IrieZine JAN|FEB 2012 by IrieZine

REBEL SALUTE Salute to a Rebel

BOB MARLEY

JOURNEY TO JAH

Interview with the Directors

WHAT IF...?

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Welcome to IRIEZINE It has been a wonderful experience and honour to provide you each month with the best information we can find. This is gathered from some of the brightest minds in the industry to entertain and educate. This month’s issue is in commemoration of Reggae month and Jamaica’s Grand Jubilee, a nation celebrating 50 years of independence later this year. My interest in reggae and Pan Africanism has always been aligned with the enlightenment of morals and values of contemporary society. Reggae music originated during the 1960’s in Kingston, Jamaica. Since then reggae has provided the world with a medium for building resilience, liberation, self-identity, ‘consciousness’ and further understanding of the concept ‘one love’.

IRIE TEAM:

CREDITS Executive Team Sean Patrick Managing Director Marc patrick - IT director Alessandro Boyd - Editor in Chief Design and Layout Taj Francis Jonoi Messam Writers Biko Kenedy

Alessandro Boyd - Editor in Chief

Tiffany Trotter

www.iriezine.com

Rumeal Peters

fabook.com/iriezine twitter.com/iriezine Photography Randall Richards

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CONTENTS

JANUARY | FEBUARY 2012

IRIEZINE

16 32

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06 IRIE PROFILE Etana

10 IRIE COVER STORY Bob Marley: What if...?

16 IRIE FILM Journey to Jah:

26 IRIE EVENT Rebel Salute - Salute to a Rebel

32 IRIE TASTE Thiiah’s Food & Juice

34 IRIE INNOVATOR YCSS-Setting The Pace

JANUARY | FEBUARY 2012

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CONTENTS

PROFILE

Etana Encompassing the Essence of the Soul Author: Biko Kennedy Photos: Contributed

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IRIE PROFILE:

Beauty stands to be your mind, body, and soul

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Consider this:

ou awake on a gloomy morning tailored in cold sweat. The person you once were, a few hours ago, is no more and you have been transformed into someone new. Your eyes now hold a mesmerizing stare in them with an undying sense of ambition. Your height and maybe even your gender have changed into that of a curvaceously framed, striking woman; painted perfectly from nature’s very own hands. Your lustrous hair framing your face like aura set aglow by your natural beauty with your pouting lips betraying an enclosed smile ever so often with your words being direct and straight from the heart. You’re considered ‘the strong one’, with your self-scripted melodies having been featured with industry legends, profiled by the media, television shows and have managed to win persons hearts over with the natural ability you have been given. You’re at the top of your game; every night you have people listening to you belting out dream-like vocals that they could listen to elsewhere, but they are in attendance to be in your presence. Welcome to the life of Etana; the consistently ambitious, undyingly determined songstress. Considerations aside, it’s a good time to be in the driver’s seat. After years of cruising by, watching the scenery, the woman that made a name for herself, with her riveting debut single Wrong Address in 2006, has acknowledged the most important thing above all else is the challenge of never giving up. Being able to say that she did it, accomplished it, and attempting something new is ultimately her greatest prerogative.

ON HER PHILOSOPHY ON THE STRENGTH AND BEAUTY OF A WOMAN…

Etana

“The strength and beauty of a woman comes from within. It is something that cannot be easily identified by some women or young women to date. The ability to give comfort, healing, advise, ‘food to the soul’ (to me sharing knowledge), having love and respect for self, giving love and respect to others, knowing who you are and accepting who you are, not settling for less than she thinks she deserves yet she remains humble. She’s self motivated, goal oriented and hard working, caring, patient and understanding. I could go on and on (laughs). Beauty isn’t just about your face and body. If you don’t know that you should love, accept, and appreciate you first, you will do anything to be appreciated by others, even if that ‘anything’ means risking your life. .”

ON HER VOCAL AND LYRICAL EVOLUTION… “I think it took some time because my music before Reggae was a bit on the sexual side for the most part (laughs). Before I went back to Jamaica in 2004, after migrating since I was about 9 to Florida, I wrote a song called Dream that was based on me being homeless. That was actually my first time writing a social commentarybased song and since I got to Jamaica and realized how women were treated in the Reggae world, I knew I couldn’t just sing, I knew I had a mission (smiles) and I knew it wouldn’t take any old song. I knew the message had to be in the music and my livity an example.”

I GET MY SENSE OF STYLE FROM HISTORY; FROM THE WOMEN BEFORE ME AND FROM MY FAMILY AND CLOSEST FRIENDS. 8

ON HER INSPIRATION ON FASHION ETHICS… “I get my sense of style from history; from the women before me and from my family and closest friends. Also from those who played an integral role in raising me. And of course I am inspired by that here-and-now spirit inside (laughs).”

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HER VIEW ON THE RASTAFARIAN FAITH… “(sighs) Aaahhh this is one subject most times I stay away from as peoples’ view of religion and lifestyle changes with the time it seems but I will share my opinion to some extent. No one is perfect. Some try their best to live up to standard and guidelines of Rastafari, Christianity, and whatever their faith is. However, there are a few other souls who are still searching who cannot find the strength to even begin to understand much less live the life of Rastafari. Wearing the locks is not even halfway living the truth. It is sharing, caring, loving unconditionally, no unnecessary violence (fight for a cause), etc.”

ON WHOM SHE CONSIDERS A TRUE RASTAFARIAN… “A true Rasta is filled with compassion, and praises to the almighty, knows the importance of nature, is a dedicated mother and father for all children. A true Rasta practices self control, never greedy for material thing. A true Rasta would not have more than enough and watch his brother and sister die of hunger. A true Rasta doesn’t “floss” (isn’t boastful) and also though we know the pain and struggles of our ancestors a true Rasta has no hate, or prejudice in his/her heart.”

HER VIEW AS TO THE RASTAFARIAN LIVITY VS. THE FASHION IMAGE… “The fashion goes from the locks and long skirts, natural living and child bearing without grudge and envy in the heart over love to the ‘thug’ Rastas (laughs); pants sagging, drug taking, gun slinging, bass thumping, vulgar, making a scene ‘cause they have to be seen, liquor bottle toting, ‘you my nigga… my dog’… this isn’t Rasta in my opinion. To me, Rasta is quite the opposite. Then again who am I to judge? You see a man face not his heart but you know your company by their actions and you are judged by association (laughs). Life is beautiful.”

A TRUE RASTA PRACTICES SELF CONTROL, NEVER GREEDY FOR MATERIAL THING. iriezine.com

COVER STORY

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BOB MARLEY WHAT IF...?

Author: Biko Kennedy Illustrations: Taj Francis Author’s Note: Questions that have recurred on countless occasions; Where would Robert ‘Nesta’ Marley, commonly known as ‘Bob Marley’ be if he were still alive? Would he still be making philosophic music? Where would he stand in contemporary society? We honour this icon’s life and death by creating an alternate reality, one where he still lives.

ilence engulfed the auditorium as the people were seated and clad in their best attire. Anxiety looms amongst them and no one dares make the slightest twitch. All eyes fixated towards centre stage. A well-dressed Orville “Shaggy” Burrell commands undivided attention of everyone in the Staples Center. Clinched between his fingers was the key to breaking this hypnosis, the envelope containing the winner of the final award of the night. The 55th Annual Grammy’s has been an entertaining spectacle of sight and sound. At this moment only an unbearable anticipation was shared throughout the venue.

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IRIE COVER STORY: Bob Marley: What if...? Shaggy finally speaks into the microphone with his amplified voice vibrating the arena’s speakers. “And the Grammy for Album of the Year goes to..…” The ruffling of the envelope echoes through the venue as he tears it open. Reading it with eyes wide and smiling, he finally reveals the winner with crazed enthusiasm.

Time Spent Away!!! Bob Marley!!! The arena comes to life with a standing ovation and a raging round of applause. A shocked Bob remains seated, shakes his head then covers his mouth. With grey streaks racing through his locks, he is encouraged to claim the prize as Shaggy beckons from the stage, shouting in his microphone

His wife Rita leans and whispers in his ear

We’ve all been waiting years for this magical moment, She exhales in relief as Bob finally gets to his feet, amplifying the applause. Looking unto his son Damian ‘Jr. Gong’ Marley, who congratulated him with a hug. Bob turns to his left where his wife awaits, their lips meet for a brief moment, then he pulls away quick enough to catch her tears with his thumbs. She smiles handing him a walking cane and straightens his coat before he walks towards the stage.

Get up here man! Earlier Bob won Song of the Year for his comeback single Whispers of Death, an emotionally charged auto-biographical tale self produced. He remained seated and did not collect that award. Anchored by his racing thoughts, Bob remains motionless. Yet to speak a word publicly since waking from his coma of three decades, perceived frequently by the media as one he may never come out of. Apart from family members, no one has heard him utter the slightest whisper except the singles from the album. Everyone is filled with anxiety, their hearts pounding as if they were face to face with a pack of emaciated grey wolves, waiting to hear what Bob will say when his silence is finally broken.

WELL WE CYAA BE UNGRATEFUL TO JAH

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The Staples Center is now fully engulfed by ovation with a bellowing sound from the audience rivaling a tidal wave. It seems as though they are pushing him up the stage vocally, making it impossible to retreat if he wanted to.

The audience conveys their approval with an inflamed volume of cheers. Bob scouts the room at turtle pace, absorbing everything. Slowly the wailing and chorus-like clapping begins to cave in, yet everyone remains standing. The room once again echoes a deafening silence. All eyes on Bob.

He is greeted at the top by a young lady wearing a shimmery silver lace dress. She hands him the Grammy award and kisses his cheek before making a gesture in the direction of the microphone where Shaggy is waiting. Shaggy greets Bob by embracing him in a brotherly manner, steps away then says

Wellâ&#x20AC;Śthey are waiting

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“I…” he says speaking softly, then pauses. “I first want to thank…” he continues, Then an anonymous person shouts “

JAH…RASTAFARI!”.

Bob chuckled then said

“Well we cyaa be ungrateful to Jah”, Sending the audience in approving cheers. Bob lifts the Grammy award eye level and smiles. A single tear scrolls down his cheek as he finally begins to deliver his acceptance speech. “First I have to thank and honour my beautiful wife, empress and queen Rita Marley. To sleep is not to dream…to sleep is to leave her touch for a few hours…and I can say I have missed her mystical touch. I was gone…nothing more than a lifeless burden. She could have let me go, let the doctors do whatever to end my suffering… her suffering. She did not, she knew I would come out and for that…My appreciate for her is beyond words!……I love you.” The audience applauds. “Now yuh see there is a war going on… death is trying to take life but life is stronger than death… I basically died that night but life is the road yuh nuh?! Now dig dis…I want to thank all my children for maintaining my legacy. I want to thank all the DJs who refused to let my words go unheard. All the new artistes who have been trying to get new collaborations with me and I didn’t respond…Do not feel offended, it was not about you, it was about the music dread! I was waiting for my heart to lead me back to the booth, not an invite or a club anthem, and certainly not somebody who’s just hot right now!”

“I was sleeping for 30 years and my records were still selling. I did not have to change with the times because what I did, what WE did as Reggae artistes before I went in a coma, was timeless. Apparently, I did the same thing with Whispers of Death. I man can play music and I man do not fear fa di worse so I man play music and if money can mek outta music, mek money come! Is not like my heart directly open a bleed blood fi get money. The ting is Selassie I is the King of Kings pon earth, now which guy pon earth rich like the King of Kings?” “And finally to the fans… Thank you for the support, bringing me here and staying with me. Thank you for all the cards and prayers. You brought me back, know that His Imperial Majesty Emperor Haile Selassie I of Ethiopia is the Almighty… I could not have done none of dis without you! None of us artistes can live without your acceptance. This award and this album is for you! I love you! Thank you!”

NOW YUH SEE THERE IS A WAR GOING ON… DEATH IS TRYING TO TAKE LIFE BUT LIFE IS STRONGER THAN DEATH… The Staples Center is fills with thunderous applause as Bob hoists his Grammy in the air above his head for all to see. Death can be emancipation, sometimes it allows us to see the enormity and prevents the depreciation of our role models. With Bob Marley we appreciate the good and ponder what might have been.

The audience bursts out in a thunderous roar of approval. 14

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He is alive and because of his music, he always will be…….

REST IN PEACE Writen by: Biko Kennedy Illustrations: Taj Francis

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JOURNEY TO

JAH

FILM

The Emotive Vision of Music and Spirituality Interview with directors Moritz Springer and NoĂŤl Dernesch Author: Biko Kennedy Photos: Contributed {copyright: JOURNEY TO JAH the film / PORT-AU-PRINCE films}

he documentary, Journey to Jah, is a sobering film examining Rastafarianism as a microcosm of Jamaican history, culture and identity. While most cinemas lay on a mix of Hollywood blockbusters and a plethora of 3D visuals, the documentary duo stands out with their more serious connection to an emotive vision of music and spirituality Journey to Jah folllows the journey embarked on by two protagonists as they search for authenticity. Similar to the daily struggles of Jamaicans longing for a better society. The vision of a better world is discovered in Rastafari and its corresponding music, the faith and rites of an orignally black culture. A conversation with Moritz Springer and NoĂŤl Dernesch reminds me of canoeing except my intense ride is on a flux of words rather than a cloudburst of water.

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IT’S THE STORY OF A JOURNEY OF TWO YOUNG MEN SEARCHING FOR IDENTITY AND ALSO SPIRITUALITY AND A MEANING FOR THEIR LIVES

Iriezine caught up with them to discuss their guiding principles throughout the making of the film and comparisons often seen between filmmaking and journalism. Iriezine: Have your travels to Jamaica inspired you to do this film?

Moritz Springer: The idea for the movie was there before,

then we came to Jamaica to get deeper into the subject but the idea of the film came up in 2001 and from then on we started developing it; well I started in 2001 and Noël came on board 2004 and we basically developed it together.

Noël Dernesch:

It’s been a long journey with this project almost 7 years since we’ve been working on it.

Iriezine: Give us a synopsis of the film. Moritz Springer:

Basically we want to find out how two white guys - Gentleman from Germany and Alborosie from Italy - can identify with the black culture and black music; what really attracted them to Reggae and to Jamaica. We wanted to discover with them Jamaica and also see the reality of Jamaica today and to film about two cultures and the differences and seeing these two cultures coming together and ultimately about music and spirituality.

Noël Dernesch: And Reggae is more like a vehicle driving the

film and the content is really global ‘cause it’s about culture clash and clash of the religions and the content is really important now globally. So I guess it’s more than ‘only Reggae’.

Moritz Springer: Andt and I just think that a lot of people

in Germany and Europe and worldwide can identify with cause we’re living in a time where there’s no values anymore except a noted few. And with the film we want to show people that it’s about coming together and finding out about your own past but widening your perspective.

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#THE CREW Iriezine: How did you start such a project? Moritz Springer: It was really while I was in Shashamane, Ethiopia, that I discovered the Rasta culture. It really inspired me ‘cause it was the first time I really felt that spirituality and belief and something really connected to life, something that’s really powerful and not like in Germany where you have co-cultures and a punishing God and not something full of life. But in Shashamane is something where there’re people smoking herbs and making music and reading the bible and it ultimately sparked an interest in me and how to change my perspective of spirituality and belief and when I came back to Germany I realized that it’s not just Jamaica and Ethiopia but there are people who really identify with the culture globally. And I felt like I needed someone on my side so a friend introduced me to Noël and we started developing the project and realize that OK, if we’re looking into Germany then Gentleman is the man we have to have in the film. Then it took about a year to get him on board with really hard work and the first time we met him we knew he was the guy we have to work with. 18

Iriezine:

There are varying views depicting what makes a film creative; for some it’s important that the directors have something to say. What is it that you are trying to say in this documentary?

Noël Dernesch: We don’t want to point with

the finger or say that this is the way, but we want to be a part of these two persons life; showing how they live and how they fight for their own vision and also spirituality plays a major role in the film and I guess a lot of young people are missing that in life but we don’t have one vision or ultimate depiction of what persons should get from it but rather have each individual who watches the film have their own interpretation from it.

Moritz Springer: We really just want people to be a part of the life of Gentleman and Alborosie and the other protagonists. It’s not a project that says, OK this is the message of the film and everybody has to do this and that, but we want to transport more of a feeling. That was what always attracted us to our protagonists; they always have such a positive feeling and vibe and that’s basically what we want to encourage in the minds of the persons watching the film. iriezine.com

IRIE FILM: JOURNEY TO JAH

continued >

JOURNEY TO JAH: Interview with directors

Iriezine:

Was either director amenable to participating when the idea was presented or were there negotiating points in terms of how the story should be told?

Moritz Springer: This film really came out

of our love for the subject, it wasn’t an idea that a production company pitched to us but rather the other way around. There was like four production companies that didn’t agree with us so we skipped them now we’re with a production company, Portau-Prince Film in Berlin, which is really great and supportive on the project.

Noël Dernesch: And they are really allowing us to utilize how vision for the project and not necessarily suggest that it must be done in a particular way. Iriezine: Why were there two directors? Noël Dernesch:

I guess Moritz is more the guy who knows a lot about Rasta and he goes in depth with it and I’m more the guy who sees the global content from this project.

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Moritz Springer: It’s kinda like Noël is

responsible for the visual aspect and I’m more into the philosophical content. It was never really a decision to say that yes we need two directors it just happened.

Iriezine: What this film?

is your target audience for

Noël Dernesch:

(laughs).

The whole world

the more we read about the Rasta culture and Jamaican culture our minds started to acknowledge things like oppression, self identity and such

IRIE FILM: JOURNEY TO JAH

I think Reggae is the music that you find all over the world and I think it is because it catches people everywhere.

Iriezine:

What were the biggest discoveries when research for this film was conducted and participants interviewed?

Moritz Springer: It started

JOURNEY TO JAH: Interview with directors 20

as a spiritual journey and the more we read about the Rasta culture and Jamaican culture our minds started to acknowledge things like oppression, self identity and such and now it’s really important for us to know these things. And the longer you spend around people it’s the more you’ll learn about them. And I think the film is aimed at having viewers look at Gentleman and Alborosie as persons and not just an entertaining personality.

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ANYONE CAN CHANGE THE WORLD NO MATTER HOW SMALL YOU MAY THINK YOUR IDEA IS Iriezine:

There is a considerable amount of travel required for your documentary. Do you have recommendations for other documentary filmmakers in their quest to get both finances and resources to support their vision?

Moritz Springer:

You have to have your vision and really believe in it and go out and convince them why it deserves their backing and once they feel the vision they’ll be with you 100%.

EIN FILM VON NOËL DERNESCH & MORITZ SPRINGER

Noël Dernesch: You have to sell it, cause if you don’t believe or aren’t confident in you work no one else will be. Iriezine: What contribution do you think Jamaica

Iriezine: What message do you want people to

Moritz Springer: I think Reggae is the music

Moritz Springer: Confidence to believe in

that you find all over the world and I think it is because it catches people everywhere.

their own paths; to see if you believe in a thing it’s possible that you’ll achieve them and there’s more than material things in our lives.

Noël Dernesch: And a lot of people may find their spirit to be empty and Reggae music and messages really fills it. And for a movie going into cinema it’s always important to have a global vision and compound.

Noël Dernesch: And that anyone can change the world no matter how small you may think your idea is.

has made in German culture and politics?

learn from watching Journey to Jah?

Iriezine: Is there anything you would like to say Iriezine:

What motivates you personally in spending time making these films?

Noël Dernesch:

It’s my passion…my love… my language…it’s my all and everything. Moritz Springer: I always had that feeling that there are stories to be told and film is that medium for me to tell those stories.

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to our readers?

Noël Dernesch:

Thanks for the support on the project, it’s just amazing and we hope we make an exceptional film which makes you proud. Author: Biko Kennedy Photos: {copyright: JOURNEY TO JAH the film / PORT-AU-PRINCE films}

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Rebel Salute Salute to a Rebel Author: Tiffany Trotter

EVE

Photos: Randall Richards

ebel salute has evolved over the years, improving in quality while celebrating authentic Jamaican culture pertaining to food, art and reggae. This event portrays the mental and physical aspects of Jamaican society. The tradition of excluding meat and alcohol from the festivities makes the event a true rendition of rastafarianism. This wholesome and family oriented event is held at Port Kaiser in St. Elizabeth, with the south coast providing a beautiful scenery. Patrons traveled all over the world, from Asia and Europe in particular. Their hands were filled with tents, chairs and cardboards as they eagerly anticipated the rich flavour and culture of Reggae music. The show flowed smoothly with Masters of ceremonies such as Jennifer ‘Jenny Jenny’ Small, Rennae ‘Lady Rennae’ Garel and the fluffy diva Khadine ‘Miss Kitty’ Hylton who kept the show flowing by introducing various performers such as Admiral Bailey, Johnny Osbourne, Gramps Morgan, Maxi Priest, Tarrus 26

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Riley, Queen Ifrica, Luciano, Yami Bolo, Johnny Clarke, General Trees, Errol Dunkley, Romain Virgo, Louie Culture, Cali P and Stream, among others. “It’s thrilling being amongst Reggae legends that have helped to shape Jamaica’s musical culture”, gushed an excited patron. The atmosphere escalated to fever pitch as Tony Rebel hit the stage at midnight, the audience went ecstatic. He belted out classics such as “Fresh Vegetable” and “If Jah” among other reggae hits. In celebration of his 50th birthday which coincides with The Golden Jubilee (Jamaica’s 50th anniversary) a tribute was led by Rebel’s 12 children wishing him a ‘blessed earth strong’ as they cut his birthday cake. The sky was lit up with 50 lanterns, each symbolizing a year of Tony Rebel’s life and Jamaica’s independence from British colonial rule. The Golden Jubilee will mark the independence of a small island that has placed its stamp on the world with its unique culture. Tony Rebel whole heartedly admitted that Rebel Salute is “in support of the indigenous authentic Jamaican music.” A gestating Queen Ifrica allured patrons with conscious lyrics leaving them yearning for more, she graciously obliged and returned for an encore performance. By 3:30am Maxi Priest gave a stellar performance, bombarding the crowd with classics such as “Close to you”, and “Just a little longer” among others. Stephen Marley, the son of a legend proved to be a force to reckon with as he brought invigorating energy to the audience. Marley awakened patrons with hits such as “Iron Lion Zion” before escalating the vibe of the crowd once more, his brother Damian “Junior Gong” Marley joined him on stage. Their father would have been proud as the lion in Marley certainly came out carrying on the legacy of their family through music. The energy level continued to climb through

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the morning amidst horns and cheers. Romain Virgo followed reggae greats Luciano and Tarrus Riley, however Virgo gave a riveting performance that left him in tears. “The reception from the crowd after Taurus Riley and Luciano brought tears of joy”, a humbled Virgo said. “I couldn’t hold it back” added Virgo proving that he is truly Jamaica’s rising star. Capelton carried the musical fire as he closed out the 19th staging of Rebel Salute with hits such as ‘Slew Dem’ and ‘Dem No Like We’, a sea of red, green and gold flags were being waved through his performance. Reggae Music is one of the best known genres of world music, a social commentary resonating with those near and far, expounding in truth. Rebel Salute captured the greatness of reggae music, leaving patrons eagerly anticipating next year’s staging. It is a world class event and truly showcases Jamaica’s musical culture. Rebel salute to

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our

Salute Soul

a Rebels!

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Thiiah’s Food& Juice

TE TAS

Author: Tashan Hendricks Photos: Contributed

Healthy and readily available food is a rare commodity in contemporary society, Thiiah’s Juices and Organic Foods aims to fill that void. Thiiah’s Juices and Organic Foods aims to show its customers that there are healthy alternatives, tasting scrumptious and even better than food low in nutrients that are harmful to the body. Did you know having fruit juice daily boosts your immune system, making your body healthier? Fruit juices are nutritious beverages that contribute significantly towards a healthy diet, offering a variety of nutrients found in fruits. At Thiiah’s the natural fruit juices are only one of the variety of alimentative products offered. With a wide range of delicious vegetarian meals, natural juices , vitamin supplements and herbs among other health products. With the Veggie Burger and Power Punch a favourite among customers. Thiiah’s, catering to the optimal health of the body. Thiiah’s exquisite vegetarian cuisine won the award for the Best Vegetarian Dishes of 2011 at the Men Who Cook Fund-raiser, held in Manchester. An acknowledgement of the high standard and quality of the meals provided. If there is ever a craving for a delicious and nutritious meal, make sure Thiiah’s is the option with our warm and friendly staff always ready to assist. Join us at 22 Belmont Rd, Kingston.

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INNOVATORS

CSS SETTING THE PACE

he world’s first Cardiac Surgery Simulator (CSS) was invented through a collaborated effort by two brilliant minds, Dr. Paul Ramphal and Dr. Daniel Coore of the University of the West Indies (UWI), Mona. “The simulator is similar to that of a flight simulator except its focal point is cardiac surgery, as opposed to aviation,” Ramphal declared. Ramphal dreamt of the machine becoming a breakthrough in teaching cardiac surgery. It was during his studies in Scotland however that Ramphal made an important observation. 34

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THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SIMULATOR REDUCES THE TIME TAKEN TO TRAIN SURGEONS. “When I was in Scotland I noticed I could help myself by training, I was practicing on pig hearts I got from a butcher. Every week I would get a pig’s heart and do operations on it and I found that it helped me a lot because the anatomy of a pig’s heart and the human heart is very similar”, Ramphal added. Ramphal returned to Jamaica in 1997. “I had three trainees that wanted to do cardiothoracic surgery, it became obvious that I could not train them in the traditional way which was to let them observe open heart procedures, we couldn’t get these procedures done though due to the lack of ICUs. When the ICUs were not available the operation had to be postponed, I could not standby and allow trainees to not get trained,” Ramphal commented. Usually a person would spend over two to three years before they come back to the Caribbean to complete their training. The development of the simulator reduces the time taken to train surgeons.

Author: Alessandro Boyd & Rumeal Peters Photos: Contributed

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The inception of such a device was necessary since the main problem in Jamaica was that resident heart surgeons could not get enough live operations done due to the insufficient Intensive Care Units (ICU) available. The ICU is required to accommodate the patient after surgery. There are currently 16 ICUs in the island. The idea of developing adequate and economical training facilities was imperative for Dr. Ramphal. “We were having difficulty achieving that goal in a traditional fashion which was to expose them to the actual operation,” said Ramphal.

IRIE INNOVATORS:

CSS

SETTING THE PACE

Ramphal was unable to do it alone though as he needed help with the automated aspect of the simulator, that is when he contacted Daniel Coore.

“In a nutshell I wanted to create something or discover something that would have a significant impact on the world,” Coore told IrieZine.

From creating simple computer games at the age of 13 to being the brain behind the automated side of a revolutionary heart surgery simulator, Daniel Coore is continuously proving himself to be an outstanding Jamaican mind.

Ramphal moved to the Bahamas and within three months he was contacted by the chairman of the American Board of Cardiothoracic surgeons. “He contacted me saying he (head of the American Board of Cardiothoracic Surgeons) read my article on the simulator and was interested,”

“When I was ten years old, my grandfather gave me a computer; it was a home computer primarily aimed at entertaining young teenagers, but importantly provided a means by which it could be programmed,” said Coore. After attending Mona Preparatory school and Campion College then tackling a few university bumps, Coore went on to Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he completed his first degree in computer science and engineering. Later he obtained his Masters and PHD from the same school.

In January 2008 Ramphal and Coore went up to the University of North Carolina. They recreated the simulator at the University of North Carolina. “We created it up there and demonstrated it to a group of senior cardiac surgeons from all of the United States. It really looks like a human heart in the chest,” said Ramphal. Subsequent to the demonstration funding was approved and the team continued to prosper. The simulator currently comprises of a manikin

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IRIE INNOVATORS: YCSS: SETTING THE PACE

that contains a pig’s heart in its chest cavity. Placed inside the heart are balloons that are regulated by a pneumatic unit. Pneumatics is the science of applying pressurized gas. A computer controls the gas unit as well as a hydraulic unit. Hydraulics is a branch of engineering that focusses on mechanical properties of liquids. Therefore several beating patterns can be simulated and a display of vital signs similar to real life situations is reflected on a computer screen. Aortic valve surgery can be practiced and users are allowed to put the simulator on heart by-pass. “We are able to make those vital sign traces match the movement of the heart so that it looks realistic. In addition to simulating the beating of the heart we can control the movement of mock blood in the system to make it appear as it should be in a real patient,” Coore said. “It feels gratifying to see something I thought of develop, become a reality and appreciated by people, they seem satisfied in terms of the way in which it is used as well.

IN A NUTSHELL I WANTED TO CREATE SOMETHING OR DISCOVER SOMETHING THAT WOULD HAVE A SIGNIFICANT IMPACT ON THE WORLD - Dr. Daniel Coore It provides them a reality and moral approach to teach them many aspects of the surgical procedure, allowing them to maximize their performance and improve,” added Ramphal. The cardiac simulator is currently being used at eight universities in the United States of America including Harvard, Vanderbilt, University of North Carolina and the University of Rochester.

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