous father Buju Banton. Kingston-born Markus works out of the Gargamel Music studios, whether that be on his own tracks or with genre titans such as Beenie Man, Elephant Man and Shaggy to name but a few. Vocal about the respect he holds for his dad’s achievements and the importance of integrity, Markus is said to live by the Biblical phrase ‘you will reap what you sow’.
CHRISTOPHER ELLIS Christopher Ellis is the youngest son of the late Alton Ellis and brother to fellow UKbased singer Lovella Ellis. After wowing Stephen Marley with an acapella vocal performance, Christopher found himself at a turning point in his career, recording with Marley and Jah Cure at King Jammy’s studio. The end product of this collaborative session was End of Time, Christopher’s first single. Since then, he has treated fans to R&B-tinged reggae and has no plans to stop until he leaves his own indelible mark on the industry.
MARLA READY: Singer Marla Brown, daughter of the late ‘Crown Prince of Reggae’, Dennis Brown (image credit: Gianluca/Adshot)
MAJOR UNIQUE: R&B singer/songwriter Major Myjah, son of veteran deejay Bounty Killer (image credit: Reggae Holland)
MARKUS BLESSED: Producer/artist Markus Myrie, son of dancehall legend Buju Banton (image credit: Twitter/Markus Myrie)
ELLIS LIKE FATHER LIKE SON: Singer Christopher Ellis, son of beloved crooner Alton Ellis (RIP)
Wishing all Jamaicans a joyous Jamaica 55 Independence celebration
THE VOICE SPECIAL FEATURE
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22 | THE VOICE SPECIAL FEATURE JULY 27 - AUGUST 2, 2017
ZIGGY MARLEY AND NESBETH TO STAR AT JAMAICA HOUSE 2017
TALENT: Ziggy Marley will take the stage August 11
MY DREAM: Nesbeth will be performing his hit song on August 6
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THE VOICE SPECIAL FEATURE
T
HE POPULAR Jamaica House showcase which was a huge success in London during the 2012 Olympics, will return to the Greenwich peninsula, southeast London during the IAAF World Athletics Championships from August 5 to 13. Jamaica House 2017 will be staged inside Indigo at The 02 and will encompass nine nights of entertainment, music, food and sports to commemorate Jamaica’s sprint king Usain Bolt’s last competitive races at the IAAF games. This unique event will cel-
ebrate both the Jamaican way of life and the accomplishments of the nation’s people. It is being produced by Robomagic on behalf of the Jamaican Ministry of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport in partnership with the Jamaica Tourist Board. SHOWCASE Jamaica House 2017 will once again showcase Jamaican artists old and new, as well as UK artistes of Jamaican descent, along with acts from far and wide influenced by Jamaican music. Performances from incredible talent
such as Freddie McGregor, Ziggy Marley, Luciano, OMI, Nesbeth, Protoje, Krishane, Stylo G, The Skints, Nadia Rose, Yungen and Melissa Steel, to name a few, will be held across the nine days. The IAAF World Championships will be shown live on the big screens at the event so fans will not miss out on the excitement of watching Usain Bolt’s final races. The Jamaica House concerts have been created to provide visitors with the chance to catch the races live each evening during the event and grab mouth-watering traditional
Jamaican food and drink including jerk chicken, patties from Port Royal Patties, tasty Appleton Rum cocktails and Red Stripe beer. The motto for the Island of Jamaica is ‘Out of many, one people’ and this series of shows absolutely highlights the diversity and excitement of the island’s music scene. Jamaica has traditionally punched above its weight in terms of influence and culture, and these performances at Indigo at The O2 will illustrate just why the island’s musical heritage is still unrivalled.
THE FOLLOWING ACTS HAVE BEEN CONFIRMED FOR THE JAMAICA HOUSE EVENT WITH MORE ARTISTS TO BE ANNOUNCED: Saturday August 5 Freddie McGregor, Luciano Sunday August 6 Nesbeth, Twinkle Brothers, Natty, Gideon Family, Jah Shaka Monday August 7 Krishane, Kiko Bun, Melissa Steel, Da Beatfreaks, Nabiha, Moves, Afro B, DJ P Montana, Mackareo, Finesse Forever Tuesday August 8 Praise and Worship, Gospel Night Wednesday August 9 Steel Pulse / The Skints, Adrian Sherwood Thursday August 10 Yungen, Nadia Rose, Abra Cadabra, Belly Squad, Lisa Mercedez, Special guest:
Kojo Funds Friday August 11 Ziggy Marley, Jesse Royal Saturday August 12 OMI, Chris Martin, Jah 9, Capital Letters, Reggae Regulars Sunday August 13 Protoje, Stylo G, Cadenza, Prynce Mini Tickets are now on sale and can be purchased from the following websites: www.theo2.co.uk / www.ticketmaster.co.uk www.axs.com / www.robomagiclive.com
STAR: Usain Bolt will make final appearance at World Championships
24 | THE VOICE SPECIAL FEATURE JULY 27 - AUGUST 2, 2017
HOW A SMALL NATION NURTURES Athletics fan and proud Jamaican Paul Lawrence reflects on Bolt's legacy and the strategies that have bought many other great athletes to prominence By Paul Lawrence
A
S THE WORLD prepares to say goodbye to Usain Bolt, arguably the greatest athlete of all time, a great deal of energy is being spent trying to understand how Jamaica, a small country of just 2.7m people has managed to consistently produce not just the world’s fastest man, but to become the world greatest sprinting nation. This is not just about individual success. Bolt’s dominance may blind some to the magnificent achievements of other men and women from Jamaica. So, just how did little Jamaica rise to this level? My brother (Hubert Lawrence those who know, know, and those who don't should perhaps Google him) and I spent every January to June watching athletics meets from 1975 until I left Jamaica in 1989. My brother continued that tradition and now is without question
the Caribbean’s foremost authority on all things track and field. At the time, we never knew we were watching history in the making. This was the era of Donald Quarrie and Merlene Ottey, both first class athletes and Olympic medal winners. Ottey has competed in an astonishing seven Olympic games… seven! In the 1983 world championships Jamaican Bertland Cameron won the 400m. The following year he was expected to dominate the Olympics but was injured in the semi-finals. Notwithstanding a horrific muscle pull at the 150m mark, Cameron finished the race but was unable to come out for the finals. In coaching circles, his injury seemed to prompt a question which until then was only whispered - 'could it be that Jamaican talent was being destroyed at the expense of the US NCAA’s backbreaking schedule?' You see, at that time Jamaican athletes were consistently been awarded athletic scholarships to US
colleges and universities. This trend would continue long after Cameron's success, and they all had one thing in common. Irrespective of massive success in US domestic competition, mainly the NCAAs, Jamaican athletes consistently failed to fulfill their obvious potential beyond college or university. Few if any who went to the US went on to succeed at the international level. Two Jamaican school boys, Raymond Stewart and Greg Meghoo made the national 4x100 relay team and won silver medals in the 1984 Olympics. Note that Ray Stewart was coached by Usain Bolt's current coach and that his alma mater, Camperdown High School, was known simply as The Sprint Factory. Also at the top of Old Hope Road in Kingston, Dennis Johnson the former 100-yard record holder coached a fully home grown sprint relay team named ‘Bolts of Lightning’ simply put, they were unbeatable. Also at this time, GC Foster Sports College, built by the Cubans began
churning out high-quality coaches who inevitably found coaching positions in schools and colleges nationwide. The question matured into - 'could Jamaica support home-grown talent'? Also, it was asked, 'could Jamaica nurture and support world class athletes, feed them, outfit them and support overseas travel to compete on the international stage?' We had a natural talent. We also clearly had the most competitive and well-organised youth games anywhere in the world, Champs. All we needed now was to marry those components with financial support. Over the years, high school alumni have robustly supported their alma maters, and soon after corporate sponsorship chipped in too. The result was clear. Jamaica found that rather than sending top class athletes to the USA to be burnt out we could keep them at home, train them and unleash them on an unsuspecting world. Remember, before you knew Bolt
GOOD GENES: Merlene Ottey at 50 years-old, competing in the 2010 IAAF European Championships
THE VOICE SPECIAL FEATURE
JULY 27 - AUGUST 2, 2017 | 25
ITS WORLD CLASS ATHLETES
GOODBYE: Usain Bolt saluting fans at a tribute to his career in the Czech Republic in June Jamaica gave you Powell. Asafa Powell is the third fastest man in history (9.72), and he holds the title as the sub 10 king having run more sub 10 sec races that any other human. You and the rest of the world are now witnessing the end product years in the making. A growing percentage of the Jamaican track and field team is home grown. Many have chosen to stay home and develop rather than take up US scholarships. Bolt and Powell are examples of this, so are some of our top women sprinters. In a unique twist, UK sprinters now attend sprint camps in Jamaica. So as Usain Bolt bows out, let’s take a moment to recall not just his greatness, but the great little nation
that brought us the likes of Lennox Miller, Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Asafa Powell, Elaine Thompson, Yohan Blake, Merlene Ottey, Donald Quarrie, Veronica Campbell Brown, Sherone Simpson, Kerron Stewart, Raymond Stewart, Greg Mehgoo, Nesta Carter, Steve Mullings, Michael Frater, Waren Weir, Rasheed Dwyer, Grace Jackson and Juliet Cuthbert. To close, I’ll say this. Arthur Wint gold in the 1948 Olympic 400m and Omar McLeod – Gold in the 2016 Olympic 110m hurdles. These two men, almost 70 years apart demonstrate the depth and breadth of talent from Jamaica, land we love. Happy 55th Jamaica.
DREAM TEAM: Jamaica's gold medal winning Men's 4 x 100m relay team. From left - Yohan Blake, Nickel Ashmeade, Asafa Powell and Usain Bolt last year
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“Leicester celebrates its home grown talent, with a night of musical extravaganza”
Performances by Local Artists
DJ’S on the Night: Jnr. Blues, DJ Glamour, Mystic Warrior and Daddy Fishead
Celebrating 55 years of Jamaican Independence
Tickets available from WISCP, Lincoln St, Leicester, LE2 0JU or LJCSG Committee Member TEL. 0116 251 2224
ADVERTORIAL
26 | THE VOICE SPECIAL FEATURE JULY 27 - AUGUST 2, 2017
HOME AND AWAY JAMAICA
CONNECTING JAMAICA AND THE DIASPORA
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Renovate, buy or sell your property in Jamaica...
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Reliable and professional tradesman...
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We are a reliable and efficient agency assisting
and consultants we can highly recommend, making the process affordable and stress free.
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Assistance and advice on migrating…
the diaspora by connecting you with the service you need, when you need it.
We have partnered with various businesses Building applications, utility payments,
property and car rentals…
Letandusvetted match a qualified professional
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to a service you need and trust, saving you time and money!
Fed up with dishonest family and workmen?... Not sure where to turn?...
We will manage your building project, property renovation and repairs or simply inspect your property while you are overseas.
Whether you need a carpenter, lawyer, mort
gage broker or rent collec tor, we are here in JA waiting for your call.
Contact us now for your free consultation!
Property Management | Real Estate | Immigration | Transportation | Shipping and more... www.homeandawayjamaica.com | JA: +1 (876) 570 5262 | UK: +44 (0) 203 289 5262
BUILDING YOUR DREAM HOME IN JAMAICA
Do you have a piece of land you want to build on? Do you have a Title deed for the land in your name? Do you have a Surveyor’s Diagram for the land? If the answer to all these questions is YES then you may be able to fulfil your dream to build your affordable home “on a piece of the rock” - 4,700 miles away! Do you require your sketch layout plans drawn up? Do you want your building plans submitted for Parish Council approval? Do you require a Builder with a contract to construct your house? Do you require progress reports throughout construction? If you want the job to run smoothly it is worth employing the service of an Architect who will be not just draw up your plans but will be work with you throughout the different stages from your initial ideas, outline brief, all the way until practical completion on site and handing over the keys. An Architect will use his expertise to build a house to suit your requirements, the site, be functional, practical and with good aesthetics using materials and finishes you desire. To keep to budget the architect will work with a quantity surveyor to finalise the specification and construction cost prior to the selection of a builder/contractor to commence work on site.
From Concept model to Construction to Completion An example - 3 Bedroom house
All photos/images copyright
If you need advice, help or require more information please do not hesitate to contact Mr. Michael Mason – Architectural Consultant Phone 07852254345 or email: mjmarchitect@btinternet.com
“Having migrated from England to Jamaica, I recognised the need to assist those in the diaspora and those who have returned home” Founder of Home and Away Jamaica
JULY 27 - AUGUST 2, 2017 | 27
THE VOICE SPECIAL FEATURE
We profile some of the most influential Jamaican-born businesswomen
THESE WOMEN ARE MAKING POWERFUL #GIRLBOSS MOVES FROM JA TO THE UK
EMECA BECKFORD
BEVERLY JOHNSON
THERESA ROBERTS
ACHIEVEMENTS: Beverly Lindsay, OD, OBE, VLL founded Diamond Travel in 1987 and is now the Vice Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands
Trelawny-born mother-oftwo, Emeca Beckford, 36, is behind online recruitment brand Temps in the City. Having been in the UK since 2000, Beckford struggled with maintaining work/ life balance and wanted to assist millions of other Londoners who find themselves in the same boat. Beckford says: “As a new entrepreneur, I am very proud to have accomplished this milestone which will no doubt elevate another Jamaican in the UK.”
SWEET SUCCESS: Patria-Kaye Aarons, founder of the Caribbean Sweetie confectionary brand
Beverly Johnson began shipping company JLB International Ltd and Isocon-JLB International Ltd after clocking-up more than 35 years of experience in international trade and logistics. Choosing to branch out as an entrepreneur after identifying a gap in the market, Johnson has created a reliable brand with loyal customers around the world. The JLB website outlines her mission, which is to: “…be a performance leader in the provision of Freight Forwarding, Logistics, and Supply Chain Management services.”
Founded in 2013, Jamaica Patty Co. (JPC) was launched by branding genius, art lover and philanthropist Theresa Roberts, with the aim of bringing highquality Jamaican food to the UK. The store is located in Covent Garden, bringing the best of the Caribbean to London’s West End. “JPC was opened to show the world that Jamaican food and service can be of the highest quality,” says St. Elizabeth-born Roberts. "I want to have about 50 stores in the United Kingdom, in fact that is exactly what I will have.”
For more information, visit www.tempsinthecity.co.uk
For more information, visit www.jlbshipping.com
For more information, visit www.jamaicapatty.co.uk
(Pictured, left to right) ON THE MOVE: Emeca Beckford, founder of Temps in the City DELIVERING THE GOODS: Beverly Johnson of JLB Shipping ON BRAND: Theresa Roberts of the Jamaica Patty Co.
BEVERLY LINDSAY OD, OBE, VLL
PATRIA-KAY AARONS
Born in St. Thomas, Jamaica, Beverly Lindsay OD, OBE, VLL is a familiar face on the Birmingham business and community empowerment scenes. Recently, she was appointed as Vice Lord-Lieutenant of the West Midlands. Her travel agency, Diamond Travel, is one of Birmingham’s leading independents and Lindsay’s work at Diamond inspired her OBE for services to business and the community in Birmingham.
A former GraceKennedy Sponsorship and Communications Manager, entrepreneur Patria-Kay Aarons ditched the corporate world to found global going concern, Caribbean Sweetie in 2014. “Sweetie is built on three principles,” she explains. “Jamaica first, product excellence and happy staff – because miserable people will make bad candy! “I’m driven by the possibility of bringing a little piece of paradise to an under-served Caribbean people."
For more information, visit: www.diamondtravel.co.uk
For more information, visit www.caribbeansweetie.com
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