@sleekjamaica VOLUME05 ISSUE02
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WELCOME Where Carnival tabanca ah guh? Sink your teeth into a substantial throwback to Carnival Sunday where this magazine promised a changing of guard and boy, did April 23 in Kingston deliver or what? Turn to our SLEEK Was Here gallery to see the costumes and the action on the road as the pretty mas revival exploded in Jamaica — the new catchword in soca destinations. And before, you head back to our swimsuit side - yeah, we see you - make a mental note of the parties you wanna get lit at, SLEEK Radio resident spinmaster and host DJ Franco curates the perfect soundtrack to your summer, join us as we say goodbye to the fastest man on earth, and plug in as we pick the brain of Bend Mi Ova recording artiste Timeka Marshall. Yuh dun know how the Schweppes guh. We are laying down the ‘law’ with a double summer issue.
CREDITS Publisher Design Director Production Manager Photographers
Andrew Bellamy Daniel Ford Reneé McFarlane Jason Palmer Nicolina Diabo Kason Stephenson Renard Crawford Trescott Myers
us @! k.com Contactca@o utloo sleekjamai 1.876.631.7712
WHERE TO FIND YOUR ISSUE
Cuddy’z, Muffin Top, Fit Farm, Spartan Health Club, South Beach, Avery’s Beauty Concept, Whitebones, 218 Gourmet, Triple Century, Tracks & Records (Kingston), Truck Stop, Cannonball (all 4 locations), The Spot (UWI), Student’s Union Office (UTECH), Little Tokyo (Sovereign), Pita Grill , Susie’s, Giscombe, Texaco (Liguanea & Mary Brown’s Corner), Petcom (Dunrobin), Shhh Boutique, The Pub (Mayfair), Alter Ego, Toss and Roll, Ribbiz Lounge, Candy Craze, White Bones, Michaels, Jamzone, Market Place, Grandeur, Di Trends, Cellaris (Loshusan), I Love Loaves, Gar Mar Barbershop (Northside Plaza), Earl’s Juice Garden, Phoenix Lounge, Jo Jo’s, Spades Lounge, Total Mona, Opa, Escape 24/7, Scotchies, Barbican, Lorna’s, Smart Mobile Solutions, Northside Kitchen, 876Crossfit, Spry Training, Pandora Day Spa and Tea Tree Creperie.
CONTENTS 04 06 08 10 14
A Bolt Finish Pencilled In No Crew Left Behind Still on track Press Play and Buck it!
COVER Photographer Model Hair & Make-up Wardrobe Location
Kason Stephenson Timeka Marshall Diabo Art Swim suit by flower child 1999 Fur by code love Jewelry by Cinderella One32 Guest House
A Bolt Finish Image by: Alasdair McLellan
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What can be said about the phenomenon that is Usain Bolt? Not since the late reggae icon Bob Marley has a Jamaican become an universal symbol of triumph for so many around the world. And its with this love (or heartbreak) that the globe will have to unwillingly bid farewell to the public persona of the world’s fastest man, as he in turn says ‘likkle more’ to the world of athletics.
First place his comfortable finishing point for the past eight years, the 30-year-old eighttime Olympic gold medallist — an International Olympic Committee ruling on the Beijing Olympic 4x100-metre relays stripped him of his ninth — has his sights set on the 2020 Summer Games in Tokyo, where he plans to try spectatorship on for size.
In a pre-retirement tour that kicked off at last month’s JN Racers Grand Prix, which incidentally was dedicated to him under the banner ‘Salute To A Legend’, a nervous Bolt of course won his event – the 100-metre dash at the National Stadium. With a couple race dates taking him up to the month of August, the track & field legend’s closing credits are set to roll in the 4x100-metre relays at the 16th IAAF World Championships, which start August 5 in London.
The ten-year-old boy with scoliosis from Sherwood Content in rural Trelawny who first entered the National Stadium all those many years ago has not merely been a role model for those in sports but his jaw-dropping professional achievements above all else have secured Usain St. Leo Bolt a place in civilisation’s canon of the greatest and most fascinating people to ever have lived. An eight-foot statue will be erected in Bolt’s honour at Statue Park, the Independence Park complex in time for next month’s 55th independence celebrations.
Off the field Lightning Bolt, as he is affectionately known, is an international pop cultural icon — Bryson Tiller’s rap in DJ Khaled’s Wild Thoughts, a most recent case in point — and is commercially a worldwide brand having copped endorsements from some of the best retail giants. And, in 2016 the Benjamin Turner and Gabe Turner co-directed sports biopic I Am Bolt immortalised the100metre, 200-metre and 1x400metre World Record holder on celluloid to critical acclaim.
Image by: Fabrice Coffrini/AFP/Getty
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Pencilled In
Eenie, meenie. minie moe... you’ll be spoilt for choice this summer. Let us take the legwork out of the decision-making, and consider yourself steered in the right direction. Smirnoff Tropical Village JULY 28 - AUGUST 1
SPF Weekend AUGUST 4-6 This Independence weekend frolicking along the St Ann coastline at Chukka Bay, Dunn’s River Gardens and Pearly Beach for the annual return of Summer Playground Fantasy and its triad of parties Forever Beach, Chill and Soirée.
Drink right as the world’s 1# Vodka presents premiere week-long event at Risky Business, Negril.
Utopia Azure JULY 29 A themed dress-code of blues and whites already settled, partygoers head to Silver Sands in Duncans, Trelawny during the Emancipation weekend for a ‘luxury inclusive beach party’ under the Utopia series banner.
Crop Over 2017 AUGUST 1-9 All roads lead to Grand Kadooment 2017 for August 7, as socaphiles head to Barbados to indulge in an expansive roster of fetes and activities, a requisite of this island harvest festival.
Reggae Sumfest JULY 16-22 ‘Jamaica’s Premier Summer Reggae Festival’, led by Downsound Records CEO Joseph Bogdanovich, will see reggae and dancehall stars taking the stage at the Catherine Hall Entertainment Complex later this month.
CPL Party Stand AUGUST While the scoreboard documents innings, build a block-party viewing vibe, field-side, with friends and a line-up of entertainment, whenever the Hero-backed league calendar rotates to Jamaica for a Sabina Park match-up.
Dream Weekend JULY 28 AUGUST 1
Hero Caribbean Premiere League Season 5 AUGUST
The annual Negril-based music festival package will seek to continue its back-to-back mix of popular music-genred events on the West End this Independence Weekend as patrons from overseas touchdown on our shores.
The region’s annual Twenty20 cricket tournament returns August 4. Head to Sabina Park on August 25 for the first home game.
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“A crew is to a fete as rum is to Barbados.�
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This unwritten rule paved the way for the infectious No Crew Left Behind campaign led by the Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) Caribbean and Latin America department. Encapsulating the comradery and togetherness of Crop Over, the No Crew Left Behind banner has become a beacon of hope for avid carnival lovers eager to experience the world’s sweetest summer festival. Winners from across five Caribbean territories (Trinidad & Tobago, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Jamaica, Bermuda and St. Lucia) who spotted the No Crew Left Behind Barbadian artistes or team and shared their Instagram pictures with the hashtags #NoCrewLeftBehind and #CropOver2017, will journey to
Barbados with four of their friends for the ultimate all-inclusive Crop Over experience. The coveted prize includes airfare to and from beautiful Barbados, desirable accommodations, entry to all of the best Crop Over fetes, comfortable transfers to and from all events, a relaxing catamaran cruise, and of course, breath-taking Kadooment costumes to revel in the ultimate street party in grand style. No Crew Left Behind has taken over the hearts and social media pages of many, spreading the love for Crop Over worldwide. If the music and celebrity announcements are any indication, this Crop Over season promises to be the best one yet!
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timeka:
Still On Track By now you would have heard the strains of her sultry summer single Ben’ Mi Ova - produced by Birchill Music on the Bad & Sexy Riddim - permeating the local airwaves but in case you’ve been trying to ID the voice, it belongs to none other than recording artiste and Guyanese native Timeka Marshall. The recipient of two Guyanese Music Awards for Best New Artiste and Best R&B Artiste, Marshall vacillates between ballads and club bangers in her approach to crafting a discography of which Cock It Up, I Won’t Stop, Hush/Secrets and Separate are notables. The ‘GT to de bone’ part-time model sits down with SLEEK to shoot the breeze as her career bubbles oh-so-softly to the surface...
Location: One32 Guest House
What are the key ingredients of the TiMeka Marshall brand? Music, fashion and fun. Then there’s some sugar, spice and everything nice.
a beautiful thing. I’m a firm believer that there’s power in unity. What’s your take on Ishawna’s controversial single Equal Rights? They say do unto others as you’d have them do unto you. Enough said.
Where did the drive to become a recording artiste germinate? As a child I was always singing around the house at the top of my voice but my family never paid me any attention. As I got older It was friends and teachers who encouraged me to sing more. I then entered and won a country wide jingle competition and that gave me the boost to start my singing career.
What’s your advice for those who feel their ‘moment’ has passed? New moments can be created. Once there’s life there are endless possibilities. It’s all up to you. Who is your dream collaborator? There are so many artists I’d love to collaborate with. To name one, I’d have to say Damian Marley for sure.
Your creative process follows what timeline? I like to create a lounge type of vibe when I’m about to write. I’d usually have the music on high and a drink at hand and I just party by myself as I search for the lyrics.
When it comes to building a fanbase is image everything? I don’t think so. Image plays a big part yes but I also think personality is just as important if not greater.
How have strong female friendships shaped your experience? Females would dislike other females for no reason. They aren’t usually supportive of each other so when you find a bunch of females that get along easily, encourage and support each other with no drama it’s
What’s next on the agenda for you? Putting out more material and building awareness around the name and brand “TiMeka” is priority.
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PRESS PLAy n
BUCK IT!!!
SLEEK Radio’s Summer Daze 2017 Top Chart A summer without music? Unthinkable, right? Whether you’re trapped at a desk on a beach day or just straight-up chillin’ or daydreaming about your next vacay, SLEEK Radio’s frontman DJ Franco culled a few of the most infectious hits that’ll make the season that much bearable until of course they become unbearable themselves.
Highest Level
Run Up
Slide
Vybz Kartel
(feat. PARTYNEXTDOOR & Nicki Minaj) - Major Lazer
(feat. Frank Ocean, Migos) - Calvin Harris
Impact
Wild Thoughts
Yeah Yeah
Alkaline
(feat. Rihanna & Bryson Tiller) - DJ Khaled
Aidonia
Unforgettable (feat. Swae Lee) French Montana
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cachet and g band debuts to bolster their This was one of the two stron & Tobago with an established Trinidad production values by partnering their counterpart was to be case, nal’s natio Inter aca Carnival band. In Xaym ive received nce ensured that the Trini mass mega-band Tribe whose prese Carnival on the Jamaican scene come shed unlea be to was what word of l, especially aca team was attention to detai Sunday. A big focus for the Xaym skill set of a where they incorporated the when it involved the costumes, and Crop att costume designer Sandra Hord design pool that included Tribe raj.... Another logistics highlight, Dhan n Shaw ner desig me Over ’s Krave costu Worthington at the Spanish Court Hotel: The a ‘luxurious lunch experience’ — A/C anyone?
Carnival ars on the road, Celebrating 29 ye anal cch Ba n, ma tes Sunday’s elder sta they siness as usual as Jamaica kept it bu suddenly the of re sha a ain worked to maint Holding al demographic. splintered carniv mely related brands, na of e qu cli its to al, tight on ati ern Int ast en, Ro nidad Jamaica’s Frenchm rs Army from Tri esa Ca s, do rba out of Ba eny Wallie from the USA, Pe ’ & Tobago, and in d band ‘bubbled me he d-t un bo ell Mas, the Sp a fairly familiar ng alo y cit l ita through the cap season , to wrap its 2017 route, on April 23 al Fridays an cch Ba le sib of the widely-acces anal J’Ouvert and Bacch fete- and Beach Jouvert series.
ekend and nual DREAM We re bring you the an t tha o pretty mas cultu ys int e gu tré the an en From sister band of ies, rose Xodus — ser the rty ng pa mi S co AM be DAYDRE ent entity Adults). This DREAM Entertainm Upwardly Moving that saw the new ’s YUMA (Young republic val rni the Ca m go fro ba in To w fle Trinidad & ed personalities iat ernational soc int -as an nd of ba t re s we also meant tha d, and the costume cre g revellers e ttin rtiv ge po of ls sup anne to add a bit of d coordination ch ere d Road for ord Ox the h on s wit au standard along int to ATL Autoh n of Centre starting po at the intersectio e nu ve Rio n from the Barbican ke ine n finally to the He infancy. s’ the du d Xo an ch led ea lun nc for ads, co and Trafalgar Ro Waterloo, Hope
XODUS CARNIVAL
The socio-economically inclusive model of Jamaica Carnival remains a strong pull among Jamaicans, after all this time, even after the 2016 re-launch of the band founded by its late impresario Byron Lee to shape. Riding the nostalgia that accompanies the ‘Back Pon De Road’ collective, back from a seven-year hiatus, Lee’s daughter and managing director Julianne inherited the executive mantle to continue her father’s legacy and provide alternative entertainment to the more seemingly exclusively tiers of Carnival culture. Road wear veered on the more approachable side of the design and financial spectrum give a wider opportunity for paraders to style in t-shirts, Monday wear and big mas regalia. The April 23 road march, which commenced at Hope Gardens, was the finale to a season of blow-out and street dances designed to cement the band as the people’s carnival.
April 17th y battalion, for the Caesar ’s Arm nday Hawaiian luau n of their It was an Easter Mo the Jamaican editio d & Tobago, to mount In-Chief visiting from Trinida eye of Commander— under the watchful rruptions sunset party series Sunday. Despite inte lead-up to Carnival evening, Jules Sobion — in the nces shored up the ma ment Act, live perfor rshall by the Noise Abate n Lyons and Shal Ma rs Bunji Garlin, Fay-An Devon which saw soca sta jays on the lawns of dee ngside the turntable ease taking the stage alo lt in a day but this aty not have been bui onuts and House. Yes, Rome ma they sipped on coc ght to conquer all as Caesar ’s. winged infantry sou the things that were rendered unto Caesar
April 19th The I Love Soca cooler fete series has evolved so, that by the time the Carnival season rolled around it had become a full-fledged festival with the downtown Kingston waterfront as its urban venue. With the official pour of Absolut vodka dominating the event bars, this mid-week build-up held tight to its BYOB origins, and delivered an impressive roster of soca disc jocks, and regional recording stars Kerwin Du Bois and Skinny Fabulous.
April 16th s’s Marbana to its shores on Frenchman’s Cove welcomed M7 Event Sunday day-into-night party a fourth occasion as the annual Easter to the iconic Portland beachfront. summoned holidaying out-of-towners pouring Grey Goose, Dewar’s Myriad CPJ bar counters dedicated to Lemonade and Patrón were a Scotch, Trapiche Wines, Bacardi, Bellot catered by Soup King, Jacqui fitting complement to the cold-table fare and twos were piped-pipers Tyson and Banyan Catering. On the ones side Trinidadian-based hype DJs Sanjay, Marvelous, Lantern MD along d those to frolic in the surf man Patrick Alexis of Nuphoric who move with the event’s signature swan floats.
If there is one series that you have to brush everything aside for, it’s sunnation’s Sunrise Breakfast Party. Not even the threat of inclement weather could have dampened the spirit of the Heineken-sponsored Carnival Saturday edition where early mawnin’ squad, decked out in their resort finery, were encouraged to get their life against a sprawling oasis of breakfast food stations and canopied premium bars, on the grounds of Constant Spring Golf Course.
d April 22n
Like a moth to the flame, once ‘pan knock’ just know we’ll be there. Why? What’s a party without an accommodating wingman, especially one who indulges you with photos? See where we’ve been since the last time you caught up with us. Who knows? Your next profile pic may be just a page-turn away!
Powerade, the sports drink brand that has dedicated its sponsorship and corporate social responsibility endeavours to the development of athletics, joined Jamaica in cheering on sprinting patron saint Usain Bolt for the final race of his historic career at the JN Racers Grand Prix inside the National Stadium. Under the banner ‘Salute to a Legend’, the record-holding Olympic champion as expected won his 100-metre dash, and to widespread fanfare — a fitting “so long” to the professional world of track & field at the second staging of the Racers Track Club invitational meet. Bolt’s legacy intact, Powerade — distributed locally by the Wisynco Group — kept those in their lanes and those up in the stands equally refreshed and refuelled.
The Hero Caribbean Premiere League (CPL) T20 tournament is back for a fifth season with last year’s winners, the Jamaica Tallawahs - coached by Paul Nixon - looking to cop their third Hero CPL title. And, as our island’s representative team of cricket professionals, the 2013 and 2016 champions will as expected play their home matches at Sabina Park in Kingston. The Jamaica
‘t Tallawahs team is comprised of captain and batsman Lendl Simmons alongside batsmen Kumar Sangakkara, Gidron Pope, Rovman Powell, Jonathan Foo, Kennar Lewis, Andre McCarthy and Odean Smith; all-rounders Shakib Al Hasan, Garey Mathurin and Imad Wasim; and bowlers Mohammad Sami, Kesrick Williams, Jon-Russ Jaggesar, Krishmar Santokie, O’Shane Thomas and Timroy Allen. You can catch the Tallawahs at Sabina Park on August 25, August 26, August 30 and September 1 as they face-off with the St. Lucia Stars, Trinbago Knight Riders, St. Kitts & Nevis Patriots and Guyana Amazon Warriors, respectively.
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Tassel About After a few seasons of clean, minimalist jewellery, statement pieces are back and the tassel earring has emerged as one of summer’s freshest trends. Long associated with status and luxury, these timeless fixtures in the areas of interior design and academia have gotten a 2017 makeover. Yes, yarn and embroidery floss are still mainstays of the style that has been around since the Renaissance, but we encourage you to add a tad more jooj with beading, colour-block, and ombré updates. Punch up your next ensemble of t-shirt and jeans — or even a swimsuit — with these decorative fringe benefits, for the perfect finish.
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Swimsuit by: Sachi Swimwear @sachi_swim Location: Jamnesia
simone
The perfect swimsuit checks what boxes? The perfect swimsuit has to have colors that compliment your skin tone, which is different for everyone. It should fit perfectly, you should look sexy in it without having to be naked and its also in the way you carry yourself in it, it makes a world of a difference. Big-up your fave Jamaican beach. Silver Sands Beach Current summer jam (song). Wild Thoughts by dj khaled, rihanna and bryson tiller. Where will we find you partying this season? You will find me partying at the fun parties, not profile parties.
Swimsuit by: Chantel betton @bychanbett Location: Jamnesia
Kadisha
No beach flex is complete without... Great vibe and liquor The perfect swimsuit checks what boxes? Bright colours, thong, High cut swimwears Big-up your fave Jamaican beach. Maiden cay Current summer jam (song). Wild thoughts Where will we find you partying this season? Fof, utopia, dream weekend , spf comes up when I’m free
Judy
No beach flex is complete without... Good friends The perfect swimsuit checks what boxes? Definitely miakalaniswim Big-up your fave Jamaican beach. Winnifred Beach Current summer jam (song). Red Eyes Alkaline Where will we find you partying this season? Lit and forever beach spf and anything else that comes up when I’m free
Swimsuit by: Simone Williams @simoneraquelwilliams Location: Jamnesia
Location: Jamnesia
Hot fi di
Summa
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30-minute drive from Kingston takes you to the ‘home is where the surf is’ property of Jamnesia, the reggae, waves and vegetarian lifestyle haven in Bull Bay where the Wilmot clan of surfers and their dad, reggae artiste, actor and surf guru Billy Mystic host thrill-seeking visitors year-round. It was now our turn to be received by the dreadlocked family as we declared the advent of summer in between our pocket-size pages. Along for the ride were the trio of All-Jamaican girls Judy Morgan, Simone Williams, Kadisha Porter blessed with an intrinsic taste for sun, sea, and sand, and were ready for anything as we travelled along the southeast coastline of St Thomas. From Jamnesia it was off to Wickie Wackie Beach, the home of the namesake music festival where the girls’ travel adventure continued, and with ‘em dressed for the part.
Flying Fish & Coucou For the socaphiles who will be introducing themselves to Bajan culture for Crop Over, dig into the island’s national dish of steamed Japanese flying fish, okra and cornmeal, for a more rounded experience that goes beyond the soca.
PINEAPPLE Though in recent times the effects of this flavourful and juicy fruit has taken on sexier connotations, pineapples are a still a nutritient-rich yield worth sinking your teeth into as an everyday addition to fruit salads and salsa, as a garnish, or simply, a chunk-sized bite.
Yogurt Topppings Next time you’re at Tutti Fruiti or similar establishment top your serving of frozen yogurt with one of or a mix of these global top-three toppings — strawberries, Oreos or brown bites — for a tailor-made cool-down.
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PUT THIS IN YOUR MOUTH
THIS SUMMER
Staying refreshed and comfortable are crucial for the dog days of a season dedicated the art of the getaway and lazing around solo or with friends. Here’s a short checklist of what to entertain on your taste buds this summer as the mercury rises.
COCONUT WATER & JELLY Brimming with electrolytes, nature’s sports drink will leave you satiated and energised at a moment’s notice. Yes, grocery stores will have in stock, the water, but may we suggest getting the island experience — and the added cuts of the coconut’s meat — at your nearest neighbourhood jelly man.
Sparkling Moscato So you’re faithful to the peach, pear, pineapple and nectarine notes of Moscato or the effervescence of bubbly whenever brunch rolls around or an event watering hole opens up. Why not pair the two this season with the über-trendy fusion that will become a fast-favourite on your wine list? Wanna take things a little further with Sparkling Pink Moscato? Then, say no more.
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YEARS #SLEEKTakes5
Its incredible that social media, which has been previously underestimated by critics, has become, for so many, the number one source for what’s happening around the world but more importantly for ‘what’s happening around the world, right now’. As traditional media and governing institutions grapple with compromises to their long-held credibility, the instant gratification of social media has evolved into a trusted portal for even the most classified and serious corners of reported events and statements. Even if users’ intentions is not to seek out the ‘hard news’ per se, who they ‘follow’ and what the ‘like’ does determine and influence what they see and hear as they navigate and digest their daily feeds. So, though it may initially been believed that social media would see the rise in a more ignorant public with access to user-activated blocks and filters, what has happened in actuality is a ‘diversified news diet’ as media publications that are considered the best in the business capitalize on the multiple dissemination channels of social, traditional and new media. With that being said, SLEEK celebrates five years in print and promises to keep steppin’ it up in our production of content and in bringing you up to speed from points breaking to follow-up. Let’s drink to five more!
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CONTENTS 06 08 18 19
Put this in your mouth this summer Hot fi di summa Tassel About ‘League’ of Exraordinary Gentlemen
COVER Photographer Daniel Ford Models Judy-Ann Morgan Kadisha Porter Simone Williams Hair & Make-up Diabo Art Location Jamnesia
Welcome
favourite ro temps. Your down to sub-ze eezier side of The A/C turned robe on the br t one . And, the ward SLEEK has bu beverage on ice erly here and mmer is prop rustic districts things. Yes, su ach — and the mind — the be mpany of a few destination in ll Bay in the co ia e roll-out to Bu stops Jamnes they border. W coastal musto hung ten at a little better. bikini babes, wh t to know them ing ackie as we go musings includ and Wickie W y for seasonal on trip makes wa , the fifth seas Our St Thomas right now. Plus eat and drink k-off with last what to wear, ue is set to kic ag their an Premier Le back to defend of the Caribbe ica Tallawahs ons, the Jama enty20 cricket year ’s champi jump as the Tw hop, skip and 17 round of title. Its just a gion for the 20 to through the re es in the run-up league moves t retrospectiv ’ , we have even ‘catch the wave matches. Also de the cut and s. ay, see who ma er issue unfold Carnival Sund double summ with us as our
VOLUME05 ISSUE02
@sleekjamaica Free Copy