WHAT A GWAAN? - JAMAICA TOURIST ISSUE 13
Congratulations: you made your way to Jamaica! If you have never been to this beautiful piece of land before, you have probably already been on the receiving end of many interesting and new impressions. You may have noticed that Jamaicans are a most expressive people and if you have witnessed rather strident conversations supplemented with lots of gesturing, it is most likely that islanders are sharing the latest events, gossip and happenings in their native patois. “What a gwaan?” means “what’s new?”, “what’s happening?” and sometimes simply “how are you?” If you are not a fluent patois speaker, keep up with the latest and greatest in local events and gossip through our very popular “What A Gwaan” page.
JAMAICA JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL, JANUARY 24-30, 2010
Get ready for the 2010 staging of the Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival, to take place at Montego Bay’s Cinnamon Hill Golf Course January 24 to 30. Since its introduction in 1996, the Jazz & Blues Festival has grown into the island’s premier entertainment event attracting patrons from the U.S., Europe and the Caribbean. Firmly established as one of the major music events in the world, more than 40,000 music lovers flock the lawns of the Rose Hall aqueduct each year to see performances by music icons such as Michael Bolton, Diana Ross, Anita Baker, Air Supply, Shaggy and Lionel Richie, just to name a few. Guaranteeing another fabulous staging promising to be even bigger and better, the 2010 festival starts with music events at multiple venues across Montego Bay leading up to three spectacular nights at the main venue on January 28, 29 and 30. Call 953-8282 or visit www.jamaicajazzandblues.com.
FORMER US AMBASSADOR TO JAMAICA HONORED BY THE AFJ
On October 5, 2009, former US Ambassador to Jamaica, Brenda LaGrange Johnson, who served the island from 2005 - 2009, was awarded the prestigious Hummingbird Award by the American Friends of Jamaica at their annual Gala in New York. As a former educator, Mrs. LaGrange Johnson has an unwavering commitment to early childhood education and her experience served well in her work with education in Jamaica, from her efforts in the area of teachers’ training to breaking ground for the new International American School in Kingston. During her tenure, Mrs. LaGrange Johnson tirelessly contributed to the island through a number of projects, including the Rose Town Community Development Project with HRH the Prince of Wales, which served to enhance the community. www.theafj.org
JAMAICA’S YACHT LIGHTNING BOLT IS COMPETING IN THE CLIPPER RACE
The fastest man on the planet, Usain Bolt was on hand for the announcement that Jamaica had taken its place for the second time in the 35,000 miles ten-month Clipper 09/10 Ocean Race. Now that the starting gun has gone off more than 400 people are facing the challenge of a life time. “Lightning Bolt” skipper Peter Stirling and his crew are hoping to add their own victory to the rise of Jamaica’s sporting success. The fleet of 10 sleek 68-foot yachts departed from the northeast coast of England on September 13, 2009, has embarked on a full circumnavigation of the globe and is estimated to return home on July 3, 2010 after crossing the Atlantic and Pacific oceans on the seven-leg race. Follow the “Lightning Bolt” by logging on to www.clipperroundtheworld.com.
YOUSSOU N’DOUR RECORDS AT TUFF GONG
One of Africa’s biggest superstars, Senegalese singer, percussionist and occasional actor, Youssou N’Dour recorded his new tribute album to Bob Marley at Tuff Gong Studio in Kingston in July. The recording took place around the same time Tuff Gong kick-started their ‘Making of Music’ tour. The renowned musician, who has associated himself with several social and political issues in the past, counts 24 albums and 9 compilations to his catalogue and composed the theme song for the World Cup 1998 in France. He has collaborated with several musical greats such as Lou Reed in the past and won his first American Grammy for best contemporary world music album for his CD Egypt in 2005. The news of N’Dour’s tribute album to Bob Marley, which will be on the market in early 2010, was well received in the global music industry. www.youssou.com. www.tuffgongjamaica.com.
CHRIS BLACKWELL INDUCTED INTO VANITY FAIR HALL OF FAME
Island Records founder and creator of Island Outpost, Chris Blackwell has been inducted into Vanity Fair’s “The New Establishment Hall of Fame” 2009, which highlights the contributions of some of the world’s foremost business moguls in their respective fields. Blackwell, who brought Bob Marley and The Wailers into the international spotlight, has been awarded the honour, which has also been extended to Bill and Melinda Gates, Leonard Lauder and Ronald Lauder, Giorgio Armani, Jimmy Buffett and Mick Jagger among others.
MIXED MARTIAL ARTS COME TO JAMAICA
On August 22, the Half Moon Conference Center was transformed into a Vegas like arena, completed with 300 cheering fans, when the Jamaica Mixed Martial Arts team took on Trinidad in an event dubbed a ‘Night of Fights and Entertainment’. Sponsored by the Twisted Kilt and Harvey Davidson Jamaica, the 8 match event had 2 championship belts on the line. 3 and 0 Caribbean Middleweight Champion Chris McDonald did not disappoint and became the star of the night by stopping Derrick Richards 2 • minutes into the first round by way of a rear naked choke. With sponsors and patrons begging for more, the next event is set up for November 21, 2009. For more info, call 952-9488.
2009 REGGAE MARATHON, HALF MARATHON & 10K SET FOR DECEMBER 5
Listed among the world’s top ten marathons, “The Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K” is ready for its December 5 pre-dawn start at 5:15 AM, when runners and walkers from all over the world will set off on an IAAF certified course along Negril’s famous coastline. Participants will share over US$10,000 in prize money and receive a finishers’ medal, official T-shirt and free entry to the World’s best Pasta & Awards/Victory Party. Pulsating reggae music will form the backdrop to the event. Call 922-8677 or visit www.reggaemarathon.com.
OFFICIAL RE-OPENING OF THE NEGRIL LIBRARY BRANCH
Celebrated by a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Director General of Jamaica Library Services, Patricia Roberts, the Rockhouse Foundation’s refurbishing and expansion of the Negril Library Branch has been completed. Featuring a keynote speech by the Minister of Education, the Honorable Andrew Holness, Chairman of the Jamaica Library Board Paul Lalor, Member of Parliament Wykeham McNeil joined Presidents Peter Rose and Chairman Paul Salmon of the Rockhouse Hotel & Foundation for the happy event. Four times larger, Negril’s oldest building is now equipped with 20 new computers, thousands of new books and a spacious reading room. The Rockhouse Foundation has invested J$100 million in community projects benefiting children since 2004. www.rockhousefoundation.org
US AIRWAYS ANNOUNCES NONSTOP SERVICE FROM PHOENIX TO MONTEGO BAY
In addition to nonstop flights to Montego Bay from Philadelphia, Charlotte and Boston, US Airways has announced a new non-stop service from its Phoenix hub. Commencing December 17, the Airbus A319 flights offer first class seating for 12 and seating for 112 in the main cabin. US Airways’ first non-stop Caribbean destination, the service will operate over the winter season through to April 12, 2010. “The launch of US Airways’ new direct service from Phoenix to Montego Bay, allows Jamaica to welcome many more visitors from major cities in the western US,” said Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism for Jamaica. www.usairways.com
JAMAICA JAZZ & BLUES FESTIVAL, JANUARY 24-30, 2010
Get ready for the 2010 staging of the Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival, to take place at Montego Bay’s Cinnamon Hill Golf Course January 24 to 30. Since its introduction in 1996, the Jazz & Blues Festival has grown into the island’s premier entertainment event attracting patrons from the U.S., Europe and the Caribbean. Firmly established as one of the major music events in the world, more than 40,000 music lovers flock the lawns of the Rose Hall aqueduct each year to see performances by music icons such as Michael Bolton, Diana Ross, Anita Baker, Air Supply, Shaggy and Lionel Richie, just to name a few. Guaranteeing another fabulous staging promising to be even bigger and better, the 2010 festival starts with music events at multiple venues across Montego Bay leading up to three spectacular nights at the main venue on January 28, 29 and 30. Call 953-8282 or visit www.jamaicajazzandblues.com.
FORMER US AMBASSADOR TO JAMAICA HONORED BY THE AFJ
On October 5, 2009, former US Ambassador to Jamaica, Brenda LaGrange Johnson, who served the island from 2005 - 2009, was awarded the prestigious Hummingbird Award by the American Friends of Jamaica at their annual Gala in New York. As a former educator, Mrs. LaGrange Johnson has an unwavering commitment to early childhood education and her experience served well in her work with education in Jamaica, from her efforts in the area of teachers’ training to breaking ground for the new International American School in Kingston. During her tenure, Mrs. LaGrange Johnson tirelessly contributed to the island through a number of projects, including the Rose Town Community Development Project with HRH the Prince of Wales, which served to enhance the community. www.theafj.org
JAMAICA’S YACHT LIGHTNING BOLT IS COMPETING IN THE CLIPPER RACE
The fastest man on the planet, Usain Bolt was on hand for the announcement that Jamaica had taken its place for the second time in the 35,000 miles ten-month Clipper 09/10 Ocean Race. Now that the starting gun has gone off more than 400 people are facing the challenge of a life time. “Lightning Bolt” skipper Peter Stirling and his crew are hoping to add their own victory to the rise of Jamaica’s sporting success. The fleet of 10 sleek 68-foot yachts departed from the northeast coast of England on September 13, 2009, has embarked on a full circumnavigation of the globe and is estimated to return home on July 3, 2010 after crossing the Atlantic and Pacific oceans on the seven-leg race. Follow the “Lightning Bolt” by logging on to www.clipperroundtheworld.com.
YOUSSOU N’DOUR RECORDS AT TUFF GONG
One of Africa’s biggest superstars, Senegalese singer, percussionist and occasional actor, Youssou N’Dour recorded his new tribute album to Bob Marley at Tuff Gong Studio in Kingston in July. The recording took place around the same time Tuff Gong kick-started their ‘Making of Music’ tour. The renowned musician, who has associated himself with several social and political issues in the past, counts 24 albums and 9 compilations to his catalogue and composed the theme song for the World Cup 1998 in France. He has collaborated with several musical greats such as Lou Reed in the past and won his first American Grammy for best contemporary world music album for his CD Egypt in 2005. The news of N’Dour’s tribute album to Bob Marley, which will be on the market in early 2010, was well received in the global music industry. www.youssou.com. www.tuffgongjamaica.com.
CHRIS BLACKWELL INDUCTED INTO VANITY FAIR HALL OF FAME
Island Records founder and creator of Island Outpost, Chris Blackwell has been inducted into Vanity Fair’s “The New Establishment Hall of Fame” 2009, which highlights the contributions of some of the world’s foremost business moguls in their respective fields. Blackwell, who brought Bob Marley and The Wailers into the international spotlight, has been awarded the honour, which has also been extended to Bill and Melinda Gates, Leonard Lauder and Ronald Lauder, Giorgio Armani, Jimmy Buffett and Mick Jagger among others.
MIXED MARTIAL ARTS COME TO JAMAICA
On August 22, the Half Moon Conference Center was transformed into a Vegas like arena, completed with 300 cheering fans, when the Jamaica Mixed Martial Arts team took on Trinidad in an event dubbed a ‘Night of Fights and Entertainment’. Sponsored by the Twisted Kilt and Harvey Davidson Jamaica, the 8 match event had 2 championship belts on the line. 3 and 0 Caribbean Middleweight Champion Chris McDonald did not disappoint and became the star of the night by stopping Derrick Richards 2 • minutes into the first round by way of a rear naked choke. With sponsors and patrons begging for more, the next event is set up for November 21, 2009. For more info, call 952-9488.
2009 REGGAE MARATHON, HALF MARATHON & 10K SET FOR DECEMBER 5
Listed among the world’s top ten marathons, “The Reggae Marathon, Half Marathon & 10K” is ready for its December 5 pre-dawn start at 5:15 AM, when runners and walkers from all over the world will set off on an IAAF certified course along Negril’s famous coastline. Participants will share over US$10,000 in prize money and receive a finishers’ medal, official T-shirt and free entry to the World’s best Pasta & Awards/Victory Party. Pulsating reggae music will form the backdrop to the event. Call 922-8677 or visit www.reggaemarathon.com.
OFFICIAL RE-OPENING OF THE NEGRIL LIBRARY BRANCH
Celebrated by a ribbon cutting ceremony hosted by the Director General of Jamaica Library Services, Patricia Roberts, the Rockhouse Foundation’s refurbishing and expansion of the Negril Library Branch has been completed. Featuring a keynote speech by the Minister of Education, the Honorable Andrew Holness, Chairman of the Jamaica Library Board Paul Lalor, Member of Parliament Wykeham McNeil joined Presidents Peter Rose and Chairman Paul Salmon of the Rockhouse Hotel & Foundation for the happy event. Four times larger, Negril’s oldest building is now equipped with 20 new computers, thousands of new books and a spacious reading room. The Rockhouse Foundation has invested J$100 million in community projects benefiting children since 2004. www.rockhousefoundation.org
US AIRWAYS ANNOUNCES NONSTOP SERVICE FROM PHOENIX TO MONTEGO BAY
In addition to nonstop flights to Montego Bay from Philadelphia, Charlotte and Boston, US Airways has announced a new non-stop service from its Phoenix hub. Commencing December 17, the Airbus A319 flights offer first class seating for 12 and seating for 112 in the main cabin. US Airways’ first non-stop Caribbean destination, the service will operate over the winter season through to April 12, 2010. “The launch of US Airways’ new direct service from Phoenix to Montego Bay, allows Jamaica to welcome many more visitors from major cities in the western US,” said Edmund Bartlett, Minister of Tourism for Jamaica. www.usairways.com
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