From the Editor Recognising and Celebrating our ‘Emanci-pendence’
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here’s a group on Facebook called “You’re Probably From Jamaica (W.I) If…” and it has gained significant support since it was started a few days ago. Jamaicans from all over the world, young and old, have been posting some of their favourite memories growing up on the island. At the time I was writing this, there were over 13,000 Jamaicans in the group sharing stories of growing up, the funniest and most popular sayings and everything from “running a boat” and having your mother sew your school bag from the foot of an old pants (I kid you not!) to using your mouth to point someone in a particular direction. It’s a great way to relive the “good ole days” and laugh at the interesting things we did as a child.
cently concluded PanAm Junior Badminton championships. Whether it is in academics, science, sports, technology or in the business field, Jamaicans have proven that talent and determination are important vehicles on the road to success. This Independence Day, honour the spirit of our forefathers by making a commitment to proudly carry the Jamaican flag.
Have a happy and safe ‘emanci-pendence’!
Outside of that, however, one resounding theme I’ve noticed is respect. Despite how many persons joked about how their parents forced them to do this or to do that, you still get a feeling of the high level of respect they have for them. That’s what we’re missing in Jamaica today. Respect. Respect for parents, respect for each other, respect for those in authority and respect for self. Yesterday marked the 177th anniversary of the emancipation of slaves. As we participate in the many activities during this period, let us also take time to reflect on the legacy of our forefathers, recognizing their significant contributions to nation-building. Every year, Emancipation Day is a time to pause and remember the sacrifices of our National Heroes and how valiantly they fought to secure the freedoms we now enjoy. On August 6, we’ll celebrate Jamaica’s independence from British rule. During this period, it is important to revel in our sovereignty and celebrate the accomplishments we’ve gained over the years. How many of you know the National Pledge? The name of the National Tree? Or even stand when you hear the National Anthem? These are things we should proudly embrace and never forget. Our track and field athletes have consistently shown the world that “wi lickle but wi tallawah”, dominating sprint events on the international scene. Lest we forget our Sunshine Girls, who have consistently been ranked in the top four in the world or even our Badminton team who made us proud at the re-
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Culture Things Jamaicans Say by Dervin Osbourne
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here’s no doubt that Jamaicans are creative people. We demand attention everywhere we go, whether it’s through our language or behaviour. There are traditions that we have here in Jamaica that transcend generations and I’m going to share some with you. Sit back, read and have a laugh.
You know you’re in Jamaica when... 1. You know who L.A. LEWIS is. 2. You pronounce ‘certificate’ as ‘Cer-FI-ticate’. 3. You use “pssst, hi, hello” to get someone’s attention. 4. Growing up, you used to sound the ‘boom’ when you sang the national anthem. 5. You point at people with your lips. 6. You participate in School’s Challenge Quiz at home. 7. You go downtown and a ‘higgler’ calls out, “Hi nice lady, come look here nuh.” 9. You’re referred to as Ms./Mr. Chin once you have Asian features, even if you have no Chinese relation. 10. You only feel ‘stress’ in your left breast. 11. When giving directions, you always include the words “down deh suh”.
18. You put pepper on everything. 19. You know ‘barrel come’ when someone’s in a new outfit. 21. People block roads and want justice for everything. 22. You call the police and get voicemail. 23. You drink Horlicks, Milo and Lasco and call it ‘tea’. 26. You go to the shop to buy a ‘big jill a oil’.
12. GAZA has nothing to do with Palestine.
27. When two pounds of rice has to go with two pounds of chicken back.
14. You wear party clothes to a funeral.
30. You know how to ‘bridge’ light.
15. You call your partner’s other girl your ‘matey’.
31. Corned beef is ‘bully beef ’.
16. You know what a Rolling Calf is.
32. You call speaking Standard English ‘twanging’.
17. Your wig is the same colour as your outfit. www.ezineslimited.com
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Entertainment Movie Review CAPTAIN AMERICA: THE FIRST AVENGER PG-13 C
aptain America: The First Avenger is an action-adventure film from director, Joe Johnston, Marvel Studios and Paramount Pictures starring Chris Evans, Tommy Lee Jones, Sebastian Stan, Hayley Atwell, Hugo Weaving, Dominic Cooper and Stanley Tucci.
by Alana Gardner
Must See!
Captain America: The First Avenger focuses on the early days of the Marvel Universe when Steve Rogers (Evans), after being deemed unfit for military service, volunteers for a top secret research project that turns him into the super soldier known as Captain America, a superhero dedicated to defending America’s ideals. As Captain America, Rogers joins forces with Bucky Barnes (Stan) and Peggy Carter (Atwell) to wage war on the evil HYDRA organization, led by the villainous Red Skull (Weaving). Captain America: The First Avenger earns itself full five stars. I have to say I had high expectations going into this movie and I am happy to say I was greatly pleased. I must give Marvel and Paramount a standing ovation for a job well done. This movie had great potential and it delivered significantly where the plot is concerned. It is not an easy task to successfully integrate the Marvel universe or any form of fantasy or fiction into real life history, and I can’t say I would have changed a thing. Personally, this movie was comedic, action-packed and full of heart. I think it shows that it’s not weapons that win battles but the soldiers that fight them and the hearts within those men. It is a monumental triumph compared to the failure of Thor, which came out a few months prior. Both stories, along with Iron Man and The Incredible Hulk, are intertwined in the upcoming film, The Avengers, due to premiere in the Summer of 2012, and I have to say this movie has me just dying to see it come opening week. I suppose it’s not surprising, since Marvel always strives for excellence and they succeeded here, making this movie a definite must see.
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Have Your Say… What do you guys think about Nicki Minaj being fined for cursing at Sumfest?
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uring her performance at Reggae Sumfest recently, international recording artiste Nicki Minaj was fined US$12 (approximately J$1000) for what many describe as an expletive-laced performance. Was the fine fair? Should we have simply ignored it? Is there some degree of bias? We took to our Facebook and Twitter pages to get the reactions of our readers. Here’s what some of you had to say.
Keisha Firstlady Tracey
“To be honest, I cannot blame the Jamaican authorities for charging her. My problem is $1000. That just sounds like a joke. I am not sure how much they normally charge artistes who curse on shows, but I am just saying. Nicki is my girl, I was so into her performance; I didn’t even hear her use any indecent language (unless witch with a B is a curse word in Jamaica). If it was me though, instead of charging her one grand I would just let it be.”
Zoraa Lutas
“It was necessary. Although she is an international artiste, laws need to be followed. If she wasn’t fined, Jamaican artistes who have been fined in the past or even in the future would look at this situation as an excuse to get away from the fine.”
Danii-boo BeautyQueen Hamil
Big fan of Nicki!!! However, laws are stipulated and should be followed, no matter who you are. [If not], Jamaica would be known as “prejudicial.”
@ChanielAndran
Jamaica has more important and serious things to worry about than her cursing at Sumfest!! #getoverit Do you agree, disagree or don’t really care? We’d love to hear from you. Email us at teenspirit@ezineslimited.com.
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Cover Story Kevoy Burton: Ghett’a Life Teen Star on Fame, Filming & the Future
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by Dervin Osbourne
ver heard the phrase “You never know what the future holds”? It’s a saying that is so common that some may even call it a cliché, but Kevoy Burton, a 19-year-old Ardennite proves that those words speak truth, after literally being picked up out of school and landing on the big screen as the star of the latest Jamaican film, Ghett’a Life. The film features many of Jamaica’s inner-city communities and is intertwined with the political atmosphere, showing the ambitions of a young boxer and the roadblocks he faces. Kevoy humbly, yet with excitement, told Teen Spirit about his journey to fame. He started acting in 2009 at school after being persuaded by his friend and was later tutored and nurtured by his drama teacher. “Acting was just a hobby, I never took it seriously,” he said. It was therefore a surprise that after he landed a commercial for LIME, he was later suggested to Chris Browne, the director of Ghett’a Life. He auditioned, then it came down to the director deciding who should play Derrick and, blown away by Kevoy’s performance, Browne selected him for the part. Kevoy says he’s much like his character Derrick. They’re both persistent in making their dreams a reality, outspoken and witty. One major difference that separates them, however, is that Kevoy does not like to fight. On set, Kevoy says he was treated like a star. He was chauffeured everywhere he went and given everything he wanted. One great moment for him was premiere night: seeing himself on the big screen, signing autographs and being applauded. It must be hard to not let all this get to his head, but Kevoy thanked his upbringing which was what kept him grounded. He maintained that being hype won’t get him anywhere; humility is a trait that everyone looks for, especially in this business. He spoke with much enthusiasm about his off-screen relationships with the other members of the cast. He laughed when O’Dain Clarke, who plays “Big Toe” in the film, was mentioned. “Dain is a really cool yute, very busybody. He’s just hilarious. You have to laugh every time you’re around him, he’s just like his character,” he said. A friendship was also formed between him and Kadeem Wilson (Gully Rat) because they both had to go through boxing training. Burton said he and Lisa Williams (Ca-
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“He maintained that being hype won’t get him anywhere; humility is a trait that everyone looks for, especially in this business.” mella) met before going on screen and both shared an awkward moment when they realized that they had to do a kissing scene - which he enjoyed, of course. A bond was formed with almost everyone he worked with: Teddy Price, Carl Davis, Winston Bell and Karen Robinson, to name a few. As the interview progressed, Teen Spirit got to understand more about Kevoy Burton, no doubt an intelligent and wise young individual, as he shared his views on different topics. When asked what advice he would give to a young person who wants to pursue acting but doesn’t think they’re good enough, he encouraged them to never give up, just keep on trying because you never know what can happen, using himself as an example. He went on to say that opportunities will come. Jamaica’s film industry is growing and the demand for young actors like him well be greater, so don’t give up hope. teen spirit eZine
Cover Story Kevoy Burton: Ghett’a Life Teen Star on Fame, Filming & the Future Kevoy has high hopes for the Jamaican film industry. He told Teen Spirit that he hopes to one day see a romance flick, a romantic comedy or even science fiction coming out of Jamaica. Unfortunately ladies, Kevoy is not single, but Teen Spirit did manage to dig deeper into his personal life and get the scoop on what he looks for in a girl. He looks for honesty, someone with whom he can reason, an understanding and caring person, a ride-or-die chick, someone who’s cute and has a great body. He says he’s turned on by a girl who plays hard to get and who loves herself and is not fazed by society.
“Kevoy says he’s much like his character Derrick. They’re both persistent in making their dreams a reality, outspoken and witty. One major difference that separates them, however, is that Kevoy does not like to fight.”
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Kevoy is planning to pursue studies in the media field at university, a complete turnaround from banking, which is what he had initially intended to do. He says his experience on set made him realise that he wants to one day be a movie director. When asked what advice he would give to young men who feel as if crime is the only route they can take to succeed in society, his response was, “Look around and see that not everybody is turning to crime. Nothing is hard to get if you truly want it.” He was asked what message he wants people to take from the movie, and said he wants everyone to realise that unity is possible in Jamaica, no matter which political party you’re a part of. Kevoy has learned an important lesson from this whole experience. His friend Shanique Brown who introduced him to acting, his drama teacher Ms. Susan Beadle who molded him, the director of the LIME commercial who introduced him to Chris Browne who then chose him as the star of the movie, all saw potential in him, something he didn’t see in himself. He learned that you should never underestimate yourself because you really never know what the future holds.
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Cover Story On the Black Carpet at Ghett'a Life Premiere
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irector Chris Browne definitely hit the jackpot with Jamaica’s newest film Ghett’a Life, and many persons who’ve watched the story unfold on screen are still in awe at what is undoubtedly an incredible storyline. The movie features a defiant Derrick (played by Kevoy Burton), whose dream of representing his country in an international boxing competition, could put his family and friends at risk in a community that is split based on political ties. Hampered by a number of roadblocks, Derrick struggles to get access to the gym on the ‘other side’, while having to deal with his father who himself is the next candidate for Councilor. The problem is compounded by the fact that both have to deal with Sin, the Don (played by Chris McFarlene) who makes every effort to keep the community in a rift. Superb acting was displayed by some of Jamaica’s young and bright shining stars; from Gully Rat (played by Kadeem Wilson) who belongs to the “other side” of the political fence, Big Toe (played by O’daine Clarke) who was Derrick’s best friend, and Camella played by Lisa Williams. These young stars all played a critical role in the film depicting the reality of what goes on in the typical “garrison communities” in Jamaica. However, the unpredictable script leaves us with hope that change is possible.
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Lisa Williams (lead actressplays Camella) , Kadeem Wilson (Gully Rat).
O’dain e Perkin Clarke (pla s ( Pre y sident s lead supp or & CEO Pan Ca ting actor- B ig ribbea n Finan Toe), Kade e cial Se rvices) m Wilson, D and ke voy Bu onovan rton.
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Relationship How to deal with a Facebook Breakup by Ava Gardner
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ou’re so happy that you met your significant other and made him/her a part of your life. You’re even so elated to show off to the world how amazing this person is that you’ve not only made your relationship public but you’ve made a Facebook album of both of you entitled, “Today and Forever”. But what happens when without your knowledge, a status update says that forever ended two hours ago? Here are some tips to help you handle a Facebook breakup.
Keep It Together
Your partner has already cut you loose, so don’t breakdown and do things you might later regret. Take some time to clear your mind and recuperate from your terrible breakup. Don’t start neglecting yourself because someone has neglected you.
Busy Bee
Now is the best time to make some positive changes in your life. Keep yourself busy by doing your favourite things to keep your heart and mind from being idle and starting to feel the repercussions of the breakup and the lack of closure. Time heals all wounds. In the same way that you shouldn’t pick a scab for a cut to heal; you should allow your heart to heal.
Significant other, who?
Don’t try to talk to them because more than likely, they clearly don’t want to talk you. If you really need closure, send a mutual friend to find out some information. Trying to talk to them may indicate a dependency to interact, which was something they ended when they broke up with you.
Unfriend?
Don’t delete them either. Beat them at their own game. You too can use Facebook to your advantage. Showcase the amazing person you are. This means new profile pictures and confident, fun and happy posts. If they come across an interesting post by you on their feed, they will definitely check out your activity. It’s very daring, but it may cause them to regret breaking up with you.
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Be Polite
When peers, both mutual and not question you about the breakup, be honest but don’t bring up all your dirty laundry. People will expect you to bad mouth your previous partner and assume that you are carrying feelings, so surprise them by being well-mannered. This will leave storytellers with nothing to advertise to others.
Move On
Not only are there more fish in the sea, but there are chests of gold! Take this past unfortunate event as a lesson and look forward to your future. Your previous partner may in the future try to contact you, but remember that they are in your past for a reason.
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On Da Party Scene Smirnoff Dream Weekend 2011 Review by Ava Gardner
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een Spirit eZine was definitely dreaming at this year’s third staging of Smirnoff Dream Weekend, and we’re back to give you the low-down on all the parties.
Boy, did the last four days go fast! The four-day party weekend started on July 29 at Smirnoff Flavours at Amazon Beach. Not many patrons were there, probably caused by the traffic and longer distances Surrey patrons had to travel since Flat Bridge was still under repairs. Nevertheless, Smirnoff Flavours was a good party and had very appetizing food. Later that night was Smirnoff Twisted Spiritz, where pulsating beats and the well-stocked bar carried the party to around 4 a.m., at which time patrons, despite having more days to party, didn’t necessarily opt to leave The Rainforest. On Saturday, Daydreams White Sands at Long Bay Beach 2 called for a more formal setting and the majority of patrons followed the dress code of all white and definitely dressed to impress. The venue was amazing, with the white sand and clear water, savoury food, multiple bars and its perfect décor and was also complemented by the Smirnoff Angels. Later that night, Yush Mega Beach Party was at Margaritaville. There was a lot of disarray at the gate and socializing from patrons who finally got inside to theme of “No Long Talking.” The DJ played some oldies at the beginning but seeing that it didn’t please the patrons that much, the selectors switched to playing more current records.
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Sunday was the party everyone anticipated - Extreme Wet n Wild at the Kool Runnings Water Park. The party took everybody - and not much clothing - up the strip. Missing this party was not an option for season band owners. Persons from all parts of the island travelled to Negril just for this party and everyone enjoyed themselves. Patrons were able to eat and drink, play in the foam pit, ride the surfboard, tube down the waterslides and float down the lazy river repeatedly. Patrons reveled in the forecasted heavy rainfall and continued raving until the party ended later in the night. The next party, Bere Vibes at The Rainforest was not a contradiction this year. DJ, Tony Matterhorn really amused and entertained the crowd with his clever remarks and selections. On Monday, Smirnoff Xclusive at Margaritaville was a very good event that those who departed from Negril early missed out on. This exclusive red and white event definitely appeased the patrons. This year, Dream Entertainment extended the weekend’s parties with an additional event, Short Circuit, carrying the total number of parties in the Dream Weekend lineup to eight! Eight events of euphoric entertainment! Short Circuit “Short Skirtin It” at The Rainforest closed off the holiday weekend and brought patrons back to the not as fantastic reality.
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